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chrissie_whitley's review
3.0
As much as I adored Mascarenhas's previous book, [b:The Psychology of Time Travel|41035725|The Psychology of Time Travel|Kate Mascarenhas|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1533307735l/41035725._SY75_.jpg|59987350], I tried to go into this with tempered expectations. Realizing how difficult it would be to compose a story that was up to the challenge of her debut novel, I let this remain on my unread shelf for over a year. All-in-all, this rounded out and finished up being a pretty standard magical realism book.
The story itself is about the descendants of three of the four families who founded a doll-making shop near Oxford, on a small, fictional island named, Paxton's Eyot. The dolls are carefully constructed and topped with magical enhancements that evoke a particular feeling. The ability to apply these enhancements is a strongly held secret and only particular male descendants of the original four are permitted to become doll makers and learn the magic skill. Despite the fact that all four original makers were female, the following generations all decide that the magic is too much for the women — who just aren't capable enough.
A stranger walks onto the island one day, disrupting everything by claiming to be a descendant of the one original doll maker who died with no children. Larkin claims his right to learn magic doll making because his antecedent had actually absconded to France with the baby everyone had thought died. Meanwhile, Persephone, another descendant from another founder, has gotten it into her head that she wants to be a doll maker despite her gender. Larkin and Persephone make up the bulk of the main storyline and, regardless of the point of view shifting to a few others, really pull along the story on their own.
The feminist angle is a bit too on the nose for the reader — and thus really obviously for the upcoming plot — and yet the women on the island never seem to be at odds with their set circumstances. Other than Persephone, who is never that passionate about it and instead is just takes her desired future as 'one day' inevitable, none of the other women — daughters, wives, and mothers — ever seem that interested in learning the enchantments that set them so far apart from other doll makers in the world.
The characters are pretty well developed, but the story suffers by way of the friction created in the setting and style. Set in present day, the magical fairytale style in which Mascarnenhas has written continually butted heads with the random and spontaneous belches of modern speech — especially anything that might be considered profane. While I liked the majority of the story, the closer I got to the ending, the less focused it became. In fact, the ending was so lackluster, I wasn't even sure it made sense with the characters, particularly the women of the eyot. An admirable sophomore novel, but one that didn't quite bring on the wonder and complexity I remembered from her first novel.
The story itself is about the descendants of three of the four families who founded a doll-making shop near Oxford, on a small, fictional island named, Paxton's Eyot. The dolls are carefully constructed and topped with magical enhancements that evoke a particular feeling. The ability to apply these enhancements is a strongly held secret and only particular male descendants of the original four are permitted to become doll makers and learn the magic skill. Despite the fact that all four original makers were female, the following generations all decide that the magic is too much for the women — who just aren't capable enough.
A stranger walks onto the island one day, disrupting everything by claiming to be a descendant of the one original doll maker who died with no children. Larkin claims his right to learn magic doll making because his antecedent had actually absconded to France with the baby everyone had thought died. Meanwhile, Persephone, another descendant from another founder, has gotten it into her head that she wants to be a doll maker despite her gender. Larkin and Persephone make up the bulk of the main storyline and, regardless of the point of view shifting to a few others, really pull along the story on their own.
The feminist angle is a bit too on the nose for the reader — and thus really obviously for the upcoming plot — and yet the women on the island never seem to be at odds with their set circumstances. Other than Persephone, who is never that passionate about it and instead is just takes her desired future as 'one day' inevitable, none of the other women — daughters, wives, and mothers — ever seem that interested in learning the enchantments that set them so far apart from other doll makers in the world.
