It’s Week Two of our Dark Hope read-along, and I have thoughts. So many thoughts.
If you didn’t catch week one, check it out here.
I’m still struggling with Christine Feehan’s writing style—it’s so repetitive. There’s an overwhelming amount of telling rather than showing. I noticed this in the first book of hers I read, and now I find myself skimming sections. I’m sure I’m missing some important details, but y’all, I just cannot.
I physically stood up with the need to show someone when I read the line:
“Nicu was thoughtful as he speculated.”
Y’all. He thoughtfully thought. WTF?
Okay. Editor rant over. Let’s talk story.
What’s Working (and What’s Not) in Dark Hope
🔮 Fenja’s Fate is Being Set Up. If nothing happens to her—whether it’s a near-death moment or actual death—I’m going to feel misled. The foreshadowing is way too heavy to ignore.
🔥 Benedek’s Manipulation is Not It. There’s something shady about the way Benedek is negotiating with Silke. I get that Feehan is setting up their dynamic, but all the “truth” she hears in his voice feels forced. It’s like a contract she doesn’t fully understand, and I guarantee it’ll come back to bite her.
🩸 Silke Will 100% Become a Carpathian. Benedek has already ensured she’s prepared for the change in case she falls in battle with Lilith. That’s not subtle foreshadowing—it’s a flashing neon sign.
🚩 Why is Tora Not Allowed to Be There? Huge red flag. Why is Benedek keeping Silke’s knowledgeable friend away? What is he hiding? And why is he so insistent on being invited into her home? I know something shady is coming.
Final Thoughts on Part Two
📖 Too much over-explaining. Too many descriptions of their appearances. Too many repetitive thoughts. Can we speed things up, please?
🔥 Here’s hoping the romance is steamy and not bogged down by inner monologues.
💬 What are you looking forward to in Part Three? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and I’ll see you next week!
Leave a Reply