Review: Suffers from Middle Book Syndrome
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 08 17, 2011
I enjoyed the concept and characters in book one of this series, Eternal Eden, so I was eager to by book 2. I have to say although I enjoyed the story and will probably buy book three I have two big problems with book 2.1. There is no real climax. Sure there are some mini climaxes along the way, but no big peak and resolution. It really suffers from middle book syndrome and it's purpose just seems to be carrying on from book one and setting you up for book 3. Writers of these book series should all take a cue from J.K. Rowling the queen of successful series. Even though all the Harry Potter books had a common theme that ran through all the books, each one in itself had a plot, climax and resolution. You could read any book in the series alone and be satisfied. This book is not so lucky. I don't want to give away any spoilers so let's just say I spent most of the book waiting for something big to happen and it never came. It suffers from too much talk and not enough action.2. The Paul character. I did not like his role in book one but could put that aside because he did not play much importance to the plot. This book he appears again in a larger role and I just had to laugh at the ridiculous way he enters this book, his current state, and his eventual outcome, which we could all see coming a mile away. The fact that some human big man on campus would become obessed with another human girl he spoke to only twice is so farfetched in itself, it makes every word out of his mouth in this book just silly. Her deep feelings of friendship for him is also silly for a boy she barely knew and for much of book one did not even like. His placement seems to just be there to create some kind of potential love triangle, which all these young adult paranormal authors seem to think their books require. If he is going to be a true possible love interest for Bryn make him a viable one (think Jacob in Twilight). I hope he does not have much of a role in book three, but I have a feeling he will be there will bells on.Other than these two issues I like really like the concept and think the story has a lot of potential. My only advice for the author is don't just write for the third book...make each book in the series a story and satisfying in in itself.