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3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
lighthearted
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
Amazing read! I loved the first book in this series but was a little worried if the second would hold up and it did more then that. All my hopes and expectations were surpassed and my only complaint is that I didn't wait until after the third book was out to read this one. Now I'll have to try to find something to appease me until the third book is finally out.
* second time reading it was as wonderful as the first. Starting the third book as soon as I finish this review.
* second time reading it was as wonderful as the first. Starting the third book as soon as I finish this review.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Quick based mystery full of magic, erotic romance and humour
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship
***THE VERSION OF THIS THAT I READ WAS AN ARC***
Review closer to publication.
Review closer to publication.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
„A Restless Truth“, the second book in Freya Marske’s enchanting „Last Binding“ trilogy, delivers a delicious blend of Edwardian intrigue, sapphic romance, and magical mystery — all aboard a transatlantic ship.
This installment shifts focus from „A Marvellous Light“’s protagonists to Maud Blyth, sister of Robin from the first book. Tasked with escorting a magical witness to England, Maud finds herself thrust into a locked-room mystery after a murder occurs onboard. What follows is a tightly paced whodunnit wrapped in elegant prose and brimming with wit and charm.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its vibrant cast of characters. Maud’s voice is sharp and endearing, and her growing relationship with the scandalous, theatrically bold Violet Debenham crackles with chemistry. Marske handles their romance with nuance, desire, and a refreshing level of honesty, all while keeping it grounded in a world of magic and deception.
The plot balances tension and playfulness masterfully. Marske’s command of tone is impressive — she pivots from flirtatious banter to moments of real emotional depth without missing a beat. The confined setting of the ship creates a delightful sense of urgency and intimacy, and the magical elements continue to build on the rich lore established in the first book.
If there’s a critique, it’s that the pacing occasionally falters in the middle, but the payoff is well worth it. The book sets the stage beautifully for the final volume while still offering a satisfying arc of its own.
Overall, „A Restless Truth“ is a captivating sequel that enhances the series’ themes of identity, freedom, and the transformative power of love. It’s clever, romantic, and unashamedly magical — perfect for fans of historical fantasy who like their mysteries with a little extra sparkle.
This installment shifts focus from „A Marvellous Light“’s protagonists to Maud Blyth, sister of Robin from the first book. Tasked with escorting a magical witness to England, Maud finds herself thrust into a locked-room mystery after a murder occurs onboard. What follows is a tightly paced whodunnit wrapped in elegant prose and brimming with wit and charm.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its vibrant cast of characters. Maud’s voice is sharp and endearing, and her growing relationship with the scandalous, theatrically bold Violet Debenham crackles with chemistry. Marske handles their romance with nuance, desire, and a refreshing level of honesty, all while keeping it grounded in a world of magic and deception.
The plot balances tension and playfulness masterfully. Marske’s command of tone is impressive — she pivots from flirtatious banter to moments of real emotional depth without missing a beat. The confined setting of the ship creates a delightful sense of urgency and intimacy, and the magical elements continue to build on the rich lore established in the first book.
If there’s a critique, it’s that the pacing occasionally falters in the middle, but the payoff is well worth it. The book sets the stage beautifully for the final volume while still offering a satisfying arc of its own.
Overall, „A Restless Truth“ is a captivating sequel that enhances the series’ themes of identity, freedom, and the transformative power of love. It’s clever, romantic, and unashamedly magical — perfect for fans of historical fantasy who like their mysteries with a little extra sparkle.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Murder, Classism
Moderate: Cursing, Sexism, Violence, Blood, Grief, Outing, Alcohol
Minor: Animal cruelty, Torture, Medical content, Kidnapping, Fire/Fire injury
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-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