Review of The Damned (Coven of Bones, #3)
When I first picked up The Damned by Harper L. Woods, I approached it with a mixture of excitement and anticipation. After thoroughly enjoying the complexity and depth of the first two installments in the Coven of Bones series, I was eager to dive back into a world rich with witches, demons, and a tantalizing hint of romance. However, I must admit, the experience was far from what I hoped it would be.
This third book presented a significant shift in tone and execution that left me feeling underwhelmed. The intricate plot threads that Woods had woven so expertly in previous books felt tangled and frayed here. Beelzebub, an intriguing character with potential, emerged as a rather flat and underdeveloped figure. While he’s touted as a powerful demon, I couldn’t shake the feeling that he read more like "an older guy who’s been there, done that," with none of the menacing energy one might expect from Lucifer’s right-hand man. Instead of being captivated, I found myself wishing for more depth and nuance in his portrayal.
Furthermore, the writing quality fell short of the high bar set by the first two books. The complex sentence structures often veered into clunky territory, demanding an uncomfortable amount of rereads just to grasp basic ideas. As someone who appreciates a good flow in storytelling, I found myself distracted, taken out of the narrative by fragmented sentences and misplaced modifiers. It felt like a missed opportunity to use clear, powerful writing to enhance what could have been a riveting narrative.
The pacing also felt unbalanced, with the first part of the book serving largely as a recap of events from The Cursed, which made me wonder why I was reading a significant chunk of a book that seemed, in part, to be retreading old ground. In a world full of intricate lore and fascinating character relationships, I’d anticipated a more engaging exploration of the connection between Margot and Beelzebub. Instead, their bond felt hastily constructed, relying on repetitive inner musings that made the emotional stakes feel flimsy.
Yet, not all was lost. I did appreciate Woods’ willingness to tackle Margot’s journey through trauma—especially the complexities embedded within her character as a Red witch. The contrasts between her burgeoning powers and her past experiences brought an interesting tension to the storyline, making her character relatable and multi-dimensional. This nuanced approach was certainly a silver lining amid the book’s clunkiness.
Ultimately, The Damned felt more like filler than a pivotal installment, ending with a cliffhanger that left me with mixed feelings. While the world-building and thematic richness found in the early books created a vivid backdrop, this book didn’t capitalize on those strengths in the way I’d hoped.
I believe that fans of the series might find something to appreciate, but it’s hard not to long for the gripping narratives of The Cursed and its predecessor. If you’re ready to follow the journey through hell and back but don’t mind the inconsistencies in writing and pacing, you might still find enjoyment in Margot’s story.
In conclusion, while there is potential sprinkled throughout, The Damned ultimately didn’t resonate with me to the extent I wished it did. As a mood reader, I know that not every book hits the mark, and perhaps this one will serve as a stepping stone to greater things in the final installments. Here’s to hoping that Harper L. Woods returns to her previous narrative prowess as we journey forward!
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