Carla Jablonski

A very fun and enjoyable read in the series tie-in books. The atmosphere was fun as Prue gets an assignment of covering a carnival, in depth. This one really connects to the show more than some others, and it’s easy to imagine it as an episode of the series. Prue has an aversion to clowns (what sane person wouldn’t?) which provides some humor, as does the eagerness of Phoebe and Piper to tag along and have a day at the carnival.

Piper immediately runs into her ex, Dan, and his daughter, whom she allows to tag along with her. Prue takes a shine to the guy who works magic with his violin; he uses it to sooth the savage beasts in his act. But Phoebe gets a terrible vision which makes her suspicious of him. Since Ivan is a gypsy, could it be real magic he's using? Why does the carnival fortuneteller, Olga, believe there’s a curse on him? And was that stinky guy walking around just part of an act, or a gypsy zombie?

This one sort of rolls charmingly along, but gets really good toward the latter half of the book; there’s a fire, an attack by animals, and the Charmed Ones find the answer to whether the violin is controlling Ivan, or whether he is controlling the violin. The darker, heavier stuff is left for another time, however. The focus in Gypsy Enchantment is a bit lighter than usual, but very in sync with the show.

There is only a passing reference to Leo by Piper in Gypsy Enchantment, as this is very early in their efforts to get together. Darryl doesn’t make an appearance either, since story takes place nearly entirely at the carnival. It’s also too early in the series timeline for any of the serious stuff with Cole, which comes later. The Gypsy Enchantment is recommended for those who want to read a fun entry devoid of the heavier, darker stuff. This one is light and breezy and an enjoyable read when you’re in the mood for something lighter — much lighter.… (mere)