THE 3 KINDS OF WRITERS

Coming Soon To Paperback ... in COLOR!
According to Stephen King ...
   there are two kinds of writers --

"Those who are bound for the more literary or “serious” side of the job 

and examine every possible subject in the light of this question: 

What would writing this sort of story mean to me? 

Those whose destiny (or ka, if you like) 

is to include the writing of popular novels are apt to ask a very different one: 

What would writing this sort of story mean to others? 

The “serious” novelist is looking for answers and keys to the self; 

the “popular” novelist is looking for an audience. 

Both kinds of writer are equally selfish."

But to me there is a 
third kind of writer --

The Writer Who Has Burned Out On A Series
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H17UAF4/
 Charlaine Harris became this type towards the end of her TRUE BLOOD series, 
losing steam, enthusiasm, and track of what went on before in her earlier tales.
I fear Patricia Briggs has succumbed to this writer fatigue as well.
For 9 books, I have looked forward eagerly to the adventures
of a frail coyote-shifter in a Brothers Grimm world of Fae, Werewolves, and Vampires ...
Poor Mercy even found herself pitted against a Volcano God in the 9th book.
But always the plot was coherent, the characters authentic to their natures.
Now, with SILENCE FALLEN ... the fire and creativity have gone;

FLAW ONE -
As an author, you know you need to re-work your novel when you warn the reader 
the alternating chapters are not linear, chronological,  nor easily understood --
Which is what Patricia Briggs did at the start of this novel.
I know what Patricia Briggs is capable of as an author. That's what makes Silence Fallen so disappointing.

FLAW TWO -
Dual POV works only when it flows seamlessly in the tumbling events of the story.
Ms, Briggs did a fine job of this in my personal favorite, FROST BURNED.
But going back in time 2 days while leaving Mercy trapped, then going back for more victimization, 
and then going back to her husband a day prior just pulls the reader out of the story.

FLAW THREE -
Having Mercy dangling, hiding, or caged for 70% of the novel irritated me.  
I do not want to see a strong heroine victimized for two-thirds of the novel. 
I am not a 50 Shades of Grey sort of guy. 
In the prior books, Mercy often found herself seemingly helpless 
but used her wits, compassion, and courage to escape death traps.

FLAW FOUR -
It is a cheat when you have a minor character actually being a powerful core cast member of Mercy's World 
where those who know him by sight fail to recognize him.
No explanation is given for this so the plot twist just fizzles.

FLAW FIVE -
Shifting motivations of the villain ... 
whose terrible crimes go unpunished by characters known for their moral compass and need to avenge.
Oh, and the villain proves NOT to be the master puppeteer ...
but tricked into his very stupid (for a centuries old manipulator) actions 
by a previously unmentioned core character for reasons that make no sense in regards to his personality.
No explanation is given.  Lazy Writing.

FLAW SIX -
A powerful ally on the cusp of becoming a terrible threat to Mercy and those she loves
 is left alone in a castle of the most powerful vampire in Europe
who could tempt her into becoming an entity who could slay thousands.
It is an act of stupidity from Mercy and those who are smarter than that.  
It is a lazy sowing of another plot twist that will disappoint.

SAD -
 I am sure die-hard fans will drink the kool-aid but I see a great series winding down.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF  STEPHEN KING'S TWO KINDS OF WRITERS?
HAVE YOU EVER WATCHED  AS A TV SERIES OR BOOK SERIES  JUST WITHERED BEFORE YOUR EYES?