Scan barcode
emilywemily6's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! If you like witty banter, a clever FMC who strays from the stereotypical, and a historical mystery, this book is for you. I found that I really liked the writing style and was sucked in to these characters. The only thing I didn’t like was the pacing of this book, which made many of the dramatic moments in the book feel inconsequential. I guess I expected more drama in the writing considering how much their lives were threatened, but we breezed through a lot of perilous scenes. I adore Veronica and found her relatable yet refreshingly distinct, and while she would be considered an odd duck in this time period it felt like her characterization fit in with the story and felt realistic. Though she was overly stubborn when Stoker thought she was connected to the murder (which she was!). I loved the direction this book went and I definitely did not see the major plot line going the direction it went, which was so fun to read. I’m looking forward to reading the next one!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Sexual content, Alcohol, Death of parent, Death, Violence, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail, and Murder
Minor: Cursing, Colonisation, and Pregnancy
wilybooklover's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
2.0
I would’ve liked Veronica’s characterisation as bold and before her time if she also didn’t feel so disdainful of and superior to other women and anything she perceives as feminine. As it was, it came across as Not Like Other Girls style internalised misogyny and combined with the caricatural portrayal of almost every other woman but Veronica it really ruined my enjoyment of the book.
Also, exactly how many skills is Stoker supposed to have before it strains my credulity? He’s a natural historian and taxidermist, a tracker and hunter, a former expedition leader, a former magician/knife-thrower in a circus, a surgeon who served in the Navy... all of which he is apparently exemplary at.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Death, and Murder
Moderate: Animal death, Classism, Death of parent, Cultural appropriation, Injury/Injury detail, Racism, Sexism, Kidnapping, Misogyny, and Xenophobia
Minor: Colonisation and Sexual content
j_squaredd's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Minor: Ableism and Racism
More...