A Farewell to Charms

Princess for Hire #3

by Lindsey Leavitt

Desi Bascomb is a princess substitute prodigy—she's the fastest employee ever to advance to level three in the Facade Agency, and the youngest to ever be a full-time sub. But now with all eyes on Desi, the only thing she wants is a moment alone to talk to Reed, who's a Façade legacy and secretly a sub for princes! As Desi trains for her new role, she spies more than a few cracks in Façade’s perfect appearance. But uncovering the agency’s dark past might require more than a princess sub can handle by herself. Desi is no damsel in distress, but sometimes a girl needs a knight in shining armor.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Middle Grade, Fiction, Magic, Teen

288 pages, Hardcover

First published June 26, 2012

About the author

Lindsey Leavitt is a Leo sun/Sagittarius rising, which makes her skilled at traveling, studying and sleeping in. She grew up in Las Vegas and now lives in the snowy mountains with her big, blended family. She is the author of over fifteen books for kids and teens. Lindsey had an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Visit her online at https://lindseyleavitt.com

Reviews

[Emily W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just can't believe that it's over. I'm so emotional right now. When I first picked up A Princess for Hire, I had NO idea how hard I would fall in love with these books. Desi is seriously my sista from anotha mista. Seriously, she's so awesome and I want to be her best friend.
I am now completely 100% a Lindsey Leavitt mega fan. I've read almost all of her books and they all have a special place in my heart.
I'm just sighing in contented bliss because the end of this series was pretty perfect and the series as a whole is the cutest thing I have ever read.
I am 21 years old and not afraid to admit that this series about a 13 year old princess substitute is one of my new favorite series of all time.
Read these books. Read ALL books by Lindsey Leavitt. Seriously. Go do that.

[Alice in Readerland · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Warning: This review contains spoilers for those who have not read the first 2 books in the Princess for Hire series, Princess for Hire and The Royal Treatment.*

I have to admit, I was pretty excited about this book. It even made my list of top summer book releases http://aliceinreaderland.wordpress.co.... In Leavitt’s first book in the series, Princess for Hire, we meet the Desi, our sweet and quirky lead who wants to make an impact. I loved watching Desi grow and ended up gasping at the fantastic cliffhanger left in the second installment in the series, The Royal Treatment. By the end of The Royal Treatment, not only does Desi realize that Reed might have been subbing for Karl at the same time she was subbing for Elsa, but she also finds out that Façade runs partly on stolen magic. What will she do?
I’m happy to say that A Farewell to Charms was a satisfying conclusion to this fun series. It wrapped up all the loose ends, and kept readers entertained throughout with Desi subbing for a kick-butt princess (who is more than meets the eye), Desi finding out who her official princess match is, and a shocking twist and the end.

This book was definitely a lot more action-packed then the previous two. I also appreciated Desi’s struggling relationship with her best friend, Kylie. Normally, I hate these rifts between friends in novels, but I was pleased with how Leavitt handled it. I could sympathize both with Kylie, who just wants her best friend to tell her the truth, and with Desi who so badly wants to tell Kylie what’s really going on. Leavitt also adds her signature bit of humor to the situation, such as in chapter 3:

“My skin tingled with empathy, and I closed my eyes hoping that some magical solution would come. How could I fix this?

A little voice in the back of my head whispered: Go tell her about your magic.

Oh, yeah. Truth. That would help. She’d totally believe that. I’m sure Façade would love that, too. I squeezed my eyes even tighter and asked myself, my magic, again. What do I do?

Give her a hug.
I kicked a nearby locker. Seriously, magic. A hug? A HUG?
Unless you’re a cuddly woodland creature in a cheery musical cartoon, a hug doesn’t fix anything. Thanks for nothing.”

I also loved Princess Vanna, a princess who Desi subs for. When Meredith sends Desi a list of talents to gain in order to sub for Princess Vanna, Desi is shocked to see “coding and advanced computer technology”, “lock-picking”, “fencing”, and “build up a tolerance to pain” on the list. And like Desi says, “I had a feeling this job was not going to involve a ball gown.” This sub job is one of the most exciting ones that Desi’s had yet.
Another highlight for me was Desi’s fight with Façade about the stolen magic, especially the part that involved Desi, Meredith, and the stolen magic. I can’t tell you any more about that without giving too much away, but not only was it one of my favorite parts of this book, it’s one of my favorite parts of the series.

