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A review by humphreads
Nettleblack by Nat Reeve
5.0
Welcome to your new fave witchy, sapphic book. This is Nettleblack- a chunky read that I gave a massive five stars.
It’s 1893 and Henrietta has been told she’s to marry a rich and very beige male. Her sister - in charge since the death of her parents - has arranged this marriage for a status boost, but Henrietta is not happy. So much so, this evening she’s running away.
This is where the book opens; a fleeing girl running for freedom. Without any major spoilers, a name name is taken on of Henry, paired with a new role working in a division, and a new appearance due to two thieves lopping off her hair.
This new image and independence means that Henry can explore herself, leading for a fucking beautiful book. Additionally, the role of the division - stopping crime - gives this mysterious adventure element. Without sounding mental, if you’ve seen the film Puss In Boots (which I would argue is on par with Shrek 2), the book feels very hunting Jack and Jill, sisters are doing it for themselves, Nancy Drew *voice tails off*.
I’m just repeating words now, but trust me. The tiny font requires effort and as do the many many pages, but the Nettleblack world is really bloody special. Queer rep is always so nice to see in books, and a female focus is always lacking. Seeing this, with a witchy feel, about action instead of heartbreak? My HEART.
If you can’t tell, I fucking loved this book.
It’s 1893 and Henrietta has been told she’s to marry a rich and very beige male. Her sister - in charge since the death of her parents - has arranged this marriage for a status boost, but Henrietta is not happy. So much so, this evening she’s running away.
This is where the book opens; a fleeing girl running for freedom. Without any major spoilers, a name name is taken on of Henry, paired with a new role working in a division, and a new appearance due to two thieves lopping off her hair.
This new image and independence means that Henry can explore herself, leading for a fucking beautiful book. Additionally, the role of the division - stopping crime - gives this mysterious adventure element. Without sounding mental, if you’ve seen the film Puss In Boots (which I would argue is on par with Shrek 2), the book feels very hunting Jack and Jill, sisters are doing it for themselves, Nancy Drew *voice tails off*.
I’m just repeating words now, but trust me. The tiny font requires effort and as do the many many pages, but the Nettleblack world is really bloody special. Queer rep is always so nice to see in books, and a female focus is always lacking. Seeing this, with a witchy feel, about action instead of heartbreak? My HEART.
If you can’t tell, I fucking loved this book.