I do believe that this is my third time reading this book. It never gets old. Ever. 
 The imagery in this work is so vivid and bright, I feel like the whole time I am Jena. It's me there in Transylvania and in Ileana's Glade. I'm dancing in a forest clearing with dwarves, forest people, faeries, and frogs. I'm the one worried sick about my fading sister. I'm the one being stressed out by my domineering cousin. The whole experience of reading this book is a deep one for me. I don't think I've ever felt so connected to a character. 
 But Jena made sense. She was idealistic, a little radical to her world, but she was sensible, realistic, and duty-oriented. She took care of things, though at times felt woefully inadequate. She is by far one of the most relate-able characters I've stumbled across. 
 Now, for a little summary. Emphasis on little; don't wanna give too many spoilers away, now do we? 
 This is a retelling of two separate faerie tales, though I'll only mention one of them. The other you'll just have to figure out when you read the book. This is an imaginative telling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses except that they are no longer princesses, but the daughters of a merchant and instead of twelve, there are only five. Still, the important part of the girls crossing over to a different world to dance their hearts out is a major part of the plot. 
 When the sisters' father leaves to spend the winter in Constanta, due to a bad illness, they are certain they can survive. They'll handle the shipment brought in from Salamm bin Afaza, they'll handle the animals, and themselves, along with the help of two elderly servants. 
 However, things go awry when... well, I won't say. I'll just say that things go horribly awry. 
 There are not enough words in the English language to adequately explain how I feel for this book. It is just gorgeous! I love it, oh, I love it. 
 Also, the cover may be the prettiest thing I've ever seen.