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knittyreader's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
I like the setting of this novel and the fast pace. The downside is that all characters, but especially the main character feel somewhat flat and gimmicky - although I do like them in a way, I'd just have loved to see the MC being fleshed out and grow more instead of stumbling her way through being helped by others.
hebberelle's review against another edition
4.0
Very nice!! 4.5 stars. Mairi makes some stupid decisions but she’s very lucky, and I like her heart. Looking forward to the second one.
lifeinthebooklane's review against another edition
5.0
Having never read a Helen Harper book before I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this one. The blurb ticked all the right boxes and thankfully the book didn't let me down either. This first instalment of Mairi's story grasped my attention from the very first page and never let me go until the very last line. I am thoroughly enraptured by this delightful story and will be waiting on tenterhooks until the next book is out.
Set in an alternate reality that felt to be somewhere in the late Victorian or Edwardian period, Hummingbird is written in the first person from the heroines' point of view. With themes of oppression, misogyny, poverty and greed we journey with Mairi from indentured servant through to inexperienced spy and finally watch as she becomes a revolutionary ingenue. I had expected somewhat of a cross between a cosy, witchy mystery and urban fantasy. This turned out to be a little harsher, darker and with the inclusion of both swearing and a sex scene is definitely aimed at the 18+ audience.
I warmed immediately to Mairi, she is a fighter, resilient and caring, with huge inner strength and a strong sense of moral duty. Despite being occasionally rash, belligerent and fool-hardy, she is the kind of heroine that feels real and is easy to relate to. The wide range of side characters adds depth and colour to the story but also the conundrum of who to trust and who is dangerous.
The writing style was very easy to read, the prose flowed smoothly and very easily held my attention. I was delighted with how many times the author threw a little plot twist in, taking me completely by surprise. The book ends on a very soft cliffhanger, with a lot more adventuring to be had and story to be told. I will most assuredly be continuing with this series.
Set in an alternate reality that felt to be somewhere in the late Victorian or Edwardian period, Hummingbird is written in the first person from the heroines' point of view. With themes of oppression, misogyny, poverty and greed we journey with Mairi from indentured servant through to inexperienced spy and finally watch as she becomes a revolutionary ingenue. I had expected somewhat of a cross between a cosy, witchy mystery and urban fantasy. This turned out to be a little harsher, darker and with the inclusion of both swearing and a sex scene is definitely aimed at the 18+ audience.
I warmed immediately to Mairi, she is a fighter, resilient and caring, with huge inner strength and a strong sense of moral duty. Despite being occasionally rash, belligerent and fool-hardy, she is the kind of heroine that feels real and is easy to relate to. The wide range of side characters adds depth and colour to the story but also the conundrum of who to trust and who is dangerous.
The writing style was very easy to read, the prose flowed smoothly and very easily held my attention. I was delighted with how many times the author threw a little plot twist in, taking me completely by surprise. The book ends on a very soft cliffhanger, with a lot more adventuring to be had and story to be told. I will most assuredly be continuing with this series.
mhbaird's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I imagine a somewhat pre-gaslamp world. I wasn't sure what to expect from this story, but the world for Mairi is grim, yet she doesn't let it get the best of her. I'm interested to start book 2.
kasia_zaw's review against another edition
4.0
Szkocja, magowie wykorzystujący swoje moce, by terroryzować miasto i dziewczyna, która zrządzeniem losu, z szarej myszki staje się ikoną tych, którzy chcą magów obalić.
Owszem są tu momenty, przy czytaniu których aktywowało mi się "Nie no, serio?", ale w ogólnym rozrachunku, była to ciekawa lektura.
Owszem są tu momenty, przy czytaniu których aktywowało mi się "Nie no, serio?", ale w ogólnym rozrachunku, była to ciekawa lektura.
bookish_caprice's review against another edition
5.0
New and unique.
I love all Helen Harper’s books, all of them are quite unique and beautiful. And this one is just great. I can’t wait for more of the story of Mairi.
I love all Helen Harper’s books, all of them are quite unique and beautiful. And this one is just great. I can’t wait for more of the story of Mairi.
gypsydawn's review against another edition
4.0
intriguing
I enjoyed this book and the world Harper is building here. It’s a bit slow in places, but seems to grow with the characters, finding it’s feet just as she does.
I enjoyed this book and the world Harper is building here. It’s a bit slow in places, but seems to grow with the characters, finding it’s feet just as she does.
jrdbrook's review against another edition
5.0
Firstly, loved it! I’m a big Helen Harper fan. I’ll read anything she writes and I didn’t even read the description, so I surprised as this one is slightly different to her others. Normally, her books sit firmly in urban fantasy but this is very much urban fantasy adjacent veering into high fantasy.
It did throw me for a bit as most of her books are set in “modern” times and there’s certainly an older setting with this one - carts rather than cars.
The main character is mute which really adds a different vibe to the story. The plot was interesting, great characters and it was just really good. Can’t wait for the next one.
It did throw me for a bit as most of her books are set in “modern” times and there’s certainly an older setting with this one - carts rather than cars.
The main character is mute which really adds a different vibe to the story. The plot was interesting, great characters and it was just really good. Can’t wait for the next one.
kanakk's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars ⭐️
I was very intrigued by the idea of a mute protagonist and like helen harper’s books as good time pass. This was a disappointment. The book’s pacing was all over the place. That climax was so rushed and also unrealistic and ridiculous. When Laord said i love you to mairi i literally rolled my eyes. Their “romance” was very 0 to 100. Also disappointing that mairi suddenly finds her voice AND kills the ascendant over the demon that she has barely known telling her he loved her….again rolled my eyes. Hope the next one is better.
I was very intrigued by the idea of a mute protagonist and like helen harper’s books as good time pass. This was a disappointment. The book’s pacing was all over the place. That climax was so rushed and also unrealistic and ridiculous. When Laord said i love you to mairi i literally rolled my eyes. Their “romance” was very 0 to 100. Also disappointing that mairi suddenly finds her voice AND kills the ascendant over the demon that she has barely known telling her he loved her….again rolled my eyes. Hope the next one is better.