qdony's review
5.0
Com és habitual aquesta sèrie em sedueix totalment. No veig el moment de que publiquin el següent.
sarahbotreads's review
4.0
I really struggled with _Seven for a Secret_, but the White City picked my interest back up; I found it really compelling and easy to read. I loved getting more of Jack's POV.
mackle13's review
4.0
3.5
I think this is my favorite in the series so far.
We flit between two time periods in this story, 1897 and 1903, both in Moscow, and both about murders surrounding a woman named Irina.
My favorite part of this story is that we see more of Jack and his and Sebastian's relationship, which also gives more depth to Sebastian than some of what we've seen before. They definitely have an interesting and complicated relationship.
It was also nice to see more of Abbey Irene still active as a detective, though Phoebe seemed pretty ancillary to the story.
And it was definitely interesting to meet
This story has one of the largest senses of closure, as many of the other stories feel a bit too brief and end on notes of wondering what's coming next. While there is still some of that, I appreciated that it felt more contained than some of the other stories.
I think this is my favorite in the series so far.
We flit between two time periods in this story, 1897 and 1903, both in Moscow, and both about murders surrounding a woman named Irina.
My favorite part of this story is that we see more of Jack and his and Sebastian's relationship, which also gives more depth to Sebastian than some of what we've seen before. They definitely have an interesting and complicated relationship.
It was also nice to see more of Abbey Irene still active as a detective, though Phoebe seemed pretty ancillary to the story.
And it was definitely interesting to meet
Spoiler
a wampyr even older than Sebastian.This story has one of the largest senses of closure, as many of the other stories feel a bit too brief and end on notes of wondering what's coming next. While there is still some of that, I appreciated that it felt more contained than some of the other stories.
lottpoet's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
cindywho's review
4.0
This book is two stories intertwined - one takes place before the events of New Amsterdam and the other just after. It's a murder mystery touching on the pre-revolutionary art world of an alternate history Moscow. Sadly, Sebastian does not take a knitting break.
anna_hepworth's review
5.0
I picked this one up on spec at the local library, having discovered from the short fiction book of Bear's I read last year that I like their writing style. It was marked horror, but it isn't really. It is an almost cosy murder mystery that just happen to have vampires in (although, spelled 'wampyr'). What I didn't realise was that it is book 3 of a series. Fortunately, the book is well enough written that that was not an impediment to my enjoyment.
Set in Moscow at the turn of the 20th Century, the chapters alternate between two visits by our protagonists, roughly six years apart. There is a fascinating duality to these two stories, which coalesce beautifully. The viewpoint characters are fascinating, the world building (and evocation of setting) beautiful, the writing polished, and the plot beats along beautifully. Well recommended.
Set in Moscow at the turn of the 20th Century, the chapters alternate between two visits by our protagonists, roughly six years apart. There is a fascinating duality to these two stories, which coalesce beautifully. The viewpoint characters are fascinating, the world building (and evocation of setting) beautiful, the writing polished, and the plot beats along beautifully. Well recommended.
dovekie's review
5.0
This might be my new favorite vampire novel of all time. It's a jewel of a book. Every word and scene is polished and beautiful and wicked sharp. The mystery is engaging and smart without feeling forced or overshadowing the emotional drama that the characters endure. I cannot praise this book enough.
besha's review
5.0
This series is such a consistent pleasure: fin de siècle depravity in a slightly different Europe, an excellent female lead, realistically complicated relationships, and beautiful writing. I was disappointed that this novella was so short.
Reading it right after Amanda Downum did bring home the similarities between the latter’s Isyllt and Bear’s Abigail Irene—they’re both forensic investigators who use magic and have very complicated personal lives. The cross-pollination is unsurprising, given that the authors collaborate on Shadow Unit, but the similarities aren’t too distracting.
Reading it right after Amanda Downum did bring home the similarities between the latter’s Isyllt and Bear’s Abigail Irene—they’re both forensic investigators who use magic and have very complicated personal lives. The cross-pollination is unsurprising, given that the authors collaborate on Shadow Unit, but the similarities aren’t too distracting.
telegramsam's review
4.0
Very good read if a bit short. I've had a hot and cold relationship with Elizabeth Bear. Other books I have picked up have been written marvelously but with such beautiful language that I had trouble following the plot. The book was not like that at all.
The basic plot is a murder mystery set in two different times in Moscow, 1897 and 1903. The characters were at first familiar cliches which get fleshed out as the story progresses, my two favorites were a vampire detective (similar to Sherlock Holmes in philosophy) and a forensic sorceress. What I really liked about the book was that the vampires were inhuman and at times monstrous which was *very* refreshing in this age of Twilight.
My only regret about this book is that it's length. I felt the characters and their histories could have been fleshed out much more but I am still left liking them. In fact if a sequel is ever written I will be sure to pick it up if only for the chance to get to know more about the characters.
The basic plot is a murder mystery set in two different times in Moscow, 1897 and 1903. The characters were at first familiar cliches which get fleshed out as the story progresses, my two favorites were a vampire detective (similar to Sherlock Holmes in philosophy) and a forensic sorceress. What I really liked about the book was that the vampires were inhuman and at times monstrous which was *very* refreshing in this age of Twilight.
My only regret about this book is that it's length. I felt the characters and their histories could have been fleshed out much more but I am still left liking them. In fact if a sequel is ever written I will be sure to pick it up if only for the chance to get to know more about the characters.
amelia86's review
4.0
I will read this again in a week or so. I feel like I'm missing something. Also, I didn't know it was part of a series, that may explain some my confusion. I really enjoyed the setting - turn of the century Russia. And one of the reasons I keep returning to her books is for her characters, their complex relationships and motivations aren't easily defined, and I like that!