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just_justin's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
slow-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
5.0
maitrey_d's review
4.0
Set in 17th Century Europe, the same as the first third of Quicksilver, KoV uses a different set of characters.
While Quicksilver focussed on nobles and aristocrats, KoV uses the eponymous King of Vagabonds: Jack Shaftoe and a European girl Eliza, he rescues from a Turkish harem at the siege of Vienna. What follows is rip roaring adventure through Eastern and Central Europe ending in the newly created Amsterdam stock exchange.
Complete with trademark Stephenson wit with an eye for all kinds of juicy detail, this book eagerly makes you pick up the final third of Quicksilver to see just how Stephenson can tie all these threads together.
While Quicksilver focussed on nobles and aristocrats, KoV uses the eponymous King of Vagabonds: Jack Shaftoe and a European girl Eliza, he rescues from a Turkish harem at the siege of Vienna. What follows is rip roaring adventure through Eastern and Central Europe ending in the newly created Amsterdam stock exchange.
Complete with trademark Stephenson wit with an eye for all kinds of juicy detail, this book eagerly makes you pick up the final third of Quicksilver to see just how Stephenson can tie all these threads together.
mumay's review against another edition
4.0
this book was way more exciting and fun then the first book. I liked both Eliza and Jack. Jack was the best and most enjoyable, followed by them together and then Eliza on her own. I found myself actually upset about their falling out and the ending, it really left a sour note in my mouth so much so I am not decided on continuing. Despite that it was still a good book and more fun than the Waterhouse journey, which was interesting but slow paced and dull at times
sarsaparillo's review against another edition
4.0
Like the first book, this is relentlessly rich in world-building detail... yes, Baroque in name and nature. Unlike the first book this seems much more concerned with entertaining with its supernaturally witty and capable underdog protagonists, with almost non-stop banter that wouldn't be out of place in a top-rating 2010s TV series.
What left the biggest impression on me was the nerdy deep dives into 17th century European economics, especially the vivid and enthralling depictions of trade and society in Amsterdam; and also the colourful and often outrageous set pieces which could easily become classic scenes if they were ever put on film. Fun stuff.
What left the biggest impression on me was the nerdy deep dives into 17th century European economics, especially the vivid and enthralling depictions of trade and society in Amsterdam; and also the colourful and often outrageous set pieces which could easily become classic scenes if they were ever put on film. Fun stuff.
fallen_adam's review against another edition
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
sharondblk's review
4.0
This volume is just focused on Jack and Eliza and who doesn't love them, even stupid, mad, foolish Jack who makes me cry in the last chapter.
It's very much a divergence from the seriousness and science of the previous volume, and I loved it. Now onwards, back to London and science.
It's very much a divergence from the seriousness and science of the previous volume, and I loved it. Now onwards, back to London and science.
oracle_of_madness's review against another edition
5.0
Once again, the book begins with hangings, although this is a little more involved. Jack Shaftoe is the unlikely hero of this tale which starts at the start, with his brothers. Eventually, Jack is on his own but is well-known as "half-cocked Jack", the King of Vagabonds. This name does have an explanation that supports it, however, I am not going to go into that. You will just have to make an educated guess!
Jack is what is called, "The Devil's Poor", as opposed to, "God's Poor". "Devil's Poor " are the kind of poor that are not worth helping. However, Jack finds ways to help himself (even if its confused and sometimes backfires). His view on life and this world, Europe in the late 17th century, is often callous but there is real sincerity that just cannot help but shine through.
Jack has an involvement with a beautiful woman, Eliza, whom also narrates her own story throughout the book. It is Jack's care for her, which he is really bad at showing, but it proves his inner goodness. This story created so many emotions in me. I honestly cannot explain it exactly without giving away what happens. All anybody really needs to know is that The Baroque Cycle is incredible. The story leaps off the pages and into my heart.... I'm just going to say, I'm feeling some feelings, ya'll.
Jack is what is called, "The Devil's Poor", as opposed to, "God's Poor". "Devil's Poor " are the kind of poor that are not worth helping. However, Jack finds ways to help himself (even if its confused and sometimes backfires). His view on life and this world, Europe in the late 17th century, is often callous but there is real sincerity that just cannot help but shine through.
Jack has an involvement with a beautiful woman, Eliza, whom also narrates her own story throughout the book. It is Jack's care for her, which he is really bad at showing, but it proves his inner goodness. This story created so many emotions in me. I honestly cannot explain it exactly without giving away what happens. All anybody really needs to know is that The Baroque Cycle is incredible. The story leaps off the pages and into my heart.... I'm just going to say, I'm feeling some feelings, ya'll.
kateofmind's review against another edition
4.0
Again, this time around I'm enjoying the audio version, except for this: Prebble, voicing Eliza's dialogue, gives her a farcically throaty, husky voice that drives me right up the wall. since I really don't like this character anyway, that's a problem. But Jack is so good I mostly forgive.