This book was a bit of a let down, to be honest. I went in with high expectations and was only moderately interested in the story enough to even finish it. My favourite part was the magic system and how witchcraft was used by both the white and blood witches. Learning the history of witchcraft and the church and why they are at such odds was also an interesting aside. Also, I loved Coco, like obsessed with her, and I wanted more of her story and to learn more about La Dame Rouge. Honestly, I never really felt the connection between Lou and Reid, never understood how a bond was even formed with their interactions, it never made sense to either of their characters. The insistence of Lou and Reid saying 'My Husband' or 'My Wife' as soon as they were married, every time they spoke, grated on my nerves. I appreciate that they do not want to acknowledge each other's names, as it means recognizing each other as more than a person forced into their lives, but honestly, once or twice was enough to impart this understanding. Plus, how their marriage came about was so unbelievable it threw me right out of the story. I think the fault with this book lies in the fact there was no clear messaging. While Lou is with the Chasseur's you can see how insidious their belief system has become (but then Lou also talks about their devotion as being admirable). It enrages the reader how the church treats witches as inhuman objects instead of women. The church is so backward in their thinking that you automatically feel for these women who are reviled and burned without trial. At no point could I understand how Lou could even stand to be anywhere near the church or the Chasseur's, even for her own protection. I never really felt the developing of feelings Lou had for Reid, all of a sudden he was okay because of his demeanor to women and his purity? So, after experiencing the Chasseur's and finding sympathy for these persecuted witches, you are then introduced to La Dame Blanche. When they arrive they behave exactly as the Chasseur's fear they would, completely obliterating the messaging about the church being vile for treating these women the way they do. Sure, at some points in the story you hear about why witches are seeking to destroy the Lyon line, and it is obviously terrible and sad how they are murdered just for trying to help others with their gifts. However, this does not excuse their using innocent people to their own ends, driving them insane or having them kill themselves to kill others. Yes, the church is an oppressor and these witches have been oppressed, but in their trying to overthrow their oppressor they are murdering innocent people who have also been brainwashed and misused by these oppressors. The witches are therefore not exempt from evil, they will use any means, hurt anyone, in order to fulfil their desires and vengeance. So, who is the real villain in this book? Who are we meant to be rooting for? I think there needed to be more put forward about people trying to work together. We simply have Lou and Reid, both whom I found annoying in their characterization. Should I feel sorry for both sides, should I see there is good in the darkness? Because this book seems just to be full of anger and hate, but no real empathy. I wonder if it is worth continuing on with the series, which is too bad, as I bought all three books with the thought I would love this highly hyped witchy story.
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Currently ReadingGraphic Novel
Romance Audiobook
Archives
April 2024
|