Reviews

4.5 stars/5

This story of the Athena club takes our daring heroines out of London and across Europe. We get to see a lot more facets of the various characters' personalities as they are put in unfamiliar circumstances. Some questions are answered. Others arise. Characters from 3 more nineteenth century speculative works make an appearance, and we learn more about the mysterious Society of Alchemists.

Mary in particular gets fleshed out in this volume, and we begin to see some of what makes her tick behind the cold propriety and precision she usually presents.

I'm still not convinced that I like the "framework" of the characters jumping in from the present to discuss the narrative. Sometimes it adds needed information or humor. Other times it's just disruptive. But honestly, that's about the only thing I have to complain about. It really is quite good.

kiminindy's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

not as good as the first but these are intriguing. the athena society has now added vampires to their group.

upturnedroots's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious slow-paced

5.0

A long story but a good one! I really enjoyed this installment in the trilogy and am looking forward to Book 3. I have a better feel for the characters now and really like Catherine and Justine. Excellent title and themes in this story!

wathykite's review

Go to review page

adventurous funny 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? It's complicated

3.5

amanda_herrington's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous mysterious tense

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

More...