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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
This was a cute little book. I think I probably enjoyed The Kingdoms better but this one had some of the same tropes which I enjoyed. Thaniel (oof that name) was interesting, and I really liked the way he described his synesthesia, I thought that was cool. I do think the way he dealt with Grace was...difficult, and not something I enjoyed.
And speaking of Grace...I disliked her very much. I get that being a woman at this time (late 1800's) who wanted to pursue STEM subjects was very difficult, and I do understand that. However, I think that we just didn't spend enough time with her (which, like, I'm totally fine with honestly) to really get her to click. She was spiteful to her parents which on one level is understandable (because they're terrible) but since we didn't really get to spend a lot of time with it just came off as petty and mean. Her relationship to Matsumoto was confusing--he gave off weird energy whenever they were together and seemed to belittle her constantly, and in not a fun, teasing way, but like a mean way. And by the time
Mori was probably my favorite character, there was something achingly sad about him that I enjoyed. And even after everything he did something nice for Grace, which she hardly deserved. Oh! Also, I think this book would probably benefit from a second reading--I get the feeling that, like Mori's gift of foresight, reading it knowing what will happen will give it a different flavor. I don't think I will, but it might be interesting to others.
And speaking of Grace...I disliked her very much. I get that being a woman at this time (late 1800's) who wanted to pursue STEM subjects was very difficult, and I do understand that. However, I think that we just didn't spend enough time with her (which, like, I'm totally fine with honestly) to really get her to click. She was spiteful to her parents which on one level is understandable (because they're terrible) but since we didn't really get to spend a lot of time with it just came off as petty and mean. Her relationship to Matsumoto was confusing--he gave off weird energy whenever they were together and seemed to belittle her constantly, and in not a fun, teasing way, but like a mean way. And by the time
Spoiler
Grace stole my precious Katsu and then BLEW HIM UP I was like nah, you suck lady. And I never quite understood why she did that in the first place...was she trying to prove something? That Mori was orchestrating this whole thing? She goes from trying to seduce Thaniel on their wedding night to being angry when she finds him with Mori (on their wedding night...oof Thaniel) to running around the city to save his future soul so that she doesn't turn him into a characterless husk of a person...I think...I dunno, I didn't like it. But fuck you for taking Katsu you monsterMori was probably my favorite character, there was something achingly sad about him that I enjoyed. And even after everything he did something nice for Grace, which she hardly deserved. Oh! Also, I think this book would probably benefit from a second reading--I get the feeling that, like Mori's gift of foresight, reading it knowing what will happen will give it a different flavor. I don't think I will, but it might be interesting to others.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Read this book at some point 6-10ish years ago and remembered liking it but forgot almost everything. So glad I re-read! A captivating story, magical world building, and wonderful historical setting. I read this book in summer but it would be amazing curled up with a pot of tea or cocoa while snow falls outside
I forgot this was a gay love story!!
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Every so often history and magic intertwine and I find that this produces the most intriguing of stories. This novel provides such a story. And though I wished I had been able to read it all through in a single sitting, the whole of it was nonetheless entrancing.
Thaniel is a clerk at the Home Office who finds a watch in his apartment one day. Six months later the watch sounds a small alarm and saves him from being trapped in a bomb that goes off in Scotland Yard. Attempting to figure out how the watch was able to warn him of the bomb, Thaniel seeks out the creator of the watch, Keita Mori. Originally from Japan, Mori speaks English with a northern accent and quickly integrates himself into Thaniel's life. Alongside a clockwork octopus that is a hundred years ahead of its time. The more Thaniel attempts to unravel and the more of Mori's history before leaving Japan, the more magic comes from his clockwork and predicting abilities. By calculating the future, Mori stealthily helps those around him as another bomb becomes apparent and the chemist Grace involves herself in Thaniel's life. I loved the history of Victorian London and the civil war in Japan intertwined with mystical futures. I found each character to be unique and engaging. I had less understanding toward Grace and her role in everything, she seemed a little rushed at times, though I liked her conclusion. I liked the growth between Thaniel and Mori of course, the unlikely friends to inseparable is a troupe that works for me. I also liked the intrigue and that even when predicted, not everything worked out the way one might think or want. It was just a good story that kept me wanting to read.
