hrjones's review against another edition
4.0
It might be easy to understand why I enjoy reading Stephanie Burgis's combination of real 18-19th century history, romantic adventure, and touches of magic. She has an impressively solid familiarity with the history and manners of the era she draws from (which, if you check out the topics of her graduate education, is no surprise). The Congress of Vienna, sorting out the political consequences of Napoleon's defeat, is a natural setting for intrigues of all sorts.
Two people, neither of whom is the person they current portray, encounter each other in the build-up to the Congress for the first time since a violent separation when they were children. Michael, once apprenticed to a political pamphlet printer, has survived by learning the arts of the con man and has arrived as the disenfranchised Prince Kalishnikov, hoping to restore control of the realm Napoleon stole from him--or at least to convince someone to pay him off to go away. Karolina, the daughter of that printer, fell into the hands of the head of the Austrian secret police, who maintains his power by alchemical rituals that drain energy from his victims. Handed off to be the plaything of an English aristocrat, she turned her situation around and became the (now widowed) Countess of Wyndham. Her goal at the Congress is to free her father from the secret prison where he's been held for decades and, if possible, to avenge herself on those who held him there. Their accidental reunion in Vienna could spell disaster for both their plans--or each just might have found the only ally that could ensure success.
I enjoyed the casual details of the setting and historic personalities, as well as the solid back-story for the central political tensions. The rich diversity of early 19th century Vienna came alive on the page. And if I occasionally felt that certain bits of the historic background were being repeated more often than I needed, keep in mind that I'm on the far end of the scale of "just give me a hint and I'll be fine," as well as being a bit more grounded in the historic outlines than the typical reader.
The interpersonal interactions driving the plot worked very well for me for the first three-quarters of the book, including the completely expected growing romantic tension between the two protagonists. Very much in the genre of "I'm totally attracted to you but I can't trust anyone--and especially not you--so giving in to it would be a fatal mistake." The romantic tension was only slightly spoiled by a few too many (in my opinion, unnecessary) incidents of "I saw you smiling at so-and-so, which means you're actually going to bed with them, so my heart is broken, not that I'll admit that I cared."
But in the climax of the book, my suspension of disbelief slipped a little. Too many key players were too easily convinced, too quickly, to believe the protagonists' stories in the nick of time, and to pitch in at the risk of their own lives and careers, or to back down from opposing them far too readily. I had anticipated the fate of one key character from the very beginning--a fate that it was essential for the protagonists never to consider seriously. The strongest point in the climax was our heroine contributing actively and believably to her own rescue, rather than becoming a damsel.
Congress of Secrets is a fun romantic adventure, with a solid grounding in history and a reasonably satisfying conclusion. It is very loosely connected to Masks and Shadows, set in the previous generation, and there are a couple of Easter Egg references to characters from that book, but the two can be read entirely independently.
Two people, neither of whom is the person they current portray, encounter each other in the build-up to the Congress for the first time since a violent separation when they were children. Michael, once apprenticed to a political pamphlet printer, has survived by learning the arts of the con man and has arrived as the disenfranchised Prince Kalishnikov, hoping to restore control of the realm Napoleon stole from him--or at least to convince someone to pay him off to go away. Karolina, the daughter of that printer, fell into the hands of the head of the Austrian secret police, who maintains his power by alchemical rituals that drain energy from his victims. Handed off to be the plaything of an English aristocrat, she turned her situation around and became the (now widowed) Countess of Wyndham. Her goal at the Congress is to free her father from the secret prison where he's been held for decades and, if possible, to avenge herself on those who held him there. Their accidental reunion in Vienna could spell disaster for both their plans--or each just might have found the only ally that could ensure success.
I enjoyed the casual details of the setting and historic personalities, as well as the solid back-story for the central political tensions. The rich diversity of early 19th century Vienna came alive on the page. And if I occasionally felt that certain bits of the historic background were being repeated more often than I needed, keep in mind that I'm on the far end of the scale of "just give me a hint and I'll be fine," as well as being a bit more grounded in the historic outlines than the typical reader.
The interpersonal interactions driving the plot worked very well for me for the first three-quarters of the book, including the completely expected growing romantic tension between the two protagonists. Very much in the genre of "I'm totally attracted to you but I can't trust anyone--and especially not you--so giving in to it would be a fatal mistake." The romantic tension was only slightly spoiled by a few too many (in my opinion, unnecessary) incidents of "I saw you smiling at so-and-so, which means you're actually going to bed with them, so my heart is broken, not that I'll admit that I cared."
But in the climax of the book, my suspension of disbelief slipped a little. Too many key players were too easily convinced, too quickly, to believe the protagonists' stories in the nick of time, and to pitch in at the risk of their own lives and careers, or to back down from opposing them far too readily. I had anticipated the fate of one key character from the very beginning--a fate that it was essential for the protagonists never to consider seriously. The strongest point in the climax was our heroine contributing actively and believably to her own rescue, rather than becoming a damsel.
