Reviews

Ah, Jacquelyn Benson has done it again!

The third instalment in The Charismatics series, this book is still absolutely chock-full of mystery and intrigue - taking place in December and feeling a little more cosy-ish than the previous two, it is certainly perfect for the time of year I've read it in. The book does start off rather slower - setting the scene for life after the events of book two - but this does change, ramping up rather quickly, and just doesn't let you go.

I love the development that characters have taken on - primarily Lily, who we follow through the thoughts and eyes of over the series. She really has come into her own, and I love how her life outside of the world of charismatics is also coming together. I also really liked that the world of charismatics, people with more unusual abilities such as talking with the dead, seeing the future, communicating with animals, is delved into in a bit wider - I would love to see more abilities introduced, as I am totally intrigued! Regarding Lily's ability, although she is gaining mastery over it - I love that nothing about it is clear-cut; it's not necessarily easier due to being able to utilise it more, and it feels like it's also pretty indiscriminate and isn't moulded to her wants to protect what she cares about.

The ending feels like it has paved the way for an amazing stage for the next entry in Lily's life - the stakes have certainly gone up, and I cannot wait!

I try to avoid spoilers, but this next bit could be seen as a bit spoilerish for the series as I chat a bit about characters - I don't say anything explicitly, but I know if I was reading this before reading the series, I'd then start forming all these theories about the whys

After the events of book two, I must admit I wasn't sure how I'd feel about this one - World War I is breaking out, and the dynamic between the characters is totally different now. I usually lament this kind of change in a book all the way through, but Jacquelyn kept me enthralled in the story and it was only the first chapter or so really where it was playing on my mind. From then on, the missing characters are still brought up and feel very much present, even though they're not actually there, and this just really worked for me.

Thank you Jacquelyn for sending me a copy to review

rednikki's review

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dark emotional hopeful mysterious tense fast-paced

5.0

This is an excellent book in an excellent series. Benson's characters all have supernatural abilities that help them to solve mysteries – but sometimes, those abilities also add obstacles. Every character is vivid, unique and realistic. She also creates the atmosphere of WWI England in such a way that it feels like you're there. I'm so glad I read this.

bibliovino's review

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4.0

This installment in the Charismatics series takes a serious turn, but that’s endemic to the nature of the historical period. England has just entered into World War II and the long line of peace in the empire is coming to an end. This loss of innocence is plunging the entire continent into chaos, and someone is profiting from it.

Lily and Strangford should be worrying over wedding venues and champagne choices, but instead they find themselves embroiled in a murder investigation, with a killer who may be gifted as they are and an investigator bent on pointing the finger in their direction. How can they prove that the culprit isn’t something easily understood.

I am absolutely here for the dark turn we’re taking with Lily this time around. England is changing irrecoverably and she is at the edge of it with her precognition. Her talent is increasing and she’s not always sure how she should use it. Watching her lean in and at the same time away from it is riveting. The beautiful relationship she has with Strangford is never easy, but oh so satisfying. I love the conjecture about the gifts of saints and legends and how the truth is that they were also gifted with strange abilities. And watching Lily deal with her grief over her mentor is heart wrenching.

This series is un-put-down-able! Grab the first one today!

Thank you to the author, publisher and Book Sirens for my free copy. These opinions are my own!

blueyreadseverything's review

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5.0

This author absolutely blew me away.
The only bad thing I can say about this book is that I wish there was more of it because I didn't want to leave Lily and Strangford and the rest of their friends.
The stakes were raised in this sequel and Lily was racing against time to save the man she loved from the murder charges he was facing. It was lovely to see the way she'd grown from Book One to this book, through all of her challenges and the things she'd been taught...Brilliant.
I can't wait for the next in the series.
Jacquelyn Benson has become an auto buy for me.