Review: Euphoria by Amity Cross

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Thornfield Affair #1
Release: October 11, 2016
Genre: Retelling
Length: 256 pages

No one cared to give her a name.
And his came with the weight of the world.

Orphaned as an infant, Jane Doe has nothing, but desires everything life has to offer.
When she’s offered work at Thornfield, a grand English manor turned hotel, she meets her match in the dark and brooding proprietor, Edward Rochester.
He’s arrogant, moody, and hurtful, but as Jane’s attraction grows for this strange and powerful man, so does her spirit. Soon enough, tensions rise to breaking point, and they become embroiled in an illicit affair of the mind and body. An affair that neither is strong enough to turn from.
But Edward harbors a dark secret, one he is reluctant to share, even with his new confidant Jane. It’s a secret so dark and shocking it could tear them apart forever.
Can Jane choose between what is right and her one chance at true happiness?
Welcome to Thornfield where two lost souls are destined to love…no matter the cost.

From International Bestselling author Amity Cross, comes Euphoria, the first novel of The Thornfield Affair, a modern reimagining of Charlotte Brontë’s classic Jane Eyre.

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My Review

I'm hovering between 3.5 and 4 stars. I still haven't decided.

I love retellings. Love them. I've read and watched the adaptations of many classics and I'm always interested in trying a new one. Getting a chance to see another perspective. See the characters in a whole new light and in a fresh and unique way.

This particular story is an adaptation of Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre. I've read and seen several adaptations of this work but Amity Cross has brought something a little different. It followed the classic's storyline (mostly) with a modern twist. For instance, instead of Rochester falling off a horse, it's a motorcycle. There are also references to Facebook lol.

Jane and Edward meet in much the same way. He's just as dark, mysterious, moody, secretive and passionate as I expected. There are some strange occurrences in Thornfield and while Jane has embarked on an affair with Edward (a hidden one), she's determined to find out what exactly he is hiding.

There were two major drawbacks to this tale, for me anyway. As modern as it was, the author chose to use classic language. I've NEVER liked this. Although English in high school was an easy A, the reading wasn't easy AT ALL. And to be forced to read a modern rendition with old timey language was a bit hard to take. I didn't expect it and I didn't like it. Also, Jane came off as desperate and pathetic, which didn't jive with what I remember from this character. I recall her being strong and independent, almost fierce with her morality and her intelligence. I didn't see that here. She complained and moaned and whined way too much.

That being said, I am interested in reading more. I want to see how much the author will continue to follow the original and how much she will make her own. I shall eagerly await Paradox.