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3.51 AVERAGE
3.51 AVERAGE
Just read Misfit by Jon Skovron over the weekend, EXCELLENT book! Finally, fully developed characters, good plot pace, interesting story! I can't wait for the next book, I just hope he keeps it up!
I didn’t quite know what to expect from this book when I first read the blurb. I thought, well, sounds like it could go either way. It has the basic stuff I’m interested in and after reading one or two positive reviews I decided to request it.
I probably shouldn’t have.
I regret to say that Misfit and I just weren’t meant to work out. I only got about 40 pages in so I’m basing this review off those 40 pages.
The first warning sign was when I saw that it was written in the present tense style. I’m not a fan of that style unless it really makes sense for the novel. The only time I didn’t mind it was in The Hunger Games series because it made sense why Collins chose that style to write in. Here, it just made things awkward. In second person present tense it’s too easy to fall into the trap of describing every single thing the character does, be it from making cereal and eating it to simply dressing. The other problem is that it’s easy to start telling and not showing. This book had an abundance of both problems which kept me from really being able to get into it or connect to any of the characters. I was being told how they were feeling without being shown, which kept me from really getting into their perspective. The dialogue sounded forced and too much like a guy trying to write what he thought a modern teenage girl sounded like, and failing, and you’ve got quite a bit of fail worthy writing.
There were overly dramatic moments, like when Jael’s father gives her a birthday present that was a necklace her mother owned. Instead of telling her right off the bat, “Hey, don’t put it on because it’s dangerous, like really dangerous,” he sits there and watches her take the gift, then move to put it on, then grabs her wrists and THEN tells her not to put it on. It just seemed like a really clumsy way of making the scene more dramatic and interesting. All it got from me was a roll of my eyes. There was also a throwaway remark about “demons not liking pizza” that was so bizarre I actually stared at it for a second, uncomprehending. Why the hell would demons not like pizza? The way it’s written makes it sound like a universal thing, too, that all demons everywhere of every kind hate pizza. I know it’s a small thing to get irritated over but sheesh, if you’re going to attempt a joke at least make sure it makes sense. That just failed as a joke, if it was even meant to be one.
The only time I was ever slightly interested in the book was when the tense switched to past for a flashback. The writing got marginally better and easier to get into, but that was the only time I had my interest piqued. Other than that I just couldn’t bring myself to care about any of it--the characters, the slight semblance of a plot there may have been, anything.
Speaking of the characters, I really did not like Jael. She was unsympathetic and cruel to people who didn’t deserve it. I just couldn’t bring myself to care about her or her plight--which, considering she’s a half demon girl with a dead mother and a neglectful, almost abusive father, is not a good thing to say. I could guess where Britt’s storyline was going to go and how her character was going to be dealt with, so I wasn’t interested in reading about anything there.
I wish I could have liked Misfit, but it simply wasn’t meant to be. I’m sure other readers who don’t mind the present tense will find it easier to get into than I did.
I probably shouldn’t have.
I regret to say that Misfit and I just weren’t meant to work out. I only got about 40 pages in so I’m basing this review off those 40 pages.
The first warning sign was when I saw that it was written in the present tense style. I’m not a fan of that style unless it really makes sense for the novel. The only time I didn’t mind it was in The Hunger Games series because it made sense why Collins chose that style to write in. Here, it just made things awkward. In second person present tense it’s too easy to fall into the trap of describing every single thing the character does, be it from making cereal and eating it to simply dressing. The other problem is that it’s easy to start telling and not showing. This book had an abundance of both problems which kept me from really being able to get into it or connect to any of the characters. I was being told how they were feeling without being shown, which kept me from really getting into their perspective. The dialogue sounded forced and too much like a guy trying to write what he thought a modern teenage girl sounded like, and failing, and you’ve got quite a bit of fail worthy writing.
There were overly dramatic moments, like when Jael’s father gives her a birthday present that was a necklace her mother owned. Instead of telling her right off the bat, “Hey, don’t put it on because it’s dangerous, like really dangerous,” he sits there and watches her take the gift, then move to put it on, then grabs her wrists and THEN tells her not to put it on. It just seemed like a really clumsy way of making the scene more dramatic and interesting. All it got from me was a roll of my eyes. There was also a throwaway remark about “demons not liking pizza” that was so bizarre I actually stared at it for a second, uncomprehending. Why the hell would demons not like pizza? The way it’s written makes it sound like a universal thing, too, that all demons everywhere of every kind hate pizza. I know it’s a small thing to get irritated over but sheesh, if you’re going to attempt a joke at least make sure it makes sense. That just failed as a joke, if it was even meant to be one.
