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neuroqueer 's review for:
The Book of Secrets
by Melissa McShane
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This short book is a murder mystery that occurs in a magical world hidden within our own (think Harry Potter). It has a theme of imposter syndrome.
The main character is fine. She isn't especially interesting. The other characters don't seem particularly interesting either. Some of the other characters include:
* The handsome leading man who helps our protagonist and will eventually become a love interest
* The annoying female rival who wants to usurp the lead
* The wild best friend who is horny all the time and makes the lead do things they aren't particularly comfortable with (...and is annoying)
* An authority figure who is only used when information or actions are needed to get the plot moving along
What is interesting about this book is the setting. The lead tries out for a job at a bookstore which turns out to be part of a hidden society of magical people. The bookstore and the custodian of said bookstore can conduct auguries by using the books.
This store is important as a war is occurring on two fronts: the open war involves monstrous invaders from an outside world (think Lovecraft) attacking our world. The subtle war involves two factions who were split due to bickering how to handle the war. The bookstore in this case is a neutral ground where anyone from any faction can come in and consult the bookstore oracle.
That is what makes this book interesting.
There is the main plot of a murder but the suspect is VERY obvious.
The setting was enough for me to overlook it.
It's a quick read and didn't cost much on Amazon (was 2.99 for the Kindle version). It's not groundbreaking in the least but if you want to kill a couple of hours, it's a decent choice. I'm not chomping at the bits to read the next one but whenever I'm in a mood to read something short and magical, I will probably pick up it up.
The main character is fine. She isn't especially interesting. The other characters don't seem particularly interesting either. Some of the other characters include:
* The handsome leading man who helps our protagonist and will eventually become a love interest
* The annoying female rival who wants to usurp the lead
* The wild best friend who is horny all the time and makes the lead do things they aren't particularly comfortable with (...and is annoying)
* An authority figure who is only used when information or actions are needed to get the plot moving along
What is interesting about this book is the setting. The lead tries out for a job at a bookstore which turns out to be part of a hidden society of magical people. The bookstore and the custodian of said bookstore can conduct auguries by using the books.
This store is important as a war is occurring on two fronts: the open war involves monstrous invaders from an outside world (think Lovecraft) attacking our world. The subtle war involves two factions who were split due to bickering how to handle the war. The bookstore in this case is a neutral ground where anyone from any faction can come in and consult the bookstore oracle.
That is what makes this book interesting.
There is the main plot of a murder but the suspect is VERY obvious.
The setting was enough for me to overlook it.
It's a quick read and didn't cost much on Amazon (was 2.99 for the Kindle version). It's not groundbreaking in the least but if you want to kill a couple of hours, it's a decent choice. I'm not chomping at the bits to read the next one but whenever I'm in a mood to read something short and magical, I will probably pick up it up.