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evnp's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a vibe read for me. Moody (ahem), 19th-century nautical gold rush history, filled with twisty intrigue and swindles. The plot meanders all over the place, but all of it moves through a world that's thoroughly enjoyable to inhabit. The prose as well: meandering & delightful in equal parts. The textual experiments and visual riddles are fun diversions.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug abuse and Miscarriage
rpfalzer's review against another edition
4.0
3 stars for the first 200 pages and the last 100 pages. everything in between that is a complete and utter masterpiece
kirbyii's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
meaghan's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
medium-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
4.5
mcrammal's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
It took me a bit to get into the writing style as it copies nineteenth century diction but once I got the hang of it I found the story to be very immersive. It was interesting and fun trying to figure out how everyone was connected to one another and piecing together what happened. I liked how in the end when it goes back to show exactly how the conversations and encounters went it wasn’t long winded as the reader already knew the gist of what happened. Overall a very good book. Astrology is mentioned very rarely and I feel like overall it didn’t add much but since Mrs. Wells does readings I suppose it was a cool detail.
huckabees222's review against another edition
5.0
One of the most astounding, intricate, and epic novels I've ever read. At no point during my reading was I ever bored or disinterested in the story. I'll definitely be picking this up again as I'm sure I've missed a couple of the more subtle connections, whether they be as part of the narrative or with the astrological charts the preceded each section of the novel. I'd give this more stars if I could.
meganbatten's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
4.0
i devoured this book. i haven’t read a mystery so enthralling in a very long time. it’s way cleverer than my wee little brain could completely understand (in regards to the astrological principles) but even without this, the plot stands as such an enveloping and thrilling thing. big recommendation.
hallzy46's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
indoorswoman's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0