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bean_there_done_that 's review for:
Magic and the Shinigami Detective
by Honor Raconteur
What really sold me on this book was one of the narrators, Henri Davenforth.
Being used to arrogant alpha-males and stoic and brooding male characters, I thought Davenforth was a refreshing character to read about. He values competence and never condescends Edwards because of her gender. And, he's a foodie! And thank god, he realistically does not have an eight-pack or a flawless body. Honestly, he's adorable.
As this novel has 2 POVs, Henri's and Jamie's, I was glad to see that it didn't bother me. There are actually only a few chapters which are in Jamie's POV, and as great of a character she is, I'm glad that that Henri was the main narrator. I think having Herni narrate adds a certain charm to the story.
Thankfully, Jamie Edwards isn't a Mary-Sue. Everyone does not immediately fall in love with her (rather, they're frightened of her) and she's not without flaws/weaknesses. In fact, in the current society she's in, she's deemed "strange" and her bold actions are even seen as scandalous. It was a delight to see Henri getting used to Jamie and also helping her adapt to society. Henri, a huge sweetheart, is a gentleman who holds doors and pays for her bills, but he doesn't do so because he's looking down on Jamie. He honestly thinks that he should be doing those things because he's a gentleman. (My favorite scene is when Jamie actually holds the door for him because his arms are otherwise occupied with carrying things, and Henri doesn't even blink. Meanwhile, everyone else is staring at them like they're insane.)
The secondary characters were pretty interesting to read about as well. Seaton's probably my favorite, because of how much of a drama queen he is, despite being one of the strongest mages in the country. I mean, look at this dork:
The growing relationship between Henri and Jamie is something I see myself totally invested in now. Raconteur is going to torture us with this slow burn! (And we're going to prostrate ourselves before her feet before her for it.)
From what I've seen of the world-building, there's a lot of potential. Hopefully, Raconteur will go into more detail in future novels. I'd like to see more inventions and even more of the newly introduced character at the end of the novel!
A really great, charming read with equally charming characters. I'm definitely going to be continuing the series.
(A special thanks to Ilona Andrews and their blog for this recommendation!)
Being used to arrogant alpha-males and stoic and brooding male characters, I thought Davenforth was a refreshing character to read about. He values competence and never condescends Edwards because of her gender. And, he's a foodie! And thank god, he realistically does not have an eight-pack or a flawless body. Honestly, he's adorable.
As this novel has 2 POVs, Henri's and Jamie's, I was glad to see that it didn't bother me. There are actually only a few chapters which are in Jamie's POV, and as great of a character she is, I'm glad that that Henri was the main narrator. I think having Herni narrate adds a certain charm to the story.
Thankfully, Jamie Edwards isn't a Mary-Sue. Everyone does not immediately fall in love with her (rather, they're frightened of her) and she's not without flaws/weaknesses. In fact, in the current society she's in, she's deemed "strange" and her bold actions are even seen as scandalous. It was a delight to see Henri getting used to Jamie and also helping her adapt to society. Henri, a huge sweetheart, is a gentleman who holds doors and pays for her bills, but he doesn't do so because he's looking down on Jamie. He honestly thinks that he should be doing those things because he's a gentleman. (My favorite scene is when Jamie actually holds the door for him because his arms are otherwise occupied with carrying things, and Henri doesn't even blink. Meanwhile, everyone else is staring at them like they're insane.)
The secondary characters were pretty interesting to read about as well. Seaton's probably my favorite, because of how much of a drama queen he is, despite being one of the strongest mages in the country. I mean, look at this dork:
I could hear Seaton mutter to himself as he moved, "Walk into one wall, just one, and they never let you forget it."
The growing relationship between Henri and Jamie is something I see myself totally invested in now. Raconteur is going to torture us with this slow burn! (And we're going to prostrate ourselves before her feet before her for it.)
From what I've seen of the world-building, there's a lot of potential. Hopefully, Raconteur will go into more detail in future novels. I'd like to see more inventions and even more of the newly introduced character at the end of the novel!
A really great, charming read with equally charming characters. I'm definitely going to be continuing the series.
(A special thanks to Ilona Andrews and their blog for this recommendation!)