Even in a land of singers, a good voice doesn't make up for an ugly face. Or so thinks Aza in Gail Carson Levine's new novel Fairest. This story, set in the world of Ella Enchanted, follows the adventures of Aza who, if she can't be beautiful, wants only to be unnoticed. But with her extraordinary vocal abilities, even this simple wish is denied her. Aza becomes implicated in a castle plot and soon is running for her life. And even though her life is falling apart, she's lost her true love, and she is hiding from a jealous queen, Aza learns that the truth and a generous heart are more attractive than a pretty face.

As with Ella Enchanted, the basic framework of Fairest is a fairy tale; in this case, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Ms. Levine impressively works in all of the traditional details without once sacrificing the integrity of the new story she is creating. Just as Ella was not the classical Cinderella, so Aza is not the classic Snow White. She is well-drawn, believable girl, possessing virtues and vanities, selfless and self-absorbed by turns. Fairest is not the story of a perfect princess, innocently tormented by an evil queen. Instead, it is a story about responsibility, and Aza must learn to accept the consequences of her choices.

The songs sung by this nation of vocalists are an especially delightful element of Fairest. Whether comic, amorous, or yearning, this poetry gives voice to the deepest feelings in the book.

There are those

who find solace

in a twisted oak,

who can love

the maggot in a pear.

But I adore

the plum that has no worm,

the song that comes out pure,

the shine of polished stone,

the chick with the deepest down.

There are those who love the rain.

Not I.

I love the cloudless sky.