Review of Strange New World (Dr. Greta Helsing, #4) by Grace Draven
As a longtime admirer of Grace Draven’s remarkable ability to blend the supernatural with the beautifully human, I eagerly dove into Strange New World, the fourth installment in the Dr. Greta Helsing series. The first three and a half books in this series have been some of my absolute comfort reads, offering enchanting worlds and wonderfully nuanced characters that resonate on so many levels. So, you can imagine my anticipation to continue this thrilling journey. Unfortunately, while there were moments that sparkled, I found myself slightly adrift in this new chapter.
At its core, Strange New World cleverly juggles several diverse narratives, taking us from the celestial heights of heaven to the underbelly of hell, with pit stops in the familiar haunts of New York City, London, and even Transylvania. This ambitious tapestry of locations, however, felt more like a whirlwind than a journey. The constant shifting between settings and points of view made it challenging to truly connect with any one character or plotline. While I appreciate a narrative that experiments with structure, here it made the pacing feel uneven, almost like trying to catch confetti in a storm—beautiful, yet scattered.
One notable aspect of this installment is the lingering aftermath of the war in heaven that we’ve seen in book three. Rather than focusing on Greta and her fascinating relationships with supernatural beings, the plot veers into somewhat esoteric territory regarding the reconciliation between heaven and hell. While philosophical musings can be enriching, I found myself yearning for those darker, gripping tales centered around the unique patients Greta treats. Those moments, where the author masterfully humanizes monsters, are what I crave!
To add to my disappointment, the reintroduction of a bizarre Christian cult attacking supernatural creatures felt reminiscent of earlier plotlines. It brought forth the sensation of experiencing déjà vu, a retread with too little new substance. That said, there are comforting highlights, particularly towards the conclusion, revolving around themes of self-identity and the power of friendship. Yet, these insights felt like fleeting moments rather than the sturdy foundation I’d hoped for.
Moreover, there’s a conspicuous plot hole surrounding the initial attacks in London that left me scratching my head. Who was truly behind them? The lack of resolution here is a huge oversight that certainly affected my overall impression of the story.
On a lighter note, I listened to the audiobook as well, and the narrator brought a vibrant and engaging quality to the text. She navigated the different tonal shifts with finesse, though I did find myself puzzled by the pronunciation of JHVH instead of the more familiar “Jehovah” or “Yahweh”—a small oversight that left me momentarily scrambling for context.
In conclusion, while I’m left with mixed feelings about Strange New World, it is undoubtedly worth a read for loyal fans of the series. While it may not reach the heights of my beloved earlier installments, it remains a serviceable addition that offers some intrigue and familiar faces. For those who relish a blend of human experiences in fantastical settings, Draven’s engaging prose will still pull you in. I personally hope that time will soften my disappointment, allowing the charming elements of this story to shine through with further reflection. But for now, my heart still yearns for the rich, immersive tales that once swept me off my feet.
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