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areyliaraine 's review for:
Fake
by C.L. Stone
" I was pouting, but I couldn't help it."
"My heart fluttered"
" Did I ever even really know my brother?"
"I swallowed down my angry impulse to hit him"
It was idiotic inner monologue such as this that makes me ask myself why the hell I keep reading this series. But if anything can be said of Stone its that she knows how to catch the readers attention just enough to keep them going with the story. Let me start by saying that there is very little that I like about this book or any in the series. If I had to come up with one redeeming feature I'd have to say Raven. I absolutely loved his character and think he deserves far better than Kayli. But since I loved him so much from his first introduction, I've stuck it out with this series so I can read more of Raven. As far as Marc, Axel Corey and Brandon go I could care less about any of them. Nothing is interesting about them what so ever. They all seem rather 2 dimensional lacking any actual depth. And Blake... I really don't understand the attraction and Kayli's reasoning for trusting this character over the Academy boys. Sure be distrusting of ALL OF THEM, but to take Blake's word and some photos as ironclad proof that the Academy is "evil?" Come on.
Kayli is one of the most if not the most unlikable heroine (and I use this term loosely) that I have ever read. Selfish, entitled, and irrationally angry she whines constantly in an attempt to be "cute." You would think coming from the abusive background she wouldn't act like such a spoiled brat all the time expecting everything, and giving nothing while vowing independence. She wants honesty but lies at every turn and demands transparency but is nothing but secrets. At least the Ghost Bird Series, Sang was somewhat likable. Kayli on the other hand is barely tolerable. And what's with the hitting all the time? This might be the first time that I was wishing and gleefully anticipating a protagonist getting beaten, kidnapped, or tortured-it didn't really matter as long as someone at some point smashed her face. I don't find it a sign of strength of character that she hits and punches all the guys. I really really wanted someone to just punch her in the face JUST ONE TIME. But...sadly.. it was not be so. And so I keep trudging along through this series in the hopes that a bad guy will eventually bloodly up our little spitfire Kayli and that we'll get a book of just Raven.
Now...on to the writing itself. The plot was okay...not particularly exciting or believable but I will say that I have read worse. I don't understand the purpose of introducing Avery to the storyline unless he turns out to be more than he seems in the end. Although, that much forethought might be giving Stone too much credit. We shall see. The world building was lacking...for the most part I felt that I had a vague sense of where the characters were in each scene. Though, I will say that I thought the observatory was well done. I think that Alice should have been tougher than she was portrayed. You don't have that type of coldness in your gaze unless you are highly capable of doing damage to an opponent and completely at ease doing so.
Pros of the Series:
Raven, Fancy and Doyle...that's it.
In my reading experience, the reverse harem genre is particularly tricky to do well. Some are good and some aren't. This one I think falls into the latter category. If your looking for a good reverse harem story I suggest trying the Kit Davenport Series. Likable heroine hot sexy guys decent plot...what's not to like? If you prefer your stories a little dark and a lot humorous, give Four Psychos a try...You'll be glad that you did.
To sum it up... I hate Kayli and I doubt that I'm alone...
"My heart fluttered"
" Did I ever even really know my brother?"
"I swallowed down my angry impulse to hit him"
It was idiotic inner monologue such as this that makes me ask myself why the hell I keep reading this series. But if anything can be said of Stone its that she knows how to catch the readers attention just enough to keep them going with the story. Let me start by saying that there is very little that I like about this book or any in the series. If I had to come up with one redeeming feature I'd have to say Raven. I absolutely loved his character and think he deserves far better than Kayli. But since I loved him so much from his first introduction, I've stuck it out with this series so I can read more of Raven. As far as Marc, Axel Corey and Brandon go I could care less about any of them. Nothing is interesting about them what so ever. They all seem rather 2 dimensional lacking any actual depth. And Blake... I really don't understand the attraction and Kayli's reasoning for trusting this character over the Academy boys. Sure be distrusting of ALL OF THEM, but to take Blake's word and some photos as ironclad proof that the Academy is "evil?" Come on.
Kayli is one of the most if not the most unlikable heroine (and I use this term loosely) that I have ever read. Selfish, entitled, and irrationally angry she whines constantly in an attempt to be "cute." You would think coming from the abusive background she wouldn't act like such a spoiled brat all the time expecting everything, and giving nothing while vowing independence. She wants honesty but lies at every turn and demands transparency but is nothing but secrets. At least the Ghost Bird Series, Sang was somewhat likable. Kayli on the other hand is barely tolerable. And what's with the hitting all the time? This might be the first time that I was wishing and gleefully anticipating a protagonist getting beaten, kidnapped, or tortured-it didn't really matter as long as someone at some point smashed her face. I don't find it a sign of strength of character that she hits and punches all the guys. I really really wanted someone to just punch her in the face JUST ONE TIME. But...sadly.. it was not be so. And so I keep trudging along through this series in the hopes that a bad guy will eventually bloodly up our little spitfire Kayli and that we'll get a book of just Raven.
Now...on to the writing itself. The plot was okay...not particularly exciting or believable but I will say that I have read worse. I don't understand the purpose of introducing Avery to the storyline unless he turns out to be more than he seems in the end. Although, that much forethought might be giving Stone too much credit. We shall see. The world building was lacking...for the most part I felt that I had a vague sense of where the characters were in each scene. Though, I will say that I thought the observatory was well done. I think that Alice should have been tougher than she was portrayed. You don't have that type of coldness in your gaze unless you are highly capable of doing damage to an opponent and completely at ease doing so.
Pros of the Series:
Raven, Fancy and Doyle...that's it.
In my reading experience, the reverse harem genre is particularly tricky to do well. Some are good and some aren't. This one I think falls into the latter category. If your looking for a good reverse harem story I suggest trying the Kit Davenport Series. Likable heroine hot sexy guys decent plot...what's not to like? If you prefer your stories a little dark and a lot humorous, give Four Psychos a try...You'll be glad that you did.
To sum it up... I hate Kayli and I doubt that I'm alone...