Becoming predictable

I’ve always disliked skipping sections when reading a book. It seems to me that if I’ve committed to read a novel then I owe it my full attention. However with this series I find myself routinely skipping ahead whenever I hit certain segments. They have become formulated and predictable in their arcs. The fight scenes, Howie’s ruminations and any description of the group’s devotion to each other or their “cause”.

Additionally, the writing has become flowery and a little over the top in places. Do we really need to hear again and again (and again) how good Howie’s band of misfits are? Or how Howie struggles with his place in the universe? Either way, Howie is becoming annoying.

I’m also noticing more and more how the women are typically portrayed first by their looks and abilities as an afterthought. Their looks are continually mentioned whenever the character is referred to. And, of course, all of the women on Howie’s team are startlingly beautiful and captivating.

Last, the more I think about it, we are now two weeks in. This group is referred to as a band of soldiers, perhaps even elite soldiers. I keep trying to reconcile that with the weeks and months it typically takes to train. I know this is fiction, but just seems too far-fetched. Wouldn’t it make more sense for at least one or two of them to not be up to snuff? I find it frustrating that an author that has obviously spent so much time researching glosses over some basics.

At this point I’m in too deep to not finish the series. Unfortunately, it’s turning into a slog more than an escape.

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