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A review by katyanaish
Arcane Circle by Linda Robertson
4.0
I am having a tough time rating this one, so I am going to write my review to get my thoughts together. I apologize if it meanders a bit.
Let's start with this: I really enjoy this series. The world is fun, the magical system is comprehensive and organized, and best of all, I really love the characters. Persephone, Nana, Johnny, Menessos (love/hate, admittedly), Beverly and a whole host of supporting characters are all well-drawn and engaging. Persephone is someone that feels extraordinarily real to me. She debates the same things I would debate (justice and fair play are important themes to me), and she really thinks through each dilemma ... as opposed to most UF, where the heroines bull their way through the problem, counting on their strength to carry the day. Persephone is a powerhouse, but we don't see it much. She doesn't magic her way out of most situations. She makes a good plan, and works her way through. And I like that.
I think my primary problem with this book (and it has been a trend in this series) is that while there is a concrete over-arching storyline, each book itself doesn't really have a compelling, self-contained major arc. This book felt like a connection of mini-plots - some started and ended over the span of 50 pages - while pushing forward the series-spanning plot. On the upside, that furthers the realistic feel of the series - you feel part of Persephone's day-to-day life. On the downside, the end of the book doesn't feel as climactic, as rewarding, as I would like. Basically, all the books feel like they are bridge books. Sure, stuff is going on, ...but nothing major is resolved at the end of the book. We feel like we made strides toward where the series as a whole is eventually heading, but I don't know, it somehow doesn't feel like a satisfying read in and of itself.
Every series like this can boil down to Heroine vs The Big Bad. Each book is usually like a series of gates - other villains and/or trials that make the heroine stronger or whittle down the major supporters of The Big Bad, until finally the Heroine is ready to take The Big Bad on directly.
In this series, firstly, we only have a vague sense of who The Big Bad even is. We know that it is more of a world-saving event, involving gods and destiny, the balance of the world, and that Persephone will play a major role. We know that this has happened in the past - that previous women have had this role (the Lustrata), and we know that when The Event (and no, we don't have any detail on that either) occurred for them, they failed... which means that Persephone really has a mess on her hands. But we don't really have any more definition than that. I feel like, four books in, I should know more about what is going on, and who the major players are. At least who the bad guys are. I should have a better sense of what the heroine is headed towards. So far, the trials - for 4 books - have been more about the main characters accepting their destiny / their roles. Not really facing any major hurdles, aside from their own internal battles.
I really like these books, and I really like this cast. But something needs to happen. Even if it isn't The Big Bad, I need to see our trio throw down with a foe. Someone who challenges them, makes them grow. Shows their potential, and illuminates their path a little. I need to have some idea of where we are headed, even if it isn't the endgame. I need to see a goal, even if it isn't the ultimate goal. Right now, I feel like the series is meandering. I am enjoying it so far, because I like the company (I really do like the characters), but really, things need to start kicking into gear. I'll keep my fingers crossed for the next one. In the meantime...
***3.5***
Let's start with this: I really enjoy this series. The world is fun, the magical system is comprehensive and organized, and best of all, I really love the characters. Persephone, Nana, Johnny, Menessos (love/hate, admittedly), Beverly and a whole host of supporting characters are all well-drawn and engaging. Persephone is someone that feels extraordinarily real to me. She debates the same things I would debate (justice and fair play are important themes to me), and she really thinks through each dilemma ... as opposed to most UF, where the heroines bull their way through the problem, counting on their strength to carry the day. Persephone is a powerhouse, but we don't see it much. She doesn't magic her way out of most situations. She makes a good plan, and works her way through. And I like that.
I think my primary problem with this book (and it has been a trend in this series) is that while there is a concrete over-arching storyline, each book itself doesn't really have a compelling, self-contained major arc. This book felt like a connection of mini-plots - some started and ended over the span of 50 pages - while pushing forward the series-spanning plot. On the upside, that furthers the realistic feel of the series - you feel part of Persephone's day-to-day life. On the downside, the end of the book doesn't feel as climactic, as rewarding, as I would like. Basically, all the books feel like they are bridge books. Sure, stuff is going on, ...but nothing major is resolved at the end of the book. We feel like we made strides toward where the series as a whole is eventually heading, but I don't know, it somehow doesn't feel like a satisfying read in and of itself.
Every series like this can boil down to Heroine vs The Big Bad. Each book is usually like a series of gates - other villains and/or trials that make the heroine stronger or whittle down the major supporters of The Big Bad, until finally the Heroine is ready to take The Big Bad on directly.
In this series, firstly, we only have a vague sense of who The Big Bad even is. We know that it is more of a world-saving event, involving gods and destiny, the balance of the world, and that Persephone will play a major role. We know that this has happened in the past - that previous women have had this role (the Lustrata), and we know that when The Event (and no, we don't have any detail on that either) occurred for them, they failed... which means that Persephone really has a mess on her hands. But we don't really have any more definition than that. I feel like, four books in, I should know more about what is going on, and who the major players are. At least who the bad guys are. I should have a better sense of what the heroine is headed towards. So far, the trials - for 4 books - have been more about the main characters accepting their destiny / their roles. Not really facing any major hurdles, aside from their own internal battles.
I really like these books, and I really like this cast. But something needs to happen. Even if it isn't The Big Bad, I need to see our trio throw down with a foe. Someone who challenges them, makes them grow. Shows their potential, and illuminates their path a little. I need to have some idea of where we are headed, even if it isn't the endgame. I need to see a goal, even if it isn't the ultimate goal. Right now, I feel like the series is meandering. I am enjoying it so far, because I like the company (I really do like the characters), but really, things need to start kicking into gear. I'll keep my fingers crossed for the next one. In the meantime...
***3.5***