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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
I so badly wanted to like this book - it had such a strong start and the atmospheric writing drew me in, but by chapter 4, some glaring issues came into focus.
One of my biggest issues with the book is that the main character, Diana, comes across a self-insert for the author (similar appearances and interests) is developed as a Mary Sue as well as a 'I'm not like other witches' type of character who is weirdly condescending to most of the witches around her. Naturally, she has all of the abilities she could ever want as a witch, BUT she won't and then can't use these abilities. I feel like having her not be able to use any of her powers could have made a stronger more likable characters since it's later mentioned that she was spellbound by her parents.
Next, the romantic interest, Matthew, is a nightmare. I've noticed that fans of the series hate when it's compared to Twilight. I would argue that Twilight is better than this because at least Edward has moments of redemption and his emotions are explained. Matthew is a weirdly stiff and angry character who stalks Diana and then becomes her only source of happiness when they acknowledge their romantic feelings. Diana goes from being vaguely likable as an academic to an insufferable damsel in distress and lover. The scene that really sent me over the edge was when Matthew ditches her to go back to England and when he returns to her to tell her he loves her, he sAYS THAT THEY ARE NOW MARRIED ACCORDING TO VAMPIRE TRADITION? And she just accepts this? After only knowing him for a few weeks?
The "romance" between the two characters is weirdly celibate at times because he says "we have time" even though she's mortal. Yes, they are married. Yes, they have not had sex, because of his wishes. If the book didn't go over this in such excruciating detail, then I wouldn't feel the need to make note of it, but this is pages on end of drivel about "bundling" even though they're married.
The endless repetition of certain scenes, actions, and other items of note is excessive. I never want to read about characters tasting wine, Diana asking for tea, Diana wearing her special stretchy black pants, going to yoga etc. It reminded me a lot of IQ84 by Murakami in that it was unnecessarily long and the repetition about certain characteristics of the protagonists was too much.
As noted by other readers, the house by far was the best character. I thought it was so interestingly written and I looked forward to the scenes that involved it. The author is not without writing talent, but this book came across as needing a heavy edit for excessive repetition, unnecessary scenes, and better character development.
I've never suffered so much to finish a novel. I had to put this down at times because I would get so mad at certain scenes. I needed to finish it but I refuse to finish the entire series.
Overall, very disappointing novel.
One of my biggest issues with the book is that the main character, Diana, comes across a self-insert for the author (similar appearances and interests) is developed as a Mary Sue as well as a 'I'm not like other witches' type of character who is weirdly condescending to most of the witches around her. Naturally, she has all of the abilities she could ever want as a witch, BUT she won't and then can't use these abilities. I feel like having her not be able to use any of her powers could have made a stronger more likable characters since it's later mentioned that she was spellbound by her parents.
Next, the romantic interest, Matthew, is a nightmare. I've noticed that fans of the series hate when it's compared to Twilight. I would argue that Twilight is better than this because at least Edward has moments of redemption and his emotions are explained. Matthew is a weirdly stiff and angry character who stalks Diana and then becomes her only source of happiness when they acknowledge their romantic feelings. Diana goes from being vaguely likable as an academic to an insufferable damsel in distress and lover. The scene that really sent me over the edge was when Matthew ditches her to go back to England and when he returns to her to tell her he loves her, he sAYS THAT THEY ARE NOW MARRIED ACCORDING TO VAMPIRE TRADITION? And she just accepts this? After only knowing him for a few weeks?
The "romance" between the two characters is weirdly celibate at times because he says "we have time" even though she's mortal. Yes, they are married. Yes, they have not had sex, because of his wishes. If the book didn't go over this in such excruciating detail, then I wouldn't feel the need to make note of it, but this is pages on end of drivel about "bundling" even though they're married.
The endless repetition of certain scenes, actions, and other items of note is excessive. I never want to read about characters tasting wine, Diana asking for tea, Diana wearing her special stretchy black pants, going to yoga etc. It reminded me a lot of IQ84 by Murakami in that it was unnecessarily long and the repetition about certain characteristics of the protagonists was too much.
As noted by other readers, the house by far was the best character. I thought it was so interestingly written and I looked forward to the scenes that involved it. The author is not without writing talent, but this book came across as needing a heavy edit for excessive repetition, unnecessary scenes, and better character development.
I've never suffered so much to finish a novel. I had to put this down at times because I would get so mad at certain scenes. I needed to finish it but I refuse to finish the entire series.
Overall, very disappointing novel.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I draw the line at vampires doing yoga.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
mysterious
medium-paced
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is hands down the best book I have read in a long time. The historical detail transports me to the era and has me wishing I was there. I discovered this series by watching the show first and of course the book is sooo much better, it's all in the details!
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes