Did Not Finish Explanation
Received: ARC from publisher and won a copy
Read pages: 144 of 330
Five reasons I DNF-ed
1. Men are EVIL OPPRESSORS and women are a part of a Sisterhood of Superiority. This is one of my deal breakers. Not only does this annoy me on principle (hey, I like men), but it also makes it hard for me to swallow the romance.
I just can't buy that in a world where pretty much every man is a closed-minded prison guard, the romantic interest somehow manages to rise above it all and kiss the boots of his beloved.
And he's the only man who thinks like this, except for maybe a token old guy (though I didn't meet a token old guy in Born Wicked yet...unless you count their father).
2. I wasn't feeling the love interest. He's quirky, awkward, weak, and he does not ooze masculinity. He gets beat up regularly. I like alpha men, so Finn really is not my type.
There was also a sort of love triangle developing, though the eventual winner is super clear (and not MY choice).
3. Cate, the main character, is so NOT getting an invite to my sleepover party. She has this idea in her head that I think is totally unreasonable, but she will not let it go. This provides one of the main conflicts in the book.
She bosses her sisters around and treats them like they're dim children. Now, ok, she does do this out of love for them, but it still annoyed me. She also rejects feminine things I actually enjoy reading about, like dresses and social gatherings and courting. I have a hard time warming up to main characters who diss what I like.
She also reminded me of Azalea, of whom I am not a fan. I liked the second sister Maura MUCH more. She's a spunky little go-getter who totally gets the value of possessing magical powers. Cate, on the other hand, seems perfectly happy ignoring the gigantic prophecy of power, suppressing her magic (?!), and spending her days holed up in her garden. BOR-ING!
4. Too slow for me (but remember, I am a super impatient reader). It sounds like there are some exciting things about to happen (secret societies! a hidden diary! a mysterious godmother! a prophecy!), but it is taking FOR-EV-ER to get to them. I read almost half the book and not much has happened at all. I think Born Wicked is a victim of series stretching, but I can't be sure since I haven't finished the book.
The pacing reminded me of Michelle Zink's Prophecy of the Sisters series where there was lots of hinting at something really cool, but it took three whole books to finally materialize (at least, I assume the good stuff eventually showed up in that series--I didn't bother picking up the third book).
5. I wasn't sold on the world building. This is an alternate historical fantasy, which basically means that it is similar to our world, but altered. New England America becomes "New London," a land where women are oppressed under the iron fist of a religious brotherhood. The Arab world is a center of enlightenment and freedom for women. There are lots of tweaks and changes, so while the names of these countries may be familiar, the descriptions of them are all mixed up.
That could be fine. My problem stems from the lack of explanation for these cultural developments. WHY are certain parts of the world enlightened and free while others are not? What in their histories have led them to develop in these ways? We get a little explanation, but only surface level.
I also wanted to know how these countries connect to our world. I understand that this is alternate history, but there must be some connection to real history, right? Some point where our history diverged and developed into the author's creation. Otherwise it would be fantasy and there would be no point in using the names of real countries.
Except there is no connection here. There is no "turning point" explained and so all of the cultural differences don't make sense to me. (Now, these connections may have been made later on in the book. I don't know. But, still, I would have preferred if they had been established earlier to ground the story, but maybe that's my impatience rearing its head).
Bottom line
So, yeah, not for me. This isn't a BAD book though. I can totally see fans of the Prophecy of the Sisters trilogy by Michelle Zink loving Born Wicked. I will also order a copy for my library.
Have you read Born Wicked?
I hope you liked it more than I did!
What features are deal breakers for you?
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I hope you liked it more than I did!
What features are deal breakers for you?
People seem to either rave or rant about this book. Not much midway. The comparison to Michelle Zink's books makes me cautious since I was not a fan.
ReplyDeleteYeah, this book is off my wish list, it managed to hit all the stuff you don't like that I don't like. I think I would deeply dislike Cate. And I'm so over reading books where I don't like the main character.
ReplyDeleteI'm tired of reading books where I don't like the MC too :( It's so important, but also very personal. I wish this book had been told from the middle sister's perspective.
DeleteYou know, that happened to me with the newest Sarah Dessen... I can't remember the title, but while I was reading it - and it was a good book, I liked it - I kept wishing the story was about -and told from - Deb's perspective.
DeleteSo frustrating! Every time I read a book where I love the story but hate the MC, a part of my heart is exploding into a million pieces over the SO CLOSE missed opportunity of an awesome book.
DeleteI bet I'd like the love interest although I'm not a fan of that name. Makes me think of the dumb character on Glee. I like em scrawny and feel immediate sympathy for him in that he gets beat up (reminds me of Captain America; as long as he gets back up, I'm okay with it).
ReplyDeleteSide note: Not sure how many movies you see, but I'm wondering if you really liked Thor from last year? I thought he was too male and I vastly preferred Captain America. But you may not have seen those films.
Yes, I can definitely see you liking the love interest!
