The Captive Maiden

Before I launch into this review, I'd like to just say my aforementioned "spidey senses" were off on this one. *slanted smile* Has that ever happened to you?

I was VERY excited, due to the beautiful cover and honestly believed I would love the actual story, however, as much as I tried to like it, I found it did not meet my expectations as I'd hoped.

(Disclaimer: I am a firm believer in the fact that not all books are for all readers, and I know that this author has a strong following and this story is generally well-liked, so this is in no way meant to dissuade anyone from reading this book--it is simply my opinion!)

Allow me to explain myself....

Book Rating: Here a little, there a little

The beginning of The Captive Maiden started off smashingly. I was drawn in and for the first few chapters, I couldn't put it down....

And that's when it started to crumble. The story itself had GOBS of potential which kept me reading, but by the half-way point (cue the ominous music "dun, dun dunnnnnnn"), I had a difficult time continuing--and not just because the plot slowed. The writing style of this author had me exquisitely puzzled. It seems almost as if it were written for a younger audience, because even though there were distinct points of view, I couldn't grasp the characters due to the prevalent passive "voice" and the many times the author spoon-fed me the emotions and situations instead of making turn into a "movie" in my mind. IE: "show, don't tell."

(Disclaimer two: There is nothing inherently wrong with writing that way, and she is obviously a very talented writer with a strong love of Christ and the scriptures which I greatly admire, so don't be hatin' on me! LOL I feel quite compelled to make sure I am honest in all my reviews.)

The other factor that made it difficult for me to love this novel, was the border-line preachy nature of the story. Don't get me wrong here folks--I love a great Christian message in stories like this--its one of the main reasons I read them, HOWEVER, this one seemed forced and drew me away from the story because it just didn't seem to fit. (Disclaimer three: refer to disclaimer two.)

Also, the plot didn't move forward after things got rolling. It almost seemed as if the characters were doing the same thing over and over--struggling to escape the clutches of the devilish villain.  I was soooo bummed that I wasn't able to love this the way I wanted.*sniff*

I might have had to give this book my lowest, rating but folks, IT'S CINDERELLA!! My all-time favorite fairly tale. Of. All. Time. ALL TIME!

I would highly recommend this book to younger readers or someone who just wants a simple, mild story.

Have you read this? What did you think? Should I give her other books a try?!?!

Happy Reading!
Buy it!!!