Damsel Under Stress

A Novel

By: Shanna Swendson

Narrated by: Eva Wilhelm

Length: 10 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

To-do: Stop the bad guys. Rescue the wizard. Find the perfect outfit for New Year's Eve.

At last, Owen Palmer, the dreamboat wizard at Magic, Spells, and Illusions, Inc., has conjured up the courage to get Katie Chandler under the mistletoe at the office holiday party. But just when it looks like Katie has found her prince, in pops her inept fairy godmother, Ethelinda, to throw a wand into the works. Ethelinda's timing couldn’t be worse. A plot hatched by MSI's rogue ex-employees, Idris and his evil fairy gal pal Ari, threatens to expose the company's secrets - and the very existence of magic itself. Even worse, it could also mean the end of Katie's happily-ever-after. Now Katie and Owen must work side by side (but alas, not cheek to cheek) to thwart the villains' plans. Braving black-magic-wielding sorceresses, subway-dwelling dragons, lovelorn frog princes, and even the dreaded trip to meet Owen's parents at Christmas, Katie and her beau are in a battle to beat Idris at his own sinister game. All mischief and matters of the heart will come to a head at a big New Year's Eve gala, when the crystal ball will drop, champagne will pour, and Katie will find herself truly spellbound.

©2007 Shannon Swendson (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Charming, surprising and funny.

What did you like best about this story?

I like any book which develops an unusual idea to a point where it is a well developed world. In this third book Shanna Swensdon continues her story of a parallel world of magic where only some people can recognise the world beyond the ordinary. This is a light hearted look at an idea of magic and as such Shanna Swensdon takes part of the story to the ridiculous which serves to make it more lively, funny and interesting. I also liked that the characters are likeable, sometimes I will stop reading a book because the characters are so unpleasant I find myself not really caring what happens to them, these characters are likeable, not as well rounded as they might be in a book of a more serious nature but sufficient to engage in a book of this sort.

What does Eva Wilhelm bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Her intonation is lively and funny. She has good comedic timing which makes the listener more likely to get the gags.

For fans of the series

A frustrating ending but still a great addition to the series. While not a cliffhanger, the end makes you want to quickly pick up book 4, which I'm about to do as soon as I finish this review. Have really enjoyed this whole series so far both on audio and on kindle.

mixed feelings

how can i be so hooked on a series that isn't even that good? yeah because this book has flaws, so many flaws, and yet I can't stop listening to it! now excuse me as i start book 4.

Damsel Under Stress

Another enjoyable romp through New York city and it's magical inhabitants, and the sacrifices for love. I reccomend this book and series with
excellent narration.

Magic is for real again

Growing up in New York City I'd always known about the rumor of alligators in the sewer system, but now finding out that they are really dragons that live in the depths of the rail systems makes the possibilities of riding the Amtrak or subway even more exciting.
Once again Shanna Swendson has written a delightful tail about the magical craziness of NYC. As a New Yorker, now living in very rural USA, I can relate to both sides of her story. It is enchanting, light hearted and a great deal of fun, without all the darkness of today's most popular mystery fantasies. Ms. Swendson's writing style is engaging and Ms. Eva Wilhem's performance as first person narrator, heroine is spot-on. I recommend you start with book 1, Enchanted Inc., so as to become familiar with all the characters. Once you have finished book 1, you'll be hooked and on to book 2, Once Upon Stilettos, which will send you directly to book 3. Damsel in Distress; all three are equal fun and the plot remains the same but very, very different scenarios. You honestly Don't know where the stories are going until they get there.
So if what you are looking for is light reading, magic mixed with a touch reality and a touch of romance (glad to say no shades of gray here), I'd say at least the first 3 (I'm just now starting #4) of the Swendson Enchanted series are a delightful set of brain candy. It is written as "chick" stuff.
I'd recommend teens through adult for relaxation-fun, subway, lunch break, beach, Sunday reading.

Alice in Wonderland meets Harry Potter

Enchanted Inc. is the third in the series from author Shanna Swendson. This is a fun chick series that is a mystery, an adventure, and a romantic comedy which is lighthearted, magical, and fun.

There are characters you'll love and remember. The heroin, Katie, is “completely ordinary” in a universe of magic. This is a good thing.

For adults the series is “Alice in Wonderland” and “Harry Potter” all rolled into one. It is a mystical romp and a fun escape. Read and enjoy.

ready for the next one.... need me some more Sam

fun fast funny..... easy listen. great series, cant say enough. I'm a Sam fan would love to see more of him.

Magically entertaining!

The further adventures of the "magically immune" Katie in New York City. Book 3. Magic, "danger" and romance. I like the first book the best so far, but this was a fun break. The narrator is perfect for this series, and the only reason I listen to the books instead or reading them. Listen to the sample & you'll be hooked.

Disappointing

This narrator has a nice voice. However, her performance of Katie’s Texas accent is overly twangy, grating, and shrill. I found myself cringing while ‘Katie’ was speaking. I’ll be reading the rest of this fun series.

Great addition!

I'm looking fwd to the next book. Hopefully they go on sale soon. Great writing by and I've gotten used to the narration. Can't wait to see what happens next!