Review: Love is ....frustrating
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 01 26, 2012
I LOVED the first book in this series.  The story was great, the characters were interesting, and the ending was epic.  I liked this entry, but I didn't love it (really more of a 3.5 star rating). Also, this is mildly SPOILERISH.  Like a few other reviewers, I think my main issue is with Valerie.  I don't get her motivations for her actions...I understand her misgivings, her trust issues, even her nostalgic feelings.  None of that really explains her actions.  They did not read as organic for me, very few things she did were done with any type of actually reflection..I just didn't connect with her as much this time around.  Jack, I like that he had more depth, but I'm not crazy about the direction he is headed in & not for obvious reasons (I didn't feel like he & Val were ever really MEANT for each other).  Despite the misgivings of the heart, what really upset me was the concept of family these people have (meaning the things that go on between Val & Jack, aside from the romantic aspect don't match what they are saying, even in monologue about how they feel for each other as family).  And Lucas, poor Lucas.  Damned if you do, damned if you don't I guess.  I'll also admit to be vehemently team Lucas (I'm usually on the vampire side of things-at least for the romantic lead.)  This brings us to the new player in town, Cer-King of the Fey.  I really like the history of the Others in this Universe, so I was glad to get to meet him & see his side but why Val (at first) would trust as much as she did is beyond me.  Everyone knows fairies are not to be trusted!  I enjoyed the ending, which was very similar to the first book in how the reader will feel about it & if this goes beyond a trilogy that might get annoying..But for now I am eagerly awaiting the next installment.  If you like the 1st one read this.  Not nearly as good as the first as it is the second installment it is just a continuation of the story, sort of a filler episode where some necessary narrative things have to happen to get us to the pay-off.  The story telling is dynamic, I have no doubts the next book will fulfilling.