Scan barcode
emilyrandolph_epstein's review against another edition
5.0
Even better than the first! Arabella and the Battle of Venus continues the adventures of Arabella Ashby, a Martian heiress with a strong independent streak and a talent for navigation and the creation of clockwork machinery, as she ventures to French-controlled Venus to rescue her fiance, Captain Singh, from the French.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the series as it touched on my love of Jane Austin, Patrick O'Brien, and Jules Verne. The second book does more of the same and it is an absolute joy to read. I hope Arabella and her captain continue their adventuring for a long time to come.
Perhaps my one criticism would be the portrayal of colonialism. While Levine does a good job depicting its evils, the primary characters are still complicit. This didn't dampen my enjoyment of the book, but might not be everyone's cup of tea.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the series as it touched on my love of Jane Austin, Patrick O'Brien, and Jules Verne. The second book does more of the same and it is an absolute joy to read. I hope Arabella and her captain continue their adventuring for a long time to come.
Perhaps my one criticism would be the portrayal of colonialism. While Levine does a good job depicting its evils, the primary characters are still complicit. This didn't dampen my enjoyment of the book, but might not be everyone's cup of tea.
sayshara's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
branch_c's review against another edition
4.0
This was an enjoyable read, with writing equally as polished and engaging as the first in the series, the strikingly original Arabella of Mars. The plot and tone were a bit grim in this one, and the pleasant interactions among the characters overshadowed by oppressive circumstances for much of the story. I thought the pace dragged just a bit in the middle section, but once preparations for the Twelfth Night performance began, the element of fun became more pronounced, and the action didn’t let up until the end. There may have been a few believability gaps as to what the crew could conceivably have accomplished, but for the most part the story was nicely constructed, and the characters were interesting, especially the new addition of Fox. The capabilities of the sailing vessels were well thought out and the logical mechanics of this world continued to be well executed. Plenty of excitement and a satisfying conclusion.
jkusters's review against another edition
4.0
A very enjoyable sequel to Arabella of Mars, the wonderful YA novel Mr. Levine put out last year. Arabella has a tendency towards rash action, but is smart enough to get herself and those she cares about out of danger when needed. A great role-model for young readers, and quite a compelling character for readers of all ages. This time she sets off to rescue her husband-to-be who has been captured by the French, lead by the tyrant Napoleon, on Venus. Together with her chaperone, the stately Lady Corey, she hires a crew to mount a rescue, but things don’t go at all to plan. Great action, well-rounded characters, and a nearly believable setting of planetary romance and sailing between the planets all combine for a very satisfactory story. I’m eagerly looking forward to the next (and last?) book in the series.
mjfmjfmjf's review against another edition
4.0
A much more fun followup then book 1. Definitely some slowness in the middle. But the details were interesting. And luckily I know little of actual naval maneuvers that I can appreciate the writing and drama without catching any inaccuracies which might exist. It's still a re-write of the Napoleonic Wars in space-ish, not something I care much about. As well as a Victorian era novel of manners and the like, which I also don't like much. But it worked and it was a good read, even with a week-long gap reading in the middle.
liacooper's review against another edition
4.0
this series continues to be a lot of fun. i didnt care for arabella's flirtation with another man in this book and i kind of wanted more moments ebtween her and the captain (yes there were moments but i ship them so hard i want mooooreeee). still, a great little scifi steampunk series with some fantastic weaving of historical elements into the plot in this one
esseastri's review against another edition
5.0
This one has kissing in it and that more than makes up for the lack of mutiny. (To be fair, there was a mutiny in the first one, so we couldn't really have another.)
If you like the first one, you will continue liking this one. If the first one was not your thing, this is still not be your thing. But I love the first one and this is very much my thing, and I am happy and I love! Arabella! very much!
If you like the first one, you will continue liking this one. If the first one was not your thing, this is still not be your thing. But I love the first one and this is very much my thing, and I am happy and I love! Arabella! very much!
dmchurch's review against another edition
4.0
When Arabella hears that her beloved Capt Singh has been taken as a prisoner of war by the French and held on Venus, she finds a pirate captain willing to take her there. After a difficult journey, the ship is captured by the French and Arabella finds herself also a prisoner and her captain much changed. Espionage, Napoleonic wars, Fulton, escape, and battles ensue.