Okay this started out slow for me but it didn't stay that way for long. Rapunzel isn't my favorite fairy tale but Ms. Dickerson has written an excellent story that has for me breathed new life into the tale. 
 I liked Rapunzel, she had clear goals and wasn't afraid to go after them. She learned various skills such as knife throwing in the different villages she lived in. I was happy that even though she was the perpetual new kid, she wasn't awkward about it, she got out and learned in order to better herself. I also liked the fact she wanted to learn how to read, found a teacher and learned. I love this character she had realistic goals and ambitions, she wanted to better herself and find a place of work. Another character aspect I liked was the fact Rapunzel still respected and honored her mother even when she had to get out of a bad situation for her own safety. (view spoiler)[ also even when her mother drugged her and locked her in the tower. Rapunzel showed admirable self restraint and was still courteous as possible to the woman who'd raised her. Speaking of Gothel I'm glad she was punished and not by being killed. But I do feel sorry for her. (hide spoiler)] Overall I felt Rapunzel was a smart, competent, reliable MC who used her head to find workable solutions to her problems. (view spoiler)[ like poisoning the castle usurper through his drink. (hide spoiler)] 
 Gerek was an interesting character as well. And I could understand his motivations for wanting to marry up and well. But seeing as how he was the male lead I knew he would go through a self actualization process to become a more suitable partner for Rapunzel. (view spoiler)[ I totally loved his revelation about his own faults and his fasting and praying about them and Rapunzel. Prayer is a big part of my life. So I could connect with going to God for major problems. His confrontation with his brother was believable as well. And I'm glad the two reconciled. (hide spoiler)] 
 Gothel was an interesting character, and I think I would have liked a little more backstory on her. But I'm not hung up on this since the lead was Rapunzel and she was a believable villain. 
 Overall this was a great plot with believable and relatable characters. I enjoyed both the action and the calm areas and I'm was satisfied with the ending. 
 Recommended? Yep, especially if you've read the rest of the series. 
 Buy or Borrow? EH. I'm buying do you could as well.