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brandypainter's review against another edition
4.0
Another enjoyable, rich historical fantasy for adults from Stephanie Burgis. As always with Staphanie's books, I was fully immersed in the world she created. I loved the mixture of politics with alchemy. I enjoyed this slightly less than [book:Masks and Shadows|25893822] only because I felt more of a distance from the main characters. I still loved it, particularly everything about the world building and intrigue.
colorfulleo92's review against another edition
3.0
An enjoyable read with exciting drama and tension, liked the characters and the setting. But weren't as great as I had hoped
lvalente11's review against another edition
1.0
This book was by far one of the most boring books I have read in a long time. There was too much description and dialogue of unnecessary details. The magic and alchemy came much later in the book and the relationship between Caroline and Michael was underdeveloped. I was not invested in these characters and could care less what happened to them. This book was a huge disappointment and I expected way more from it.
moirwyn's review against another edition
5.0
This review originally appeared on my blog, Books Without Any Pictures:
http://bookswithoutanypictures.com/2016/12/28/review-and-giveaway-congress-of-secrets-by-stephanie-burgis/
After Napoleon’s defeat, world leaders and aristocrats gathered for the Congress of Vienna in order to negotiate peace between the world’s powers. In Congress of Secrets, Stephanie Burgis reimagines what the Congress of Vienna would be like if dark alchemy was in play.
The story alternates between two major protagonists. Caroline Wyndham is an English heiress with a secret. She’s actually Karolina, and grew up in Vienna. Because of her father’s revolutionary connections ended up being held captive and alchemically tortured by Pergren, the head of the secret police, until she managed to escape and seek a new life for herself. Her father’s whereabouts are still unknown, so Caroline comes to the Congress of Vienna hoping to confront her former captor and rescue her father.
Meanwhile, Karolina’s childhood friend Michael has spent his life perfecting his skills as a con artist. He’s hoping to settle down, and the Congress of Vienna gives him the perfect opportunity. He’s passing himself off as minor Russian aristocracy, and hopes that his presence at the Congress will grant him an aura of legitimacy and that he will be able to keep this new role.
Neither Caroline nor Michael ever expected to see each other again, and so when they meet in Vienna it comes as a shock to both of them. And since they obviously know each other, they have to try very hard to keep up their individual charades without breaking cover. And seeing each other rekindles old feelings, even though both characters realize that now is not the ideal time nor the ideal place for them. This means that while there is a romance element to the story, it’s understated, and while it’s important, it doesn’t overwhelm the rest of the story.
This book was very similar conceptually to Burgis’ earlier novel Masks and Shadows, and I adored it. I find this type of story fascinating because it is historically accurate, and aside from the introduction of alchemy and the existence of our two protagonists, it doesn’t take a lot of liberties with what actually happened. Readers experience both the tension and the sense of possibility that the Congress of Vienna represented, and the alchemy blends seamlessly with the story.
Pergren makes an excellent villain. As a historical figure, he’s creepy enough even without being a sadistic demonically possessed alchemist/warlock, and with the alchemy, he’s the kind of villain who can send chills down your spine. I’m of the opinion that the villain can make or break a book, and this one was definitely a success.
I also enjoyed that minor characters were well-rounded. For example, members of a troupe of actors who aided Michael’s entrance through the city gates had solid backstories and motivations for being in Vienna, and ended up playing a key role in the resolution of the story. And Caroline’s secretary was a shady sort of character who never seemed entirely trustworthy, and didn’t just stay in the background as events unfolded around him. Everyone in the story is there for a reason, and their stories are artfully woven together to form a climactic ending. Much like Masks and Shadows, the storytelling reminded me a bit of an orchestral piece.
http://bookswithoutanypictures.com/2016/12/28/review-and-giveaway-congress-of-secrets-by-stephanie-burgis/
After Napoleon’s defeat, world leaders and aristocrats gathered for the Congress of Vienna in order to negotiate peace between the world’s powers. In Congress of Secrets, Stephanie Burgis reimagines what the Congress of Vienna would be like if dark alchemy was in play.
The story alternates between two major protagonists. Caroline Wyndham is an English heiress with a secret. She’s actually Karolina, and grew up in Vienna. Because of her father’s revolutionary connections ended up being held captive and alchemically tortured by Pergren, the head of the secret police, until she managed to escape and seek a new life for herself. Her father’s whereabouts are still unknown, so Caroline comes to the Congress of Vienna hoping to confront her former captor and rescue her father.
