Order of Swans

DNF at 16% (~56 pages)

i know the ARCs i receive aren't always the final copy that ends up published, but this read like a first draft. the writing was juvenile and the MC came across to me as someone in her early teens, not a PhD candidate in her mid twenties.

there is a scene early on where she's reporting to speak to a king and is already almost late and covered in dirt. a man she met like five minutes earlier walks into the room and she throws something of his at him then runs up and leaps into his arms while he spins her around. like?? you already know you're pushing it with how you're dressed, so why would you do this?

the pacing was sooo confusing. i had to reread pieces of the first chapter repeatedly to figure out the timing of some parts and still walked away confused by it.

an aside, but the emphasis on weight also rubbed me the wrong way. i'm sure there will be a reason why she needs to be physically fit, but talking about how her stomach is too “soft” and then later being thankful that she was working out because she looked good in front of a hot guy was just like... idk, i didn't love it

i DNFed because if i finished this, it would probably end up being 1 star. part of me wanted to finish it just to see if it improves, but i had to remind myself that i am trying not to waste my time on stuff i don't like this year.

disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for review consideration