Spoilers for the whole book, pretty much. I don't know how to white out text so I'll just say before spoilers.
So I was kind of disappointed by the beginning. Based on the book description, the cover, etc, I thought I'd love the book. Now knowing this is her first novel, makes more sense.
Now after they finally enter Fortune's Kiss, the story picked up, I started wanted to know what happened next. Now I follow the 100 page rule, if I don't like a book by page 100, I'm done.
This very very narrowly cut it, getting my interest between page 80-90. In my opinion, when the book started the characters sort've lacked depth, though as the story went on they gained layers and some development.
My biggest issue with the series are the last maybe… 5 chapters.
Spoilers:
So, firstly, it was very rushed for an ending. It felt like she was writing and realized "omg I gotta end it soon" and just suddenly started closing all the plot holes and solving the mysteries. The discovery of Lo's mother being the final game maker was a good punch, but following it immediately by Alejandro's and Dominic's deaths and Loretta and Misterioso's defeats was very rushed.
Spoilers end
I think she could've lengthened the book by 50 pages and given us a bit more of a story, drawing out those shocks. The book being 354 pages with the epilogue included would make it about 400, which honestly is much closer to my preferred book length.
Spoilers
I honestly enjoyed Lo's villain arc but the peak of it ended up being quite anticlimactic. It was essentially "lemme kill this fool while under an illusion, omg I'm gonna ask Mayté some questions!!! She gets to ask me how dare she. I will command you all as I please!!!!!…. Mamá…? I'm so sorry Mayté I love you forgive me!" It just felt kinda… Well, rushed again. Honestly also expected something from the Lo/Carlos tension. All we get is a drunken kiss that Carlos may or may not remember???? And Lo has this thing with Miguel now?
Spoilers end
If you like mildly satisfying stories that feel kind of like letdowns but have passable endings, it's perfect!
Anyway
TL;DR: the story was rushed and felt very unsatisfying in terms of what was done.
by LukeIsNumber1Twd