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ktliz's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
artemisia_vulgaris's review
adventurous
medium-paced
4.0
This book is an antidote to the all the shallow historical fantasy about, complex, textured, with more than a whiff of Early Modern England about it,. It kept wrongfooting me, both in the storytelling and plot, telling me things I didn’t expect, not telling me a great deal I had to work out for myself, and peopling its world with well-drawn characters with plausibly long-ago ethics and attitudes. I was impressed by it more than fully engaged, but find myself thinking of it often in the days since I finished it, turning scenes and locations over in my mind. It’s an intelligent novel, and I’ve bought something else by her to try.
scriptrix's review
I just wasn't able to connect to the characters, unfortunately. I wanted to like this because I'm a longtime fan of Caroline Stevermer's collab with Patricia Wrede, "Sorcery and Cecelia." But alas... I'm throwing in the towel at 30% as characters are having conversations and I both can't remember who they are, and can't be bothered to find out.
lauraellis's review
3.0
I liked this book, except for the ending—the last 20 pages in my mind completely did not work—it was if they belonged to a book written in a completely different style. It was very swashbuckling fantasy, full of plots and fights and gallantry and just a touch of magic. But the last 20 pages really jarred—and did not fit. I like this author—I’ve read 3 of her books.
2020 note: Still really enjoy this author, whose newest book, The Glass Magician, is coming out shortly.
2020 note: Still really enjoy this author, whose newest book, The Glass Magician, is coming out shortly.
meeners's review
4.0
caroline stevermer is SO. GOOD. at what she does! i love her. i only wish this novel were longer, as she introduces so many interesting characters but then doesn't do much with them in the end. but any book that features cross-dressing men (even briefly) will win my heart any day.
p.s. i found this book used for $1.55 at mckay's. ラッキー!!
p.s. i found this book used for $1.55 at mckay's. ラッキー!!
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