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brieparis's review against another edition
5.0
TL;DR: People NEED to read this book. You are people. You NEED to read this book.
I don't even know where to begin with this. But I guess I should start by setting some expectations. One of the major themes of this book is BDSM, including a very clearly delineated juxtaposition of healthy BDSM and abuse. That said, this is not erotica, as some may expect from the topic. This is, as the subtitle states, "a novel of suspense." So even though my stupid slut brain wants more scenes of kink play, that is not the point of this book, so don't go in expecting it.
*** SPOILERS TO FOLLOW ***
I know this author personally, and I was so excited to read her debut novel (please note I bought the book with my own money, and we know each other from grad school where we don't pull punches with our critiques, so rest assured, this is my honest opinion). Off the top of my head, if I were to describe Briana's writing, in general, I'd choose the words "thoughtful" and "atmospheric." ON GOOD AUTHORITY delivers both qualities in full. The imagery is striking, and she pays special attention to scent detail (which didn't surprise me, given her love of perfume oils). Memorable images like walls the color of bruises and lingering smell of tobacco add depth to an already complex mix of literary flavors. Also, the concept of scenting a carpet with tea leaves (an actual Victorian housekeeping technique Briana discovered in her research) is so mind-blowing to me that I'm now overcome with the feminine urge to throw my pumpkin spice black tea all over the rug
But I think ON GOOD AUTHORITY's greatest strength is its characters. Marian makes for a strong POV protagonist. She's competent, rebellious, curious, passionate, and caring, and her journey and her vulnerability are relatable and realistic without robbing her of her total agency. Wythe's two-faced nature, entitled self-martyrdom, and all-around vileness is disgustingly true to life but never read, to me, as too triggering, despite my personal experience with people like him (and Briana helpfully includes a trigger warning at the beginning of the book so readers can accommodate themselves). Valentine is the best, and I will love him until my dying day.
Briana is incredibly thoughtful in how she handles the book's themes of BDSM and abuse. Unlike some other books I've heard of but mercifully haven't read, she incorporates both and demonstrates the clear differences between the two--carefully contrasting Wythe's invasive cruelty with Valentine's steady attentiveness. Each example is perfectly frame in words, action, tone, and Marian's reactions as she learns to understand with her own awakening without ever conflating abuse with affection.
I don't have a lot of experience with pure suspense novels, so the pacing felt unbalanced to me. This book is a slow burn that erupts into a raging inferno in the second half. While I felt its length in the beginning, once I reached the midpoint, I could not put it down again, chewing my fingernails in agony as my eyes raced to discover what was going to happen to these people. While this pacing style was ultimately the right choice for the book, it can still be disorienting to readers who aren't used to it.
The only thing that really disappointed me on my first reading was the ending. At first glance, it just... fizzled out with no resolution to Marian and Valentine. It wouldn't have bothered me if not for the "after" letters sprinkled throughout that seemed to show them not staying together, an occurrence that was not reflected in the main timeline. So when I got to the end I was like "so when and how did they fall out/drift apart?" Since I have the privilege of knowing the author, I asked her if I was missing something. She said, "Read the last line again." And friends, once you get it, everything changes. A confusing and disappointing conclusion becomes the best bait and switch I've ever read, laid out with the clever subtlety of an author who respects and believes in her reader's intelligence.
For those involved in the BDSM community or who were hurt by certain books' harmful and misinformed depictions of BDSM, I present two lines that resonated with me.
"Control--of my body, of the situation--was shifting from me to him, and the feeling was sweet, like falling asleep in safety, watched over by someone quite awake."
And, more succinctly: "I led, and you followed."
There's so much I could say about these lines, but I'll leave it at this: I hope the public allows Valentine and Marian to heal some of the damage done by damaged sack of cancer rats Christian Grey.
In short: People NEED to read this book. You are people. You NEED to read this book.
