Book Review: Opal
by Lauraine Snelling, Bethany House, 2005
Jessica Larson
Issue date: 2/9/06 Section: Arts & Entertainment
"Opal", the third book in a series of four by Lauraine Snelling, did not live up to the anticipation it created.
While the book continues the story of the "Dakota Treasures" in the new Dakota Territory, the character development went out the window.
There was little time spent developing characters who I feel were integral to the main plot. The main characters in "Ruby" and "Pearl," the two books prior to "Opal," were developed with a style and flare that only Snelling has, so it is a shame to see it lacking in the third book.
Despite the fact that it is more difficult to fall in love with the characters in "Opal", you can still get a good picture of what the Dakota Territory looks like. The description of the land and geographical surroundings is almost breathtaking.
This story in the series is about the youngest "treasure" Opal Trovald, and her difficulties growing up as a young lady in the Wild West.
The story line made complete sense, but it began to feel like "Opal" was just filler material to get to the greater story that will be played out in the next book, "Amethyst."
The problems in "Opal" were predictable and for the most part unresolved. Don't get me wrong, this book is a great read; it's just that if you don't plan on reading the entire series I would pick a different book to start or end with.
In the necessity to know what is going on in the fourth and final book, "Amethyst", you must read "Opal." However, if you only read the first two books, "Ruby" and "Pearl" you would probably be satisfied with the way the series ended.
I, on the other hand, have to finish a series once I start it, and therefore, I sped my way through "Opal." The series is an easy read and provides a good deal of historical facts as to what life was like for ranchers on the edge of civilization in the Dakotas back when they were still being settled.
If you are interested in life on the frontier, then this book (or series) might be for you. However, I must warn the men reading this article that each book has a developing love story in it.
Other books by Snelling that I recommend reading are as follows: "A Dream to Follow" from the Return to Red River series and "An untamed Land," The Reapers' Song" and "A Land to Call Home" from the Red River of the North series.
While the book continues the story of the "Dakota Treasures" in the new Dakota Territory, the character development went out the window.
There was little time spent developing characters who I feel were integral to the main plot. The main characters in "Ruby" and "Pearl," the two books prior to "Opal," were developed with a style and flare that only Snelling has, so it is a shame to see it lacking in the third book.
Despite the fact that it is more difficult to fall in love with the characters in "Opal", you can still get a good picture of what the Dakota Territory looks like. The description of the land and geographical surroundings is almost breathtaking.
This story in the series is about the youngest "treasure" Opal Trovald, and her difficulties growing up as a young lady in the Wild West.
The story line made complete sense, but it began to feel like "Opal" was just filler material to get to the greater story that will be played out in the next book, "Amethyst."
The problems in "Opal" were predictable and for the most part unresolved. Don't get me wrong, this book is a great read; it's just that if you don't plan on reading the entire series I would pick a different book to start or end with.
In the necessity to know what is going on in the fourth and final book, "Amethyst", you must read "Opal." However, if you only read the first two books, "Ruby" and "Pearl" you would probably be satisfied with the way the series ended.
I, on the other hand, have to finish a series once I start it, and therefore, I sped my way through "Opal." The series is an easy read and provides a good deal of historical facts as to what life was like for ranchers on the edge of civilization in the Dakotas back when they were still being settled.
If you are interested in life on the frontier, then this book (or series) might be for you. However, I must warn the men reading this article that each book has a developing love story in it.
Other books by Snelling that I recommend reading are as follows: "A Dream to Follow" from the Return to Red River series and "An untamed Land," The Reapers' Song" and "A Land to Call Home" from the Red River of the North series.