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A review by bookbruin
The Madness of Viscount Atherbourne by Elisa Braden
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I enjoyed this one overall, but I didn't feel that the revenge plot made the most sense in the story. Lucien's plan was such an indirect way of exacting his vengeance that it almost felt silly. The revenge trope in general can be tricky, but I usually enjoy the tension and angst it brings out. It also helps that the MC seeking revenge is unable to do anything but fall head over heels in love with the other MC ;)
The story flowed well and it kept me reading, but I did feel that the revenge plot lasted too long. Lucien was also a bit too territorial and possessive for me, but watching him fall in love (and be so confused by these intense feelings) was the best. The big twist/reveal was heartbreaking, but it didn't feel fully finished since the true "villain" seemed to just walk away. Perhaps this will be addressed in future books, but I'm not sure how that character will ever be redeemed. I also wish that Lucien and Victoria would have just talked to each other instead of relying on outside sources to meddle and reunite them at the end, but the epilogue left my heart happy. It also planted seeds for the next book and I'm excited to see Victoria's brother, Harrison, fall hard for bookish and shy Jane.
The narration by Mary Sara was really enjoyable and I thought she did a great job with all of the different voices.
Audiobook Review
Overall 3.5 stars
Performance 4 stars
Story 3 stars
OW/OM notes: The FMC is engaged to another man at the start of the novel, but cheats on him/is compromised by the MMC. No OW/OM after the two MC's become involved, but there are mentions of the MMC's previous mistress
The story flowed well and it kept me reading, but I did feel that the revenge plot lasted too long. Lucien was also a bit too territorial and possessive for me, but watching him fall in love (and be so confused by these intense feelings) was the best. The big twist/reveal was heartbreaking, but it didn't feel fully finished since the true "villain" seemed to just walk away. Perhaps this will be addressed in future books, but I'm not sure how that character will ever be redeemed. I also wish that Lucien and Victoria would have just talked to each other instead of relying on outside sources to meddle and reunite them at the end, but the epilogue left my heart happy. It also planted seeds for the next book and I'm excited to see Victoria's brother, Harrison, fall hard for bookish and shy Jane.
The narration by Mary Sara was really enjoyable and I thought she did a great job with all of the different voices.
Audiobook Review
Overall 3.5 stars
Performance 4 stars
Story 3 stars
OW/OM notes: The FMC is engaged to another man at the start of the novel, but cheats on him/is compromised by the MMC. No OW/OM after the two MC's become involved, but there are mentions of the MMC's previous mistress
Content Warnings
CW: death of parents (past), death of siblings (past, suicide and duel related), grief, war injury & PTSD, childhood riding accident resulting in fear of horses/riding, FMC has an alcoholic brother