I wanted to like this novel, I really did. For one, it's self published. Which means its a labour of love. Two, I won a copy off an indie writer blog and the author signed it for me. I love that personal touch. Plus, self publishing isn't cheap so I appreciate the fact she was giving away copies. Despite all that, I didn't enjoy this novel. The writing style is awkward, the grammar is poor and the plotting is full of holes. There are certain things you expect in a novel. Plot devices, sequencing that makes sense, strong characterisation... All these things were lacking. Stuff just happened in this novel. Lots of stuff. With no foreshadowing, no build up... It's like the author had all these great ideas but couldn't quiet get them down on paper in a way which made sense. Lastly, the phrasing and conversations in this book were strange. I had to reread a number of paragraphs to make sense of them. Also, half way through the book the main female character says "I'm just here for shits and giggles". You are not Austen Powers! It didn't suit the story or the character which is why it stood out.I honestly don't think this book was edited. At least, not by a third party. An editor is important and this book is a good example why. I think with some tough editing and guidance this could have been a good story.I am sure once the author has more experience writing, she will get better. Passion for writing is the only positive aspect which showed itself throughout this novel. Which also tells me sometimes there is a reason you need to keep working and keep trying to be picked up by a publisher. Self publishing isn't always a good thing. sooo.. it ended up as a DNF. I might still slog through, and maybe it'll get better, but as of right now I'm about half way, and I couldn't care less. I honestly don't even remember enough details to right the best review, and I put it down about a week ago.Avery is in a word... annoying. Whiny, childish, somewhat sympathetic I guess? I felt a little sorry for her? I couldn't bring myself to care at all what would happen to her, but I could feel for her crappy situation, maybe a little? Same goes for Mason. Arrogant, crooked smile, beautiful, somewhat wounded..etc..etc. (sound familiar?) Mason. Who, wait, is engaged to another woman? I really liked the premise, I thought I could get into it, but it felt like the plot was kind of unorganized. The harpy thing was cool, the fights were kind of neat. I was pleased in the beginning when Avery left the boarding school pretty early on, and her escape with Mason was exciting, but then she had to go back to school?? I mean, going back to the original setting is not entertaining I'm afraid, it really can ruin the pacing. Not to mention the original setting is such an overdone one that I almost have the same exact school in my imagination for every one of these boarding school series because most of the authors fail to describe anything to make me see it differently. Anyways, read it if you want, it does follow some of these typical YA outlines, so you might dig it, but I didn't. I give it two stars because I liked the very beginning, but it died fast.
Do You like book Airborne (2000)?
I actually didn't even make it half through this book when I put it down and walked away.
—xochancyxo
THE BEST ENDING!!! I am seriously freaking out over the wait for the next book.
—olly
I love this book and hope it works out between avery and mason
—peetalover20
Never read anything with harpies before. It wasnt bad.
—Haids
