Sturgeon’s Law states that 90% of everything is crud. Too often, I’ve picked up a YA book with high hopes, only to find myself reading the same old tired tropes and bored out of my head. I was delighted to find Swords & Stilettos bucks the trend falls solidly into the good 10%. It’s full of tropes, chock-a-block with clichés – and it all works.
There’s a love triangle, mean girls, werewolves and fairies, angels and demons locked in a cosmic war, and one seemingly normal girl caught in the middle. In a different book, this could all be a mess of tortured tropes, but in this one, it’s a blast to read.
Apart from the mean girls (whose mean motivation is hinted at, but never fully revealed), there’s no sense of “not like other girls” that haunts too many YA novels. Zoe enjoys shopping and fashion and spending time with her girl friends. In fact, I would’ve liked to see her interacting with them some more, especially at the beginning, as their friendships seems a little more informed than realistic.
Otherwise, her relationships are sweet and believable, especially Kieran struggling with but accepting his love is unrequited. I’m sick of the love triangle taking over a story and am so glad it is used and then discarded. Zoe does dip into TSTL sometimes, but that’s more an offshoot of her protective streak than thoughtlessness.
My only disappointment is that title is Swords & Stilettos, but while the former played a significant part, the latter were rather lacking. I would personally have liked more ass kicking in high heels, but that’s probably just me.
If you want realistic, walk on by, but if you are looking for a solidly well-written story with likeable characters, pick this book up and enjoy. I’m certainly looking forward to the next one.
There’s a love triangle, mean girls, werewolves and fairies, angels and demons locked in a cosmic war, and one seemingly normal girl caught in the middle. In a different book, this could all be a mess of tortured tropes, but in this one, it’s a blast to read.
Apart from the mean girls (whose mean motivation is hinted at, but never fully revealed), there’s no sense of “not like other girls” that haunts too many YA novels. Zoe enjoys shopping and fashion and spending time with her girl friends. In fact, I would’ve liked to see her interacting with them some more, especially at the beginning, as their friendships seems a little more informed than realistic.
Otherwise, her relationships are sweet and believable, especially Kieran struggling with but accepting his love is unrequited. I’m sick of the love triangle taking over a story and am so glad it is used and then discarded. Zoe does dip into TSTL sometimes, but that’s more an offshoot of her protective streak than thoughtlessness.
My only disappointment is that title is Swords & Stilettos, but while the former played a significant part, the latter were rather lacking. I would personally have liked more ass kicking in high heels, but that’s probably just me.
If you want realistic, walk on by, but if you are looking for a solidly well-written story with likeable characters, pick this book up and enjoy. I’m certainly looking forward to the next one.
Five troperiffic stars.
I received a copy of this story from the author through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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