Reviews with content warning for Domestic abuse - Poradnik dla dżentelmena o występku i cnocie

This book read like fan fiction, in the best possible way. The plot was driven by adventure but the main focus was on the secret crush of the main character in a 'friends-to-lovers narrative which, whilst overdone, is still very charming. If I had to describe this book in one word, it would be just that - charming. The characters were well-constructed and witty; the only thing that made me slightly uncomfortable was the main character's lack of awareness or real progress in understanding race despite being in love with a mixed-race boy who experienced a lot of racism that Monty just brushed off. I wish there was slightly more development on that front, similarly to Monty's sister's development past her own homophobic prejudices. Maybe I am just too much of an optimist or I am looking for a fully-polished novel; whilst this book was enjoyable and charming, polished it was not. It is slightly haphazard and the plot cannot take too much scrutiny or it would fall apart. But this book, like any other, does not have to be polished to be enjoyable; the meandering and outrageous storyline suits the premise and characters perfectly. It does not hold up to scrutiny but it does not have to; it is not meant to be read with an analytical or overly serious eye. It is merely a charming book intended to be enjoyable to the audience (which it is) and offer solace to certain sections of that audience perhaps struggling with similar issues as Monty or at least seeking a gay character they can relate to (which it provides). The book therefore succeeds in what it achieves and is a wonderful light-hearted tale that many will enjoy. Plot holes be damned.

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swampmonster's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-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

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cleo_wylde's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

At first, this looks like it's going to be a love story between a young, privileged 18th century earl who enjoys booze, gambling, and sleeping with pretty people (regardless of gender) and his slightly more sober half-Black best friend. It turns out that's only part of a tale that also includes running naked through the gardens of Versaille, highwaymen, pirates who aren't pirates, alchemy, and mysterious legends. And a love story. I grew to like the characters more and more as the book went on, though some of the secondary characters (pirates!) were great from the get-go. I was surprised by how much of a wild adventure story this was! Having read the second book right after, I do like the second one better. The eighteenth century queer dandy/pirates/alchemical mysteries genre is not one I ever expected to find, but I'm ready for more.

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aplatt's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This book is fun and full of potential, but I can’t help but take issue with the way it discusses racial issues. In taking place in several European countries in the 1700s, the book quickly stumbles into the conversation of race as one of the main characters is black. I think there were about a million other ways the racism in this era could have been exemplified better without the use of racial slurs and yet the author felt she must resort to it.

Some might argue that it’s historically accurate, but seeing as it’s a historical fiction novel about three upper class/high society British citizens who manage to make their way across the European continent with no money and no worldly experience outside of the boarding schools and palaces they grew up in, it think the author could have taken the liberty to not use this language.

Furthermore, I loved the main relationship at first, and I still find it adorable, but I can’t bring myself not to dwell on how toxic it is. Though the story ends in a vow to be better, the mental health of one of the main character does not allow him to be a good partner and it is to the detriment of his better half who stupidly forgives him time and time again.

Overall, the story is cute and full of ridiculous adventure if you’re able to look past it’s screaming faults.

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