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withlivjones's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A wonderful continuation of the unapologetically queer regency world that was created in Something Fabulous. Peggy was one of my favourite characters in the first book, a much-needed voice of reason to counterbalance the overdramatics of Valentine and the Tarletons, and she makes a great protagonist as she works out who she is and what she wants. I loved how a lot of the characters from the first book returned and had so much development even in minor roles - from Valentine acknowledging his privilege, opening up, and dealing with his insecurities about his relationship with Bonny, to Arabella coming to terms with the fact that romance might not be on the cards for her (and I hope we see more of her journey in the future - good aro rep is so needed and Belle has a lot of potential to provide it) and Bonny learning that not everyone has the same needs and wants as him, to the sadder side we get to see of the usually chipper Sir Horley.
While Something Fabulous has more of a fairytale feel, set in the Surrey countryside where stakes are relatively low, Something Spectacular has a more grounded feel - things are far less idyllic in the middle of London where Real Life(TM) and Other People(TM) tend to get in the way of happy endings. This is excellently displayed in the character of Orfeo, a castrato who was destined as a child for a certain purpose - to be a singer - and therefore they have never even thought about questioning who they are and what they want out of life. Orfeo walks a line between glamorously defying the gender binary and accepting all the praise and adoration for their talents, and insecurity over being seen as damaged and less than human due to what was done to them as a child. This balance of confidence and vulnerability make them a fantastic character and an excellent partner to the quiet confidence that covers Peggy’s own insecurities.
In conclusion, this series slays. I hope another instalment comes out soon.
While Something Fabulous has more of a fairytale feel, set in the Surrey countryside where stakes are relatively low, Something Spectacular has a more grounded feel - things are far less idyllic in the middle of London where Real Life(TM) and Other People(TM) tend to get in the way of happy endings. This is excellently displayed in the character of Orfeo, a castrato who was destined as a child for a certain purpose - to be a singer - and therefore they have never even thought about questioning who they are and what they want out of life. Orfeo walks a line between glamorously defying the gender binary and accepting all the praise and adoration for their talents, and insecurity over being seen as damaged and less than human due to what was done to them as a child. This balance of confidence and vulnerability make them a fantastic character and an excellent partner to the quiet confidence that covers Peggy’s own insecurities.
In conclusion, this series slays. I hope another instalment comes out soon.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Xenophobia, Homophobia, Misogyny, Transphobia, Acephobia/Arophobia, Dysphoria, Kidnapping, and Toxic relationship
The author’s note at the beginning of the book gives excellent insight into certain sensitive topics covered, such as how they approached creating a character who is a castrato
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