Emily’s review of The Book of Life (All Souls Trilogy, #3) > Likes and Comments
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I totally agree with what you said about the difficulties in tying up the complexities she introduced. That was the brunt of the problem with this book for me. I think it's obvious the series was not mapped out from the beginning--she may have had a beginning and end in mind, but not much in between, it seems.
I agree as well. Events seem to be added that do not need to be there. Its like the author said, oh I want to do this now whether it makes sense or not. I also did not really like Diana and Matthew by the time the book was done. Diana was such a strong character in the first book and she has turned into a wimpy schoolgirl mooning around after Matthew giving into whatever he says. Matthew is too brooding (don't care if he has blood rage or not!) and is always raking his fingers through his hair. Trilogy started out good, but was more disappointing with each of the other books.
I also felt like it seemed there would be more books in the series, but after seeing Deborah Harkness on her book tour, she said she was NOT writing anymore books having to do with Diana and Matthew's story lines. She did say, however, if she were to revisit the All Souls universe in the future, she'd write Gallowglass's story, as he was her favorite character.
Even if she writes more I won't read them unless critics say she's gotten better. Did she have an editor?? So many inconsistencies!!
My recent review mimics yours on the main point. The conclusion was very weak given the skillful writing of the first novel. One can hope that Matthew and Diana don't show up in any other tales unless as minor characters. How about following the story of Fernando and Hugh or Jack's tale in the 400 years in between his interactions with the Bishop-Clairmont clan?
I agree with Cheryl - I didn't like Diana or Matthew much either. Did anyone else feel like Harkness had no idea what to do with the babies? It was like they were born then she was like ok put them aside and move on? Also this echoed Twilight so much. I mean maybe it was subconscious? Even the running the hands through the long hair! The kid thing, the overpowering male. I don't know. It lost its appeal. I was sorely disappointed.
I have to disagree with you! The story was about Diana and Mathew not about the babies. It was about finding a way for their races to survive!
I agree with this review, it was very unorganized. So many pointless characters and insignificant story lines. She started out with great characters but by the end of the book I couldn't stand Diana and Matthew.
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Deanna
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Jul 18, 2014 02:22PM
I totally agree with what you said about the difficulties in tying up the complexities she introduced. That was the brunt of the problem with this book for me. I think it's obvious the series was not mapped out from the beginning--she may have had a beginning and end in mind, but not much in between, it seems.
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I agree as well. Events seem to be added that do not need to be there. Its like the author said, oh I want to do this now whether it makes sense or not. I also did not really like Diana and Matthew by the time the book was done. Diana was such a strong character in the first book and she has turned into a wimpy schoolgirl mooning around after Matthew giving into whatever he says. Matthew is too brooding (don't care if he has blood rage or not!) and is always raking his fingers through his hair. Trilogy started out good, but was more disappointing with each of the other books.
I also felt like it seemed there would be more books in the series, but after seeing Deborah Harkness on her book tour, she said she was NOT writing anymore books having to do with Diana and Matthew's story lines. She did say, however, if she were to revisit the All Souls universe in the future, she'd write Gallowglass's story, as he was her favorite character.
Even if she writes more I won't read them unless critics say she's gotten better. Did she have an editor?? So many inconsistencies!!
My recent review mimics yours on the main point. The conclusion was very weak given the skillful writing of the first novel. One can hope that Matthew and Diana don't show up in any other tales unless as minor characters. How about following the story of Fernando and Hugh or Jack's tale in the 400 years in between his interactions with the Bishop-Clairmont clan?
I agree with Cheryl - I didn't like Diana or Matthew much either. Did anyone else feel like Harkness had no idea what to do with the babies? It was like they were born then she was like ok put them aside and move on? Also this echoed Twilight so much. I mean maybe it was subconscious? Even the running the hands through the long hair! The kid thing, the overpowering male. I don't know. It lost its appeal. I was sorely disappointed.
I have to disagree with you! The story was about Diana and Mathew not about the babies. It was about finding a way for their races to survive!
I agree with this review, it was very unorganized. So many pointless characters and insignificant story lines. She started out with great characters but by the end of the book I couldn't stand Diana and Matthew.
