Welcome to the fourth day of Turkey Tales! Everyday this week, some of my favorite bloggers will be sharing some of their worst reads with us in the first Turkey Tales event.
I knew it was coming. One of my guests was going to pick a Turkey Tale that I really liked. My friend Angela from Dark Faerie Tales gets that honor. She is always an insightful reviewer and on the rare occasions we disagree on a book, I can see her points even when they didn’t keep me from enjoying the book (as in the case with her choice). Leave a comment for another chance at the giveaway. Details below
by Angela from Dark Faerie Tales
When Abigail asked me to participate in her Turkey Tales feature, I didn’t think it would be that hard to narrow down one book that ultimately let me down in every aspect. While I’ve read other books this year that failed to deliver, Personal Demons moved to the front of the line. You can read the finer points of my Personal Demons review here. I’ve selected Personal Demons as my Turkey Tale for the following reasons:
Unlikable Heroine: Irredeemable… This one word speaks volumes about Frannie’s character. I was never able to connect with Frannie’s character. Her attributes essentially remained the same throughout the story. Remember what a raving b!t@h Cordelia Chase was? But over the course of Buffy and Angel her character developed? Well the protagonist in Personal Demons has zero character growth. She's the same shallow, uninteresting character at the end of the book. - Bad Romance: I’m a free b!t@h… Yes, we know, Frannie. You’re free with your affections. The love interests are tacked on and very formulaic. That would be okay if done well, but in Personal Demons it’s hard to buy the love connection between eons old celestial and infernal beings and a 17 year old. Frankly, this makes the Twilight love story look like Cleopatra and Mark Antony.
- World-building: I had a hard time believing that such powerful/ancient, damn near cosmic, supernatural humanity hanging in the balance characters are subject to obvious mcguffins such as the 'chosen one' protagonist. That chosen one schtick is played out even when done well as in The Matrix. It's utterly ridiculous that a hapless and boy crazy protagonist is going to play a major role in some cosmic struggle between good and evil, but I’d buy it if it was well done like Harry Potter.
Thanks so much Angela! And check back tomorrow for the last Turkey Tale from Natasha from Wicked Little Pixie.
Giveaway
5 winners will get to pick 1 of the books from the list below that I’m truly thankful for this year:
You can comment once a day on each Turkey Tales post (any post with the Turkey Tales graphic) for up to six entries. On Nov 26th, I’ll add up the entries and choose five winners to pick one of the 5 bat! Reviewed titles above to win.
Giveaway Guidelines
- Open Internationally (wherever The Book Depository ships)
- Leave a comment that includes:
- Tell Angela what you think about her Turkey Tale choice
- A way to contact you if you win
- Winners will be announced on Nov 26th
Wow. The main character is supposed to be 17?! I thought that this was an adult novel, just judging by the cover. I love your comment about this book making Twilight look like a real love story. I am going to go with your advice and my instincts and stay far, far away from this one!
ReplyDeletemrsderaps @ hotmail . com
Hi Angela! The cover for this book looks way adult, none of those people look like teenagers! I like your choice, and as with Mrs. DeRaps above me am going to stay far away.
ReplyDeletebacarleton(at)gmail(dot)com
Sorry you didn't like the book. I'm still anxious to get my hands on it, I'm one of those people that once I make my mind up, I have to see it through. Happy Thanksgiving
ReplyDeletejune111@att.net
Thank you for the book choice! I agree with the other comments I thought this was an adult novel. Geez talk about bad publicity really. I havent read this one yet so I cant say whether I do or do not like it But I love your honesty!
ReplyDeletekristen_babygurl@hotmail.com
Kristen
My Bloody Fairy Tale
I still would like to read the book but I think Twilight will always be my favorite paranormal romance. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com
ReplyDeleteHmm, doesn't sound like my kind of book. And I agree with the other commenters... the cover models look much older than high school age.
ReplyDeletedrakeLa90 (at) aol (dot) com
haha, love the post! I'm glad I didn't read it, started cracking up when you mention the twilight comparison.
ReplyDeleteyeah some authors think that you have to get onboard with the importance of their main character just because they made it the main character. So it's one of those books where you're glad it's only fiction and our fate does not lie in the hands of 17 years-old acting like brats?
ReplyDeletesophieamontreal AT gmail DOT com
17? Really? Is it supposed to be YA or Adult with really young protagonists?