The characters are pretty well developed, but the story suffers by way of the friction created in the setting and style. Set in present day, the magical fairytale style in which Mascarnenhas has written continually butted heads with the random and spontaneous belches of modern speech — especially anything that might be considered profane. While I liked the majority of the story, the closer I got to the ending, the less focused it became. In fact, the ending was so lackluster, I wasn't even sure it made sense with the characters, particularly the women of the eyot. An admirable sophomore novel, but one that didn't quite bring on the wonder and complexity I remembered from her first novel.
steviektucker's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
It began as a great story, loved the folklore. Did not enjoy the character development of two of the main characters.
sue_loves_to_read's review against another edition
2.0
The Kendrick family have been making world-famous dolls since the early 1800s. But their dolls aren't coveted for the craftmanship alone. Each one has a specific emotion laid on it by its creator. A magic that can make you feel bucolic bliss or consuming paranoia at a single touch. Though founded by sisters, now only men may know the secrets of the workshop.
Persephone Kendrick longs to break tradition and learn the family craft, and when a handsome stranger arrives claiming doll-making talent and a blood tie to the Kendricks, she sees a chance to grasp all she desires.
But then, one night, the family's most valuable doll is stolen. Only someone with knowledge of magic could have taken her. Only a Kendrick could have committed this crime...
My feeling is that this is a book which couldn't decide what it wanted to be. The characters' language implied an historical setting but then there there were jarring issues of a mobile phone being checked or modern money being exchanged which reminded me that in fact it was set in the current time. The story seemed to hop about all over the place, is it supposed to be a crime novel, a magical novel or feminist fiction? It tried to be all three and failed to achieve satisfaction in any!
Persephone Kendrick longs to break tradition and learn the family craft, and when a handsome stranger arrives claiming doll-making talent and a blood tie to the Kendricks, she sees a chance to grasp all she desires.
But then, one night, the family's most valuable doll is stolen. Only someone with knowledge of magic could have taken her. Only a Kendrick could have committed this crime...
My feeling is that this is a book which couldn't decide what it wanted to be. The characters' language implied an historical setting but then there there were jarring issues of a mobile phone being checked or modern money being exchanged which reminded me that in fact it was set in the current time. The story seemed to hop about all over the place, is it supposed to be a crime novel, a magical novel or feminist fiction? It tried to be all three and failed to achieve satisfaction in any!
chloe_pks's review against another edition
2.0
Release date: 6th August 2020
Thank you to Head of Zeus and NetGalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
"Why do you think the Sorcerers are so secretive? It's because you don't have to be special to do what they do. You just have to have their privilege" - Kate Mascarenhas
The Thief on the Winged Horse was not the book that I thought it was going to be, and maybe that was my fault but when I read the synopsis on NetGalley I was sure this book was going to be a gripping mystery novel set in the heart of England with some magical realism undertones. Unfortunately, what I got a luke-warm family/relationship drama with the magical realism so far under, I needed a shovel.
The problem that I had with this book is that nothing seems to happen in it. It's 400 pages long and yet the whole thing reads like filler. The overarching plot is threadbare at best and completely not there at worst with the three main characters; Persephone, Larkin and Hedwig, all reading the same due to the writing style being so bland and emotionless and while that works for maybe one character having to read three POV's that are all essentially the same becomes tedious. I'm sure there could be something said for the characters being emotionless when the book itself revolves around dolls that grant people the ability to feel any emotion but that feels like a reach.
There is no atmosphere or intrigue in this book, there is only one character that could have done the crime and they did it, no suspense or build-up, no subverting my expectations, honestly the mystery isn't even a b plot with how little it's involved in the book so that begs the question, what the hell is the plot? I still don't know!
I don't know how you can take such an interesting concept as 'carefully crafted dolls that are magical and can evoke emotions in people' and make it so unexciting. I understand the idea of taking something magical and interweaving it with the mundane but it is just too much mundane for my liking. There are so many background characters in this book that I don't care about and that have no effect on the story, so much magical history that isn't explored and the ending is so rushed that I just don't know what the author wanted to achieve with this book and that is such a shame.
Don't get me wrong, there are some things I do like about this book; I did enjoy Persephone as a character, I found the way the magic was cast interesting and the theme of men hoarding information to make it rare and in turn make them more powerful was also well done but in the end, they were all overshadowed by how boring I found the overall plot.
