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junkets's review against another edition
3.0
Fun, easy reading in a steampunk world that envisions England split in two in the dawning ages of machinery. Elizabeth was an engaging character, though her oddly prim voice was a little too stiff at times.
daejmonet's review against another edition
I genuinely enjoyed the writing style and concept of this book. It wasn't something that I felt pained to get through, which happens occasionally when I'm reading from new fantasy authors.
I'm a bit of a sap for strong female characters so I really loved Elizabeth's independence, her cleverness, and her adventures.
I was also genuinely shocked by the ending, which is always a good thing. I'm excited to get on with the next one.
I'm a bit of a sap for strong female characters so I really loved Elizabeth's independence, her cleverness, and her adventures.
I was also genuinely shocked by the ending, which is always a good thing. I'm excited to get on with the next one.
abetterjulie's review against another edition
4.0
First, I LOVE the cover of this book. The plot is riveting, the characters have depth, and I never figured out the twist that was coming. I love clever stories!
gobbledybooks's review against another edition
3.0
This was my first experience with an audio book and I can’t decide if it effected my reading experience negatively but I struggled to attach to any of the characters and as a result did not feel gripped. I enjoyed the writing style, the setting and could recognise the interesting plot but still did not feel enthralled.
I also had massive issues during the first chunk with what I felt was sexist writing that I didn’t feel was done solely to fit into the Victorian era. Could have just been my perception though! 🤷♀️
I also had massive issues during the first chunk with what I felt was sexist writing that I didn’t feel was done solely to fit into the Victorian era. Could have just been my perception though! 🤷♀️
ambermarshall's review against another edition
4.0
Elizabeth Barnabus is a woman between two worlds: born into a circus in the Kingdom but living in exile in the Republic, using her skills in illusion to carry on a double life as her fictional brother in order to make a living.
I really enjoyed the worldbuilding in this one, of which there is a lot and yet never feels like an info-dump. In an alternate past where Ned Ludd's followers essentially curtail the Industrial Revolution, the International Patent Office in effect controls progress and holds sway over the multi-nation "Gas-Lit Empire." I like how while the Kingdom is shown to be a place with a lot more color and freedom, it's also a place with vast gulfs between nobility and commoners, where a person can be sold into slavery to pay a family debt.
The story and how it unfolds is intriguing, with a very capable and resourceful heroine. I definitely would like to continue with this series.
I really enjoyed the worldbuilding in this one, of which there is a lot and yet never feels like an info-dump. In an alternate past where Ned Ludd's followers essentially curtail the Industrial Revolution, the International Patent Office in effect controls progress and holds sway over the multi-nation "Gas-Lit Empire." I like how while the Kingdom is shown to be a place with a lot more color and freedom, it's also a place with vast gulfs between nobility and commoners, where a person can be sold into slavery to pay a family debt.
The story and how it unfolds is intriguing, with a very capable and resourceful heroine. I definitely would like to continue with this series.
zzulyte's review against another edition
3.0
ehhh something changed towards the end and also the editing made me want to die hahahahahha
merrinish's review against another edition
4.0
This isn't one that I would have normally picked up, but I'm on vacation so here we are. I'm leery of men writing woman protagonists, but I was actually really impressed with her. Enough that I'm interested in reading the rest of the trilogy. The world building could have been fleshed out a bit more, but I liked getting it in context clues rather than having it all dumped at the start of the book.
ecotts11's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
e_curran's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this quite a bit. The premise of permitted technology/inventions and unacceptable ones (and a secret, international agency to police them) is interesting, and throwing in the world of the traveling circus makes it very compelling.
Also, I think this is the first time I've judged a book by it's publisher's name - Angry Robot!
Also, I think this is the first time I've judged a book by it's publisher's name - Angry Robot!
sloshydolphin's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. The story fairly simple but it was well told and i loved the steampunk elements, although i must say i am not overly read in read in steampunk so cannot say if it is good for the genre. The main character is interesting and the main hook for me given the relativity simple story. How can a woman manage to live and work in a society that demands she must be looked after by a man, that said it is not full of gender politics just a case of what she has to do to survive.
Once i finished i went straight on to the second book.
The audiobook narration is perfect and probably added a half star.
Once i finished i went straight on to the second book.
The audiobook narration is perfect and probably added a half star.