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tapestryofwords 's review for:
Scent of Darkness
by Margot Berwin
~3.5 stars. I don't exactly know what to make of this story. It was a strange read, and yet it kept me turning the pages to find out what was going to happen. I liked the writing style, which provided a good amount of atmosphere without falling into too much description (although I could have used more description of the characters, to help me visualize them). The characters were unusual, and I can't really say I particularly liked most of them; nevertheless, they certainly drew me into the story. There was an unsettling, foreboding edge to the writing from the get-go, although unfortunately in the middle the plot felt more stagnant. I felt like the ending revelation was not as spectacular as I'd been hoping for, although plot-wise it made sense (). It left me with some practical questions that went unanswered (). The "romances" in this book are both extreme insta-love, but then the point of this story is really not romance, since very little time is spent endearing either love interest (yes, there are two; the idea of a love triangle is introduced very early on so it's not a spoiler) to the reader. Instead, this is much more a story of superstition, obsession, and self-fulfilling prophecy. (And also, of course, the power of scent, which was an interesting idea to base a story's premise on, although I feel like it was not explored as fully as it could have been.)
Speaking of superstition, I must also point out that the author portrays nearly every person living in New Orleans/Louisiana as incredibly superstitious. While I'm sure there is a historical/cultural basis for traditions of superstition in the area (although I don't know details), it seems to be pandering to stereotypes to have all the major characters from Louisiana portrayed this way.
Spoiler
the vial had contained her bloodSpoiler
if it was just her blood, then why did the scent stay on her skin constantly? Because she didn't smell like that before...Speaking of superstition, I must also point out that the author portrays nearly every person living in New Orleans/Louisiana as incredibly superstitious. While I'm sure there is a historical/cultural basis for traditions of superstition in the area (although I don't know details), it seems to be pandering to stereotypes to have all the major characters from Louisiana portrayed this way.