Well I have finally finished reading the "Landry Series" by V.C. Andrews. I do have to say that I kind of feel a little cheated. I was disappointed to learn that the fifth book in the series was actually a prequel to the first book. I feel as though the fourth book left too many underlying questions for the fifth book to have been a prequel rather than a continuation of the story. The fifth book deals with Gabriel, Ruby's mother, so once again you have to get used to reading as another character although the story was the same.Although I didn't entirely hate the book, I didn't feel as though Gabriel had enough of a story for there to have been an entire book about her. I feel that the mention of her story was sufficient enough and didn't leave anything lacking later on. It was hard to read "Tarnished Gold" knowing what the outcome was and ultimately what the story was as well. The story of events leading up to what we know happens and the spaces in between were nothing more than filler pages in my opinion.The story overall was a good one and you do sympathize a little more for Gabriel, but it was longer than it needed to be in my opinion and was a letdown as far as how the series ended. I really wished I could have learned more as to what would have happened to Ruby and Pearl as I grew to love them as characters. Theirs was a good story; one that summarized up in the fourth book, but left underlying questions that will never be answered. That is why I feel cheated. We knew, although not in intimate details, Gabriel's story. Ruby's story was becoming complete; but Pearl's was only just beginning.All in all I am impressed with V.C. Andrews and I will not let this disappointment discourage me from reading any of her other books or series.
Pretty stereotypical for an Andrews novel:1.) Hot, poor girl (generally blonde) who doesn't think highly of herself and who constantly thinks of other people and their happiness before her own gets raped (suprisingly, in this novel the girl wasn't raped by a family member).2.) Hot girl gets pregnant, something happens to it/it dies/it gets taken away.3.) Life sucks.4.) Girl finds prince charming (who she may be related to, although not so in this book, surprisingly). Something happens to him/he dies/he leaves.5.) Life continues to suck. There's no real happy ending.6.) Meanwhile, throughout book, there's some crazy, mean, old b*tch that is contstantly going out of their way to make Hot Girl's life terrible. But, being self-depreciating and emotionally/mentally restrained, doesn't retaliate. 7.) All men in the story take advantage of/are mean to Hot Girl in some way, shape, or form. But, still being self-depreciating and emotionally/mentally restrained, still doesn't retaliate.Honestly, though? Even though Andrew's novels (okay--not really Andrew's novels, since they're actually written by her estate-holders and signed in her name, or some sh*t) are basically the same, exact story over and over again (only with different names), the writing is easy and quick to read. It's good for when you need something to read but need to give your brain a rest, or if you need something to read while doing something else that requires a little more attention than the book itself, but there are moments of downtime where you need something to do/need something to keep yourself awake until the next thing happens.
What do You think about Tarnished Gold (1996)?
Growing up in a beautiful swamp area, Gabriel was a very joyful girl despite having an alcoholic as a father and a mother who didn't have a good relationship with her daughter. Her class mates would tease her because she loved to row her flat bottom boat down a canoe made of a hallowed tree trunk. She was nicknamed "La Femme Au Naturel," the Nature Girl. She was nicknamed this because she loved nature more than she loved romance. Then, days before her High school graduation a rich cannery owner named Octavious Tate surprised her in a secluded pond and shatters her innocence.Nine months later pregnant and deserted of people, Gabriel agrees to a shocking plan that allows Octavious's wife to have full custody of Gabriel's child.Secluded in a play room in Tates mansion she was miserable and only had one visitor which was her mother despite there relationship. Returning home to a place she loved, she fell into a state of denial of the loss of her child. Only being able to be brightened with glimpses of her son. As Jack Landry's reputation as a swamp guide grows, there is this hunting party which brings along a handsome guy named Creole millionaire Pierre Dumas to the bayou. Falling in love she is scared she will be hit with more grief than they can handle.
—Alberto Guerrero
When I read these novels back in the day I would have given them 3-3.5 STARS and now would say about one StarI started reading VC Andrews books in the 1991 and stopped about 2003. I have read:-Dollanganger Series-Casteel Series-Cutler Series-Landry Series-Logan Series-Orphans Series-Wildflowers Series-Hudson Series-Shooting Stars Series-DeBeers Series-Broken Wings SeriesAs a preteen reading these novels was a rebellion and the gothic theme also seemed cool. I stopped reading this author because the novelty wore off, the novels are too formulaic that I could not tell one book from another and gothic aspect was lost.
—Kris - My Novelesque Life
This has the strongest start out of all the Landry books. With Gabriel becomes pregnant after being raped by a rich man, it all goes a bit 'Flowers In The Attic' after she agree's to have the child and give it to his wife to bring up. With Gladys copying Gabriel's behaviour and acting slightly insanse, the first half of the book is gripping. The story starts to slide after Gabriel meets Pierre. I just don't buy Gabriel wanting to go into the swamp with a rich man after having been raped. They kiss and instantly fall in love. For me their love story never felt real enough. It got sad near the end, as I knew what was coming. You could read this as a stand alone but I think it's best enjoyed after you've read the whole Landry series.
—Redfox5
