REVIEW: The Salamander Spell by E.D. Baker

I mentioned in my 6 Favorite Series of All Time post the Frog Princess series by E.D. Baker. I read the original four-book series in middle school but it has stuck with me until now and I still love it just as much.
I recently found out that there are four more books that are part of this series! Imagine my excitement knowing the magic has yet to end! These books do not follow the same plot and characters are the first four, but instead are prequels and future stories.
The Salamander Spell is the first of these newer books and it is a prequel to the original series. So, if you read this review and feel interested in this book, you can definitely read it before reading the others. And then tell me all about it because I need someone to geek out about it with!

The Short Story:

This book is sweet and charming, magical and delightful. If you like middle grade, fantasy, magic, perfectly innocent romance and friendships, and a little bit of mischief, give this series a try. If you need to get out of a reading slump, this should be your go-to choice!

The Long Story:

This book follows Grassina, the aunt of the main heroine in the original series. Grassina is present in that series as well, but here she is a young girl of 13. Her older sister, Chartreuse, is in training to become queen and the Green Witch. The Green Witch of Greater Greensward is the protector of the entire kingdom, the kindest magic-wielder, and the most powerful witch there is. Unfortunately, Chartreuse has not come into her magic yet and a whole lot of problems are happening in Greater Greensward. Grassina and Chartreuse's mother has been struck by a family curse and not-so-friendly  magical creatures have come to reside in the forest surrounding the kingdom. It starts to appear, to everyone's dismay, as though Grassina is possibly the only one who can fix anything. Along the way of trying to undo the wrongs and defeat the dangers threatening her life and her family, she meets several great friends and learns that love is stronger and friends are true.
Now, doesn't that just sound like the most sugar-sweet little book you've ever heard about? (Answer: YES). And it is such a satisfying read. It moves so quickly without feeling rushed and keeps you interested. The characters are charming and well-crafted. Perhaps they could be more complex, but this is a middle grade story and not a very long one at that. It reads just like a fairytale and is perfect for fans of Disney movies and retellings. 
My one and only thought that isn't entirely positive is that the romance went from zero to one hundred in about three pages. BUT the author justified the insta-love and I was happy with it. 
If you like fantasy middle grade that is light and easy to read, please give this series a try. Start here OR start with The Frog Princess, I don't think it matters and you'll love either one!

5/5 stars.

Happy reading!