Meanwhile, Karolina’s childhood friend Michael has spent his life perfecting his skills as a con artist. He’s hoping to settle down, and the Congress of Vienna gives him the perfect opportunity. He’s passing himself off as minor Russian aristocracy, and hopes that his presence at the Congress will grant him an aura of legitimacy and that he will be able to keep this new role.
Neither Caroline nor Michael ever expected to see each other again, and so when they meet in Vienna it comes as a shock to both of them. And since they obviously know each other, they have to try very hard to keep up their individual charades without breaking cover. And seeing each other rekindles old feelings, even though both characters realize that now is not the ideal time nor the ideal place for them. This means that while there is a romance element to the story, it’s understated, and while it’s important, it doesn’t overwhelm the rest of the story.
This book was very similar conceptually to Burgis’ earlier novel Masks and Shadows, and I adored it. I find this type of story fascinating because it is historically accurate, and aside from the introduction of alchemy and the existence of our two protagonists, it doesn’t take a lot of liberties with what actually happened. Readers experience both the tension and the sense of possibility that the Congress of Vienna represented, and the alchemy blends seamlessly with the story.
Pergren makes an excellent villain. As a historical figure, he’s creepy enough even without being a sadistic demonically possessed alchemist/warlock, and with the alchemy, he’s the kind of villain who can send chills down your spine. I’m of the opinion that the villain can make or break a book, and this one was definitely a success.
I also enjoyed that minor characters were well-rounded. For example, members of a troupe of actors who aided Michael’s entrance through the city gates had solid backstories and motivations for being in Vienna, and ended up playing a key role in the resolution of the story. And Caroline’s secretary was a shady sort of character who never seemed entirely trustworthy, and didn’t just stay in the background as events unfolded around him. Everyone in the story is there for a reason, and their stories are artfully woven together to form a climactic ending. Much like Masks and Shadows, the storytelling reminded me a bit of an orchestral piece.
joliendelandsheer's review against another edition
5.0
Review first published on my blog The Fictional Reader
When I saw this book on Edelweiss, I was immediately intrigued. Historical fiction? Yes please. Set in Europe? Yes please. With a slight fantasy twist? Yes please. It sounded like everything I want in a book. And then I saw that Lynn from Lynn’s Books really enjoyed it too, so I had to pick it up. I’m so glad to say I wasn’t disappointed.
SETTING
This book is set during a period in time I barely know anything of, The Congress of Vienna. For those of you who don’t know, the Congress of Vienna took place after Napoleon was defeated and exiled to Elba. It served the purpose of bringing all the rulers and nobility of the countries conquered by Napoleon together, and to have them work out how to divide his empire again.
It’s kind of shameful to say that I barely know anything about the Napoleonic wars, and I knew next to nothing about The Congress of Vienna. It’s extremely embarrassing to admit that, as Belgium was also involved in said wars. We just always seem to be stuck between warring countries.
I absolutely adored this glimpse into the time period. I loved the parties, the luncheons, the carriages, the extreme spending habits of the nobility, the underground pamphleteers, but above all I loved the glimpse into the royals. The Tsar of Russia, politicians from France, the rulers of Prussia, and Emperor Francis of Austria… Isn’t that quite the gathering?
I loved everything about this setting. It felt so vibrant and rich to me, and I could imagine myself walking the streets of Vienna -even though I’ve never been there before. I have the intense desire to do so now, though.
PLOT
I feel like I can’t tell you much about the story line of this book, because I don’t think the synopsis does so either. All you need to know is that it takes place during the Congress of Vienna -and that not every nobleman or -woman truly is one.
It was a captivating story, and I read at every available moment on the train and metro. I just had to know what would happen next! Especially the last 25% just flew by. I barely even registered that my train had actually arrived.
CHARACTERS
I also don’t want to tell you too much about the characters, because I feel like you have to get to know them yourself. But here’s the short(ish) version.
The first main character we follow is Michael. He returns to Vienna in disguise, his head full of plans. He was incredibly interesting. He’s charming and kind, and at first it seems like there’s not much going on underneath the charm. But as you get to know him better, you discover some deep hurts he’s been repressing. I loved getting to know his more vulnerable side -and watching him rediscover it.
The second main character is Caroline. I love her so much, she’s such a strong woman. I think it’s safe to say that she’s been through an incredible amount of pain -both physical and emotional. But she is still here, fighting. I have so much admiration for her. And I thought she was incredibly witty. That’s another aspect of this book I really enjoyed. It’s witty, but in a historical way. Instead of sarcasm, they use a more underhanded way of insulting each other or making ridiculous comments. It’s very fun.
