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crimsoncor's review
5.0
I loved Karen Memory and I think I loved this even more. Some absolutely brilliant writing from Bear on both the nature of relationships with difficult parents and on things we owe the ones we love. Also, more sewing-machine mecha action and some wonderful corset-punk action sequences. I'm generally more a novel vs novella fan, but between this and the Murderbot series I might be coming around.
stellarian's review
3.0
I liked most of the relationship talk, but felt so-so on the plot. It was fine. I liked seeing some of the characters again.
lynn4mk's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
lsparrow's review
3.0
There was a lot less to this story than the first . I was hoping for more of a mystery.
Although I did like the queer characters and relationship.
Although I did like the queer characters and relationship.
roytoo's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
After the harrowing events is the first Karen Memory book Karen and Priya have moved on to new careers. But they still find themselves in trouble.
A great second story in the series with lots of action and character development.
A great second story in the series with lots of action and character development.
rynflynn12's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
lesbrary's review
3.0
I was so excited for this! Victorian spiritualists are my jam. Plus, there are all kinds of cryptids in this world! And an exploration of Karen and Priya's relationship. I unfortunately, I found the plot structure baffling: all the excitement happens in the beginning of the book, and then it seems to come to an abrupt end. I was hoping for more.
Full review at the Lesbrary.
Full review at the Lesbrary.
mxsallybend's review
4.0
A little over three years since we last saw them in Karen Memory, one of my favorite steampunk reads, Karen and Priya make their long-awaited return in Stone Mad by Elizabeth Bear.
Although there are still some steampunk elements to this – most notably the infamous Singer sewing machine mech suit, along with a newly fashioned spider-corset that is full of awesome surprises – the story shifts more into the spiritual side of the Victorian era, dabbling in hauntings, seances, and sceptical illusionists. Mind you, most of those elements are red herrings, designed to distract us from the real danger of the creepy little tommy-knocker, but they do come full circle to rounds things out.
While all of that is a fun backdrop, complete with a frantic pursuit deeper into the collapsing hotel, this is really the story of Karen and Priya. They’ve used their reward for saving the world to buy themselves a little farmstead, and even if they cannot legally marry, they are living as wife-and-wife. Things are strained between them, though, and Karen’s habit of throwing herself headlong into danger strains things even further.
Once again, Karen’s folksy narration drives the read, and the characters make the ride worth enjoying. For a short story, Bear does a fantastic job of establishing her characters, imbuing the seance sisters and the illusionist’s wife with as much personality as Karen and Priya. It’s all over too soon, but there’s something to be said for not overstaying your welcome.
https://femledfantasy.home.blog/2019/06/10/book-review-stone-mad-by-elizabeth-bear/
Although there are still some steampunk elements to this – most notably the infamous Singer sewing machine mech suit, along with a newly fashioned spider-corset that is full of awesome surprises – the story shifts more into the spiritual side of the Victorian era, dabbling in hauntings, seances, and sceptical illusionists. Mind you, most of those elements are red herrings, designed to distract us from the real danger of the creepy little tommy-knocker, but they do come full circle to rounds things out.
While all of that is a fun backdrop, complete with a frantic pursuit deeper into the collapsing hotel, this is really the story of Karen and Priya. They’ve used their reward for saving the world to buy themselves a little farmstead, and even if they cannot legally marry, they are living as wife-and-wife. Things are strained between them, though, and Karen’s habit of throwing herself headlong into danger strains things even further.
Once again, Karen’s folksy narration drives the read, and the characters make the ride worth enjoying. For a short story, Bear does a fantastic job of establishing her characters, imbuing the seance sisters and the illusionist’s wife with as much personality as Karen and Priya. It’s all over too soon, but there’s something to be said for not overstaying your welcome.
https://femledfantasy.home.blog/2019/06/10/book-review-stone-mad-by-elizabeth-bear/
qalminator's review against another edition
4.0
Shorter than I'd realized. Feels more like a novella interlude after the first book than a continuation. Priya and Karen go out to celebrate, run into some scheming spiritualists, the widow of a famous musician, and a borglum (mine spirit that knocks to warn of danger), all of which result in some relationship issues that they have to sort out. Enjoyable and fun, but short and a bit bogged down in the relationship details.
jugglebird's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0