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hondiggsreads's review against another edition
5.0
This is a superb book. If you read it and don’t think it’s five stars you can go ahead and f*** off right now. The setting, the story, the conceit, and the characters are just so alive and vibrant. I truly hope to run into these characters again, but I will be just as happy if I don’t. The novel tells a beautiful, fun story and ends it just as well
smmckee89's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
arrmarr's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
stillneedsdreams's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
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
soniac's review against another edition
5.0
Vibes I wanted: adventure, ghosts, history, magic
Vibes I got: history, 1920s atmosphere, magic heists, intimate relationships, no-nonsense protagonist, destiny
Vibe rating: 5/5
I loved this book. I pulled out my phone at every chance to read a few more pages, I stayed up past my bedtime, I texted my friends as soon as I finished. This met and exceeded my expectations.
When I read the book described as a “magical heist,” I said yes without paying any attention to many other details. So when I started reading it and realized it was set in DC, it felt like an extra treat. DC is seriously underrepresented in fiction in general, much less fantasy, and Penelope does such a wonderful job of making the setting a vital part of the story. (Full disclosure: I recognize I live in the suburbs, but this is still exciting for me!)
Tied to her excellent use of the city is Penelope’s skill with the history side of historical fantasy. As someone who doesn’t know a lot about DC’s Black history and had never heard of U Street’s past as the center of Black Broadway, I spent much of the book looking up Penelope’s references to real people and places. Many of the people were familiar but I had no idea they had ties to DC in the 1920s. I’ve added the books Penelope mentions in her author’s note to my to read list, and I’m excited to learn more.
The fantasy elements fit perfectly within the 1920s atmosphere, heady and dangerous, and the magic acknowledges both the highs and the lows of the era. It’s intoxicating and unforgiving and full of potential. Against all of that, Clara Johnson is a perfect no-nonsense protagonist who’s being dragged into this world. I wouldn’t say she’s unlikeable—she is quite likable—but she’s not the most charming or exciting character. I like her all the more for it, and having her as the reader’s view into this world makes the novel’s Big Ideas of pasts and futures more powerful.
My favorite part, though, is the tenderness Penelope uses when writing the characters. The relationships they have with other people and the ones they develop with each other feel so genuine and intimate. Someone says to Clara, “You got something more powerful than stagecraft and illusion. You got a gift, a group of folks willing to help you, and a task worth doing. More than I can say for most.” And it’s with those relationships that dragons can be slayed.
I was trying to come up with some things I would change to prove that I can be a fancypants critical reader, but then I remembered I’m just here for the vibes. And the vibes are so, so good with this book. And honestly, I’m not sure there’s anything I would change.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Vibes I got: history, 1920s atmosphere, magic heists, intimate relationships, no-nonsense protagonist, destiny
Vibe rating: 5/5
I loved this book. I pulled out my phone at every chance to read a few more pages, I stayed up past my bedtime, I texted my friends as soon as I finished. This met and exceeded my expectations.
When I read the book described as a “magical heist,” I said yes without paying any attention to many other details. So when I started reading it and realized it was set in DC, it felt like an extra treat. DC is seriously underrepresented in fiction in general, much less fantasy, and Penelope does such a wonderful job of making the setting a vital part of the story. (Full disclosure: I recognize I live in the suburbs, but this is still exciting for me!)
Tied to her excellent use of the city is Penelope’s skill with the history side of historical fantasy. As someone who doesn’t know a lot about DC’s Black history and had never heard of U Street’s past as the center of Black Broadway, I spent much of the book looking up Penelope’s references to real people and places. Many of the people were familiar but I had no idea they had ties to DC in the 1920s. I’ve added the books Penelope mentions in her author’s note to my to read list, and I’m excited to learn more.
The fantasy elements fit perfectly within the 1920s atmosphere, heady and dangerous, and the magic acknowledges both the highs and the lows of the era. It’s intoxicating and unforgiving and full of potential. Against all of that, Clara Johnson is a perfect no-nonsense protagonist who’s being dragged into this world. I wouldn’t say she’s unlikeable—she is quite likable—but she’s not the most charming or exciting character. I like her all the more for it, and having her as the reader’s view into this world makes the novel’s Big Ideas of pasts and futures more powerful.
My favorite part, though, is the tenderness Penelope uses when writing the characters. The relationships they have with other people and the ones they develop with each other feel so genuine and intimate. Someone says to Clara, “You got something more powerful than stagecraft and illusion. You got a gift, a group of folks willing to help you, and a task worth doing. More than I can say for most.” And it’s with those relationships that dragons can be slayed.
I was trying to come up with some things I would change to prove that I can be a fancypants critical reader, but then I remembered I’m just here for the vibes. And the vibes are so, so good with this book. And honestly, I’m not sure there’s anything I would change.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
whethered's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
haileyhardcover's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I’ll start with what I liked. There are a lot of side characters in this story, and every time a new one is introduced, we get a short chapter with their personal backstory. Having those set apart from the rest of the book rather than trying to weave those details into what was happening present day made for a nice reading experience. I got to understand each of the characters better on a quick little side quest. Loved that. I also appreciated the real (or just slightly altered) history in the story. I was not familiar with Clara “Carrie” Minor Johnson’s story before and I’m glad to know it now. Without spoilers, I will also say that the first portion of the epilogue made me a little teary eyed, and I’m glad it was included.
All that said, this book is about 100 pages too long. I felt like most of the time I was just slogging through so much unnecessary subplot waiting for something of substance to happen. What could’ve been a really exciting, fast paced mystery/adventure was just… meh. Picking up this book felt like a chore every time, and it’s one of those that I forced myself to finish, when I really should have just DNF’d…
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol, Racial slurs, Racism, Abandonment, Death, and Police brutality
Minor: Medical content, Violence, Murder, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Gun violence, and Slavery
brobischon's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
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? It's complicated
5.0
thursdayleroux's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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