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A review by lenoreo
Marek by Sawyer Bennett
3.0
https://celebrityreaders.com/2021/11/05/marek-by-sawyer-bennett/
3.5 stars — I will admit I was a little bummed with this one. It was quick to read, as all of them are. It’s been awhile since I read any of the books in this series, so not sure if it’s me or the book — though I think it’s the book, and the characters in particular.
This was the first in this series that I listened to, and as I was already a fan of Ms. Dukehart, it was a no-brainer. Solid performances by both narrators — great pacing, emotions, different voices, etc. I would definitely consider going back and listening to others in this series.
So what didn’t work with these characters? Well, to be honest, neither of them were that likable. I mean, they each had their good moments for sure, but the book starts off showing the absolute WORST of Marek, and I heavily disliked the way he was treating Gracen. While he 100% should have felt hurt, angry, betrayed, he was an immature asshole in his dealings with her. And for much longer than I could put up with. So by the time he calmed down, I wasn’t as forgiving as I should have been. As for his personality outside of that? I’m not sure I really knew what he was like. I appreciated the way he fumbled with Lilly, but once he tucked in you could feel his earnestness.
Gracen was a tough nut in her own right. I mean, she makes a huge mistake, and spends a LOT of time self-flagellating. Which, I mean, not unwarranted…but I was relieved when she stopped putting up with Marek’s crap. And I was even starting to like her, and feel for her uncertainty in the relationship, but then she goes mama-bear irrational and I just threw up my hands.
I guess for both of them, they were more real life characters…you know, flawed as shit. And I only want a certain amount of flaws to balance the good.
3.5 stars — I will admit I was a little bummed with this one. It was quick to read, as all of them are. It’s been awhile since I read any of the books in this series, so not sure if it’s me or the book — though I think it’s the book, and the characters in particular.
This was the first in this series that I listened to, and as I was already a fan of Ms. Dukehart, it was a no-brainer. Solid performances by both narrators — great pacing, emotions, different voices, etc. I would definitely consider going back and listening to others in this series.
So what didn’t work with these characters? Well, to be honest, neither of them were that likable. I mean, they each had their good moments for sure, but the book starts off showing the absolute WORST of Marek, and I heavily disliked the way he was treating Gracen. While he 100% should have felt hurt, angry, betrayed, he was an immature asshole in his dealings with her. And for much longer than I could put up with. So by the time he calmed down, I wasn’t as forgiving as I should have been. As for his personality outside of that? I’m not sure I really knew what he was like. I appreciated the way he fumbled with Lilly, but once he tucked in you could feel his earnestness.
Gracen was a tough nut in her own right. I mean, she makes a huge mistake, and spends a LOT of time self-flagellating. Which, I mean, not unwarranted…but I was relieved when she stopped putting up with Marek’s crap. And I was even starting to like her, and feel for her uncertainty in the relationship, but then she goes mama-bear irrational and I just threw up my hands.
I guess for both of them, they were more real life characters…you know, flawed as shit. And I only want a certain amount of flaws to balance the good.