Princes and princesses hit beauty and ugliness with all the right twists and turns, while adding in action, dark moments, heart-piercing emotions, and tons of laughter, too.

Gwendolyn has found her place in the Cursed Princess Club and even seems to have discovered somewhat of a balance with her not-so-really-fiance. If it weren't for her worsening curse, all would be okay-ish. But figuring out how to handle the growing symptoms isn't the only problem she faces. A mysterious person is sending her notes, which she's not sure are as harmless as they seem. Add her and her siblings' first ball in the public eye and an enormous, very deadly spider, and her curse might be the least of her concerns.

I did read the first volume in this series, and the second one starts where that one left off. While volume one lays the groundwork and first adventures, this one lets the action and heart-filled moments take off. Gwendolyn is, now, in a fairly good place, and it's inspiring to see how she's found footing not only with the other cursed princesses but has formed a kind-of friendship with her own prince. One thing I do appreciate about this series is that it doesn't throw both feet into romance but digs its foundations in Gwendolyn's struggles with her curse and self-imaging. Romance might somewhat be there (in an extremely, very broad sense of the word), but it has a monumental way to go before (or even if ) it heads in that direction. And yet, there are enough hints that it might. Somewhat. In any case, Gwendolyn's already grown and shines in her own form of 'princess' light...and this is the theme that this volume tackles.

While princess-y, this is a read with darker tones...and still, builds in tons of humor, too. These juxtaposed directions make the tale addicting, entertaining, and twisted in all the right ways. The characters and curses are over-the-top and, sometimes, completely ridiculous, and yet, the messages are serious and the danger is deadly. The graphics play along with this flip-flop as they transform from popping colors to dark and dreary scenes. And the mood can flick in a second, which makes it a read not easily put down. I can't wait to see what happens in volume three. I received a complimentary copy and am enjoying this series quite a bit due to its original take on an important message. And it is a fun read. ( )