ReplyDeleteDespite the Turkey read, I might have to check it out just to see what it is all about. Great post!
kirariyu[at]gmail[dot]com
Huh, funny to see from other commenters that they thought the book looked like an adult title- I thought from first glance that they looked like teenagers on the cover. I hope it hasn't 'tricked' people. I've seen a lot of buzz about this book, but I don't know if I ever would have gotten to it anyway. I have a giant TBR pile of adult books; who knows when my YA experiment will begin? And it sounds like Personal Demons won't be the guinea pig.
ReplyDeleteb(dot)cardone(at)hotmail(dot)com
I haven't read this book yet. I never would have known this was a YA book from the cover.
ReplyDeletesgiden at verizon.net
This is a book that just hasn't appealed to me at all so it is nice to hear that someone thinks I'm not missing anything. I have seen some good reviews of it though.
ReplyDeleteangela.donner @ gmail.com
I read PD and enjoyed it. For me it wasn't so much about Frannie because like you said, she is a flat character that does not change much. Luc is the one that made the book strong, enjoyable and entertaining.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your opinion, you brought up many great points. :)
kjovus(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi Angela! Thanks for keeping it real. I also thought this was an adult title. Lord knows I didn't go to school with any guys that looked like the ones on the cover of this book.
ReplyDeletejend(AT)notnowimreading(DOT)com
I am really enjoying these Turkey Tales. Actually my wishlist is too! Cutting it down a little :)
ReplyDeleteI've seen so much buzz for this everywhere! I thought it was going to be good. Oh well. Thanks for the Turkey Tale!
ReplyDeletek_anon[at]hotmail[dot]co[dot]uk
I completely agree. I bought this book on the kindle. I read about half of it before I went online to Amazon's website to return it. I didn't like anything about it.
ReplyDeletebonbonsandreveries@gmail.com
I'd planned on reading this one. I think you just changed my mind. Thank you.
ReplyDeletedorien_benaets AT hotmail DOT com
Thanks for the information. I probably wouldn't have read it anyway, I'm not a fan of romance stories.
ReplyDeletejoycefierro@mindspring.com
What you've said, I've been hearing a lot about the book. Good romance, and a decent heroine are some of the main things I look for in a book. Which is why I decided not to pick this up. I can tell by everyone's vices that it's not for me.
ReplyDeletetinaigne[at]yahoo[dot]com
I haven't really heard of this one before but I can certainly understand your gripes.
ReplyDeleteDeidre
deidre_durance at hotmail dot com
I have actually heard a lot of good things about this book so it is interesting to see a different perspective.
ReplyDeletesmccar1 at hotmail dot com
Lol... I was going to pick this one up on the weekend. Thanks for the warning
ReplyDeletejbax90@gmail.com
Skipping it. I am so tired of Ancient men falling for teenage girls..yes surely I would love it when I was 12 but now *rolls eyes*
ReplyDeleteblodeuedd1 at gmail dot com
I'm glad I never had the interest in reading this book in the first place because it sounds like I would have been greatly disappointed.
ReplyDeleteStephanie G
sgradel(at)gmail(dot)com
Paranormal Haven
It is disappointing to come across such a character. An unlikeable heroine which does not improve with the reading of the story is always awful.
ReplyDeletelittle lamb lst at yahoo dot com
Wow, good to know that book isn't all that great. It's been making it's way around many book blogs and getting a lot of hype.
ReplyDeletejuliecookies(at)gmail.com
Well, so far I haven't read any of the turkeys. Although I had planned on reading this one, now I don't know. And I don't think the cover looks YA either.
ReplyDeleteseriousreader at live dot com
Thanks for the honest review. Most reviews for this book have been positive so I guess I'm just going to have to read it for myself and find out.
ReplyDeletespettolij AT gmail DOT com
Thanks for the warning. I have it in my TBR pile, but I'll keep an eye out for the worst parts (I'm always more careful reading when I know both the good and bad things of the book).
ReplyDeleteasianpersonBM @ gmail . com
I have to agree - the cover makes the heroine look much older than 17!!
ReplyDeleteSuch a shame a book looks like it's got the ingredients for an enjoyable (if not original) read and turns out to be dull and unoriginal!
notanotherbookblog(at)hotmail(dot)co(dot)uk
I have been thinking that this is probably not a book for me, so I'm glad to hear that I'm not missing out on anything good.
