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neni's review
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This is only the second book I've read from Natasha Pulley, but it seems like she has a true talent for slow burn tragic angsty gays pining for each other and goddammit if I'm not absolutely in love with her writing. The writing style is slow and flowery and beautiful, fitting the plot itself as a glove. I was quite tense and scared by the end because I was afraid she was going to pull a tragic/bittersweet ending, but was extremely relieved to get a somewhat happy ending instead. I feel like this book is a wonderful example of a "mostly vibes but quite interesting world building, plot and engaging characters " book. I really am such a sucker for these books, I cant really tell why. Someone plz protect the main two characters, I loved Thaniels and Moris soft wholesome chemistry together.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia, Chronic illness, Violence, and Racism
Minor: Homophobia
alyssa_simard's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Racial slurs, and Xenophobia
breadwitchery's review against another edition
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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racism, and Sexism
Moderate: Xenophobia, Violence, and Racial slurs
Minor: Fatphobia, Fire/Fire injury, Death of parent, and Homophobia
hannah_m_g's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
mysterious
tense
slow-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? It's complicated
4.75
One of the most intriguing fantasy books I've ever read. The first two-thirds are quite slow-paced, allowing for a genuine connection to all the main characters. Nothing (and no one) is quite as it appears at first glance, allowing for a confusing, overlapping storyline that delves into more than one characters' psyche and is a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, but all arrives at a truly satisfying ending. I didn't quite know what to expect from the blurb, and as the story morphed and became more complex I could rarely guess what was about to happen next, or how the characters were going to act. The storylines complement the nature of the book in its discussion of time, the temporary, and the hypothetical. The final piece is a hard-hitting, beautiful story that may be other-worldly as a baseline, but with characters that feel real and tangible.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia
goldseamedglass's review against another edition
DNF at 44%
If you can create a London circa 1881 that has magical computer-programmed clockwork octopuses, cameras that can take photos every 50 seconds without having to change the plate, GPS pocket watches, and bleach that can turn nearly black hair blond, then *surely* this same London can do without racism toward Asian people. I mean, FFS, the least you can do is remove the word “oriental” from this London’s vocab. What purpose do these weird micro-aggressions in characters’ dialogues possibly serve to the plot? It can’t be said that the author is going for historical accuracy because there are so many glaring anachronisms.
I got the distinct sense that the author has a fetishization of Japanese people and culture (she even has one of the characters talk about how much more attractive Japanese women are compared to white women), that just made me too uncomfortable to proceed. It felt like both white characters were just aching to be saved by their Japanese counterparts, who were seen as exotic, new, and interesting, and made the white people look at their respective lives in stifling English society differently. Just pawns to enact change on the white MCs. Yuck.
If you can create a London circa 1881 that has magical computer-programmed clockwork octopuses, cameras that can take photos every 50 seconds without having to change the plate, GPS pocket watches, and bleach that can turn nearly black hair blond, then *surely* this same London can do without racism toward Asian people. I mean, FFS, the least you can do is remove the word “oriental” from this London’s vocab. What purpose do these weird micro-aggressions in characters’ dialogues possibly serve to the plot? It can’t be said that the author is going for historical accuracy because there are so many glaring anachronisms.
I got the distinct sense that the author has a fetishization of Japanese people and culture (she even has one of the characters talk about how much more attractive Japanese women are compared to white women), that just made me too uncomfortable to proceed. It felt like both white characters were just aching to be saved by their Japanese counterparts, who were seen as exotic, new, and interesting, and made the white people look at their respective lives in stifling English society differently. Just pawns to enact change on the white MCs. Yuck.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Racial slurs, and Xenophobia
fairygodson's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Cursing, Racism, Xenophobia, and Sexism
panflutes's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
this starts out as if it's about unraveling the mystery of a bombing, but that's mostly just there to orchestrate a meet-cute between thaniel and mori--two of the three principal characters. the third is grace, and good lord is she awful. she's selfish, spiteful, and is the epitome of a pick-me. any time a chapter focusing on her came up, i had to force myself to keep going. "oh i don't think women should be allowed to vote because i'm the only smart one"--girl, bye. the rest of the book is mostly about thaniel and mori just vibing until grace decides to be a complete lunatic about everything.
basically, this is a pretty run of the mill historical romance in the guise of a mystery, with some vaguely magical elements thrown in. i probably would have enjoyed it more if grace was a better character or if there was more of a strong plot. and that's not even touching on the pervasive "period typical" racism against asians and the irish. alas! here's to hoping for better from the sequel.
basically, this is a pretty run of the mill historical romance in the guise of a mystery, with some vaguely magical elements thrown in. i probably would have enjoyed it more if grace was a better character or if there was more of a strong plot. and that's not even touching on the pervasive "period typical" racism against asians and the irish. alas! here's to hoping for better from the sequel.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Sexism, and Xenophobia
Minor: Homophobia
looking4thedr's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This is one of the best books I’ve read in a while and perfect for late Autumn/Winter reading. I completely devoured this book, because I found the characters, their actions and how they grow throughout, intriguing and exciting.
This book is mysterious and has wonderful payoffs at the end. I will definitely read it again sometime in the future.
This book is mysterious and has wonderful payoffs at the end. I will definitely read it again sometime in the future.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Sexism, and Xenophobia
Minor: Fire/Fire injury and Police brutality
btrz7's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Racism, Sexism, and Xenophobia
spacebornfew's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
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
5.0
I don't know that I can put into words how much I love this book. It is such a beautiful dichotomy, underpinned by the intrigue surrounding a violent event yet filled with whimsy and heartbreakingly poignant moments. I adored it the first time I read it but coming back to it having read The Lost Future of Pepperharrow, with the extra depth that gives to the characters, made it a truly special experience. Towards the end there was a genuine ache in my chest at the thought of leaving Filigree Street behind, it truly is one of those books that feel like coming home in way. You should read this book.
I still lay in bed thinking about Mori's journal entry and that roulette wheel. A one in thirty seven chance...
I still lay in bed thinking about Mori's journal entry and that roulette wheel. A one in thirty seven chance...
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, and Xenophobia
Minor: Homophobia and Police brutality