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A review by percys_panda_pillow_pet
The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
*slaps cover of book* Finally! A historically accurate depiction of pirates and privateers that also isn't boring! This makes me so happy as someone with not only a moderate interest in pirate history but also someone who wants to write their own pirate-themed novel one day. (If you're curious, I already have quite a bit planned and written out, but that isn't relevant to this review haha).
In all seriousness, though, I was very glad to see such dedication within a book to make things historically accurate, including language, but also be such a fun book to read with both interesting characters and plotlines. I especially enjoyed the characters as they were all so carefully constructed and developed. I enjoyed the balance of the main character Monty's own issues, with his privilege as a white male aristocrat. It never felt overly self-flagellating in any direction, and he genuinely grew as a character as their journey went on.
I also really liked the balance of humor and seriousness. There were plenty of serious situations our group of characters found themselves in, however, there was also a lightheartedness that gave their adventure a sense of wonder. It felt true to how life can really be sometimes. I think my favorite bit of humor was when Monty accidentally flashed a great deal of upper society. I laughed so hard, I almost cried.
I have high hopes for the sequel, The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy, and hope Mackenzi Lee continues what great work she's done in The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue.
In all seriousness, though, I was very glad to see such dedication within a book to make things historically accurate, including language, but also be such a fun book to read with both interesting characters and plotlines. I especially enjoyed the characters as they were all so carefully constructed and developed. I enjoyed the balance of the main character Monty's own issues, with his privilege as a white male aristocrat. It never felt overly self-flagellating in any direction, and he genuinely grew as a character as their journey went on.
I also really liked the balance of humor and seriousness. There were plenty of serious situations our group of characters found themselves in, however, there was also a lightheartedness that gave their adventure a sense of wonder. It felt true to how life can really be sometimes. I think my favorite bit of humor was when Monty accidentally flashed a great deal of upper society. I laughed so hard, I almost cried.
I have high hopes for the sequel, The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy, and hope Mackenzi Lee continues what great work she's done in The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Alcohol, Chronic illness, Racism, Misogyny, and Sexism
Moderate: Child abuse and Physical abuse