A review by yourbookishbff
A Restless Truth by Freya Marske

adventurous funny mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Middle books so often feel meandering in a trilogy, and Marske's decision to make this a confined, liminal story, existing entirely on a ship crossing the Atlantic, really worked for me. I loved the attention to detail on the ocean liner, which made this setting feel so vivid and unique. I loved the concept - murder mystery on an ocean liner with a cobbled together crew of vigilantes - and enjoyed the moments of true eccentricity (The actual menagerie?! The jewelry thief and circulating erotica?!). 

The romance is very realist cally built and ends in a way that feels authentic for these characters, who each need more time to determine their own futures and identity individually as well. I loved Violet's high-walled heart and Maude's steadiness and vulnerability. I think some readers will want a romance arc that feels more conplete and more familiar, as we had in book one, but I didn't mind this personally. 

The expanded magic system!! I loved exploring illusions, as well as American approaches to magic, and I LOVED cradle speak. Learning more about the Forsythia Club adds even more to the world-building and our understanding of the magic system, and I loved how much of the origin story we get in this installment. 

Marske's writing is, as always, stunning, and I loved the audio production and narration for this book. There were lines that stayed with me, even as I listened - a feeling of cold water poured between bones, a voice searching for a bruise to press, music that sounds as though someone had passed their hand across velvet, the wrong way and then the right way. I just love Marske's writing. 
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