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kartandbag's review
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I decided to reread this (since the last time I read it was 2017-2018? And I just got the last two books.
I went through and annotated and it gave me a fresh view on the book. I think I cried when I found out who the killer was before, but this time around I'd gone through all the clues and knew who it was by the end.
It being a historical fiction adds to the definition of the main character being a women, she's often looked down upon but she almost never allows it to get in her way.
And I have to say, I think I also fell for the love interest by the end. (though, maybe not book boyfriend worthy; Yet!)
It took me around 4 days to finish the book (while I read all of Acotar in a span of a week) so I'd say it is a slower read to really grasp every ounce of information.
I also loved that she adds information at the end of the book so you really capture what information she used to inspire her and be accurate.
Stay tuned for Hunting Prince Dracula, as Ill be rereading and annotating that one as well.
I went through and annotated and it gave me a fresh view on the book. I think I cried when I found out who the killer was before, but this time around I'd gone through all the clues and knew who it was by the end.
It being a historical fiction adds to the definition of the main character being a women, she's often looked down upon but she almost never allows it to get in her way.
And I have to say, I think I also fell for the love interest by the end. (though, maybe not book boyfriend worthy; Yet!)
It took me around 4 days to finish the book (while I read all of Acotar in a span of a week) so I'd say it is a slower read to really grasp every ounce of information.
I also loved that she adds information at the end of the book so you really capture what information she used to inspire her and be accurate.
Stay tuned for Hunting Prince Dracula, as Ill be rereading and annotating that one as well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Sexism, Gore, Medical content, Blood, Suicide, Death, Violence, Misogyny, and Death of parent
Moderate: Forced institutionalization, Religious bigotry, Addiction, Emotional abuse, Grief, Mental illness, Kidnapping, Classism, Gaslighting, and Physical abuse
Minor: Vomit, Confinement, Cannibalism, Terminal illness, and Stalking
em_davies7019's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Death, Gore, Blood, Body horror, Death of parent, Grief, Sexism, Medical content, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, and Suicide
Moderate: Addiction, Drug abuse, Alcoholism, Religious bigotry, Drug use, Mental illness, Cannibalism, Stalking, and Confinement
anoveldestination's review
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I have a love/hate relationship with this book. There were things I absolutely loved about this book, like our two main characters and the setting of the book. However, there were other things I really didn't like. I loved Kerri Maniscalco's writing style in the Kingdom of the Wicked series, but here I thought the feminist themes were over the top and preachy. As much as I hate the phrase "show, don't tell," I think this book could've done with more showing and less telling with its themes and character growth. I don't think many of the realizations our characters come to in the book are earned.
I was also disappointed with the murder mystery plot. The ending felt both predictable and like there weren't enough clues for it. It felt like the murderer was chosen not because of the clues in the novel pointing toward them but because of the impact it would have on the main character.
While I have several problems with the plot and character arcs in the book, I enjoyed reading the book. I loved Thomas Cresswell and his banter and chemistry with Audrey Rose. I still think their attraction and love for each other come out of nowhere, but I enjoy reading their scenes. I just think his and Audrey's motivation for liking each other isn't explained well.
My love for Thomas and Audrey and the great worldbuilding is why I'll be continuing with the series. However, I'm hoping the mystery and writing style improve in the latter books.
I was also disappointed with the murder mystery plot. The ending felt both predictable and like there weren't enough clues for it. It felt like the murderer was chosen not because of the clues in the novel pointing toward them but because of the impact it would have on the main character.
While I have several problems with the plot and character arcs in the book, I enjoyed reading the book. I loved Thomas Cresswell and his banter and chemistry with Audrey Rose. I still think their attraction and love for each other come out of nowhere, but I enjoy reading their scenes. I just think his and Audrey's motivation for liking each other isn't explained well.
My love for Thomas and Audrey and the great worldbuilding is why I'll be continuing with the series. However, I'm hoping the mystery and writing style improve in the latter books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, and Murder
Moderate: Death of parent, Misogyny, Religious bigotry, Sexism, and Grief
Minor: Addiction and Drug abuse
starryorbit12's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I think the thing that stood out to me is how much research you could tell went not only into the case but also into the time period. All the little details help create a rich and authentic feeling atmosphere. All the characters felt distinct, and I enjoyed the look into Forensic Science of the past. I liked Audrey as a main character because she was proactive in her own story and life. She understood the struggles of women of her time, and that was part of her drive to solve the case. She hated how society had essential thrown these women away and how much women were dependant of the whims of men because of that the sexism of men to survive. She wanted to bring them justice in a way that life had not. At times, she felt a bit like "not like other girls" trope. However, I did like how she challenged some of her notions on other high-born women with the inactions with her Cousin, Liza, and her circle. She understands that she stands out for interest in Forensics, but she is not the only women unhappy with the standards for women and has interests outside what women are supposed to for the time period. Thomas was great partner/love interest. The banter was great, and I enjoyed just how much respect he had for Audrey. He knows that she is smart and capable, and he treats her as such. He doesn't coddle her the way other men in her life do.
The fact that her grandma is from India is referenced a few times. Considering Britain's Colonization of India, I feel like there is a heavier implication that gets glossed over. It's a shame since the book doesn't shy away from the misogyny of the time and intersection of class, especially when it comes to the treatment of Jack the Ripper's victims. Speaking of the Jack the Ripper, the blurb on the back gives away a lot ot the mystery. It really narrows it to like three characters. I also felt that Lee's prediction that it was someone Audrey had been angry at the time gave too much away. Particular when Audrey when thinks this could only refer to her Father and Blackburn as the only one she as angry with after a whole scene where she was angry at her brother for ratting out her to Father. The fact that she doesn't even consider her brother draw attention to him. We know it isn't Blackburn. She doesn't know or care about him enough for the blurb to apply. She also becomes super convinced it her Father without considering her brother at all. I think the blurb just makes Nathaniel as the killer to obvious. It likely him or the Father, and the fact that she thinks it's Father with so many pages left in the book makes a twist apparent.
The fact that her grandma is from India is referenced a few times. Considering Britain's Colonization of India, I feel like there is a heavier implication that gets glossed over. It's a shame since the book doesn't shy away from the misogyny of the time and intersection of class, especially when it comes to the treatment of Jack the Ripper's victims. Speaking of the Jack the Ripper, the blurb on the back gives away a lot ot the mystery. It really narrows it to like three characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Misogyny, Murder, Religious bigotry, Sexism, and Torture
Minor: Colonisation and Death of parent
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