A review by syliu
Amberlough by Lara Elena Donnelly

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. 
 
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