novel.adventurer

Death's Captive proves that Scarlett Reed is capable of coming up with interesting storylines. Unfortunately, the novel was ultimately lacking in editing primarily. Issues with continuity, grammar, development, dialogue, and other writing hiccups really drew from the experience. I found myself tripping over missed words, unnatural dialogue, and other errors that ultimately just seemed like a race to the finish.
While Reed presented a lot of interesting ideas that could've made for a great story with proper development, the lack thereof felt much more like they were simply thrown in at random times and without any build-up or continuation. In fact, the entire ending was probably the best example of this. Once again, it was clear that Reed has the ability to come up with unique stories but needs to practice properly writing them out. The ending felt sudden and unexplained; the conflict didn't even seem to lead into it. Another huge problem that arose from lack of development or led to it was just that there was too much going on. Too many characters were given focus, with few if any getting any sort of ending or closure. The main character had way too many conflicts, almost none of which felt resolved at the end.
I have faith that Scarlett Reed could become a great writer some day given her imagination. However, her writing needs quite a bit of polish before readers will actually be able to enjoy her stories.

A Neapolitan Fairy Tale at Lake Okoboji gives us the determined and responsible Georgiana, a dreamer intent on reaching her goals. Her adventure provides a cozy and mystical read, full of delightful and vivid depictions of beloved experiences: magnetic love at first sight, adrenaline-inducing horror screenings, refreshing activities in the sun and on the lake, and delicious ice cream. This is the perfect book to escape into just for the afternoon, as it is a quick read.

Paula Benge???s charming ???fairy tale??? surprised me with its satisfying simplicity. Though a predictable story, her descriptions of a magical lake in Iowa and unique ice cream combinations delight. Benge manages to meld the whimsy of an ice cream shop, the wonder of new but fast love, and true magical elements flawlessly, creating a sense of magic in the ordinary and vice versa. Her heroine had clearly set ideals, goals, and traits, resulting in a romance full of chemistry and true tension in the conflict. Overall, Benge???s writing proves she understands the power of a simple storyline and great description.

There are a few areas Benge can improve in, however. The development was still lacking, though she did a remarkable job with it in the short space of the book. I will say it???s far more important to err on the side of caution so as not to drag something out too far, but the reflection of the author???s talent in the story practically demanded more. Georgiana and her love interest, Michal, could???ve done with more time for their backstories, including her accident, the loss of their parents respectfully, and some longer flashbacks to her earlier experience at the lake. The fairy concept also felt a bit thrown in, though it was heavily featured and foreshadowed. I preferred Benge???s effort to not make it the focus but felt her method needed a little work.

A hidden gem by a naturally talented writer, I???d recommend this to ???chick lit??? fans.

This book was read and reviewed through Discovery: https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/a-neapolitan-fairy-tale-at-lake-okoboji-paula-benge#review