We follow several more characters, obviously. One of which is the Emperor of Austria, for whom I feel nothing but contempt. There is also one other person, I don’t want to say who it is, who made me want to set him on fire. He is the typical guy who is angry at a woman because she doesn’t love him back but feels like she should because he’s always been nice to her. GRRR. MAKES ME SO ANGRY.
Overall, I’d highly recommend this book. It was a fun and captivating read, set in a place and period of time I haven’t read many books of. I’ll definitely check out more of this author’s work!
When I saw this book on Edelweiss, I was immediately intrigued. Historical fiction? Yes please. Set in Europe? Yes please. With a slight fantasy twist? Yes please. It sounded like everything I want in a book. And then I saw that Lynn from Lynn’s Books really enjoyed it too, so I had to pick it up. I’m so glad to say I wasn’t disappointed.
SETTING
This book is set during a period in time I barely know anything of, The Congress of Vienna. For those of you who don’t know, the Congress of Vienna took place after Napoleon was defeated and exiled to Elba. It served the purpose of bringing all the rulers and nobility of the countries conquered by Napoleon together, and to have them work out how to divide his empire again.
It’s kind of shameful to say that I barely know anything about the Napoleonic wars, and I knew next to nothing about The Congress of Vienna. It’s extremely embarrassing to admit that, as Belgium was also involved in said wars. We just always seem to be stuck between warring countries.
I absolutely adored this glimpse into the time period. I loved the parties, the luncheons, the carriages, the extreme spending habits of the nobility, the underground pamphleteers, but above all I loved the glimpse into the royals. The Tsar of Russia, politicians from France, the rulers of Prussia, and Emperor Francis of Austria… Isn’t that quite the gathering?
I loved everything about this setting. It felt so vibrant and rich to me, and I could imagine myself walking the streets of Vienna -even though I’ve never been there before. I have the intense desire to do so now, though.
PLOT
I feel like I can’t tell you much about the story line of this book, because I don’t think the synopsis does so either. All you need to know is that it takes place during the Congress of Vienna -and that not every nobleman or -woman truly is one.
It was a captivating story, and I read at every available moment on the train and metro. I just had to know what would happen next! Especially the last 25% just flew by. I barely even registered that my train had actually arrived.
CHARACTERS
I also don’t want to tell you too much about the characters, because I feel like you have to get to know them yourself. But here’s the short(ish) version.
The first main character we follow is Michael. He returns to Vienna in disguise, his head full of plans. He was incredibly interesting. He’s charming and kind, and at first it seems like there’s not much going on underneath the charm. But as you get to know him better, you discover some deep hurts he’s been repressing. I loved getting to know his more vulnerable side -and watching him rediscover it.
The second main character is Caroline. I love her so much, she’s such a strong woman. I think it’s safe to say that she’s been through an incredible amount of pain -both physical and emotional. But she is still here, fighting. I have so much admiration for her. And I thought she was incredibly witty. That’s another aspect of this book I really enjoyed. It’s witty, but in a historical way. Instead of sarcasm, they use a more underhanded way of insulting each other or making ridiculous comments. It’s very fun.
We follow several more characters, obviously. One of which is the Emperor of Austria, for whom I feel nothing but contempt. There is also one other person, I don’t want to say who it is, who made me want to set him on fire. He is the typical guy who is angry at a woman because she doesn’t love him back but feels like she should because he’s always been nice to her. GRRR. MAKES ME SO ANGRY.
Overall, I’d highly recommend this book. It was a fun and captivating read, set in a place and period of time I haven’t read many books of. I’ll definitely check out more of this author’s work!
hrjones's review against another edition
4.0
It might be easy to understand why I enjoy reading Stephanie Burgis's combination of real 18-19th century history, romantic adventure, and touches of magic. She has an impressively solid familiarity with the history and manners of the era she draws from (which, if you check out the topics of her graduate education, is no surprise). The Congress of Vienna, sorting out the political consequences of Napoleon's defeat, is a natural setting for intrigues of all sorts.
Two people, neither of whom is the person they current portray, encounter each other in the build-up to the Congress for the first time since a violent separation when they were children. Michael, once apprenticed to a political pamphlet printer, has survived by learning the arts of the con man and has arrived as the disenfranchised Prince Kalishnikov, hoping to restore control of the realm Napoleon stole from him--or at least to convince someone to pay him off to go away. Karolina, the daughter of that printer, fell into the hands of the head of the Austrian secret police, who maintains his power by alchemical rituals that drain energy from his victims. Handed off to be the plaything of an English aristocrat, she turned her situation around and became the (now widowed) Countess of Wyndham. Her goal at the Congress is to free her father from the secret prison where he's been held for decades and, if possible, to avenge herself on those who held him there. Their accidental reunion in Vienna could spell disaster for both their plans--or each just might have found the only ally that could ensure success.