DeleteI only saw the very beginning of Thor, but I think you're probably right. I liked Captain America, but mostly after he got all buff :) We could totally go on double dates and not have to worry about fighting over the same guy :P
And I preferred CA's looks after he was buff but I loved his heart and courage even before then. Whereas Thor was so overwhelmingly arrogant and male to me. I definitely keep an eye out for books where you find the male too milquetoast because I tend to like those guys.
DeleteIt's funny you use the word milquetoast. Whenever I hear that word I automatically think of Niles from Frasier, but I LOVE Niles. I think he's the only character like that that I have a gigantic crush on. Go figure!
DeleteI had the same problems, especially with Cate. Within reading the first chapter, I was tempted to stop because she was so self-righteous, like her sisters couldn't take care of themselves at all. And she's so effing selfless AT 16 years old! I understand that she loved her mother and wanted to do right by her, but I don't think I would find a single teenager who could stand to live that rigidly of a life.
ReplyDeleteUgh, yes, self-righteous is such a perfect way to describe her. I completely agree, I also was having a hard time swallowing her self-sacrificing nature at 16 years old! What sixteen year old would rather stay a spinster shut in instead of exploring her magical powers and dating? Ok, I'm sure there are some (and honestly I'm not the boldest or most outgoing person either), but that doesn't make for a very compelling main character.
DeleteWell, I'm glad I decided not to check this one out, not when I have other things that I would much rather read first. Sure, some of your complaints are personal biases, but I know a few of these points would really bother me too, poor world building first and foremost.
ReplyDeleteYou'd probably be more tolerant of the pacing than I was, but I can see you taking issue with the world building. It felt more like "Oh, wouldn't this be nice!" but without actually thinking through any of the WHYs associated with it.
DeleteFor example, it seems like the vast majority of women in the book would prefer having romantic relationships with other women and not men. But that's frowned upon so they hide it and carry on relationships with men, presumably just for show? So most women are secretly gay, maybe? I'm not clear on that.
And, ok, I could buy that their society developed in that direction, but when it's SO different from our world I really need the author to give me an explanation and there just wasn't one here. The most she gave was that men as a sex are oppressors and women are like totally free and open!, which really isn't an explanation. Especially when the Arab world presumably has men but their men accept women kissing women...so why are those men ok with it and the New London men aren't?
Ok, now I'm just rambling. :)
That's sad to hear. I saw this at a bookshop and did wonder briefly whether or not to buy it. And I agree with the alpha male part :P
ReplyDeleteI was really hoping Finn would be an alpha male. An early blurb I read made him sound so swoony. If you can get it through the library then you might want to give it a try. I'm always reluctant to buy books I haven't read though :)
DeleteAutsch! I admit, I was never intruiged by this book and seeing you couldn't even finish it I'm more than determined now not to pick it up anytime soon. You made good and valid points why this book wasn't for you, and some poing totally would throw me off just the same!
ReplyDeleteAw, I think you should take my opinion with a grain of salt because we often like different books. But, if you do pick it up at some point, you should be able to tell early on if you like Cate or if she bugs you.
DeleteI always want dystopian books that explain the reasons why their world is the way it is (like the hunger games) so I appreciate that you told me about the bad world building. I sometimes like love triangles, but not when the chosen is clear.
ReplyDeleteI really dislike the cover, too flowery.
Good points!
The cover is probably my favorite thing about the book, other than the middle sister (who really does seem awesome).
DeleteThe love triangle seemed obvious to me, but I guess it could get more complicated later on. I hear the second guy is going to be in the sequel, so I guess he must have more of a role than I saw. But I didn't love him either. :(
It was a really cool premise with a lot of potential (kind of an historical fantasy/dystopia, which is pretty cool!), but I really needed more explanation.
I wasn't all that excited about this book. The cover is cute and the trailer is interesting, but the cliched hate groups mentioned (I also read about the pagans vs. religious nuts aspect was also hard to swallow) made me less interested in this one. Glad I passed it up and wasn't missing out on anything.
ReplyDeleteYep, pagan vs. religious nuts is a BIG part. The Evil-Male Oppressors are all also Evil-Religious Oppressors, chock full of all the narrow-mindedness that necessarily characterizes both men and religious persons. *gag*
DeleteI was super excited about this book too :(
This is why I really like these DNF reviews. Sometimes people who didn't like a book can give a much clearer idea of its strengths and weaknesses. I can tell that the things you didn't like are things that I'm either intrigued by (sexist society) or not bothered by (world not fully explained). I think this has convinced me to read Born Wicked just as much as a positive review might have done. So I hope you keep doing them and don't feel bad about it - I really enjoyed reading it!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you find value in these explanations! I feel bad completely ignoring a book I didn't finish—and you're a perfect example of why I shouldn't! I hope you enjoy Born Wicked, and I think if you like those features then you probably will like the book :)
DeleteAMEN! That lovely, lovely cover lured me, the concept was intriguing, but I gave it up much sooner than you did! So disappointed. I completely agree with all of your arguments, well said!
ReplyDeleteThe cover lured me in, too! I love the colors. The plot is fantastic, and really, there are so many elements that are there that could make this book a perfect fit for me. Sadly, it will have to be a perfect fit for someone else. I'm sorry it didn't work for you either. :(
Delete#1 thanks for having the courage to post a DNF review. So much better for readers to be able to get all types of viewpoints.
