Book Review: Damsel by Elana K. Arnold
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While writing my TBR, I remembered this book — and how much it haunts me. It’s been about a year since I read it, but every once in a while, it comes back to me, along with the way it affected me. I’ve read way worse things (mostly in horror), but this one lingers because of how it subverts a classic fairy tale and twists it into a straight-up horror story.
About the Book
Title: Damsel
Author: Elana K. Arnold
Year: 2018
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Retelling, Feminist Fairy Tale
Summary: The rite has existed for as long as anyone remembers: when the prince-who-will-be-king comes of age, he must travel to the gray lands, slay a fierce dragon, and rescue a damsel to make her his bride. That’s how it’s always been.
When Ama wakes in the arms of Prince Emory, she remembers none of this. No dragon, no past, no horrors she may have endured. She knows only the prince, the story he tells her, and her supposed destiny at his side.
But as the first night falls, Ama begins to realize that nothing is what it seems — and that the true danger may not be the dragon behind her, but the man in front of her.
About the Author
Elana K. Arnold writes books for and about children and teens. She holds a master’s degree in Creative Writing/Fiction from the University of California, Davis, where she has also taught Creative Writing and Adolescent Literature. Her YA novel Damsel is a Printz Honor book; What Girls Are Made Of was a National Book Award finalist, and her middle-grade novel A Boy Called Bat is a Junior Library Guild Selection.
She lives in Huntington Beach, California, where she cares for seven pets — only three of which have fur.
Review
Even though I read this about a year ago, the details feel blurry — probably because I blocked half of them out. Don’t get me wrong: Damsel is absolutely worth reading, but it’s also the kind of book that gets under your skin.
I’ve talked about my comfort books before, but keep in mind: this is the exact opposite of a comfort book. It’s raw, uncomfortable, and it forces you to think. It’s the kind of story you keep turning over in your mind long after the last page.
It even comes with a content warning:
“This book invites reflection and change, but contains scenes that could hurt sensitive people. Recommended from 16 years onward.”
They’re not kidding.
Plot
It’s a fairy-tale retelling with a twist — or rather, a full inversion. We start with the familiar setup: the heroic prince defeats the dragon and saves the damsel. But then the story flips itself inside out and becomes a disturbing tale of captivity, manipulation, and gaslighting.
Let me be very clear: this is not a love story. Far from it. And if you think any of the prince’s behavior is acceptable or forgivable… you might need to have a chat with someone professionally trained. That’s my take.
Characters
Ama, our titular damsel, is a refreshing break from the classic “damsel in distress.” She starts off confused and obedient, but quickly adapts as she begins to uncover what really happened in the dragon’s lair — and the horrifying truth about the royal family.
Prince Emory, on the other hand, is a vile human being from page one. He hides behind a heroic façade, but it’s nothing more than a thin cover for entitlement and cruelty. He’s the perfect representation of the kind of man who wants total control over a woman while playing the “good guy.” Genuinely nauseating.
His friend isn’t much better. For a moment, I thought Ama was going to fall for him — but thankfully, she’s too smart for that.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely believe this is a book everyone should read and reflect on. It stands out among the countless titles that claim to be feminist but miss the mark. This one doesn’t miss.
Damsel put Elana K. Arnold on my radar, and now I’m expecting great things from her. Her book Red Hood is already on my TBR, and I have high hopes for it.
If you’re curious about this book, you can find it here:
Damsel — Amazon
Thanks for reading, and as always, see you next time. Bye!
Image Credits
Damsel © Balzer + Bray.
