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A review by ladytiara
A Golden Fury by Samantha Cohoe
4.0
I'm normally a voracious reader, but lately, I've been in a bit of a slump. Most of the books I've picked up lately just haven't grabbed me, and I've been in search of a book that will pull me in and break my slump. A Golden Fury was just the book I needed. I devoured it and my slump is over. A Golden Fury is a great read.
Thea Hope is a terrific character. She's a feisty young woman in an era when woman had few rights or prospects. She wants to be an alchemist like her mother, but when her mother comes close to making the Philosopher's Stone (the ultimate goal of alchemy), she shuts Thea out, and then goes mad and nearly kills Thea. Thea is forced to flee revolutionary France to Oxford where the father she's never met lives. But safety is elusive, and everyone in the alchemical world is after Thea because she has the knowledge to make the elusive Philosopher's Stone.
I found the story really engrossing. It falls into the historical fiction category, because it's set in a actual time and place, but there's a fantasy/magical element because of the alchemy. I think the real world historical setting worked well for the story. The late eighteenth century is a time of revolution and enlightenment, and the ancient art of alchemy is looked down upon by many as a fool's passion. But there are wealthy patrons willing to pay a lot of money for alchemists to do their bidding, even if the practice is considered suspect.The plot is fast-paced, and Thea is in near constant danger, from a mother who tries to kill, and then from many others who want her unique skills. She has to rely on her wits and her vast alchemical knowledge to survive, all while fighting against the restrictions society places on women. It's a compelling story, and I highly recommend it for anyone who likes historical fantasy and books with strong heroines.
I received a digital ARC from the publisher in return for a review. Thank you to Wednesday Books for the opportunity to be on the blog tour.
Thea Hope is a terrific character. She's a feisty young woman in an era when woman had few rights or prospects. She wants to be an alchemist like her mother, but when her mother comes close to making the Philosopher's Stone (the ultimate goal of alchemy), she shuts Thea out, and then goes mad and nearly kills Thea. Thea is forced to flee revolutionary France to Oxford where the father she's never met lives. But safety is elusive, and everyone in the alchemical world is after Thea because she has the knowledge to make the elusive Philosopher's Stone.
I found the story really engrossing. It falls into the historical fiction category, because it's set in a actual time and place, but there's a fantasy/magical element because of the alchemy. I think the real world historical setting worked well for the story. The late eighteenth century is a time of revolution and enlightenment, and the ancient art of alchemy is looked down upon by many as a fool's passion. But there are wealthy patrons willing to pay a lot of money for alchemists to do their bidding, even if the practice is considered suspect.The plot is fast-paced, and Thea is in near constant danger, from a mother who tries to kill, and then from many others who want her unique skills. She has to rely on her wits and her vast alchemical knowledge to survive, all while fighting against the restrictions society places on women. It's a compelling story, and I highly recommend it for anyone who likes historical fantasy and books with strong heroines.
I received a digital ARC from the publisher in return for a review. Thank you to Wednesday Books for the opportunity to be on the blog tour.