A review by lermonysnickers
Damsel by Elana K. Arnold

challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I actually kind of loved this book but it does have 2 particularly massive flaws. To start, it was published as a YA book under a children's imprint. This book does not belong in the same room as a children's imprint and I'm baffled as to how and why they thought it would be a good fit. Damsel is an adult book because of the graphic abuse that is depicted on page. Which brings us to the second issue. Though feminist themes and messages can be found throughout the story, no overtly feminist actions are taken until the very end. And I mean the VERY end. The first 95% of this novel is just women suffering under patriarchy and being horrifically abused and I don't think that's a good balance, especially when the ending could have done a lot more than it did both for the outcome of Ama's liberation, but also the liberation of all women in the kingdom suffering under this system.