Covet: A Disappointing Detour in the Crave Series
It’s always an exciting moment when your most anticipated book arrives, and for me, that was Covet, the third installment in the Crave series by Tracy Wolff. Fresh off the heels of the drama-filled second book, I had high hopes, only to find myself utterly bewildered by the experience. Spoiler alert: my excitement quickly morphed into frustration, resulting in an implausible 1.5-star rating (which, honestly, I rounded up!).
From the jump, I was itching to dive back into the world of vampires, romance, and the all-too-familiar high school angst. Unfortunately, what I found instead was a tangled web of convoluted plots, repetitive phrases, and character choices that left me scratching my head. Grace’s perpetual drama felt more like a tiresome loop than an exhilarating plot device.
In terms of character development, one can’t help but wonder why all these ancient vampires are hanging around a school of teenagers. They still act like moody high school students, raising questions about maturity (or lack thereof). Seriously, there’s no modern-day rationale for centuries-old beings engaging in petty teenage squabbles—or waiting months for a first kiss from a 17-year-old. Where’s the realism amid the fantasy?
Wolff’s writing style seemed to leap between attempts at edgy dialogue and foot-stomping teen angst, but the repeated use of phrases like “smiling for the first time in forever” grated on my nerves. And, oh, the character of Grace! If anyone could win the title of the most annoying protagonist of the year, I’d nominate her without hesitation. Her incessant whining overshadowed any chance for genuine character growth, making it difficult to root for her journey.
That said, I will admit to moments where the scenes sparkled with potential. The dynamics between Hudson and Jaxon were gripping (at least initially), but as Grace flip-flopped between them, my interest waned along with my patience. I kept asking myself, “Why are these guys still putting up with her?” At one point, Hudson professes his love in one of those rare moments of vulnerability, and it’s astonishing how quickly Grace spiraled into self-sabotage.
"C’mon, girl! You’ve got an amazing guy fighting for you for once!”
As for the plot, it meandered like a rambling conversation that fails to arrive at any destination. Major plot inconsistencies—like the supposed hierarchical magic of a prison versus its so-called “King”—made for an utterly confusing read. The lack of accountability among adult characters was also disheartening. If teenage drama is tiresome, why not let the adults step up?
In conclusion, while Covet might still resonate with readers who enjoy YA fantasy and are willing to overlook its glaring flaws, it ultimately fell short of its lofty promises. If you’re a fan of drawn-out narratives filled with improbable situations and characters that make questionable choices, then you might still enjoy the ride. Personally, I’m waving my white flag here; I won’t be diving into book four—at least not anytime soon.
For now, it’s back to the drawing board of TBR piles and hopeful anticipation. Until next time, my fellow book lovers!
Discover more about Covet (Crave, #3) on GoodReads >>
