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4.19 AVERAGE
4.19 AVERAGE
I loved the first book. Second was good as well. The overall story was good in this one, but as a person living with anxiety, it was often difficult/triggering to read about and be privy to the inner dialogue of someone else who is also struggling with it. Really love the Author’s writing style. I look forward to reading more by her.
Woohoo, that was a satisfying end to the series, following a character I never intended to have any interest in, but still fits in well with the greater arc.
Adrian Montague has grown up thinking he's the only progeny of his parents, and suffers from debilitating anxiety. While mourning the passing of his mother (not a spoiler, it happens right away), Adrian accidentally discovers he has two other siblings, and goes on a quest with Monty to look into a paranormal mystery surrounding their mother's death. Along the way they have to seek out Felicity, naturally. We get to catch up with all three siblings nearly 20 years after the first book, and see 2/3 of them grow up from struggling teens to established adults. And in true English style,.
Lee does an amazing job with capturing the thought patterns of someone with crippling anxiety, depression, or just low self esteem, to the point where it's clear she's suffered from it herself (acknowledged in the end notes). Adrian is a very sympathetic character, and indeed all the cast, even the "villains" are lovable.
Adrian Montague has grown up thinking he's the only progeny of his parents, and suffers from debilitating anxiety. While mourning the passing of his mother (not a spoiler, it happens right away), Adrian accidentally discovers he has two other siblings, and goes on a quest with Monty to look into a paranormal mystery surrounding their mother's death. Along the way they have to seek out Felicity, naturally. We get to catch up with all three siblings nearly 20 years after the first book, and see 2/3 of them grow up from struggling teens to established adults. And in true English style,
Spoiler
everyone gets married in the last chapterLee does an amazing job with capturing the thought patterns of someone with crippling anxiety, depression, or just low self esteem, to the point where it's clear she's suffered from it herself (acknowledged in the end notes). Adrian is a very sympathetic character, and indeed all the cast, even the "villains" are lovable.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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
Before I dive in, I have to say that I think Mackenzi Lee is an excellent author that excels at taking risks in her writing with great success. I absolutely loved The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue (the first book in the series), and I keep hoping to recreate that feeling when I read each successive book. Unfortunately, I just haven't been able to capture that feeling again. There was nothing wrong with this book, but I did find myself skimming the last 20 percent of it.
I've really loved how this series approaches disability and other ways of being in a world which thinks you're broken. No magic cures or revelations, just learning to get what treatment you can while building a life which works.
This one is hard going - being in the mind of someone with anxiety disorders and OCD is tough, but it's accurately evoked - the constant spiralling and fear. I appreciate how the OCD was represented because people often don't really get the sheer weight of responsibility for the lives of everyone around you, and how you can't trust your own memory.
This one is hard going - being in the mind of someone with anxiety disorders and OCD is tough, but it's accurately evoked - the constant spiralling and fear. I appreciate how the OCD was represented because people often don't really get the sheer weight of responsibility for the lives of everyone around you, and how you can't trust your own memory.
The story is good, and the author’s note is just great