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rellimreads's review
5.0
This is book 2 in Glenn Quigley's The Moth and Moon series. While book 1 didn't end on any kind of cliffhanger (and neither does this), it's definitely a continuation of lives of those characters. Having read The Moth and Moon definitely helps with understanding the characters and some of the events that lead to their travels. This review may contain spoilers to the previous book.
I loved, loved, loved this book. Quigley's writing is so descriptive - the world building, emotions, suspense, mystery, adventure, and romance are all impeccable. It's a long book but really many smaller stories and events that come together to tell a wonderful story.
Robin, Edwin, & Duncan leave Merryapple and set sail for Blackrabbit Island to investigate the strange behavior of Edwin's mother. Eva & Iris are also there as Eva's father has fallen ill and isn't expected to make it. They run into old friends, make new acquaintances, and unwittingly uncover a nefarious plot. Family secrets are revealed (for numerous Merryapple residents), relationships are tested, and eventually found-family bonds are strengthened. A special request is made and it will change the lives of so many.
I don't know how to express how much I enjoyed this without spoiling anything. So many threads woven together to create such a beautiful story. Such a joy to read and I'm looking forward to We Cry the Sea
I loved, loved, loved this book. Quigley's writing is so descriptive - the world building, emotions, suspense, mystery, adventure, and romance are all impeccable. It's a long book but really many smaller stories and events that come together to tell a wonderful story.
Robin, Edwin, & Duncan leave Merryapple and set sail for Blackrabbit Island to investigate the strange behavior of Edwin's mother. Eva & Iris are also there as Eva's father has fallen ill and isn't expected to make it. They run into old friends, make new acquaintances, and unwittingly uncover a nefarious plot. Family secrets are revealed (for numerous Merryapple residents), relationships are tested, and eventually found-family bonds are strengthened. A special request is made and it will change the lives of so many.
I don't know how to express how much I enjoyed this without spoiling anything. So many threads woven together to create such a beautiful story. Such a joy to read and I'm looking forward to We Cry the Sea
suze_1624's review against another edition
4.0
A grand follow up to The Moth and The Moon, though perhaps not quite so engaging for me.
We still have the delightfully quirky island universe where there is no religion, same sex partnerships are accepted, marriage is for all, bits of fancy, bits of steampunk and definite hints of celtic festivals. As well as politics poverty and murder.
Robin and Edwin travel to Blackrabbit to sort out Edwin’s mum and sister in law and get pulled into alsorts which tests their feelings. Robin continues to be the man mountain you’d want on your side - compassion and brawn, though he prefers his simple life.
Edwin is torn between Robin and family and even the Wolff-Chase Lady’s. Duncan gets into all sorts of trouble and whilst the poor uprising get squashed, it does lead to a better solution.
Definitely grew on me this one but not quite as dramatic as the hurricane.
I like that the characters are older and not ripped specimens and have good values.it may be all a bit perfect for some but I did enjoy.
We still have the delightfully quirky island universe where there is no religion, same sex partnerships are accepted, marriage is for all, bits of fancy, bits of steampunk and definite hints of celtic festivals. As well as politics poverty and murder.
Robin and Edwin travel to Blackrabbit to sort out Edwin’s mum and sister in law and get pulled into alsorts which tests their feelings. Robin continues to be the man mountain you’d want on your side - compassion and brawn, though he prefers his simple life.
Edwin is torn between Robin and family and even the Wolff-Chase Lady’s. Duncan gets into all sorts of trouble and whilst the poor uprising get squashed, it does lead to a better solution.
Definitely grew on me this one but not quite as dramatic as the hurricane.
I like that the characters are older and not ripped specimens and have good values.it may be all a bit perfect for some but I did enjoy.
jpjackson's review
5.0
I had such a good time with Mr. Quigley's first novel, The Moth and The Moon, that I couldn't wait to get my hands on the second story that continues to follow the adventures of Robin Shipp. This historical fantasy set in the 18th Century revolves around a cast of characters in an age where the sexual orientation of the townsfolk isn't a scandalous item to be discussed. In other words, it's a common thing for same-sex relationships to exist. Folks are just as likely to pair with someone of the same gender, as they would be the opposite sex.
What's so refreshing about this is the total normalcy of everyone in their interaction with those bonded in a gay or lesbian pairing. In fact, it was rather hard reconciling this with my own life experience, and the book had me wishing I was living back in this fairytale type like setting. But this is just a side. The real meat of the tale is outlined below.
Quigley has outdone himself in several aspects of this book.
1.) The folklore and worldbuilding. It was pristine. I had absolutely no hesitancy in delving deep into this story as the backdrop, culture, folklore, customs, dress, speech and architecture was all so on-point that it was 100% believable.
2.) The characterization and development of each of the myriad of people in this tale are astonishing, and again, superbly crafted. The number of people dancing in and out of the story at different points and how they are portrayed, along with the changes in each leaves me exhausted as a writer. I can't imagine the amount of forethought and planning it took to achieve this.
