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4.09 AVERAGE
4.09 AVERAGE
Damn that bloody Duke. Can't take no for an answer and suffers no consequence for his actions.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
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:
Yes
Quick review
Listened to on audio and physically depending on mood. This was a distracting read since I decided to replay Dragon Age Origins (DOA). And despite the fact that I loved this book, nothing beats DOA.
Still - I thought this book was excellent. It continues is strong mix of historical fiction romance and fantasy adventure. The romance was a little more front and centre than in book 1 but it was woven well into the world the author was creating.
I continue to be most impressed with how the author continues to make the historical setting matter in terms of constrains on Lady Helen and character motivations. There is clear misogny on page and some real uncomfortable portion of the book which made me angry but also make sense for the period we are in.
The McGuffins made a reappearance but since that had been set up in Book 1, I didn't mind at all.
The writing was really good and carries the book for me. The plot, as in Book 1, is back-ended, with the first half being slower. I didn't mind that as we got to spend time with the characters. Even the triangle was done well - which would show how much I loved this book!
This book and its fantasy-romance mix is basically my jam. It scratched my historical romance itch but also set up a really fun adventure which was a good read during a busy year-end. I am looking forward to the last book in the trilogy!
Listened to on audio and physically depending on mood. This was a distracting read since I decided to replay Dragon Age Origins (DOA). And despite the fact that I loved this book, nothing beats DOA.
Still - I thought this book was excellent. It continues is strong mix of historical fiction romance and fantasy adventure. The romance was a little more front and centre than in book 1 but it was woven well into the world the author was creating.
I continue to be most impressed with how the author continues to make the historical setting matter in terms of constrains on Lady Helen and character motivations. There is clear misogny on page and some real uncomfortable portion of the book which made me angry but also make sense for the period we are in.
Spoiler
Helen, for example, is angry at the lack of choice she had, but she doesn't jump into rebellion because she wouldn't have considered some of the constraints wrong. Pike, from the Home Office, was a real ass but not portrayed as evil. His disdain for Helen and her being female etc etc. I still want to kick his ass though.The McGuffins made a reappearance but since that had been set up in Book 1, I didn't mind at all.
The writing was really good and carries the book for me. The plot, as in Book 1, is back-ended, with the first half being slower. I didn't mind that as we got to spend time with the characters. Even the triangle was done well - which would show how much I loved this book!
Spoiler
Even though I liked the Duke for most part, his constant interference grated by the end. Since that was the intent, I think the author did a good job with him and creating believable stakes for the romance. It's not a triangle per se, but a compromise with circumstance which broke my romance heart.This book and its fantasy-romance mix is basically my jam. It scratched my historical romance itch but also set up a really fun adventure which was a good read during a busy year-end. I am looking forward to the last book in the trilogy!
adventurous
funny
tense
medium-paced
Enjoyable read. Not the right mood for me for regency, even though this is one of my favourite clean genres. Loved the world. Hated the Duke. More comprehensive review when I have more time.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
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
I liked the first book but wasn't completely sold on the series. This second installment is intense, brilliantly written, and had me reeling nonstop. I loved the storyline of Helen/Carlston and felt immersed in 1800s London, versus just reading about (like book 1). This is a tough heroine, battling not only the forces of Hell (literally) but also a society that thinks she is lesser simply due to gender. Goodman allows the reader to slowly learn truths and plot twists, rather spoon feed you all the answers. I absolutely adore her new style and see vast improvement over the last book.
At this point, book #3 is one of my most anticipated books of 2018.
At this point, book #3 is one of my most anticipated books of 2018.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes