No Place for Magic

No Place for Magic is the fourth book in the Tales of the Frog Princess Series.

After reading the third book I was concerned that the series had resolved most of the conflicts established in The Frog Princess. This story introduces Eadric's family and the conflicts that arise because Eadric's family has issues with magic. When trolls take Eadric's younger brother Emma has mixed feelings about how to manage her magical gifts. She does not want to offend his family, but she also does not want to put Eadric at risk by not using magic.

While Eadric's father comes to accept magic after his younger son is saved, his mother continues to resist Emma's charm. Emma is worried when the parents move up the wedding date and faires from both kingdoms are invited. She fears that an offended fairy could bring a curse to one or both families.

Once Upon a Curse

Once Upon a Curse is the third book in the E.D. Baker's Frog Princess series.

Princess Emma wants to marry Eadric, but a family curse that has destroyed her favorite aunt's happiness has convinced her that she cannot marry without breaking the curse. She and Eadric realize a trip into the past is required in order to learn the secret to solving the mystery.

This book introduces some new characters and a few interesting twists. One character I was certain was the evil character of all fairytales had a surprising twist that led to a happy ending. Readers may be surprised to find out who is responsible for releasing the family from the curse.

I had to reach out to the regional library system to get the audio version of No Place for Magic. I will review that book when it comes in and I have time to finish it. I have been enjoying audio books while doing writing and doing various house tasks.

Dragon's Breath

Dragon's Breath is E.D. Baker's second book in the Frog Princess Series. I was able to obtain a copy of this book through our local library regional system.

Emma and Eadric have still not completely overcome their issue with the frog spell as they discover when Emma sneezes and they return to their frog status. Another sneeze returns them to human form, and they understand the enchantment is not over. Eventually, Emma determines that the ability to change is not always a bad thing.

Romance continues for Eadric and Emma as well as Grassina and Hayward, her otter enchanted fiancé. The author has done a good job presenting a strong feminine character in Emma. The author avoided a cliché happy ever after ending for Emma and Eadric. Emma is not ready for marriage. She has chosen to study magic while she matures. It is not that she does not love Eadric, she just wants the time to finish her education. I thought that was a great message.

What bothered me is the author does not seem to realize that you can make assertive female characters without making wimpy male characters. Many authors have managed to create young adult male and female characters that are strong and comfortable with their strengths and weaknesses existing in the same novel. Eadric could be a strong male role without diminishing Emma's independence and emerging confidence in her abilities.

Emma and Grassina learn of an curse that plagues their family. As Emma and Grassina work to return Hayward back to his human form, they realize the real treachery of Emma's grandmother.

I have Once Upon a Curse on reserve at the library. While I am not happy with Eadric's role, I have enjoyed watching the plot emerge. I will give it at least one more book to see if Eadric’s character improves.

The Frog Princess

The Frog Princess by E.D. Baker is the first book in a series that puts a twist on the old fairytale.

The story diverts from the original story when we learn Princess Emma comes from a magical line. Her family practices magic and this ultimately has an effect on Emma's future.

Emma is not thrilled with her prospects of marrying Prince Jorge. While out avoiding the prospect of marriage, Princess Emma meets a talking frog, Eadric. Following the traditional story, Eadric claims to be a prince in need of a kiss to restore himself to his true self. Emma thinks over his request, but eventually provides him with the traditional fairytale request. Here is where the story changes. Instead of turning Eadric into a prince, Emma finds herself turned into a frog.

Eadric helps Emma adjust and survive her life as a frog. They survive an experience with a less than qualified witch and travel back to Emma's castle. Their journey provides a sweet romantic tale.

I was able to get the first book on audio CD through my local library service. It may take me longer to get the second book, as I have to use the state library service to find it. It does not appear to be as widely circulated on CD.