Congress of Secrets is a fun romantic adventure, with a solid grounding in history and a reasonably satisfying conclusion. It is very loosely connected to Masks and Shadows, set in the previous generation, and there are a couple of Easter Egg references to characters from that book, but the two can be read entirely independently.
gonturans's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this as a historical fantasy moreso than a capital-r Romance (two kisses, no sex, honestly they’re rightfully preoccupied with their own plots until they happen to converge, but it’s some good fucking angst-worthy backstory), with loads of politics maneuvering and a regency era setting that’s not France or England. LOVED that the hero and heroine are 38 and 35, respectfully. It added something deeper to their characters.
powder_and_page's review against another edition
3.0
3.5/5.0
Once I read the synopsis for Congress of Secrets a few months ago, I knew that I HAD to read it! Historical fantasy novels are quickly climbing up my list of favorite things to read and this one looked beautiful. , it didn’t just have the looks- this book had awesome content, from the setting to the characters, to the devious plots.
I thought Lady Caroline Wyndham was superb- she was beautiful, conniving, and clever. She managed to go from a printer’s daughter to a wealthy lady of English high society. Caroline had valiant intentions, though at times I wondered if she was somewhat too naïve or starry-eyed to think what could happen to a person in 24 years. It turns out she was a little naïve, or perhaps overly hopeful in the end. Michael (or should I say Prince Kalishnikoff) knew Caroline when they were children in Vienna, though they both went their separate ways rather abruptly after Caroline’s father was taken prisoner by the Austrian Secret Police for printing pamphlets decrying the state of the nation and the actions of the emperor. The two come together during the Congress and both are trying to maintain their facades and play a complicated and dangerous game.
It took me awhile to get really hooked on the plot, though from the very beginning it was clear that it was my kind of story. It’s really a story of con artists and impersonators with noble intentions- I love stories like this, so I can’t really say why I wasn’t on board from the get-go. The addition of alchemy as a thing of terror was underwhelming in my opinion, it almost detracted entirely from the quality of the book. It’s like it just wasn’t sinister or present enough to make a real impact. Sure, it was made to be a significant part of the plot, but it felt like a puzzle piece that worked, but wasn’t a perfect fit. Alchemy maybe could have been more properly introduced, or more present.
I did like this story quite a bit, though I didn’t love it. Overall, I was detached from the characters, which I thought could have benefitted from a more detailed background. If the story had run from the fateful day when Caroline’s father was taken in by the police to the conclusion I think the reader could and would be more empathetic towards both Michael and Caroline and the sinister Count Pergen would have actually been sinister rather than vaguely discomfiting. As a whole, it was a lovely piece of historical fantasy, with lots of actual historical figures that played significant roles in the Congress of Vienna (I googled them to see what they actually did). I’ve always thought books like this are a great way to get people- myself included- more interested in historical events and provide a spark that makes a person want to go out and learn more on their own!
Once I read the synopsis for Congress of Secrets a few months ago, I knew that I HAD to read it! Historical fantasy novels are quickly climbing up my list of favorite things to read and this one looked beautiful. , it didn’t just have the looks- this book had awesome content, from the setting to the characters, to the devious plots.
I thought Lady Caroline Wyndham was superb- she was beautiful, conniving, and clever. She managed to go from a printer’s daughter to a wealthy lady of English high society. Caroline had valiant intentions, though at times I wondered if she was somewhat too naïve or starry-eyed to think what could happen to a person in 24 years. It turns out she was a little naïve, or perhaps overly hopeful in the end. Michael (or should I say Prince Kalishnikoff) knew Caroline when they were children in Vienna, though they both went their separate ways rather abruptly after Caroline’s father was taken prisoner by the Austrian Secret Police for printing pamphlets decrying the state of the nation and the actions of the emperor. The two come together during the Congress and both are trying to maintain their facades and play a complicated and dangerous game.
It took me awhile to get really hooked on the plot, though from the very beginning it was clear that it was my kind of story. It’s really a story of con artists and impersonators with noble intentions- I love stories like this, so I can’t really say why I wasn’t on board from the get-go. The addition of alchemy as a thing of terror was underwhelming in my opinion, it almost detracted entirely from the quality of the book. It’s like it just wasn’t sinister or present enough to make a real impact. Sure, it was made to be a significant part of the plot, but it felt like a puzzle piece that worked, but wasn’t a perfect fit. Alchemy maybe could have been more properly introduced, or more present.
I did like this story quite a bit, though I didn’t love it. Overall, I was detached from the characters, which I thought could have benefitted from a more detailed background. If the story had run from the fateful day when Caroline’s father was taken in by the police to the conclusion I think the reader could and would be more empathetic towards both Michael and Caroline and the sinister Count Pergen would have actually been sinister rather than vaguely discomfiting. As a whole, it was a lovely piece of historical fantasy, with lots of actual historical figures that played significant roles in the Congress of Vienna (I googled them to see what they actually did). I’ve always thought books like this are a great way to get people- myself included- more interested in historical events and provide a spark that makes a person want to go out and learn more on their own!
jlynnelseauthor's review against another edition
4.0
At the 1814 Congress of Vienna, diplomats and aristocrats gather to reshape the boundaries of Europe after the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte. Lady Caroline Wyndham is a wealthy English widow in attendance, and with a secret agenda. She seeks her father’s freedom. Caroline was born Karolina and is the daughter of a Viennese printer who was arrested for publishing seditious pamphlets over 20 years ago. But there’s more to Karolina’s story. She was also arrested by the head of the secret police, Count Pergen, an alchemist who performed dark magical experiments on her for years until she was sold off into marriage.
