Reviewed by Leigha on
Ness challenges the patriarchy in this fun, yet problematic, young adult paranormal romance.
You’ve probably read this book before – a young woman goes up against an all-boys club. You’re going to come across all the familiar stereotypes: the one guy who supports you; the one guy you think is a good-ole-boy, but secretly supports you and your agenda; the cadre of women not supporting you and actively antagonizing you; the one female character cheering you on; etc. They all make an appearance here, and, for the most part, they are enjoyably written. Add in a sarcastic narrator, shape shifting, romance, friendships, and betrayals and you got a fun, if predictable, novel. It’s not bringing much originality to the story or structure, but what it lacks in originality, it makes up for in consistency. It’s like eating chicken noodle soup – pleasurable, if not all that exciting.
I had two major issues with this book. First, Ness ends up attracting a lot of male predators. Even her romantic interest does some shady shit that did not sit well with me. The behaviors she experiences with these men were problematic and not well addressed. Add on to the fact she is seventeen-years-old and I have a whole world of concerns. I’m unsure I would want my daughter reading this book, thinking that some of these behaviors are okay as long as the person apologizes to you. There is a difference between forgiveness and ignoring problematic behavior.
My other issue involved the weird love triangle between Ness and two of the men in her pack. I’m…unsure why there is a love triangle? It was pretty obvious the author wanted Ness with one particular guy. The other love interest was 10 years older than Ness, away for the majority of the novel, and only appeared to take away from the other romantic lead. I get the impression the second novel will only grow the love triangle, but why? What, really, is it adding to the story other than unnecessary drama? And, no offense, but why is a 27-year-old veteran interested in a 17-year-old girl? Why? WHY? That’s not to say people can’t be in loving or healthy relationships with a gap in their ages. It’s to say a 17-year-old girl seems a little too young to be attracting the attention of a 27-year-old man without giving it some side-eye. All that said, I was entertained and engaged during the read. I may have found it problematic, but I still intend to read the second book in the series.
tl;dr A paranormal romp with a fun premise, interesting characters, and problematic relationships made this an uneven read.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 5 November, 2018: Finished reading
- 5 November, 2018: Reviewed