J Robert > Recent Status Updates

Interesting information so far. Plenty that I had not previously known. There is A LOT of context missing and some determinations are dubious. The writer is steadily losing credibility by underhanded remarks, snide comments, and false statements. (So far, neither OSHA nor Headstart have been “failed” agencies according to research.)

So far I’ve heard complaining, whining, and a protagonist that must be very lucky, because she is definitely not smart. Actually she seems to be constantly overwhelmed and dense. Given the premise of the book, being overwhelmed is certainly understandable, but being as dense as she is just adds to the cringy, eye-roll moments. Still reading so I hope it gets better.

I’ve mostly enjoyed this series, but this book is, by far, the worst in the series. Understandably it’s an earlier book in Modesitt’s career and the writing gets better as the years go on. This one feels like he was experimenting with characters and ended up ruining both. Realistic of the worst of humanity it may be, but absolutely terrible characters.

Halfway through this book and it. Is. Bad. This is pretty much a dime store, cheap romance. The characters are one-sided and extremely shallow, plus the main love interest is extremely manipulative. Then there are the assumptions and tropes, the lack of any imaginative storytelling, absolutely no world building and the chapters upon chapters of nothing but running through the woods. I’ll update once I finish.

This book still isn’t great in the series, but it has gotten marginally better than the first two. But…I’ve noticed something else besides the normal complaints. Maybe it’s a small thing, maybe not, but the author hasn’t bothered to do research in a number of areas. Normally the world building has been fairly weak so it isn’t noticeable, but here and there, it becomes glaringly obvious. Just a heads up.

SMH…if there’s something I hate with books it’s tropes to create drama. Miscommunication or no communication are rampant in this one. As always with this author’s books, all of the characters are manipulative and dramatic…especially the men. It’s like no one has heard of a brain. I really am trying to like Julia Quinn, but her writing never changes, is absurd, and relies far too heavily on tropes.

I’m going to keep reading and keep hoping it gets better. So far this book has a cast of the most idiotic, clueless, morons ever to grace a page. Ok, maybe I’m being a bit harsh, but they really have no common sense!The narrator is talentless, and the book is filled with non sequitur statements. Praying this gets better.

So far, these are the words I have for the book: random, weird, negative, cynical, apathetic, dull, callous, self-destructive, and cold. I’m sure I missed other negative terms. The writing is bland and dull. Almost all the thoughts of the characters are unrealistically cynical and dismal. In short, the book (so far) is depressing. Hopefully it will get better, but in the spirit of the book, doubtful.

Pretty slow at this point. I’m hoping that the story explains itself at some point. I don’t generally dislike stories that take time to weave into something recognizable.
BUT...I’m having a really hard time liking a heroine who is a total, complete dolt! I keep hoping that she’ll learn, but we’re up to 5 serious idiotic choices with no end in sight.