Marilyn_M

This book is billed as a fantasy for anyone who loves bookshops. It is the story of Princess Tanadelle, who prefers Tandy, who is tired of her royal duties that keep her on the road most of the year. Tandy would much prefer to be curled up with a good book. On a work trip she goes to a bookshop and is cursed. She can't physically leave the bookshop until she figures out her heart's desire. Her bookshop confinement area consists of the bookshop, an attached apartment and a garden out back.

While she is confined, a cast of characters come to the bookshop, although not all of them are there to help. There is a cursed handsome pirate, princes and other creatures.
What I liked about the book was the description of places. I could visualize the village where the book takes place. The description of the old rundown bookshop, it's apartment and the beautiful garden are well done. What I didn't like was there was no character I actually cared about. The characters seemed flat and showed no development. The only character with personality was 15 year old Sasha, a dragonet ( a baby dragon type creature). She was a goth dragonet so she had some good teen interactions with some of the other characters. I was disappointed that there was no attempt to explain the creatures and humans in this mixed realm. An example of this was Honeyrose, the companion/secretary/ladies maid to Tandy. She was a halfling and other than describing her as short there was no further information on halflings.

I thought I knew a lot about faerie folklore but this book was an eye opener. The book is well written and gets you hooked right away. We all have to come to terms at some point with who we are and how we see ourselves. Mouse, a meek young lady, has been overshadowed all her life. Her character is well developed as she is forced to figure out who she is. It was enjoyable watching her transform from her mousy demeanor to a strong, brave, resilient woman. The book also explores the theme of what it means to be family, family obligations as well as the ties that bind. Without spoiling the plot other contemporary themes were addressed as well. When I read fantasy I am looking for adventure and this book delivers. An enjoyable escape read.