Beautiful Creatures (co-written by Margaret Stohl) was definitely something. Unfortunately, on her first work as a solo author, things didn't quite work out.

I really do hate it when I don't like/love a book. As for the case of Icons, I already broadened my discernment on it, but it still fell short with several things. I did my part­—I wanted so badly to like it that I might have actually forced myself too much already­—but Icons didn't do its. I don't believe that there's something such as a bad piece of literature, so I prefer to put it this way: this book wasn't just for me.

To make it simple and to be honest, I was disappointed. I started this book with a very open mind, without any expectation at all. Still, it didn't manage to amuse me. I know this book has tons of potential, but sadly, it wasn't executed fairly. Yes, many alien-invasion-themed books are rapidly rising to the surface these days, but Icons still had a couple of facets that could make it stand out­—that is, again, if it was performed better. In contrary, I also thought it pulled (knowingly or not) a few elements from other dystopian books.

Upon beginning this book, the first thing that bothered me was the writing. It was dry and lacked enough character affection (very ironic, once you knew the ability of the protagonist). I also felt that it was choppy—suddenly jumping from a certain thing to another. The pacing didn't have a smooth transition. Sometimes I needed to reread a passage to confirm where I already am in the story because, honestly, it was confusing. It had depth, though. I'd give it that.

That wasn't the only thing that confused me. The characters' individual personalities also did*. One moment I admire Doloria's mentality and actions, the next I want to slap her. I think that's the reason I found it hard to connect with her. Also, for a first-person POV narration, Dol was still too reserved. It seemed like there's a wall built between the main character and the reader, making it hard for me to empathize/sympathize with Doloria. Doc, the virtual AI, was frankly better and was my favorite character.

There weren't tons of making out scenes and too-cheesy lines (thankfully), but the love interests were the problem. The best way to describe them is they're like 5-year-old kids. Their attitudes were just agonizing­—very childish and immature. Ro and Lucas were like 2 children always fighting over a small toy for no reason (just that they want to).

The world Stohl had created was supposed to be terribly horrifying, but it lacked the elements it should have. I didn't really shudder at the thought that the Lords and Icons were just there, always watching. I felt no suspense until the very last parts of the book, and even then, it was only minuscule. It was hard to lose myself between the pages of this book. I wasn't absorbed in the story until it was too late already.

One (and probably the only) thing I'm happy about Icons was the format. I love the transcripts, excerpts, letters, etc. in between each chapter. They gave hints and bits related to the whole story without really giving away something. It answered a few questions while leaving more. At least it engaged and intrigued me a little to continue on with the book. (Although I think it overdid the mystery-leaving part. Margaret Stohl seemed to know it's okay if Icons didn't necessarily do good as long as it left many questions unanswered, because it'll really make me crave for more. It's like she discovered my weakness.)







*The protagonists' quatro was entertaining, at least.