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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
dark
funny
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
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
What a ride! I loved the story, so immersive and atmospheric whilst highlighting the grotesque and barbaric elements of the time.
Such an interesting window into a part of history I knew nothing about and the ending was heartbreakingly perfect.
Such an interesting window into a part of history I knew nothing about and the ending was heartbreakingly perfect.
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The oppression of gay men in Georgian London is a compelling subject but this novel fails to come to life. The characters are one dimensional, the plot unbelievable and the writing is flat.
‘The Betrayal of Thomas True’ is one of those books that has a bit of everything, so it’s a tough one to review but I’ll give it my best!
It was super interesting to learn about the Molly Houses of Georgian London through this story - there was lots of fun and laughter thanks to some of the wonderful characters West created, but also a lot of heartbreak. This book is a real emotional rollercoaster!
There’s lots of elements to the story - at its heart it’s a queer historical fiction, but there is a mystery running throughout that had me absolutely desperate for the reveal by the end! There’s also plenty of romance, humour and even an unexpected bit of magical realism. Also, short chapters 🙌
For some reason, whilst I was reading the book I felt really invested in the characters and the mystery and got quite emotional at times, but when I wasn’t reading it I didn’t feel compelled to pick it up. I’m not sure exactly where that little disconnect stemmed from - maybe it was a simple case of me not ‘gelling’ with the writing style but enjoying the story, or maybe it wasn’t quite what I was in the mood for? There were also a lot of red herrings within the mystery side of things that I did get a little bit frustrated with at times. In any case, despite that, I still thoroughly enjoyed it which I think says a lot in itself.
‘The Betrayal of Thomas True’ is a brilliant story. If you like historical fiction, queer romance and a touch of magic, I’d definitely recommend it.
It was super interesting to learn about the Molly Houses of Georgian London through this story - there was lots of fun and laughter thanks to some of the wonderful characters West created, but also a lot of heartbreak. This book is a real emotional rollercoaster!
There’s lots of elements to the story - at its heart it’s a queer historical fiction, but there is a mystery running throughout that had me absolutely desperate for the reveal by the end! There’s also plenty of romance, humour and even an unexpected bit of magical realism. Also, short chapters 🙌
For some reason, whilst I was reading the book I felt really invested in the characters and the mystery and got quite emotional at times, but when I wasn’t reading it I didn’t feel compelled to pick it up. I’m not sure exactly where that little disconnect stemmed from - maybe it was a simple case of me not ‘gelling’ with the writing style but enjoying the story, or maybe it wasn’t quite what I was in the mood for? There were also a lot of red herrings within the mystery side of things that I did get a little bit frustrated with at times. In any case, despite that, I still thoroughly enjoyed it which I think says a lot in itself.
‘The Betrayal of Thomas True’ is a brilliant story. If you like historical fiction, queer romance and a touch of magic, I’d definitely recommend it.
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
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:
Complicated
After reading The Spirit Engineer, I was really looking forward to A.J. West’s second novel—and it didn’t disappoint! This one had a bit of everything: historical fiction, forbidden love, LGBTQ+ representation, and a ‘whodunit’ plotline that could rival the best thriller writers.
The tension builds gradually, and I genuinely had no idea who the rat was until the very end. West’s storytelling is rich and immersive, with a gothic atmosphere that lingers long after you’ve finished the last page.
medium-paced
I didn’t really enjoy this, it was ok but that feels grudgingly given and I’m not sure I can articulate why?
It seemed like it was historical fiction, more historical fiction and then drug induced psychosis with creepy weird children…and they were the best bit!
I liked what it was trying to do and where it was trying to go but didn’t enjoy the ride 🤷♀️
📖🕯️📖
It seemed like it was historical fiction, more historical fiction and then drug induced psychosis with creepy weird children…and they were the best bit!
I liked what it was trying to do and where it was trying to go but didn’t enjoy the ride 🤷♀️
📖🕯️📖
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-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
This is an incredible and emotional read filled from start to finish with twist turns and a whole host of flawed but utterly lovable characters attempting to stay true to themselves in the wake of persecution. Inspired by the real lives of Mollies in Georgian London I was unable to put this down and came away bereft and in need of a quiet cry. Lotty Lump, Verity Truthtongue and Mother Clap you are very much in my heart now!
Trying too hard, but without developing the characters enough for me to feel invested in the story
mysterious
slow-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
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
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:
Complicated
A sort of whodunit set in Georgian London’s gay scene where Gabriel, the guard at Mother Clap's, must track down the rat who is feeding names to the Society for the Reformation of Manners and getting fellow Mollies murdered.
It's a fun thriller with a cute romance and some very hard-to-digest moments as we explore the underground Molly culture and 18th century London delving as far as a dash of folklore incarnate. It has its moments of queer solidarity, yet also our infighting and betrayal as suspects do what they can to avoid the noose.
Many lines struck a chord with me today, such as "It's innocence what kills you when yer different, not guilt" and "allies may shout the battlecry, but they'll never shed the blood."