I pride myself for being honest with all of my reviews, so I’m going to be truthful. Sunshine by Robin McKinley is such a slow read. It took me several days to read it, but not because it was boring or I couldn’t get into it. It’s actually the exact opposite. I actually truly enjoyed it, but it reminds me a lot of the old classic horror stories (The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde or Dracula by Bram Stoker).
McKinley’s writing is extraordinary. The imagery is descriptive without being wordy and it isn’t hard to see her world through her eyes. In my opinion, this novel is like the old classics because we’re given more on the thoughts and feelings of the main character, Rae, than any other person. Rae has all the character development and the supporting cast is only there to assist her, to help her move the plot along. None of this makes for a bad novel, but it does affect how you approach it. You feel like you have to read it slow, so you don’t miss anything, yet you still want to skim through it.
Overall, this novel was good. The climax was kind of disappointing. McKinley tries to build up for this great battle between Rae and her vampire against the evil vampire, but it all occurs in two pages. I wouldn’t say it was the greatest thing I’ve ever read, but I’m glad I read it at least once.
Also reviewed by:
Patricia’s Vampire Notes
Janni Lee Simner
Rhinoa’s Ramblings
I agree it took me awhile to get into this book but I did really enjoy the relationship between the two main characters. That and it really made me want to bake! That being said it doesn’t show case McKinley’s strongest writing for that I’d recommend one of my all time favorites “The Blue Sword.” The first 3 chapters are kind of slow, but after that it’s pure gold.