A review by kawaiiculkin
The Eidola Project by Robert Herold

2.5

I have mixed opinions on this one. The plot started off fast paced and easy to fall into. I was apprehensive of the 19th century setting, in my books I usually prefer the mid 20th century and later but the carnival setting really reeled me in. 

There were definitely point of views that were more interesting and enjoyable than others. The parts I seemed to like the most were more the characters backstories. I enjoyed reading about Sarah’s life before she joined the Eidola Project. I have also been really interested in US history recently so reading about Nigel and the Civil War was cool, even though I didn’t like Nigel. Nigel’s flashback also had some fun scenes with intestines falling out of people and heads splitting open.

Didn’t love the sex scenes, don’t think they were really needed, plus the use of the word member, I will always associate with shitty fanfics. 

I also struggled with how to feel about Edgar. I would love to hear the thoughts of POC on how he was written about, especially those POC with history in the US as Edgar was born into slavery. There was quite a bit of racism, a lot of which will be chalked up to the time period. Nigel is a dick to Edgar because he ‘hates all darkies’ but predictably by the end has conceded that he MAY have been wrong. At one point the book describes Edgar’s hair as nappy, which I’ve only ever heard used by white people in an insulting manner. 

So as I said, I have mixed feelings. I’m giving it a 3 stars for now. 

I received a copy of The Eidola Project from the author for review purposes.