the last book I read.

Friday, November 30, 2012

I bought this book the morning it was released. I was anticipating to get my hands on it since they announced that my favorite author - and probably one of my biggest inspirations - is releasing a new book! I went into this lowering my expectations, knowing very well that I was reading an 'adult' novel. I finished it in about a week, and I was beyond sad for a while knowing I'd have to give it a 2 star rating.

What went wrong?

I think the characters went wrong mainly. There were just too many of them, and none of them were developed well enough for me to care about them. I didn't care if this person died or lived or got hurt or what... I just didn't care. The truth is, while reading this book, I just kept hoping it would end soon.
The plot was alright, but again, it just didn't seem like it was something I should care for.

I have to say the writing as expected is good. Simply put, Rowling knows how to paint a picture in her reader's mind. Or maybe, at least in my mind.

2 stars though, is all I can give for this unfortunately.

8 comments:

  1. And that, I think, sums up in a nutshell why I BOUGHT the book when it was first released but haven't READ it yet. I just don't want to be bitterly disappointed! Hmmmm, when the time's right I'll give it a go... :(

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  2. I felt the same way. I couldn't keep track of the characters and I just didn't care about them.

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  3. I have only seen 2 star reviews so you are not alone.

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  4. +JMJ+

    I remember when Rowling said in an interview that she wanted to write books after Harry Potter under a pen name, so that the later books wouldn't live in the shadow of her phenomenal series. I haven't read this new novel and don't plan to, but I wonder how much of the disappointment in it is due less to the novel itself than to the expectations of Potter-heads.

    Don't get me wrong, Jillian. I don't mean to diminish your opinion, which I respect. But I do think Rowling kind of set herself up to fail with this one, so that its actual quality doesn't even matter.

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    1. I think it's inevitable for her fans to read her work. We as humans (and avid readers) are practically trained to read everything we can, especially if the author presents at least ONE good work.

      I read this not expecting it to be good really, but more hopeful than anything. The writing is still so effortless but the story itself is blah. She got negative feedback in terms of critics I think, but I don't necessarily believe she actually failed. She tried a completely different direction, knowing it might very well flop. I know I'm just looking forward to reading more from her. Hopefully soon!

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  5. I'm so gonna pass on this one for now. I keep hearing bad things. Nice to see you reviewing. :)

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