Mara and the Shadow by Lya Arden
A Disappointing Split: Why Book Two Felt Like a Letdown
summarizeEditor's Summary
I was really looking forward to diving into the second book in this series, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The story feels like it's following a predictable script, and the characters' actions are hard to believe. The historical inserts are also a bit too on-the-nose, which takes away from the overall experience. Despite this, the series still has a lot of potential, and I'm hoping the next book will be more engaging. One thing that does work in its favor is the fast-paced writing style, which makes it easy to get through the book. However, the lack of motivation behind the characters' actions is a major letdown. Overall, I'd say this book is a total letdown, but it's not a complete waste of time.
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live_helpFeatured FAQ
Is the book a good read for fans of mythology and Slavic epic stories?
Yes, the book does a great job of incorporating mythology and Slavic epic elements into the narrative. However, the story feels like it's following a predictable script, which may take away from the overall experience.
Is the book easy to get through?
Yes, the writing style is fast-paced and engaging, making it easy to get through the book. However, the lack of motivation behind the characters' actions is a major letdown.
Are the characters well-developed?
Unfortunately, no. The supporting characters are underdeveloped and feel like cardboard cutouts. The main character, Maru, is also hard to believe at times, with actions that feel like they're following a script rather than being driven by her own motivations.
Is the book a good example of how to incorporate historical inserts into a narrative?
Yes, the book does a great job of incorporating historical inserts into the narrative. However, the inserts feel a bit too on-the-nose at times, taking away from the overall experience.
Is the book a good read for fans of epic tales?
Unfortunately, no. The book's predictability makes it hard to become invested in the story, and the lack of motivation behind the characters' actions is a major letdown.
Is the book a good start to the series?
Unfortunately, no. The book feels like a disappointment, and I'm not sure if I'll continue with the series based on this experience.
Are the plot twists surprising?
No, the plot twists are predictable and feel like they're following a script rather than being driven by the characters' actions.
Is the book a good example of how to write a compelling narrative?
Unfortunately, no. The book's predictability and lack of motivation behind the characters' actions make it hard to become invested in the story.
What's the main issue with the book?
The main issue is the lack of motivation behind the characters' actions, which makes it hard to become invested in the story.
check_circlePros
- •The writing style is fast-paced and engaging, making it easy to get through the book.
- •The series still has a lot of potential, and I'm hoping the next book will be more engaging.
- •The mythology and Slavic epic elements are well-done and add to the story.
- •The book is easy to read, with a simple and straightforward plot.
- •The backstory on Maru's relationships is interesting and adds depth to the story.
- •The book is a great example of how to incorporate historical inserts into a narrative.
cancelCons
- •The story feels like it's following a predictable script, with too many contrived plot twists.
- •The characters' actions are hard to believe, and their motivations are unclear.
- •The historical inserts are a bit too on-the-nose, taking away from the overall experience.
- •The book lacks a clear direction, with too many unanswered questions.
- •The supporting characters are underdeveloped and feel like cardboard cutouts.
- •The book's predictability makes it hard to become invested in the story.