Funny, exciting, and full of adventure, this was a satisfying conclusion to a great series.

Cynical Cindy Says:

I think there was a bit too much packed into this book. The “surprise” Desi faces at home, the stolen magic, the was-Reed-really-Karl thoughts, I-found-my-match-but-am-subbing-for-another-princess-while-I’m-with-my-match angle, and the whole ending bit with Façade just made the book feel too rushed, too packed, and unanchored.

3 out of 5 teacups


See my full review on my blog Alice in Readerland:
Link to Alice in Readerland homepage: http://aliceinreaderland.wordpress.com/
Direct link to review: http://aliceinreaderland.wordpress.co...

[Alison (AlisonCanRead) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading A Farewell to Charms was bittersweet. I adore the Princess for Hire series and am sad to see it come to an end. But I'm excited to read more from Lindsey.

There is a lot going on in this last book. Perhaps a little too much, but there are so many different plot elements that need to be resolved. You have Desi serving as a Level 3 sub, further investigating & protesting Facade's practice of stealing magic, Desi and Reed's burgeoning relationship, conflicts between Desi and her friend Kylie, and Desi's interaction with her family. Going back and forth between so many different topics certainly keeps the book from dragging, but it also gets somewhat choppy.

As always, Desi is full of spunk and passion. She's at the age where everything is black and white and she is incredibly gung ho about pursuing the cause she thinks is right. But when something is confusing or gray - like her relationship with Reed - she is much more hesitant and childlike. It's cute seeing the juxtaposition in her character. And I love how she is with Reed. He's a nice, normal boy who treats her well and values her opinion.

I wish we could have seen more Princess subbing scenarios. There were certainly significant portions of the book dedicated to them, but I would have liked to see even more. Much of the book was focused on Desi's crusade against Facade's magic stealing. This plot element lends substance to the story, but wasn't as much fun as the cutesy princess subbing story arcs. Of the fun princess subbing scenes, I particularly enjoyed the kind of crazy ninja Princess Vanna.

The Princess for Hire series is shelved with MG but easily fits in the young YA category. Often I get frustrated with the juvenility of MG because I'm accustomed to YA. I rarely had that difficulty with PFH. There are times where Desi seems adorably (or frustratingly) young. However, there are also times when she seems improbably mature for a 13 year old. Mostly, it's nice to read a series that is good natured, with good messages, but above all is super adorable.

Rating: 3.5 / 5

[Maria Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though the ending made me want more, it was a good enough end for me to imagine what happened next

[LUDMILKASTYL · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tahle trilogie byla taková Disney pohádka. Oddechovka. Nic převratného. Možná kdyby autorka dala vysvětlení na nějaké věci, bylo by to jednodušší číst, ale jinak asi v pohodě. Celou trilogii jsem přečetla za ani ne týden, takže pokud si chcete odpočinout úplně od všech žánrů a dramat, rozhodně doporučuji.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

KARLL THE MAN YOU ARE TODAY IS wingman

[Hope Meier]

I read this book for SSR this quarter.It was about a girl named Desi Bascomb who is a substitute for Princesses who needs a break from being royalty. Desi is one of the youngest and best girls in the business. She works at Façade, which is what the secret agency is called. Desi is not allowed to tell anyone about where she works or she will get her memory wiped by the agency.
She has found out that the magic power used to keep Façade running is drained from people who have magic potential but, didn’t make the cut for being a substitute. She had found this room in the building while roaming around learning about it and her mentor Meredith showed her the inside of it. Desi felt bad for the people who got their magic drained and decided she was going to try and give it back to them but, she didn’t know anyone until Meredith told her the story that she had a student sub she taught before Desi who lost her magic from telling a friend about Façade. Desi decided this was who she was going to help give the magic back to.
Desi later found out that her and her best friends crush, Reed, worked with Façade but was a substitute for Princes. She asked him to help her try and get the magic back to the Meredith’s old student sub.
The head of the agency had found out and took Desi to the Head council and Reed had been sent back home. She was then fired as a substitute but got an unexpected surprise after knowing her memory would be wiped. She found out that she wasn’t getting her memory wiped but was getting a new position by being able to give the magic back to the people who had it and was going to look for more people with magic potential. She could also have help from Reed, and his parents who were also subtitutes.

