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A review by jayanna
Jackpot by Nic Stone
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
I… strongly dislike this book. Which is especially disappointing because I’ve heard so much good about this author.
The beginning and the plot had so much potential that just went down the drain so fast. First off, I am not a fan of the author’s style and it made so many moments of the book just plain unlikeable. The chapters from inanimate objects were unnecessary and messed up the tone of the story in my opinion. They were a great idea that could have gone well, but just did not work here.
Most of the dialogue between Alexander and Rico felt unnatural and forced, especially in the beginning when they were just getting to know each other. The entire relationship and chemistry felt forced. This, unfortunately, makes the ending worse although the final chapters were some of the strongest (writing-wise).
I will say that the relationship between Rico and Jax as well as the one between Zan and Jax. I think Jax being an adorable and all-around well-written character helps a lot with that. His moments in the book are some of the best.
Lastly, the politics. *Deep deep sigh* It’s shallow and that’s about it. The author introduces a number of things that could be used to give meaningful and complex commentary to the storyline but just… doesn’t. Instead, she makes basic analyses of the complex situations and identities of the various characters. In some moments she just throws these characteristics out there and never returns to them. There was so much opportunity to SAY SOMETHING and Stone just didn’t.
I really wanted to enjoy this book but I considered putting it down and not finishing it many times (but I had to keep my reading goal up lol). I really do hope Stone’s other books are much better and maybe I will return to this author at another time.
The beginning and the plot had so much potential that just went down the drain so fast. First off, I am not a fan of the author’s style and it made so many moments of the book just plain unlikeable. The chapters from inanimate objects were unnecessary and messed up the tone of the story in my opinion. They were a great idea that could have gone well, but just did not work here.
Most of the dialogue between Alexander and Rico felt unnatural and forced, especially in the beginning when they were just getting to know each other. The entire relationship and chemistry felt forced. This, unfortunately, makes the ending worse although the final chapters were some of the strongest (writing-wise).
I will say that the relationship between Rico and Jax as well as the one between Zan and Jax. I think Jax being an adorable and all-around well-written character helps a lot with that. His moments in the book are some of the best.
Lastly, the politics. *Deep deep sigh* It’s shallow and that’s about it. The author introduces a number of things that could be used to give meaningful and complex commentary to the storyline but just… doesn’t. Instead, she makes basic analyses of the complex situations and identities of the various characters. In some moments she just throws these characteristics out there and never returns to them. There was so much opportunity to SAY SOMETHING and Stone just didn’t.
I really wanted to enjoy this book but I considered putting it down and not finishing it many times (but I had to keep my reading goal up lol). I really do hope Stone’s other books are much better and maybe I will return to this author at another time.