Review Detail

Well! The Luxe is over, and in spite of its ups and downs, I rather liked this series, and Splendor in particular. I think Godbersen definitely improved her storytelling as things progressed, and though I’m not massively in love with these books, I do think they’re worth reading if you’re interested in this type of thing.

As far as final installments go, I was very pleased with Splendor. This is a case where every character gets his or her “just desserts”, which works very well for the sort of plotline Godbersen was working with. It’s always very nice to feel have a good sense of satisfaction and rightness after closing a book for the last time. I approve of what Anna Godbersen did in Splendor.

The drama and scandal in Splendor was also much less understated, as it was in Envy. I appreciated that quite a bit, because I think it’s possible to write a very dramatic plot without adding in so many flamboyant twists that the book comes to resemble a paperclip. I wouldn’t say there were any truly shocking moments in this book, but it was still very-well constructed.

Character-wise, I’m still not completely wowed by any of the people in this book. A few of them lost their two-dimensionalness (notably Carolina Broad/Lina Broud), but a few, while likable, were not realistic people. For instance, I did grow to like Elizabeth Holland a lot over the course of this series, but I loved her because she was like a fairy princess, too good to be true, and naturally, you want the pure, perfect girl to get everything she wants. Either that or die a tragic death befitting her perfectness. You know.

I’m still very firm in my belief that Anna Godbersen is a very talented author, even if she doesn’t do as much with her ability as I’d like. Splendor was no different in that respect. Godbersen can carry a storyline without problem, and I’m always engaged in what she’s saying, even if I am rolling my eyes all the while.

Over the course of the four Luxe books, Anna Godbersen and I have come to a sort of understanding. I don’t ask for brilliant characterization and earth-shattering prose, and she gives me a fluffy and oh-so-enjoyable storyline to curl up in bed with. It’s an arrangement that suits the both of us, and I look forward to reading more from this author.