Darkfever | Thoughts
3.5 Stars
This was a fast paced and quick read - I was interested from start to finish. I started reading the sequel within minutes of finishing. But overall, I like my stories to have a lot more substance, and I couldn’t stop comparing this to SJM’s newly published Crescent City. It is, essentially, the same story plus or minus a few details—fantasy futuristic city vs Dublin circa 2006; pretty girly-girl whose best friend/sister is brutally murdered and is set on a mission to find the killer and solve the mystery surrounding the death; partnered with mysterious, deadly, and gorgeous otherworldly man. Constantly undervalued by the mere fact she is beautiful and likes to dress “girly.” Works as a curator/bookstore clerk watching over & hunting precious artifacts. Special talents abound, dark beings slipping through open gateways, different factions battling to possess the same sacred/powerful artifact.
Even if this book was done first, I have to say SJM did it better...but I’m still on board for the ride. For now.
STORY
Characters | 2 stars
One dimensional characters I felt no emotional attachment to until maybe the last 10%.
Setting | 3 stars
Absolutely adore Dublin and Ireland. Nothing about the way the author describes this city felt authentic. Saying it’s rainy and there are cobblestone streets and pubs everywhere does not adequately transport this reader.
Plot | 4 stars
Interesting and fast paced, though conclusions are reached far too quickly and convenient jumps are made from one point to another, skipping what should have been more developed scenes.
TECHNICAL
Writing | 2 stars
Feels amateurish, barely any initial character development so there is virtually no emotional attachment to anything that happens to them.
Editing | 5 stars
Had no issues with the technical or structural components. I always appreciate when not one error or oddly built scene snags my attention throughout a read.
Execution | 4 stars
Though I think the plot and characters needed more development in order for me to feel more invested, the story unfolded clearly, everything fitting into an order that propelled us forward, ending promptly with a neat bow. Okay, maybe no bow, and with definite motivation to continue reading the series, but a neat and tidy end to this chapter nonetheless.
Emotional rating | 3 stars
If I had read this a decade ago maybe I would have been more smitten with Jericho Barrons, but I am living in a world of Rhysands and Hunt Athalars, and Barrons’ lack of character build did not overly impress me. I need a lot more substance to my characters, but I have hopes as the books continue I’ll feel more connected. I do intend to keep reading, as I enjoy the plot, the promise of an enemies-to-lovers relationship, and am hooked on the fast-paced mystery and answers I don’t have to wait long to get.