The only time I was ever slightly interested in the book was when the tense switched to past for a flashback. The writing got marginally better and easier to get into, but that was the only time I had my interest piqued. Other than that I just couldn’t bring myself to care about any of it--the characters, the slight semblance of a plot there may have been, anything.
Speaking of the characters, I really did not like Jael. She was unsympathetic and cruel to people who didn’t deserve it. I just couldn’t bring myself to care about her or her plight--which, considering she’s a half demon girl with a dead mother and a neglectful, almost abusive father, is not a good thing to say. I could guess where Britt’s storyline was going to go and how her character was going to be dealt with, so I wasn’t interested in reading about anything there.
I wish I could have liked Misfit, but it simply wasn’t meant to be. I’m sure other readers who don’t mind the present tense will find it easier to get into than I did.
Skovron uses the third person present tense for the majority of this book - when we are with the MC, Jael, watching her life unfold. This is a rarely used point of view technique and I am not sure about it. Readers feel distanced from her, and the present tense is sometimes unsettling.
However, it is a clear contrast from the flashback parts of the novel, which occur quite often. Written in the standard past tense style, they fill in the stories of Jael's parents - Paul, her father, the former demon hunter & exorcist, feared by all demons, and her mother Astarte, a demon herself. A forbidden love that develops against the backdrop of a complex evolving situation where immortal creatures' powers rise and ebb through the vast oceans of time that they have.
The author's knowledge of Catholicism ensures the narrative is well grounded with biblical references and archetypes, bringing it all together with flawed present-day characters who are all doing their best to survive and save each other. Not an easy job, given the villains they have to fight.
I found this novel an effective blend of action, humour and family drama. Jael has much to figure out about her identity, and how she fits into both Gaia and other dimensions as well. I can see how 'Misfit' could develop into a series, and would be happy to spend more time with Paul, Uncle Dagon and (especially) gorgeous Skater Rob.
But it works fine as a stand alone too.
However, it is a clear contrast from the flashback parts of the novel, which occur quite often. Written in the standard past tense style, they fill in the stories of Jael's parents - Paul, her father, the former demon hunter & exorcist, feared by all demons, and her mother Astarte, a demon herself. A forbidden love that develops against the backdrop of a complex evolving situation where immortal creatures' powers rise and ebb through the vast oceans of time that they have.
The author's knowledge of Catholicism ensures the narrative is well grounded with biblical references and archetypes, bringing it all together with flawed present-day characters who are all doing their best to survive and save each other. Not an easy job, given the villains they have to fight.
I found this novel an effective blend of action, humour and family drama. Jael has much to figure out about her identity, and how she fits into both Gaia and other dimensions as well. I can see how 'Misfit' could develop into a series, and would be happy to spend more time with Paul, Uncle Dagon and (especially) gorgeous Skater Rob.
But it works fine as a stand alone too.
I haven't read many books with demons in them, at least not ones where demons have actual dimension to their characters. In Misfit, Jon Skovron takes demons to a whole new level. Some of them are still pretty "demonic," but some of them aren't. In fact, Jael's mother wasn't always a demon, before she became known as a "demon," she was a god. It was over time, as humans began to hate being held under the power of gods, that they became known as demons. I loved that aspect of the story. That demons had an intricate history with humans, one where they weren't always considered bad. It's fascinating, and while I'm sure some people won't like that take on demons, I found it incredibly intriguing, and loved the originality of it.
I loved learning about the demons' history, but I loved learning about Jael's parents' history even more. Jael lives alone with her father, and doesn't remember her mother. In fact, her father doesn't even talk about her mom, but that all changes on her sixteenth birthday. Her father gives her a gift that her mother left her, and with it she begins seeing memories. These memories aren't her own, though, they're memories of her father and mother when they were together. With these memories, Jael begins to see what her parents' relationship was like, and she finally gets to be acquainted with her mother, even though she's only seeing her through memories from the past.
