Lauren Willig -- The Masque of the Black Tulip

I never thought I would find a series that I hate reading, but wouldn't mind having a factual account of what happens so that I could know how it all ends without having to actually read the books. Sad, isn't it?

I really hated The Secret History of the Pink Carnation. It was a glorified romance novel. The cover made me think it was one of these historical novels that are written fairly well and make you feel as if you might have learned something at the end of the book, whether you really did or not. Which, I know. I deserve it for literally judging a book by its cover. So, during the first book, I was expecting Phillipa Gregory and got something like Judith Krantz. Disappointing. And I really didn't enjoy the jumping plotline wherein you start in modern times with a young researcher and then jump into the past when she begins her research. And jump out at unexpected moments. It was very jolting.

But, perhaps I was too hasty. Maybe the fact that I just wasn't prepared for the kind of book it turned out to be is why I reacted so strongly to Pink Carnation.

Nope. The second book? I honestly threw across the room at the end. These books are whitewashed, simplified, dumbed down and they play it too safely. There is never any real danger to the protagonists. I'm sure the author thinks she is being clever and hiding the true villains til the end, but it is painfully obvious who the bad people are if you pay any attention to what's been written.

Worst of all? I'll probably read the next one, too. Thank God I have acces to a public library and I don't have to buy these books.

http://www.laurenwillig.com