A review by kennisn
Damsel by Elana K. Arnold

4.0

I really enjoyed reading this story. It was a reversal of the typical fairy tale story of a handsome man, in this case Prince Emory, rescuing the damsel, who he names Ama, in distress from a dragon. I liked that this story was told from the perspective of the damsel - who of course had no name or identity until a man came around to give her purpose! It also uses the familiar trope of amnesia to have the reading learn backstory along with the protagonist. I also thought the bluntness of the sex portrayed in the story, although cringeworthy and would make it difficult for me to recommend this book to middle schoolers, was necessary - these things happen to Ama (without her consent!), who is confused and still figuring out the limitations of her role as a woman in this society.

ON THE ENDING [NO SPOILERS]: I loved loved loved how the story resolves for Ama. It's an extremely satisfying turn, in the most brutal Game of Thrones fashion ever!! But I was absolutely shocked by Emory's retelling of how he conquered the dragon at the beginning of the story... WTF?!!?!! Really?! While I was taken aback, I do like how this connects with the broader themes of the story (toxic masculinity, sex as power/control) however.