Experiencing the memories through Jael was interesting, and moving. It was a great way to get to know her character, and to see her growth. Once Jael begins to learn about her family's history, she begins to accept herself, and embraces her demon half. The fact that she embraces her demon side doesn't make her evil. As I mentioned before, demons weren't always considered bad in this story, it was only over time that they acquired their nefarious reputations. Jael's demon side is empowering for her, and she finally begins to feel whole. Plus, she can do some amazing things with the elements! :D
I loved the characters in Misfit. I loved Jael as a main character. She's strong, brave, and fights for the people that she cares about. I also loved learning about her mother with her. Rob was another amazing character. He's all laid back, and at first appears to be a bit of a skater stereotype, but he quickly reveals himself as an in-depth character, who is much more than just a blond skater. He's philosophical, open-minded, and he and Jael are fantastic together! Jael's father is another character I enjoyed. Underneath his strict and rigid persona is a strong man. He's been through so much, and fought so hard to keep Jael safe. He wowed me. I thought at first he was just a mean dad, one that didn't let his daughter do anything, and didn't even acknowledge her birthday. However, by the end of the book, I could see his strength, and I was beyond impressed. With parents as strong as hers, it's no surprise that Jael is one superb and fierce heroine. :)
Misfit was exciting, it was packed full of fantastic characters (some who I'm leaving out, not because I didn't like them, but because I want them to be a surprise...Jael's uncle, for example), and it was full of action. Since, it is a story involving demons, the action is probably not a surprise, but I thought I'd mention it anyway. :P I think that people who enjoy paranormal stories will love this, especially if you enjoy strong heroines who will do anything to protect their loved ones. It's a fascinating change to demon history. One that I thoroughly enjoyed, and that I hope others will, too! :D
I loved learning about the demons' history, but I loved learning about Jael's parents' history even more. Jael lives alone with her father, and doesn't remember her mother. In fact, her father doesn't even talk about her mom, but that all changes on her sixteenth birthday. Her father gives her a gift that her mother left her, and with it she begins seeing memories. These memories aren't her own, though, they're memories of her father and mother when they were together. With these memories, Jael begins to see what her parents' relationship was like, and she finally gets to be acquainted with her mother, even though she's only seeing her through memories from the past.
Experiencing the memories through Jael was interesting, and moving. It was a great way to get to know her character, and to see her growth. Once Jael begins to learn about her family's history, she begins to accept herself, and embraces her demon half. The fact that she embraces her demon side doesn't make her evil. As I mentioned before, demons weren't always considered bad in this story, it was only over time that they acquired their nefarious reputations. Jael's demon side is empowering for her, and she finally begins to feel whole. Plus, she can do some amazing things with the elements! :D
I loved the characters in Misfit. I loved Jael as a main character. She's strong, brave, and fights for the people that she cares about. I also loved learning about her mother with her. Rob was another amazing character. He's all laid back, and at first appears to be a bit of a skater stereotype, but he quickly reveals himself as an in-depth character, who is much more than just a blond skater. He's philosophical, open-minded, and he and Jael are fantastic together! Jael's father is another character I enjoyed. Underneath his strict and rigid persona is a strong man. He's been through so much, and fought so hard to keep Jael safe. He wowed me. I thought at first he was just a mean dad, one that didn't let his daughter do anything, and didn't even acknowledge her birthday. However, by the end of the book, I could see his strength, and I was beyond impressed. With parents as strong as hers, it's no surprise that Jael is one superb and fierce heroine. :)
Misfit was exciting, it was packed full of fantastic characters (some who I'm leaving out, not because I didn't like them, but because I want them to be a surprise...Jael's uncle, for example), and it was full of action. Since, it is a story involving demons, the action is probably not a surprise, but I thought I'd mention it anyway. :P I think that people who enjoy paranormal stories will love this, especially if you enjoy strong heroines who will do anything to protect their loved ones. It's a fascinating change to demon history. One that I thoroughly enjoyed, and that I hope others will, too! :D
This was a very good book. I've been sitting on it for ages just never feeling like reading it, then when I finally started I couldn't put it down. This book was well paced and didn't jump right into everything all at once, but still stayed on track and interesting. I loved it.
This book had a few technical issues - the present tense/third person jarred me out of the narrative at times, as did some of the flashbacks. But it all rolled on in a well-paced way to a deliciously silly and over-the-top climax; and it didn't take itself too seriously, or over-focus on the romance.
Good fun.
Good fun.
GENERAL COMMENTS
Has a book ever left you feeling conflicted? Because that’s exactly how I feel right now. Misfit had so much promise but there were so many ups and downs that at times I just couldn’t focus and had to put down the book. The author also chose to skim over a difficult topic and they way it was done just left a bad taste in my mouth.
