Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
adventurous
funny
mysterious
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
This was good fun! I don't think I enjoyed it as much as the first book but it was still a good read and nice continuation of the story.
I ended up liking Maud's character a lot more than I was expecting honestly. I thought she was going to fall into that really annoying naive, innocent, useless archetype where the character ends up feeling super childish and the romance (and particularly the sex scenes) is really uncomfortable as a result, but I'm pleased to say that wasn't the case.
I ended up liking Maud's character a lot more than I was expecting honestly. I thought she was going to fall into that really annoying naive, innocent, useless archetype where the character ends up feeling super childish and the romance (and particularly the sex scenes) is really uncomfortable as a result, but I'm pleased to say that wasn't the case.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A very different tone to the first book in the series but never the less very enjoyable - I liked how contained it was within the limits of the boat setting yet so much managed to happen! I little more whimsical than the first yet still keeping the tension and overall threat from the first book! A great, fun and saucy read
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
SO predictable that by the middle of it the whole plot could be guessed
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Interesting concept, but the two leads feel like they have little to no chemistry beyond the physical. It suffers from middle book syndrome — spending a good deal of time setting up the plot and romantic leads that will likely take center stage in the third installment. A week on a cruise-style passenger ship is, after all, a kind of claustrophobic limbo, and divorced from most of the locations and cast that made A Marvellous Light so charming (missing the presence of Edwin, Robin, and Kitty here).
It also mostly makes waste of a perfectly good African Grey Parrot...Yes, they are a lot of work in real life so it makes some sense our heroine responsibly loads it off on the (convenient) menagerie onboard almost immediately... but still disappointing.
It also mostly makes waste of a perfectly good African Grey Parrot...Yes, they are a lot of work in real life so it makes some sense our heroine responsibly loads it off on the (convenient) menagerie onboard almost immediately... but still disappointing.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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
Absolutely loved this book. I'm a sucker for the murder on the train (Orient Express)/Space Cruiseliner (The Spare Man)/Generation Ship (Six Wakes) format, so that right there was a great hook. Plus Maud Blyth is one of the most delightful characters to spend time with. A combination of pre-code zany screwball energy with deep, thoughtful feelings, and a burgeoning sexuality thrusting its way through Edwardian-era naivete. The supporting cast is lots of fun as well. This does everything the first book does, but does it all a little better.
2.5
This sequel starts slowly and predictably, plus it’s kinda cringe at times, so I feel “meh” about the book overall. To its credit, it does pick up a little during the second half and has some enjoyable tender moments (looking at you, chapter 23), wit, and spice. I also like Maud has a character and could even identify with her in some ways. So it wasn’t a total loss, but I’m unsure if I’ll be inclined to finish the trilogy. We’ll see if I’m still thinking about it once the third book is published ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
This sequel starts slowly and predictably, plus it’s kinda cringe at times, so I feel “meh” about the book overall. To its credit, it does pick up a little during the second half and has some enjoyable tender moments (looking at you, chapter 23), wit, and spice. I also like Maud has a character and could even identify with her in some ways. So it wasn’t a total loss, but I’m unsure if I’ll be inclined to finish the trilogy. We’ll see if I’m still thinking about it once the third book is published ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Robin’s sister Maud meets other surprise heir Violet on a cruise ship; hijinks ensure, we also get a far more forgiving portrait of Hawthorn. Hoping him and the report Ross are the 3rd book protagonists but tbd.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I read this book as a standalone, without any prior knowledge of the first in the series, and I was pleasantly surprised. The author did a great job providing enough background and context to make the world and characters accessible. I particularly enjoyed the chaotic, whodunnit aspect of the mystery. Maud’s direct, no-nonsense communication style added a layer of realism to both the romance and the overall plot. The ending especially Violet’s personal revelation left me hoping for more closure. Now that I know it's part of a trilogy, it makes perfect sense why questions were left unanswered.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Murder, Classism
Moderate: Drug use, Violence, Kidnapping, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Misogyny, Racism, Torture