I enjoyed the casual details of the setting and historic personalities, as well as the solid back-story for the central political tensions. The rich diversity of early 19th century Vienna came alive on the page. And if I occasionally felt that certain bits of the historic background were being repeated more often than I needed, keep in mind that I'm on the far end of the scale of "just give me a hint and I'll be fine," as well as being a bit more grounded in the historic outlines than the typical reader.
The interpersonal interactions driving the plot worked very well for me for the first three-quarters of the book, including the completely expected growing romantic tension between the two protagonists. Very much in the genre of "I'm totally attracted to you but I can't trust anyone--and especially not you--so giving in to it would be a fatal mistake." The romantic tension was only slightly spoiled by a few too many (in my opinion, unnecessary) incidents of "I saw you smiling at so-and-so, which means you're actually going to bed with them, so my heart is broken, not that I'll admit that I cared."
But in the climax of the book, my suspension of disbelief slipped a little. Too many key players were too easily convinced, too quickly, to believe the protagonists' stories in the nick of time, and to pitch in at the risk of their own lives and careers, or to back down from opposing them far too readily. I had anticipated the fate of one key character from the very beginning--a fate that it was essential for the protagonists never to consider seriously. The strongest point in the climax was our heroine contributing actively and believably to her own rescue, rather than becoming a damsel.
Congress of Secrets is a fun romantic adventure, with a solid grounding in history and a reasonably satisfying conclusion. It is very loosely connected to Masks and Shadows, set in the previous generation, and there are a couple of Easter Egg references to characters from that book, but the two can be read entirely independently.
Two people, neither of whom is the person they current portray, encounter each other in the build-up to the Congress for the first time since a violent separation when they were children. Michael, once apprenticed to a political pamphlet printer, has survived by learning the arts of the con man and has arrived as the disenfranchised Prince Kalishnikov, hoping to restore control of the realm Napoleon stole from him--or at least to convince someone to pay him off to go away. Karolina, the daughter of that printer, fell into the hands of the head of the Austrian secret police, who maintains his power by alchemical rituals that drain energy from his victims. Handed off to be the plaything of an English aristocrat, she turned her situation around and became the (now widowed) Countess of Wyndham. Her goal at the Congress is to free her father from the secret prison where he's been held for decades and, if possible, to avenge herself on those who held him there. Their accidental reunion in Vienna could spell disaster for both their plans--or each just might have found the only ally that could ensure success.
I enjoyed the casual details of the setting and historic personalities, as well as the solid back-story for the central political tensions. The rich diversity of early 19th century Vienna came alive on the page. And if I occasionally felt that certain bits of the historic background were being repeated more often than I needed, keep in mind that I'm on the far end of the scale of "just give me a hint and I'll be fine," as well as being a bit more grounded in the historic outlines than the typical reader.
The interpersonal interactions driving the plot worked very well for me for the first three-quarters of the book, including the completely expected growing romantic tension between the two protagonists. Very much in the genre of "I'm totally attracted to you but I can't trust anyone--and especially not you--so giving in to it would be a fatal mistake." The romantic tension was only slightly spoiled by a few too many (in my opinion, unnecessary) incidents of "I saw you smiling at so-and-so, which means you're actually going to bed with them, so my heart is broken, not that I'll admit that I cared."
But in the climax of the book, my suspension of disbelief slipped a little. Too many key players were too easily convinced, too quickly, to believe the protagonists' stories in the nick of time, and to pitch in at the risk of their own lives and careers, or to back down from opposing them far too readily. I had anticipated the fate of one key character from the very beginning--a fate that it was essential for the protagonists never to consider seriously. The strongest point in the climax was our heroine contributing actively and believably to her own rescue, rather than becoming a damsel.
Congress of Secrets is a fun romantic adventure, with a solid grounding in history and a reasonably satisfying conclusion. It is very loosely connected to Masks and Shadows, set in the previous generation, and there are a couple of Easter Egg references to characters from that book, but the two can be read entirely independently.
gonturans's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this as a historical fantasy moreso than a capital-r Romance (two kisses, no sex, honestly they’re rightfully preoccupied with their own plots until they happen to converge, but it’s some good fucking angst-worthy backstory), with loads of politics maneuvering and a regency era setting that’s not France or England. LOVED that the hero and heroine are 38 and 35, respectfully. It added something deeper to their characters.
powder_and_page's review against another edition
3.0
3.5/5.0
Once I read the synopsis for Congress of Secrets a few months ago, I knew that I HAD to read it! Historical fantasy novels are quickly climbing up my list of favorite things to read and this one looked beautiful. , it didn’t just have the looks- this book had awesome content, from the setting to the characters, to the devious plots.
