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michellethebookcritic's review against another edition
5.0
"People hate what they don't understand and what they think is lesser than themselves. The Avanish have always thought of us as less than them, right back from when they marched onto our islands and took what they wanted. They didn't ask. They didn't think to ask..."
~ Kestrel, page 150
A Conventicle of Magpies follows Rook, a young warrior out to protect her people, the Saouiasei. The Saouiasei are being discriminated against and oppressed in many ways. The Avanish, who have torn down Stamchester, her home, now have new plans to destroy Rook's family and friends.
Rook, who is in a Conventicle of Magpies, a group based in protecting the Saouiasei lives, will not stop until she makes sure her people are safe. The Avanish need to get what they deserve.
I liked how engaging and fast-paced the story went. There were little to none, explanations, and you had to figure out the world-building as you went. The characters are also incredible! I love, love, love how diverse the characters are. I'm not sure if this is confirmed, but I also think we got LGBTQ character(s) too. If what I said was correct, I'm going to cry.
Steampunk + Fantasy + Adventure + POC + LGBTQ?? This is a dream come true.
As for the story, we don't get as many resting moments. That is another reason why I say "fast-paced" because there was always something going on.
The only issue I had with this book is the summary. When I first read it, I was confused about what was going on.
And this isn't even a big problem because I enjoyed this book very well. So this is probably more of a personal reason, but I just wanted to point it out.
All in all, I am excited to see what lies next in store for this series.
I highly recommend this one!
deborahakin's review against another edition
3.0
I was unsure what to except going into this book as I have previously failed to enjoy many historical fiction books, however, I was pleasantly suprised. It was a solid enjoyable book that I felt was more suited for younger teens. It was a really interesting take on segregation. On the downfall, I will say this book was not the best dystopian I have ever read and frankly there are better books. The writing was a little slow at times but the cliffhanger at the end made up for it. I will not be reading the second book.
alexbthelibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
I was given a free eARC copy of this book through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I absolutely loved this book! I found myself wanting to learn more about this world and how it operated as well as keep up with the mysteries behind some of the characters.
I think by far, my favorite part about this book was the world the author created. It is unique and well thought out. The author has a way with creating tension which instills curiosity in its reader. I found myself making assumptions about characters and surroundings, missing the little breadcrumbs the author placed until they were ready for the reader to discover the truth.
I also want to mention the way the author described a character who just happens to be in the LGBTQ+ community was phenomenal. I have read too many books where you find out in the first chapter in a very forced way. However, in this book, it is never even thought of or mentioned until an appropriate time. I was happy to see an author not create a character and have their whole identity be their identity or sexual orientation. It is the way I picture the future of books with LGBTQ+ characters in books. Where it is not a forced characteristic, but a part of who they are.
I think my only critique of this book was how easily the main character got in to trouble even though she was supposed to be the best. I also find myself thinking about how she would talk about things that were potentially sensitive to the story line or someone’s possible life.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy with a little bit of victorian steampunk vibes. I thoroughly enjoyed the read. Ready for book 2!
I absolutely loved this book! I found myself wanting to learn more about this world and how it operated as well as keep up with the mysteries behind some of the characters.
I think by far, my favorite part about this book was the world the author created. It is unique and well thought out. The author has a way with creating tension which instills curiosity in its reader. I found myself making assumptions about characters and surroundings, missing the little breadcrumbs the author placed until they were ready for the reader to discover the truth.
I also want to mention the way the author described a character who just happens to be in the LGBTQ+ community was phenomenal. I have read too many books where you find out in the first chapter in a very forced way. However, in this book, it is never even thought of or mentioned until an appropriate time. I was happy to see an author not create a character and have their whole identity be their identity or sexual orientation. It is the way I picture the future of books with LGBTQ+ characters in books. Where it is not a forced characteristic, but a part of who they are.
I think my only critique of this book was how easily the main character got in to trouble even though she was supposed to be the best. I also find myself thinking about how she would talk about things that were potentially sensitive to the story line or someone’s possible life.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy with a little bit of victorian steampunk vibes. I thoroughly enjoyed the read. Ready for book 2!
scientist_reading_world's review
4.0
Can see my full review spoiler-free here: https://youtu.be/MnwdhbbLUnE
annieb123's review against another edition
4.0
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
A Conventicle of Magpies is a Victorian era gaslamp fantasy and the first book of a new duology by L.M.R. Clarke. Released 6th Jan 2021, it's 178 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.
