1 to 10 of 10
Review Date: 3/14/2015
Dear Jane would roll over in her grave with all the steamy, detailed, and implausible pre- & post-marital sex going on in this Pride & Prejudice variation. If THAT is why one reads Jane Austen knock-offs, then this book has much to recommend it.
I don't care for it, and it seems wrong to me to drag Jane Austen characters into romance novel tawdryness.
I also don't like Elizabeth portrayed as weepy, insecure, and unable to defend herself against an attack by Wickham.
Other characters are distorted: Wickham is a rapist & pedophile. (We like our bad boys, but not downright slimy & evil.) Bingley (channeling Mr. Knightley) is too secure & strong, giving Darcy advice and unmoved by Caroline's manipulations.
This author writes very well, and has a wonderful feel for dialogue & description. It's a shame that the story was so poor.
I don't care for it, and it seems wrong to me to drag Jane Austen characters into romance novel tawdryness.
I also don't like Elizabeth portrayed as weepy, insecure, and unable to defend herself against an attack by Wickham.
Other characters are distorted: Wickham is a rapist & pedophile. (We like our bad boys, but not downright slimy & evil.) Bingley (channeling Mr. Knightley) is too secure & strong, giving Darcy advice and unmoved by Caroline's manipulations.
This author writes very well, and has a wonderful feel for dialogue & description. It's a shame that the story was so poor.
Review Date: 11/1/2016
Amusing, clever illustrations, and some good belly-deep guffaws from this cat lover.
I especially liked the cat's "Gift ideas for my owner's birthday" list:
1. Leave a dead bird on the front porch.
2. Leave a dead bird on the back porch.
3. Leave a MOSTLY dead bird in the living room.
4. Leave a decapitated bird's head in the bedroom.
My cats have done ALL these things-- and not just with birds.
**Just a note** There is some swearing in this book-- mostly GD (I find that phrase disrespectful.) On a few pages there are some sexual references. As this will be a gift to family, I'm going to do a little editing.
I especially liked the cat's "Gift ideas for my owner's birthday" list:
1. Leave a dead bird on the front porch.
2. Leave a dead bird on the back porch.
3. Leave a MOSTLY dead bird in the living room.
4. Leave a decapitated bird's head in the bedroom.
My cats have done ALL these things-- and not just with birds.
**Just a note** There is some swearing in this book-- mostly GD (I find that phrase disrespectful.) On a few pages there are some sexual references. As this will be a gift to family, I'm going to do a little editing.
Review Date: 7/4/2009
Helpful Score: 1
Couldn't figure out til the very end "who done it". A bit more serious and definitely more detailed politically than earlier books. Still, Jane's voice shines through, and we see her fearlessly follow clues until the end. As always, tidbits of Jane's real life make up part of the story. No one does this kind of book as well as Stephanie Barron.
Review Date: 1/15/2013
Helpful Score: 5
**NO PLOT SPOILERS IN MY COMMENTS**
Like many readers, I began this series in 1990 with the publication of the first book, "Eye of the World". So it's been a looong wait for the final, and 14th book "A Memory of Light". I've wondered how all the many story lines and character conflicts in this marvelously complex fantasy world could be resolved.
For the most part, 2nd author Brandon Sanderson has done a excellent job of finalizing the series. But beware: this book, all 900 pages of it, is battle after battle after battle.
I love SciFi & fantasy novels, and I'm not particulary squeamish. But battle details, with all the carnage, slashing, bashing, blood and gore, is my LEAST favorite thing to read about.
Since this series is fundamentally about the fight between good & evil, I knew there would be battles; especially in this final book. It was just too much for me.
And I will admit, part of my disappointment in this book is saying goodbye to this wonderful world and beloved characters.
Of the three books that Sanderson completed for the late Robert Jordan, (The Gathering Storm, Towers of Midnight) this is my least favorite. I gave the other two books 5 stars: this book 3 1/2 stars.
When I re-read, I may bump up the rating. But that 2nd reading won't be happening for a long time.
Like many readers, I began this series in 1990 with the publication of the first book, "Eye of the World". So it's been a looong wait for the final, and 14th book "A Memory of Light". I've wondered how all the many story lines and character conflicts in this marvelously complex fantasy world could be resolved.
For the most part, 2nd author Brandon Sanderson has done a excellent job of finalizing the series. But beware: this book, all 900 pages of it, is battle after battle after battle.
I love SciFi & fantasy novels, and I'm not particulary squeamish. But battle details, with all the carnage, slashing, bashing, blood and gore, is my LEAST favorite thing to read about.
Since this series is fundamentally about the fight between good & evil, I knew there would be battles; especially in this final book. It was just too much for me.
And I will admit, part of my disappointment in this book is saying goodbye to this wonderful world and beloved characters.
Of the three books that Sanderson completed for the late Robert Jordan, (The Gathering Storm, Towers of Midnight) this is my least favorite. I gave the other two books 5 stars: this book 3 1/2 stars.
When I re-read, I may bump up the rating. But that 2nd reading won't be happening for a long time.
