Rating: 2.5 stars
Review: The Knife of Never Letting Go was one of those books that I really, really wanted to love. In some ways, I liked it. But for the most part, I really did not enjoy it.
I loved the concept first of all. I was definitely immersed in this world that the author created. It's highly imaginable and creative. Would I like to live in a world like this? Of course not, but it made me think of what it would be like if I did, and for a book to be able to make me imagine being in a fictional setting, is enough for me to give it a good rating.
However, there were some major flaws in this book. You may all know; I'm an emotional reader. It's easy for me to fall in love with characters and their stories, as well as empathize with them. But for this book, I wasn't emotionally invested at all. First off, I disliked the main character, Todd. I didn't find him likable at all, so I couldn't even care or root for him. Everything just felt a bit mechanical as well as contrived for me.
Also, I feel as if far too many books strive so hard to surprise their readers by giving twists and shocking information, that in a way, it has become incredibly predictable. This book is no exception to that trend.
I have to be honest; I really wanted to love this book, mainly because everyone keeps raving about it! And while there are some areas that I liked - like the concept and the writing - I wasn't particularly fond of the main character, as well as the story's pace and development. I can see why people love this book so much, but for me, something was just missing.
It's difficult to enjoy a book when you can't connect to the main character. And when the author is trying so hard to make the plot unpredictable that it does have the opposite effect, not to mention that when the trying part is so obvious it spoils the intention. I don't think I'll be looking out for this book. Great review, though!
ReplyDeleteSo true. A lot of people seem to like this though, so you may want to give it a try if you would like to too :)
DeleteToo bad, but I can see why not everyone is going to love this book. For me personally, Todd is one of my favourite male protags of all time, but I think he earned that title once I had read the entire trilogy. I hope you get out of the reading slump you seem to be in because it's sad!
ReplyDeleteI'm slowly getting back on my normal reading routine, and yeah, it's been sad having this bad reading slump.. but I'll get over it soon! I know it :)
DeleteI know the feeling. I always feel like I have to explain myself when this happens and everyone is raving about a book I didn't enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI tried this but couldn't get into it. I didn't mark it as a DNF yet as I thought I just wasn't in the mood for it at the time and thought I may try again in the future... but who knows...
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you didnt enjoy this one, thanks for the honest review. I have this on my wish list.
ReplyDeleteI picked this up from a charity shop for 50p, but it's been languishing on my TBR shelf since before Christmas. I really do want to read it, but I've heard similar complaints as yours before.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about 'twists' ending up as predictable and I completely agree! :)
I really need to read this and I hope to enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteStill I am sorry that you didn't love it as much as you wanted :| You'll have better luck with the next one ;)
Happy midnight reading!
I also didn't like the book at all and in fact, i stopped reading after book 2. I felt it was predictable, trying too hard and i had no emotional connection with the leads. Sorry to all the fans but just not my taste i guess. Funny coz i think my taste is same as yours coz so far i liked all the books you gave good reviews :)
ReplyDeleteI also didn't like the book at all and in fact, i stopped reading after book 2. I felt it was predictable, trying too hard and i had no emotional connection with the leads. Sorry to all the fans but just not my taste i guess. Funny coz i think my taste is same as yours coz so far i liked all the books you gave good reviews :)
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