This book review for Untainted by Lilian T. James is mostly a collection of the thoughts I had while reading. I initially wrote down some notes after finishing the first seven chapters and then later returned to write more thoughts after finishing the book. This is a rather unusual organization for a book review, I know, but I don’t feel like rewriting it since the book was only a two-star-read for me. Sorry if it’s awkward to read or follow.
First 7 Chapters of Untainted by Lilian T. James
I haven’t finished this book yet so my stars might change as I continue to read, but I wanted to write down my thoughts for the first 7 chapters before I forget them.
1) There’s an awful lot of “telling” in this book instead of “showing,” particularly when it comes to the emotions and feelings of characters
2) The world-building is pretty much nonexistent. They’ve so far spent a large part of the book traveling to different locations, but these locations aren’t even described. They’re at an inn. Cool. But what does it look like? They’re in a town. But what do the buildings look like? What do the streets look like? There’s just not many descriptions in this book whatsoever except for some descriptions of various characters’ clothing. And that’s a bit disappointing. I want to know more about the world. The sights. The sounds. The smells. I want a vibrant picture in my head.
3) I find it really hard to believe that the prince’s entire guard is so inept that none of them manage to spot or hear the guy sneaking up on them, but Vera is able to. You’re telling me that none of them are out patrolling outside or paying attention to their surroundings when they’re guarding a prince?
4) Also—once Vera and the guy start FIGHTING, you’re telling me that NONE of the prince’s guard comes to investigate all the commotion? Or they just don’t hear it at all? Because fighting is not quiet. And then once the fight is over and Vera goes back inside the inn, she’s “walking on her tiptoes” because she’s “not wanting to risk waking anyone.” Wait. So everyone’s asleep now? When the heck did everyone go to bed? While she was outside FIGHTING??? Are the guards in bed now, too? Because just 2 seconds ago they were awake, but now suddenly everyone is asleep? Well, hunny, if everyone can sleep through you fighting just outside their windows, then I’m pretty sure they can sleep through anything. No need to tip toe. Put your boots back on. And go on and bang some pots and pans around while you’re at it.
Book Review Updates: I’ve read up to chapter 20 now (5 chapters left to go)
5) One of my previous complaints from the first 7 chapters is given an explanation later in the book. Sort of. There’s a reason Vera is better than the guards at doing guard-type things. Ok fine. But that still doesn’t explain why everyone in the world sleeps through her fight (mentioned earlier in my review). I still find it a bit ridiculous and too convenient that no one rushed outside during all that. Also, this has become another one of those stories where the main female character is a flawlessly strong, badass who can kick any man’s ass and blah blah yawn—I’m just getting so tired of these types of characters I guess.
6) The book gets a little more interesting around chapter 10 or 11, but there’s still not very much going on in the plot or story.
7) I kept hoping that the sexual tension (that I knew would be starting soon) would make up for everything else lacking in this book, but sadly I’m now on chapter 20, and I feel nothing. The characters now desperately want each other, but I just feel no chemistry or sexual tension between them whatsoever. I’m back to being bored with this book, and that’s so disappointing because I wanted to love it.
8) Trey is the only character who I think I like. Oh, and Elric. I like him. But the main characters? Nope. I just feel so blah about them. And morally grey characters are my favorite, so you would think that I’d love Jaren, but his personality is just so blah. Enemies to lovers is also my favorite trope, but I feel nothing in regards to that in this book either. I’m just so bored by the interactions between Vera and Jaren. And there’s only 5 chapters left of this book.
End of Book Update: Final Untainted Review
9) Andddd the cheesiest line of the whole book award goes to: “Did I ever tell you that you smell like a burning star?”
10) Finally made it to the sex scene, and it wasn’t sexy. I was so bored. And it was so cliche.
Sorry to everyone who loves this book, but for me it was a disappointing 2-star read.
Book Review for Untainted by Lilian T. James Written on July 19, 2022
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