Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by lunelis
A Dark Eternity by Nissa Leder
3.0
One thing that does bug me about this book (and series), and I suppose most books that have a connection to modernity rub me the same way, is the random usage of slang and terms that really date and place a book. Saying "diss" instead of "insult" really takes away from the book's atmosphere and makes it sound less refined. I suppose one could say it's a lingering reminder of Scarlett's mortal upbringing, but I don't think that was the author's intent. I think the author just went with everyday vernacular, since all the characters use words like that even though there's an alternative that still sounds okay but doesn't have that same "people in 201X say that!" vibe.
It's not necessarily that I'm like against the use of slang, but I feel like trying to use it in books is always a guaranteed way to write your book and characters into a corner and no matter how else the book is written, it's automatically given this casual, inelegant air and it personally really rips me out of a story. I know that this book is like faerie-world exists alongside the human world, but I think too much reminder of the human world really detracts from the immersion, especially when these words are used by non-human characters.
I don't know. I feel like slang and modern vernacular tend to be best left to actual speaking with people and books should opt to use these things sparingly, even in a modern context. As much random vernacular as I pick up each year, I don't just insert the term because I can. There's a time and place for everything.
Otherwise, the story is still engaging, but wildly simplistic. I'm starting to feel like like this story is a really good outline for the plot points that a lot of other stories have utilized because we're checking off a lot of them. I'm still interested because the author is laying and trying to keep things all connected and meaningful to the story in some way, but like... I see what's up.
4 down 2 to go!
It's not necessarily that I'm like against the use of slang, but I feel like trying to use it in books is always a guaranteed way to write your book and characters into a corner and no matter how else the book is written, it's automatically given this casual, inelegant air and it personally really rips me out of a story. I know that this book is like faerie-world exists alongside the human world, but I think too much reminder of the human world really detracts from the immersion, especially when these words are used by non-human characters.
I don't know. I feel like slang and modern vernacular tend to be best left to actual speaking with people and books should opt to use these things sparingly, even in a modern context. As much random vernacular as I pick up each year, I don't just insert the term because I can. There's a time and place for everything.
Otherwise, the story is still engaging, but wildly simplistic. I'm starting to feel like like this story is a really good outline for the plot points that a lot of other stories have utilized because we're checking off a lot of them. I'm still interested because the author is laying and trying to keep things all connected and meaningful to the story in some way, but like... I see what's up.
4 down 2 to go!