Number One Fane by Meg Elison
My rating: 1 of 5 stars
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Number One Fan in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Gist
Number One Fan by Meg Elison, while ambitious in its themes and intent, ultimately falls short in execution, leaving readers with a sense of unfulfilled potential. The novel’s premise—a successful author kidnapped by an obsessed fan—promises a thrilling exploration of the dark side of fandom, but the delivery is marred by several critical flaws.
The Details
Firstly, the characters lack depth and nuance. Eli Grey, the protagonist, is depicted as a strong and resourceful author, yet her development throughout the novel feels superficial. Despite her traumatic ordeal, her inner journey and transformation are not convincingly portrayed. Similarly, the antagonist, comes across as a one-dimensional figure whose motivations and psychological complexities are inadequately explored. This lack of character depth makes it difficult for readers to fully invest in their fates.
The pacing of the novel is another significant issue. While thrillers typically benefit from a steady build-up of tension, Number One Fan oscillates between sluggish and rushed sequences. The initial abduction scene, which should be gripping, lacks the urgency and intensity needed to hook the reader. Conversely, key plot developments often feel hurried, with insufficient time spent on building suspense or delving into the psychological cat-and-mouse game between Eli and Alex.
The setting could have been utilized to create a claustrophobic and tense atmosphere. However, the descriptive writing falls flat, failing to evoke the fear and desperation one would expect in such a scenario. The setting, rather than being a character in itself, merely serves as a bland backdrop to the unfolding events.
Additionally, the interspersed flashbacks and excerpts from Eli’s writing, intended to provide deeper insight into her character, end up feeling disjointed and distracting. These sections do not integrate smoothly with the main narrative and instead interrupt the pacing, further diminishing the novel’s impact.
In terms of writing style, Elison’s prose is competent but lacks the polish and finesse needed to elevate the story. The dialogue is often stilted and unnatural, failing to capture the emotional intensity of the characters’ interactions. The book’s climactic moments, which should be edge-of-the-seat thrilling, are undermined by clunky writing and a lack of vivid imagery.
The Verdict
Overall, Number One Fan by Meg Elison had the potential to be a gripping psychological thriller with insightful commentary on modern fan culture. Unfortunately, it fails to deliver on its promise. Readers seeking a deeply engaging and suspenseful read may find themselves disappointed with this novel.
