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angelo_vossen 's review for:
A Restless Truth
by Freya Marske
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
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:
Yes
„A Restless Truth“, the second book in Freya Marske’s enchanting „Last Binding“ trilogy, delivers a delicious blend of Edwardian intrigue, sapphic romance, and magical mystery — all aboard a transatlantic ship.
This installment shifts focus from „A Marvellous Light“’s protagonists to Maud Blyth, sister of Robin from the first book. Tasked with escorting a magical witness to England, Maud finds herself thrust into a locked-room mystery after a murder occurs onboard. What follows is a tightly paced whodunnit wrapped in elegant prose and brimming with wit and charm.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its vibrant cast of characters. Maud’s voice is sharp and endearing, and her growing relationship with the scandalous, theatrically bold Violet Debenham crackles with chemistry. Marske handles their romance with nuance, desire, and a refreshing level of honesty, all while keeping it grounded in a world of magic and deception.
The plot balances tension and playfulness masterfully. Marske’s command of tone is impressive — she pivots from flirtatious banter to moments of real emotional depth without missing a beat. The confined setting of the ship creates a delightful sense of urgency and intimacy, and the magical elements continue to build on the rich lore established in the first book.
If there’s a critique, it’s that the pacing occasionally falters in the middle, but the payoff is well worth it. The book sets the stage beautifully for the final volume while still offering a satisfying arc of its own.
Overall, „A Restless Truth“ is a captivating sequel that enhances the series’ themes of identity, freedom, and the transformative power of love. It’s clever, romantic, and unashamedly magical — perfect for fans of historical fantasy who like their mysteries with a little extra sparkle.
This installment shifts focus from „A Marvellous Light“’s protagonists to Maud Blyth, sister of Robin from the first book. Tasked with escorting a magical witness to England, Maud finds herself thrust into a locked-room mystery after a murder occurs onboard. What follows is a tightly paced whodunnit wrapped in elegant prose and brimming with wit and charm.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its vibrant cast of characters. Maud’s voice is sharp and endearing, and her growing relationship with the scandalous, theatrically bold Violet Debenham crackles with chemistry. Marske handles their romance with nuance, desire, and a refreshing level of honesty, all while keeping it grounded in a world of magic and deception.
The plot balances tension and playfulness masterfully. Marske’s command of tone is impressive — she pivots from flirtatious banter to moments of real emotional depth without missing a beat. The confined setting of the ship creates a delightful sense of urgency and intimacy, and the magical elements continue to build on the rich lore established in the first book.
If there’s a critique, it’s that the pacing occasionally falters in the middle, but the payoff is well worth it. The book sets the stage beautifully for the final volume while still offering a satisfying arc of its own.
Overall, „A Restless Truth“ is a captivating sequel that enhances the series’ themes of identity, freedom, and the transformative power of love. It’s clever, romantic, and unashamedly magical — perfect for fans of historical fantasy who like their mysteries with a little extra sparkle.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Murder, Classism
Moderate: Cursing, Sexism, Violence, Blood, Grief, Outing, Alcohol
Minor: Animal cruelty, Torture, Medical content, Kidnapping, Fire/Fire injury