The Empress Diaries is an enchanting young adult fantasy intertwining the lives of a modern teen and the young Empress Sisi of Bavaria. Both Liz and Sisi's characters are compelling while facing some parallels in their lives, but have very different challenges in front of them. Liz is trying to live her life with OCD as everyday situations like eating or touching a non-pristine surface send her into a panic. Her time on the farm is challenging her in every single way from the home itself, to sharing a bathroom to eating the food. I was actually surprised at how unaccommodating Liz's dad and girlfriend were with her diagnosis, just expecting her to deal with life in this very different environment. I enjoyed seeing Liz and Cory's relationship grow as well as she helped Cory deal with his own demons. Sisi is dealing with change herself, she is experiencing her first love while learning that her and her sisters are destined to be married off to royalty, their cousins. Lola's character is intriguing and I wish the magical components of Sisi's locket and journal were introduced earlier. I was chalking up the happenstance to wishful thinking and imagination.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.