Book Review: Redamancy (Fated Fixation, #2) by HC Dolores
When I stumbled upon Redamancy, the second installment in the Fated Fixation series by HC Dolores, I was filled with anticipation. The first book, Limerence, had drawn me into a whirlwind of twisted love and morally ambiguous characters that kept me perched on the edge of my seat. So, naturally, I couldn’t resist diving into the next chapter of Poppy and Adrian’s story. Sadly, what unfolded felt more like a disconnect than a thrilling continuation.
Right off the bat, I was struck by the stark contrast between Limerence and this sequel. Where Poppy was a fierce, cunning character in the first book — the kind of girl who would poison a classmate for her ambitions — this new version felt like a shadow of her former self. Poppy has spent a decade “thriving” in New York, but the picture painted is far from prosperous. Her struggle with rent and her existential doodling in coffee shops raise a question: Did she take a wrong turn on her growth journey, or have the stakes been lost in translation?
Adrian, once a captivating sociopath determined to reclaim his past, is now portrayed with as much determination as a soggy napkin in a thunderstorm. After ten years of silence, his intentions feel murky, lacking the intensity that made him compelling. Instead of a tense reunion, we’re given unnecessary side plots and drab character interactions that detract from the central narrative. An entire subplot about a friend’s missing something-or-other felt more like filler than the high-stakes drama promised.
One of my biggest frustrations was Poppy’s seemingly oblivious nature, particularly regarding Adrian’s obsession with her. The layers of his character hinted at in Limerence are overshadowed here by some awkward moments that left me shaking my head. I expected sharp revelations, yet Poppy’s “discoveries” about Adrian felt painfully obvious to me — I almost wanted to scream, “Girl, use your brain!"
Then there’s the pacing, which stumbles along until you hit the climax in what feels like a rushed finale. The book builds to a climax that only appears in the last 10% — and suddenly, we’re expected to swallow an ultimatum and a proposal in rapid succession. The promise of a high-stakes confrontation fizzles out, landing in a less-than-satisfactory court ceremony, leaving readers craving more depth and exploration.
Despite the criticisms, Dolores’s witty dialogue pops up occasionally, injecting humor into the chaos. A line about prison being a “free digital detox” made me smirk, providing a glimpse of the sharp writing style that once drew me in. Sadly, these moments were not enough to salvage the experience.
In conclusion, Redamancy may appeal to die-hard fans of the first book looking for cleanup on unresolved threads, but it might leave others wondering what happened to the fierce characters they once knew. If you’re craving a richly constructed narrative that builds on morally complex themes, you may find yourself disappointed. Personally, this journey reminded me of a plane trip that veered off-course; while there were some entertaining moments, I’m left longing for the vibrant Poppy and Adrian I first met.
If you’re curious about how their saga continues, dive in at your own risk! It’s a fitting reminder that some stories are best left on cliffhangers, where our imaginations can fill in the gaps.
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