Slay by Laurell K. Hamilton
Navigating Familial Strife and Metaphysical Wonders
I am fortunate to have a friend, one of my favorite humans, who consistently keeps me in the loop about the latest in this series. Resisting the urge to devour “Slay” in a matter of days, I successfully prolonged the experience over twelve days.
“Slay” kicks off as a family-centric narrative, exploring the complexities of familial disapproval when it comes to marriage. Unexpectedly, this theme captivates from the start. Laurell K. Hamilton, known for her prowess in depicting sex and violence, has, in my opinion, undersold her ability to craft compelling interpersonal dramas. The familial scenes were not only engrossing but also entirely believable, with Anita’s family dynamic feeling authentically portrayed. Personally, I, like many readers, developed a strong aversion to Anita’s father and grandmother, a sentiment I’ll delve into shortly.
The narrative then delves into metaphysical challenges and introduces the “Monster of the Week,” perhaps one of Hamilton’s best creations or reimaginings. The exploration of a real dragon with malevolent intentions, desiring everything for chaos and sustenance from sadness, serves as a stunning focal point. This aspect harks back to the Anita of old, filling the void I felt in “Smolder” with a rich and engaging plot in “Slay.”
A standout moment in the book is Chapter 47, featuring the Mother Bear Goddess event. This segment is beautifully rendered, evoking a sense of spirituality more profound than any religious depiction I’ve encountered in literature.
However, the book falls short of a perfect rating due to two main issues. Firstly, the family dynamic, particularly the character of the grandmother, emerges as a significant source of contention. Personally, I perceive the grandmother as the second major antagonist in the story. Her insufferable nature, coupled with an ending that left me wishing for some form of retribution for the mistreatment of Anita’s loved ones, affected my overall satisfaction.
The second drawback is the rushed ending, mentioned earlier. Given the substantial length of the novel, clocking in at over four hundred pages, a more extended and satisfying conclusion would have been appreciated.
Despite these concerns, “Slay” earns a solid four-star rating. I eagerly anticipate the thirty-first installment and hope it continues to follow the blueprint of engaging narratives seen in this book or the style of older novels. For those yet to embark on this series, I recommend starting with the first book and savoring the remarkable journey it offers.
