Reviews - A Restless Truth

4.17k reviews for:

It’s a book with strong moments, but I am not a fan of the romance. I can’t stand the set up of highly sexual violet with virginal maud. It makes both of them feel one dimensional and caricatured. And it makes the arc of their relationship carry a distinctly uncomfortable edge to it. In general I don’t like the author’s “mean is sexy” approach to relationships.

The plot meanders and is frustrating as a sequel that completely writes out the first two MCs and sets the plot in such an enclosed space. Most times I found I just didn’t care what was going on. I didn’t love the first book, but I did think the idea of the last contract and the hanging “big darkness” threat compelling enough to continue the series. Unfortunately this book is an even weaker exploration of that plot.

cheesecake's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 70%

Just felt oddly slow in terms of plot yet also there was so much to happen yet in the plot that I wasn't interested. I was so invested in the relationship at first, but the focus felt like the second half wasn't on the couple but everyone around them and setting up book 3.

anxiousbinature's review against another edition

5.0

A wonderful sequel with compelling characters and beautiful imagery. The mystery was fun and imaginative with an intriguing resolution. It has a really sweet f/f relationship with plenty of references to the characters of A Marvellous Light. I loved how Lord Hawthorn was dragged into the plot and played of fantastically against Ross (who is an MC of the soon to be published 3rd novel). I loved the narration style and the casual addition of a majority queer cast to an early 20th century set novel. The mystery blends well with the romance to create a delightful read!

therealmadmags's review against another edition

4.0

adventurous 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: No

I loved the first book in the series, A Marvellous Light, and this one is almost as good. Set aboard a ship, it's a wonderful mixture of a classic whodunnit, queer romance, and magical, adventurous fantasy. The characters are well developed, although maybe not as well as they were in the first book. Regardless, this was a 4* read for me, and I can't wait to pick up the third book from the library.