I will need to read this again, perhaps in a single sitting like I would have wanted. I want to fall for these characters again and really look at the mystery of it all. Above anything I want a clockwork octopus who steals socks, Katsu was adorable.
Thaniel is a clerk at the Home Office who finds a watch in his apartment one day. Six months later the watch sounds a small alarm and saves him from being trapped in a bomb that goes off in Scotland Yard. Attempting to figure out how the watch was able to warn him of the bomb, Thaniel seeks out the creator of the watch, Keita Mori. Originally from Japan, Mori speaks English with a northern accent and quickly integrates himself into Thaniel's life. Alongside a clockwork octopus that is a hundred years ahead of its time. The more Thaniel attempts to unravel and the more of Mori's history before leaving Japan, the more magic comes from his clockwork and predicting abilities. By calculating the future, Mori stealthily helps those around him as another bomb becomes apparent and the chemist Grace involves herself in Thaniel's life. I loved the history of Victorian London and the civil war in Japan intertwined with mystical futures. I found each character to be unique and engaging. I had less understanding toward Grace and her role in everything, she seemed a little rushed at times, though I liked her conclusion. I liked the growth between Thaniel and Mori of course, the unlikely friends to inseparable is a troupe that works for me. I also liked the intrigue and that even when predicted, not everything worked out the way one might think or want. It was just a good story that kept me wanting to read.
I will need to read this again, perhaps in a single sitting like I would have wanted. I want to fall for these characters again and really look at the mystery of it all. Above anything I want a clockwork octopus who steals socks, Katsu was adorable.
Not gonna lie, I spent most of this book wildly confused. There weren’t enough sign postings for me to read it as a love story, not enough action for it to be an adventure novel. It was just sort of a pleasant if odd and slightly intriguing walk through it’s time periods and characters that are so closed off that I couldn’t get a full sense of what I was meant to be feeling most of the time (though ultimately I think this works in tandem with the vagueness and confusion of Mori’s “remembering the future”- not sure if that was on purpose or not)
Grace’s plan is absolutely bonkers and probably not super necessary (especially given she doesn’t love Thaniel particularly, so love isn’t a motive), but even so I kind of love her. She sees Mori’s manipulativeness, dislike of her, and his potential to destroy her when and how he sees fit, and manages to do something thoroughly insane to fuck him back.
My final comment is just this: everyone seems worried about Thaniel turning “back” into a dull man, and I literally do not see his having ever been anything but. In the start of the book he’s a guy without particular goals or desires who isn’t interested in the day to day of his life- what changes is the day to do, no thanks to his own actions, and he’s basically the same person just not bored and slightly depressed. There’s nothing wrong with leading a basic life that you’re pleased with, but he’s not exactly one of the characters from Gone Girl.
I’m aware this seems like a negative review, and while I’m unlikely to reread it, I did genuinely enjoy the read.
Grace’s plan is absolutely bonkers and probably not super necessary (especially given she doesn’t love Thaniel particularly, so love isn’t a motive), but even so I kind of love her. She sees Mori’s manipulativeness, dislike of her, and his potential to destroy her when and how he sees fit, and manages to do something thoroughly insane to fuck him back.
My final comment is just this: everyone seems worried about Thaniel turning “back” into a dull man, and I literally do not see his having ever been anything but. In the start of the book he’s a guy without particular goals or desires who isn’t interested in the day to day of his life- what changes is the day to do, no thanks to his own actions, and he’s basically the same person just not bored and slightly depressed. There’s nothing wrong with leading a basic life that you’re pleased with, but he’s not exactly one of the characters from Gone Girl.
I’m aware this seems like a negative review, and while I’m unlikely to reread it, I did genuinely enjoy the read.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I'm gonna knock half a star off of this because the beginning was glacial but once things clicked I really enjoyed myself. Loved Keita especially but also Thaniel. Grace is... complicated, but I think pretty smartly written. I'm sure this would reward a reread
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
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