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A review by hobbithopeful
The League of Gentlewomen Witches by India Holton
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Charming, witty, romantic, the only ingredient missing from the second book in the Dangerous Damsels series is diversity.
I enjoyed seeing more of the world, and seeing the differences (and similarities) in how witches and pirates interact and steal valuable items. I didn't go a single chapter without chuckling to myself, this is one of those books that brightens your day, and leaves you in a better mood than when you started.
Charlotte is so different from Cecilia, and I liked seeing a more bristly character as the FL. Her and Alex had such fantastic chemistry, and I loved their denial of them being together even while they are holding hands!
I'm glad we got to see so many returning characters (Lady Armitage always has me in stitches!) that had roles in the first book, and it is always so refreshing to see healthy and refreshing female friendships. Girl power is one of the first themes that comes to mind whenever I read any of Holton's books. I loved how the men were aware of their inadequacies and were willing and ready to take a back seat to let their ladies take charge. A memorable quote from Alex comes to mind: “Does anyone else get the feeling,” he said, “that in fact we’re their boys?” (I mean if that doesn't summarize the series nicely, I don't know what else does!)
My only real complaint is there is not a single crumb of diversity in this book. Not. One. Fun fact, BIPOC have existed since the dawn of time, and lived in England. (Shocker, I know!) I was so enthralled with the first book in the series I didn't really think about it, I figured we might see some diversity in the sequel. But this book is whiter than a corporate board room. It is..isolating in a way to read a book series where the beauty standard is pale and soft skin. Characters are constantly being told to stay out of the sun, and no one dares venture out into the sun without a parasol, for fear of their porcelain skin darkening.
All that being said, if you liked the The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels, you will thoroughly enjoy this one as well. A perfect book for lovers of cozy fantasy, and badass ladies. Less recommended if you like diverse reads.
I enjoyed seeing more of the world, and seeing the differences (and similarities) in how witches and pirates interact and steal valuable items. I didn't go a single chapter without chuckling to myself, this is one of those books that brightens your day, and leaves you in a better mood than when you started.
Charlotte is so different from Cecilia, and I liked seeing a more bristly character as the FL. Her and Alex had such fantastic chemistry, and I loved their denial of them being together even while they are holding hands!
I'm glad we got to see so many returning characters (Lady Armitage always has me in stitches!) that had roles in the first book, and it is always so refreshing to see healthy and refreshing female friendships. Girl power is one of the first themes that comes to mind whenever I read any of Holton's books. I loved how the men were aware of their inadequacies and were willing and ready to take a back seat to let their ladies take charge. A memorable quote from Alex comes to mind: “Does anyone else get the feeling,” he said, “that in fact we’re their boys?” (I mean if that doesn't summarize the series nicely, I don't know what else does!)
My only real complaint is there is not a single crumb of diversity in this book. Not. One. Fun fact, BIPOC have existed since the dawn of time, and lived in England. (Shocker, I know!) I was so enthralled with the first book in the series I didn't really think about it, I figured we might see some diversity in the sequel. But this book is whiter than a corporate board room. It is..isolating in a way to read a book series where the beauty standard is pale and soft skin. Characters are constantly being told to stay out of the sun, and no one dares venture out into the sun without a parasol, for fear of their porcelain skin darkening.
All that being said, if you liked the The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels, you will thoroughly enjoy this one as well. A perfect book for lovers of cozy fantasy, and badass ladies. Less recommended if you like diverse reads.
Content Warnings
Minor: Misogyny and Child abuse