Reviews with content warning for Death of parent - The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels

The premise drew me at the beginning. At times, the story was humorous with the narrator's comments. There was also a cast of predominately female pirates and thieves. The dialogue between the characters involved discussing attempted assassinations, weapons, and various exploits in casual conversations while drinking tea. Cecilia mentioning how she wanted to escape everything else that was going on and read some books instead was relatable.

The overuse of humor in the writing dragged down the story for me. The circumstances the main characters find themselves in get resolved quickly, so it didn't feel like there were real stakes involved for them. The characters also didn't really develop throughout the story, except maybe Cecilia's decision at the end. Of course, being a historical fiction book, it had to mention how tight and constricting corsets were—really, it's neither an original nor an accurate comment.

There were also some questionable scenes, like when Ned kept giving more wine to Cecilia to get her drunk, when it was her first time drinking, just because he thought it would be funny.... Another example was where three characters were dismissive of another character's outrage at being lied to about a serious problem.

Overall, the story had entertaining and silly moments, but there wasn't much substance to it. The writing also played off some serious offenses as being silly and harmless.

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lisa_m's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No

3.0

I loved the first half, was a bit bored in the middle and the ending was fine.
The premise was interesting and I liked the characters. The whole flipped-patriarchy thing was interesting at first but wasn't explained and justified enough for my liking. (Especially because of the time it seems to be set in.) You definitely need your suspension of disbelieve for this books but I think it can be a fun time if you manage to do that. It was a great simple summer book but no literary masterpiece.

The best thing for me personally was the relationship between Cecilia and Ned. I really liked their dynamic of being soo into each other but also trying to kill the other. But the smut scene was weird and I didn't like it. This was one of those books I didn't think would have a smut scene and it just doesn't work in the context imo. It seemed like a huge switch in character and I hate the whole "trying to stay modest" bit that Cecilia did. The backstory was interesting but I wish we got a bit more. Morvath was a villainous patriarchal villain to the point of actually being a caricature that seems almost non threatening even though he is constantly described as being dangerous. His motives are basically just "my mum doesn't love me so now I hate all women"!?
The society was basically all powerful and everything always went in their favour. They are always in control. Even when the battle broke out and the readers are supposed to be scared for them (like Cecilia is) everyone gets out fine. Or gets hurt really badly but someone still can pretend to be fine and it isn't brought up for the rest of the book. There are no stakes because you know that the main characters are going to be fine anyways. Also I wish they were a bit more in favour of murder. For supposed pirates they were quite harmless. The whole "being really proper but also badass" was interesting for sure but I just wish that at least when we get a book about "villains"(I use that term very lightly for obvious reasons) they would be able to actually defend themselves against the bad guys - and by that I don't only mean kick them and maybe sometimes stab someone in the arm..
But for what it was I think it was interesting. I have to say that Cecilias happy ending definitely would be my perfect happy ending as well (20,000 books!!) so I get it and I'm happy for her! I'm not sure if I will read any of the following books in the series though.

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carbs666's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny fast-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? It's complicated

5.0

This book is disgustingly charming I loved it so much. The front cover blurb calls it "delightfully bonkers" which is the most spot on description possible. If you're reading reviews before reading this you probably aren't the type of person to go in blind, but I STRONGLY recommend that you do you will be in store for the best surprise. I just loved everything about it so much that it made me incoherent!!!

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thrntnja's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted 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? It's complicated

3.75

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hobbithopeful's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted 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? No

5.0

Witty, funny, cozy, this was such a delight to read! I love the concept of a society of refined and polished ladies who are also pirates! There was not a single chapter in this that I didn't laugh out loud, I thoroughly enjoyed every page I read.
India Holton has a very distinct writing style and I was immediately drawn in by the historical world and magic she brought. I loved how badass all the characters are, and how they ran the show and treated men with disdain or exasperation.
I am so glad this is a series, I can't wait to read the next book.
If you are looking for a cozy and funny book filled with adventures, pirates, and romance, then this is the perfect book for you. (Or if you just want to read a good book, I HIGHLY recommend!)

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emilywemily6's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

It took me quite a bit to get into this book (maybe like 75 pages) because the premise is so wacky and writing style is so different than what I’ve read before. But this ridiculously fantastical historical romance was such a fun trip that had me smiling the whole time. I adored the characters and their whimsy and sass. This story was fun and fluffy and yet my brain had to work to understand the satire and writing style, so it was an interesting mix. I definitely want to read the next book!

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clairew97's review against another edition

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2.75

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