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392 reviews for:

What Angels Fear

C.S. Harris

3.71 AVERAGE

chrannag's profile picture

chrannag's review

3.75
adventurous mysterious medium-paced

This was a quick enjoyable read.
A young, war scarred lord is accused of murder and while attempting to clear his name there is plenty of action, delving into his personal history and a little romance.
No surprises with the plot or characters, the mystery was okay and writing was good.
adventurous dark informative mysterious fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No

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kavasghost's profile picture

kavasghost's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH

Dnf. It was alright but I’m really not in the mood for this kind of book. It’s too bleak and depressing right now

RATING: 4 STARS

Wow, I started this series 5 years ago and I still remember some of the scenes so vividly in my mind. I am very late to the review game, which is not something unusual for me. I have the best of intentions and try to be organize, but some other book beckons to be read. You can never say no to another journey ahead. I would not have even picked up this book if it was not picked for a group read. It was one of the series we were all going to start together. I am so happy it was chosen as it has become one of my favourites. The first novel was so well done! Often, first novels in mystery series, tend to get bogged down in too much information in building their world. I totally get that so try and push my way to the next book where the mystery has more time to shine. I have to say, the descriptions of time and place with character studies was one of my favourite things about this book. Sebastian is one of those characters that are flawed in some ways, but is basically a good person. The cards he is dealt, including being a suspect in a brutal murder, you understand his brooding ways. If you have not started this series, you are in for a great treat, and there is plenty to catch up on. This is a series I know at some point I will reread, and mostly like try it on audio if I can find it. This is a gritty historical mystery - so it is for fans of suspense thrillers and historical fiction.

3.75 stars.

A fantastic introduction to the series.

From my years of reading I’ve come expect the first books in the series is not going to be great. As long as it’s good, it usually is a sign for good things to come.

With this book I found that I enjoyed the book a lot more than I was expecting. I enjoyed the interactions between the characters and their stories. But most of all the plot kept me engaged. I thought it was going to be a character driven book but the plot took more time than I expected.

It was a great read but a tad long. I was bored on some parts and found that I didn’t care for the romance. (Sebastian and Kat won’t really last, I five think).

What Angels Fear
4 Stars

When the body of a young woman is discovered on the steps of an alter in a London church next to a distinctive pistol, Sebastian St. Cyr becomes the prime suspect. In order to clear his name, Sebastian will have to go on the run and investigate the crime himself with the aid of Tom, a snarky street urchin, and Kat, the woman who broke his heart. Can he uncover the truth before the real killer strikes again?

A very entertaining historical mystery. Harris seamlessly merges the fictional plot with the historical facts of the regency period (although the forensic details may not be all that accurate). The investigation is fast-paced with some exciting action scenes and a satisfying climax and resolution. The characters are fleshed out well, especially Sebastian whose inner demons and intriguing abilities make him particularly endearing.

The biggest problem with the story is the unappealing heroine. Not only do I have a huge aversion to the keeping secrets trope (and she is keeping a doozy), but her actions toward the end are inconsistent with her characterization -
Spoileris she a damsel in distress or a hardened spy?
. Moreover, she comes across as far too damaged and her relationship with Sebastian doesn't seem to be all that healthy.

In sum, the solid writing, compelling mystery and engaging hero more than make up for the minor issues and I’m looking forward to continuing with the series.
dark mysterious

This was ok. Mainly stuck with it because I listened to audiobook and I absolutely love Davina Porter as a narrator.