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cj13's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Violence, Racism, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Transphobia
fenemiestolovers's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed this book! It was a fun trip to the past from an underrepresented point of view. I was surprised at the diversity of the characters and I loved the relationships between all of them. It took a little bit of time to really get into it but around halfway through I really got invested in the mystery and the characters! Great read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, Murder, Death, Slavery, and Gun violence
Minor: Grief, Transphobia, Blood, and Death of parent
midnightgremlin's review
adventurous
funny
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? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Racism
Moderate: War, Grief, and Violence
Minor: Transphobia
karcitis's review
adventurous
mysterious
slow-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? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Blood, Racism, and Violence
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Xenophobia, Confinement, Death, Gun violence, Slavery, and Grief
Minor: Death of parent, Alcoholism, and Alcohol
pvbobrien's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Fire/Fire injury, Murder, Racism, and Violence
Minor: Antisemitism and War
adancewithbooks's review
mysterious
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
4.0
As you might have caught in at the start of the year, I loved The Conductors, the first Murder and Magic book. I didn't love The Undertakers as much but it was still a good sequel.
The Undertakers takes place a few months after the events of The Conductors. They have started their undertaking business from Oliver's old place who still sometimes helps them. Unfortunately they aren't getting that much business. But murder always find its way to their doorstep.
The mystery itself didn't feel quite as interesting until all the puzzle pieces dropped and it seems to hold a connection to their and Jay's background (Jay and Cora being the two who took Hetty in after she escaped as a slave). But as always the intricate weaves between Hetty and all the characters around her always hook me in. Hetty (nor Benji) are very tactical and sometimes that does stand between them and others when a situation arrises.
As most as I enjoyed reading this book I felt that the few chapters we got of the past (with one of the new characters in this book) were messy. Unlike in the first book it did not feel like we were following a story of their past but snippets of scenes. It didn't feel quite right.
The Undertakers takes place a few months after the events of The Conductors. They have started their undertaking business from Oliver's old place who still sometimes helps them. Unfortunately they aren't getting that much business. But murder always find its way to their doorstep.
The mystery itself didn't feel quite as interesting until all the puzzle pieces dropped and it seems to hold a connection to their and Jay's background (Jay and Cora being the two who took Hetty in after she escaped as a slave). But as always the intricate weaves between Hetty and all the characters around her always hook me in. Hetty (nor Benji) are very tactical and sometimes that does stand between them and others when a situation arrises.
As most as I enjoyed reading this book I felt that the few chapters we got of the past (with one of the new characters in this book) were messy. Unlike in the first book it did not feel like we were following a story of their past but snippets of scenes. It didn't feel quite right.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder and Racism
allisonwonderlandreads's review
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Found family continues to be the backbone of this Reconstruction-era historical fantasy series. It's a living history with both sweeping narratives and clever details to show the scope of the period. It just happens to include the extra feature of celestial magic with side helpings of poisons and enchantments. I was amused by the addition of baseball on broomsticks to the ambiance in this one. It's also a mystery with a cipher, many interconnected personal histories, stolen magical objects, and murders most foul.
One thing I appreciate about this book is the representation. In addition to a mostly Black cast, the series also shines a light on many queer identities, boasting a
trans man, two men in a long-term, committed relationship, and the glimmerings of a sapphic romance on the horizon. Another strength is our bold protagonist, Hetty. She knows her strengths and isn't afraid to take action. She's also fiercely loyal and stubborn, qualities both cherished and cursed by her friends. I also appreciated seeing the growing pains in the group in this book. Hetty struggles with feeling distanced from her loved ones and insecure about being left out of secrets and confidences.
There were some other aspects of the book I cared for less. It felt more like a reverberation of aftershocks from the first book at some points than an event of its own. There was also a lack of romantic tension now that the questions from the first book have been resolved, and that was a big part of the draw for me. Finally, I appreciate the complex mess of clues in our murder mystery for keeping things from getting too obvious, but they were a bit convoluted and hard to follow at times. I think it diminished any sense of urgency and stole the thunder from its own big reveal.
You're a fan of historical fantasy that has a critical eye and a great cast of characters, you'll find this series worth your while.
One thing I appreciate about this book is the representation. In addition to a mostly Black cast, the series also shines a light on many queer identities, boasting a
trans man, two men in a long-term, committed relationship, and the glimmerings of a sapphic romance on the horizon. Another strength is our bold protagonist, Hetty. She knows her strengths and isn't afraid to take action. She's also fiercely loyal and stubborn, qualities both cherished and cursed by her friends. I also appreciated seeing the growing pains in the group in this book. Hetty struggles with feeling distanced from her loved ones and insecure about being left out of secrets and confidences.
There were some other aspects of the book I cared for less. It felt more like a reverberation of aftershocks from the first book at some points than an event of its own. There was also a lack of romantic tension now that the questions from the first book have been resolved, and that was a big part of the draw for me. Finally, I appreciate the complex mess of clues in our murder mystery for keeping things from getting too obvious, but they were a bit convoluted and hard to follow at times. I think it diminished any sense of urgency and stole the thunder from its own big reveal.
You're a fan of historical fantasy that has a critical eye and a great cast of characters, you'll find this series worth your while.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Murder, Racism, and Slavery
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Transphobia, War, and Xenophobia
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