alyssarosefaulkner's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed the story of this book but some of the character portrayals lacked backstory.
shanie_kae's review against another edition
3.0
The ending could have been developed better
I gave this book 3 stars because of how the main plot was woven into the story. I’d say the main plot of the story was about discovering Gerald Grey’s murderer and restoring the honour of his name. But then they went to Prussia and that plot just dropped off, only returning abruptly quite near the end of the book. I also wish the writer had shown us Percy’s escape. That would have been an exciting scene to read. All in all, I think it was a good book. We saw new depths to Lord John, which makes me love the character even more.
I gave this book 3 stars because of how the main plot was woven into the story. I’d say the main plot of the story was about discovering Gerald Grey’s murderer and restoring the honour of his name. But then they went to Prussia and that plot just dropped off, only returning abruptly quite near the end of the book. I also wish the writer had shown us Percy’s escape. That would have been an exciting scene to read. All in all, I think it was a good book. We saw new depths to Lord John, which makes me love the character even more.
freelunch's review against another edition
5.0
Lord John Grey rides again
Not sure why I put this off for so long. Diana Gabaldon's John Grey books are great reads in their own right.
This second full-length novel delves into Grey's family history and a matter of lost honour that needs to be righted. I've no idea how historically authentic it is but it feels right. And a couple of guest spots from James Fraser don't hurt matters.
Not sure why I put this off for so long. Diana Gabaldon's John Grey books are great reads in their own right.
This second full-length novel delves into Grey's family history and a matter of lost honour that needs to be righted. I've no idea how historically authentic it is but it feels right. And a couple of guest spots from James Fraser don't hurt matters.
mad_eleine_c's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
allie89's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Homophobia, and War
Moderate: Death of parent and Confinement
Minor: Sexual assault, Animal cruelty, Suicide, and Adult/minor relationship
mrsjulietfox's review against another edition
5.0
This is my favorite so far of the Lord John books. A lot of background information that is present in some of the later Outlander books is revealed, the various plotlines were compelling, and Lord John is really fleshed out as a character. I got a little cross-eyed during some of the battle scenes (I'm not into military history at all), but I loved the description of life in England. I was so happy to read the dialogues with Jamie Fraser, although I have a hard time picturing him in the same way as I do when I read the Outlander books - I forget how hard his life was during this time! The best little detail in the books, though, was the little side story about Gustav the dachshund. I know the author has dachshunds, and I could easily picture Gustav from his actions.
amydavid's review against another edition
4.0
My favorite of the Lord John novels, with some legitimate suspense and character stakes.
ancequay's review against another edition
3.0
I binge read the entire Lord John series in a few days of vacation (thank you grandparents for taking care of the little boy!), so they all kind of blend together. They were pretty well-written, per usual with Ms. Gabaldon, but I got the sense occasionally that she’d done a little too much immersive research in the time period and was out of touch with what a typical reader might know. (Kind of reminded me of Georgette Heyer’s books getting mired in period slang.)
Additionally according to her website these books are stand alone and can be read in any order, but they definitely refer to prior events and are much better enjoyed in order.
I wouldn't have read these if I wasn't already attached to the characters thanks to Outlander, and I don't think crime/mystery is going to become my genre of choice any time soon.
Additionally according to her website these books are stand alone and can be read in any order, but they definitely refer to prior events and are much better enjoyed in order.
I wouldn't have read these if I wasn't already attached to the characters thanks to Outlander, and I don't think crime/mystery is going to become my genre of choice any time soon.
mommadragon1521's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0