When Karolina runs into a childhood friend, Michael Steinhuller, her plans begin to unravel. He apprenticed with Karolina’s father, and she blames Michael for abandoning them on the night they were arrested. Since that night, Michael has been on the run as a con artist. He’s in Vienna posing as a Russian noble attempting to earn reparations for losses caused by Napoleon’s army. He hopes to finally stop running and gain enough money to live comfortably. Yet when he runs into Karolina, his priorities change.
Nineteenth-century Vienna comes alive in this historical fantasy novel. The historical details are fantastic. Burgis develops interesting fictional characters who walk side by side with well-researched real-life people, including Emperor Francis II, Count Pergen, and the Prince de Ligne, to name a few. Burgis should edit movies because her book is expertly paced. My only minor complaint is that the last couple chapters of the finale felt a bit slow when compared to everything leading up to that point.
With a high level of tension and intrigue (which starts very early in the novel), this book is hard to put down. Quite enjoyable. I would definitely pick up another novel by Burgis.
Review posted via the Historical Novel Society at https://historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/congress-of-secrets/
When Karolina runs into a childhood friend, Michael Steinhuller, her plans begin to unravel. He apprenticed with Karolina’s father, and she blames Michael for abandoning them on the night they were arrested. Since that night, Michael has been on the run as a con artist. He’s in Vienna posing as a Russian noble attempting to earn reparations for losses caused by Napoleon’s army. He hopes to finally stop running and gain enough money to live comfortably. Yet when he runs into Karolina, his priorities change.
Nineteenth-century Vienna comes alive in this historical fantasy novel. The historical details are fantastic. Burgis develops interesting fictional characters who walk side by side with well-researched real-life people, including Emperor Francis II, Count Pergen, and the Prince de Ligne, to name a few. Burgis should edit movies because her book is expertly paced. My only minor complaint is that the last couple chapters of the finale felt a bit slow when compared to everything leading up to that point.
With a high level of tension and intrigue (which starts very early in the novel), this book is hard to put down. Quite enjoyable. I would definitely pick up another novel by Burgis.
Review posted via the Historical Novel Society at https://historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/congress-of-secrets/
katebird's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
biblioholicbeth's review against another edition
2.0
Overall, the story was decent, but could have used a little more…oomph. However, it’s not a bad book, and I’m certain that it will find its niche of readers. It’s not really a YA adult book due to the ages of the main characters, but as there is nothing here that most YA readers wouldn’t have read before, there is no reason why it wouldn’t appeal to many of them. It’s got a good basic story, and the historical pieces are fascinating.
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josie95's review against another edition
4.0
4-4.5 stars.
Finally finally finally bought this, and I am so confused as to why this book doesn't have more attention. There is an amazing historical setting (the Congress of Vienna of 1814!), fantastic characters that develop lovely and at just the right place, a romance that suits the story brilliantly and that I, for once, adored and rooted for, villains of nightmares, and alchemy (magic of a new sort to me, and I thought it was so inspired and unique).. I have no complaints.
While the first part of the book may be a bit slow-paced for some, I for one loved character introductions and the politics and the world building. And I didn't think it was particularly slow at all, with things happening constantly. A clever plot with a great and utterly satisfying ending. I was hoping so badly that I would fall in love with this book because I mean, just look at the cover! And I am happy to admit that I did indeed fall for this. I'll definitely re-read this one in the future, and I might check out the author's other adult books! I'm just a sucker for historical fiction with action and adventure like this one.
AH! I love this I love this I lOVE THIS!
Finally finally finally bought this, and I am so confused as to why this book doesn't have more attention. There is an amazing historical setting (the Congress of Vienna of 1814!), fantastic characters that develop lovely and at just the right place, a romance that suits the story brilliantly and that I, for once, adored and rooted for, villains of nightmares, and alchemy (magic of a new sort to me, and I thought it was so inspired and unique).. I have no complaints.
While the first part of the book may be a bit slow-paced for some, I for one loved character introductions and the politics and the world building. And I didn't think it was particularly slow at all, with things happening constantly. A clever plot with a great and utterly satisfying ending. I was hoping so badly that I would fall in love with this book because I mean, just look at the cover! And I am happy to admit that I did indeed fall for this. I'll definitely re-read this one in the future, and I might check out the author's other adult books! I'm just a sucker for historical fiction with action and adventure like this one.
AH! I love this I love this I lOVE THIS!
katayoun's review against another edition
3.0
thrilling and interesting story; great writing, interesting characters, though maybe the secondary ones were not as fleshed out, alot of times it felt like they were props, acting in a certain way just so the main characters could react to it and the story could go a certain road. that said, really liked the whole story and would recommend it to friends.
lsneal's review
2.0
The setting and the actual history part of this novel are fascinating and well-written. Unfortunately, the fictional characters added into the drama aren't quite as well fleshed-out.