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A review by befsk
Heartsong by TJ Klune
adventurous
emotional
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
2.75
There was such a weird start to this book that it left me feeling like I clearly didn't remember the end of the last book - Robbie, a character from previous books in this series, is suddenly hanging out with the bad guys from the previous book, and seemingly has no memory of ever being in Green Creek. I was confused on the timeline and thought we’d gone back to before Robbie appeared in Wolfsong but nope. I was glad the forced amnesia gave Robbie some depth though, exploring his childhood whilst navigating this confusing situation with his friend Ezra and his alpha Michelle. Even if it did drag a lot before getting back to the Bennett family that we know and love from the previous books.
That's my biggest complaint about this book though - it was just too long. Every single event was dragged out. It would've been a perfectly serviceable addition to the series and a much better book if there'd just been 100-150 less pages. As fascinating as it is to get yet another outside perspective on being in love with a member of the Bennett wolf pack, it's weird that we don't get the insider line from a member of the family at this point.
And also at this point in the series it's clear that we don't feel that we can kill any characters off because they're all basically main characters and have been paired off so the only peril we can create is by maiming the rapidly dwindling number of humans to the point that they have to be converted into werewolves or they'll die. Taking away the contentious point of anyone making any actual decision to turn into a werewolf and instead forcing it on everyone, one by one. It's all a little twee and convenient. There's no stakes at all any more. I think that's part of what I liked about the first book of the series especially, the life and death and melodramatic soulmates stuff, but by the third book it's all become commonplace. Everyone has a mate. Everyone has a showdown with a big bad.
Too many words, too much repetition. Bit of a drag to read at times. But I do love this series and this giant found family and the drama of it all. I’ll be glad to see it end with the next book in the series, however, where we get around to telling eldest brother Carter’s story.
That's my biggest complaint about this book though - it was just too long. Every single event was dragged out. It would've been a perfectly serviceable addition to the series and a much better book if there'd just been 100-150 less pages. As fascinating as it is to get yet another outside perspective on being in love with a member of the Bennett wolf pack, it's weird that we don't get the insider line from a member of the family at this point.
And also at this point in the series it's clear that we don't feel that we can kill any characters off because they're all basically main characters and have been paired off so the only peril we can create is by maiming the rapidly dwindling number of humans to the point that they have to be converted into werewolves or they'll die. Taking away the contentious point of anyone making any actual decision to turn into a werewolf and instead forcing it on everyone, one by one. It's all a little twee and convenient. There's no stakes at all any more. I think that's part of what I liked about the first book of the series especially, the life and death and melodramatic soulmates stuff, but by the third book it's all become commonplace. Everyone has a mate. Everyone has a showdown with a big bad.
Too many words, too much repetition. Bit of a drag to read at times. But I do love this series and this giant found family and the drama of it all. I’ll be glad to see it end with the next book in the series, however, where we get around to telling eldest brother Carter’s story.