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A review by booktasticrobin
The Orc and Her Bride by Lila Gwynn
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
In reading 'The Orc and Her Bride' by Lila Gwynn, one can appreciate when an author makes a promise and follows through. The author warned readers of a dislikable main character, and they certainly delivered on that front.
Elketh, the elf princess, is easily one of the most exasperating, irritating, and nearly unbearable main characters one could encounter. It's quite amusing that an elf in her seventies (yes, 7-0) behaves like a petulant child – my five-year-old niece has more maturity than this princess. Oddly enough, there's something endearing about her.
Ruga, the orc, possesses a heart of gold, and no matter how much Elketh tests her patience, she refuses to take the bait, which results in some entertaining interactions.
However, the issue arises in the character development department. When a main character is designed to be annoying, one would expect a gradual realization and subsequent change in their behavior. While Elketh does come to this realization about a third of the way through the story, she persists in her self-destructive and abrasive manner. It isn't until the very end that she makes a genuine attempt to change her ways, but by then, it feels like the momentum for growth has expired.
At its core, this story is a romance novel, but unfortunately, it leaves much to be desired in that aspect. The progression of Elketh and Ruga's blossoming relationship feels rushed, and Elketh's motivations seem inconsistent at times. The emotional connection between the characters lacks depth, and their journey toward love appears more like a series of disjointed events rather than a natural, evolving relationship. The inconsistent pacing and underdeveloped emotional bonds make it difficult for readers to become fully invested in the love story.
In conclusion, 'The Orc and Her Bride' offers a unique premise and some engaging character interactions, but falls short in delivering a compelling and satisfying romance. The character development and relationship dynamics could have benefited from more depth and consistency, ultimately leaving the reader with a sense of unfulfilled potential.
Elketh, the elf princess, is easily one of the most exasperating, irritating, and nearly unbearable main characters one could encounter. It's quite amusing that an elf in her seventies (yes, 7-0) behaves like a petulant child – my five-year-old niece has more maturity than this princess. Oddly enough, there's something endearing about her.
Ruga, the orc, possesses a heart of gold, and no matter how much Elketh tests her patience, she refuses to take the bait, which results in some entertaining interactions.
However, the issue arises in the character development department. When a main character is designed to be annoying, one would expect a gradual realization and subsequent change in their behavior. While Elketh does come to this realization about a third of the way through the story, she persists in her self-destructive and abrasive manner. It isn't until the very end that she makes a genuine attempt to change her ways, but by then, it feels like the momentum for growth has expired.
At its core, this story is a romance novel, but unfortunately, it leaves much to be desired in that aspect. The progression of Elketh and Ruga's blossoming relationship feels rushed, and Elketh's motivations seem inconsistent at times. The emotional connection between the characters lacks depth, and their journey toward love appears more like a series of disjointed events rather than a natural, evolving relationship. The inconsistent pacing and underdeveloped emotional bonds make it difficult for readers to become fully invested in the love story.
In conclusion, 'The Orc and Her Bride' offers a unique premise and some engaging character interactions, but falls short in delivering a compelling and satisfying romance. The character development and relationship dynamics could have benefited from more depth and consistency, ultimately leaving the reader with a sense of unfulfilled potential.