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A review by inkyinsanity
Constantine: Distorted Illusions by Kami Garcia
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Unfortunately, I felt there was no tension in here. Even after the summoning went wrong, I just couldn't connect.
I didn't particularly like any of the characters, and I wonder why Slaughter was there at all. He seemed completely useless. As for Veronica and Constantine being bffs... ok? I didn't really get ANY vibes from them, let alone close pals.
Luna also irritated me. She seemed to just BE there, and I don't understand why she worked for the magician but couldn't be an apprentice. Especially since she was clearly learning things and could voice her opinions. Her thing with Constantine... again, ok. I wasn't compelled or interested, and unfortunately I really couldn't care about the somewhat open ending between them.
As for Constantine, I did not get 'bad boy vibes' so much as just 'rebellious teen with access to (boring) magic' vibes. For as much as he said he was rebellious, he went running to the experienced adults pretty quickly. I'm assuming the story was attempting to use him as a moral mouthpiece while still seeming cool and hip, but I just couldn't get into it.
The art itself was vibrant, and I loved the coloring. I wasn't the biggest fan of the constantly changing outfits for *every* single character, but that's very much my own personal opinion.
As for LGBT rep, don't bother. Constantine is confirmed on page as being bisexual, but the only mentions of it is two times or so of noticing a hot guy. That's it. No discussion about it, no showing it, no bringing up history. It's there, but I don't consider it to be representing anything.
Overall, I'm donating my copy to my library. I don't see many Constantine fans loving this, but casual DC or paranormal romance fans looking for something dark and quick to read might enjoy it.
I didn't particularly like any of the characters, and I wonder why Slaughter was there at all. He seemed completely useless. As for Veronica and Constantine being bffs... ok? I didn't really get ANY vibes from them, let alone close pals.
Luna also irritated me. She seemed to just BE there, and I don't understand why she worked for the magician but couldn't be an apprentice. Especially since she was clearly learning things and could voice her opinions. Her thing with Constantine... again, ok. I wasn't compelled or interested, and unfortunately I really couldn't care about the somewhat open ending between them.
As for Constantine, I did not get 'bad boy vibes' so much as just 'rebellious teen with access to (boring) magic' vibes. For as much as he said he was rebellious, he went running to the experienced adults pretty quickly. I'm assuming the story was attempting to use him as a moral mouthpiece while still seeming cool and hip, but I just couldn't get into it.
The art itself was vibrant, and I loved the coloring. I wasn't the biggest fan of the constantly changing outfits for *every* single character, but that's very much my own personal opinion.
As for LGBT rep, don't bother. Constantine is confirmed on page as being bisexual, but the only mentions of it is two times or so of noticing a hot guy. That's it. No discussion about it, no showing it, no bringing up history. It's there, but I don't consider it to be representing anything.
Overall, I'm donating my copy to my library. I don't see many Constantine fans loving this, but casual DC or paranormal romance fans looking for something dark and quick to read might enjoy it.