Enchanted, Inc.: A Novel

Reader thoughts:I was skeptical, but I loved it! It reminded me of Witches Incorporated, but most of that's probably because the names are similar.This kindle book has been on my wish list since back when it was $10. I didn't want to spend that much. Last Monday, Goodreads alerted me that the book was on sale. Did I still want to read it? Yes!This book has a few flavors I don't steer towards. There's the chick-lit side. Katie and her roommates go on dates and go shopping for clothes and things together. She has a big crush on the guy she works with and a smaller one on the guy she's dating.There's the new adult side. Katie is trying to please her bosses and survive on her own without having to limp home and work on the farm. She wants to make it in the big world (NYC) with a salary that lets her go out for coffee now and then. It's like coming-of-age, only ten years later. Katie is 26.This is closely tied to the business side. Katie has a few terrible bosses and coworkers (sounds like middle school, except 15 years later) and a few nice ones. She helps her company out of several crises and struggles to put her limited experience to work. She helps with marketing, verifying, a little R&D, consulting, and with customer relations. She walks the balance between doing her job well but not acting like a snob or goody-two-shoes. She even finds a lawyer to straighten out some legal trouble regarding intellectual property.There's the magic side. Katie can see through illusions, and spells don't work on her. She works with Merlin, fairies, sprites, elves, and a guy who turns green when he's angry. One of the security officers is a gargoyle. There are frogs who turn into men. There's a flying carpet.There were several laugh-out-loud lines, and one was something like, "That's as useful as a screendoor on a submarine."This book was lighthearted and fun. I really connected to Katie. She doesn't understand some popular things like George Cooney, designer handbags, or other women's obsession with shoes. She is self-conscious about her accent. Even without seeing through illusions, she knows how to give a reality check and down-to-earth ideas.The one thing I didn't like was the brief nudity (one of the frogs-turned-men).One thing I rolled my eyes at was how often Katie's new coworkers complimented her. Yes, some people might be nice, but they were constantly telling her how amazing she was for even the smallest things, even after she complained about a couple of her coworkers.I wish Katie did more in the end. I wanted her to jump in front of a death spell and save everyone's life when it fizzled against her body, bad guy thwarted. Alas, that didn't happen. Maybe next book.Writer thoughts:With people complimenting Katie left and right, how did Swendson keep her from turning into a "special little snowflake" (aka, Mary Sue)?1st, Katie's lack of confidence. This alone wouldn't fix all of it, but because she really didn't understand the magical community yet, she always felt in over her head.2nd, the unrequited love interest helped. Men didn't fawn over Katie (except under spells), and that makes her seem more normal.3rd, Katie had such a hard time explaining her job. She tries to be vague with "I'm a secretary," but she gets so lost with how to really talk to other people about herself.4th, Katie's "powers" were limited to observation. She could see through illusions, but she couldn't cast anything.(The second book turned toward too much romance. Don't bother.)

A fluffy Adult Contemporary Fantasy that resonated with me (since I lived in NYC for 4 years, although I never saw any fairies)BOOK DETAILS:Enchanted, Inc by Shanna Swendson, read by Eva Wilhelm, published by Audible Studios (2014) / Length: 10 hrs 31 minSERIES INFO:This is Book #1 of 7 in the completed "Enchanted, Inc" series. All of them are available on audio.SUMMARY:I'm not a huge fan of Urban Fantasy, since I don't really like "dark" and so much of that genre merits the description. It was a real pleasure to find this comedic city based fantasy.I wasn't pleased with the love triangle that developed later in the book, however.CHARACTERS:Katie: I like that she totally willing to the let the stronger people protect her from the "scary bad guys," yet jumps in whenever she can.There are a lot of other characters in this book, but most of them are just supporting characters. Mr Mervyn is my favorite (although I'm not generally a fan of his story line). Owen is a sweetie, but doesn't get enough development in this book. Sam the gargoyle is another favorite, who I hope to see more of in the following books.WORLDBUILDING:So many NYC books & movies have their characters living in apartments that would be nice in other cities but are palatial for Manhattan. Ms. Swendson has 3 women living in a 1 bedroom fourth story walk-up (no elevator) and each paying enough for a 1 bedroom in my city. This is just one of the details that made me feel like I really was reading a book that takes place there.Although technically this is an urban Fantasy (since it takes place in our largest city), it is not Urban Fantasy in tone. There are fairies & other fae type creatures, and humans who can use magic, but there don't appear to be any vampires or werewolves. And this is definitely light comedy.PLOT:It felt like it took a bit long to get to the good stuff. I would have liked a bit less set up of her situation at her old job. And some of the stuff with her friends could have been moved to after she gets her new job.The main situation for this book is resolved at the end, so there isn't an actual cliffhanger. But the overall situations in the magical world and Katie's romantic life are completely unresolved.HIGHLIGHTS / CAUTIONS:--The way she commuted to work in comfortable shoes and changed when she got there. I've totally done that lots of times.--The scenes where she goes out with Mr. Mervyn to help him get used to the city (not on a date).--The description of their Matrix wannabe opponents at the duelCONTENT NOTES(?): One of Katie's roommates is completely comfortable spending the night with a man she just met. / A number of characters, including Katie, get drunk. / Some sexual innuendo.I COULD HAVE DONE WITHOUT: The whole girls night out and frog kissing stuff just wasn't funny to me (although I know it sets up important stuff later).NARRATION:Character voices differentiated = Yes / Opposite sex voices acceptable = Yes, she mostly changes the tone of her voice for these / Accents = I really would have liked a bit more Texan, but Katie does try to suppress it. There wasn't much NY in anyone's accent, but that is actually consistent with my experiences in Manhattan / Phrasing, Pacing & Pronunciation = Good. I especially want to note that she pronounced Houston St the correct NYC way (how-ston) which few people do / Emoting = Good. I really liked it / Speed = listened on 1.25, my usual, and it was perfectHer voice is a bit unusual. If that sometimes bothers you, be sure to check out the sample before buying.

I won't say that this was a great read because it simply wasn't. It was an ok read but it felt stilted. Too many things kept being repeated, some things were unnecessarily explained as if the reader was expected to not understand what the author meant. The characters didn't feel as if they gelled or even really stood out for me, they weren't even that likeable. The situations just seemed to be one impossible thing after another. I'm sorry to say that I won't be getting the rest of the series.

I've just finished this book, and I enjoyed it so much I've just had to buy the next three in the series. I can't wait to read more about Katie and her mad job at MSI inc ( magic , spells and illusions inc) Katie is a really down to earth normal character which makes her an asset at MSI inc as she can see through illusions, and magic doesn't work on her. I don't want to spoil the plot, so you just have to try it for yourself. I couldn't put it down and can't wait for the next books to arrive.

Loved this, funny with great characters. Will definitely be getting the rest in the series. Recommended if you like a lighter paranormal read

I really enjoyed this book, and have just sent for the rest of the series. Can't wait to start on the next one.

Good read