Charlotte Kandel

Daphne is an orphan who has always believed she is extraordinary. When a parcel without return address is sent to her with a magical pair of scarlet stockings, she believes that this is her ticket to ballet stardom. A set of coincidences set up the dichotomy between her loving adoptive family and her desire to be famous. This is reminiscent of many classic orphan stories, especially Noel Streatfeild. But this book is weirdly divorced of both parental guidance and actual reason – at 14, Daphne accepts a job as an assistant to a star, and no one finds this unusual. Similarly, at 15 she is accepted to a ballet company, and goes to live in Paris by herself, with no guidance. Daphne is almost possessed by the demons she was warned about in a riddle that goes along with the stockings. Daphne as a main character veers wildly between being someone readers can understand, and someone likeable to someone that turns readers off and is cruel and cold. The book is interesting, and a little terrifying too. The complexity of the title makes me wonder if there will be a sequel.… (meer)

Reviewed by The Compulsive Reader for TeensReadToo.com

Daphne was left in the care of an orphanage when she was just a baby, and has lived there for thirteen years. She dreams of becoming a prima ballerina, but without lessons or money, her dreams are far off.

But then one day she receives a book containing a mysterious riddle and all the information she'd ever want to know about ballet. As she hones her skills and enters the seemingly magical world of dance, she'll find that she's up against more than she bargained for -- bitter competition and hatred from the other dancers.

Daphne's insecurities begin to overwhelm her, but she has something that no one else has: the magic of her book and stockings.

This book is a delightful read that anyone of any age can enjoy. Combining the best of historical fiction and magic, Kandel has created an engaging and suspenseful read. Though Daphne can sometimes act surprisingly mean, she is a lovable character and her story is one that will mesmerize. There's never a dull moment in this first installment, and it will certainly leave you wanting more.

Overall, the author has crafted a good, wholesome read.… (meer)