A review by chelseanaylor
The Hemlock Queen by Hannah Whitten

dark tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

I just wrote a long review and Goodreads didn't save it...long and short: 

Gabe is deeply unlikable and I can't buy into the poly love Whitten is trying so hard to make. I guess others are feeling it but Gabe x Lore feels forced; he's so judgmental and rigid and Lore deserves gentleness, fun, and kindness. Gabe x Bastian....i don't even see...Whitten has only described how much they dislike and distrust one another but then says they love each other. For me, the plot that would bring the three of them together has felt like she's telling and not showing the reader. Now-- Lore x Bastian is amazing. They balance each other and provide things for the other they want/need. 

Regardless, the emphasis constantly being placed on Lore's dilemma of loving them both makes the stakes of the plot hard to buy into. I can't focus on anything else when the plot is constantly cutting to Lore's monologue about loving them both. I also think her own development and personhood is hindered by Bastian and Gabe-- the talk down or around her, make decisions for her, exclude her, and have also made her an object in the "fight" between them. 

I don't know if I'll read book 3, especially if there are Gabe chapters. 

In terms of writing, Whitten uses too many repeating phrases/descriptors. I don't think there's a single instance when Gabe is mentioned that his one eye isn't described. Val's sea glass beads. Lore twists her ring.
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