Fragile Eternity is, as expected, awesome. I guessed it would be, having loved Melissa Marr‘s first two books. It’s a continuation of the same story, this time focused yet again on Ash and Seth. In this installment in the series, Seth and Aislinn are trying to figure out where they fit in the world, since the world as both of them have always known it has changed so drastically, and with each other. This is happening among lots of court intrigue and faery drama, of course, as everyone tries to either prevent or provoke a devastating war on Earth, to make a long story short (it’s a long book, but the basics of the plot can be summed up quite shortly).
This book (as well as Melissa Marr’s others) is, in a word, addictive. It’s addictive in the same way that books like Twilight are, but better because, well, it’s also actually good. Melissa Marr’s world is seductive, shadowy, and all-encompassing; honestly, until I finished this book, I couldn’t pull my mind out of it (and even when I was done, I found my mind wandering back to Seth and Aislinn while I was ringing up thousands of ugly half price Christmas ornaments at work). I love the characters, the suspense, and the writing isn’t exactly something to scoff at, either. Melissa Marr’s characters are her strength, though; they’re really well-created. They feel like people.
It isn’t that these specific qualities stand out, though; literary merit isn’t why I love this book (it’s not bad, that’s just…not the reason this book rocks); I can’t even put my finger on it. It’s just so addicting, and it doesn’t even feel like it’s killing my brain! I found it impossible to stop reading (except when forced), and I can’t wait for the next book (impatient much? This one isn’t even out until April!).
The one flaw? It felt like a sequel. Yes, it is a sequel, but my favorite books in series are those that don’t feel like they’re part of a series (a good example of a series-yet-not-series book is actually Melissa Marr’s Ink Exchange). This is very obviously not a stand-alone. I think if the focus had been more on Seth in particular, I would have liked it better because it would have felt more like a complete story. The way it focused on an ensemble cast of characters made it feel more like a sequel. That said, however, I still loved Fragile Eternity and enjoyed every second I spent in Melissa Marr’s wonderfully created world.
December 31, 2008 at 2:16 am
I’m so jealous that you’ve read this. ;-; WAAANT.
December 31, 2008 at 11:36 am
Glad you liked it :)
And, in truth, I’m glad it feels like a sequel. It’s supposed to . . . actually, it’s to feel like the middle book.
1 (WL), 3 (FE), & 5 are a trilogy. 2 (INK) & 4 are set in the same world, but stand alone. Since FE is the middle book in the 5 book arc & the trilogy of the orig characters, I wanted it to feel like it was connected both back & forward. It’s a result of my geeking over macro-scale narrative structure . . .
April 26, 2009 at 4:32 pm
I cant wait to read Fragile Eternity! Out of the first two books though, Wicked Lovely was definitely better and more enjoyable for its characters. Ink Exchange however, was somewhat more addictive for its plot/story line.
In response to your comment-which was amazing to read by the way, is interesting to know the outline for your upcoming books! I will be anticipating them, especially now that I know which ones with be “sequels”.
You are an amazing writer! ^_^
December 31, 2008 at 11:48 am
Oh, wow. Envious over here.
Although I didn’t like Ink Exchange all that much when I read it, I didn’t like main character at all. So I am looking forward to Ash and Seth again!
However, I think Melissa Marr wins for best cover art on her books hands down!
December 31, 2008 at 11:49 am
And ooo.. Melissa Marr just appeared out of nowwhere and said there are going to be 5 books? Whee!!
These will be the most beautiful books on my shelves (and the ONLY series I am buying in hard cover!)
December 31, 2008 at 3:42 pm
I liked both Wicked Lovely and Ink Exchange, so I’m really looking forward to this book. And I agree, they have the most gorgeous covers.
December 31, 2008 at 4:09 pm
I am so Jealous, but it is good to know that the book is good. =D
December 31, 2008 at 7:50 pm
I have this one! I can’t wait to get started on both WL and this. :)
January 2, 2009 at 7:51 am
I’ve added this to my books for 2009 list–I read Ink Exchange for the Cybils, and really enjoyed it.
January 4, 2009 at 5:49 pm
I just finished this one and let me just say I am VERY glad that there will be another one in the series. :)
May 31, 2009 at 7:13 pm
Thanks so much for your review. you’re an inspiration to me
June 7, 2009 at 6:11 pm
Fragile Eternity was a fantastic book!
…But can anyone help me with how to pronounce Aislinn’s name?
September 27, 2009 at 11:37 pm
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October 27, 2009 at 1:59 am
i soo want this! I’ve read wicked lovely & Ink exchange and loved both, so I’m definitly looking forward to this one! :D
November 23, 2009 at 1:24 pm
I LOVE there books so much!
Does anyone know when the next 2 are going to be out?
the suspense is killing me!!
December 30, 2009 at 6:32 pm
yha i like the first one not so much the second cuse thair wasnt much with seth and ash but i do love all of ur books melissa
February 7, 2010 at 10:52 am
these books were ok. but twilight was AMAZINGGGGG soooooooo much beter thn this
February 8, 2010 at 4:51 pm
twilight was definently not as good.
it was a good book until the movies came out
and ruined it for all the real fans.
so yeah.
February 18, 2010 at 8:34 pm
omg i love love love wicked lovely just got ink exschange and cant waight 4 the next one melissa marr u r the beast writer ever i love your book you inspire me to write
April 23, 2010 at 8:12 pm
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May 25, 2010 at 8:22 pm
Jeez, I’m so tired of Aislinn’s blahs. It’s such a downer but I still thought this book was ok. Couldn’t actually top Ink Exchange though. Btw, Donia is my favorite character lol
March 27, 2012 at 11:52 pm
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