Scan barcode
A review by podanotherjessi
The Magpie Lord by KJ Charles
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This book had one thing I really loved, one thing I really didn't like, and a lot of good in between.
First, the bad. This book has a really uncritical depiction of the relationship between England and China. I don't know enough about the history myself to critique this effectively, but it left a bad taste in my mouth throughout. There is a white man constantly explaining Chinese cultural elements. The book somehow hits both sides of the "exotic east" stereotype with it being both full of barbaric practices and also a haven for gay men and magic practitioners. I just really didn't care for this element, and I feel like the same story beat could have been pulled off with Crane exiled to, say, colonial America without the same icky feeling.
But the thing I really loved about this was the juxtaposition of horror and romance. This isn't the first time I've seen the two in the same book, but I've never seen it done quite so well. I found that Charles really effectively uses both to keep tensions high, and I loved it.
And for the rest, it's a good book! The characters aren't super deep, but they're interesting. I enjoyed the way they interacted. The magic was compelling, feeling useful and still with risks. The plot was sometimes predictable but mostly kept me on my toes. Would recommend!
A small note: I don't know that I would recommend the bonus story "Interlude with Tattoos" included in the ebook. I found it kind of ruined the Happy For Now ending for me. I'm not planning on continuing the series because I'm just not compelled enough by the overarching plot to keep going, and so I wish the ending had just stayed as it was.
First, the bad. This book has a really uncritical depiction of the relationship between England and China. I don't know enough about the history myself to critique this effectively, but it left a bad taste in my mouth throughout. There is a white man constantly explaining Chinese cultural elements. The book somehow hits both sides of the "exotic east" stereotype with it being both full of barbaric practices and also a haven for gay men and magic practitioners. I just really didn't care for this element, and I feel like the same story beat could have been pulled off with Crane exiled to, say, colonial America without the same icky feeling.
But the thing I really loved about this was the juxtaposition of horror and romance. This isn't the first time I've seen the two in the same book, but I've never seen it done quite so well. I found that Charles really effectively uses both to keep tensions high, and I loved it.
And for the rest, it's a good book! The characters aren't super deep, but they're interesting. I enjoyed the way they interacted. The magic was compelling, feeling useful and still with risks. The plot was sometimes predictable but mostly kept me on my toes. Would recommend!
A small note: I don't know that I would recommend the bonus story "Interlude with Tattoos" included in the ebook. I found it kind of ruined the Happy For Now ending for me. I'm not planning on continuing the series because I'm just not compelled enough by the overarching plot to keep going, and so I wish the ending had just stayed as it was.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Blood
Minor: Rape