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allisonwonderlandreads's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
In the stunning, whirling politics of this series, we get to see a revolution in motion. In this one, the first cracks are showing in an old system, and both politicians and protestors scramble to react. Here, we follow Dame Grace Hensley, now the Chancellor, who only answers to the Queen. Overworked and trying to balance the demands of many factions, she reacts with poise and laser-sharp insight. Also, thanks to her brother Miles, she is trying to find a new, moral path for herself. The story addresses generational suffering and wealth as Grace tries to understand her own privileges. It also covers the debate between gradual vs immediate change in terms of civil rights policy.
Grace was an excellent, imperfect heroine. In certain aspects, she has seen the error of her ways, and in others, she clings to the familiar establishment that granted her and her family all their power and influence. She also gets a light, lovely sapphic romance with a determined reporter that weaves through the high stakes of the politics-- a luminous, hopeful ribbon in the chaos.
It's also a delightful gaslamp fantasy. I felt more immersed in this one than even the first. It was nice to feel fully prepared to approach the magic system and legal components without a gradual release of information to clue me in. I love the descriptions of fashion and also, oddly for me, modes of transportation. The first book gifted us with bicycle traffic, and this one upped the ante with transport via luxurious sled (snow goggles optional but recommended).
Grace was an excellent, imperfect heroine. In certain aspects, she has seen the error of her ways, and in others, she clings to the familiar establishment that granted her and her family all their power and influence. She also gets a light, lovely sapphic romance with a determined reporter that weaves through the high stakes of the politics-- a luminous, hopeful ribbon in the chaos.
It's also a delightful gaslamp fantasy. I felt more immersed in this one than even the first. It was nice to feel fully prepared to approach the magic system and legal components without a gradual release of information to clue me in. I love the descriptions of fashion and also, oddly for me, modes of transportation. The first book gifted us with bicycle traffic, and this one upped the ante with transport via luxurious sled (snow goggles optional but recommended).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Forced institutionalization, Genocide, Murder, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Sexual content, Torture, and War
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