renpuspita's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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
4.0
We have only three laws in our Society, Cecilia. No killing civilians. Pour the tea before the milk. And no stealing other's houses
Reading The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels remind me when I first read Soulless by Gail Carriger. Both are comedy of manners and sensibilities, set in Victorian era, have fantasy elements and heroine that not afraid to say what in her minds. Although Soulless more like a steampunk historical romance, while Wisteria Society have a "Howl's Moving Castle" vibe on it, because the houses are literally flying.
The first part of this book kinda hard to follow because everything that happen in early chapter seems mundane enough. Like, assassination attempt to our heroine, Miss Cecilia Bassingwaithe (such a handfull name!) of the many Cecilia before her (include her deceased mother, Cilla) is already mundane. Things get explained thoroughly after house start flying in which this book is set in England AU (alternate universe, not fanfic, although if this book start as fanfic first, I really don't have slightest idea), where rather than sail in the ship, pirates chant an incantation to fly their house. Imagine the air traffic, for the love of me, I can imagine so many house flying and we talk about English Home in the Victorian eras here. Must be huge. Cecilia and her overbearing great-aunt, Miss Darlington, are part of Wisteria Society, a sorority for ladies pirate, when they take "No" from men and goes their merry way in stealing and pillaging...jewelry.
Despite the assassination attempt, Cecilia find herself to get romantically involved with her would be assassin, a pirate of many moniker and alias, Captain Ned Lightbourne (that also a fencing master, apparently Italian-how scandalous!, and an agent of sort). It's been so many books for me to finally found a hero that is so rakish and charming. The romance is of course very swooning worthy, make me read this happily sigh, but also laugh because of both MCs acerbic remarks and witty banters! What I liked is, Holton totally use many common tropes like "he feel first but she feel harder", "there's only one bed", "enemy to lover" and she understood the assignment. The romance between Ned and Cecilia is totally chef's kiss, with Ned's courting Cecilia but still understand her boundaries and Cecilia that bit by bit fallen for Ned's roguish charm.
Wisteria Society not only about romance but seems like Holton's love letter to classic literature and classic language as well. English is not my native and I hardly read classic (is The Hobbit count?), so I'm very happy to read this book in my e-reader so I can list many word that I never knew before. Holton make fun of Brontes, like Cecilia's evildoers father, Captain Morvath that believe he's Branwell Bronte's son, also Cecilia that try to finish Wuthering Heights, not forget some bad poetry from men! Cecilia herself is a girl after my heart. I know that she devoted to her great Aunt, with the said aunt keep pestering Cecilia to catch any maladies or God's forbid, the Great Peril (aka the sun itself. You know, it will cause dark spot on your face); but Cecilia also an avid book reader. She constantly searching any library or book to read and avoid unnecessary and dull conversation. Her adventure to save the Society from Captain Morvath that hellbent in ruling England and get rid of women that constantly belittle him is a delight to read. But not only Cecilia, because the (old) ladies pirate of The Wisteria Society is crack to read, especially Lady Armitage that have (un)healthy obsession to Ned, Constantinopla (or Oply for short) that demand she's already in her 19-ish (actually not), Miss Darlington herself and Pleasance, the maidservant of Darlington House that have affinity for communicating with ghost. The villain also pretty much 2D, like Captain Morvath is like your usual Captain Hook type that will swirling his mustache while reciting his bad poems.
This book is pretty much convoluted tbh, but for me, that's the charm. It's didn't take itself very seriously and you don't expect this book is to be serious despite some serious moment like when Cecilia try to kill her father to avenge her mother or when Cecilia doubt about her position in the Wisteria Society. This book is aiming to be fun, to entertain, and yes, it's fun and entertaining. You won't get unnecessary drama and angst here. You will get a book that make you feel warm, also better if you have tea and scones beside you. If you want a unique historical romance with many romance trope done right, have a "Howl's Moving Castle" vibe and lady pirates, The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels might be right up your alley.