I don't even know where to begin with this. But I guess I should start by setting some expectations. One of the major themes of this book is BDSM, including a very clearly delineated juxtaposition of healthy BDSM and abuse. That said, this is not erotica, as some may expect from the topic. This is, as the subtitle states, "a novel of suspense." So even though my stupid slut brain wants more scenes of kink play, that is not the point of this book, so don't go in expecting it.
*** SPOILERS TO FOLLOW ***
I know this author personally, and I was so excited to read her debut novel (please note I bought the book with my own money, and we know each other from grad school where we don't pull punches with our critiques, so rest assured, this is my honest opinion). Off the top of my head, if I were to describe Briana's writing, in general, I'd choose the words "thoughtful" and "atmospheric." ON GOOD AUTHORITY delivers both qualities in full. The imagery is striking, and she pays special attention to scent detail (which didn't surprise me, given her love of perfume oils). Memorable images like walls the color of bruises and lingering smell of tobacco add depth to an already complex mix of literary flavors. Also, the concept of scenting a carpet with tea leaves (an actual Victorian housekeeping technique Briana discovered in her research) is so mind-blowing to me that I'm now overcome with the feminine urge to throw my pumpkin spice black tea all over the rug
But I think ON GOOD AUTHORITY's greatest strength is its characters. Marian makes for a strong POV protagonist. She's competent, rebellious, curious, passionate, and caring, and her journey and her vulnerability are relatable and realistic without robbing her of her total agency. Wythe's two-faced nature, entitled self-martyrdom, and all-around vileness is disgustingly true to life but never read, to me, as too triggering, despite my personal experience with people like him (and Briana helpfully includes a trigger warning at the beginning of the book so readers can accommodate themselves). Valentine is the best, and I will love him until my dying day.
Briana is incredibly thoughtful in how she handles the book's themes of BDSM and abuse. Unlike some other books I've heard of but mercifully haven't read, she incorporates both and demonstrates the clear differences between the two--carefully contrasting Wythe's invasive cruelty with Valentine's steady attentiveness. Each example is perfectly frame in words, action, tone, and Marian's reactions as she learns to understand with her own awakening without ever conflating abuse with affection.
I don't have a lot of experience with pure suspense novels, so the pacing felt unbalanced to me. This book is a slow burn that erupts into a raging inferno in the second half. While I felt its length in the beginning, once I reached the midpoint, I could not put it down again, chewing my fingernails in agony as my eyes raced to discover what was going to happen to these people. While this pacing style was ultimately the right choice for the book, it can still be disorienting to readers who aren't used to it.
The only thing that really disappointed me on my first reading was the ending. At first glance, it just... fizzled out with no resolution to Marian and Valentine. It wouldn't have bothered me if not for the "after" letters sprinkled throughout that seemed to show them not staying together, an occurrence that was not reflected in the main timeline. So when I got to the end I was like "so when and how did they fall out/drift apart?" Since I have the privilege of knowing the author, I asked her if I was missing something. She said, "Read the last line again." And friends, once you get it, everything changes. A confusing and disappointing conclusion becomes the best bait and switch I've ever read, laid out with the clever subtlety of an author who respects and believes in her reader's intelligence.
For those involved in the BDSM community or who were hurt by certain books' harmful and misinformed depictions of BDSM, I present two lines that resonated with me.
"Control--of my body, of the situation--was shifting from me to him, and the feeling was sweet, like falling asleep in safety, watched over by someone quite awake."
And, more succinctly: "I led, and you followed."
There's so much I could say about these lines, but I'll leave it at this: I hope the public allows Valentine and Marian to heal some of the damage done by damaged sack of cancer rats Christian Grey.
In short: People NEED to read this book. You are people. You NEED to read this book.
cclift1114's review against another edition
4.0
I found this to be quite a good book, especially for a debut novel. The writing was fully descriptive without being excessive and the characters were likable and relatable. I appreciated the consideration in the author’s note at the beginning about the potentially triggering topics covered in the book. Those topics were covered well and with care. I liked the romance between Marian and Valentine and only wished for more of it.
chantalsbookstuff's review against another edition
4.0
This 1800 London, gothic type novel was a treat. Although there are some trigger warnings this story just flowed well. The characters were so likeable and full of life. For a debut novel I was splendidly surprised by how well it was written. I really liked Marian's character and how she stood up for herself even when she was just a lady's maid.
