It’s been said that there are only seven basic stories and everything we write falls somewhere within their confines. I’m generally a bit more optimistic about our creative prowess, but sometimes there are stories so formulaic that I think even seven basic plots is generous and perhaps it’s more like four.
Broken Star, by Joann Lee, is a plot that has been written a hundred times over. There are two characters, an undeniable spark of attraction, external danger, internal conflict and a litany of other reasons that should prevent these characters from being together. This time the roles were filled by Lynn, a pop star, and Alexis, a police detective and single mother. They are initially brought together by the threat of a serial rapist in their neighborhood, but both also have dark secrets from their pasts that they must address.
It was the kind of book where I knew what was going to happen at least twenty pages in advance and while I would have liked to have been surprised, everything came to pass more or less how I thought it would. Once we had jumped through all the predictable hoops and wrapped up more than enough loose ends, the ending itself was so saccharine that I could barely stick with it.
Lee’s got some pieces working for her. She clearly knows how to work through a plot, and the pacing of the book, which could have lagged unbearably, was light and effective. The dialogue was mostly all lines I felt like I’d heard before, but there were moments of refreshing individuality that I would have liked to see more of.
While the plot is entirely predictable and overused, it is overused because it is exciting and romantic. Lee could have gotten away with it, if she hadn’t let the storyline consume the piece. The book was all contrivance, slogging from event to event like a tired gymnast going through their once-flashy routine. The characters tried to be charming, but they were too stuck in the confines of their situation to have any more personality than the requirements of their life struggles. If her formula hadn’t been so rigid and her protagonists such cookie-cutter characters, I think the book really could have flown.
MaisiesLithium (@MaisiesLithium) says
Hello, Lena I found you through a friend of mine and read your review. I want to say that I strongly disagree with what you said I have read her book and you know what, her words are good I admire the hard what she has put into this book. The romance and everything DID flow I strongly suggest either read the book again or find another and start walking because your opinion based on this was harsh and hurtful. I am proud of how far the author has came into her writing skills. Joann if you are reading this I hope you continue writing with your hearts content you do the most excellent job sweetie I am so proud of you.
Danika @ The Lesbrary says
I highly recommend that if you are not able to handle criticism of an author, you shouldn’t seek out reviews of their work. The point of book reviews is to be honest about your experience with the book, and that is what Lena did. Obviously you know this author personally, and that makes it really tacky to comment negatively on a review. It reflects poorly on the author, for one, so you really aren’t helping her.