I had many fellow book-lovers recommend Roar, so I saved it for a relaxing road-trip, anticipating an enjoyable read. And that is what I got... for the most part.
First, this book is definitely a romance. It hits you over the head with intense physical emotions in the first few pages and it never leaves. Whether it's a villain or a random soldier she vaguely recognizes, Aurora (or Roar), can sense the myriad of men who are attracted to her. Apparently none of them are unattractive or boorish, it just so happens that every man she meets wants something more from her.
I found this a bit ridiculous.
The attraction that supposedly every man has for her seems forced and makes her less sincere. I don't care how attractive you are supposed to be, most girls I know, models and nerds alike, are more likely to assume someone isn't attracted to them than is. It's a sad truth, but we aren't built like that. Also, she does not have the fiercely confident and experienced nature of those who do. She is unsure and scared, but she still takes the time to notice every man who glances her way.
In the defense of this novel, when I looked up other novels by this author, they were all heaving bosom, split corset, and shirtless men type books. All things considered, this book was much more conservative than her other works look.
The main character is interesting and likable. She is believably very sheltered and yet intelligent. I don't like it when characters are either too smart or too naive and she is a nice balance. She has spent most of her life reading, but books can't teach you everything and her main love interest (who will remain unnamed to avoid spoilers) is able to demonstrate clearly in his lack of book knowledge and his abundance of street-smarts.
The villain is as attractive as the leading man. I love me a hot villain! He was actually the one I was rooting for at the beginning. Cassius Locke, said main villain, is not a very convincing antagonist. There is too much of a desire to undermine a greater evil in him to really hate him or fear him. There is a second villain who comes in about halfway, but the insertion seems awkward and random. He needed to be alluded to earlier in the novel to make it successful.
The magic is unique and intriguing. Truly, the strongest point of this book is the world-building. The realm of storm fighting grows around Roar as she discovers it too. I love that she is unaware of much of its uses and potential, but understands it enough that it is not entirely incredible to her. Imagining these isolated towns and the limitation of resources gives everything a sense of urgency and it all makes sense together. That some of the characters with powers have clear mental health issues is also a plus for me. Anxiety and depression is real, and having heroes that clearly deal with it too is refreshing.
This book is very entertaining, but it doesn't go much beyond entertainment. This is why I don't give it more than 3 stars. I liked it, don't regret reading it, but it didn't blow me away.
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