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Succubus Revealed (Georgina Kincaid, #6)
by Richelle Mead (Goodreads Author)
by Richelle Mead (Goodreads Author)
First up: this book was unnecessary. I think it was a case of Miss Mead getting contracted for six books, but being done with the story by five. So she basically took what could have been about 50 pages of plot resolution and turned it into a 300 page book, where there's a lot of talk and internal monologues, but not much actually happens. Well, except for few stuff which anyone with half a brain could have seen coming two installments ago. And so: whereas book #5 turned out to be an elaborate set up story, this one was a stretched out resolution.
Maybe it was my skewed view, seeing the UF world through the eyes of a newbie, but back in 2008 when I started this series, I loved Mead's writing. Simple, but witty and with a surprisingly sympathetic main character. Over the course of the series though, the story deteriorated. Georgina lost her appeal, the secondaries became cardboard characters and the more I got to see of the world, the less it started making sense.
I should admit: there was one improvement compared to last book; this time around Mead didn't use blatant 'hints' to hit us over the head with it repeatedly. But the thing is: she didn't need to. Mead has a way of stating something and then elaborating on it excessively. So if you didn't get it initially, she'll make sure you got it after she spelled it out. Not only does that make me think she underestimates her audience's intelligence, it also doesn't shine a positive light on Georgina. Having your main character pick up on signals, elaborate on them constantly but not process the information, makes her look really stupid.
But, as becomes clearer throughout the story, Georgina's reason for being really slow on the uptake is not (only) because she's dim. It's because she's incredibly self absorbed.
This girl must be one of the most egocentric protagonist I have ever read about. And I wouldn't even mind, if the contrary "Georgina is an angel who always takes care of others"-message wasn't being shoved down out throats constantly. Throughout the story she thinks of herself first, others later and even 'the good' she does is immediately followed up by a hint for a compliment from either the reader or one of the other characters. Those same characters risk their lives to help her and through most of it Georgina remains apathetic and downright dismissive. But still the reader is expected to love her.
*mild spoilers from here on*
This glorification of Georgina was also apparent in the romance story line. (view spoiler)
And so this concludes the last part of the Georgina show. In where the old Georgina -who ran from her mistakes, avoided confrontation, was self centered and got punished for it- turned into the new Georgina: who runs from her mistakes, avoids confrontation, is self centered and gets rewarded for it.
What a waste.
Maybe it was my skewed view, seeing the UF world through the eyes of a newbie, but back in 2008 when I started this series, I loved Mead's writing. Simple, but witty and with a surprisingly sympathetic main character. Over the course of the series though, the story deteriorated. Georgina lost her appeal, the secondaries became cardboard characters and the more I got to see of the world, the less it started making sense.
I should admit: there was one improvement compared to last book; this time around Mead didn't use blatant 'hints' to hit us over the head with it repeatedly. But the thing is: she didn't need to. Mead has a way of stating something and then elaborating on it excessively. So if you didn't get it initially, she'll make sure you got it after she spelled it out. Not only does that make me think she underestimates her audience's intelligence, it also doesn't shine a positive light on Georgina. Having your main character pick up on signals, elaborate on them constantly but not process the information, makes her look really stupid.
But, as becomes clearer throughout the story, Georgina's reason for being really slow on the uptake is not (only) because she's dim. It's because she's incredibly self absorbed.
This girl must be one of the most egocentric protagonist I have ever read about. And I wouldn't even mind, if the contrary "Georgina is an angel who always takes care of others"-message wasn't being shoved down out throats constantly. Throughout the story she thinks of herself first, others later and even 'the good' she does is immediately followed up by a hint for a compliment from either the reader or one of the other characters. Those same characters risk their lives to help her and through most of it Georgina remains apathetic and downright dismissive. But still the reader is expected to love her.
*mild spoilers from here on*
This glorification of Georgina was also apparent in the romance story line. (view spoiler)
And so this concludes the last part of the Georgina show. In where the old Georgina -who ran from her mistakes, avoided confrontation, was self centered and got punished for it- turned into the new Georgina: who runs from her mistakes, avoids confrontation, is self centered and gets rewarded for it.
What a waste.