3.) If I thought the characterization was well-crafted, then the tale itself was a masterpiece. Honestly, I'm not trying to over inflate this! This required Master Class status of skill to weave the people and their lives and make this believable. As the story bounces between two small, and often rival islands, it becomes completely possible to see how people moved back and forth between the two cities, and how lives become intertwined - even when the characters themselves are ignorant to the connections. Brilliant! My only question to the author is this: How many notebooks did you go through plotting this out?
4.) The political climate. I hate politics. Especially looking at our own world right now. It's full of hate and spite. I'd sooner climb into a deep hole than try and have any kind of debate with anyone who thinks differently than I do because today's lines between political parties are so deeply divided. But, Quigley created a city council ripe with strife and machinations, culture and history that made me turning the pages as fast as I possibly could to find out what happens next.
5.) The description of mental illness in this story left me agape. Not in a bad way. The metaphor used was utterly brilliant. I refuse to share it with you, you must read the story to discover it yourself. I honestly can't think of a more apt way to phrase how so many people in our world struggle daily. And remember, struggling doesn't mean failing. But imagine if they didn't have that extra battle every day? Well done, Mr. Quigley. That cut me to the core, and deeply, and won't be something I soon forget.
6.) And lastly, the fact that the story was about people like me. No, I'm not living life in the 1780s, (despite how attractive Mr. Quigley made it). No, I mean the book has bearish men - like me - who are involved in loving, caring, positive relationships - like me - who are well into their forties - like me. I could make several other comparisons - but the bottom line remains this: Representation and diversity in literature is essential, because when you find stories that contain people who you identify with, suddenly the story takes on a deeper level, a stronger connection, and the tale becomes one you hold dear and close to your heart.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know. I like my novels with magic and horns, tails and wings. That's not this. And it shouldn't be. It's perfect the way it is.
And now I can sit back and read these two books over and over and only hope, that at some point in the future, Mr. Quigley deems it necessary to take us back to Merryapple, to continue the tale of Robin Shipp and his lover Edwin, their very close and dear friend Duncan, and their soon to be extended family with the Ladies Wolfe-Chase.
What's so refreshing about this is the total normalcy of everyone in their interaction with those bonded in a gay or lesbian pairing. In fact, it was rather hard reconciling this with my own life experience, and the book had me wishing I was living back in this fairytale type like setting. But this is just a side. The real meat of the tale is outlined below.
Quigley has outdone himself in several aspects of this book.
1.) The folklore and worldbuilding. It was pristine. I had absolutely no hesitancy in delving deep into this story as the backdrop, culture, folklore, customs, dress, speech and architecture was all so on-point that it was 100% believable.
2.) The characterization and development of each of the myriad of people in this tale are astonishing, and again, superbly crafted. The number of people dancing in and out of the story at different points and how they are portrayed, along with the changes in each leaves me exhausted as a writer. I can't imagine the amount of forethought and planning it took to achieve this.
3.) If I thought the characterization was well-crafted, then the tale itself was a masterpiece. Honestly, I'm not trying to over inflate this! This required Master Class status of skill to weave the people and their lives and make this believable. As the story bounces between two small, and often rival islands, it becomes completely possible to see how people moved back and forth between the two cities, and how lives become intertwined - even when the characters themselves are ignorant to the connections. Brilliant! My only question to the author is this: How many notebooks did you go through plotting this out?
4.) The political climate. I hate politics. Especially looking at our own world right now. It's full of hate and spite. I'd sooner climb into a deep hole than try and have any kind of debate with anyone who thinks differently than I do because today's lines between political parties are so deeply divided. But, Quigley created a city council ripe with strife and machinations, culture and history that made me turning the pages as fast as I possibly could to find out what happens next.
5.) The description of mental illness in this story left me agape. Not in a bad way. The metaphor used was utterly brilliant. I refuse to share it with you, you must read the story to discover it yourself. I honestly can't think of a more apt way to phrase how so many people in our world struggle daily. And remember, struggling doesn't mean failing. But imagine if they didn't have that extra battle every day? Well done, Mr. Quigley. That cut me to the core, and deeply, and won't be something I soon forget.
6.) And lastly, the fact that the story was about people like me. No, I'm not living life in the 1780s, (despite how attractive Mr. Quigley made it). No, I mean the book has bearish men - like me - who are involved in loving, caring, positive relationships - like me - who are well into their forties - like me. I could make several other comparisons - but the bottom line remains this: Representation and diversity in literature is essential, because when you find stories that contain people who you identify with, suddenly the story takes on a deeper level, a stronger connection, and the tale becomes one you hold dear and close to your heart.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know. I like my novels with magic and horns, tails and wings. That's not this. And it shouldn't be. It's perfect the way it is.
And now I can sit back and read these two books over and over and only hope, that at some point in the future, Mr. Quigley deems it necessary to take us back to Merryapple, to continue the tale of Robin Shipp and his lover Edwin, their very close and dear friend Duncan, and their soon to be extended family with the Ladies Wolfe-Chase.
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