Book Review | Media Queen | By Michelle Prak
NetGalley E-Arc | Contemporary women’s fiction
My thoughts
Narrative and Plot
Media Queen is a glimpse at the life of Jordyn Fairweather, the fashion magazine editor. Jordyn begins her journey as an intern and climbs the ladders of the magazine industry to create her own website called, The Fairweather Report. Amidst several allegations, you get to know Jordyn’s version of the story.
The narrative is mainly through the eyes of Jordyn. She definitely holds our attention. But, the story takes its sweet time to amp things up in the begin and then it quickly jumps timelines. It takes some time to get into the story and care for Jordyn. Once you get there, the story abruptly shifts timeline and it gives you less time to care enough for the rest of the characters. Then again, this is the second book in the HollyAnna series. I haven’t read Goodbye Newsroom yet. Perhaps, reading it first, would give better insight to the characters.
Characters and Conflicts
Jordyn Fairweather is focused and driven. She is unapologetically loyal to her faults which she has in abundance. Jordyn is not exactly a likable character. But she redeems herself now and then just enough for you to care about her. For the most part, Jordyn is selfish, ungrateful, manipulative and admirably far sighted.
She is a whirlwind. The romance in the book seems adorable. Again the quick shifting in the timeline makes it a lukewarm experience. Jordyn may be flawed but she only has eyes for her career. She leaves no stone unturned to make things happen. Eventually it leads to her downfall, when Jordyn meets another young career driven woman.
The shift from print to digital was done smoothly reminding you how much has changed in a short span of time.
Conclusion
Overall, Media Queen is a fun one time read if you like the inside workings of magazines and content creation, in general. It is a hyperbole, and the drama could have been culminated in some grand manner. Interestingly, the story just chooses to forge forward as if to emphasize “the show must go on” motto.
Disclosure : 1) I received an e-ARC of the book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 2)This website uses affiliate links. This is not a paid promotion but Bookbugworld will earn a small commission if you click on the link for purchase.