There is a lot to unpack here. Overall, it's a well written and engaging YA paranormal fantasy with an ensemble cast of (mostly) female protagonists. They belong to a motley gang of the local ethnic minority who are sneak thieves, cat burglars, pickpockets, and "problem solvers" (but no murder). The paranormal element comes from blood based magic (trigger warnings for blood, violence, suicide, trauma, etc). The characters are well rendered and distinct. I had no trouble remembering who was who. There is a Jack-the-Ripper subplot whose many victims are exsanguinated carefully (blood magic, again). There are several intertwining plotlines and not all of them are resolved by the end of the first book, strongly foreshadowing the second book in the series.
I liked the LGBTQ+ positive character portrayal and found myself engaged and invested in the story. There is some strong language and mature content here (mostly violence and mature themes, not for the sexual content which isn't egregious).
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
A Conventicle of Magpies is a Victorian era gaslamp fantasy and the first book of a new duology by L.M.R. Clarke. Released 6th Jan 2021, it's 178 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free.
There is a lot to unpack here. Overall, it's a well written and engaging YA paranormal fantasy with an ensemble cast of (mostly) female protagonists. They belong to a motley gang of the local ethnic minority who are sneak thieves, cat burglars, pickpockets, and "problem solvers" (but no murder). The paranormal element comes from blood based magic (trigger warnings for blood, violence, suicide, trauma, etc). The characters are well rendered and distinct. I had no trouble remembering who was who. There is a Jack-the-Ripper subplot whose many victims are exsanguinated carefully (blood magic, again). There are several intertwining plotlines and not all of them are resolved by the end of the first book, strongly foreshadowing the second book in the series.
I liked the LGBTQ+ positive character portrayal and found myself engaged and invested in the story. There is some strong language and mature content here (mostly violence and mature themes, not for the sexual content which isn't egregious).
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
shirin_mandi's review against another edition
5.0
A Conventicle of Magpies by L.M.R. Clarke, the first book in The Bloodskill Duology set in the town of Stamchester, this world where people categorized by their blood and the Avanish enslaved the Saosuíasei.
"If its war, its war the Avanish have brought on themselves, they have only themselves to blame."
A Conventicle of Magpies is a group of women run by mama Magpie. They have hired to do something that cops don't do for the Saosuíasei. Most folks engaged the services for one reason, to take back something stolen from them, but they are not in murdering business. Rook was the best finder, acquire, and thief in Magpie's employ and everyone knew it.
"I couldn't let you kill that soldier, once you take a life, there is no going back. you can't undo the death."
There is a male group called the Jaguars runs by Dru, a handsome man who asks Magpie about several matters, they try to free themselves from the Avanish. From this point, the story goes fast and fantastic, Rook goes as an insider maid and happening a little prison break.
Also, there is so much more than that, Rook's sister Ishie, the secret of a serial killer, somebody is killing Saosuíasei women and drain their blood. The corpses aren't bloodless for no reason, Blood is money, more valuable than gold.
"Billy Drainer stalks the night,
Ready to give you all a fright.
Seven swift knocks to your head,
Drains your blood and then you're DEAD"
I love this exciting book, well written, fast-paced, and adventurous. The characters are strong, wanting to know what will happen next, looking forward to the second book.
Thanks to Netgalley, I have given an honest review of A Conventicle of Magpies by LMR Clarke (The Bloodskill Duology Book 1).
"If its war, its war the Avanish have brought on themselves, they have only themselves to blame."
A Conventicle of Magpies is a group of women run by mama Magpie. They have hired to do something that cops don't do for the Saosuíasei. Most folks engaged the services for one reason, to take back something stolen from them, but they are not in murdering business. Rook was the best finder, acquire, and thief in Magpie's employ and everyone knew it.
"I couldn't let you kill that soldier, once you take a life, there is no going back. you can't undo the death."
There is a male group called the Jaguars runs by Dru, a handsome man who asks Magpie about several matters, they try to free themselves from the Avanish. From this point, the story goes fast and fantastic, Rook goes as an insider maid and happening a little prison break.
Also, there is so much more than that, Rook's sister Ishie, the secret of a serial killer, somebody is killing Saosuíasei women and drain their blood. The corpses aren't bloodless for no reason, Blood is money, more valuable than gold.
