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tanaraynor's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Eh wasn’t my type of book. I don’t know how historically accurate any of this book is but it seemed a bit off for me in that perspective. The writing felt rushed. Characters development was a let down too. Did love the queer tie ins though.
eponineeurydice's review against another edition
4.0
4.7 stars LOL
AWW! This was an incredible read! I loved the adventure and beautiful descriptions of all the different cities. I loved the gorgeous writing and the storytelling tactics which gave us such a vivid picture of each character. I loved the great care taken with every detail and the character arc of Monty in particular—though it was a long time coming. I mentally yelled at him multiple times and I think male privilege is a dangerous thing. Still, I think the author balanced this incredibly with his trauma and depicted his experience so well that I appreciated him... even if I didn't like him all the way. At least, not for the whole time!
BUT MOST OF ALL... *prepares to get on my soap box* I LOVED THE DISABILITY REP! I will sing from the mountaintops about this until the day I can no longer do so, or the day I see enough of the rep that it becomes normalized—AKA, my lifelong mission is complete. I picked this book up for many reasons, but chiefly among them, for the disability rep. I was a bit skeptical, because I've read many books in which the disability was either fictionalized, cured or just grossly misrepresented, and so few people seem to talk about it. With the spreading increase in diversity and representation, I am always on the lookout for books with mindful, ACCURATE and significant representation of disabled characters in books... and they are few and far-between. But the representation of Percy's epilipsy was so well-done and there was some quotes in this book that made me incredibly giddy (for context, if y'all don't know by now, I am blind! I love me some disability rep of any kind!) The dismattling of ableism... the idea that Percy is worthy of love in every aspect... I won't go too into it because of spoilers but if anyone is seeking out good disability rep, this one is pretty slay! I will say, I want even more of Percy and his struggles; I would NOT have been angry if he were the main character or if this was dual POV, but I can see how this wasn't the best choice as well. Still, I just am always wanting more rep, but Mackenzie did incredibly with Percy's character.
ALSO! Can we talk about Felicity? I love her and am so excited for a whole book starring her, as she deserves! She is ultimate little sister and I truly support her for that!
Pick this up if you want a sweet friends-to-lovers story (which I ALWAYS do), a Historical road-trip story (or should I say sea voyage...) or just an incredible depiction of discrimination, trauma and the hope and change that can rise from them.
This part is just personal preference but the book was a bit too vulgar for me which is one of the reasons why it's not a 5 star... it just wasn't something I was comfy with but it was still amazing, just keep that in mind!
AWW! This was an incredible read! I loved the adventure and beautiful descriptions of all the different cities. I loved the gorgeous writing and the storytelling tactics which gave us such a vivid picture of each character. I loved the great care taken with every detail and the character arc of Monty in particular—though it was a long time coming. I mentally yelled at him multiple times and I think male privilege is a dangerous thing. Still, I think the author balanced this incredibly with his trauma and depicted his experience so well that I appreciated him... even if I didn't like him all the way. At least, not for the whole time!
BUT MOST OF ALL... *prepares to get on my soap box* I LOVED THE DISABILITY REP! I will sing from the mountaintops about this until the day I can no longer do so, or the day I see enough of the rep that it becomes normalized—AKA, my lifelong mission is complete. I picked this book up for many reasons, but chiefly among them, for the disability rep. I was a bit skeptical, because I've read many books in which the disability was either fictionalized, cured or just grossly misrepresented, and so few people seem to talk about it. With the spreading increase in diversity and representation, I am always on the lookout for books with mindful, ACCURATE and significant representation of disabled characters in books... and they are few and far-between. But the representation of Percy's epilipsy was so well-done and there was some quotes in this book that made me incredibly giddy (for context, if y'all don't know by now, I am blind! I love me some disability rep of any kind!) The dismattling of ableism... the idea that Percy is worthy of love in every aspect... I won't go too into it because of spoilers but if anyone is seeking out good disability rep, this one is pretty slay! I will say, I want even more of Percy and his struggles; I would NOT have been angry if he were the main character or if this was dual POV, but I can see how this wasn't the best choice as well. Still, I just am always wanting more rep, but Mackenzie did incredibly with Percy's character.
ALSO! Can we talk about Felicity? I love her and am so excited for a whole book starring her, as she deserves! She is ultimate little sister and I truly support her for that!
Pick this up if you want a sweet friends-to-lovers story (which I ALWAYS do), a Historical road-trip story (or should I say sea voyage...) or just an incredible depiction of discrimination, trauma and the hope and change that can rise from them.
This part is just personal preference but the book was a bit too vulgar for me which is one of the reasons why it's not a 5 star... it just wasn't something I was comfy with but it was still amazing, just keep that in mind!
alissiachs3's review against another edition
adventurous
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? No
5.0
mychemicalseal's review against another edition
5.0
what a delicious adventure with the whole plot of 'oh no i love my best friend shame they don't love me back' kicking my feet and giggling they're in love your honour. also chronic illness and disability being presented in a way where it's accepted as part of a person and not something to 'fix' to make them that person.
vivizinha's review against another edition
4.0
I actually cried at the last two pages of the book, it was so fun and at the same time such an emotional read! I loved Monty and Percy, they are so cute together!
wrixia's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
4.25
congressbaby143's review against another edition
3.0
This novel had me wanting to DNF it like more than ten times! It was just really slow for me and I realized in the middle of the book that this is not what it's sold out to be — a gay version of My Lady Jane. It just isn't. It reads like a middle-grade adventure book, and nothing is wrong with that, it's just that it put a damper on what I was expecting for it to be. I like the pining and all of that, it's delicious but it felt lacking on my end. There were a few pieces of the writing that stood out for me but none that made me think the whole thing is special. I'd still recommend it though, it's a good historical fiction, the author clearly did some research, it shows in the Author's Notes at the end. 3.5/5 stars!
tregina's review
4.0
Look, I just adored this. I adored it. (The plot was shaky here and there but really I just didn't care that much.) Could not stop reading for more than a moment, right from the very beginning.
ebrae04's review against another edition
5.0
This book is abso-bloody-lutely incredible. I've fallen in love with each and every one of the characters, even Monty himself, which was unexpected (he was a bit of an arse in the beginning). The writing is brilliant in its historical accuracy and authenticity, who knew 18th century characters could be so relateable? This book is witty and snarky and romantic and piratic and beautiful; it's everything I've ever wanted.
bibi003's review against another edition
4.0
This story was delightful. I listened to the audiobook and adored the narration. The characters were both lovable and infuriating. The plot was fast-moving and adventurous. There was a heart-meltingly sweet gay love story. It was just what I needed after reading some heavier books these past few weeks. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.