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juniperbranches's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
If you take Shakespeare’s 12th night, The importance of being Ernest by Oscar Wilde, and shake it up with a Victorian steampunk setting, and you get All men of genius. Violet is an extremely bright young scientist determined to go to the best mechanical and scientific school in London, Illyria. The only problem is that only male students are accepted. Violet quickly devises a plot to switch places with her twin brother, Ashton, to get the education she craves. Hijinks and tomfoolery ensue. This was great! The 12th night is a classic for a reason, and the author breathes new life into it. It was a fun little YA palate cleanser and I adored it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death and Animal cruelty
Moderate: Racism, Classism, Violence, Sexism, Medical content, Antisemitism, Injury/Injury detail, and Gaslighting
raix's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
This has been on my to-read list for ages! I'm glad I finally got to it, because it was such a joy to read. The writing style is amusing and the characters are easy to like. I especially liked the way it gave even minor characters a viewpoint when it suited the story! Twelfth Night is my favourite of Shakespeare's plays and I loved this take on it, especially the queer elements (as there should be!). Naturally, there are romantic elements, but I feel like the focus was more on the plot than romance. I loved the personalities of the teachers at the school and hearing about all the mad inventions and experiments. Aside from the humour, the tension and mystery can be very gripping at points too!
Given the setting, there's some period-typical outdated language, and sexist/racist/homophobic ideas, however not endorsed by the protagonists. Keep that in mind.
Given the setting, there's some period-typical outdated language, and sexist/racist/homophobic ideas, however not endorsed by the protagonists. Keep that in mind.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Misogyny, Violence, Cursing, Animal death, Animal cruelty, and Homophobia
Moderate: Alcohol, Kidnapping, Racism, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Antisemitism and Adult/minor relationship
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