A Rollercoaster Ride with The Unleashed (The Haunted, #2)
Danielle Vega has a knack for pulling readers into her haunting worlds, having successfully done so in her previous works like The Merciless. So, when I dove into The Unleashed, the second book in The Haunted series, I expected a chilling continuation of the eerie adventures that Vega is known for. Unfortunately, what unfolded felt like a chaotic rollercoaster ride I never wanted to be on, with more lows than highs.
From the outset, The Unleashed attempted to build on its predecessor’s foundation, but the execution fell woefully short. The main character, Hendricks, comes off as a poorly drawn caricature rather than a relatable lead. Her decisions often seemed so illogical that I found myself constantly asking, "What on earth are you doing?" For instance, after making a seemingly wise choice to have Connor walk her home, she promptly turns and walks to a graveyard instead. This kind of frustrating character behavior isn’t just a pet peeve for me; it detracts from the overall enjoyment of the story.
The writing left much to be desired, and the dialogue felt painfully contrived. Characters stumbling over phrases like "like" made the reading experience grating. If the goal was to establish some quirk, it missed the mark and became more of a reader’s annoyance. It’s as if the essence of natural conversation was lost in the shuffle.
Plot-wise, The Unleashed unravels into a series of confusing events that lack clear explanations. Why are ghosts suddenly corporeal? How can these entities cause physical harm as if they were demons? These unanswered questions muddied the world-building, leading to a sense of frustration rather than intrigue. I found myself yearning for more depth, wondering if Vega had temporarily lost her pen along the way. Additionally, the glaring absence of character backstory for the antagonist left me feeling disconnected, making the stakes seem trivial.
The novel’s pacing also contributed to its pitfalls. Moments of high tension were often followed by bizarre choices that felt like filler. Characters being chloroformed and carried away without anyone batting an eyelash felt less like a thrilling twist and more like a hastily penned plot device. It’s moments like these that can break the immersion and turn a potentially riveting experience into a farce.
Despite my grievances, I will commend Vega’s intentions for admirable diversity in her characters. However, the way it was presented felt awkward and forced, reminding me that showing rather than telling is a fundamental writing principle worth adhering to.
In conclusion, The Unleashed is, unfortunately, a disappointing installment that left me with a laundry list of questions rather than the satisfying resolutions I craved. For avid fans of Vega, this book may feel like a misstep. However, if you enjoy YA horror that leans heavily toward chaos and confusion, it may still find an audience. Personally, I would recommend borrowing it from your local library rather than diving in headfirst. After all, some dumpster fires are best viewed from a distance.
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