“Ever since fabulously wealthy Malcolm Doran walked into her life and swept her off her feet, fledgling architect Jane Boyle has been living a fairy tale. When he proposes with a stunning diamond to seal the deal, Jane can’t believe her incredible luck and decides to leave her Paris-based job to make a new start with Malcolm in New York.
But when Malcolm introduces Jane to the esteemed Doran clan, one of Manhattan’s most feared and revered families, Jane’s fairy tale takes a darker turn. Soon everything she thought she knew about the world–and herself–is upended. Now Jane must struggle with newfound magical abilities and the threat of those who will stop at nothing to get them.”
I wasn’t a big fan of the television series, but this source book makes the adaptation look genius in circumspect.
I’m sure fans of the book would disagree. Save for the names of Malcolm and Jane, nothing from the book survives to the series. Well, maybe bits about Jane’s lineage. But the book and the defunct television series are definitely two very different things, who just happens that share the same title. And maybe two characters.
666 Park Avenue is a supernatural romance novel that seems to be bent on having a point. About women empowerment, maybe. But it’s not clear. The whole time we’re following Jane Boyle, our main character, she just seems to be very self-centered.
Yes, we do get a lot of instances where Jane is said to care about her friends, and the other people around her. But that’s the point. It’s just said. She does maybe three good things throughout the book, juxtaposed to the many times she’s complaining about her soon-to-be mother-in-law, or worrying about keeping her secret.
Oh yes, why don’t we talk about the secret.
Now, for the spoilerphobes, what I’m about to say is not a spoiler. Contrary to what the book’s synopsis says, Jane learns fairly early on that she’s a witch. And she’s not just any kind of witch. She’s the fabulous socialite type. Not familiar with that kind? Well, neither was I before I read this book.
Come to think of it, I’m still not sure what kind of witch Jane is, a few days after I’ve finished reading. Author Gabriella Pierce relies on readers’ stock knowledge of witches, focusing instead on the mythology of seven sisters–which is neither fully explained nor fully explored.
Basically, witches are a greedy bunch. Except for our three good guys. And maybe one not so good guy who doesn’t have powers to begin with.
If there’s anything good I can say about this book, it’s this: it’s an easy read, in that you don’t have to think hard about what’s going on. You can just go along with the ride. Unfortunately, nothing sticks with you afterwards.
This is not a book that changes perception, much less lives. It’s something to simply pass the time.
Of course, other people would have other opinions. Why don’t we check those out:
Dear Author
My Friend Amy
One More Page
taking a break 