"Billy Drainer stalks the night,
Ready to give you all a fright.
Seven swift knocks to your head,
Drains your blood and then you're DEAD"
I love this exciting book, well written, fast-paced, and adventurous. The characters are strong, wanting to know what will happen next, looking forward to the second book.
Thanks to Netgalley, I have given an honest review of A Conventicle of Magpies by LMR Clarke (The Bloodskill Duology Book 1).
stormmanning's review against another edition
4.0
I didn’t really know what to expect going into this one, as I’ve never read Clarke’s previous novels, so I won’t deny that it was this amazing cover that caught my eye! And I’m glad it did. A Conventicle of Magpies had a little bit of everything: a dynamic plot, diverse characters, and a solid chunk of social commentary to touch on topics of oppression and discrimination—a combination you don’t always find in a YA book.
Stamchester itself was an interesting setting and was described as a kind of fictional Victorian city made up of Avanish suburbs and Saosuíasei slums—a divide that fuels the main conflict throughout the text. But this certainly isn’t the only conflict. Much of the appeal for this story lies in its fast-paced plot. Each chapter feels like a new challenge that keeps you curious and flipping through those pages. For those who prefer a single central conflict, that’s not what you’re going to get in this book. Between Billy Drainer, the Avanish, and the main character’s own personal struggles, you’re in for a ride!
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: characters always make or break a story for me, and Rook was pretty solid. She was a strong and well-rounded female protagonist—a realistic mix of fantasy hero and flawed human—with a talent for using the magic known as Bloodskill. As part of a criminal organisation (The Conventical) known for protecting the Saosuíasei women of Stamchester, Rook managed to be both fierce and compassionate. I really enjoyed reading things from her perspective and seeing how she interacted with those around her.
Speaking of those around her, there were quite a few side characters in this story as well. While they didn’t always move the plot forward, they were diverse and easy to differentiate and didn’t take away from the story at all, so this wasn’t a problem for me. I also felt that the side characters had a bigger part to play, so hopefully we’ll learn more about them in the second instalment.
Overall, this was an entertaining read with plenty of mystery to keep you going. The story raises a lot of questions—about Billy Drainer, Bloodskill, Rook’s past and even her future. Some questions are answered, and the rest I look forward to discovering in the sequel.
Stamchester itself was an interesting setting and was described as a kind of fictional Victorian city made up of Avanish suburbs and Saosuíasei slums—a divide that fuels the main conflict throughout the text. But this certainly isn’t the only conflict. Much of the appeal for this story lies in its fast-paced plot. Each chapter feels like a new challenge that keeps you curious and flipping through those pages. For those who prefer a single central conflict, that’s not what you’re going to get in this book. Between Billy Drainer, the Avanish, and the main character’s own personal struggles, you’re in for a ride!
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: characters always make or break a story for me, and Rook was pretty solid. She was a strong and well-rounded female protagonist—a realistic mix of fantasy hero and flawed human—with a talent for using the magic known as Bloodskill. As part of a criminal organisation (The Conventical) known for protecting the Saosuíasei women of Stamchester, Rook managed to be both fierce and compassionate. I really enjoyed reading things from her perspective and seeing how she interacted with those around her.
Speaking of those around her, there were quite a few side characters in this story as well. While they didn’t always move the plot forward, they were diverse and easy to differentiate and didn’t take away from the story at all, so this wasn’t a problem for me. I also felt that the side characters had a bigger part to play, so hopefully we’ll learn more about them in the second instalment.
Overall, this was an entertaining read with plenty of mystery to keep you going. The story raises a lot of questions—about Billy Drainer, Bloodskill, Rook’s past and even her future. Some questions are answered, and the rest I look forward to discovering in the sequel.
cinta's review against another edition
2.0
I received a promotional free copy of this book in exchange of my honest opinion. And I was very excited because Steampunk is a genre that I enjoy, as well as stories that take place in Victorian times. But my excitement turned into disappointment quite soon.
The story had more hints of dystopian than Steampunk. Actually, if it hadn't been for the gazillion times the author uses the phrase "green gaslight", plus the occasional mention of a top hat or a phone, I wouldn't have noticed the actual genre of the book. So not Steampunk enough for me. And I don't like it when I'm promised something and that something never happens.
This book is a clear example of plot where lots of things happen, but you cannot decide really what the main event is. If I had been the editor, I would have reduced this book to a half of its length. The action is fast, yes, but it is too busy.
