Review: There are fascinating parts to this series...
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 10 9, 2013
I've read the first four books of this series - primarily because I cannot just read ONE book if there is a continued story line. It's a compulsion!I read. a LOT! And I can put up with some writing issues - if the storyline is good. I think there is a good set of 'bones' to this series. The idea of finding the 'one' and loving to the exclusion of all else. The wonderful magical scenes. The idea of protecting those you love through anything. The foundation is here for an epic series.The problem I have with this story is that our heroine feels like she's 16 instead of in her 20's. She is overly emotional - so much that it is debilitating (and honestly all that crying gets quite annoying after awhile). She's always blushing (is that supposed to imply innocence - or somehow pointing to angelic? I'm just not sure). I mean, *I* blush easily too - but I sure don't hide timidly!The sexual chemistry between Quin and Layla is obvious - but WAY overdone. It's given too much space that is not necessary. And their interactions need to be a bit less stereotypical. I mean, the man is always carrying her around. Is that supposed to be romantic? It's just a little too much. I'd dial that back a notch or two. I skipped most of these scenes after the first two books.My favorite part of this series (other than the magic scenes) is Layla's draw to the younger folk and innocent children. This is the only time we see the heroine's true nature. We HEAR about her nature...but we only SEE it when she is with the young. Why is that?I'm hoping the next book brings Layla's nature to the fore - and the whole bonded sexuality toned down. We are all aware of how Quin and Layla feel - but enough already...Oh...and one more thing. All of the smoking - it adds not one thing to the story. It just made me roll my eyes and skip over it.In closing: mixed feelings about the series. I did like it...kept me interested. It could be exceptional, but is held back by all of the crying and excessive sexual scenes. I give it a 3star because of this. I enjoyed reading most of it though - and definitely recommend it if you can look past the things I mentioned above. I'll keep reading the series as it comes out.