Scan barcode
percys_panda_pillow_pet's review
adventurous
emotional
informative
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.5
Fun fact, when I started reading this, Castlevania: Nocturne just came out on Netflix and it also is about the French Revolution and vampires, go figure! Really though, I think if you like Castlevania: Nocturne, you'll probably like The Shadow Histories Duology by H.G. Parry. Though I actually think Parry's books are better. Anyway, on with the review!
Once again, Parry has shocked me with how easy it is to get invested in historical events and figures. Even though I was highly anticipating reading the sequel after how A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians ended, I still was procrastinating starting A Radical Act of Free Magic because my brain tried to convince me that historical fantasy is boring. But I was blown away yet again with the incredible writing of Parry and the investment in these events that have already happened and these figures that have long since been dead.
It was amazing to see all the threads of the first book come together, in addition to the introduction of Napoleon Bonaparte to the plot. As well, while the first book highlighted the dark side of magic in this world, this book was all about how awesome magic is I swear. I was in awe of the additional fantasy elements and how seamlessly Parry wrote them into a world that parallels our own. I also just loved how we got so much more of Fina and the addition of Kate Dove. I loved all the characters and found them all just fascinating.
A few critiques I had would be that while I can't imagine the ending going any other way, I think the conclusion and resolution were strangely underwhelming compared to the build-up of the plot and stakes. The main antagonist's power kept rising and rising, and then suddenly his plans were falling apart and as smart as he seemed, he wasn't able to put them back together. I loved how the antagonist underestimated his opponents, but I honestly didn't imagine things going as they did in the end. Not sure there's any way to fix that, I just think it was a unique writing choice that might make or break the book for some people, I imagine.
The other critique was that while Parry makes an effort to not erase the oppression that marginalized groups endured in the history of the world, it is the nature of historical revisions and alternate histories that stuff like that will still happen. Parry did a fantastic job with these characters, but do not think that these are 1:1 likenesses of the real historical figures. A small note, but Parry also included an off-hand remark that magicians built the pyramids. Alternate histories love to make up other ways the pyramids were built, probably as a nod to the popular "they were built by aliens" conspiracy. But real history is not so kind and I think many people tend to forget that the pyramids, like much of the ancient Egyptian architecture, were built by slaves, particularly Jewish slaves. Historical fantasy is fun, but let's not continue the erasure of the oppression of Jewish folk in history.
Aside from those critiques, which I think any person who knows and loves historical fantasy books is probably already aware of when they consume the genre, this was a genuinely fun duology to read and I am highly, highly interested in Parry's other works. I think I will check out The Magician's Daughter by H.G. Parry next, and will of course tell you all my thoughts. See you next time!
Once again, Parry has shocked me with how easy it is to get invested in historical events and figures. Even though I was highly anticipating reading the sequel after how A Declaration of the Rights of Magicians ended, I still was procrastinating starting A Radical Act of Free Magic because my brain tried to convince me that historical fantasy is boring. But I was blown away yet again with the incredible writing of Parry and the investment in these events that have already happened and these figures that have long since been dead.
It was amazing to see all the threads of the first book come together, in addition to the introduction of Napoleon Bonaparte to the plot. As well, while the first book highlighted the dark side of magic in this world, this book was all about how awesome magic is I swear. I was in awe of the additional fantasy elements and how seamlessly Parry wrote them into a world that parallels our own. I also just loved how we got so much more of Fina and the addition of Kate Dove. I loved all the characters and found them all just fascinating.
A few critiques I had would be that while I can't imagine the ending going any other way, I think the conclusion and resolution were strangely underwhelming compared to the build-up of the plot and stakes. The main antagonist's power kept rising and rising, and then suddenly his plans were falling apart and as smart as he seemed, he wasn't able to put them back together. I loved how the antagonist underestimated his opponents, but I honestly didn't imagine things going as they did in the end. Not sure there's any way to fix that, I just think it was a unique writing choice that might make or break the book for some people, I imagine.
The other critique was that while Parry makes an effort to not erase the oppression that marginalized groups endured in the history of the world, it is the nature of historical revisions and alternate histories that stuff like that will still happen. Parry did a fantastic job with these characters, but do not think that these are 1:1 likenesses of the real historical figures. A small note, but Parry also included an off-hand remark that magicians built the pyramids. Alternate histories love to make up other ways the pyramids were built, probably as a nod to the popular "they were built by aliens" conspiracy. But real history is not so kind and I think many people tend to forget that the pyramids, like much of the ancient Egyptian architecture, were built by slaves, particularly Jewish slaves. Historical fantasy is fun, but let's not continue the erasure of the oppression of Jewish folk in history.
Aside from those critiques, which I think any person who knows and loves historical fantasy books is probably already aware of when they consume the genre, this was a genuinely fun duology to read and I am highly, highly interested in Parry's other works. I think I will check out The Magician's Daughter by H.G. Parry next, and will of course tell you all my thoughts. See you next time!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Violence, Colonisation, Alcohol, War, Gun violence, Misogyny, Confinement, Racism, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Self harm, Chronic illness, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Alcoholism, Suicidal thoughts, and Sexism
More...