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Reading Progress
| 01/07/2012 |
|
2.0% | 4 comments | |
| 01/08/2012 |
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15.0% | "If this is real, then there’s a reason for it. And if there’s a reason, it’s because you’ve been doing something Hell doesn’t want you to do. So, the question becomes, Georgina, are you going to keep doing whatever it is they don’t want you to do?” Gee, I wonder what that would be...?" | |
| 01/09/2012 |
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19.0% | "“You know, I might miss some of your witticisms when you’re gone, but one thing I won’t miss? Your overwhelming sense of melodrama and despair. It’s too much even for me.” Well said, Jerome!" 6 comments | |
| 01/11/2012 |
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52.0% | "Roman shook his head, wide-eyed. “No . . . oh, Jesus. Georgina, if I’m right . . . how do I even prove if I am?” He leaned back in dismay. “How do I get proof?” “Tell me what you’re thinking,” I demanded. “No. Not yet. Just drop me off, and we’ll talk when you’re done. I have to figure this out.” Urgh. You have got to be kidding me!" 2 comments | |
| 01/12/2012 |
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72.0% | "It's not that Georgina is stupid. When people spell things out for her, she usually gets it the second time. But she's not stupid. She's just too self absorbed to properly process the world around her." |
Comments (showing 1-48 of 48) (48 new)
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The Flooze
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Jan 06, 2011 08:58am
I just read the blurb...why is she moving the chick to Las Vegas for a final book?!
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I wonder too! There'll probably be something going on in Seattle that they'll need to hide from Georgina. Maybe the powers that be hope to corrupt Seth while she is away? Speaking of Seth, judging by the blurb there is no way that Georgina is NOT going to end up with him.
Gee, what a surprise...
Ugh. That's all I have to say. Ugh.
I'm continuing with VA because at the very least, Rose has some redeeming qualities. And she eventually gets shit done. But I don't know how long it will take me to muster up enough patience to read the last Georgina.
I'll be your designated reader! I've started it and I will damn well finish it! I won't start VA because I'm pretty sure I won't really,really, really like it.
I love me a guinea pig. :)So far I don't think you'd love VA. Are you still anti young adult books? Although I've read some decent ones, I'm beginning to think I prefer either adult or middle grade children's (ya know, before the teen angst sets in).
Well... 'anti-YA' is a harsh way of putting it, but I still do have somewhat of a reluctance to the genre. I think I'll like the Hunger Games, but VA seems a bit too much Beverly hills 90210 or Gossip Girlish to me. I might be wrong though, but judging by your comments the whole VA series doesn't sound too appealing.
Lol. All right, reluctance then. This whole dystopia theme that's sweeping the genre might work in your favor then. Hunger Games is supposed to be excellent, but every time I read the blurb I decide I'm not in the mood for it. There's a new one called Matched that sounds sorta intriguing.
Have you actually dipped into YA at all yet?
I read Someone is Watching which is part of a YA series. That counts, right? Eventhough it's m/m? The book was a little sappy and repetitive at times though. But I think the latter is just the style of the author, because I read a couple of interviews with him and apparently he likes to repeat his sentences in a different phrasing multiple times within the same paragraph.
Oooo, I hate that! Probably because I'm guilty of it myself. :pOf course it counts. YA is YA! I'm finding it hard to stay interested in the YA series I've been reading. I'll love the first book and then get irritated by the romantic hyperbole. That's really where the teen part rears its head in a bad way.
I still say you need to read Kelly Armstrong's YA, since you already like her adult books. It was very good, and lacking in sap.
I've heard very mixed reviews about Kelley Armstrong. But I realize she's not for everyone.But I should try more YA in general (my goal for this year is to expand my literary horizon). I'm starting with Suzanne Collins though. When do you have it planned?
Wait. I thought you were a fan of Women of the Otherworld?? Did I get that wrong? Because this is a YA that's just set in the same world. I promise that I will start The Hunger Games whenever you order me to. Maybe next month?
Oh no no, I phrased it wrong. I mean: some people don't like the WOW series, while I think it's a quality series. I love Kelley Armstrong. She made Karl Marsten, what's not to love? Next month-ish will do. We can read it together. But I can't make a tight schedule because then I know I'll end up not reading it. I'm weird like that.
