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A review by spootilious
The Merchant of Death by D.J. MacHale
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I have been so hesitant to start this series. It was one of my husbands favorite series in middle school and it has been recommended to me on booktok repeatedly. I had a feeling I wasn't going to love it as much as everyone wanted me to so I put it off and put it off....
Finally... I've read it... and unfortunately I was right.
Don't get me wrong, there are some things to like about this book. It has decent characters and development, it's not restrained by the image of what a hero 'should' be. I mean Bobby (the main character) struggles with himself constantly on whether or not to choose himself over the people in danger. In that aspect it is very realistic and I applaud Machale.
However, there are some things (alot of things) that fall flat for me. First and foremost, after finishing the book I really didn't care whether I went back to it or not and I think that says more about me than the book. But, it also felt like just another generic chosen-one YA novel. There was nothing that really stood out or set it apart. I honestly couldn't understand the hype, though I am happy someone loves this book so much. Every book deserves love.
Ignoring the predictable story line and generic YA plot, Machale has a very simplistic writing style that is practically made for the genre. The first person aspect and the way he set up the journals makes a lot of sense, though I can't help wanting something a bit more that appeals to more than twelve year olds (this is not meant as an insult). There are many YA authors that manage to pull an adult audience with just their writing style (Brandon Mull and his Fablehaven series popping to mind immediately). I did not take this into consideration when I rated the book, however, because I realize that this style is a preference and does not take away from the story for most people.
I will say, though, that the book did not age well. The dialog and references made me laugh and hit me with such nostalgia that I was a bit torn as to whether or not it was a good thing. At one point, I read some of the dialog to my son and he had no idea what some of the words meant which only made me laugh more. (Again, not an insult. I actually loved that).
Overall, I had to give the two star rating because I could find a memorable thing about this book . I have not given up on the series quite yet though and hope book two will be a bit more promising.
Finally... I've read it... and unfortunately I was right.
Don't get me wrong, there are some things to like about this book. It has decent characters and development, it's not restrained by the image of what a hero 'should' be. I mean Bobby (the main character) struggles with himself constantly on whether or not to choose himself over the people in danger. In that aspect it is very realistic and I applaud Machale.
However, there are some things (alot of things) that fall flat for me. First and foremost, after finishing the book I really didn't care whether I went back to it or not and I think that says more about me than the book. But, it also felt like just another generic chosen-one YA novel. There was nothing that really stood out or set it apart. I honestly couldn't understand the hype, though I am happy someone loves this book so much. Every book deserves love.
Ignoring the predictable story line and generic YA plot, Machale has a very simplistic writing style that is practically made for the genre. The first person aspect and the way he set up the journals makes a lot of sense, though I can't help wanting something a bit more that appeals to more than twelve year olds (this is not meant as an insult). There are many YA authors that manage to pull an adult audience with just their writing style (Brandon Mull and his Fablehaven series popping to mind immediately). I did not take this into consideration when I rated the book, however, because I realize that this style is a preference and does not take away from the story for most people.
I will say, though, that the book did not age well. The dialog and references made me laugh and hit me with such nostalgia that I was a bit torn as to whether or not it was a good thing. At one point, I read some of the dialog to my son and he had no idea what some of the words meant which only made me laugh more. (Again, not an insult. I actually loved that).
Overall, I had to give the two star rating because I could find a memorable thing about this book . I have not given up on the series quite yet though and hope book two will be a bit more promising.