Reviews with content warning for Murder - A Restless Truth

"A Restless Truth" was absolutely gorgeous. I freaking adored it.
Freya Marske is a seriously gifted writer: not only the plot was damned clever, and the world-building spectacular, but this book flowed like a dream; I was completely immersed in it. It felt to me like I was actually, physically inside the book, one of Maud's co-conspirators, helping along on her quest to find the second piece of the Last Contract.

Everything about this book was unforgettable, from the magical world-building to the mystery at the heart of the story, but Maud Blyth stole the show. She's MY kind of protagonist. Good, stubborn and brave, with a hidden side of ugliness and subtle cunning; in some ways, she reminded of my absolute favourite character of all time, KJ Charles' Will Darling, because both of them are riddled with warring sides and subtle, hidden depths, and gaping wounds behind all that bravery and stubborness. Maud's such a nuanced protagonist, and I wouldn't be exaggerating if I told you I'd let her run me over with a truck. I just loved her so, so much.

< "Maud Blyth. You are a terror and you should not be allowed to run loose in the world." >

And oh god, the other characters, Where do I start?
I really adored Violet too, although I spent half of the book thinking she wasn't enough for Maud. I don't think Violet's kind of character is MY kind of character, unlike Maud, so that's probably the reason why I couldn't connect with her as much. Her personality is kinda overshadowed by her many, many masks (purposefully, I think). We do eventually get to know the real, gritty Violet by the end, and I was glad of that, because I ended up really liking her too.
Violet and Maud's romance was freaking gorgeous. Slow-burn, and fueled by an undeniable, sizzling chemistry and attraction, and it left me swooning, blushing and sighing wistfully. I loved them together, and although I wished that their HEA was a bit less HFN, I'm sure we'll be finding them both in the next book, and we'll get to see them being all lovey dovey and happy. I also can't wait to see Violet interact with Edwin and Robin. I seriously can't tell what will happen.

Hawthorne, who'd already stolen my heart during the previous book, has a bigger role here, and yep, he still owns my heart (and has officially stolen my soul too). I freaking loved that big, angry, snarky, cold, hard mess of a man, and I cann0t wait to read his story. I'm sure it will break my heart to itty, bitty pieces because I already felt it cracking here.
And Ross! God, I can't wait to see them interact more. I'm already thoroughly obsessed with their dynamic.

The plot was absolutely unforgettable as well. It's a quest on a ship, a misadventure with a side of heist on sea, a murder mystery with complicated, stunning magic, convincing villains and a cast of impressive, quirky side characters. The story is complex and clever, full of twists and turns, betrayals and murders, jewel heists, daring escapes and a whole of B&E. And the underlying plot of the Last Contract kept getting even more interesting and gripping.
I'm not sure how our characters will pull of the grand finale, but I can't wait to discover it.
I'm so freaking excited for "A Power Unbound".

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oddgreyhound's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-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

4.75

This book was such a good continuation, and I am mad that I started the series before the third book is out, cuz i just want to read it right this second!!

i don't read a lot of sapphic stories, and I don't know if I will in the future either, but I am glad I read this one, both Maud and Violet were absolutely delightful!

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