I am finding it so hard to write this review because this book has done so little to warrant any kind of reaction out of me other than 'meh'. There was no substance to this book, there felt like there was no passion and I found it so disheartening because I thought the synopsis was so interesting but unfortunately, this book just wasn't for me.
Thank you to Head of Zeus and NetGalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
"Why do you think the Sorcerers are so secretive? It's because you don't have to be special to do what they do. You just have to have their privilege" - Kate Mascarenhas
The Thief on the Winged Horse was not the book that I thought it was going to be, and maybe that was my fault but when I read the synopsis on NetGalley I was sure this book was going to be a gripping mystery novel set in the heart of England with some magical realism undertones. Unfortunately, what I got a luke-warm family/relationship drama with the magical realism so far under, I needed a shovel.
The problem that I had with this book is that nothing seems to happen in it. It's 400 pages long and yet the whole thing reads like filler. The overarching plot is threadbare at best and completely not there at worst with the three main characters; Persephone, Larkin and Hedwig, all reading the same due to the writing style being so bland and emotionless and while that works for maybe one character having to read three POV's that are all essentially the same becomes tedious. I'm sure there could be something said for the characters being emotionless when the book itself revolves around dolls that grant people the ability to feel any emotion but that feels like a reach.
There is no atmosphere or intrigue in this book, there is only one character that could have done the crime and they did it, no suspense or build-up, no subverting my expectations, honestly the mystery isn't even a b plot with how little it's involved in the book so that begs the question, what the hell is the plot? I still don't know!
I don't know how you can take such an interesting concept as 'carefully crafted dolls that are magical and can evoke emotions in people' and make it so unexciting. I understand the idea of taking something magical and interweaving it with the mundane but it is just too much mundane for my liking. There are so many background characters in this book that I don't care about and that have no effect on the story, so much magical history that isn't explored and the ending is so rushed that I just don't know what the author wanted to achieve with this book and that is such a shame.
Don't get me wrong, there are some things I do like about this book; I did enjoy Persephone as a character, I found the way the magic was cast interesting and the theme of men hoarding information to make it rare and in turn make them more powerful was also well done but in the end, they were all overshadowed by how boring I found the overall plot.
I am finding it so hard to write this review because this book has done so little to warrant any kind of reaction out of me other than 'meh'. There was no substance to this book, there felt like there was no passion and I found it so disheartening because I thought the synopsis was so interesting but unfortunately, this book just wasn't for me.
the_dog_standard's review
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Got it on sale and can see why. Whilst it's a nice easy read I found myself bored and like it was a chore to pick it up and read it. The premise of the books seems really good, love the setting and the dynamics between the characters.
But considering it a crime novel about a theft there's not a lot of focus on the theft and despite some of the characters eventually realising who stole the doll it never really gets solved as to why. And there are no consequences for anyone in the book for any my their sh*tty behaviour.
All in all just left me a bit disappointed and wanting more.
But considering it a crime novel about a theft there's not a lot of focus on the theft and despite some of the characters eventually realising who stole the doll it never really gets solved as to why. And there are no consequences for anyone in the book for any my their sh*tty behaviour.
All in all just left me a bit disappointed and wanting more.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism
Minor: Domestic abuse
connor_dragon's review against another edition
5.0
I liked this book significantly mroe than I thought I would.
Let's examine it through a few lenses.
The characters: Each is unique in a way. Mascarenhas has done good work in including people of different sexualities, abilities, ethnicities. The descriptions of Persephone's depression and anxiety, and Larkin's sociopathy are good. No person feels like a copy of any other - except in some ways they do. It's difficult to explain exactly how I feel about her characters except that it's like she has a mould, then adds furnishings to separate the characters from each other. I believe this, however, to be intentional, as it works with how the characters relate to one another.
As an example, Alastair and Conrad are the same man in different circumstances - because of course they are. Alastair idolises Conrad, sees his word as pure and perfect law, and would have modelled himself after him. You can tell that Hedwig and Persephone are cut from the same cloth, and as it turns out they're (almost certainly) sisters.