[Brooke ♥booklife4life♥ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Basic Info

Format: Hardback
Pages/Length: 288pgs
Genre: Young Adult; Fantasy

At A Glance

Love Triangle/Insta Love/Obsession?: No
Cliff Hanger: eh
Triggers: n/a
Rating: 2 Stars

Score Sheet
All out of ten

Cover: 8
Plot: 6
Characters: 6
World Building: 7
Flow: 6
Series Congruity: 9
Writing: 8
Ending: 7

Total: 6

In Dept

Best Part: A nice ending.
Worst Part: Love!
Thoughts Had: gag; stop that; aw!

Conclusion

Continuing the Series: n/a
Recommending: eh

Short Review: Why must my books be ruined with love?! This book could have been so awesome but nope, instead we focused on the love story wayyyyy more than the plot. The plot was great too! I felt like it was too clean thou, especially when she got all those packages and her mom didn't really question them... I hope for a spin off or another book with that kinda cliff hanger but an open ending.

Misc.

Book Boyfriend: No.
Best Friend Material: Eh, he MC is alright.

Review in GIF Form:

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was waiting all year for this book to come out because I loved the second book so much more than the first. I kind of presumed it would just get better and better. But to describe the third installment in one word, I would choose "ANTICLIMACTIC." Or perhaps "LACKLUSTER." Maybe even "YAWN-WORTHY." AND YES, ALL CAPS FOR EMPHASIS. BECAUSE I'M DORKY LIKE THAT. The suspenseful parts went by too fast and the protagonist's solutions to conflicts were far less creative than her t-shirt one-liners. However, I did like those one-liners a lot. And the writing itself was more polished than in past books, which made the witty lines pop like red heels with a black dress. Overall it was still cute, and I still recommend the series if you're lookin for a fun, lighthearted girl-friendly read. I WILL FORGIVE AND READ MORE FROM THIS AUTHOR.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to get a copy of this before it's release(motherhood has it's perks). I have been so excited to see how Desi's story ends and A Farewell to Charms did not disappoint. There is real growth in Desi character and I loved the courage and strength that she showed. My favorite of the 3!

[Maymay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man I’m actually really sad this series is over. For the second time in my life. I enjoyed this book thoroughly even though admittedly it has slightly slower beginnings than the second book it really amped up Desi’s passion.
At times I found her a bit annoying but then I remembered, she’s thirteen going on fourteen and a pretty damn well written depiction of that through her tumultuous emotions and lack of foresight despite meticulous planning.

I loved how the author concluded that the magic wasn’t necessarily “wave a magic wand bibbidy bobbidy boo” type of magic but the power in emotions that connect humans and create the good in the world. And, while usually I detest it, I particularly loved the neat wrap up of the ending. The stakes were high but were very conveniently concluded giving Desi everything she could have asked for. And honestly, I love that for her. Sometimes you just want to read something light.

And what’s more light than a teenage girl trying to take down a magical princess substitution company with her crush. I think perhaps the most realistic and funny thing is how Desi handles her relationships with Kylee and Reed. While Kylee definitely could have gotten more time, it was nice where they ended up. And Reed? Well let’s just say back when I was just a wee lass he was certainly a character that helped formulate my taste in people. I’m a sucker for sarcastic/cocky softies. I loved how even when she was trying to take down a centuries old corporation she still worried about boys, friendship and crushes.

Because, she’s a teenage girl.
They can be flippant at times. I certainly was at her age, and you can @ me because I WAS her age a neat three years ago. Sometimes the smaller problems DO get wrapped up with the big problems as far as emotional distress goes. Some people might not like it but I will always say people apply too much logical reasoning to people who aren’t yet legal adults.
At least she wasn’t overly exaggerated because that would be unbearable.