ReplyDeletemusmekipi at gmail dot com
personal demons was on my wish list until I read all the reviews on it. I'm glad I passed on it.
ReplyDeleteJnmt3@hotmail.com
After reading your tale I'm glad I never read Personal Demons. I was never drawn to the story and the cover did nothing for my tastes either.
ReplyDeletelilazncutie1215[at]yahoo[dot]com
I have had Personal Demons on my wish list for a while, but after reading that I am not pushed if I dont get it. Thanks.
ReplyDeletenatcleary at gmail dot com
+JMJ+
ReplyDeleteThis is actually the first critical review I've found of Personal Demons--and I'm glad I read it. Before this, I had a feeling I wouldn't like the novel, but couldn't put my finger on it. Now that I've read it, I'm totally convinced.
Thanks for the review, Angela. It sucks that you had to read the book for us to get it, but I, for one, salute you for taking the bullet! ;-)
altaemoeniaRomae [at] Gmail [dot] com
Thanks for sharing! I have this one on my wishlist. And while I agree it might not be the book for everyone I still want to give it a chance. I have read a few books that everyone loved and I didnt really care for and had a few that I loved that others hated. Its all about personal taste and preference.
ReplyDeletebacchus76 at myself dot com
Im glad i haven't bought it after hearing your review. I was always unsure whether i should or not but honestly if the heroine is like you described her then i probs won't enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteholz_twilight@msn.com
Interesting that you would find it a good YA read though it is sold for adults. I do not hear that often. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everything said in the review. I couldn't even finish this book!
ReplyDeleterh3a_g (at) yahoo(dot)com
I haven't read this book yet, but now i dont know wether i should or not. And i also thought it was an adult book!
ReplyDeletejessica b
jecca.0104@gmail.com
I saw Angela's review on this book over on DFT a few weeks ago and it did put some doubt on whether I wanted to check it out.
ReplyDeletenalynboni AT gmail DOT com
Hi Angela! Thank you so much for your review, especially that you stopped me from buying this book. I've read about Personal Demons on few sites and I've decided to give it a shot, but after reading your opinion, I'm going to pick something else. Twilight looks like love story compared to it? Definitely not for me seeing as I can't stand this series ;).
ReplyDeleteBarbara
himilika@hotmail.com
Like I said,I enjoyed Personal Demons. Luc especially. I understand the complaints, but for me it was a fun fast read with some very cool world building elements like the different scents for various sins.
ReplyDeleteSo, one blogger loves it and one blogger hates it. That just proves that we all have different likes and dislikes. There was a book that I finally put down with disgust somewhere in the middle. I got so tired of the heroine's whining. She wanted to be accepted as an adult, but she was acting like a spoiled brat. Well, I am obviously in the minority because this is one of the series of books to get positive review after positive review. It was the first book that I put down. Now I may have to revisit it so that I can find out why so many bloggers love this series.
ReplyDeletelinda at gordonvalley dot com
lol I haven't read this yet because it has gotten such mixed reviews. Im still on the fence if I will or not.
ReplyDeleteChllybrd(at)gmail.com
Eh, I will probably still read this one if I ever see a copy in the library. Not the sort of thing I'd spend money on - too hit and miss. But I do like the sound of it, despite the bad reviews. Totally agree about the cover though.
ReplyDeletelibertyfallsdown (at) hotmail.co.uk
Jackie I totally, I agree with you because this boook are really stupid.
ReplyDeleteselenemorgenstern@gmail.com
I got this book soley based on Abigails review. I've yet to read it, but I hope I like it as much Abigail did!
ReplyDeletegillianbrampton(at)hotmail(dot)com
I totally agree about characters have to grow and change with ever challenge that comes there way. Cordelia was a very good example. I really started liking her when she dates Xander and loved her when she was on Angel.
ReplyDeleteusignolc@yahoo.com
I appreciate your take on Personal Demons. I haven't read it, and wasn't really planning to, but now I'll definitely take a pass.
ReplyDeleteBarbed1951(at)aol(dot)com
I haven't read this book; YA isn't my thing. But I appreciate your comments, especially concerning the heroine. If a main character isn't working for me, the whole book is off. (Email in profile.)
ReplyDeleteOne thing I really hate is the main character having a bad attitude. I think I'll be passing on this book now.
