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A review by laurenjodi
Big Sky Country by Linda Lael Miller
3.0
Big Sky Country
2.5 Stars
***Beware, minor spoilers ahead***
Unfortunately, this first book in Miller's series does not live up to its potential.
Although Slade and Joslyn's attraction is well written and their connection is sweet and satisfying, there is no real substance to their relationship. Their reasons for falling in love are narrowed down to each wanting a family and a place to belong rather than any real emotion.
Additional plotlines are established, but none are fully materialized. To begin with, Slade never fully comes to terms with the most prominent issue in his life, namely his father's refusal to accept him while he was alive. Instead, this is transferred on to the ongoing rivalry with his half-brother, Hutch, which is also only partially resolved.
Another underdeveloped thread focuses on the reasons for Joslyn's return to Parable. Much is made of her stepfather's swindling many of the townsfolk, but nothing comes of it. Very little anger or mistrust or even threats of revenge materialize.
The inclusion of Slade's stepdaughter Shea also has the potential for interesting conflict, especially once it becomes clear the Slade and Joslyn are together. Nevertheless, Shea ends up being a completely atypical teenager and the whole issue fizzles.
The writing is alright overall. However, the pacing is slow and plodding with too much focus on unnecessary secondary characters, who are perhaps intended to add quirkiness to the small town, but fail to do so.
Overall, this is a disappointing and anti-climactic rea. I already have the next book on my shelf, so I might get to it sometime.
2.5 Stars
***Beware, minor spoilers ahead***
Unfortunately, this first book in Miller's series does not live up to its potential.
Although Slade and Joslyn's attraction is well written and their connection is sweet and satisfying, there is no real substance to their relationship. Their reasons for falling in love are narrowed down to each wanting a family and a place to belong rather than any real emotion.
Additional plotlines are established, but none are fully materialized. To begin with, Slade never fully comes to terms with the most prominent issue in his life, namely his father's refusal to accept him while he was alive. Instead, this is transferred on to the ongoing rivalry with his half-brother, Hutch, which is also only partially resolved.
Another underdeveloped thread focuses on the reasons for Joslyn's return to Parable. Much is made of her stepfather's swindling many of the townsfolk, but nothing comes of it. Very little anger or mistrust or even threats of revenge materialize.
The inclusion of Slade's stepdaughter Shea also has the potential for interesting conflict, especially once it becomes clear the Slade and Joslyn are together. Nevertheless, Shea ends up being a completely atypical teenager and the whole issue fizzles.
The writing is alright overall. However, the pacing is slow and plodding with too much focus on unnecessary secondary characters, who are perhaps intended to add quirkiness to the small town, but fail to do so.
Overall, this is a disappointing and anti-climactic rea. I already have the next book on my shelf, so I might get to it sometime.