Ratings

Content Ratings based on a 0-5 scale where
0 = no objectionable content and
5 = an excessive or disturbing level of content

Guide to Rating System

LANGUAGE

VIOLENCE

SEXUAL CONTENT

ADULT THEMES

Ratings Explanation

Violence:  King Oscaro is accidentally hit in the head by a large metal ring while attending a sporting event.  The impact causes him to slip in and out of consciousness for weeks.  Uju hurls a dagger into an ogre’s throat.  Aza is given a poisonous apple, which nearly causes her death.  Aza fights the evil villain, Skulni in the mirror.

Sexual Content: The newlywed, Queen Ivi flirtatiously touches Prince Ijori’s cheek.  While traveling back to the castle, Prince Ijori and Aza spend the night together clasping hands.  They also share a kiss.  Aza bathes with gnome ladies in the lake.  The gnome ladies skin is wrinkled and leathery, so they do not seem naked to Aza.

Adult Themes:  Queen Ivi is intensely jealous of anyone she sees as a potential threat.  Queen Ivi is also very concerned about Prince Ijori’s attentions being directed towards Aza.

Synopsis

Aza has the most amazing voice in the Kingdom of Ayortha.  Aza can “illuse”, which is throw her voice while singing.  Singing is one of the two prized qualities in Ayortha, a kingdom that communicates through song.  However, Aza does not possess the other prized quality, which is beauty.  In fact, she is deemed ugly.  Aza is hidden in the shadows at the Featherbed, an inn her family runs.  Through fortuitous circumstances, she becomes the lady-in-waiting to the new queen.  Aza has to step into the limelight as her new role requires.   The new,  jealous Queen Ivi threatens Aza and she performs a dangerous task for the queen.  Aza learns where her real value lies as she begins the journey to save herself, the queen and the Kingdom of Ayortha, as the pursuit for beauty results in disaster.

This book is a great way to introduce youth to the consequences of basing their self-worth on their appearance.  The consequences are amplified and therefore appear ridiculous.  This book would be a great way to open up a discussion which would help your child to decide what they will value?  (Be prepared to break into song.)

©2009 The Literate Mother