The Kiss of the Nightingale

I was extremely interested in this book, and the synopsis drew me in. I love a modern 1800s setting and a unique magic system.

In this tale, the magic system is set within jewels - Talents of a variety of kinds are passed down, inherited, or stolen. The main character did not receive a Talent of her own; and early into the book was given one.

Here's where the book started to lose me. The chapter transitions - we can end a chapter mid-fight, mid-plot point, mid-story, and the start of the next chapter is a time JUMP. It pulled me out of the book because I thought I was MISSING pages.

The main character has massive character development issues beyond the obvious red flags. She's whiny and selfish and her dialogue doesn't affect me like a main character should. She's unable to from a full decision and throws fits when things don't go her way. The other characters are just as bland with bland dialogue and banter; the only thing they have going for them is their shiny jewelry.

I pushed through to 68% of the book before I DNFed. I definitely have been put into a slump with this one.