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A review by kassielovestoread
King of Sloth by Ana Huang
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
As far as the series is concerned, this probably will be my least favorite (so far). That's due to a few things, but above all, why does every MC written by this author happen to have a traumatic relationship with their families? And when those relationships are depicted, they feel so cartoon villain-y, it's laughable how borderline cringe the interactions are! Take Georgia and Sloane as an example. Georgia was like a cheap amalgamation of every mean girl bully ever written. It came across very unbelievable and it didn't translate well for me.
My second issue was with Xavier. Can love truly bloom in Sloane and Xavier's situation? Most contemporary romances are exaggerated and unbelievable and it's ok because it's entertaining. But I just could not get past his lack of passion/drive, severe familial trauma (but wouldn't seek the very necessary help he needed, would rather self destruct), and overall laziness. (I know that's the point of the book! I'm still entitled to how I feel though.) How can a woman like Sloane who was literally employed to babysit him ever see anything other than the many times she's had to come to his rescue. I would feel so annoyed at his incompetence! I do understand that the point was that he cleans up his act once they get together, I just do not see how love could prosper in that situation.
I couldn't really connect with Sloane's character. Her whole thing was that she was a professional fixer to the rich and elite, but somehow couldn't fix her personal life? She would routinely remind the reader that she doesn't cry, was generally emotionless, and she was known to be an "ice queen"...etc. Not to be that person buuuuuuuuuuut, it's giving sociopath! I don't immediately recall if Sloane ever acknowledged the irony in her being a PR specialist and yet having a wreck of a life, if not she definitely should've. I thought her "aha" moment of clarity was rushed and could've been helped with her friends telling her to see a therapist ASAP.
Overall, I didn't really like this story. I don't hate it either, I'm squarely in the middle. I wouldn't re-read, but I would for sure continue this series. The little we got of Vuk and Ayana was intriguing!! I liked the fact that so many of the prior characters from Ana's backlist made significant cameos in this book! It was a nice surprise, I hope she keeps them coming.
My second issue was with Xavier. Can love truly bloom in Sloane and Xavier's situation? Most contemporary romances are exaggerated and unbelievable and it's ok because it's entertaining. But I just could not get past his lack of passion/drive, severe familial trauma (but wouldn't seek the very necessary help he needed, would rather self destruct), and overall laziness. (I know that's the point of the book! I'm still entitled to how I feel though.) How can a woman like Sloane who was literally employed to babysit him ever see anything other than the many times she's had to come to his rescue. I would feel so annoyed at his incompetence! I do understand that the point was that he cleans up his act once they get together, I just do not see how love could prosper in that situation.
I couldn't really connect with Sloane's character. Her whole thing was that she was a professional fixer to the rich and elite, but somehow couldn't fix her personal life? She would routinely remind the reader that she doesn't cry, was generally emotionless, and she was known to be an "ice queen"...etc. Not to be that person buuuuuuuuuuut, it's giving sociopath! I don't immediately recall if Sloane ever acknowledged the irony in her being a PR specialist and yet having a wreck of a life, if not she definitely should've. I thought her "aha" moment of clarity was rushed and could've been helped with her friends telling her to see a therapist ASAP.
Overall, I didn't really like this story. I don't hate it either, I'm squarely in the middle. I wouldn't re-read, but I would for sure continue this series. The little we got of Vuk and Ayana was intriguing!! I liked the fact that so many of the prior characters from Ana's backlist made significant cameos in this book! It was a nice surprise, I hope she keeps them coming.