I thought Lady Caroline Wyndham was superb- she was beautiful, conniving, and clever. She managed to go from a printer’s daughter to a wealthy lady of English high society. Caroline had valiant intentions, though at times I wondered if she was somewhat too naïve or starry-eyed to think what could happen to a person in 24 years. It turns out she was a little naïve, or perhaps overly hopeful in the end. Michael (or should I say Prince Kalishnikoff) knew Caroline when they were children in Vienna, though they both went their separate ways rather abruptly after Caroline’s father was taken prisoner by the Austrian Secret Police for printing pamphlets decrying the state of the nation and the actions of the emperor. The two come together during the Congress and both are trying to maintain their facades and play a complicated and dangerous game.
It took me awhile to get really hooked on the plot, though from the very beginning it was clear that it was my kind of story. It’s really a story of con artists and impersonators with noble intentions- I love stories like this, so I can’t really say why I wasn’t on board from the get-go. The addition of alchemy as a thing of terror was underwhelming in my opinion, it almost detracted entirely from the quality of the book. It’s like it just wasn’t sinister or present enough to make a real impact. Sure, it was made to be a significant part of the plot, but it felt like a puzzle piece that worked, but wasn’t a perfect fit. Alchemy maybe could have been more properly introduced, or more present.
I did like this story quite a bit, though I didn’t love it. Overall, I was detached from the characters, which I thought could have benefitted from a more detailed background. If the story had run from the fateful day when Caroline’s father was taken in by the police to the conclusion I think the reader could and would be more empathetic towards both Michael and Caroline and the sinister Count Pergen would have actually been sinister rather than vaguely discomfiting. As a whole, it was a lovely piece of historical fantasy, with lots of actual historical figures that played significant roles in the Congress of Vienna (I googled them to see what they actually did). I’ve always thought books like this are a great way to get people- myself included- more interested in historical events and provide a spark that makes a person want to go out and learn more on their own!
Once I read the synopsis for Congress of Secrets a few months ago, I knew that I HAD to read it! Historical fantasy novels are quickly climbing up my list of favorite things to read and this one looked beautiful. , it didn’t just have the looks- this book had awesome content, from the setting to the characters, to the devious plots.
I thought Lady Caroline Wyndham was superb- she was beautiful, conniving, and clever. She managed to go from a printer’s daughter to a wealthy lady of English high society. Caroline had valiant intentions, though at times I wondered if she was somewhat too naïve or starry-eyed to think what could happen to a person in 24 years. It turns out she was a little naïve, or perhaps overly hopeful in the end. Michael (or should I say Prince Kalishnikoff) knew Caroline when they were children in Vienna, though they both went their separate ways rather abruptly after Caroline’s father was taken prisoner by the Austrian Secret Police for printing pamphlets decrying the state of the nation and the actions of the emperor. The two come together during the Congress and both are trying to maintain their facades and play a complicated and dangerous game.
It took me awhile to get really hooked on the plot, though from the very beginning it was clear that it was my kind of story. It’s really a story of con artists and impersonators with noble intentions- I love stories like this, so I can’t really say why I wasn’t on board from the get-go. The addition of alchemy as a thing of terror was underwhelming in my opinion, it almost detracted entirely from the quality of the book. It’s like it just wasn’t sinister or present enough to make a real impact. Sure, it was made to be a significant part of the plot, but it felt like a puzzle piece that worked, but wasn’t a perfect fit. Alchemy maybe could have been more properly introduced, or more present.
I did like this story quite a bit, though I didn’t love it. Overall, I was detached from the characters, which I thought could have benefitted from a more detailed background. If the story had run from the fateful day when Caroline’s father was taken in by the police to the conclusion I think the reader could and would be more empathetic towards both Michael and Caroline and the sinister Count Pergen would have actually been sinister rather than vaguely discomfiting. As a whole, it was a lovely piece of historical fantasy, with lots of actual historical figures that played significant roles in the Congress of Vienna (I googled them to see what they actually did). I’ve always thought books like this are a great way to get people- myself included- more interested in historical events and provide a spark that makes a person want to go out and learn more on their own!