Compel (Rae Wilder, #2) in SOS: Serious Overload of Series

Apr 27, 2012 Rhiannon Frater rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: looking-forward-to-the-next-one

This is a difficult review to write because all in all I really do think Penelope Fletcher is an AMAZING writer. I'm really impressed with her imagination, her descriptive power, and her ability to create truly engaging characters.

Yet, there is one thing that just made this book extremely difficult to get through. And that is the magical bond that Rae shares with Breandan. I really, really hate it. Now I understand that some readers may love the idea of an intense magical love that is foisted on This is a difficult review to write because all in all I really do think Penelope Fletcher is an AMAZING writer. I'm really impressed with her imagination, her descriptive power, and her ability to create truly engaging characters.

Yet, there is one thing that just made this book extremely difficult to get through. And that is the magical bond that Rae shares with Breandan. I really, really hate it. Now I understand that some readers may love the idea of an intense magical love that is foisted onto the lead characters. A love that if not satisfied has the power to literally destroy everything and everyone nearby when the lovers are reunited. It just didn't work for me. It robs Rae of choice. Even though at one point Rae argues that she chooses Breandan of her own free will, it has already been established that this is not the case. The second they touched she was bonded to him and would never be able to choose to love someone else. I also tired of this bond being shoved down our throats constantly. I get it. They're bonded. They have to be together, etc. This one aspect of the story just wore me down and made it hard for me to keep reading. The bond actually cripples Rae as a character, which was very distressing. There were even times when I felt the character was sacrificed so that the bond could be stressed.

For instance, Rae is fighting for her life and suddenly gives up. Nothing about this girl has ever shown her to be a quitter. Ever. She's feisty, tough, and a born leader (whether she realizes it or not). Yet, she just gives in to death and waits for it to happen. Which allows Breandan to reach her through their bond and empower her to fight. *facepalm*

Yet...

The world building is AMAZING. The villains are very easy to hate. The supporting cast is awesome. The action scenes are easy to follow and very exciting. The magical elements are very intriguing. The main plot line is well-conceived and well-executed. I could say that I love everything about this book except the insta-love magical bond. I really wish the author had allowed her two leads to slowly fall in love and come together in a more realistic way. I think the story would have been better for it.

Do I recommend this book? Yes, I recommend this book and the first one if you are into insta-love, magical bonds, overwhelming unrealistic love affairs. This book would definitely work for people who love that type of setup (and I know there are many who do). If you're tired of insta-love scenarios, this may not be the book for you. Like I said, the author writes a kick ass story. She's amazingly talented.

I will read the third book because I really do like the characters and the story line. I want to know what happens.

P.S. The author is English and uses the UK spelling for many words. These are not misspelled words or typos.

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