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bbbeth's review
emotional
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin's Random House Children's UK for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for a review.
3 ⭐️
A big ol' bag of mixed feelings for me on this one!
There were times when I really enjoyed the book, enjoyed the characters, got invested in the relationships. It was interesting to read about Black characters in the turn of the century, an area I've not read into much before - so I've no idea how historically accurate it was, but definitely enjoyed it at times.
However... I do think in this case the four different POVs, all with largely separate plot lines, was too many. Most of the characters felt a little underdeveloped to me, as did the relationships. I found the pacing a little fickle in some places too - going a bit too quick sometimes, a bit too slow in others. I found some of the ~drama~ in the relationships both a little bit pointless and far too drawn out at points. I also thoroughly disliked John as a love interest, lol.Between Amy-Rose and Ruby's POVs, I thought he was a jerk for stringing them both along like that. It seems like they're being set up to mend their relationship in a next book, but I'm certain I want that to happen.
Overall, I didn't dislike this book - I generally enjoyed it and I certainly think others would too - but it was lacking in lots of areas as well, for me. I wasn't aware that this book is intended to be the first in a series, and it does finish with loose ends, which I don't love because I'm not sure yet whether I'd be interested in reading the next one. Only time will tell!
3 ⭐️
A big ol' bag of mixed feelings for me on this one!
There were times when I really enjoyed the book, enjoyed the characters, got invested in the relationships. It was interesting to read about Black characters in the turn of the century, an area I've not read into much before - so I've no idea how historically accurate it was, but definitely enjoyed it at times.
However... I do think in this case the four different POVs, all with largely separate plot lines, was too many. Most of the characters felt a little underdeveloped to me, as did the relationships. I found the pacing a little fickle in some places too - going a bit too quick sometimes, a bit too slow in others. I found some of the ~drama~ in the relationships both a little bit pointless and far too drawn out at points. I also thoroughly disliked John as a love interest, lol.
Overall, I didn't dislike this book - I generally enjoyed it and I certainly think others would too - but it was lacking in lots of areas as well, for me. I wasn't aware that this book is intended to be the first in a series, and it does finish with loose ends, which I don't love because I'm not sure yet whether I'd be interested in reading the next one. Only time will tell!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Racism, Slavery, Police brutality, and Death of parent
Minor: Violence and Classism
heather_freshparchment's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I was really excited to receive a copy of this book. It felt so fresh and energizing to see not only new YA historical fiction, but historical fiction centered around a time period and a family that we don't often hear about in America. It highlights some really key moments in black culture and civil rights in the Reconstruction and turn-of-the-century eras that are so important for everyone to know about, but especially young adults. I think the way the romances were handled were beautiful, too; Marquis keeps you rooting for the couples to work out, but she also lets her heroines keep their independence and stick up for themselves, too. My only quibble (apart from some missing words that I'm sure will be sorted out before the final edition) is that it ended on a cliffhanger. I hope there are more Davenport adventures in the future.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Police brutality, and Classism
Minor: Slavery
emhromp's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This book was handed to me as "The Black Bridgerton" and that is sort of true. It has all the drama, all the romance and all the ball gowns. This book was a lot more serious though. For a big part, it is about equality and the scars of slavery, set in 1910. I am very impressed with this book and hope it will find a great audience.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Slavery