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Review: Avalon High, by Meg Cabot

Ellie is used to new schools. Her professor parents have been dragging her around the world for years. But this time is different. This time, she's going to fit in.

Avalon High isn't like other schools. On the surface it's all the same; jocks, cheerleaders, that one kid who's always angry about something and takes it out on everything around him. Ellie doesn't mind, though, because she's met Will, the most perfect guy ever.

Too bad he has a girlfriend. {Although she is seeing his best friend on the side.} And his step brother seems to hate his guts. {Although they're actually half brothers, not steps.} And the mystical Order of the Bear, ancient protectors of King Arthur, seem to think he's about to rise again. {Unless the Dark Side gets to him first...}



The recent Disney movie took a lot of liberties with this, one of Meg Cabot's best novels. The book is a fun read, and it's interesting trying to figure out exactly who everyone is. The samples from The Lady of Shalott at the top of each chapter give a hint to what's going to happen, which is a nice touch. Will is a genuinely nice guy, and Ellie a fascinating narrator.

I've heard that Meg Cabot's history is not very accurate, but that doesn't detract from the novel at all. My personal favourite of hers, and her best selling.



As often thro' the purple night,
Below the starry clusters bright,
Some bearded meteor, burning bright,
Moves over Shalott.



'Oh, hey, Elle,' Will said when he saw me.

It was a sign of how freaked I truly was by what I'd just seen that my heartstrings didn't so much as quiver at hearing him call me Elle.

'Hi,' I said faintly.

'Have you seen Jen?' Will wanted to know. 'Someone said they saw her come up here.'

'Jen?' I echoed. My gaze, though I tried not to let it, strayed towards the closed door to the spare bedroom. 'Um...'

What was I supposed to say? I mean, really?