DNF
The first book in 2019 that I didn’t manage to finish is The Serpent’s Mark by S.W. Perry.
I am sad and disappointed. If you know me, you will know how I don’t want to leave things unfinished, especially when reading books. I want to finish every book I read, so I can have a thorough opinion and valid comments.
I stopped reading this book at page 75, which is very early days, but I just couldn’t continue because of a few points.
Before I start, I need to mention all the things that attracted me to this book in the first place. I love mysteries, and this book promised conspiracy, murder and espionage in Elizabethan London. It is set in the year 1591, where a doctor is investigated of his questionable practices. This was, by itself a promising start. And if you haven’t seen the beautiful cover already, please do. It’s art to have this book on your shelves.
However, while reading those 75 pages, I haven’t encountered any murder. Conspiracy and espionage maybe, but it is so subtle, that everything else comes in first place, while I am here, flipping pages and desperately waiting for something to happen.
A book that contains a lot of politics and religion in a same chapter is just not the book for me. As a person that moved into the UK, I know a little bit about politics and not much about history politics, but I am also not very interested in it either. Documentaries, yes – but books for pleasure, not quite so much. This book was over-flooding with politics and religion, and it is something I just couldn’t put past me. After deciding to DNF it, I also realized that it was a second book of a series, but can also be read as a standalone.
I wish I enjoyed it, but I just couldn’t. However, if the book seems like something you might enjoy, please go for it, read it, and let me know how it went. We all have different tastes in book – and that’s OKAY! 🙂
Thank you to ReadersFirst, a UK based website that sends me books every month in exchange for my honest reviews. What you do it absolutely amazing!
Hope your next book is better , great review
Thank you!
I used to feel guilty DNF but have since decided it is the kindest thing I can do if I am not connecting with the story
I completely agree. I should start being more brave about DNFing books.
Oh no, I hope your next read is better.
Thank you!
I can’t do really dry books about political intrigue and espionage, or books about religion either. I’d probably have DNF’ed it too! Good luck with your next read!
Thank you!
These are my least favorite reviews to write. I think did an excellent job with it.
I dislike DNFing a novel, but at that point, I know that there is no other option. Hope your next read is much better!
Sometimes you just can’t connect with a book and that is okay.