I have received a free copy of The Fifth Season, by Rayna Dee to review. However, all opinions about the book are mine alone.
The Fifth Season is a romance novel set in India and London. The main characters, Daman (male) and Muskaan (female) are from very different social and economic backgrounds. He is a wealthy businessman, while she is from a modest, even meager, family. The first meeting of the two is anything by cordial, and subsequent meetings are equally as frosty. Daman is an egotistical man who struggles with controlling his anger; while Muskaan is innocent and almost childlike in most of the novel. At times, her childishness comes across as weakness and immaturity. Despite their stark differences, Daman and Muskaan find themselves attracted to each other. The Fifth Season is a typical romance about love lost and regained.
Because most of the main characters--Daman, Muskaan, Purvi (Muskaan’s sister), Vinai (Purvi’s husband), Varun (Purvi and Vinai’s son)--are of Indian descent, the novel is filled with foreign phrases and words. Although the author has included a reference for some of them at the end of the book, more than half have been left without an English translation. I found it confusing when characters were referred to by their Indian nicknames, monikers, titles of respect without any explanation. It made the book difficult to follow at times. For instance, Muskaan’s sister, Purvi, is called “Didi”, or “Di” at times throughout the book. At first, I thought there were two sisters, one named Purvi and the other named Didi. It was only midway through the second chapter that I realized they were one and the same.
The novel has potential, however the characters and the story get lost in the writing. The writing is disjointed, sophomoric, and stilted with grammar errors littering the pages of the book. Although the characters are relatable, many of the scenes in which they are placed seem unrealistic and unnatural, and even at times, ridiculous. For example, In Chapter 8, the family, along with Sudvedh and his sister, Sue, friends Muskaan made on the plane ride to London, take a trip to Brighton. After lunch, the group heads to the pier where there are amusement rides and attractions. Sudvedh attempts to persuade Muskaan to join him on a fast-moving ride. She declines, and the scene that ensues between Sudvedh, Muskaan, and Daman, with Muskaan being described as “whimpering and trembling” seems ridiculously juvenile for three adults.
I enjoy a well-written romance novel, however, The Fifth Season fell short of expectations. I feel it would appeal to those in the young adult (under 25 years old) age group. The book’s cover art is very artistic and beautiful. The primary focus of the cover is a tree whose leaves encompass several seasons. The muted color palette is refreshing and relaxing. Taken by itself, the novel’s cover is gallery-worthy.
The Fifth Season is a romance novel set in India and London. The main characters, Daman (male) and Muskaan (female) are from very different social and economic backgrounds. He is a wealthy businessman, while she is from a modest, even meager, family. The first meeting of the two is anything by cordial, and subsequent meetings are equally as frosty. Daman is an egotistical man who struggles with controlling his anger; while Muskaan is innocent and almost childlike in most of the novel. At times, her childishness comes across as weakness and immaturity. Despite their stark differences, Daman and Muskaan find themselves attracted to each other. The Fifth Season is a typical romance about love lost and regained.
Because most of the main characters--Daman, Muskaan, Purvi (Muskaan’s sister), Vinai (Purvi’s husband), Varun (Purvi and Vinai’s son)--are of Indian descent, the novel is filled with foreign phrases and words. Although the author has included a reference for some of them at the end of the book, more than half have been left without an English translation. I found it confusing when characters were referred to by their Indian nicknames, monikers, titles of respect without any explanation. It made the book difficult to follow at times. For instance, Muskaan’s sister, Purvi, is called “Didi”, or “Di” at times throughout the book. At first, I thought there were two sisters, one named Purvi and the other named Didi. It was only midway through the second chapter that I realized they were one and the same.
The novel has potential, however the characters and the story get lost in the writing. The writing is disjointed, sophomoric, and stilted with grammar errors littering the pages of the book. Although the characters are relatable, many of the scenes in which they are placed seem unrealistic and unnatural, and even at times, ridiculous. For example, In Chapter 8, the family, along with Sudvedh and his sister, Sue, friends Muskaan made on the plane ride to London, take a trip to Brighton. After lunch, the group heads to the pier where there are amusement rides and attractions. Sudvedh attempts to persuade Muskaan to join him on a fast-moving ride. She declines, and the scene that ensues between Sudvedh, Muskaan, and Daman, with Muskaan being described as “whimpering and trembling” seems ridiculously juvenile for three adults.
I enjoy a well-written romance novel, however, The Fifth Season fell short of expectations. I feel it would appeal to those in the young adult (under 25 years old) age group. The book’s cover art is very artistic and beautiful. The primary focus of the cover is a tree whose leaves encompass several seasons. The muted color palette is refreshing and relaxing. Taken by itself, the novel’s cover is gallery-worthy.