I thought it was solid opening, but I was left wanting a lot more. The first three chapters brought some interesting ideas, but I wasn't a fan of the narrator, the writing in parts, but I was intrigued by the concept that was unfolding. I really was quite intrigued by the town where you get a wish once you turn 18, and the setting was quite well done as well.
The issue was that it felt like it was bit forced? Like, I felt the author just really, really wanted us to know what was going on, and the narrator's voice got lost trying to explain everything to us. In the first few chapters we jumped from the gas station where Eldon talks about how he has to lie to everyone which gave it a forced ~mysterious~ feel and then we go to see his dramatic home life and then to school. It felt like the author just wanted for us to see it all super quick.
However, I do think that the author created a wonderful setting and described it wonderfully. I also am intrigued enough to be interested in seeing what would happen next in the fourth chapter. A solid start, but I did have a few issues with it so far.
The issue was that it felt like it was bit forced? Like, I felt the author just really, really wanted us to know what was going on, and the narrator's voice got lost trying to explain everything to us. In the first few chapters we jumped from the gas station where Eldon talks about how he has to lie to everyone which gave it a forced ~mysterious~ feel and then we go to see his dramatic home life and then to school. It felt like the author just wanted for us to see it all super quick.
However, I do think that the author created a wonderful setting and described it wonderfully. I also am intrigued enough to be interested in seeing what would happen next in the fourth chapter. A solid start, but I did have a few issues with it so far.