And don't get me started on the repeated use of 'span' instead of 'spun', and 'smelt' instead of 'smelled'. I'm sure the author didn't mean he was getting prostitutes tattooed on his arms. There were also numerous instances of the wrong word being used in a sentence.Įx 1: 'From what I can *gleam* from that conversation.' () The correct word is 'glean'.Įx 2: '.my interest was *peaked*.' () The word is 'piqued'.Įx 3: ''I come out with some half-witted *trollop* most of the time.'' () I'm not entirely sure what word the author meant to use here (probably 'tripe', if I were to hazard a guess) but the character is referencing getting sayings tattooed on him. learn how to use a semicolon properly before scattering them in almost every paragraph. Dropped commas EVERYWHERE, and en dashes used where commas or periods should be. I lost track of the number of run-on sentences (hint: it's a lot) and yet every other sentence was some contrived simile or metaphor. The author has a significant misunderstanding of how to use dialogue tags properly.

There are some serious problems with even just the fundamentals. It is not just a question of style, in this case. Now, on to the bulk of the problems with this book: the writing. Suffice it to say, that was very irritating. So many times, I had to go back and read a section to try and understand how it had progressed so quickly in just one or two paragraphs. 'Torn' is, unfortunately, firmly in the latter group. I love a fast paced book, but there's a difference in a fast pace and just rushing through things. It was an interesting enough story, but it was very underdeveloped. I've got some words for you.įirst off, I will give credit to the basic plot.

It was being hyped by a few reputable people, and I love a good fairytale retelling, so I thought I'd give it a whirl.

I'll start by saying that I got wind of this book on BookTok.

Torment and Tarnish by Jamie Jackson