I'll also point out that I love the names in this book.
The plot:
On its face, the plot is fairly simple. There are three ongoing tensions: Larkin's mysterious objectives, which is tied with his mysterious past; the theft and return of the Paid Mourner; Larkin and Persephone's love story. Beneath this there is the ongoing old-fashioned-ness on the Eyot, casual and deeply-rooted sexism and homophobia most obvious. This doesn't really come to the front of much of the plot, although it's Persephone's basic motivation, and is tied up neatly and abruptly in the last few pages of the book.
The writing:
was engaging! I picked this book up after puting down with disgust another which had been labelled "unputdownable" - this book much better deserves that description. I was drawn back over and again, and continuing the story became more of a priority than it should have.
Style:
I wouldn't consider this high literature in any way. It fits perfectly in a pile of pulp. It's also one of those books with intricately detailed sex scenes in the middle of an otherwise normal novel. No subtleties were used in its design and construction, no nods or hints to insight the reader might glean.
Overall, I enjoyed this book greatly, and will probably pick up any other book by this author.
Let's examine it through a few lenses.
The characters: Each is unique in a way. Mascarenhas has done good work in including people of different sexualities, abilities, ethnicities. The descriptions of Persephone's depression and anxiety, and Larkin's sociopathy are good. No person feels like a copy of any other - except in some ways they do. It's difficult to explain exactly how I feel about her characters except that it's like she has a mould, then adds furnishings to separate the characters from each other. I believe this, however, to be intentional, as it works with how the characters relate to one another.
As an example, Alastair and Conrad are the same man in different circumstances - because of course they are. Alastair idolises Conrad, sees his word as pure and perfect law, and would have modelled himself after him. You can tell that Hedwig and Persephone are cut from the same cloth, and as it turns out they're (almost certainly) sisters.
I'll also point out that I love the names in this book.
The plot:
On its face, the plot is fairly simple. There are three ongoing tensions: Larkin's mysterious objectives, which is tied with his mysterious past; the theft and return of the Paid Mourner; Larkin and Persephone's love story. Beneath this there is the ongoing old-fashioned-ness on the Eyot, casual and deeply-rooted sexism and homophobia most obvious. This doesn't really come to the front of much of the plot, although it's Persephone's basic motivation, and is tied up neatly and abruptly in the last few pages of the book.
The writing:
was engaging! I picked this book up after puting down with disgust another which had been labelled "unputdownable" - this book much better deserves that description. I was drawn back over and again, and continuing the story became more of a priority than it should have.
Style:
I wouldn't consider this high literature in any way. It fits perfectly in a pile of pulp. It's also one of those books with intricately detailed sex scenes in the middle of an otherwise normal novel. No subtleties were used in its design and construction, no nods or hints to insight the reader might glean.
Overall, I enjoyed this book greatly, and will probably pick up any other book by this author.
brownflopsy's review against another edition
5.0
I loved Kate Mascarenhas' mind-bending debut novel The Psychology of Time Travel so was really looking forward to diving into The Thief On A Winged Horse, her second book. I was not disappointed!
This time, Kate's imagination takes us into the world of the Kendrick family - makers of high quality dolls since the 1820s. What makes these dolls so special? Well, they are no ordinary dolls... in fact they are enchanted. Each doll is imbued with a human emotion by its maker, evoking a response in a single touch that is so powerful and addictive that the dolls are both highly desirable and highly priced.
The company was established by four sisters who were born with the ability to cast hexes after, as legend tells it, their mother made a bargain with the Fae - specifically the eponymous Thief on a Winged Horse - and the Thief and his Fae brethren have had a strong influence on the goings on in the family business ever since, even though times have changed in the world outside.
Most markedly, the casting of hexes, has now become the province of male family members only. Women are not permitted to become sorcerers at Kendricks, nor to make the dolls themselves, no matter how talented they are - despite the fact that the business of magical doll making was started by four sisters.
