Taste of Darkness by Maria V. Snyder

Much that I like the two previous books, I would have to say that I couldn’t finish this one. After a while, I felt the story is going nowhere and that it repeats much of the second book. The plot of Avry-the-valuable-bait-to-get-Tohon has been used far too many times and I myself can’t really understand why she has become this important. Somehow it is like she is the only one who tries hard..or perhaps this is so because half of the book comes from her point of view and we can’t see much of others. 

Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen

"A desperate tale with a cause"

Hmm, although the characters are all believable, I feel there are some elements missing for me. I fear, in the search of happy ending happy reading, I did not expect for a little grim story.

We all know the story of a benevolent Robin Hood since we were young. Still, a child's perception does not imagine much cruelty exists in this world, and we all learn this story without much thoughts. But what if the story behind is more complex than that? And maybe that's my reaction when I read Scarlet.

Since the storyline is much on the heroine, it's easiest to look into her head. And her point of view is rather grim. She can not stop acting, she can not stop doing something, anything... as she fears the moment she stops, someone might go hungry, get hurt or be killed. She never truly eats because another mouthful for her belly can also be another mouthful for other hopeless people out there. Worst of all, she regards herself beyond redemption, for she is a thief.

I used to love this fanciful tale of Robin Hood when I was young. However, by always providing for his people, how can Hood and his band can truly sustain the needs of so many people? There are too many people and too many needs VS too little manpower the band has. Indeed, 4 thieves against a sheriff and his army.

Somewhat that affects Robin Hood's attitude towards Scarlet as well. I normally go for aloof characters over lover boys. Yet, in this book, I feel Hood does not really deserve her. He says he does not know how to sort out his feelings towards her, and instead uses scornful insults as his protection. Also, I feel Scarlet is a convenience for Hood when it comes to stealing and intelling. A noble he is, Hood should have respected Scarlet more.

Despite hope the characters insist, I still feel despair looming in. Maybe I'm not a believer, maybe I'm too tired with donation fatigue.

The rate is B. I like the details given to the characters and yes, all action scenes.

With the summary for Book 2, not sure if I dare to read it!

Soulbound by Heather Brewer

I read the book for the high rate Goodread gives, and I am pleased I read this!

“A girl bound by the set of protocols fighting to become herself and follow her belief”

Hmm, there are both yes and no elements I find in SOULBOUND, some of which are frequently-used plots found in YA paranormal genre, such as love triangle, a new girl in school and so on. I like KAYA and her attitude, as well as her ‘side-kick’ helper MADDOX. What I’m not sure I like is the pattern of two boys aiming for her attention, and well, affection: 1) caring and close TRAYTON (whose weakness is his adherence to the rules) and 2) distant and cold DARIUS (with, however, his disregard to the rules).

The pace of the story is acceptable, but, only after a while, I find the plot a bit too repeating – sneaking at night and encountering murderous creatures, fighting the instructors and ending with extra duty (A.K.A. tending the roses) and, with less frequency, confronting a certain villain girl.

Overall, the storyline is quite intriguing, if not a bit predictable. I have wondered what KAYA will become and will find since I first read about her, and I still want to know more about her after I finished the book. The only problem for me is the climax/ ending if the book, which I feel rather unconvincing. I feel the two males become seriously injured only to test her real ‘bound’ to both boys.

But then, I will blame it on an-overthinking-adult-munching-on-YA-book because, despite my criticism, I did enjoy the book immensely, and I will definitely read SOULBROKEN!  

PS. I still don’t understand why I think about Harry Potter and his school setting while reading the book!