CRITICAL REVIEW
Author’s Voice/ POV:
Jon Skovron chose to use the first person POV with present tense. You probably know by now I have a thing against this and unfortunately he didn’t quite pull it off with me. I couldn’t connect with the character and hence I found myself not paying as close attention as I’d like. There were a few flashback scenes written in the third person POV and past tense and these were handled beautifully. At times I found myself wishing there weren’t so few included.
Characters:
Jael seems like the kind of girl I’d like to get to know. The author gives a very full picture of what she’s like but because I couldn’t connect with her, it seemed flimsy almost. However, I found myself wishing I could get to know her, at the heart. I wanted to see her expanded upon, fleshed out. She has tremendous potential as a character.
To be honest I wasn’t extremely impressed by the cast of characters. Jael’s father seems too flat and his entire relationship with Jael with the distance he keeps in the beginning seems so contrived. Rob was lovely and refreshing but I wish there had been more character development where he was concerned. As lovely as his open-minded, zen attitude is, I wanted to get beneath the surface and not just float on top. Dagon, Jael’s uncle, somehow really appealed to me. He seemed very fresh, very honest and with him I got a sense of what I was seeing was all there was.
Storyline/ Plot:
A half-demon in a Catholic school? Who wouldn’t want to read that? I thought the story proposed had some great potential but in telling it seems to lose some of its appeal. At one point, the author really uses the setting of the Catholic school and it upset me. I have no problem with anyone’s beliefs. But somehow as he had a character explain how one of the priests (who went a little cuckoo) got to be a teacher, I felt like he took a stab at the entire religion that could cut deeper than any of the scandals we hear about. Somehow it felt wrong. And I couldn’t look at the book for a while.
Cover & Blurb:
This was a nice simple cover and I really liked it. It’s different from the popular covers of today and it really struck me as a book I’d like to have on my shelf. As I said the blurb would make me read this as well as the description.
RATING CONCLUSION
In the end, I’d give Misfit 2.5 stars out of five. Despite the issues I had, this book really made the reader think and that’s something I think we should have more of.
Has a book ever left you feeling conflicted? Because that’s exactly how I feel right now. Misfit had so much promise but there were so many ups and downs that at times I just couldn’t focus and had to put down the book. The author also chose to skim over a difficult topic and they way it was done just left a bad taste in my mouth.
CRITICAL REVIEW
Author’s Voice/ POV:
Jon Skovron chose to use the first person POV with present tense. You probably know by now I have a thing against this and unfortunately he didn’t quite pull it off with me. I couldn’t connect with the character and hence I found myself not paying as close attention as I’d like. There were a few flashback scenes written in the third person POV and past tense and these were handled beautifully. At times I found myself wishing there weren’t so few included.
Characters:
Jael seems like the kind of girl I’d like to get to know. The author gives a very full picture of what she’s like but because I couldn’t connect with her, it seemed flimsy almost. However, I found myself wishing I could get to know her, at the heart. I wanted to see her expanded upon, fleshed out. She has tremendous potential as a character.
To be honest I wasn’t extremely impressed by the cast of characters. Jael’s father seems too flat and his entire relationship with Jael with the distance he keeps in the beginning seems so contrived. Rob was lovely and refreshing but I wish there had been more character development where he was concerned. As lovely as his open-minded, zen attitude is, I wanted to get beneath the surface and not just float on top. Dagon, Jael’s uncle, somehow really appealed to me. He seemed very fresh, very honest and with him I got a sense of what I was seeing was all there was.
Storyline/ Plot:
A half-demon in a Catholic school? Who wouldn’t want to read that? I thought the story proposed had some great potential but in telling it seems to lose some of its appeal. At one point, the author really uses the setting of the Catholic school and it upset me. I have no problem with anyone’s beliefs. But somehow as he had a character explain how one of the priests (who went a little cuckoo) got to be a teacher, I felt like he took a stab at the entire religion that could cut deeper than any of the scandals we hear about. Somehow it felt wrong. And I couldn’t look at the book for a while.
Cover & Blurb:
This was a nice simple cover and I really liked it. It’s different from the popular covers of today and it really struck me as a book I’d like to have on my shelf. As I said the blurb would make me read this as well as the description.
