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A review by mallorypen
The Riddle by Alison Croggon
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Another enjoyable read! The plot is interesting and I am enjoying the way it unfolds - I can never guess what will happen next, which is a nice surprise.
The pace of these books can be a little vexing - we seem to spend a lot of time on things that don’t feel that important, and hardly any time on moments that feel crucial. There is something pleasing about that, even as I find it frustrating - that mirrors life and makes me feel like I’m experiencing events exactly as Maerad does.
I’m struggling to really like Maerad as a character. There are times where she doesn’t feel like she has much personality beyond being powerful and being burdened with this bigger-than-life purpose. Other times, she’s petulant or petty or vicious, and I’m reminded she’s a teenager with trauma.
I just about threw the book across the room when Cadvan and the horses appeared to have died. I’m very glad they’re all alive, but also kind of disappointed because it was a great plot twist to kill off the main supporting character in book two!
I also don’t get or buy into the love story between Maerad and Arkan. There didn’t seem to be any evidence why she should love home, aside from a bizarre Stockholm syndrome.
The pace of these books can be a little vexing - we seem to spend a lot of time on things that don’t feel that important, and hardly any time on moments that feel crucial. There is something pleasing about that, even as I find it frustrating - that mirrors life and makes me feel like I’m experiencing events exactly as Maerad does.
I’m struggling to really like Maerad as a character. There are times where she doesn’t feel like she has much personality beyond being powerful and being burdened with this bigger-than-life purpose. Other times, she’s petulant or petty or vicious, and I’m reminded she’s a teenager with trauma.
I just about threw the book across the room when
I also don’t get or buy into the love story between Maerad and Arkan. There didn’t seem to be any evidence why she should love home, aside from a bizarre Stockholm syndrome.