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richy_qu33r_readzz's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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? No
4.0
More about a beautiful friendship and blossoming love than the mystery itself, but the mystery does get pursued and solved. Lots of fights, drinking, brothels, and balls along the way.
A historical fiction that is set in 17th Century Bolivia (called Peru or the Spanish empire) that is bold, interesting and new. Would have loved to see more cultural elements, as it stand its more generally set and cohld be almost anywhere.
“As it turns out, virtue is expensive. That’s why I never bother with it.” P.228
A historical fiction that is set in 17th Century Bolivia (called Peru or the Spanish empire) that is bold, interesting and new. Would have loved to see more cultural elements, as it stand its more generally set and cohld be almost anywhere.
“As it turns out, virtue is expensive. That’s why I never bother with it.” P.228
littlelynn's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
tessa3768's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-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
hayleymorgan548's review against another edition
5.0
This sapphic historical adventure book follows Kiki and Ana, a duo set to step outside the sheltered walls of their mansion and venture to the shady part of Potosi, in Spanish Peru. The two best friends spend their nights gambling, drinking and fighting anyone who crosses their path. By day they’re proper young ladies living in the house of Kiki’s father, a wealthy nobleman. But when unexpected tragedy strikes their home, the girls will embark deeper into the underbelly of Potosi in their quest for answers.
This novel was incredibly entertaining, with lots of feminist power, sword fights and witty banter. Yet it also had a powerful story of justice and being yourself despite society’s expectations. The love story between Kiki and Ana was the best part - I loved that they already had feelings for each other, yet neither had confessed to the other. The banter and tension between the two could be electric, but at their core, they were close, old friends. It was one of the best sapphic romance books I’ve read, with plenty of action and romance. I give it 5/5, and I’m sad there isn’t a sequel, though I thought the ending was perfect, bringing together the various plot threads to a satisfying conclusion.
This novel was incredibly entertaining, with lots of feminist power, sword fights and witty banter. Yet it also had a powerful story of justice and being yourself despite society’s expectations. The love story between Kiki and Ana was the best part - I loved that they already had feelings for each other, yet neither had confessed to the other. The banter and tension between the two could be electric, but at their core, they were close, old friends. It was one of the best sapphic romance books I’ve read, with plenty of action and romance. I give it 5/5, and I’m sad there isn’t a sequel, though I thought the ending was perfect, bringing together the various plot threads to a satisfying conclusion.
childofthedevil's review against another edition
4.0
Was predictable, I was hoping it wasn't going to be but I knew.
But I enjoyed it, good little mystery adventure book.
But I enjoyed it, good little mystery adventure book.
thereadingchallengechallenge's review against another edition
Adding "arranged marriage drama" to my list of tropes to avoid like the plague, no matter how queer the book ends up being.
kazoe's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
alsira98's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence, Sexual assault, Suicide, and Torture
eheidenreich's review against another edition
1.0
This book has a pretty good plot and I like the characters but it had some inconsistencies that just pulled me out when reading. I enjoyed the book but it didn't feel well developed or like there was much care put into matching the writing of diologue or characters' behaviors with the setting and time they were placed into.
mcft37's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.75
This book would have been a DNF if it wasn't for book club. I was ready to stop at 25%, but stuck it out until about 66%... Then I skimmed until the end. Which I was incredibly glad to reach.
The premise of the book was promising. However, I did not care for the writing style. It reminded me of poorly written fan fiction. The views of two main characters, Kiki and Ana, were indecipherable. I lost track of whose POV we were supposed to be following repeatedly. The setting was supposedly 1600s Peru (Bolivia), but had it not been written on the back of the book I would have never known. This story could have happened anywhere, in any time period. The author made a choice to use colloquial language, which I found both jarring and awkward. She also repeated words and phrases in immediate succession. Was there an editor?!
I could go on. Plot? Weak. Characters? Thin. Romance? Lacking in chemistry. Historical research? If a couple of websites count...
Bottom line. I'm glad I checked this one out of the library.
The premise of the book was promising. However, I did not care for the writing style. It reminded me of poorly written fan fiction. The views of two main characters, Kiki and Ana, were indecipherable. I lost track of whose POV we were supposed to be following repeatedly. The setting was supposedly 1600s Peru (Bolivia), but had it not been written on the back of the book I would have never known. This story could have happened anywhere, in any time period. The author made a choice to use colloquial language, which I found both jarring and awkward. She also repeated words and phrases in immediate succession. Was there an editor?!
I could go on. Plot? Weak. Characters? Thin. Romance? Lacking in chemistry. Historical research? If a couple of websites count...
Bottom line. I'm glad I checked this one out of the library.