Born of Persuasion (Price of Privilege)
by Jessica Dotta
Tyndale House / 2013
Find on: Amazon, Goodreads
by Jessica DottaTyndale House / 2013
Find on: Amazon
, Goodreads
About the book:
The year is 1838, and seventeen-year-old Julia Elliston’s position has never been more fragile. Orphaned and unmarried in a time when women are legal property of their fathers, husbands, and guardians, she finds herself at the mercy of an anonymous guardian who plans to establish her as a servant in far-off Scotland.
With two months to devise a better plan, Julia’s first choice to marry her childhood sweetheart is denied. But when a titled dowager offers to introduce Julia into society, a realm of possibilities opens. However, treachery and deception are as much a part of Victorian society as titles and decorum, and Julia quickly discovers her present is deeply entangled with her mother’s mysterious past. Before she knows what’s happening, Julia finds herself a pawn in a deadly game between two of the country’s most powerful men. With no laws to protect her, she must unravel the secrets on her own. But sometimes truth is elusive and knowledge is deadly.
With two months to devise a better plan, Julia’s first choice to marry her childhood sweetheart is denied. But when a titled dowager offers to introduce Julia into society, a realm of possibilities opens. However, treachery and deception are as much a part of Victorian society as titles and decorum, and Julia quickly discovers her present is deeply entangled with her mother’s mysterious past. Before she knows what’s happening, Julia finds herself a pawn in a deadly game between two of the country’s most powerful men. With no laws to protect her, she must unravel the secrets on her own. But sometimes truth is elusive and knowledge is deadly.
My rating:
My thoughts:
I think Born of Persuasion is a book you either love or don't. I've seen many reviews that raved about this book, but also know of people who couldn't get into it and/or didn't like it. Unfortunately I fell into the latter group and this book took me SO long to get through - I ended up having to skim/skip sections just to finish!
The main problem for me was I couldn't connect with the writing style. I liked that it was written in first person, but didn't like when it seemed as though the story was being told after the fact. I just found that not to my personal liking. Another thing I didn't like were the characters. Julia, as well as some other characters (particularly Mrs. Windham) annoyed me. I did, however, like Edward's character - for the most part.
All that said, I thought the last part of Born of Persuasion was good and there were a couple scenes that really held my attention. So, all in all, this was just an OK read for me.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
I think Born of Persuasion
is a book you either love or don't. I've seen many reviews that raved about this book, but also know of people who couldn't get into it and/or didn't like it. Unfortunately I fell into the latter group and this book took me SO long to get through - I ended up having to skim/skip sections just to finish!The main problem for me was I couldn't connect with the writing style. I liked that it was written in first person, but didn't like when it seemed as though the story was being told after the fact. I just found that not to my personal liking. Another thing I didn't like were the characters. Julia, as well as some other characters (particularly Mrs. Windham) annoyed me. I did, however, like Edward's character - for the most part.
All that said, I thought the last part of Born of Persuasion was good and there were a couple scenes that really held my attention. So, all in all, this was just an OK read for me.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
I still haven't finished this one yet. I'm hoping to give it one more shot ... maybe another 50 pages or so, but I'm having a hard time making myself go back to it. :(
ReplyDeleteI had that same problem and it took me months to finish. Hope you are able to get into the story soon, Brooke. :)
DeleteI felt the same way! Got it on my Kindle (free I think) and got probably 6 or 8 chapters in and just couldn't get into it. Still on my Kindle but I have no plans to finish it at this point. Sad, because like you I had read many great reviews...
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear you didn't like this book, Melanie. I personally really enjoyed it and loved how it was similar to Downton Abbey, but I can see how it's a love or hate kind of book without much of a middle. It can be aggravating when you have a book you have to finish but don't really want to, so I'm sorry to hear this book feel into that spot for you.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Bethany