Sable Peak (The Edens, #6) Review: When Hopes Flame Out
When I first heard that Sable Peak by the talented J. R. Ward was finally releasing, I felt a rush of excitement. The prospect of diving into the world of the Edens, and particularly getting to know Mateo better, sparked an eagerness I hadn’t felt in a while. I expected depth, emotional journeys, and perhaps even some heartwarming moments between a father and his child. But, oh boy, jokes on me for getting my hopes up! 🤡
As I turned the pages, I found myself grappling with layers of disappointment. The story devotes so much time to Vera, the leading lady, who unfortunately takes up the bulk of the narrative while Mateo, the intriguing single dad I was so eager to learn about, barely shines. Vera’s unrequited crush dragged on for what felt like years, while I was left wondering about Mateo’s experiences as a father—specifically, how he felt when he first learned about his daughter, Allie. What were those first nights like? Did he struggle with sleeplessness or joy? I yearned to see those moments come alive, but alas, I was stuck with Vera’s mundane worries instead.
The pacing felt often off-kilter, and while I understand the structure of tension and release, Vera’s perspective dominated for the first eleven chapters. I almost found myself rolling my eyes at her awkward thoughts about Mateo, especially as she lambasted him for not noticing her, even though she never made a move before. “Girl, what are you even trying?” This sentiment echoed in my mind as I read.
For a story aimed at portraying a single dad romance, it left me baffled that the focus didn’t delve deeper into the relationship between Mateo and Allie. I adored the complexity of Memphis from Juniper Hill, who had real struggles and tangible moments of parenthood. Here? Mateo occasionally dealt with a temperamental toddler who didn’t want a bath. 🤨
As a character, Mateo felt underdeveloped. Sure, I got to know his aversion to cherry tomatoes and his favorite color—blue, in case anyone was wondering. But what about his heartache, his triumphs, and all those juicy moments of fatherhood? Why create this character only to neglect the richness of his journey? I couldn’t help but feel robbed of what could have been an emotional payoff.
The writing style had glimpses of Ward’s usual finesse, but it struggled under the weight of a narrative that felt unfocused. Some quotes landed with a thud instead of a romantic flutter. Vera’s musings about Mateo felt more like rambles than heartfelt laments. I found myself disconnected from her self-indulgent reflections, instead of experiencing a blossoming romance or a father-daughter connection.
In conclusion, Sable Peak might resonate with readers who enjoy a character-driven storyline, albeit one that sways towards tedium rather than emotional depth. If you’re a fan of Vera’s kind of angst and enjoy lengthy inner dialogues, this might just be your cup of tea. But if you’re looking for dynamic character relations—especially a father’s journey with his daughter—I’d recommend giving this one a pass. My reading experience? A begrudging reminder that not all anticipated delights can live up to their promise. 😪
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