Sinners Atone - Somme Sketcher

 

(Lets just say if I was the development editor, I may have given more stars)

 

Hmmm. I’m going to have to be honest, and so many of you may not like it, so if you don’t, log out now.

Why was it so slow? If the book just moved, there wouldn’t need to be a duet. I’ve read plenty of slow burn books that started and finished in one sitting. That said, I used to cite the Deception Trilogy by Rina Kent as an example, until I revisited it after a long break from her books—and now I wish it had two more instalments. Back to the point, there is no need for a duet if we moved on and stopped describing every little thing. An English teacher’s dream and a student’s worst nightmare.

To clarify, I understand why it’s a duet; I just don’t understand why this book was moving at such a snail’s pace. For the plot, a duet is necessary, but for the story, such unnecessary description is not. I haven’t read her Sinners series in a while, though, and upon reflection, the writing does match the author herself, so maybe it’s just a reading error. Also, the book had errors, and I love it when publishing houses go on about attention to detail, but then the authors they publish make those mistakes themselves. Oh, the irony. The double take I do when I see a mistake is so comical. Somme Sketcher is not under a publishing house at the moment; she’s indie, but you get the principle.

First there was endless chatter about Gabe and Wren meeting for the first time, then the bridesmaid’s night wouldn’t end, and the same with the wedding. I’m glad we got to the poker night, and my crush for Rafe had just been ignited once again. Just get it moving. Every whoosh of the wind didn’t need to be discussed, every time the scar came into focus it didn’t need to be worked on like a surgeon during an operation, and every time Wren was intimidated by Gabe didn’t need to be thrashed about. The frustration I get when a story has potential but is ruined somewhere in the process is on my betrayal list. Such a stark contrast to the writing in the previous three books.

Of course, I’m itching to know the secret behind Wren, her pinkness, and the reason she stopped driving. The reason she’s doing all this good to cancel out the one bad. I loved seeing more of Rory, though why was she portrayed so ditsy in this book? She was far from it in her own.

Now, anything monumental I remember from here? Not really. Duets just need to be released together; it really hinders the plot. Though this book did not have a lot of plot to offer. The only word I can use is frustrating. Like a red flag that is constantly red flagging.

The suspense about the nightly email Wren got every night wasn’t anything groundbreaking. I skipped past Milfred Black many times, so I had to go back to find anything substantial, and I just did not. It really didn’t have to be a duet. I liked the last scene when David was literally withering away and Wren was slowly letting the pink façade fall away. I especially enjoyed Gabe giving into his impulses, but then again, I cannot for the life of me find excitement for the next book. It’s just irritating me.

I guess what kept me reading was these lessons Gabe was giving, and when she stumbled upon Gabe in the middle of her panic attack. Those were parts I found out a lot more.

In terms of rating, 3.5 stars. A bit overhyped and very anticipated. I liked it, but not enough to revisit it. It just wasn’t paced well; the characters did and still do have a lot of potential. I can see how they will be explored more in the second book. It felt as if the suspense was being created too much and that we were trying to drag out the book to the point of anticipated suspense, but this wasn’t it. It didn’t leave me wanting more; it left me irritated.

If the descriptive writing doesn’t add to the plot, we don’t need to visit it so many times. I get trying to explain to readers who haven’t read the series so far need a backstory; however, this isn’t how you do it.

I’m in no way discrediting the author. It’s okay not to love one book out of four. It’s normal. Take the Rosehill series by Elsie Silver for example. I didn’t like the first book, I liked the second and third ones, and I haven’t even got past chapter four in the last book called Wild Card. I can promise you I won’t even finish reading that one. It’s fine, literally no big deal.

I’m impressed by the consistent hype from her last duet till now; that was something. It’s not easy to do that. So from a PR point, it was 5/5.

All in all, I cannot say I remember anything substantial from this read. I was more thrilled to see reappearances of older characters, most when I saw the mention of Rafe Visconti. I am very interested in Cas and Tor still.

I’m sure I will prefer the second book in the duet.

Sigh.

Still love Somme Sketcher and the world she created. One book I don’t necessarily love doesn’t mean I booted her off my list.

Anyone feel the same? Please someone say they do. The guilt brewing inside me is……..like I said brewing.

Until next time book loves.

Mwah.

Vivian.