A really good read and an author to watch for sure!
Thank you Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
A really good read and an author to watch for sure!
Thank you Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
liber_aesthete's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.5
This book was incredible. I loved the characters and the story. The writing felt effortless. I heard about this book at StokerCon, where the author was speaking and I was so excited to get my hands on a copy. I look forward to reading her other work
shellroch285's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.75
A lovely debut! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Marian and Valentine are incredible, and I grew to love Mrs. Bornholdt as she grew to love Marian :)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Miscarriage and Infertility
best_ending's review against another edition
5.0
Probably in the top 10 favorite books I've read this decade, possibly my entire life so far. Perfectly crafted, sensitive and hard hitting. It delivers both on suspense and substance. The erotic aspects that fade to black (my personal preference) are a thousand times more effective than actual erotica and yet handles its subject matter with grace and understanding.
This seems like a niche genre but I would recommend this to anyone who likes good books and good writing.
This seems like a niche genre but I would recommend this to anyone who likes good books and good writing.
britanielanea's review against another edition
4.0
A wonderful victorian gothic suspense with mystery and romance eeriely wrapped up in one.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Wow. Briana Una Mcguckin's debut novel is worth the read. This story has wonderful bones and structure. The mysterious and eerie suspenseful theme is throughout the entire story..down to the last page.
The characters of Marian and Valentine were very likeable. The writer drew my attention to the master of the house the most. I enjoyed Mr.Bornholdt. This character is so well written and he's so good at manipulating and gaslighting everyone including me(a little tinsy tiny bit.)
Side note- I wish Marian's character had a bit more physical description like Valentine. I wanted to envision her as well as I could everyone else.
The books markets itself as "now tinged with BDSM" in the blurb. So, I did not expect fade to black scenes. However, it's not disappointing. The fade to black works well but I did find myself more invested in how/why(the excitement,the trauma bond, the control) they began incorporating as younger people. There was even more base story to tell that I was oh so ready to dive into.
In conclusion, I do wish it had more it. I feel there was so much that could have been told. Despite the story itself not being a long as I would prefer, the plot,suspense,and characters will be perfection to many readers.
Four Stars
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Wow. Briana Una Mcguckin's debut novel is worth the read. This story has wonderful bones and structure. The mysterious and eerie suspenseful theme is throughout the entire story..down to the last page.
The characters of Marian and Valentine were very likeable. The writer drew my attention to the master of the house the most. I enjoyed Mr.Bornholdt. This character is so well written and he's so good at manipulating and gaslighting everyone including me(a little tinsy tiny bit.)
Side note- I wish Marian's character had a bit more physical description like Valentine. I wanted to envision her as well as I could everyone else.
The books markets itself as "now tinged with BDSM" in the blurb. So, I did not expect fade to black scenes. However, it's not disappointing. The fade to black works well but I did find myself more invested in how/why(the excitement,the trauma bond, the control) they began incorporating as younger people. There was even more base story to tell that I was oh so ready to dive into.
In conclusion, I do wish it had more it. I feel there was so much that could have been told. Despite the story itself not being a long as I would prefer, the plot,suspense,and characters will be perfection to many readers.
Four Stars
whatandreawrote's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
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? Yes
5.0
terv's review against another edition
5.0
So much to love about this book! Spicy, gripping, and made me scream repeatedly for various reasons.
Victorian society from the workers' perspectives; drama about fashion color theory; a brooding love interest with a heart of gold? A smart, brave heroine who also likes to be tied up? Honestly what more could you want?
Victorian society from the workers' perspectives; drama about fashion color theory; a brooding love interest with a heart of gold? A smart, brave heroine who also likes to be tied up? Honestly what more could you want?