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readercecc6 's review for:
Mystic Bonds
by C.C. Solomon
The beginning quarter of the book sucked me in. In fact, the prologue did that all by itself.
Alas, things took a turn for "meh-ville" somewhere around Mina's first chapter or two in the hospital. The book, while interesting, just did not have enough buildup. Something bad would happen or we're informed that something bad will happen, then BAM it happens but is resolved in the next paragraph. There's no suspense. At all. The book was action packed and spanned months. And yet, I didn't feel any of it. The characters went from one action scene to another and weeks or months would go by off the page and they'd end up rushing to another action scene in the next page.
Which leads me to the lack of established rules/limits on their powers. Being all powerful grew tedious quickly. I was never concerned for her well being.
The villain was one dimensional. His escapes were comical.
>"Til next time," He said in a calm voice.
He was literally seconds away from being killed by a werejackal but decided to announce be was escaping. AND THEN ESCAPES. It was so transparent. And he kept doing it - getting away in really silly ways. It felt like I was watching Scooby Doo or something.
Then there were the Six. The main character would meet random people and instantly know they were good or important or whatever. Then she'd collect them. It was the oddest thing. And, again, their friendships could have been really meaningful with proper buildup, but all we got was basically >Mina meets character. Mina gets a feeling. Mina talks to character for a page or two. Character is now a member of her posse.
And don't get me started on the godawful love triangle.
But the book wasn't all bad. It was interesting (though read like a cross between Kate Daniels and the Walking Dead). There was an inclusive cast of characters (not crazy about the "pictured a random Asian actress on TV" bit because it felt like the author was saying all Asian women are the same. Also, one of the love interests would just not shut up with the "Mi Corazon" it was such a stereotypical thing for a Hispanic love interest to say). The female main character had same sex friends, bonus: they were supportive and not jealous or competitive. Male characters did not want to immediately jump her bones. Mina was also a good person. Unbelievably naive, and seriously teetering on tstl which landed her in hot water often, but she still kept her innate sense of kindness even through a shitty few years or decade.
Mostly, I think this book could use a good editor. Aside from the grammatical/syntax errors in the final quarter of the book, this book could really use a keen eye to help with the pacing. Also, the scene where a character suffers the loss of her love was glossed over - making the main character seem almost callous in her treatment of her friend who was obviously hurting. I think there was just too much going on in this book so scenes were rushed and time was fast forwarded so the reader never really got to connect with anyone. This book has the potential to be great but unfortunately, it read like the first book written by a new author -- urban fantasy lite, if you will.
I received an arc for review.
Alas, things took a turn for "meh-ville" somewhere around Mina's first chapter or two in the hospital. The book, while interesting, just did not have enough buildup. Something bad would happen or we're informed that something bad will happen, then BAM it happens but is resolved in the next paragraph. There's no suspense. At all. The book was action packed and spanned months. And yet, I didn't feel any of it. The characters went from one action scene to another and weeks or months would go by off the page and they'd end up rushing to another action scene in the next page.
Which leads me to the lack of established rules/limits on their powers. Being all powerful grew tedious quickly. I was never concerned for her well being.
The villain was one dimensional. His escapes were comical.
>"Til next time," He said in a calm voice.
He was literally seconds away from being killed by a werejackal but decided to announce be was escaping. AND THEN ESCAPES. It was so transparent. And he kept doing it - getting away in really silly ways. It felt like I was watching Scooby Doo or something.
Then there were the Six. The main character would meet random people and instantly know they were good or important or whatever. Then she'd collect them. It was the oddest thing. And, again, their friendships could have been really meaningful with proper buildup, but all we got was basically >Mina meets character. Mina gets a feeling. Mina talks to character for a page or two. Character is now a member of her posse.
And don't get me started on the godawful love triangle.
But the book wasn't all bad. It was interesting (though read like a cross between Kate Daniels and the Walking Dead). There was an inclusive cast of characters (not crazy about the "pictured a random Asian actress on TV" bit because it felt like the author was saying all Asian women are the same. Also, one of the love interests would just not shut up with the "Mi Corazon" it was such a stereotypical thing for a Hispanic love interest to say). The female main character had same sex friends, bonus: they were supportive and not jealous or competitive. Male characters did not want to immediately jump her bones. Mina was also a good person. Unbelievably naive, and seriously teetering on tstl which landed her in hot water often, but she still kept her innate sense of kindness even through a shitty few years or decade.
Mostly, I think this book could use a good editor. Aside from the grammatical/syntax errors in the final quarter of the book, this book could really use a keen eye to help with the pacing. Also, the scene where a character suffers the loss of her love was glossed over - making the main character seem almost callous in her treatment of her friend who was obviously hurting. I think there was just too much going on in this book so scenes were rushed and time was fast forwarded so the reader never really got to connect with anyone. This book has the potential to be great but unfortunately, it read like the first book written by a new author -- urban fantasy lite, if you will.
I received an arc for review.