Our story begins with a company stuck in the past, with its elderly patriarch firm in his belief that only family members can be trusted with the knowledge of how to craft magical dolls, provided they are male or course; a mysterious newcomer, called Larkin, who claims kinship with the Kendricks; a modern young woman, called Persephone Kendrick, who is determined to regain her birth right; and a theft of the most precious doll in the Kendrick collection. And what follows is the most wonderful tale of magical realism blended with a cracking crime story and touching romance.
Although the setting for this novel is in contemporary Oxford, Kate Mascarenhas makes the magical undertones of this story work particularly well by setting Kendricks on an eyot that is isolated from the real world around it. On entering this environment we feel we are travelling back in time to a community that is suspicious of outsiders and follows a style of living based firmly on tradition and folklore - even if this is a twisted version of how Kendricks began. They guard their secrets well here - or at least, they think they do...
At heart, this is a feminist tale with an ending that will make your heart sing. Like the dolls that Kendricks produce in their workshop, Kate Mascarenhas' writing conjures a range of emotions that draw you in completely, and her talent for creating beautifully drawn, and realistically flawed, characters is impressive. I adore how she writes her female characters especially - something that I very much enjoyed in her debut novel too.
Kate Mascarenhas has very quickly won a place as one of my favourite authors and I cannot wait to see what her imagination conjures up next. If you have yet to read one of her books, then you really should - they are incredible.
Merged review:
I loved Kate Mascarenhas' mind-bending debut novel The Psychology of Time Travel so was really looking forward to diving into The Thief On A Winged Horse, her second book. I was not disappointed!
This time, Kate's imagination takes us into the world of the Kendrick family - makers of high quality dolls since the 1820s. What makes these dolls so special? Well, they are no ordinary dolls... in fact they are enchanted. Each doll is imbued with a human emotion by its maker, evoking a response in a single touch that is so powerful and addictive that the dolls are both highly desirable and highly priced.
The company was established by four sisters who were born with the ability to cast hexes after, as legend tells it, their mother made a bargain with the Fae - specifically the eponymous Thief on a Winged Horse - and the Thief and his Fae brethren have had a strong influence on the goings on in the family business ever since, even though times have changed in the world outside.
Most markedly, the casting of hexes, has now become the province of male family members only. Women are not permitted to become sorcerers at Kendricks, nor to make the dolls themselves, no matter how talented they are - despite the fact that the business of magical doll making was started by four sisters.
Our story begins with a company stuck in the past, with its elderly patriarch firm in his belief that only family members can be trusted with the knowledge of how to craft magical dolls, provided they are male or course; a mysterious newcomer, called Larkin, who claims kinship with the Kendricks; a modern young woman, called Persephone Kendrick, who is determined to regain her birth right; and a theft of the most precious doll in the Kendrick collection. And what follows is the most wonderful tale of magical realism blended with a cracking crime story and touching romance.
Although the setting for this novel is in contemporary Oxford, Kate Mascarenhas makes the magical undertones of this story work particularly well by setting Kendricks on an eyot that is isolated from the real world around it. On entering this environment we feel we are travelling back in time to a community that is suspicious of outsiders and follows a style of living based firmly on tradition and folklore - even if this is a twisted version of how Kendricks began. They guard their secrets well here - or at least, they think they do...
At heart, this is a feminist tale with an ending that will make your heart sing. Like the dolls that Kendricks produce in their workshop, Kate Mascarenhas' writing conjures a range of emotions that draw you in completely, and her talent for creating beautifully drawn, and realistically flawed, characters is impressive. I adore how she writes her female characters especially - something that I very much enjoyed in her debut novel too.
Kate Mascarenhas has very quickly won a place as one of my favourite authors and I cannot wait to see what her imagination conjures up next. If you have yet to read one of her books, then you really should - they are incredible.
This time, Kate's imagination takes us into the world of the Kendrick family - makers of high quality dolls since the 1820s. What makes these dolls so special? Well, they are no ordinary dolls... in fact they are enchanted. Each doll is imbued with a human emotion by its maker, evoking a response in a single touch that is so powerful and addictive that the dolls are both highly desirable and highly priced.
