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kake's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Child abuse
brismith's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bethmitcham's review against another edition
4.0
Fun combination of a Victorian England with magic but still feels authentic for the social and legal details of the time. I liked that it's less graphic than many romances in terms of the sex scenes. The mystery wasn't all that hard, but it was fun to see the men navigating social problems along the way.
justabean_reads's review against another edition
4.0
Very enjoyable romance/mystery/gaslight fantasy that set up a lived-in world with interesting magical developments and a lot of historical flavour. I really liked the romance (which was of the two stoic idiots in love variety) and the inclusion of queer cultures at the time, and having various characters feel differently about it. Having a sub culture of women's magic was also cool. Solidly researched bit of Victoriana.
I don't think I was that invested in the outcome of the mystery, though my second choice for who done it did do it. I did like the characters' emotional investment in it. Will check out the next one.
The audiobook was terrible, with lots of editing issues and background noise.
I don't think I was that invested in the outcome of the mystery, though my second choice for who done it did do it. I did like the characters' emotional investment in it. Will check out the next one.
The audiobook was terrible, with lots of editing issues and background noise.
tambourine's review against another edition
4.0
very very enjoyable - a satisfyingly nonsense mystery (I called the murderer super early but enjoyed seeing all the different strands unfold - it’s not super challenging but it is complicated) but more importantly, a very lovely romance, with a lot of feelings and history and fraught negotiations, etc. also manages to have a pretty good and mostly non-jarring period atmosphere, despite insisting on talking about “blocks” in victorian london.
alexactually's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, and Physical abuse
Minor: Sexual assault
susanscribs's review against another edition
3.0
Despite glowing recommendations from two of my favorite authors, I was underwhelmed by this book. It was well-written, with lots of dry British humor (although the authors are American), but the pace was slow, the mystery seemed obvious to me, and the two MCs spent 75% of the book kept apart by a Big Misunderstanding that could have been overcome if either of them had just spoken up about how they felt. I get that Victorian gentlemen didn't easily disclose their deepest emotions, but it fed into my least favorite trope: each MC bemoans separately that he would be so happy if only the other reciprocated his feelings...but there's no way he feels the same as me...Grrr!
I liked the idea of magical metaphysicians, but the emphasis was on explaining the technical and academic sides, to the point where the enchantments were, well, not as magical. Little tidbits like the carnivorous plant that likes fresh ham when no insects were available should have been played up more instead of the grammar of Latin vs. Eastern style ancient metaphysics.
Death by Silver wasn't a bad book by any means, and I did enjoy it. The MCs were appealing but flawed, and the flashbacks to the torment they suffered as schoolboys help the reader understand both their bond and their distaste for the man they end up defending from murder charges. But especially at such a high price point I feel let down and don't plan to read the sequel anytime soon. YMMV, especially if you like to focus more on the mystery than the MC relationship.
I liked the idea of magical metaphysicians, but the emphasis was on explaining the technical and academic sides, to the point where the enchantments were, well, not as magical. Little tidbits like the carnivorous plant that likes fresh ham when no insects were available should have been played up more instead of the grammar of Latin vs. Eastern style ancient metaphysics.
Death by Silver wasn't a bad book by any means, and I did enjoy it. The MCs were appealing but flawed, and the flashbacks to the torment they suffered as schoolboys help the reader understand both their bond and their distaste for the man they end up defending from murder charges. But especially at such a high price point I feel let down and don't plan to read the sequel anytime soon. YMMV, especially if you like to focus more on the mystery than the MC relationship.
elinorgray's review against another edition
4.0
Fun and clever, a nice mystery with interesting worldbuilding.
rhodered's review against another edition
4.0
Wow that was fun! I think I especially enjoyed the author’s sly way of giving her oblivious male leads, living in their man’s world, small insights into how competent and intelligent women really are. Plus, I liked the attention paid to their clothes. They consider what they are wearing in each situation and often change to fit wherever they are going next. It’s that feeling of historical accuracy, even though this is a world with magic, that I enjoy.
The magic is satisfying. It’s not cutesy. No warlocks or fae. It’s a science you study in college that’s based in words and writing as well as other precise factors. It’s about studying and not some inbred talent either I think - a professional accomplishment like being a lawyer or doctor.
This was fun, I always liked Melissa Scott’s SF. Now I guess I like her fantasy too.
The magic is satisfying. It’s not cutesy. No warlocks or fae. It’s a science you study in college that’s based in words and writing as well as other precise factors. It’s about studying and not some inbred talent either I think - a professional accomplishment like being a lawyer or doctor.
This was fun, I always liked Melissa Scott’s SF. Now I guess I like her fantasy too.
georgiewhoissarahdrew's review against another edition
3.0
An undemanding read, with pleasant characters, competent writing & a straightforward plot. The relationship is founded, however, on a lack of communication between the characters, which is mildly irritating, and the identity of the villain not difficult to guess. So I don't think I'll go back to this.