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A review by sbbarnes
Subtle Blood by KJ Charles
adventurous
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.75
I read these books in the manner they were clearly intended to be read: with a glass or two of red wine, a few pieces of dark chocolate, both cats on my lap and nothing else to do for the rest of the day. I recommend doing precisely the same.
The Will Darling Adventures, which I'll be reviewing in summary, follow Will Darling, war veteran turned bookstore owner with a penchant for intrigue and Kim Secretan, disgraced son of nobility and secret agent of some sort. They hold several of Charles's best writing qualities: characters with enough flaws to remain sympathetic but to have something substantive to conflict over with each other and themselves in a way I found compelling to read. Kim is secretive, dishonest when it suits him, and desperately committed to keeping himself unhappy. Will is stubborn and combative and, once his layers have been pulled back, not quite ready to face the trauma of the war and what it brought out in him full on.
Again I found the supporting cast wonderfully compelling; villains villainous enough to loathe and excellent friends. I would read a book about Phoebe and Maisie's adventures in the world of fashion. I also deeply appreciate Charles's commitment to maintaining an intersectional cast of characters. I also really appreciate how Charles navigates the sexual dynamics of her main couples, in this case the care with which they treat each other and the commitment not only to consent but to enthusiastic consent despite the murky waters of some of their encounters. Also, I adore the way Will exudes this energy of "dangerous bruiser" to enemies but women and minorities in the story continually clock him as a safe person, it's very good showing-not-telling.
If I have a criticism it's that I could see a few twists coming a ways off, especially in books one and two; I wouldn't necessarily call that a flaw though. Rather I would say it's a sign that Charles is good at setup and payoff and an astute reader will be rewarded for paying attention.
The Will Darling Adventures, which I'll be reviewing in summary, follow Will Darling, war veteran turned bookstore owner with a penchant for intrigue and Kim Secretan, disgraced son of nobility and secret agent of some sort. They hold several of Charles's best writing qualities: characters with enough flaws to remain sympathetic but to have something substantive to conflict over with each other and themselves in a way I found compelling to read. Kim is secretive, dishonest when it suits him, and desperately committed to keeping himself unhappy. Will is stubborn and combative and, once his layers have been pulled back, not quite ready to face the trauma of the war and what it brought out in him full on.
Again I found the supporting cast wonderfully compelling; villains villainous enough to loathe and excellent friends. I would read a book about Phoebe and Maisie's adventures in the world of fashion. I also deeply appreciate Charles's commitment to maintaining an intersectional cast of characters. I also really appreciate how Charles navigates the sexual dynamics of her main couples, in this case the care with which they treat each other and the commitment not only to consent but to enthusiastic consent despite the murky waters of some of their encounters. Also, I adore the way Will exudes this energy of "dangerous bruiser" to enemies but women and minorities in the story continually clock him as a safe person, it's very good showing-not-telling.
If I have a criticism it's that I could see a few twists coming a ways off, especially in books one and two; I wouldn't necessarily call that a flaw though. Rather I would say it's a sign that Charles is good at setup and payoff and an astute reader will be rewarded for paying attention.