IT WAS SO GOOD! I've seen quite a few reviews saying that is was ok, and I agree to a point that it isn't out of this world spectacular. The plot is one we've heard before, an infant princess is placed in the safe keeping of a ordinary family to protect her from enemies and when she is of age she is enlightened of her past after suffering the loss of the family and world she knew. 
 However, while the essence of many stories are similar, the author has the chance to create a truly unique story of her own making. In The Storyspinner, I love the fact that Johanna is "adopted" by a family of acrobatic Performers. She is completely a part of this family, with no doubt of whether or not she belongs. She is as much a skilled acrobat as the rest of them. She's not little more than a slave, or a weak delicate creature in need of being saved; rather, she is a strong character who hates being reliant on others and has a family who love her. 
 There is a hint of romance on part of two couples and it's nice but not, in anyway, the focus. I really enjoyed the fantasy aspect of magic, and being set in a sort of feudal/medieval time period gave it a nice touch. I believe there are more books in the series, so I definitely look forward to that.