jaxgirl007's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
I choose one word to start my review. And for 'The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels' I pick: whimsical.
Merriam-Webster defines 'whimsical' as: resulting from or characterized by whim or caprice
especially : lightly fanciful
This was very fun. Take a frothy romance, a teaspoon of magic, thieving (and murderous) pirates and add a huge dose of wry humor...and voilà! You have the wonderfully wild ride that is The Wisteria Society and all of its 'lady' scoundrels.
I loved the characters. I liked the non-traditional story line. It all sucked me right in. I'll admit it threw me off at the start and the first 30 pages, I was unsure and nearly DNF'd (this was due back unexpectedly at the library). But I'm hugely glad that I continued on and got to the end. It went by very quickly (until the last 50-ish pages which is why only the 4 stars) and I will definitely be putting all of the others in the series on my TBR.
It will probably not be everyone's cup of (probably poisoned) tea. But if you can keep an open mind to the quirky writing and bonkers storyline, it will be a winner.
Merriam-Webster defines 'whimsical' as: resulting from or characterized by whim or caprice
especially : lightly fanciful
This was very fun. Take a frothy romance, a teaspoon of magic, thieving (and murderous) pirates and add a huge dose of wry humor...and voilà! You have the wonderfully wild ride that is The Wisteria Society and all of its 'lady' scoundrels.
I loved the characters. I liked the non-traditional story line. It all sucked me right in. I'll admit it threw me off at the start and the first 30 pages, I was unsure and nearly DNF'd (this was due back unexpectedly at the library). But I'm hugely glad that I continued on and got to the end. It went by very quickly (until the last 50-ish pages which is why only the 4 stars) and I will definitely be putting all of the others in the series on my TBR.
It will probably not be everyone's cup of (probably poisoned) tea. But if you can keep an open mind to the quirky writing and bonkers storyline, it will be a winner.
barnes_leah's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
fast-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
5.0
victoriatracy's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
loonarune's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
readwritemads's review against another edition
5.0
Singularly genius... I've never read anything like this, and yet it is exactly up my street. What a rollicking good time! My sincerest compliments to Ms. Holton and I'm absolutely foaming at the mouth in anticipation of book #2.
mcquaden's review against another edition
3.0
First of all, I want to note that I did really like this book, but a couple of things kept me from really loving it.
First of all, I didn't like the magic aspect of this book, as it wasn't really explained or explored. It existed to just be a convenient way for the houses to fly without adding anything else to the story. I would have much rathered a scientific reason behind the houses flight.
I got annoyed with the other ladies of the society always worrying over the girl's health for stupid reasons. For example: they worried that the girls would die of consumption if they walked more than 100 yards at a time. I believe that it was supposed to be satirical, but it happened so often that it got on my nerves.
Also I think that the romance between Cecelia and Ned went too fast. I'm getting tired of the whole "the moment I saw her, I thought he/she was the most beautiful creature I've ever seen." I think it would have been more interesting for them to be respectful rivals (I mean he was supposed to kill her in the beginning), then begrudged allies, then friends, and then lovers. Adds more to the story then "damn they hot let's hop on the train to bang t0wn."
That being said, there was still a lot of the book that I really enjoyed. The satirical aspect of the women being ladies but also pirates was pretty hilarious. One of my favorite quotes is "that's enough history for now, come and learn how to kill a man with a teaspoon." Like it's just bonkers in the best way. The houses flying was a really cool addition, and the fact that the ladies are constantly trying to assassinate each other is pretty hilarious. They're an eclectic, ragtag group but they know who and what they are and they lean into it.
First of all, I didn't like the magic aspect of this book, as it wasn't really explained or explored. It existed to just be a convenient way for the houses to fly without adding anything else to the story. I would have much rathered a scientific reason behind the houses flight.
I got annoyed with the other ladies of the society always worrying over the girl's health for stupid reasons. For example: they worried that the girls would die of consumption if they walked more than 100 yards at a time. I believe that it was supposed to be satirical, but it happened so often that it got on my nerves.
Also I think that the romance between Cecelia and Ned went too fast. I'm getting tired of the whole "the moment I saw her, I thought he/she was the most beautiful creature I've ever seen." I think it would have been more interesting for them to be respectful rivals (I mean he was supposed to kill her in the beginning), then begrudged allies, then friends, and then lovers. Adds more to the story then "damn they hot let's hop on the train to bang t0wn."
That being said, there was still a lot of the book that I really enjoyed. The satirical aspect of the women being ladies but also pirates was pretty hilarious. One of my favorite quotes is "that's enough history for now, come and learn how to kill a man with a teaspoon." Like it's just bonkers in the best way. The houses flying was a really cool addition, and the fact that the ladies are constantly trying to assassinate each other is pretty hilarious. They're an eclectic, ragtag group but they know who and what they are and they lean into it.
eleanor029's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0