The Odd Sisters

Gr 4-7–Circe, identified as the Enchantress from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, sets out to right the wrongs caused by the three women who brought her to life: witches Lucinda, Ruby, and Martha. Her companion Snow White has her own mysteries to explore, and they receive advice from The Fairy Godmother, Nanny, and Oberon. Circe’s travels lead her and Snow White to information about the evil witch Nestis and her role in Circe’s own family past. The final scene of this sixth book in the series involves Circe and her family and Snow White and her mother Grimhilde, with a cliff-hanger ending. Even die-hard fans will find it difficult to enthuse over this walk on Disney’s dark side. Far too many characters with similar titles, roles, and motivations cause the story to lumber along. The first half of the book consists of uninspiring dialogue and lengthy reflections on character backstories that do not provide much clarity or drama. Snow and Circe sit around for over 100 pages before they commit to any action. The backstory often seems written to explain away inconsistencies or fill in gaps rather than to entertain and inform. Exclamation-ridden dialogue reeks with tedious platitudes. The earnest effusions of Snow and Circe don’t line up with the edgy exploration of the villainous Disney characters or the intended middle grade audience.