Scan barcode
A review by laurenjodi
Crystal Cove by Lisa Kleypas
3.0
Crystal Cove
3 Stars
Crystal Cove reminds me of the film Practical Magic only not nearly as entertaining or satisfying. It seems to have all the right ingredients but simply falls flat.
Justine starts out as a feisty, take no prisoners heroine but turns into a submissive doormat willing to forgive all transgressions merely because she has the hots for Jason. She is also the worst witch I've ever encountered.
Jason has potential as a tortured hero and his description as "a man without a soul" is very intriguing. Unfortunately, his character is underdeveloped and he ends up coming across as your typical manipulative jerk turned redeemed lover with no real explanation for his transformation other than the "love at first sight" trope, which is completely inconsistent with his characterization.
The elements of magical realism from the previous installments turn into fully fledged paranormal traits and the descriptions of magical potions, rituals and spells is excessive and adds little to the romance.
Zoe and Alex from book #3 have small cameo appearances but the other characters from the series are nowhere to be seen, which is unfortunate, as the sense of family and closeness is missing. The Fiveash family of witches almost compensate for this but it is too little, too late.
Overall, this latest installment in Lisa Kleypas's Friday Harbor series is a disappointment and emphasizes the fact that Kleypas foray into magical realism/paranormal romance is not all that successful. Perhaps she should return to the tried and true genre of historical romance.
3 Stars
Crystal Cove reminds me of the film Practical Magic only not nearly as entertaining or satisfying. It seems to have all the right ingredients but simply falls flat.
Justine starts out as a feisty, take no prisoners heroine but turns into a submissive doormat willing to forgive all transgressions merely because she has the hots for Jason. She is also the worst witch I've ever encountered.
Jason has potential as a tortured hero and his description as "a man without a soul" is very intriguing. Unfortunately, his character is underdeveloped and he ends up coming across as your typical manipulative jerk turned redeemed lover with no real explanation for his transformation other than the "love at first sight" trope, which is completely inconsistent with his characterization.
The elements of magical realism from the previous installments turn into fully fledged paranormal traits and the descriptions of magical potions, rituals and spells is excessive and adds little to the romance.
Zoe and Alex from book #3 have small cameo appearances but the other characters from the series are nowhere to be seen, which is unfortunate, as the sense of family and closeness is missing. The Fiveash family of witches almost compensate for this but it is too little, too late.
Overall, this latest installment in Lisa Kleypas's Friday Harbor series is a disappointment and emphasizes the fact that Kleypas foray into magical realism/paranormal romance is not all that successful. Perhaps she should return to the tried and true genre of historical romance.