ReplyDeletekarenbailey@internode.on.net
Wow I think this is the only time I have heard bad things about this book. Everyone else seems to be raving about it and I have been wanting to read it. Thanks for telling us your thoughts though.
ReplyDeleteapk1princess(at)live(dot)com
oh wow..I haven't read it yet,but did read a couple of good reviews. maybe I'll wait for it to get to the library.
ReplyDeleteelaing8(at)netscape(dot)net
Bad heroine is definitely a deal breaker for me! I need to be able to connect to the heroine is some way, and if that's not possible, I'm not going to enjoy the book.
ReplyDeletestarmetaloak(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for all of the great comments. I really wanted to love this book. A few of my trusted review friends liked it, so I thought that I would, too.
ReplyDeleteAs I stated in my review:
It's a shame that Luc turned out to be such a lackluster character because he had the most potential to be interesting. Luc is supposed to be an "evil" demon sent to seduce Frannie and lead her down a sinful path so that he can tag her soul for his boss, but he NEVER does anything evil. Imagine watching a movie about a serial killer who never kills anybody. Preposterous, right? Luc is probably one of the most pitiful characterizations of "evil" that I've ever read.
My problems with Frannie are epic:
Frannie isn't terribly sympathetic or likable, and the frequent use of the words: "`Cause", "Whatever", and "Mmm" literally drove me mad. Frannie is driven by lust and paralyzed by ambivalence when it comes to making her own decisions. I don't have an issue with her sudden lustful fits and teenage angst because it's actually one of the only believable aspects of the book. The major issue is that there isn't ANYTHING else to Frannie. Her character is completely vacuous and superficial on every level. But for the fact that Frannie's "innocence" is mentioned in the book, she would be known as the town bicycle. Her constant falling all over and making out with Luc and Gabe at seamlessly the most random moments felt shallow. I never felt that necessary romantic and emotional connection. Beyond the fact that Frannie is just a horny, annoying, selfish, and immature person, she's just not that interesting. I simply couldn't find one redeemable quality about her.
There are a fair amount of YA books out there with excellent characterization, etc., but there are also a lot that talk down to the reader. I simply don't like that. I don't think YA books have to be dumbed-down to hit that target audience. Melissa Marr is an great example. She's amazing. Melissa rules the YA genre. As an adult I'd read anything that she wrote. Even if it was a book made from sticky notes.
This one is on my TBR list. Now I think I will move it down to the bottom .
ReplyDeletesstogner1@triad.rr.com
I haven't heard of the book, but thanks for sharing your rants about it. I'll avoid it!
ReplyDeleteangeldream3(at)gmail(dot)com
This was not a book I was interested in, mainly because my Mom has the same name as the herione. However, I appreciate the info, and Cordelia was so annoying in the beginning of Buffy.
ReplyDeleteheatwave96(at)hotmail.com
I would'nt mind trying ton read through this book Angela just to see where your interest fell. I'm an adult but I love teenage and children stories where the child must come to terms and deal with adult situations and yet also problems that even adults shouldn't have to face. Like a 17 year old playing a major role in the fight between good and evil. However, if said 17 year old is a complete b*** then it becomes a major turn off for me. Cordelia in the Buffy series just irked my nerves while in Angel I was happy that she actually got better as a character. Also the cover for personal demons made me think adult love triangle and to me that's just sad. But thank you for reviewing!
ReplyDeleteMidnightangel124@gmail.com
I read very little YA because quite honestly, I find teenagers in books to be rather boring. They haven't yet had enough life experiences to make them interesting and well-rounded characters. This book wouldn't have been on my wishlist anyway because of that, but I appreciate your willingness to give your honest opinion.
ReplyDeletejen(at)delux(dot)com
I was put off even trying this book by the vast amount of publicity spewed out on virtually all the book blogs. It just got my hackles up !
ReplyDeleteNow reading your comments I am even more glad I didn't buy it.
Thanks for an honest opinion.