One can be happy in eternal solitude: a book, a cup of tea, and no company; that was Cecilia's idea of heaven
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, Sexual content, Death of parent, and Sexism
Minor: Alcohol and Drug use
thedulcineaeffect's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I picked this up because I fell in love with the premise when I heard about it. While it was a good read I don't think it fully lived up to my expectations. Admittedly part of it was my fault for ignoring the massive, extremely obvious hints that this was going to be focused on the romance over the idea of a society of swashbuckling sky pirate ladies with Victorian sensibilities, but with a hell of a premise like that can you blame me?
I've only read the complimentary preview of the next book at the end of the story, and I hope that Holton manages to do more worldbuilding between the two feuding societies and maybe tones the romance down a tad (or gives her couples dynamics that feed into the plot better).
One thing I will say:
Some other assorted things I liked:
I've only read the complimentary preview of the next book at the end of the story, and I hope that Holton manages to do more worldbuilding between the two feuding societies and maybe tones the romance down a tad (or gives her couples dynamics that feed into the plot better).
One thing I will say:
Spoiler
Note to any aspiring authors: If you have to lampshade at the end your heroine was just kind of there at the end and didn't contribute anything meaningful, that's not good writing even if it's supposed to be for comedic effect. It's just annoying.Some other assorted things I liked:
- It's a decent example of enemies to lovers. I still think Ned was a bit of a flat character who existed to give Cecilia what she needed, but he was funny enough.
- I think I'm in the minority when I say that the writing style didn't bother me, having read similar styles before (e.g. Jasper Fforde).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, and Death of parent
Moderate: Murder, Kidnapping, Gun violence, Sexism, and Misogyny
Minor: Drug use and Alcohol
bubblegirl858's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
This book was read as part of the 2023 book club for march. This was the second time I read this book and the first time I feel like I enjoyed it more, I gave it 5 stars. I raced through the first read and laughed out loud, cheered and finished the book with a happy sigh. This read, I found a lot more things problematic and just outright boring. Ned can be overly pushy and Ceclia really just existed. Both the main characters were pretty one dimensional and I couldn’t tell you a single thing either of them did or even anything deeper than basic likes and dislikes. They were great characters to project yourself on to, but as far as being human? Not so much. Things I loved about the book include the plethora of witty quotes, Jane Austen references, fighting and having a conversation at the same time, the “only one bed” trope, older women being absolute legends, and Pleasance’s character. She was such a fun aspect of the book and it would have been so much better with more of her.
Spoiler
The plot takes a major pace hit after they enter Morvath’s castle. The book drags for the next 100 or so pages. Cecila choosing to run away with Ned was expected as it is a romance novel, however it felt so conflicting compared to the goal she had literally the entire book. With the main undertones in this book being very feminist, I was expecting something else.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death, Alcohol, Sexism, and Death of parent
takarakei's review against another edition
adventurous
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? No
3.5
This book was not at all what I expected, in a good way! As is my deal, I go in to most books not knowing much, so I was expecting a fairly typical historical romance. I was pleasantly surprised to be immediately thrown into a world of pirates (fancy high society lady pirates), floating/flying houses, and adventure! The romance is there yes, but it's definitely a sub-plot in my opinion. Listening to the audiobook of this I think was crucial because the voices of the characters, especially like the older British ladies was key. It was a romp of a good time and def not a typical read!
Oh also if you're a Bronte fan, their books are referenced like A LOT. A character in the book knew/was related to the Brontes? Having not read any, there seemed to be a lot of jokes that went kind of over my head. Definitely seemed like 'spoilers' for Wuthering Heights in particular.
I did find that there were a couple too many characters though and on audiobook I had a hard time keeping them all straight. So I was confused for honestly a lot of the book and unable to follow the what was going on, but the vibes were impeccable so tbh I didn't mind! I also think the pacing towards the end got a little off cause there's this big climactic scene, but then several more chapters after which seemed to drag on a bit and then kind of another smaller climactic moment.
Definitely recommend this one if you're looking for something historical but different!
3/5 🌶️
Oh also if you're a Bronte fan, their books are referenced like A LOT. A character in the book knew/was related to the Brontes? Having not read any, there seemed to be a lot of jokes that went kind of over my head. Definitely seemed like 'spoilers' for Wuthering Heights in particular.
