Meh.

[checkers65477]

It has taken me forever to finish Undine by Penni Russon.  I kept putting it down for a day or two before I'd remember, "Oh, yeah, I'm reading a book.  I should finish it, I suppose."  It just didn't hold my interest, and although I liked aspects of it, on the whole I was disappointed.

The magic/fantasy part of the story was weak and I kept wondering when something was going to happen.  I had heard that it was the first in a series of books, and it seemed as if the author used the entirety of the first book to set up the story at the expense of the plot.  Trout was more likable than Undine and he had a spark of something I really liked.  I hope the author doesn't torture him with his unrequited love for Undine throughout the other books.  He deserves better than that.  A reviewer on Amazon called Undine a Mary Sue character and I think there is some validity in that.  The book had a small bit about a creepy online character thrown in for a few pages, but nothing ever came of it.  Undine's mother was not very well developed and struck me as cold and strange, but her father was interesting--mysterious and more complex.  I think a big part of my dissatisfaction was from so many unexplained story lines--Undine's parents' relationship, how the magic works, what happened to the bay, etc.   Some random kittens were thrown in at the end.  

What the author did well, though, was describe the feelings of the teen characters in a way that was real and brought back similar feelings from when I was that age.  At times her writing reminded me of Deb Caletti's Honey, Baby, Sweetheart, and I wonder if she could write a great realistic fiction book.  The Australian setting was well-described, and made me want to visit there even more.

Comments

[checkers65477.livejournal.com]

My two top places outside of the US where I'd like to spend time are in the UK and Australia. Well, then there's Italy, Greece, etc., etc. *sigh* So many places to go. Maybe someday.

[emerald-happy.livejournal.com]

Come to the UK! ...In the summer (winter is too depressing, though you would cheer it up)

If you need to be bailed out of jail or driven to the hospital or something I'll be there to help!

LOL: I told Punkispurple! I'm sure she'll be pleased! I didn't know you were in/near the Carolinas. I guess you're better at the whole privacy thing.

[checkers65477.livejournal.com]

No, I don't mind anyone knowing that I'm in North Carolina. Even if she just wants ideas of fun places to go, she can get in touch with me.

I really hope in the next few years, I'll make it to the UK. If only those sorts of trips weren't so expensive!

[emmaco.livejournal.com]

Noooo! stop trying to lure Checkers to your country!

I went the UK in winter (our summer holidays) and it was fun! Wintery looking. I got to wear a coat and hat and gloves! Plus there weren't too many other tourists around. I admit I am looking forward to going back and seeing trees with leaves though.