Carol T
buddytho {at} gmail DOT com
I've been reading about it and there are others who actually find Personal Demons enjoyable. But I guess it does differ in opinion. I've been wanting to get my hands on it for some time now, but suddenly I'm not so sure. I guess my safest bet will be to get it from the libraries and then I can form some thoughts on it myself. But it's still good to know what others think, I believe, so thank you Angela for your insight (I can't wait to find out now) :)
ReplyDeletelegally_write[at]hotmail[dot]com
I wasn't going to read it..Not a big Romance fan..But of course I always trust both of your opinions'''Excited about Giveaway..All 5 bats.....Happy Thanksgiving Susan,,
ReplyDeleteWell thanks for sharing that! I was actually thinking of maybe reading this some time, but now I likely won't! I trust other reviewer bloggers when it comes to these things. It sounded like an okay read despite there being yet another love triangle.
ReplyDeleteLove triangles are getting a little tiring these days, although I like it better when the love triangle is more complex and it's harder to pick a "team".
jessbess2505[at]yahoo[dot]com
I read only good things about that book,but your arguments definetly left me with a doubt :)
ReplyDeleteraluk.93 at gmail (Dot) com
Sounds like a miss for me as well, although I think your observation that younger folks or maybe even people new to the genre might enjoy it better. I'll be skipping this one though.
ReplyDeleteEmily
whatbookisthat at gmail dot com
I am so glad you picked this one. I really hate the idea of the 100+ year old falling in love with a teenager.
ReplyDeleteIt's really not cool with me. Did I like Hush,Hush? Yes, I admit I did like the story. The love interest not so much.
Fallen by Lauren Kate, for some reason that one seems different to me. I guess because of what we find out in the end of the book, for me is what makes it different.
Lane
moiraethefates(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I have read this book, shoertly after it came out because I loved the cover and had heard a lot of good things about it.
ReplyDeleteI have to think that I really liked it.
I'm used to darker, grimmer (sp?) and more adult books, but once I read it with an open mind it was pretty fun.
Frannie was pretty normal and predictable and I really liked the conversations on the book and how they fell in love. I thought it was convincing...not that I wouldnt have liked it a bit longer on that one and shorter on other descriptions. :)
yvantis[at]hotmail[dot]com
I actually heard a lot of good things about this book and I really look forward to reading it, but I'm not quit as enthusiastic as i was before reading this post. It's good because then I will not have too high expectations when I read it.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing.
mysteriousredrose(at)yahoo(dot)com
Ouch!! Now I've got mixed feelings about this book. After reading Abigail's review I immediately bought this book. Now I'm wondering if I can look past all the negative points this book had. Unbelievable romances and prissy chics never sit well with me.
ReplyDeletegoldeneyeddragon@gmail.com
I know they say you aren't supposed to judge a book by it's cover, but I actually like the look of this cover. Too bad you say th einside doesn't match...
ReplyDeleteI tried winning this book several times over the past few months & now I'm glad that I didn't win it. I also thought this was an adult book & I'm wondering how I missed that it was YA? Thank yyou for the heads up. These posts have been awesome! Hope you have a great Turkey Day, I know I'm still stuffed!
ReplyDeleteStephmartin71(at)yahoo(dot)com
I have heard mixed opinions about this book. I'll still give it a chance but thanks for the fair warning. The main thing I'll have a hard time with is not connecting with the heroine.
ReplyDeleteVivien
deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com
i'm still trying to win this book in months. this is the first time i read about the warning :)
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing !!
uniquas at ymail dot com
I don't understand the whole 17 year old and ancient/vampire/angel/various immortal plot line anyway....someone that old dating a teenager is always a little weird to me anyway...and yet it continues to be the basis for so many stories.
ReplyDeletemaureenfitzgerald99@gmail.com
hum i've heard good and bad thinks about this book. I'd give it a try amd then make up my own mind.
ReplyDeletescrtsbpal at yahoo dot com
this is one I haven't read yet so I can't give an opinion on what I thought about it, but it appears you know exactly why you didn't like it and they seem like good reasons.
ReplyDeletejustpeachy36@yahoo.com
Oh Angela, now I'm a bit anxious..
ReplyDeleteI've had Personal Demons on my wishlist when I learned the premise and now it's on my TBR shelf. But I keep seeing more and more negative reviews (with details supporting the criticism) and I couldn't get past page 40. I was hoping I just wasn't in the mood and should pick it up another time, but now I start to fear I will feel the same whenever I pick it up as it wasn't my mood that was the problem, but that Frannie and Luc irritated me so much. I will give it another chance before giving it to my teen cousin..
stella.exlibris (at) gmail (dot) com