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brandypainter's review
5.0
Autumn Sage is remarkably well done. Building on the world she created in [b:Summer Chaparral|23291808|Summer Chaparral (Las Morenas, #1)|Genevieve Turner|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1412125293s/23291808.jpg|42470122], Turner expands the setting here to include Los Angeles. I loved the depiction of the city at the turn of the 20th century. It was a fascinating window in to a place and time we don't see very often in fiction.
Isabel is recovering from physically from the attack she suffered from an outlaw, but is having a more difficult time emotionally. This frustrates her because she doesn't like feeling out of control. Bringing the outlaw to justice is the only way she cans see to end her torment. Her journey through this book is a hard one and I liked how much it focused on the injustices that are inherent in our justice system and how they affect women. She is not a weepy woman. She does not appear terribly victimized. Her core of steel is not a strength when it comes to convincing a jury of men she has been wronged. Even though this takes place over 100 years ago, unfortunately not much has changed in this regard and Isabel is a depiction of this harsh reality. I appreciated how her struggle was highlighted. I loved everything about Isabel: her yearning to move on with her life, her frustration over being trapped where she is, her determination, and the incentive she takes. She is a girl who has learned how to break the rules by still appearing to follow all of them, and is owns who she is.
Sebastian is the very definition of tortured hero, and that usually drives me nuts. In this case, I like how Turner subverted that trope enough that his character worked for me. Yes, there were times I wanted to shake him and tell him to get over himself, but at the same time, I see how the circumstances do not really allow for that.
Isabel and Sebastian together are phenomenal. They have all the chemistry and heat required of a romance, but they also have great conversations. They talk about history, philosophy, and literature. (The allusions and references in this book are numerous.) They play chess. They write letters when they are apart. I felt like they really and truly KNEW each other by the end, which is not as common as it should be.
This series started strong with the first book and is even better with this one. I have high hopes for the books that follow. (I'm REALLY looking forward to Franny's book and pretty much have been since her first scene in Summer Chaparral.)
Isabel is recovering from physically from the attack she suffered from an outlaw, but is having a more difficult time emotionally. This frustrates her because she doesn't like feeling out of control. Bringing the outlaw to justice is the only way she cans see to end her torment. Her journey through this book is a hard one and I liked how much it focused on the injustices that are inherent in our justice system and how they affect women. She is not a weepy woman. She does not appear terribly victimized. Her core of steel is not a strength when it comes to convincing a jury of men she has been wronged. Even though this takes place over 100 years ago, unfortunately not much has changed in this regard and Isabel is a depiction of this harsh reality. I appreciated how her struggle was highlighted. I loved everything about Isabel: her yearning to move on with her life, her frustration over being trapped where she is, her determination, and the incentive she takes. She is a girl who has learned how to break the rules by still appearing to follow all of them, and is owns who she is.
Sebastian is the very definition of tortured hero, and that usually drives me nuts. In this case, I like how Turner subverted that trope enough that his character worked for me. Yes, there were times I wanted to shake him and tell him to get over himself, but at the same time, I see how the circumstances do not really allow for that.
Isabel and Sebastian together are phenomenal. They have all the chemistry and heat required of a romance, but they also have great conversations. They talk about history, philosophy, and literature. (The allusions and references in this book are numerous.) They play chess. They write letters when they are apart. I felt like they really and truly KNEW each other by the end, which is not as common as it should be.
This series started strong with the first book and is even better with this one. I have high hopes for the books that follow. (I'm REALLY looking forward to Franny's book and pretty much have been since her first scene in Summer Chaparral.)
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