3.78 AVERAGE

funny lighthearted
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
adventurous inspiring 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: Complicated

Adored this. Adored!

I found myself furtively checking the page numbers when I was about half way (as it turned out) through this book. It was with huge relief I found that I still had plenty of time to continue my immersion in this delightful, whimsical, beautifully written escape.

The characters are perfect, with all their flaws, and while i wished for a particular outcome i was very happy with where we ended up. Totally unpredictable which is a comment full of irony for this book, where the star knows what is going to happen - mostly.

This wonderful book gets my highest recommendation - imaginative, engaging and highly readable. Enjoy!!!
adventurous mysterious tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Read because I’ve had the sequel on my shelf for years after getting it with a mystery book box and only just realised it was a sequel. Slightly confused and my intense dislike for Grace (more specifically, the trope that intelligent female characters must automatically be selfish and against all other women and prefer the company of men) meant that it can’t be rated any higher. Liked the writing, and the dark academia/fantasy/historical vibes so might read the sequel, but in no rush.

4.25*
I loved the concept, the characters, the relationships, the historical facts interwoven through the tale. Am starting book 2 tonight.
adventurous mysterious reflective 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: No
emotional funny mysterious reflective sad slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes