Book meme- Day 25

[scripsi]

25. Never finished it.

I don’t have any problems stop reading a book I don’t enjoy. Life’s too short for books I don’t enjoy. But I’m annoyed that I didn’t get through Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey. It’s part of a series set in a fantasy version of our world, with other mythology and gods. The heroine, Phèdre, is born into a house of courtesans (there are several, all with different specialties), but because she has a red dot in her eye she isn’t deemed worthy. Then it turns out that dot marks her as god-chosen. Which means she’s a super masochist. She’s raised to be a courtesan and spy, and about there, I lost all interest and after a year I think I can safely say I won’t pick it up again any time soon.

I know so many people who love this boo, and I think I would have loved it too- if I had read it 20 years ago. I don’t know what it was with it that didn't gel with me, just that it sort of chafed. I kept thinking how much younger me would have enjoyed this and that, things that now!Me found a bit predictable or just plain boring. It annoyed me every character were described as utterly beautiful. The world building was interesting, but I feel Lois McMaster Bujold does a similar version so much better in The Five Gods Universe.

Comments

[greghousesgf]

doesn't sound like my cup of tea at all.

[scripsi]

A lot of people love it, but I can't recommend it at all.

[earthspirits]

I used to think I had to finish every book I started, even if I disliked it. No more! I'm just too busy nowadays to waste time on books that turn out to be dull or poorly written.

[scripsi]

Me too! But I got over it. :)

[chelseagirl]

I read it years ago and wasn't impressed, though many others I know loved it. The bit you didn't read was the worst -- somehow the courtesan turns out to be a brilliant military strategist. Much as I am all about empowered women, it seems ridiculous and unearned.

[scripsi]

It certainly doesn't make me feel I want to pick it up again! :)