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maximum_moxie's review against another edition
3.0
The first part of the book suffers from a bad case of data dumping, and the whole plot is a bit too neat of a reworking of Weimar Berlin. But the characters and their relationships make Amberlough worth the read. Perhaps the best aspect of the book is the exploration of LGBT and POC experiences in a decadent, “Cabaret” world (even if the author appears to be white). My main gripe, however, is the lackluster ending—definitely a frustrating “buy the next book!!” fizzle. But Amberlough is a sexy, gritty example of how fantasy and alternative history can be made more compelling by adding new perspectives.
nellihelene's review against another edition
3.0
Eine Mischung aus Mystery, Politik und Drama! Ein sehr interessanter und spannender Spionage Roman mit vielen Facetten und den unterschiedlichsten Charakteren! Dies war das erste Buch dieser Art welches ich gelesen habe und ich habe es gerne gelesen, jedoch hatte ich besonders anfangs einige Probleme in die Geschichte zu kommen und mir die Charaktere zu merken und zu wissen wer wer ist und wer mit wem eine Verbindung hat. Ich war aber ab dem zweiten und besonders dem dritten Teil sehr in die Geschichte vertieft und konnte das Buch kaum weg legen. Die Charaktere haben sich im laufe der Geschichte verändert und die Wendungen haben es immer spannender gemacht! Ich werde den zweiten Teil der Geschichte definitiv lesen, da ich umbedingt wissen will wie es mit der Geschichte weitergeht!
(danke netgalley für das Rezensionsexemplar!)
(danke netgalley für das Rezensionsexemplar!)
ryank74's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
amber_reads_sometimes's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-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
5.0
syliu's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book occupies a very unique place in my heart — I first read it around when it was published, almost seven years ago, and I haven’t forgotten it since. It was one of the books that introduced me to the whole concept of queer culture and gender non-conformity, and has absolutely changed my life in some aspect.
Coming back to it has been like seeing old friends again, and the book didn’t have to prove the legitimacy of any of its characters or relationships. To me Cy and Ari’s love and tacit understanding was solid fact, Delia was as good as real, as were the many side characters that brought the book to life. In that I’m very biased — I think the character development is brilliant, I hold a deep affection for each of the main protagonists, and felt horribly empty and listless when Amberlough met its explosive (and tragic) end.
The politics…a bit on the nose at times. But for how ambitious it is I haven’t encountered much better in speculative fiction. Once you get past the slightly confusing premise and fictional slang (which I’ve grown to love) all the espionage and characters’ constant manoeuvrings are thrillingly fun. Many little plotlines and schemes are set up perfectly and brought to incredibly satisfying conclusions.
The sparkling lights and spangles of a Roaring-20s-esque cabaret; sharp and cunning politics behind it all; and the equally adroit cast. Damn it’s so much fun. It's the sort of book that kept me up, heart pounding, till I finished it at 4am, then continued on its sequel till I could no longer keep my eyes open. I know I’ll read this again some day and savour every word.
Content Warnings
Minor: Police brutality, Cursing, Physical abuse, Religious bigotry, Xenophobia, Gun violence, Suicide, Violence, War, Hate crime, Blood, Classism, Homophobia, Torture, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Sexual content, Injury/Injury detail, Racism, Death, Genocide, Murder, Toxic relationship, Drug use, and Sexual harassment
shhchar's review against another edition
Skimmed the last ~150 pages
Loved how queer this book was, the world-building was also very satisfying though the overarching plot felt distant. I have trouble in any novel when upon its exposition, the reader is supposed to root for a pre-existing couple. It stirs an inherent distrust in me of the relationship as I have zero proof/evidence of their matching. So unfortunately, I had no sympathy for the relationship of Ari and Cyril though it was meant to be the pulsing artery of this book.
The major trouble for me was the immense amount of characters. I couldn't bond to any single one when they didn't have the word count to become likable in the meantime and new ones were being introduced constantly. Would probably be good for a tv script/movie, not for when we lack the associated visuals.
Would be very interested in a standalone novel from this author, not compelled to finish this series.
Loved how queer this book was, the world-building was also very satisfying though the overarching plot felt distant. I have trouble in any novel when upon its exposition, the reader is supposed to root for a pre-existing couple. It stirs an inherent distrust in me of the relationship as I have zero proof/evidence of their matching. So unfortunately, I had no sympathy for the relationship of Ari and Cyril though it was meant to be the pulsing artery of this book.
The major trouble for me was the immense amount of characters. I couldn't bond to any single one when they didn't have the word count to become likable in the meantime and new ones were being introduced constantly. Would probably be good for a tv script/movie, not for when we lack the associated visuals.
Would be very interested in a standalone novel from this author, not compelled to finish this series.
kmunn2's review against another edition
3.0
Was surprised to like this book as I don’t care for the early 30s aesthetic but it was very good and I think I’ll have to read the sequel at some point. Intrigue and espionage at every turn.
aliena_jackson's review
5.0
It took me awhile to get into it but I sped through the last half of it. I cannot wait to figure out what happens to my besties. And Ari’s letter to Cyril!