As for the characters, I didn't feel any connection or sympathy for any of them. The protagonist, Rook, is the typical heroine who feels that has to solve everything by herself. And the rest of the characters are not fleshed out enough as to get to really know them or feel for them. I would also like to point out that, just by adding a character who happens to be a transexual person, and who is not even that relevant to the story, this book doesn't get to be categorized as LGBTQ fiction. It felt forced and I don't think it does any favor to that collective of people.
The whole thing about the characters getting powers through blood was confusing and I would have loved to see it better explained, because it appeared mentioned out of the blue and it felt like the reader already had to know what the narrator was talking about. It also felt kind of random, like how can I make this people special in Victorian times? But again, that doesn't make this book any more Steampunk.
Oh, and it was impossible for me to pronounce any of the names. I guess it must be Irish or Gaelic, but I couldn't figure out how to pronounce them. That's sort of a personal pet peeve of mine.
If you are into stories with a certain YA feel, then go for it. But if you are looking for a proper Steampunk, Victorian story, then this is not your book.
The story had more hints of dystopian than Steampunk. Actually, if it hadn't been for the gazillion times the author uses the phrase "green gaslight", plus the occasional mention of a top hat or a phone, I wouldn't have noticed the actual genre of the book. So not Steampunk enough for me. And I don't like it when I'm promised something and that something never happens.
This book is a clear example of plot where lots of things happen, but you cannot decide really what the main event is. If I had been the editor, I would have reduced this book to a half of its length. The action is fast, yes, but it is too busy.
As for the characters, I didn't feel any connection or sympathy for any of them. The protagonist, Rook, is the typical heroine who feels that has to solve everything by herself. And the rest of the characters are not fleshed out enough as to get to really know them or feel for them. I would also like to point out that, just by adding a character who happens to be a transexual person, and who is not even that relevant to the story, this book doesn't get to be categorized as LGBTQ fiction. It felt forced and I don't think it does any favor to that collective of people.
The whole thing about the characters getting powers through blood was confusing and I would have loved to see it better explained, because it appeared mentioned out of the blue and it felt like the reader already had to know what the narrator was talking about. It also felt kind of random, like how can I make this people special in Victorian times? But again, that doesn't make this book any more Steampunk.
Oh, and it was impossible for me to pronounce any of the names. I guess it must be Irish or Gaelic, but I couldn't figure out how to pronounce them. That's sort of a personal pet peeve of mine.
If you are into stories with a certain YA feel, then go for it. But if you are looking for a proper Steampunk, Victorian story, then this is not your book.
whatemsreadingx's review against another edition
4.0
Let me start by saying the cover of this book is absolutely gorgeous, it was one of the main reasons why I decided to request this book as it caught my eye straight away!
On the whole, A Conventicle of Magpies was an excellent read and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey that we were taken on throughout this book.
From the start I loved the vibe of this book, there is a very Victorian/Jack the Ripper kind of feel throughout the first chapters which grabbed my attention. And all credit to the author as they kept this theme going throughout the whole book, which definitely kept me hooked onto this one.
I found A Conventicle of Magpies to be really easy to read, and that is in no way a criticism! It just flowed so well through the plot and before I knew it I was halfway through the book, I was so desperate to find out what would happen next that I just kept on turning the pages.
Whilst the idea of two sides being opposed to each other and one trying to remove the other from society isn't the most original plot, the way the author wrote made us feel like it was a brand new trope. The introduction of the authors own groups (the Saosuíasei and Avanish) only helped that feel.
And with the introduction of Rook's sister being missing, Billy Drainer our Jack the Ripper-esque serial killer and the bloodskill aspect (discussed further below) this book was not short of other interesting layers to elevate the story to a higher level.
I would like to praise LMR Clarke for the bloodskill aspect within this book. I've seen a lot of magic/fantasy ideas as to how people gain their skills but never through bloodwork, so that was a nice new introduction.
I have to say though my favourite part of this book was the Magpies, the way this book was very female led, and how strong and supportive they were of each other and the Saosuíasei people around them. It's nice to see some female representation!
This isn't to say that the Jaguar and every other character in this book wasn't excellently written, it's just that, for me, Rook stole the show.
The ending of this book was absolutely excellent too, it rounded the story off perfectly but also left it open for later books to be written. And I, for one, will be picking up the next book in the series when it's written.
