A review by mrswhiteinthelibrary
Without a Summer by Mary Robinette Kowal

adventurous emotional funny inspiring lighthearted mysterious relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Mary Robinette Kowal shines in the third, and so far, strongest, entry in her delightful Glamourist Histories book. Where the second book jarred a bit with its departure from Austenian plots into more political territory, Without a Summer finds a great balance in returning to something a bit more Austen while expanding on the politics of the era. Weaving in the real world unrest at the industrial revolution with the conceits of magic in her world, Kowal creates a stellar narrative that is at once timeless and extremely timely at once. While Jane, Vincent, and Melody continue to play their roles admirably, all three leads have grown so much and expand so much throughout the narrative that you can't help but fall ever more in love with them. I particularly admire how Kowal effortlessly transformed Melody from an object of some scorn and derision to an admirable, strong character in her own right (which was only her due after her absence in the last book), while also expanding on Jane and Vincent as individuals and within their marriage . Austen--and those many authors who try to imitate her--ended her story on the marriage. It's so incredibly refreshing to see an author show one's story--and one's love story--doesn't end after the wedding bells ring. There's still much Jane and Vincent must learn about themselves and one another, whether it's their own prejudices or secrets or trauma, and no one shepherds us better into their inner lives and loves than Kowal. Brava!