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misszoe 's review for:
The Court of Shadows
by Victor Dixen
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Generally, the idea of the world was intriguing and one I liked. At least in theory.
The execution, however, left a lot to be desired to me, sadly. My main problems with the book were how people who had just known the main character for a few days would suddenly start confessing their deepest, darkest secrets to her without prompting.
Jeanne also had no character development to speak of. I suppose the intention was to portray her as ruthless and intent on getting revenge for her family which is a good motive and would have been interesting. However, it also ended up making her seem very cold und unlikable. Any chance she had to go against that and learn something, maybe from her friend Naoko, was not realized.
The other issue I had was the language and world itself. I read this and thought the world had more or less frozen in its scientific development (for example, people still believed in the four humors instead of more modern medicinal approaches that would make more sense for a world that would be set in the 21st century but with early 17th century rules). But suddenly, there are denim clothes. Why. Even if they were invented in the 1870s, time stood still more or less (also how do you make a 17th century dress out of denim - the fabric is much too stiff). Sometimes the language is also very modern but then suddenly it's antiquated but there's no telling when it switches. This could be the translation or it's book itself - I cannot tell. Also, why was Jeanne's hair gray?
The execution, however, left a lot to be desired to me, sadly. My main problems with the book were how people who had just known the main character for a few days would suddenly start confessing their deepest, darkest secrets to her without prompting.
Jeanne also had no character development to speak of. I suppose the intention was to portray her as ruthless and intent on getting revenge for her family which is a good motive and would have been interesting. However, it also ended up making her seem very cold und unlikable. Any chance she had to go against that and learn something, maybe from her friend Naoko, was not realized.
The other issue I had was the language and world itself. I read this and thought the world had more or less frozen in its scientific development (for example, people still believed in the four humors instead of more modern medicinal approaches that would make more sense for a world that would be set in the 21st century but with early 17th century rules). But suddenly, there are denim clothes. Why. Even if they were invented in the 1870s, time stood still more or less (also how do you make a 17th century dress out of denim - the fabric is much too stiff). Sometimes the language is also very modern but then suddenly it's antiquated but there's no telling when it switches. This could be the translation or it's book itself - I cannot tell. Also, why was Jeanne's hair gray?