2 and 3, I love books' rantings
BOOK ASK: book recs and recent reads edition
2. What’s something you read recently and disliked?
In addition to the previously mentioned Empress of the Seven Hills by Kate Quinn, I also read its direct sequel and fourth book in the series, Lady of the Eternal City. It was more of the same thing except every character got MORE annoying, and then it reached a plot point that enraged me so much I closed the book immediately and didn't go back. I did get a vibe it was more of the same - one dimensional snobby villain (this time a boy!), childhood friend romance, tomfoolery with the Roman Imperial Family Trees, and Vix being the center of attention again which I couldn't stand. I also looked up what happened at the end of the book, and if you know how book 2 ends for Thea and Aries, then you know how this book ends because Sabina and Vix end up in the EXACT same place which is super contrived and a cop-out.
3. What’s something you read recently and wanted to argue with (either with the book or the author or the fans)?
I am BEGGING Historical Fiction, Historical Fantasy, and Historical Romance authors to at least put SOME effort into making the story feel historical. To actually consider how people thought back then and how people spoke and how society operated and not impose SUCH modern takes on all of it. I'm not saying you have to rid all touches of modernity completely - you want audience to relate to your characters. Historical inaccuracies can actually be fun if they fit the characters and emotion and themes of the world you are building! I'm not a stickler, I promise! But when the dialogue characters use in any historical setting makes it sound like they have seen a movie (prior to the 20th century), or have used social media, it really takes me out of it. This is especially egregious in one of the books I'm reading now, The Sea Witch by Eva Leigh. All the characters talk like they're from the present day until she throws in a " 'Tis " or "Aye" to remind you it's supposed to be the 18th century.
