emmascc's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent as per usual, love the inventiveness of the storyline in this one
wunder's review against another edition
5.0
More assured than Point of Hopes and a marvelously inventive scheme. I won't even tell you about it, because it is too much fun.
Sadly, Lisa Barnett died around the time this was published, but I'm delighted that Melissa Scott is writing another book set in Astreiant, "Point of Knives".
Sadly, Lisa Barnett died around the time this was published, but I'm delighted that Melissa Scott is writing another book set in Astreiant, "Point of Knives".
aishoka's review
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Dense and satisfying, a tremendously detailed world.
nixiie's review against another edition
5.0
I love these books. I think this one is my favorite so far though. I love the world and the mystery and the characters. My only point of discontent is the handling of the relationship. These characters are in love, they should be more affectionate in private at least. This seems to be a pretty common thread in gay fantasy, i wonder if it was just too shocking for two men to be lovers when these were published.
ejimenez's review against another edition
4.0
Upgraded from three to four stars - I enjoyed this more on re-read than I originally did. The mystery plot is fun and clever, and the dynamic between Rathe and Eslingen is wonderful. But the real star in this series is the worldbuilding. The reimagined Elizabethan era with gender equity and full acceptance of queer relationships is both well thought-out and satisfying to linger in. Very rewarding read.
alisonalisonalison's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars. So well done. This is a marvellous book in a marvellous fantasy mystery series and this is my favourite so far. The city of Astreiant and its residents continue to capture all my attention. There's so much depth and subtlety and complexity in this story and the characters continue to be totally compelling. The mystery is absolutely fascinating, as is the theatrical setting. It's a murder mystery story based around a big theatrical production. Also going on is a mad flower craze like the tulip mania that went on in 17th Century Holland, which complicates everything further. Impressive world-building, great writing, wonderful character development, political intrigues, bad magic, an engrossing mystery, and a lovely romantic subplot make for a extremely satisfying book. This is a big, rich, juicy story that takes its time and I enjoyed reading it so much. Definitely start at the beginning when reading this series (the first book is the wonderful [b:Point of Hopes|13569562|Point of Hopes (Astreiant, #1)|Melissa Scott|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1333176924s/13569562.jpg|2136966]), as everything will make more sense. Looking forward to the next one.
veethorn's review against another edition
4.0
What a delightful series this is. And it’s such a good blend of my favorite genres - mysteries, fantasy, and queer romance.
alba89's review against another edition
3.0
Love the world, the mystery is interesting but disappointed in the romance, which is a constant case of telling without showing. I like the two main characters but I don't get why the author keeps shying away from having them show any romantic or sexual expression toward each other. We keep being told they're in a relationship but they don't even touch each other or act romantically in any way. It's clear they have feelings toward each other but they don't express it AT ALL. It's incredibly frustrating.