The company was established by four sisters who were born with the ability to cast hexes after, as legend tells it, their mother made a bargain with the Fae - specifically the eponymous Thief on a Winged Horse - and the Thief and his Fae brethren have had a strong influence on the goings on in the family business ever since, even though times have changed in the world outside.
Most markedly, the casting of hexes, has now become the province of male family members only. Women are not permitted to become sorcerers at Kendricks, nor to make the dolls themselves, no matter how talented they are - despite the fact that the business of magical doll making was started by four sisters.
Our story begins with a company stuck in the past, with its elderly patriarch firm in his belief that only family members can be trusted with the knowledge of how to craft magical dolls, provided they are male or course; a mysterious newcomer, called Larkin, who claims kinship with the Kendricks; a modern young woman, called Persephone Kendrick, who is determined to regain her birth right; and a theft of the most precious doll in the Kendrick collection. And what follows is the most wonderful tale of magical realism blended with a cracking crime story and touching romance.
Although the setting for this novel is in contemporary Oxford, Kate Mascarenhas makes the magical undertones of this story work particularly well by setting Kendricks on an eyot that is isolated from the real world around it. On entering this environment we feel we are travelling back in time to a community that is suspicious of outsiders and follows a style of living based firmly on tradition and folklore - even if this is a twisted version of how Kendricks began. They guard their secrets well here - or at least, they think they do...
At heart, this is a feminist tale with an ending that will make your heart sing. Like the dolls that Kendricks produce in their workshop, Kate Mascarenhas' writing conjures a range of emotions that draw you in completely, and her talent for creating beautifully drawn, and realistically flawed, characters is impressive. I adore how she writes her female characters especially - something that I very much enjoyed in her debut novel too.
Kate Mascarenhas has very quickly won a place as one of my favourite authors and I cannot wait to see what her imagination conjures up next. If you have yet to read one of her books, then you really should - they are incredible.
Merged review:
I loved Kate Mascarenhas' mind-bending debut novel The Psychology of Time Travel so was really looking forward to diving into The Thief On A Winged Horse, her second book. I was not disappointed!
This time, Kate's imagination takes us into the world of the Kendrick family - makers of high quality dolls since the 1820s. What makes these dolls so special? Well, they are no ordinary dolls... in fact they are enchanted. Each doll is imbued with a human emotion by its maker, evoking a response in a single touch that is so powerful and addictive that the dolls are both highly desirable and highly priced.
The company was established by four sisters who were born with the ability to cast hexes after, as legend tells it, their mother made a bargain with the Fae - specifically the eponymous Thief on a Winged Horse - and the Thief and his Fae brethren have had a strong influence on the goings on in the family business ever since, even though times have changed in the world outside.
Most markedly, the casting of hexes, has now become the province of male family members only. Women are not permitted to become sorcerers at Kendricks, nor to make the dolls themselves, no matter how talented they are - despite the fact that the business of magical doll making was started by four sisters.
Our story begins with a company stuck in the past, with its elderly patriarch firm in his belief that only family members can be trusted with the knowledge of how to craft magical dolls, provided they are male or course; a mysterious newcomer, called Larkin, who claims kinship with the Kendricks; a modern young woman, called Persephone Kendrick, who is determined to regain her birth right; and a theft of the most precious doll in the Kendrick collection. And what follows is the most wonderful tale of magical realism blended with a cracking crime story and touching romance.
Although the setting for this novel is in contemporary Oxford, Kate Mascarenhas makes the magical undertones of this story work particularly well by setting Kendricks on an eyot that is isolated from the real world around it. On entering this environment we feel we are travelling back in time to a community that is suspicious of outsiders and follows a style of living based firmly on tradition and folklore - even if this is a twisted version of how Kendricks began. They guard their secrets well here - or at least, they think they do...
