Damsel Under Stress

So, the newest Shanna Swendson novel, Damsel Under Stress, is out, it's been bought and read and now I'm digesting it. It needs a re-read, that's for sure. I never fully absorb a book the first time around, that said I think I'll wait a few days since I need to time to process. Before, I do that, though, I'll share my thoughts...

It was a great book, amazingly written and still charming and quirky, but... It was very different in tone than the previous two. Where they especially, Enchanted, Inc., were charming and quirky and rather light and fluffy, this one was darker and more serious, a tone which was started in Once Upon Stilettos. The ending was sad, dramatic and very cliffer-hangering, I'm now anxiously waiting for book four, hoping that all will be resolved and turn out right and happy.

Without spoiling the plot of the book, I will say that the battle again bad-guy Phelen Idris continues to heat up, but is in no-way concluded, just the opposite, this book cuts off at a pivitol point, leading us directly into next year's book four. There is some character growth in this book and we learn more about Owen's background, including getting to meet his foster parents, always good.

Some of the minor characters from other books had bigger roles to play in this one, which is also nice and we just got a chance to get to know the characters better. The only character who disapointed in this book was CEO Mr. Mervyn (aka. Merlin, yes that Merlin) who came as a kind, concerned grandfatherly man in the first two novels, but came off as cold and disinterested in this third installment. All the other characters, especially Katie and the ever-adorable Owen, rang true though.

There was more romance in this one than the other two, which was nice, since it had been such a long build up to it and was nicely done. The romance between Katie and Owen feels real and believable and you find yourself rooting for them as the bad guys try to tear them apart.

Definitely a great read, though I think part of me would have preferred if the series had stayed a little less dark, but... As long as it has a happy ending, I'm not really going to complain. I'd still highly recommend the three books to anyone who likes chick lit or fantasy or even just, good, funny, charming books about a very relatable heroine. So, go buy Enchanted, Inc; Once Upon Stillettos; and Damsel Under Stress, you won't regret it!