Great, great, great! :)
That's what I thought!! Whew. Here I am thinking, "But...isn't that the Karl/Elena series?" Confusion!I agree on the tight schedule thing. So we'll contemplate next month. :p
I think I already agreed to two more for February. I've been fascinated by the updates I'm reading on The Iron Duke, and new user and I will probably read Child of Fire. Hopefully I can fit all these into challenges!
Oh, those two books sound interesting! I also still need to read Darkfever. I'm just putting it off cause everyone keeps telling me I'll hate Mac...
Well Mel - will you please tell me how this ends - I would appreciate you sparing me the time;) You must read Darkfever......even if you find Mac annoying. I have Iron Duke on my TBR - in fact it came in Dead Tree form when I miss ordered it. Let me know if you plan to read it and we can do it together. On the YA front - there is outstanding YA books out there. Some shit too - just like any genre. Starting with Hunger Games is not a bad idea.
Thanks Tina. And I will let you know on the Georgina fiasco.I added Iron Duke to my TBR list, but I won't purchase it until I read at least 30 of the books I own. I have a gazillion of ebooks I own, but I also have about 50 paperbacks I still need to read on my shelves. I'll need to finish them first.
Then again: if I can't stop myself (and I usually can't) and I buy it anyway, I'll let you know so we can read it together :)
I'll promise not the repeat what happened with ToF and The Substitute. I'm always late!
Vered and I are reading Darkfever (is that the first book?) next month, if you want someone to share the pain. I just ordered Hunger Games for $5! through the nook app, so whenever you're ready let me know. :)
Oh the idea of sharing the I'll let you know when I do the The Hungergames. :)
I read VA's and Dark Swan's endings...well, good luck then!:D If it keeps in line with those two you're gonna need it. Hehehe..
The Flooze (Michelle M.) wrote: "You read the end of Dark Swan? Does Dorian keep his balls?"LOL! Errr..depends on how you define that.(view spoiler)
The Dark Swan series finished? I didn't really like the second book so I quit that series. I think it was around the same time I read the last Georgina book and it confirmed me in my giving up all hope for Mead...
Michelle I was just about to drop a line on your profile to let you know I was reading this. Judging by the year old comments (btw: I still haven't read The Hunger Games nor The Iron Duke) I was going to be your designated reader. Although Shannon beat me to it (months ago!).
I started this this morning but I got stuck when I realized I had forgotten most of what happened last book. Mead explains about Peter and Cody being vampires and Hugh being an imp and Jerome looking like John Cusack and all other kinds of rehashing a last book in a series doesn't need (as if people need explaining on what a succubus does after 5 books?!?). I just need some rehashing of last books events! I was surprised when Georgina said she wanted to go home to Seth. In my mind they had broken up.
So I'm going to reread bits of the ending of Succubus Shadows. All I remember at the moment is being thoroughly annoyed by all the sledgehammer like 'hints', the filler flashbacks, the ridiculous tabloid ploy and Georgina's stupidity. And constant whining. That about covers it. :)
Lol. But you are still my designated reader, because Shannon never hated the series! I remember that after Seth was the one to get her out of the Mara's clutches - soul calling to soul and all - that he decided to say fuck it and be with her despite the shortening of his life. Ohhhh, so romantical.
So I shall anxiously await your review! :)
Christina, I'm not clicking on that spoiler! That's the one book I DO plan on reading!! You bad girl, tempting me with tidbits...
The Flooze (Michelle M.) wrote: "Lol. But you are still my designated reader, because Shannon never hated the series! I remember that after Seth was the one to get her out of the Mara's clutches - soul calling to soul and all - ..."
Let's say that Dorian put up with a lot in this book from Eugenie and leave it at that. :S
Okay so I've been doing some rereading. Basically there's quite a bit of 'important stuff' in the last 50 pages. And lots of reminders why I didn't like last book, mainly Georgina. At page 228 there's a knock on the door.
It was Maddie. And she was crying. I asked no questions. When friends are in trouble, you take are of them first.
Really? Is that before or after your fuck their fiancées, Georgina? Seriously!
I still don't recall a Mara. There is a Mei though. And I was under the impression that last book ended with a scene on the beach with Jerome's assistants. Apparently that was the book before...
Somehow all of Mead's heroines are conceited bitches. I dont know Rose but I heard she's the worst. I stopped liking Eugenie at her second book. Georgina I hope retributes herself this book.
