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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I have to start by saying, ‘this is a good book,’ it really is. It has excellent characters, well realised locations, some interesting ideas on clairvoyancy and more than a few great situational story points. The prose is good and the time period of the late 1800s comes across nicely without being overpowering. And the clockwork octopus is an absolute treat.
The book meanders along beautifully. Mori is an exquisitely intriguing character. Story and plot take second place to the characters, it feels like the few story points there are solely provide a backdrop while we spend time with the characters. All the action happens off the page, so to speak, leaving the reader to focus more on the characters’ personalities.
Basically, I liked almost everything about it. Unfortunately, the one thing I didn’t enjoy was a biggie. Through virtually the entire book, my mind kept wandering elsewhere, which, honestly, I can’t explain. It would be easy to say boredom, although unnecessarily cruel, but I liked everything that was going on in the book, so I’m quite confused about it.
I have book two, The Lost Future of Pepperharrow, and I will definitely try it at some point.
The book meanders along beautifully. Mori is an exquisitely intriguing character. Story and plot take second place to the characters, it feels like the few story points there are solely provide a backdrop while we spend time with the characters. All the action happens off the page, so to speak, leaving the reader to focus more on the characters’ personalities.
Basically, I liked almost everything about it. Unfortunately, the one thing I didn’t enjoy was a biggie. Through virtually the entire book, my mind kept wandering elsewhere, which, honestly, I can’t explain. It would be easy to say boredom, although unnecessarily cruel, but I liked everything that was going on in the book, so I’m quite confused about it.
I have book two, The Lost Future of Pepperharrow, and I will definitely try it at some point.
I devoured the cover in my local bookshop. It is magical But I read mostly on a kindle. I have to say that although I LOVE my kindle with a passion this book lends itself to hardcover/paperback with its beauty.
This novel is a lot of things- its Historical fictions, it is steampunk/alternative history, Sherlockian?, supernatural, Its a mystery with a little bit of romance.The reviews of this novel are split right down the middle, either as a reader you loved it or it didn't sit with you. I agree that the plot is very rambling, it didn't follow a traditional narrative pattern. I also have to add I love Japan, Historical fiction ( here victorian) and plots with an element of magical realism, so this was Katrins catnip. I devoured it over a night and rose early to finish it.I think this is a gem of a novel. I loved that it defined genres and blurred the lines.
I couldn't tell where it was going but was immensely interested in the cast of characters. It was wonderful to have a strong female grumpy scientist, a home office pianist caught up in a mystery with his newly developing friendship with a Japanese samurai watchmaker.
The ending wasent 100 % clear and it was disappointing that. The writing was fast and sharp and it hurtled towards its conclusion like a steam train causing chaos and smoke in its wake. I had to go back to read passages as it wasent very clear.
I have to also discuss the romance. I am an out and proud romance reader. This includes all genres. I love it. The "romance" element here is very very subtle. It is a lot of reading between the lines and gestures. I thought for a large portion it was about loneliness and straightforward friendship ( which was fine, Very Sherlock with hints thrown in) but it did come to a little "head".it didn't manifest largely in the characters actions for the remainder of the novel. They continued in as before. This surprised me.
The last few lines offered a conclusion of sorts.but it felt like there was a hint of something happening just out of the frame of the camera. It will be interesting to see how the characters go forward in Natasha Pulley's second novel.
To think this is NP first work, her debut novel is outstanding. I've read good things about her next novel, not particularly set in this "world" and by the writing alone will look forward to reading it also.
4 stars.
This novel is a lot of things- its Historical fictions, it is steampunk/alternative history, Sherlockian?, supernatural, Its a mystery with a little bit of romance.The reviews of this novel are split right down the middle, either as a reader you loved it or it didn't sit with you. I agree that the plot is very rambling, it didn't follow a traditional narrative pattern. I also have to add I love Japan, Historical fiction ( here victorian) and plots with an element of magical realism, so this was Katrins catnip. I devoured it over a night and rose early to finish it.I think this is a gem of a novel. I loved that it defined genres and blurred the lines.
I couldn't tell where it was going but was immensely interested in the cast of characters. It was wonderful to have a strong female grumpy scientist, a home office pianist caught up in a mystery with his newly developing friendship with a Japanese samurai watchmaker.
The ending wasent 100 % clear and it was disappointing that
Spoiler
Grace became a female character prone to sabotageI have to also discuss the romance. I am an out and proud romance reader. This includes all genres. I love it. The "romance" element here is very very subtle. It is a lot of reading between the lines and gestures. I thought for a large portion it was about loneliness and straightforward friendship ( which was fine, Very Sherlock with hints thrown in) but it did come to a little "head".
Spoiler
There was a kiss. Although the kiss was unexpectedThe last few lines offered a conclusion of sorts.
Spoiler
Nathaniel and Mori with a daughter/Orphan family unitTo think this is NP first work, her debut novel is outstanding. I've read good things about her next novel, not particularly set in this "world" and by the writing alone will look forward to reading it also.
4 stars.
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
mysterious
medium-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
Read this baby in the car on the way up for vacation and I had to say I loved it. The steaming gay tragedy that is Thaniel makes it worth the read alone, but add in the wonderful snappy dialogue and just the hint if omnipotence provided by Mori's abilities makes it a gripping and comforting read.
Some of the opinions voiced by the characters make me cringe a little-- mostly in relation to womens rights and the Irish resistance-- but overall it was charming, enthralling, and satisfying.
Some of the opinions voiced by the characters make me cringe a little-- mostly in relation to womens rights and the Irish resistance-- but overall it was charming, enthralling, and satisfying.
In one word: whimsical. There's a special talent for writing a book in which you don't always understand everything but understand just enough. A part of me wishes I could better picture a lot of the clockwork creations described. That being said, I can picture the octopus clearly enough to know that I want one.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-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
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
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