gwensadventure's review
2.0
Here's what I liked: a whole lot of drama based on fashion, a new vampire hive, a nice match for Dimity, weapons disguised as jewelry.
BUT if you told me this was exactly the same as the first book in the series, and only a few details and names were changed, I would absolutely agree. This book lacked character development, fresh plot points and the overall delight usually found in a story starring Dimity. While I enjoyed the Nottingham hive and the expansion of the world I love so much, I probably could have done without this novella, or done WITH a whole novel to do Dimity justice? IDK. Either option would have been fine, but this book was sadly just not the thing.
BUT if you told me this was exactly the same as the first book in the series, and only a few details and names were changed, I would absolutely agree. This book lacked character development, fresh plot points and the overall delight usually found in a story starring Dimity. While I enjoyed the Nottingham hive and the expansion of the world I love so much, I probably could have done without this novella, or done WITH a whole novel to do Dimity justice? IDK. Either option would have been fine, but this book was sadly just not the thing.
owlishbookish's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? No
5.0
_surri_'s review against another edition
5.0
Gail Carriger, I love your mind, and this book, from the caution lable to the epilog. This will be yet another delightful story I'll turn to again and again and again. As always, if Gail Carriger writes it, I'll be reading it.
mischlama's review against another edition
5.0
Dimity is soo sweet and dramatic Vampires...what could you want more.
eb00kie's review against another edition
3.0
Nothing out of the comfort zone and a bit dry, at that. Cute, but nothing new.
Gave me a strong urge to reacquaint myself with Parasol Protectorate.
Gave me a strong urge to reacquaint myself with Parasol Protectorate.
tehani's review against another edition
5.0
Oh, this was LOVELY. It was a delight to see a story that was just genuinely NICE to read. I adore Cris and Dimity and the crew of characters supporting them, with cameos from some very familiar faces. Genuinely a pleasure to read.
nikshelby's review against another edition
5.0
Defy and Defend, starring Dimity, is decidedly delightful.
Reading a Gail Carriger book is the equivalent of having a rough day - and so, you take a break by sitting down to nibble on a sweet scone slathered in lemon curd, whilst sipping a cuppa.
Reading a Gail Carriger book is the equivalent of having a rough day - and so, you take a break by sitting down to nibble on a sweet scone slathered in lemon curd, whilst sipping a cuppa.
kitvaria_sarene's review against another edition
5.0
This book starts with a rather cute content warning, so I was already expecting it to be different to the main series it is a spin off for. I utterly loved the Finishing School series, so I definitely needed to read this, even if it was a different tone.
And while I definitely could have done with less sex and romance, it was at least done in the typical Carriger way of being fun and entertaining, and not the cringeworthy way it is so often done, so while it didn't add to the story for me, it also didn't detract from the story.
The plot itself definitely was as entertaining, a bit silly and much fun as I was expecting and I more or less flew through the whole book in one go. I enjoyed all the main characters, and especially enjoy the diversity Carriger likes to encompass. Vampire wanting to be a female instead of a male? Sure, dress in beautiful dresses and get compliments about just how good it suits you! And I do love that in her world so much. As this is for an adult audience we also get to see a bit of the other side, of how being judged can affect people, and I loved the balance between some serious topics and the typical joviality of her books.
And while I definitely could have done with less sex and romance, it was at least done in the typical Carriger way of being fun and entertaining, and not the cringeworthy way it is so often done, so while it didn't add to the story for me, it also didn't detract from the story.
The plot itself definitely was as entertaining, a bit silly and much fun as I was expecting and I more or less flew through the whole book in one go. I enjoyed all the main characters, and especially enjoy the diversity Carriger likes to encompass. Vampire wanting to be a female instead of a male? Sure, dress in beautiful dresses and get compliments about just how good it suits you! And I do love that in her world so much. As this is for an adult audience we also get to see a bit of the other side, of how being judged can affect people, and I loved the balance between some serious topics and the typical joviality of her books.
maggpiebymoonlight's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
lorialdenholuta's review against another edition
5.0
By far my favorite of the Delightfully Deadly series! I gobbled this one up in no time and could easily have spent another two wacky weeks with the Supernatural and Spy Sets.
Dimity, a War Office spy, is assigned to find out why a vampire hive has 'gone Goth', which is a very bad thing. If she can't get the situation under control, the entire hive will have to be destroyed. Sir Crispin has also been assigned to the case, to provide safety to Dimity during her mission.
So, it's off they go to Nottingham, bound for Budgy Hall, which is the home of the floundering vampire hive. They're posing as an artistic married couple. Of course they must share a room... and a bed... well, I'm leaving that right there. However you think they dealt with that delicate situation, you're wrong, delightfully so. The entire book is one long slow burn/tease that's absolutely delicious.
I found the situation at Budgy Hall quite over the top in the best of ways. Between the vampires, their 'nibbles', our faux-married couple, a Corgi, various tradesfolk, to say nothing of the werewolf, there's never a dull moment.
If you read and enjoyed the Finishing School series, you'll happily sink your teeth into this fun adventure.
Dimity, a War Office spy, is assigned to find out why a vampire hive has 'gone Goth', which is a very bad thing. If she can't get the situation under control, the entire hive will have to be destroyed. Sir Crispin has also been assigned to the case, to provide safety to Dimity during her mission.
So, it's off they go to Nottingham, bound for Budgy Hall, which is the home of the floundering vampire hive. They're posing as an artistic married couple. Of course they must share a room... and a bed... well, I'm leaving that right there. However you think they dealt with that delicate situation, you're wrong, delightfully so. The entire book is one long slow burn/tease that's absolutely delicious.
I found the situation at Budgy Hall quite over the top in the best of ways. Between the vampires, their 'nibbles', our faux-married couple, a Corgi, various tradesfolk, to say nothing of the werewolf, there's never a dull moment.
If you read and enjoyed the Finishing School series, you'll happily sink your teeth into this fun adventure.