I did find that there were a couple too many characters though and on audiobook I had a hard time keeping them all straight. So I was confused for honestly a lot of the book and unable to follow the what was going on, but the vibes were impeccable so tbh I didn't mind! I also think the pacing towards the end got a little off cause there's this big climactic scene, but then several more chapters after which seemed to drag on a bit and then kind of another smaller climactic moment.
Definitely recommend this one if you're looking for something historical but different!
3/5 🌶️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Death of parent, and Violence
Moderate: Gun violence, Misogyny, Murder, and Sexism
Minor: Alcohol and Drug use
erebus53's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is a lighthearted romp humorously told, with a swig of casual gun violence, occasional swashbuckling, and graphic sex.
In this, the first book in the Dangerous Damsels trilogy, we are introduced to a world of magical realism where aristocratic pirates pilot flying houses that are mounted with canon and guns. Raised to be a ladylike scoundrel, with savvy and decorum, our main character is a young woman who has not yet been accepted into her Society as an adult. This coming of age story deals with a woman facing her evil father, choosing her own path, engaging in the martial art of Polite Conversation, and facing the warring parts of her psyche, both emotional and rational.
Although not especially diverse in its lineup of characters, it is fiercely anti-Patriarchy.
Good fun if not very deep. Pass the popcorn, there's a love.
In this, the first book in the Dangerous Damsels trilogy, we are introduced to a world of magical realism where aristocratic pirates pilot flying houses that are mounted with canon and guns. Raised to be a ladylike scoundrel, with savvy and decorum, our main character is a young woman who has not yet been accepted into her Society as an adult. This coming of age story deals with a woman facing her evil father, choosing her own path, engaging in the martial art of Polite Conversation, and facing the warring parts of her psyche, both emotional and rational.
Although not especially diverse in its lineup of characters, it is fiercely anti-Patriarchy.
Good fun if not very deep. Pass the popcorn, there's a love.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Alcohol, Violence, Gun violence, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Drug use, Kidnapping, Infidelity, and Sexual content
Moderate: Gore, Misogyny, Death, and Sexism
Minor: Toxic relationship, Chronic illness, and Stalking
desdowns's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-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? Yes
4.0
If the ladies of Pride and Prejudice became rogue pirates captaining magical flying houses, this is how I imagine they would turn out. The writing is always witty and often hilarious. It’s a coming-of-age story, a steamy insta-romance, a critique of the patriarchy, an exploration of generational trauma, and a love letter to female familial relationships. Lady scoundrels certainly have all the fun.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Murder, and Gun violence
Minor: Alcohol, Cursing, and Drug use
buildingtaste's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a 2020s novel with an excellent conceit must be deeply in want of better execution. I feel bad giving this such a low rating, as it is probably one of the better conceived 2020s novels of the ones I've tried, but once again, after the elevator pitch is over, the book collapses like an under-baked teacake. And under-baked is the overarching theme: we are given rather thin sketches of the titular society, a teeming cast of characters, an intergenerational revenge plot nodding heavily to the Brontes, and a requisite romance. All of them are glossed over in favour of comic asides which, after a few repetitions of (and that was rather a funny bit there, er, wasn't it?) seems more like an author's lack of faith in their own prose than a stylistic choice.
Most egregious here, though, is something I can't blame Holton for, because it seems to be more a convention of the historical fantasy-romance genre than anything: Cecilia is just the least interesting person in the bunch. And we have to stick with her a good 80% of the time. When your heroine sums up her role in the story with a glib "I'm afraid I've done nothing to advance the plot," and it's true, a good editor should perk up and recommend doing something about that. Cecilia, despite her bog-standard spunk, finds herself constantly outpaced and outsmarted, by the titular society, by the love interest, and by her villainous father. Not once does she get to be heroic on her own terms, and she's so baldly horny for Ned that her internal refrain of "well-I-never" gets dull.
So. Janky start. But I think the world of Wisteria has some real promise--I'd be interested in reading a short fiction anthology delving more into the lore of historical Lady Scoundrels and the senior ladies.