All in all I’d give this book a four and half star rating (damn you goodreads and your lack of half stars) but rounded up. I loved it, there were times where it was a little slow or Desi was a little too zealous for my taste, but as she learned and grew and reached out to trust people, it really made it an ending worth almost crying over. I didn’t cry this time but I did cry the first time back when I was 11.

[D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re reading one of my favourite childhood series was so nostalgic I didn't want it to end :/ This series was one of the first library books I fell head over heels for, I stayed in the library for hours everyday reading it (now I can read all 3 books in a few hours, but when I was younger it felt like a lifetime of magic in such a wholesome way). I remember hiding what I was reading from others because I thought it would make me seem less cool if I read a book about a magic royalty agency but growing up I realize how kickass the concept was and how cool Desi is, cue the sad sighs that it's over even though I'll probably re read it in a few years again.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

not going to lie I didn’t really like the ending. I loved mer marrying her prince but didn’t like the new office brand and DESI ENDING UP WITH REED?? no thanks fam. his only personality trait is bossing desi around and she’s way better than him. she should have ended up with Karl because even real-Karl was better than Reed-as-Karl Karl.

@lilith I know where you work. meet me in the parking lot to throw hands. also kylee is on thin ice but she’s allowed to stay. same with Celeste.

[Louie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was AWESOME, AMAZING, AND SUPREMELY COOL !!!! I totally love this series and this book. I UTTERLY wish, hope, and dream that Lindsey Leavitt is going to revisit this series and write a whole lot more books about Desi, Meredith, Kylee, and Reed. I will definitely be reading more of Lindsey Leavitt's books in the future.

[Alyssa Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was a very sweet final to the series!
I’d love to see a continued series with the characters a little bit older. 13 felt a smidge unrealistic at times and I found myself just pretending she was 16.

This is the perfect book to read over the summer to escape into another world and enjoy some pretty fun characters with a bit of adventure and a happily ever after.

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I get that I am not the target audience for this book, but I didn’t particularly like the book or the series. I thought this one especially was long and tedious to get through. The actual ending wrap up is rushed, and I didn’t feel drawn to any of the characters.

I am pleased I have finally removed this series from my TBR and shelves.

2024 is looking better already, lol.

[Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t really like this one as much as the others, but it was still really fun. The ending was ehhhhh and not my thing but literally the only logical ending so I’ll accept it. The rest of the book was a solid 4-5/5 stars though

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never finished....it was an ok book thought. I was reading it to my tween daughter. SHe started liking other genres.

[Ava · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great conclusion to the Princess For Hire series!!!!!!!!! VERY GOOD!!!!!!!

[Kate Maxwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute wrap-up to the series. :)

[unirose · Rating 5 out of 5]

it kinda feels sad that this series is over. But gotta agree that it had great twists and was hysterical
I JUST LOVE it , That's all I have to say



THANKS TO Lindsey Leavitt!!!!!

[Leighton M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ending, and beautiful writing. This book is gold.

[TiaHayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it, though I really wish we could get another book. What happens to Reed and Desi? What about Kylee and her MP? Anyways I think this book was great, like I said

[aem · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute with some laugh out loud moments.

[Jemmsbookshelf · Rating 1 out of 5]

Horrible- couldn’t make it past the second chapter.

[Ella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moc pěkná série 💖

[elbrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finally have closure

[Kiki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poslední díl je velmi chaotický a emotivní. Miluji na něm že se prostě nedokáže od něho odtrhnout.

[Caitlinjoyful · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

I listened to the audio of the first book in this series and fell in love with the characters and Facade. And when I went to get the second audiobook I was heartbroken to find out it wasn't on the app. I spend two months trying to find somewhere that had it. Bookstores, libraries, everything and after looking I decided I couldn't wait. I read a synopsis of the book, and started the third one.

Readers, Please don't come after me. It killed me to do it. But I was desperate.

As much as I wish I could have read the second book first I'm glad I read this one. It was nice seeing Desi again, and watching her journey. Watching her grow.

The ending of this book was so unexpected but amazing. I loved it.

[Zoiy Galloay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A satisfying ending to an amazing series. 🤩