Reviews

Loot by Tania James

candacesiegle_greedyreader's review against another edition

5.0

It seems that nearly all the novels I've picked up lately are filled with dystopian angst about something--not that they're not good, but, boy, are they dire. Then comes the blessed relief of Tania James' "Loot," a beautifully realized historical novel about art, and hope, and science. It's a wonderful dive into a world that is not perfect, but one which people feel will get better, due to the power of new ideas,

It's 1794. Abbas is seventeen the finest woodcarver in his home town of Mysore, India. He is snatched up by the sultan to work with a master French watchmaker to create an unforgettable automaton to celebrate the return of the Sultan's sons from being held hostage by the English. Tipu's Tiger is a wonder, and Abbas is completely enamored with learning to create mechanisms and the opportunities for learning with the Frenchman Lucien Du Leze.

But history engulfs Abbas, Lucien, the Sultan, and the Tiger. Abbas will travel to England and to France, finding his way as a creator and artist. There are so many entrancing characters in "Loot" that the pages fly by, keeping you glued to every one of them.

Tania James is an assured and deft writer, and the good news is that she has several other books to explore. "Loot" is a delight and highly recommended.

Heartfelt thanks to Knopf and NetGalley for a digital review copy of this novel.

jcgrenn_reads's review against another edition

5.0

Loved this. Went out to make a believable, thoughtful, engaging historical fiction w/ believable, loveable characters, and did it times a hundred. I also just ate it up. So much fun.

bpicillo's review

adventurous mysterious medium-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

4.0

Richly imagined and well-written. This drew me in from the beginning and didn't disappoint. I think the last quarter stumbles a bit but comes to satisfying and thematically appropriate conclusio

minusha's review against another edition

adventurous reflective medium-paced

4.0

great time had by me. good writing. great pace. big kiss for this story. 

sgpauled's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful inspiring 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? No

4.0

ddellis08's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful reflective 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? Yes

4.0

mekrasts's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted relaxing 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? No

2.0

rgamboa's review against another edition

reflective 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

3.75

banksynb's review

adventurous dark funny informative

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot

5.0

saraheholtom's review against another edition

adventurous challenging hopeful mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0