Children's Book Review

Penelope and Priscilla and the City of the Banished
by Jennifer Troulis
ISBN-10: 097686021X
Review by Heather Froeschl

Magical purposes, enchanted events, and a quest to overcome the darker side are all wrapped up in Jennifer Troulis’ latest book, “Penelope and Priscilla and the City of the Banished.” This work of fiction is a fantastical journey within for the characters, encouraging readers to think about their own selves and what they would do in certain situations.

It has been a year since Penelope and Priscilla moved into their home in Dunville and began to understand that they are members of another community as well – a community of gifted people in the ways of magic. The girls are learning to use their powers more and also learning who they are inside. One begins lessons in family togetherness and another starts to discover who she wants to be. The twins soon find out that they are destined to play a big role in protecting their magical world as well as that of the “ordinaries.” Along the way they are experiencing life in school and with their friends just as any thirteen-year-olds, dealing with popular and not so popular students, changing desires in clothing, and living in a small town. These two however, also have visits to make to enchanted cottages, underground caverns and magical bookstores that will delight readers and fulfill the imagination.

Troulis offers a look into the typical lives of young teens but also opens the door for the magic and mystery of spells, wishes that come true, and a delightful tale of good overcoming evil in many forms. Readers may wish to read the first in the series before embarking on this continued journey but it isn’t all that necessary. The story is still captivating and enchanting even if this is a first visit to the twins. The plot is wonderfully full of relevant teen-hood, while creating a feeling of purpose and determination to see a fitting ending. This book, and the series as a whole, is a delight.