The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! đ
readerpants's review
4.0
Sherlock wingfic that I liked an unexpected amount- good character development, strong worldbuilding, smooth storytelling.
maddilynmuse's review
3.0
It has admittedly been a while since I read this (I have quite the backlog lol), and I don't remember most of it, honestly. Which is not a great sign.
That said, I think that I was NOT the target audience of this. I don't know enough about history to be into historical settings, I expected more of an overarching mystery, and it just felt somewhat serialized to me. If it were in another format maybe I'd have expected that more and been more open to it.
That said, props to the MC's lil secrets, I liked the relationship of the main character and the main angel, and I loved the worldbuilding about angels! It just wasn't something that satisfied me personally.
That said, I think that I was NOT the target audience of this. I don't know enough about history to be into historical settings, I expected more of an overarching mystery, and it just felt somewhat serialized to me. If it were in another format maybe I'd have expected that more and been more open to it.
That said, props to the MC's lil secrets, I liked the relationship of the main character and the main angel, and I loved the worldbuilding about angels! It just wasn't something that satisfied me personally.
scatteringashes's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
alawrence's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I say this as an observation, not a complaint - this book reads like fanfiction. It in fact started as a BBC Sherlock fanfiction, as the Authorâs Note reveals. And in true fanfiction fashion, it is oddly paced and plot-light, preferring instead to meander along with characters that are similar to the source material, but not quite the same. There are fanfiction tropes abound in this book, starting with the supernatural, gender bent main characters. If youâre looking for a true Sherlocks Holmes mystery novel, this is not it. If youâre looking for a highly developed historical fantasy, this is not it. But if you enjoy fanfiction, and you want something a bit longer and more polished than your typical online example, this is a good book for you.Â
In typical Katherine Addison style, the prose is immaculate, and there were even moments of well-executed humor in the story. The only reason it doesnât get a higher rating from me is I felt several of the bigger plot lines (particularly the Moriarty one) did not live up to their potential. I kept expecting something surprising to connect all the seemingly disparate âepisodes,â but alas, nothing did. In fact, the episodes were left as just that - episodes, connected to each other only barely by the characters acting within them. I prefer a stronger structure when reading novels, so this one didnât quite meet my expectations. It was entertaining enough, but only just: 3/5 starsÂ
In typical Katherine Addison style, the prose is immaculate, and there were even moments of well-executed humor in the story. The only reason it doesnât get a higher rating from me is I felt several of the bigger plot lines (particularly the Moriarty one) did not live up to their potential. I kept expecting something surprising to connect all the seemingly disparate âepisodes,â but alas, nothing did. In fact, the episodes were left as just that - episodes, connected to each other only barely by the characters acting within them. I prefer a stronger structure when reading novels, so this one didnât quite meet my expectations. It was entertaining enough, but only just: 3/5 starsÂ
coreysees's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
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? No
4.25
I did not realize going in that this was a Sherlock Holmes retelling, though it was quickly apparent. The episodic nature of the story was a bit jarring, though some plots run throughout the whole book. In terms of style and world building, this book was phenomenal. I wanted to spend several more books exploring all the dark corners and alleys of the world the book hints at but never fully explores. If there is a sequel, I hope it spends more time digging into a single mystery instead of trying to cram in as many short mysteries as possible.Â
jeansbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
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
4.0
sarahp85's review
3.0
Right, so I didn't know this book started as a Sherlock Wingfic.
I also never heard of the term Wingfic before
I also never heard of the term Wingfic before
miclikesbooks's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Ufft. I REALLY wanted to like this book, and have to say that the first 1/3rd or so was engaging enough. There are some very cool ideas at play here, but that's all they are: ideas. Most things added to the Holmes mythos that could be novel and interesting are mostly just mentioned and dismissed without much bearing on the story.
The characters are alright: I mean, they're Holmes and Watson (though, I feel like there's more of a Sherlock the TV show influence on the characters than the original novels), and they're relationship is nice, but other than the two leads, everyone else is forgettable.
There's also a twist that is kind just...there to be there? I dunno, it was just a little jarring and nothing came of it.
I really wish this book would do more with it's concept. There are better Fantasy Holmes books out there.
But hey, now I know what Wingfic means.
The characters are alright: I mean, they're Holmes and Watson (though, I feel like there's more of a Sherlock the TV show influence on the characters than the original novels), and they're relationship is nice, but other than the two leads, everyone else is forgettable.
There's also a twist that is kind just...there to be there? I dunno, it was just a little jarring and nothing came of it.
I really wish this book would do more with it's concept. There are better Fantasy Holmes books out there.
But hey, now I know what Wingfic means.