RATING CONCLUSION
In the end, I’d give Misfit 2.5 stars out of five. Despite the issues I had, this book really made the reader think and that’s something I think we should have more of.
This book is based on a really interesting concept. I have not read many books about demons, especially not ones that paint them in anything but a negative light. Misfit takes up such a unique view on demons. It is nothing I have ever really thought about, but after hearing it explained, I loved how they describe demons as being past gods and deities. Demons are only considered demons because of the changing conventions and views of the world.
I really liked the description of all the various names and forms Jael’s mom was known by throughout history. I was really interested in learning about her and Jael’s history and abilities. The book did address Jael’s general demon abilities. And while this is really interesting, it does not really touch too much on her specific succubus abilities. It was really only brought up a few times, once when she went to school and only once or twice in passing afterwards. And the specific abilities was what I was looking forward to the most. I loved that fateful Friday that she went to school and everyone around her started going crazy. I wanted so much more of that. I really hope that the next book goes into more detail about her affect on people because she is a succubus. That aspect has the potential to be pretty awesome. I can’t wait to see how her abilities are going to develop. I did really like the description of her general demon abilities and I think that because she is a halfbreed, her powers are WAY more cool than a full demon. I would definitely rather be a halfbreed.
I must say that I am not a fan of the third person in this book. I would have rather seen it from Jael’s point of view. Sometimes reading the third person made the story seem a little detached. It made it harder for me to connect with Jael.
Overall, it was a good book. I just wish it had been a little more developed in some places, but I look forward to see where this series is going to go. The ending left open some promising possibilities so I’m interesting to see what is going to happen next.
I really liked the description of all the various names and forms Jael’s mom was known by throughout history. I was really interested in learning about her and Jael’s history and abilities. The book did address Jael’s general demon abilities. And while this is really interesting, it does not really touch too much on her specific succubus abilities. It was really only brought up a few times, once when she went to school and only once or twice in passing afterwards. And the specific abilities was what I was looking forward to the most. I loved that fateful Friday that she went to school and everyone around her started going crazy. I wanted so much more of that. I really hope that the next book goes into more detail about her affect on people because she is a succubus. That aspect has the potential to be pretty awesome. I can’t wait to see how her abilities are going to develop. I did really like the description of her general demon abilities and I think that because she is a halfbreed, her powers are WAY more cool than a full demon. I would definitely rather be a halfbreed.
I must say that I am not a fan of the third person in this book. I would have rather seen it from Jael’s point of view. Sometimes reading the third person made the story seem a little detached. It made it harder for me to connect with Jael.
Overall, it was a good book. I just wish it had been a little more developed in some places, but I look forward to see where this series is going to go. The ending left open some promising possibilities so I’m interesting to see what is going to happen next.
The cover to this book is awesome! I, personally love it. Although, I have heard talk around the web where people think that the book is a horror read just by looking at the cover. They could not be more wrong.
I enjoyed the storyline to Misfit. I always love books where the main character is just coming into a major part of their life. I like to see how much they change and the strength in the person they become. As a heroine, Jael was not the best that I have seen. She is week and scared. Although, she does come through in the end.
My favorite character is Uncle D. He is very quirky and you never know if he is joking or serious! Jael’s father seemed very strange to me. He had raised this girl from infant on up and he still felt uncomfortable around her??? Rob is a great character, very sweet and understanding. I did often think while reading the book that there was something odd about him and maybe he had another agenda.
I was not so sure about the flashbacks into the past. They were very important to the story and gave the reader a glimpse into how everything had started, but they tended at times to get confusing.
The book was kind of left open to where is could turn into a series. I have not heard that yet, but I would definitely be interested.
I enjoyed the storyline to Misfit. I always love books where the main character is just coming into a major part of their life. I like to see how much they change and the strength in the person they become. As a heroine, Jael was not the best that I have seen. She is week and scared. Although, she does come through in the end.
My favorite character is Uncle D. He is very quirky and you never know if he is joking or serious! Jael’s father seemed very strange to me. He had raised this girl from infant on up and he still felt uncomfortable around her??? Rob is a great character, very sweet and understanding. I did often think while reading the book that there was something odd about him and maybe he had another agenda.
I was not so sure about the flashbacks into the past. They were very important to the story and gave the reader a glimpse into how everything had started, but they tended at times to get confusing.
The book was kind of left open to where is could turn into a series. I have not heard that yet, but I would definitely be interested.