Fate's Monolith [Paperback]

Sky Purington tells a good tale but there are so many things that could be better about this I just couldn't agree with the 5 star comments. [warning: spoiler alert] Arianna often overreacts...the dialog at times seems forced; and the action just doesn't flow. Scotland's history is dropped into the text like a cut and paste and made me just want to skip those parts. The author doesn't handle the lovemaking scenes well either. Except for kissing, foreplay seems nonexistent. ("Her eyes shot open in shock as he claimed her."--what?) Little is described in graphic terms. So one has to imagine. Purington does the equivalent of a camera panning the trees above the couple...shutting us out of what is happening and leaving questions. Was he gentle as his sister said he would be? Although his kissing was described as "patient" his claiming her didn't seem so. What was going through Arianna's mind as he took her virginity--what did she expect? Little is said. I felt so much was untold. The author's language at such times is overly flowery ("Their bodies soared above the trees sheltering them and over the highland mountains that loomed beyond."--really? And, "Stars colored her vision and lunar light illuminated him while he defeated her."--what?) And, after so much passion in the woods, why does he just pick up and take her back to the "gathering" of the clans (that seemed cold)--it just didn't feel right. And details are missed...like when did she give Edward back his ring? I kept waiting for it. Never happened. And what happened to the 11 years in Ferchar's vision? Did those take place and if so, where? And why the vague suggestion at the end that Iain was leaving and they wouldn't be together? Was that an attempt to add suspense? I felt like a ping pong ball. I'm sorry but I've read better. Oh yeah, there are annoying typos (including one use of Iain's name when Liam is intended). This could be so much better. I hope the author takes these suggestions to heart. For an author who gets it right, I suggest you read Kresley Cole's MacCarrick Brothers trilogy; it is just superb.

This was a decent story, but the writing left a lot to be desired. It seemed a contest almost of "how many metaphors and similes can I pack into one paragraph" honestly, I got tired of wading through the wordiness and finished most of the book by skimming. There is an abruptness to the dialogue too... The transitions just aren't smooth. Maybe I'm too picky, but I just couldn't enjoy the book as much I expected and it was all due to the writing style.

Having said that, the story itself is good and I'm planning to read the second in the trilogy in the hopes that the writing style will gave matured.

I wasn't sure about this one at first but glad I bought it. It introduced quite a few lovable characters in addition to the Hero and Heroine (who were great). I found myself paying attention, who would do what next, would I have to jump into the book and kick the hero's behind if he didn't wise up? All I can say is I'm glad this is a trilogy because I want to read more!

T.