Neferura by Malayna Evans
My rating: 1 of 5 stars
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Neferura in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Gist
Neferura by Malayna Evans falls short of its ambitious premise, offering a lackluster and disjointed narrative that fails to engage readers.
The Details
One of the main issues with the novel is its pacing. The story meanders aimlessly, lacking a clear direction or sense of urgency. Instead of building tension and excitement, the plot plods along at a tedious pace, making it difficult for readers to stay invested in the story.
Furthermore, the characters in Neferura are poorly developed and fail to resonate with readers. The protagonist, Neferura, comes across as bland and unremarkable. She lacks the depth and complexity needed to carry the story. Supporting characters are similarly one-dimensional, with motivations that feel contrived and unconvincing.
The world-building in the novel is also lacking. Despite its exotic setting in ancient Egypt, the world of Neferura feels underdeveloped and uninspired. Details are sparse, leaving readers with little sense of the rich cultural tapestry that should be inherent in a story set in this time period.
Another issue with Neferura is its writing style, which is clunky and awkward at times. Dialogue feels stilted and unnatural, hindering the development of meaningful connections between characters. There was tell than show, and even the “tell” was choppy and underdeveloped at best. Descriptions are often overly simplistic. They do not evoke the sense of wonder and awe that should accompany a story set in ancient Egypt.
The Verdict
Overall, Neferura is a disappointing read that fails to live up to its potential. With its lackluster pacing, underdeveloped characters, and uninspired world-building, the novel struggles to hold the reader’s interest. While it may appeal to fans of historical fiction, those seeking a more engaging and immersive read would be better off looking elsewhere.
