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freadomlibrary's review against another edition
3.0
Actual rating 3.5 stars
This novella was nothing like I expected it to be. It's a lot more angsty and kind of sad than I thought it would be. It doesn't feel on the same level as the rest of Carriger's books, specially because of the plot and the format as well. I think the end was really sweet and I felt for Pillover and Agatha by then, but damn they didn't could've gotten there earlier haha. I think their love is really precious and sweet, and I understood the reasons behind them being apart for so long but I definitely wanted them to be together sooner and faster. Not my favorite of her novellas, but still well-written.
This novella was nothing like I expected it to be. It's a lot more angsty and kind of sad than I thought it would be. It doesn't feel on the same level as the rest of Carriger's books, specially because of the plot and the format as well. I think the end was really sweet and I felt for Pillover and Agatha by then, but damn they didn't could've gotten there earlier haha. I think their love is really precious and sweet, and I understood the reasons behind them being apart for so long but I definitely wanted them to be together sooner and faster. Not my favorite of her novellas, but still well-written.
coraldraes's review against another edition
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
bookswithbets's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kriseaf's review
2.0
This was a complete shock--I don't think I've ever not enjoyed a Gail Carriger book, but this one was not it for me. I think it was intended to feel soft and lovely in it's pining and vignette-style storytelling, but to me it was just sad, lonely, and hurtful. It felt like the lack of communication was in service to a tortured artist aesthetic, rather than true to the characters, and I just wanted to them to meaningfully talk to each other and find a more accommodating middle-ground of happiness.
missbryden's review
4.0
It seemed more like Pillover’s story than Agatha’s, like she’s so much in the shadows that she can’t be the POV even in her book; I don't necessarily say that as a bad thing, just interesting - I like Agatha, my favorite of the Finishing School ladies, and maybe of any of the Parasolverse ladies, so I looked forward to knowing more of her.
I love Pillover's steadfastness, the very slow burn romance (for a not teen/twenty-something couple), and the homeyness that was presented in the couple of humble homes that were described. I appreciate that both main characters are quiet and on the periphery - neither is bubbly, loud and wanting or expecting to be the center of attention.
I knew that it would cover a lot of time, and so it makes sense that it doesn’t exactly have a plot, not like Preshea or Dimity had a particular case they were working. I’m not the biggest fan of adventure so that’s ok for me.
It was interesting how they referenced events from other books, basically throughout the parasolverse timeline. I kept wanting to look things up, but I made myself just read this story, remembering what I could remember of others. Now I want to read all the other series along with this story.
2022: 2nd reading alongside rest of Parasolverse, as it covers so much time and so many references, starting with [b:Etiquette & Espionage|10874177|Etiquette & Espionage (Finishing School, #1)|Gail Carriger|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1331952557l/10874177._SX50_.jpg|15789500] (I also read the beginning of [b:The Curious Case of the Werewolf That Wasn't|22611728|The Curious Case of the Werewolf that Wasn't (Parasol Protectorate, #0.5)|Gail Carriger|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1475722340l/22611728._SX50_.jpg|42102609], but it didn't really seem relevant and I don't have easy access to the whole thing).
my Pinterest board of references
I love Pillover's steadfastness, the very slow burn romance (for a not teen/twenty-something couple), and the homeyness that was presented in the couple of humble homes that were described. I appreciate that both main characters are quiet and on the periphery - neither is bubbly, loud and wanting or expecting to be the center of attention.
I knew that it would cover a lot of time, and so it makes sense that it doesn’t exactly have a plot, not like Preshea or Dimity had a particular case they were working. I’m not the biggest fan of adventure so that’s ok for me.
It was interesting how they referenced events from other books, basically throughout the parasolverse timeline. I kept wanting to look things up, but I made myself just read this story, remembering what I could remember of others. Now I want to read all the other series along with this story.
2022: 2nd reading alongside rest of Parasolverse, as it covers so much time and so many references, starting with [b:Etiquette & Espionage|10874177|Etiquette & Espionage (Finishing School, #1)|Gail Carriger|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1331952557l/10874177._SX50_.jpg|15789500] (I also read the beginning of [b:The Curious Case of the Werewolf That Wasn't|22611728|The Curious Case of the Werewolf that Wasn't (Parasol Protectorate, #0.5)|Gail Carriger|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1475722340l/22611728._SX50_.jpg|42102609], but it didn't really seem relevant and I don't have easy access to the whole thing).
my Pinterest board of references
laurajnelson's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
tigerchica418's review
5.0
Agatha and Pillover’s story…finally!
This book was absolutely wonderful! If you are familiar with the Parasolverse you will find so many hidden clues. While it does technically stand alone, I highly recommend reading at least some of Gail’s other books first (especially the Finishing School series). It covers such a broad period of time and so many wonderful characters. All I can say is this book made me very happy. Thanks Miss Gail!
This book was absolutely wonderful! If you are familiar with the Parasolverse you will find so many hidden clues. While it does technically stand alone, I highly recommend reading at least some of Gail’s other books first (especially the Finishing School series). It covers such a broad period of time and so many wonderful characters. All I can say is this book made me very happy. Thanks Miss Gail!
wetdryvac's review
5.0
I almost never like books that back-and-fill around other books in a series, but this one did it beautifully, and may be my favorite of Carriger's steampunk era works. Utterly lovely.