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A review by toodlebean
The Keeper of Night by Kylie Lee Baker
2.0
I'm saddened to say I can't give The Keeper of Night a more positive review. I was immediately intrigued by the use of Japanese mythology and the historical setting. Sadly, this was was almost my first DNF in a few years.
The pacing is difficult to enjoy. I originally put this book down at 25% as I was seriously struggling. I blamed it on my mental state at the time and waited over a month before attempting again. I am in a much more focused and relaxed headspace but I found staying committed to finishing The Keeper of Night almost impossible.
The first 80% of the novel passes so rapidly there is no chance for us to immerse ourselves. The time spent with the Reapers is minimal and shown only through Ren's eyes so we have no unbiased perspectives. Her journey to and through Japan is so fast that it seems unrealistic. What occurs in the space of months takes only a few pages and it's disorienting. Fast pacing is wonderful but not at the expense of important plot points, backstory and character development.
The formatting of the eArc didn't help in terms of pacing. I thank Netgalley and Harlequin for giving me the opppourtunity to read and review this novel early however, I believe the poor formatting has prevented myself (and possibly others) from enjoying this novel more. There are absolutely no chapters. Numerous times I had to read back to understand I was reading a new chapter from a new location. Everything blending together the way it did made it very difficult find a rhythm and ultimately, made for very difficult reading.
I am sorry I can't offer more positive feedback.
The pacing is difficult to enjoy. I originally put this book down at 25% as I was seriously struggling. I blamed it on my mental state at the time and waited over a month before attempting again. I am in a much more focused and relaxed headspace but I found staying committed to finishing The Keeper of Night almost impossible.
The first 80% of the novel passes so rapidly there is no chance for us to immerse ourselves. The time spent with the Reapers is minimal and shown only through Ren's eyes so we have no unbiased perspectives. Her journey to and through Japan is so fast that it seems unrealistic. What occurs in the space of months takes only a few pages and it's disorienting. Fast pacing is wonderful but not at the expense of important plot points, backstory and character development.
The formatting of the eArc didn't help in terms of pacing. I thank Netgalley and Harlequin for giving me the opppourtunity to read and review this novel early however, I believe the poor formatting has prevented myself (and possibly others) from enjoying this novel more. There are absolutely no chapters. Numerous times I had to read back to understand I was reading a new chapter from a new location. Everything blending together the way it did made it very difficult find a rhythm and ultimately, made for very difficult reading.
I am sorry I can't offer more positive feedback.