A review by powerlibrarian
The Brass Queen by Elizabeth Chatsworth

5.0

From the very first page we’re transported to a whimsical, yet deadly steampunk Victorian England. Chatsworth’s writing style makes this novel stand out among the rest. Every single sentence is ripe with humour and wit, and there are countless literary references for every book lover to devour.

This is a true genre-blender, with an action plotline, a historical yet fantastical setting, and a thread of romance holding the whole story together.  While the plot is fast-paced and the characters are three-dimensional and intriguing, Chatsworth’s writing style is the major appeal of this book. She doesn't dumb things down for the reader, which is a delightful surprise and makes the laughs that much better.

The world that Chatsworth has created is so dynamic and engaging that it seemed to leap from the page like one of the villain’s exo-suits.  The book’s approach to scientific advancement was quite fascinating when it wasn’t downright hilarious. 

The romance between Miss Hartwhistle and Trusdale is quite the slow burn, and their interactions are adorable.  When they first meet, they despise each other, but it's clear even in the beginning of the novel that their relationship will not be quite so simple.  Miss Hartwhistle is an amusing protagonist, with her arrogance and determination in finding a husband so she can inherit her father’s estate. Trusdale almost feels like the voice of reason, though he’s not without his comical moments. There are three points of view throughout the novel: that of the hero and heroine, but we’re also occasionally treated to the perspective of the villain.  Prince Lucien is quite possibly the best-written villain I’ve read in a long time. He’s equally amusing and deadly.  He’s inefficient, yet merciless. Imperious, yet easily manipulated. The writing in these POV chapters is delightful and at times almost macabre. 

While this novel can be enjoyed well enough at the surface level, there's quite a bit of depth to it.  As the novel follows a single young woman in the Victorian era, there are feminist undertones to the story. These come in various shapes and sizes, from the fact that the heroine single-handedly runs an arms business to the misogynistic villain’s innermost thoughts. 
The Brass Queen is a hilarious read that’s full of literary wonders, from playful puns to witty wordplay. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a laugh along with their intrigue, romance, and invisible assassins.
*Thank you to NetGalley and CamCat Books for the ebook to review*
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