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kristaallysa's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
tinynavajo's review
4.0
*Thanks to the author for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review*
*There is mlm and sex scenes. If this is not what you want to read, please turn back now*
Gail Carriger does it again, only now we're in the States, it's present time, and we're dealing with werewolves and shifters and magic galore! If you've read Marine Biology, the prequel to this particular story, then you have a general idea of what happens, only we're now focusing on Biff, the Beta for this new pack, as Max, a Sumage who has no idea why he was cursed/blessed with this newest pain in his ass...in more ways than one.
As Biff, this new Beta who is all muscle and sensitivity tries to figure out how to work out being gay as well as being in a new area, Max wonders what is it about this werewolf that is so completely different from any other man he's been out with. On top of all of this, Max's father's house is completely enchanted and now some nasty people wish to get inside. What to do? Well, for Biff and Max it's a lot of ups and downs.
I love that Gail Carriger is moving out of the Victorian Steampunk universe in such an amazing way, magic is explained scientifically, but it's still magic. The two main characters are wonderfully done, I believe them, I sympathize with them, I can see the area where they are, and I love even the secondary characters. I wish it was a little longer, but this is a novella, so short is the menu. While not my typical reading material, I still loved this book. So, in all regards, please pick it up if you love Gail Carriger's books and writings!
*There is mlm and sex scenes. If this is not what you want to read, please turn back now*
Gail Carriger does it again, only now we're in the States, it's present time, and we're dealing with werewolves and shifters and magic galore! If you've read Marine Biology, the prequel to this particular story, then you have a general idea of what happens, only we're now focusing on Biff, the Beta for this new pack, as Max, a Sumage who has no idea why he was cursed/blessed with this newest pain in his ass...in more ways than one.
As Biff, this new Beta who is all muscle and sensitivity tries to figure out how to work out being gay as well as being in a new area, Max wonders what is it about this werewolf that is so completely different from any other man he's been out with. On top of all of this, Max's father's house is completely enchanted and now some nasty people wish to get inside. What to do? Well, for Biff and Max it's a lot of ups and downs.
I love that Gail Carriger is moving out of the Victorian Steampunk universe in such an amazing way, magic is explained scientifically, but it's still magic. The two main characters are wonderfully done, I believe them, I sympathize with them, I can see the area where they are, and I love even the secondary characters. I wish it was a little longer, but this is a novella, so short is the menu. While not my typical reading material, I still loved this book. So, in all regards, please pick it up if you love Gail Carriger's books and writings!
lyndz_'s review
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
hollyollyoxenfree's review
3.0
This book was compulsively readable. As I was reading it, I could not put it down, and was always disappointed when I had to do things, like go to work, or make dinner. However, that being said, I don't know that it was the greatest book, or that I would necessarily go out and recommend it to everyone. Like the more I think about it, the more little issues I think of. The most glaring issue I had, and a big part of why I gave it three stars upon completion, was the confusing lack of world-building or some other sort of explanation of... a lot of things. There were all of these different types of mages, and I still can't tell you what each one does or why. There was some sort of magical magickyness called quintessence that I still don't really understand... so. Yeah. I even tried Googling the terms to see if they were things present in fantasy in general that I just don't know about, but they all seemed to mostly be terms created for this series. So. Once I set aside my general confusion, it was great! Max was SO snarky and we all know I love snark, and Bryan was SO sweet, it was nice. It was a fun story while I was in it, but after finishing I think my general confusion led to it not making much of an impression overall. That being said, I DO plan on reading the sequels, because like I said, it was super readable while I was in it, and maybe I'll get more of an explanation later! I think this book will definitely appeal to certain readers, and if you read the description and think it sounds good, you should definitely give it a shot, but be prepared that some of the world-building (or lack thereof) could be confusing.
bethbumbles's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
fishgirl182's review
3.0
The Sumange Solution is a highly enjoyable read that involves shifters, mages, magic, and the witty banter that I've come to expect out of Gail Carriger novels. I've read a few interviews with Gail in regards to this new series and, though it's still a little hazy, I believe that it's set in the same world as the Parasol Protectorate series but fast forwarded to current times. As such, a lot of the terms that she previously used in the PP series are missing here. Instead we find a whole new vocabulary and new types of beings which I did find to be a little confusing at times. I've read plenty of Gail's books so I am pretty familiar with her writing. But I did feel that information was being thrown at me at a rate that I almost couldn't keep up with. It was hard to keep track of the different magical beings and their powers. I also had a hard time keeping track of all of the characters in the beginning. She introduces us to a whole new back of werewolves right off the bat and it took me awhile to figure out who was who. The world building felt a little rushed and I wish there had been a slightly gentler entry into the world instead of being hurled right into it. However, I still really enjoyed Max and Biff's romance. Both of them are sort of new to the relationship thing and it's really cute to watch them fumble and navigate their way through it. This book is much smuttier than Carriger's previous books, which is a lot of fun.
It took me a little while to get my footing in this new world but by the end I was all in. I was totally rooting for Biff and Max and their HEA. I am looking forward to future books in the series. We have a whole pack of werewolves to get through. I can't wait!
It took me a little while to get my footing in this new world but by the end I was all in. I was totally rooting for Biff and Max and their HEA. I am looking forward to future books in the series. We have a whole pack of werewolves to get through. I can't wait!
layla87's review
DNF @50%
Major info dump in the first couple of chapters.
I can't connect with either MC.
Major info dump in the first couple of chapters.
I can't connect with either MC.
tashas_books's review
3.0
I'm a little disappointed in this. There wasn't enough world-building, you're just plopped in and they never really explain anything. Also, the dialogue between the two main characters just didn't work for me a lot of the time. It felt like the author chose snappy dialogue over situation & character appropriate dialogue sometimes.