Review: Rushed and underdeveloped, even for a short story - Lara Adrian's NIGHTDRAKE
Rating: 2 out of 5
Date: 12 6, 2013
Short stories have to be centered on one major idea or goal to flourish. Their lens has to be focused tight in order to fit in the appropriate amount of character development and world building. In very loose terms, it's the difference between a TV series (novel) or just one episode (short story). The purpose of a short story definitely is NOT to provide space for advertising and excerpts from other books; I don't mind being a cheap date for a book boyfriend, but I don't like to be used or misinformed.Lara Adrian's NIGHTDRAKE attempts to accomplish too much plot in too few words, and that doesn't leave enough room for explanations. Why is the mercenary nicknamed "the Heartless"? We certainly see no sign of cruelty by her. And, whether or not that is her nature, what internal arguements, thoughts about her career, regrets, and experiences caused Nisha to make the choices in the first ten pages of the short story and lead to the typical sex-within-24-hours romance.Better yet, this one should go back in the author's brain and cook a little longer; stirring as needed for best results. The equivalent of, "They rested for two weeks, and then they left," just isn't an inspiring finale. The specific thing on the bird though- that one is one I've not come across. Did I mention the dragon? Oh, yes. This Earth has got the shifters, telepaths, and all sorts of lovelies! What Lara has given us is a false start at a novel, including a fresh post-apocalyptic take on the paranormal-human relationship on her altered Earth. But as it stands, the overall picture is too big for a short story and too small for a novel.The rundown:* Post-apocalyptic Earth setting not fully developed* Next time, lend background to a tease of a nickname* No reasons for actions which appear out-of-character* Another typical 24 hr. hello-to-sex romance* The inconclusive ending makes me expect to turn the page to read "Chapter Two"* Better rewritten as a paranormal novel* Don't rush, just to advertise and provide excerpts from author's other novels