On the whole, A Conventicle of Magpies was an excellent read and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey that we were taken on throughout this book.
From the start I loved the vibe of this book, there is a very Victorian/Jack the Ripper kind of feel throughout the first chapters which grabbed my attention. And all credit to the author as they kept this theme going throughout the whole book, which definitely kept me hooked onto this one.
I found A Conventicle of Magpies to be really easy to read, and that is in no way a criticism! It just flowed so well through the plot and before I knew it I was halfway through the book, I was so desperate to find out what would happen next that I just kept on turning the pages.
Whilst the idea of two sides being opposed to each other and one trying to remove the other from society isn't the most original plot, the way the author wrote made us feel like it was a brand new trope. The introduction of the authors own groups (the Saosuíasei and Avanish) only helped that feel.
And with the introduction of Rook's sister being missing, Billy Drainer our Jack the Ripper-esque serial killer and the bloodskill aspect (discussed further below) this book was not short of other interesting layers to elevate the story to a higher level.
I would like to praise LMR Clarke for the bloodskill aspect within this book. I've seen a lot of magic/fantasy ideas as to how people gain their skills but never through bloodwork, so that was a nice new introduction.
I have to say though my favourite part of this book was the Magpies, the way this book was very female led, and how strong and supportive they were of each other and the Saosuíasei people around them. It's nice to see some female representation!
This isn't to say that the Jaguar and every other character in this book wasn't excellently written, it's just that, for me, Rook stole the show.
The ending of this book was absolutely excellent too, it rounded the story off perfectly but also left it open for later books to be written. And I, for one, will be picking up the next book in the series when it's written.
canderson's review against another edition
4.0
This novel was a fun take on dystopian segregation. I loved the creation of the Conventicle and that it was a female powered organization. Rook was a determined heroine; and I enjoyed her as a character, but I felt like she wasn't as flawed as she could have been. The novel had a lot going on; and I almost wish it was a little longer so that we could build the enemy a bit more.
So we have a few issues happening right off the bat, Billy the Drainer is on a murdering rampage, the drive by the Governor to wipe out their entire community, and then a bit later we have a missing sister, a rescue mission, and potential experimentation and collection of blood. Lots going on!
We only got one little glimpse of the Governor who seems to be the driving force of the hate against Rook's community but I didn't feel like I could see enough of his character or the lifestyle difference to really develop my own hate of him as the reader. I actually found myself more concerned with the Jaguar and even Ozdo's brief appearance was questionable, I thought she was going to have a bigger role than she did.
Billy the Drainer had a very Jack the Ripper feel; and yet it seems he is going to be set up to be someone important. I'm not sure I can see an excuse for his murders to make him redeemable if this person is who we are led to believe it is at the end of the novel.
There were a few pacing flaws, and as much as I appreciate the conscious effort to be inclusive, I felt like Kestrel's trans status was placed there just to have a representation. I felt like if the story was going to include this trans character and give her a leading role, that we should have been a bit more open with her life-struggles rather than just briefly mentioning a fear once or twice.
Aside from a few little issues that I think will be taken care of during a final edit; I think this was a solid novel and I am looking forward to book 2.
So we have a few issues happening right off the bat, Billy the Drainer is on a murdering rampage, the drive by the Governor to wipe out their entire community, and then a bit later we have a missing sister, a rescue mission, and potential experimentation and collection of blood. Lots going on!
We only got one little glimpse of the Governor who seems to be the driving force of the hate against Rook's community but I didn't feel like I could see enough of his character or the lifestyle difference to really develop my own hate of him as the reader. I actually found myself more concerned with the Jaguar and even Ozdo's brief appearance was questionable, I thought she was going to have a bigger role than she did.
Billy the Drainer had a very Jack the Ripper feel; and yet it seems he is going to be set up to be someone important. I'm not sure I can see an excuse for his murders to make him redeemable if this person is who we are led to believe it is at the end of the novel.
There were a few pacing flaws, and as much as I appreciate the conscious effort to be inclusive, I felt like Kestrel's trans status was placed there just to have a representation. I felt like if the story was going to include this trans character and give her a leading role, that we should have been a bit more open with her life-struggles rather than just briefly mentioning a fear once or twice.
Aside from a few little issues that I think will be taken care of during a final edit; I think this was a solid novel and I am looking forward to book 2.