ReplyDelete#2 Now I am even more curious about this one (as well as worried it may not live up to expectations)
♥ Melissa @ Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf
Thank you! I feel wrong not writing about the books I didn't finish. They're not necessarily bad books, they're just not the right book for me. But I'm not writing reviews for me, so why hide a book someone else might like? Or, at least that's how I logic it out :P
DeleteI hope you enjoy Born Wicked more than I did! Maybe adjust your expectations a little and then with any luck it will exceed them :)
Ooooo I hate books where/when men are the enemy. ICK. That would bug me too. Thanks for your honesty doll!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome! :D I only give Arthurian books a pass on the man-hate, and only very, very rarely at that.
Deleteaaaaahhh Small...what a bummer!! I'm still going to give it a go, hopefully I'll like it...at least...haha! But good review. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! :)
ReplyDeleteI know! SUCH a bummer :( I hope you like it more than I did!
DeleteI think I'll be avoiding this one for now. While I did like Prophecy of the Sisters, I only really enjoyed the first book. After that, I felt they weren't as interesting, for the reasons you mentioned. Love that you spell out exactly what you didn't like!
ReplyDeleteHm, I did like the first book of Prophecy of the Sisters a lot more than the second. I'm not sure I remember either book well enough though to say which is more similar to Born Wicked.
DeleteDrats! But boy did you make me laugh, especially the sleepover comment. I am a fan of the Prophecy of the Sisters...so I might just like this one! But I do agree with you and several of the commentators. I don't care for evil men in stories! How awful to not like the main character? Yikes! That's a big letdown. Well, I bought this one. Here's crossing my fingers I like it and it wasn't a waste of money :)
ReplyDeleteUgh, she would be a total drag on a sleepover party. At least she would be at *my* party. Her sister is definitely getting an invitation though.
DeleteI do think you should give it a shot though, given that you like Prophecy of the Sisters. They're different, but the basic...vibe is similar. If that makes sense :P I hope you like it!
I'd been excited for this - but really? All the reasons you DNF'd it would cause me to put it down as well, so I suppose I'll have to take it off my list. (I have enough stuff to read that I'm sure I'll love.)
ReplyDelete-Jac @ For Love and Books
Maybe glance at it from the library? You should be able to tell pretty early on if you like Cate (and maybe flip ahead to meet the love interest). I think that's the biggest make it or break it for me and this book. But, yeah, I hear you on the TBR! :)
DeleteI really hate when the world building is shaky. I can't concentrate on the story when I have lots of questions. Love these posts. They are so helpful and they remind me that I'm not crazy for not loving EVERY book :)
ReplyDeleteMe too! I don't like it when my mind is focusing on plot holes or things like that due to shaky world building. I want to focus my questions on a mystery.
DeleteOh no, definitely not crazy! :)
I'm probably going to read this one just to see if I like it but I've heard it takes a while to get into this one. I'm bummed though that the main character doesn't like things such as dressings and courting. That's one of the reasons why I read historical fiction!
ReplyDeleteMe too! I love getting to vicariously wear pretty dresses, attend balls, and be courted by gentlemen :) I'll be very interested in your thoughts if you do decide to pick it up.
DeleteOh no! I was intrigued by this book but I hate pretty much all those things you mentioned. Maybe it's not for me after all.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear that! :(
DeleteOh, complete bummer. I've pinned for this book for quite sometime. I guess this is getting plucked from my TBR. It just doesn't sound good to me now at all. Thanks for the DNF explanation - always love them!
ReplyDeleteYou have a lot more tolerance than I do for slower books, so maybe you'd like it? It'll probably be available from a digital library at some point, so you could see if it lives up to your expectations. :)
DeleteOh noes! I actually enjoyed this book, but it could be because I listened to it on audiobook? But yeah, you have a lot of good points I didn't think about regarding the cultural structure.
ReplyDeleteI usually have a totally different take on a book when I listen to it instead of read, so maybe the audio is better! I'm glad you liked it! I'll keep an eye out for your review of the second book then to see how the series progresses :)
DeleteOh I'm sad to hear that you didn't like this one. I actually loved it myself. It definitely did take some time to get into, but I got through that because I knew this was a first book in a series so I expected it to start slower. I can completely understand your points though.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy you loved it! You're right about first books in a series, but I'm too impatient :P I hope you enjoy the second book too :)
Deletelol i'm male and alpha males most of the time i find annoying and blegg/ not really mature reaction i know
ReplyDeletei'm kinda scrawny / so that i wat 2 saw
sorry was a disspointment
:) You should like Finn then!
DeleteI will probably still read this because the cover is pretty and I can't resist. But oh my gosh, I wish you DNFed posts more often because this was so much fun to read.
ReplyDeleteIsn't the cover pretty? *sigh* it's worth it just to own it for the cover.
DeleteI hate having DNF posts because that means I read a book I didn't like, but I have to say, they're among the easiest "reviews" to write!
YES! Preach the truth, woman!
ReplyDelete