A review by lisa_m
The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

3.0

I loved the first half, was a bit bored in the middle and the ending was fine.
The premise was interesting and I liked the characters. The whole flipped-patriarchy thing was interesting at first but wasn't explained and justified enough for my liking. (Especially because of the time it seems to be set in.) You definitely need your suspension of disbelieve for this books but I think it can be a fun time if you manage to do that. It was a great simple summer book but no literary masterpiece.
The best thing for me personally was the relationship between Cecilia and Ned. I really liked their dynamic of being soo into each other but also trying to kill the other. But the smut scene was weird and I didn't like it. This was one of those books I didn't think would have a smut scene and it just doesn't work in the context imo. It seemed like a huge switch in character and I hate the whole "trying to stay modest" bit that Cecilia did. The backstory was interesting but I wish we got a bit more. Morvath was a villainous patriarchal villain to the point of actually being a caricature that seems almost non threatening even though he is constantly described as being dangerous. His motives are basically just "my mum doesn't love me so now I hate all women"!?
The society was basically all powerful and everything always went in their favour. They are always in control. Even when the battle broke out and the readers are supposed to be scared for them (like Cecilia is) everyone gets out fine. Or gets hurt really badly but someone still can pretend to be fine and it isn't brought up for the rest of the book. There are no stakes because you know that the main characters are going to be fine anyways. Also I wish they were a bit more in favour of murder. For supposed pirates they were quite harmless. The whole "being really proper but also badass" was interesting for sure but I just wish that at least when we get a book about "villains"(I use that term very lightly for obvious reasons) they would be able to actually defend themselves against the bad guys - and by that I don't only mean kick them and maybe sometimes stab someone in the arm..
But for what it was I think it was interesting. I have to say that Cecilias happy ending definitely would be my perfect happy ending as well (20,000 books!!) so I get it and I'm happy for her! I'm not sure if I will read any of the following books in the series though.
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