Scan barcode
julianav's review against another edition
5.0
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book having bought it on a special via Book Bub. And I'm glad I took a chance. It's refreshing, evocative and historically accurate, which is a rare thing these days. Atticus Riot is at first a somewhat cliched figure, but I grew to appreciate him as the book went on. 1900s San Francisco was incredible in this book, just the right mix of seedy and hopeful.
The second character I absolutely loved I won't mention by name lest I reveal spoilers, but this character helped make the book.
Will definitely read the rest of the series
The second character I absolutely loved I won't mention by name lest I reveal spoilers, but this character helped make the book.
Will definitely read the rest of the series
kate907's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
carbonaden's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
jrrrck's review against another edition
4.0
This is probably closer to a 3.5 for me, but that's quibbly and I don't really care about star ratings. I randomly picked this audiobook out and was really pleasantly surprised. I'm looking forward to going on to the next book. From the Ashes scratched my itch for fun, but grounded characterization, adventure without brutality, and an alluring and promising relationship between two protagonists. I hope the next book further develops the characters and introduces a new and compelling mystery.
sethmoko's review against another edition
4.0
Page-turning historical fiction. If you’re a fan of Laurie King, as I am, you’ll enjoy this. Turn of the 20th Century San Francisco, class distinctions, gender roles, all the fun!
ccgwalt's review against another edition
4.0
I admit to being a bit at a loss for how to review this book. On one hand, it is very well written and plotted, and has a good bit of action. At the same time, is has the feel of moving slowly, almost languidly, along. I'm not sure how to reconcile those two reactions. While I think the writing is superior and the setting is rich and detailed, at times I felt itchy for the book to "get on with it." Whatever it is.
For all the action that takes place, the real story here--the story of Atticus Riot and the people around him--actually unfolds slowly, and the reader is, even at the end of the novel, still waiting to find out who Atticus really is inside, and what role Isobel is going to play in his finding himself.
We've been essentially dropped into the very middle of the real story, the one about Atticus the man, and are somewhat at sea as to what is happening. It's like the characters are revealed mid-sentence and mid-relationship, and the reader is playing catch-up. Add to that the fact that 1900's San Francisco is a major character in the story and given as much time and attention as the other characters or the mystery itself.
None of that, by the way, is a complaint. The author has done a vast amount of research and her writing is beautiful. It's also as enigmatic as Riot is. The whole tale of Riot, I suspect, will take many books, and I'm sure it will be well worth it for a reader who is patient. I'll let you know how patient I am after the next book.
For all the action that takes place, the real story here--the story of Atticus Riot and the people around him--actually unfolds slowly, and the reader is, even at the end of the novel, still waiting to find out who Atticus really is inside, and what role Isobel is going to play in his finding himself.
We've been essentially dropped into the very middle of the real story, the one about Atticus the man, and are somewhat at sea as to what is happening. It's like the characters are revealed mid-sentence and mid-relationship, and the reader is playing catch-up. Add to that the fact that 1900's San Francisco is a major character in the story and given as much time and attention as the other characters or the mystery itself.
None of that, by the way, is a complaint. The author has done a vast amount of research and her writing is beautiful. It's also as enigmatic as Riot is. The whole tale of Riot, I suspect, will take many books, and I'm sure it will be well worth it for a reader who is patient. I'll let you know how patient I am after the next book.
appalonia's review against another edition
4.0
Atticus Riot was a fairly interesting character, but I truly loved Isobel Kingston. Looking forward to reading more about these two and their growing friendship.
quiraang's review against another edition
4.0
Very well written, interesting characters and a plot with a twist.
eliendriel's review
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25