A Concept That Was Lost in Translation

I picked up Kym Brunner's Wanted - Dead or In Love hoping for a unique blend of romance and perhaps a darker, more thrilling element, as hinted by the title. The idea of a story combining these seemingly disparate genres sounded intriguing, and I was curious to see how it would be executed. Unfortunately, while the concept had potential, the book largely left me feeling disconnected and underwhelmed.

The premise itself has a certain quirky appeal, attempting to merge elements of romance with a more suspenseful or even macabre undertone. There were brief flashes where the narrative hinted at something genuinely interesting or a character dynamic that could have been compelling. For readers who enjoy very unconventional genre blends, some of the foundational elements might initially pique their interest.

However, the primary issue I encountered was the execution of both the plot and the characters. The pacing felt incredibly inconsistent; at times, it dragged endlessly with seemingly irrelevant details or repetitive internal monologues, while at others, it rushed through crucial developments without adequate build-up. The world-building, if any was intended, felt vague and underdeveloped, making it difficult to fully grasp the context of the story or the motivations driving the characters.

The characters themselves, particularly the protagonist and any romantic interests, struggled to truly resonate. Their motivations often felt unclear or inconsistent, making it hard to connect with their decisions or emotional journeys. The romance, which should have been a central pillar, felt forced and lacked the genuine chemistry and believable development needed to be impactful. The dialogue, at times, felt cliché or unnatural, further hindering immersion. The plot, while having a central conflict, often relied on convenient resolutions or felt unnecessarily convoluted without a clear payoff.

Ultimately, Wanted - Dead or In Love felt like a book with a promising, albeit unusual, premise that didn't quite hit its mark. While it attempts to blend different genres, the inconsistent pacing, underdeveloped characters, and often confusing plot made it a challenging and ultimately unrewarding read. It might appeal to a very specific niche of readers, but for me, it simply didn't live up to its potential.