Most egregious here, though, is something I can't blame Holton for, because it seems to be more a convention of the historical fantasy-romance genre than anything: Cecilia is just the least interesting person in the bunch. And we have to stick with her a good 80% of the time. When your heroine sums up her role in the story with a glib "I'm afraid I've done nothing to advance the plot," and it's true, a good editor should perk up and recommend doing something about that. Cecilia, despite her bog-standard spunk, finds herself constantly outpaced and outsmarted, by the titular society, by the love interest, and by her villainous father. Not once does she get to be heroic on her own terms, and she's so baldly horny for Ned that her internal refrain of "well-I-never" gets dull.
So. Janky start. But I think the world of Wisteria has some real promise--I'd be interested in reading a short fiction anthology delving more into the lore of historical Lady Scoundrels and the senior ladies.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Confinement, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Murder, Sexual content, Violence, Vomit, Alcohol, Fatphobia, Kidnapping, Adult/minor relationship, Classism, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Incest, and Sexism
A teenaged character and young adult character have a sexual relationship. It is played for comedy, with the younger character repeatedly lying about her age and the adult acting distraught about the revelation. Characters drink on several occasions and a character gets drunk without real consent or awareness that alcohol will intoxicate her; this character vomits while drunk. The backstory of a character involves being abandoned by his parents. The lower class characters are usually fearful, superstitious, and deemed foolish. Most characters are kidnapped and imprisoned. The backstory of multiple characters involve their mothers being murdered in front of them. The main character's aunt is controlling and overbearing. Alcohol and cocaine pastilles are used by characters. A verbal spar of two characters involves multiple fatphobic remarks. Most characters have and use guns with murderous intent, though no one dies from a gunshot in the text. There is cousin marriage. The villain's primary motivation is named as misogyny. There is a chapter dedicated to a sex scene (Chapter 20).bannedfrombookclub's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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? No
4.0
Fun with occasionally jarring changes in tone, and towards the end the plot starts to lurch around like one of the flying pirate houses but I'd still recommend it to anyone who thinks they might fit into the centre wedge of a 3-way Venn diagram of Lisa Kleypas, Diana Wynn-Jones, and Terry Pratchett fans.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Moderate: Drug use and Alcohol
beckyyreadss's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Thank you, Michael Joseph Penguin Publishing, for sending this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is based on Cecilia Bassingwaite and she is the ideal Victorian lady. She’s also a thief and a pirate. She is apart of Wisteria Society crime sorority, she files around England drinking tea, blackmailing friends, and acquiring treasure by interesting means. Yes, she may have a dark and traumatic past and an overbearing aunt, but all things considered, it’s a pleasant existence. Until the men show up. Ned Lightbourne is a sometimes assassin who is smitten with Cecilia from the moment they meet. Unfortunately, he happens to be under a direct order to kill her. His employer, Captain Morvath, who possess a gothic abbey bristling with cannons and an unbridled hate for the world, intends to rid England of all its presumptuous women, starting with the Wisteria Society. Ned has plans of his own. However, both men make the same mistake. Never underestimate a woman. When Moravth needs stopping, Cecilia is forced to team up with her handsome would-be assassin to save the women who raised her – hopefully proving once and for all, that she’s as much as a scoundrel as the rest of them. This book is a romance historical fiction.
Okay, if you are wanting a pirate, action-packed feminist book, don’t read this book. It’s a romance book with a bit of action. Not saying that I didn’t enjoy this book, I just didn’t expect it to be all romance and a bit of action. I wanted it the other way around. When I first read the blurb of the book, I was like it’s gonna be bad ass girls fighting men and it’s gonna be great. But then Ned comes in all insta love and it’s just a romance novel. I liked Cecilia, she was great and was all for fighting men, but it just didn’t happen. I liked her back story and thought it could have gone more into her back story and Ned’s. I think this book would have been better if it was a slow burn which is sort of was from Cecilia’s point of view but not from Ned’s. I liked the multiple POVs during this book.
I just was expecting more and wanting more from this book and it just never happened. Hopefully the next book in this series is better.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, and Death of parent
Moderate: Murder, Sexism, and Gun violence
Minor: Drug use and Alcohol
becksusername's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Sexism, Kidnapping, Blood, Violence, and Alcohol