Thursday, February 18, 2016

Taste Test Thursday - Hidden Fire

Hidden Fire by Elizabeth Hunter

Review: I couldn't finish it and will not be reading the Elemental series.

Appetizer: "The man stole down the hallway, his foot steps echoing in the dimly lit basement of the library."

The first sentence is supposed to set the tone and place for the opening of the story and I've already got issues. Instead of getting something original, I feel like I'm being given the Safeway generic version. For instance, the word "stole" to describe the man's movement implies he's being sneaky, yet his footsteps are echoing. Also, most libraries may have hard tile floors in the lobby, but by the time you get into the library itself, the floors are carpeted... because they want the library to be quiet! The whole sentence read like a cliche attempt to create 'mood.'

Main Meat Course: I was right, because more cliche phrases followed like the "Jedi mind tricks." The novel also begins with the main character stereotypically seducing another character. Basically in the first three chapters I was able to chew through were dripping in greasily contrived plot devices. 

When I stopped for a pee break after the third chapter, I came back with no interest in picking up where I had left off. The gist is, I was bored with the bland language and craftsmanship. Additionally I had no inkling as to what the rules of the world were. I had hints of suspense to come but no action and no interest in reading further. If I have to force feed myself a story, then I'd just rather not partake.

Dessert: 

Word Count: 143
Edits: 0

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