red_day_dawning (red_day_dawning) wrote in book_discuss, @ 2008-04-26 11:38:00 |
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Entry tags: | rant, review |
NOT a book rec - a rant...
Traci Harding is a popular Australian fantasy author. Her previous books have been best-sellers (here in Australia anyway). And there's no doubt she can write a riveting tale - her books do have a way of grabbing your attention, and refusing to let go.
But... why doesn't she employ someone to do her historical research? And an editor/beta reader? Because as gifted as she is with story-telling, her research skills are poorer than the average H.S. student, and at times her literacy skills are deplorable.
In Gene of Isis, she does her usual playing with the time-line tricks. One of her characters is a 19th century extraordinarily advanced heroine. For, not only does she wear men's trousers and use contemporary slang *cringe*, punching her fist in the air and yelling "Woo Hoo" to express triumph, she blithely prattles about "genes" and "genetic inheritance". In 1836/7 or so. Although Mendel first published his paper on inherited characteristics in 1866 and never used the word "gene" - which wasn't actually used until 1908/9!!!!! And her 13th century French priestess talks about "the penny finally dropping" never mind that she speaks Langue d'oc & wouldn't have a clue what a penny is.
And Traci repeatedly uses the word "porthole", when "portal" is clearly intended. Please, Traci, more time reading or with a dictionary, less time watching StarTrek or Stargate.
Hard to believe she's actually published.
"NO more!" I finally shriek in disgust, flinging down the book. And start ranting, "This woman is a MORON, her readers are MORONS!"
My SO calmly says, "Stop reading it then."
To which I glumly reply, "I'm a moron too - I'm dying to know what happens next..."