Mel wrote: "Somehow all of Mead's heroines are conceited bitches. I dont know Rose but I heard she's the worst. I stopped liking Eugenie at her second book. Georgina I hope retributes herself this book."I thought Rose was okay at first but during the last two books she completely lost it. Eugenie- I stopped liking her around the third book probably. But then she got much much worse. Worse than Georgina or maybe even Rose.
I don't know what is it with Mead. She starts her series interesting and fun, but the blows it in the finale(s). It's a good thing you dropped Dark Swan, trust me. ;)
No, I don't think so, unless I can get it from a friend or something. Plus, I already know what happens so I'm not terribly anxious to get started, lol.
Mel wrote: "Okay so I've been doing some rereading. Basically there's quite a bit of 'important stuff' in the last 50 pages. And lots of reminders why I didn't like last book, mainly Georgina. At page 228 the..."
Why is Maddie even showing up at her door?! Or is that the scene from the previous book?
By Mara I mean that creature/goddess/whatever she is who was invading her dreams?
I can't get over what she does with her heroines. She screws them up every time...but I can't say that I ever liked Rose. Ever.
Ok and herewith I declare never to going to read the VA series, despite of some vehement peer pressure in the past. I remember Nyx being in her dreams? There might have been a Mara- I forgot so much- but the only Mara that comes up was the one in Cassie #1.
Maddie showed up at her door, last book. Obviously before she found out about them.
I got this book based on the cover. the color just called to me...then I realized it was farther down in the series. So now I have to buy like 5 books and read before getting to this one. Of course that won't be anytime soon...at least not until the second half of the year
You needed a blue cover for the challenge? ;)Oh E, it kinda sucks you have to go through all of them. Because to me, it started out nice but it ended up being a really frustrating read.
Although I'm glad to say this book exceeds my expectations. Which were very very low might I add.
Really? Ohh! Is it this series or the author? People rave about her. I have her Vampire Academy book. I haven't read it but I want to.Demons & Succubi can be hit or miss for me.
P.S. I just got the Iron Duke (yes, I have become a book hoarder, LOL)...and make sure to read Hunger Games because it is coming out in the theaters soon.
Well, despite of the occasional funny bits and the fact that the sledgehammer type hinting wasn't as apparent, I didn't like it. This book frustrated me on a whole other level. Although, like with yours, the rating reflects my perceptions on the series as a whole.
I loved the first two but felt like it went downhill from there. I guessed the ending and had Paige tell me that I was spot on. Therefore no point in reading this book.
Exactly. Everything you think will happen, happens. So I'd definitely save myself the time if I were you.
Mead readers have such a love-hate relationship with her characters. It's kind of interesting watching it all develop from the outside. I have thus far resisted her siren call.
I say: keep resisting. I think you'd be in the hate camp. Although in my case it's not been a love/hate relationship in the classical sense of the word (both love and hate at the same time). It was love first, then hate. And I hate investing in a series where I end up hating the protagonist. It happened with both the series I read by Mead. It seems she can't write anything other than self absorbed girls who have the whole world tending their cares.
The Holy Terror wrote: "Ah, well. You're glad it's over now, aren't you?: \"
Yeah I am. If there would be a #7 coming I wouldn't be reading it. Same with the KMM series. I could read Shadowfever knowing it was the last one. But now that Moning is planning to write more... now way I'll read those. Nor the spin off. That girl who's name I blocked out annoyed me to no ends.
Which reminds me: I wouldn't be surprised if Mead would write a spin off where Roman is the main love interest.
Mel wrote: "The Holy Terror wrote: "Ah, well. You're glad it's over now, aren't you?: \"
Yeah I am. If there would be a #7 coming I wouldn't be reading it. Same with the KMM series. I could read Shadowfever..."
Roman as the main love interest. Interesting, but not enough for me to continue on. She pretty much screwed his character over. Similar to how she screwed over Adrian's character in VA. People would read it though.
Mel wrote: "And I hate investing in a series where I end up hating the protagonist."
Oh that has got to SUCK. Particularly if it happens far enough into the series that you're committed to it. Sorry to hear it's panned out like that. Sounds like that's how a lot of people feel about it.
Oh that has got to SUCK. Particularly if it happens far enough into the series that you're committed to it. Sorry to hear it's panned out like that. Sounds like that's how a lot of people feel about it.