Review Date: 7/10/2014
Helpful Score: 1
One of my favorites of the many P&P variations. Contains lots of humor, plot twists on the original story, and zips along at a quick & interesting pace. I especially enjoyed put-downs for three of Austen's nasty characters: a lusty Mr. Collins, a debt-ridden Wickham, and a well-deserved comeuppance for Caroline Bingley. The author makes clever use of dialogue from the original story, but stated by different characters. I've read everything Jack Caldwell has written in the Jane Austen vein, and eagerly await more.
Review Date: 11/11/2013
Helpful Score: 1
This author has written several P&P variations. "Mr. Darcy's Obsession" was excellent. Unfortunately, this one is....NOT. Waaaaaay too much detailed sex. Jane Austen and XXX rated don't go together for me.
Also, a crucial plot point in this variation (why Elizabeth breaks her engagement with another man) is skipped, and the narrative is picked up months later.
This variation doesn't have enough variation! Too much pre-marital sex, and thin plot. Lydia & Wickham are mentioned briefly but never appear.
The cover picture gives a great clue-- a nearly naked lady & Darcy's head cut off. Yuck.
Also, a crucial plot point in this variation (why Elizabeth breaks her engagement with another man) is skipped, and the narrative is picked up months later.
This variation doesn't have enough variation! Too much pre-marital sex, and thin plot. Lydia & Wickham are mentioned briefly but never appear.
The cover picture gives a great clue-- a nearly naked lady & Darcy's head cut off. Yuck.
Review Date: 8/6/2013
I've read many, many Jane Austen alternate versions and sequels. Some are excellent, some are plausible, some are boring, and some stink!
This falls into the Very Good and also plausible category. It's nicely written, good plot, true to the original characters, and its variations on the P&P storyline are interesting and make sense.
The dialogue, wording and descriptions also echo Jane's turn of phrase. (It surprises me how many JA knock-offs do not.)
Bingley comes across with more strength and will-power: he does not allow himself to be side-tracked by Caroline, Louisa, or Darcy, so he single-mindedly pursues his Jane and marries her early on in the story. He also manages to give Darcy some good advice.
Mr. Collins is even more dastardly than the original. He even behaves like a cad! And Aunt Catherine shows up in fine form to scold and condemn.
My biggest criticism: Lydia and Wickham's escapades don't happen here. That turmoil is needed.
This falls into the Very Good and also plausible category. It's nicely written, good plot, true to the original characters, and its variations on the P&P storyline are interesting and make sense.
The dialogue, wording and descriptions also echo Jane's turn of phrase. (It surprises me how many JA knock-offs do not.)
Bingley comes across with more strength and will-power: he does not allow himself to be side-tracked by Caroline, Louisa, or Darcy, so he single-mindedly pursues his Jane and marries her early on in the story. He also manages to give Darcy some good advice.
Mr. Collins is even more dastardly than the original. He even behaves like a cad! And Aunt Catherine shows up in fine form to scold and condemn.
My biggest criticism: Lydia and Wickham's escapades don't happen here. That turmoil is needed.
Review Date: 2/21/2015
Tedious & hellishly boring.
Review Date: 3/14/2015
Dear Jane would roll over in her grave with all the steamy, detailed, and implausible pre- & post-marital sex going on in this Pride & Prejudice variation. If THAT is why one reads Jane Austen knock-offs, then this book has much to recommend it.
I don't care for it, and it seems wrong to me to drag Jane Austen characters into romance novel tawdryness.
I also don't like Elizabeth portrayed as weepy, insecure, and unable to defend herself against an attack by Wickham.
Other characters are distorted: Wickham is a rapist & pedophile. (We like our bad boys, but not downright slimy & evil.) Bingley (channeling Mr. Knightley) is too secure & strong, giving Darcy advice and unmoved by Caroline's manipulations.
This author writes very well, and has a wonderful feel for dialogue & description. It's a shame that the story was so poor.
I don't care for it, and it seems wrong to me to drag Jane Austen characters into romance novel tawdryness.
I also don't like Elizabeth portrayed as weepy, insecure, and unable to defend herself against an attack by Wickham.
Other characters are distorted: Wickham is a rapist & pedophile. (We like our bad boys, but not downright slimy & evil.) Bingley (channeling Mr. Knightley) is too secure & strong, giving Darcy advice and unmoved by Caroline's manipulations.
This author writes very well, and has a wonderful feel for dialogue & description. It's a shame that the story was so poor.
Review Date: 1/14/2014
Helpful Score: 1
I've read lots of P&P sequels, variations, etc, and this is the best one for delineating and revealing Mary Bennet. The author takes her through a growing self-awareness; at times painful.
As a quiet middle sister myself, I felt a lot of sympathy for Mary. The story is well-written, plot interesting, and faithful to Jane Austen's characters.
Mary even spends some time at Rosings and stands up to Lady Catherine!
I only wish that an interesting sub-plot in London involving the Wickhams, Kitty, the Bingleys, and Caroline could have been more developed. But mayhap that's another book the author has in mind.
As a quiet middle sister myself, I felt a lot of sympathy for Mary. The story is well-written, plot interesting, and faithful to Jane Austen's characters.
Mary even spends some time at Rosings and stands up to Lady Catherine!
I only wish that an interesting sub-plot in London involving the Wickhams, Kitty, the Bingleys, and Caroline could have been more developed. But mayhap that's another book the author has in mind.
1 to 10 of 10