At heart, this is a feminist tale with an ending that will make your heart sing. Like the dolls that Kendricks produce in their workshop, Kate Mascarenhas' writing conjures a range of emotions that draw you in completely, and her talent for creating beautifully drawn, and realistically flawed, characters is impressive. I adore how she writes her female characters especially - something that I very much enjoyed in her debut novel too.
Kate Mascarenhas has very quickly won a place as one of my favourite authors and I cannot wait to see what her imagination conjures up next. If you have yet to read one of her books, then you really should - they are incredible.
wildratty's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed The Psychology of Time Travel by the same author so had high hopes for this one...happily it didn't disappoint! I loved the premise of the family run company that creates and sells enchanted dolls, and felt the characters were well thought out, especially 'grumpy' Persephone. A really enjoyable story, looking forward to reading whatever she writes next.
mownon's review against another edition
4.0
So, I have been reading this book. In short this belongs to the murder mystery genre. But, just saying that doesn't do justice to this book. I haven't finished it yet, so there won't be spoilers. Let me just go straight to my reading experience.
The Kendrick family has been making magical dolls since 1820. They are famous because of not only craftsmanship, but for the magic that is involved in making the dolls. Each doll is imbued by a specific emotion by the maker. So when person touches it, he/she may feel intense happiness, a profound bliss or if things go bad, the feelings can range from anxiety to severe paranoia.
Generally the business was run by females. But with time the business was overtaken by the males. The classic patriarchal domination is portrayed by the situation, that in present times only men belonging to the core family hold the secret of laying an emotion into a doll. Females are barred from that secret.
Persephone wants to break this stigma and wants to learn the secret magic behind making the dolls. I won't divulge any plot details, but I will definitely say this, the feminist aspect of this plot is quite gripping and interesting.
A stranger is introduced. Larkin, the stranger claims to be a part of the family and wants to join the business. Soon after his arrival the most precious of the doll gets stolen. The trip of the whole affair is only someone within the family with knowledge of magic could have stole that specific doll.
Apart from having strong feminist point of view, exploring men's lack of abundance in feeling emotions, specifically feminine ones, this book contains a perfect mystery that has to be solved. It resembles in many ways the classic detective stories, how they had approached crime solving. Yet the author has put a surprise element in the whole process and that is what makes the book a page turner.
Kate is an amazing writer. Her previous book, The Psychology of Time Travel had twists and turns and a gripping suspense. The Thief on the Winged Horses is no exception. It blatantly grabs your attention and refuses to let go. So far this has been an amazing and exciting read. Do try it if you love a good mystery.
The Kendrick family has been making magical dolls since 1820. They are famous because of not only craftsmanship, but for the magic that is involved in making the dolls. Each doll is imbued by a specific emotion by the maker. So when person touches it, he/she may feel intense happiness, a profound bliss or if things go bad, the feelings can range from anxiety to severe paranoia.
Generally the business was run by females. But with time the business was overtaken by the males. The classic patriarchal domination is portrayed by the situation, that in present times only men belonging to the core family hold the secret of laying an emotion into a doll. Females are barred from that secret.
Persephone wants to break this stigma and wants to learn the secret magic behind making the dolls. I won't divulge any plot details, but I will definitely say this, the feminist aspect of this plot is quite gripping and interesting.
A stranger is introduced. Larkin, the stranger claims to be a part of the family and wants to join the business. Soon after his arrival the most precious of the doll gets stolen. The trip of the whole affair is only someone within the family with knowledge of magic could have stole that specific doll.
Apart from having strong feminist point of view, exploring men's lack of abundance in feeling emotions, specifically feminine ones, this book contains a perfect mystery that has to be solved. It resembles in many ways the classic detective stories, how they had approached crime solving. Yet the author has put a surprise element in the whole process and that is what makes the book a page turner.
Kate is an amazing writer. Her previous book, The Psychology of Time Travel had twists and turns and a gripping suspense. The Thief on the Winged Horses is no exception. It blatantly grabs your attention and refuses to let go. So far this has been an amazing and exciting read. Do try it if you love a good mystery.