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elenikin's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
amishriot's review against another edition
5.0
*Minor, very minor spoilers ahead*
I'm glad I stuck with the series, I didn't care for the first book, I despised Melody, and Jane was irritating. The second book was better, and this third one is definitely the best in the series so far.
Melody has completely redeemed herself, I would probably read a book with her as the main character.
At times, Jane still irritated me, at those times her actions were mainly to move the plot along, even though I didn't feel that they were true to her character - the whole scene at the oculists, seems implausible with Jane's character, and how highly she prides herself on hiding her true emotions and behaving well publicly. I'm sure the intent was to show how deeply distressed Jane was at the time - but it felt more like she was channelling Mrs. Ellsworth, then acting as herself.
Otherwise, I loved the intrigue in this one. Very well done! I wasn't sure how they were going to come through in the end.
I'm glad I stuck with the series, I didn't care for the first book, I despised Melody, and Jane was irritating. The second book was better, and this third one is definitely the best in the series so far.
Melody has completely redeemed herself, I would probably read a book with her as the main character.
At times, Jane still irritated me, at those times her actions were mainly to move the plot along, even though I didn't feel that they were true to her character - the whole scene at the oculists, seems implausible with Jane's character, and how highly she prides herself on hiding her true emotions and behaving well publicly. I'm sure the intent was to show how deeply distressed Jane was at the time - but it felt more like she was channelling Mrs. Ellsworth, then acting as herself.
Otherwise, I loved the intrigue in this one. Very well done! I wasn't sure how they were going to come through in the end.
kayrencar's review against another edition
4.0
So far my favorite thing about this series is that Jane and Vincent have realistic relationship tension that isn't overly dramatic—they don't have enormous problems, nor do they blow minor issues out of proportion. Their problems are very normal, and they deal with them like rational humans. It's surprisingly refreshing and relatable.
Overall, I feel this series is getting better and better with each installment. I'm enjoying the characters more, and I especially appreciated Melody's development in this book. She's becoming a delight to see on the page, and much more interesting and admirable than the Lydia-Bennett-act-alike that she was in the first novel. I'm very excited for #4!
Overall, I feel this series is getting better and better with each installment. I'm enjoying the characters more, and I especially appreciated Melody's development in this book. She's becoming a delight to see on the page, and much more interesting and admirable than the Lydia-Bennett-act-alike that she was in the first novel. I'm very excited for #4!
daffz's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 rounded up.
For most of this book I felt like not much was happening, but the last half was pretty good and it really pulled me along. I think with these books I just have to get used to the pacing, which fits the setting and time period and can be a bit slow at times. A lot does happen, it just takes a while for things to really get rolling. But I did enjoy this book a lot more than the second, and I find it interesting how every book in this series is very different while still staying consistent with the worldbuilding and characters.
I enjoyed seeing more of Melody in this book, and the fact that we got to see her have more depth was very nice. I do think the author changed her a quite a bit compared to the first book, but she did also get older so it does make sense. The romance was sweet, if a bit predictable, but that's not unexpected. I also enjoyed seeing more of the magic in this world and the different uses for it, it seems like every book in the series expands on that in interesting ways.
All in all, an enjoyable read. I've found myself attached enough to the characters to want to know what happens next, so I'll definitely be continuing this series.
For most of this book I felt like not much was happening, but the last half was pretty good and it really pulled me along. I think with these books I just have to get used to the pacing, which fits the setting and time period and can be a bit slow at times. A lot does happen, it just takes a while for things to really get rolling. But I did enjoy this book a lot more than the second, and I find it interesting how every book in this series is very different while still staying consistent with the worldbuilding and characters.
I enjoyed seeing more of Melody in this book, and the fact that we got to see her have more depth was very nice. I do think the author changed her a quite a bit compared to the first book, but she did also get older so it does make sense. The romance was sweet, if a bit predictable, but that's not unexpected. I also enjoyed seeing more of the magic in this world and the different uses for it, it seems like every book in the series expands on that in interesting ways.
All in all, an enjoyable read. I've found myself attached enough to the characters to want to know what happens next, so I'll definitely be continuing this series.
adru's review against another edition
Need raamatud pole ikka mulle, kolmas oli parem kui teine, aga mitte märkimisväärselt. Mystilisel kombel kiidavad seda tagakaanel Rothfuss, Sanderson ja Scalzi yheskoos - ilmselt on viga minus.
virago7's review against another edition
3.0
As always, this was a thoroughly enjoyable light read - good for commuting, except I got so engrossed I almost missed my stop! While I do wish Melody's character development was differently, it does fit into the Austen mode where we see things through Jane's narration. The Coldmongers section reminded me of the [b:Spiritwalker series|7114825|Cold Magic (The Spiritwalker Trilogy #1)|Kate Elliott|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1323994929s/7114825.jpg|7374960] by [a:Kate Elliott|8660|Kate Elliott|http://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1234969697p2/8660.jpg], which I also enjoyed. I look forward to the 4th book in the series.
raven_morgan's review against another edition
4.0
I didn't enjoy this quite as much as the earlier two books in the trilogy, but I can't actually put a finger on why. There's nothing innately bad about the book at all - Jane and Vincent continue to be interesting characters, and I still love the world. Maybe it's more that the book focuses on the politics of the world rather than the domestic side of things?
I love, love, love Melody in this. She was always one of the most vivid secondary characters for me - I love her voice (her little La! is glorious) and it's wonderful to see her getting more depth.
The whole three books are more than worth the read, and I would recommend them to anyone. Even if you hate Jane Austen ;) The magic of glamour is original, and Jane and Vincent are just wonderful characters. Kowal is to be praised for the whole series.
I love, love, love Melody in this. She was always one of the most vivid secondary characters for me - I love her voice (her little La! is glorious) and it's wonderful to see her getting more depth.
The whole three books are more than worth the read, and I would recommend them to anyone. Even if you hate Jane Austen ;) The magic of glamour is original, and Jane and Vincent are just wonderful characters. Kowal is to be praised for the whole series.
malus23's review
4.0
Better than the first in the series. The magic felt in the first book like it could be replaced with art and there'd be no changes. It's definitely a deeper part of the world here. Also it's nice to see a main character allowed to make significant, but believable mistakes, and take steps to make it right again.
lissajean7's review against another edition
5.0
All I have to say is that Mary Robinette Kowal is BRILLIANT. This story combines history and fantasy so effortlessly that I have to remind myself that glamour isn't real! The language she used transported me to a time of genteel manners and propriety. Her turns of phrase were so perfect and her description of details so exact that I truly felt immersed in the time and the city. But most of all, I love Jane and Vincent. Immensely. I love that the story portrays such a true marriage - the ups and downs and struggles and forgiveness and commitment... It is a beautiful thing. And Ms. Kowal shares it with such delicacy and tact that I just sit and marvel. Yes, the story is about Jane and Vincent's relationship, finding a suitable husband for her sister, tense relations with Vincent's family, the unseasonable cold being blamed on the coldmongers, and riots in the streets; but the story is about so much more: love, forgiveness, racism, judgement, persecution, abuse, and compassion to name a few. It is just brilliant, and everyone should read it.