Saturday, March 8, 2008

A Great and Terrible Beauty

I tried to like this book. Honest, I did. I'm still new to fantasy, and I just couldn't get into this book. I never cared about a single one of the characters. I thought all the fantasy bits were confusing. It just seemed like Harry Potter meets Dead Poets Society for stuck-up girls in the late 19th century.

This is the first of a trilogy of books about Gemma Doyle, a sixteen year old. Her mother is murdered in India, and she has been sent to finishing school in England. The circumstances surrounding her mother's death leads her to a series of discoveries, most important of which is her supernatural powers to move into other realms. There are friends, teachers, and love interests involved--and it's pretty racy for YA.

Usually if I read one book of a series I have to finish. But, I won't this time. The first book has to wow me, and this one just didn't.

8 comments:

trish said...

It's funny you didn't like this book, because I've picked it up in the bookstore numerous times, but was never inclined to actually purchase it. Now you've verified what my gut was telling me! Thanks! :D

Becky said...

I had the exact same reaction. I did. I hated the first book. But I decided to give the second book a chance, (not that you would) and loved it. The second book wowed me. It was really odd that the second of a series would do what the first failed so utterly to do. But it did. The third one though didn't meet my expectations. So I'm not sure I would even have the nerve to suggest you finish the series. But for me at least the second one was well worth the time spent.

Tricia said...

Trish: I saw it on the display in B&N with Twilight and Ophelia. I liked both of those so I thought it was worth a shot. Stick with your gut.

Becky: I read through the plots of the others on Wikipedia and it did seem to me that I would probably like them better. I agree, strange to have the number 2 book be the best. Truth be told, if I had read New Moon before Twilight I don't think I would be as impressed with the series. It does make me realize how pacing a series is really critical to its success.

Anonymous said...

I think this is one of those LOVE it or HATE it books. I read it last year while on vacation and pretty much had the exact same reaction as you. Oh well, you can't win them all!

johnsonapd said...

Ok too funny...I read this about 6 months ago and also was left feeling pretty "eh" about it. Was it just me, or did it seem like there was really no beginning, middle or end. I felt like I just read for awhile and then it was over. Very strange book.

Tricia said...

I agree. I kept waiting for it to start, and then all of a sudden it was over and nothing really happened!

Jeane said...

I thought I was the only reader who didn't like this book. I couldn't get past 40 pages, I just cared so little. Glad to know I'm not alone!

Tricia said...

Jeane: You are so. not. alone. I only went past the 40 pages because I grabbed it on my way to get my hair highlighted and I didn't have anything else to read!