fiercereadsfiction's review against another edition
challenging
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation
Moderate: War
Minor: Torture and Antisemitism
stellarstar's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
The story takes place during a during a very interesting historical period; the end of the Napoleonic Wars. Beautifully written, highly atmospheric, mysterious characters.
Content Warnings
Moderate: War
jtlars7's review against another edition
2.0
Ok; not a must-read. Interesting having just read a book about Napoleon and the political events in France right up to the beginning of this story (Desiree).
caroparr's review against another edition
3.0
Lots of elements that appeal to me - evolutionary theories, Paris, Napoleon, Cuvier and Lamarck - but the characters never quite came to life.
rachelbetters99's review against another edition
3.0
This was an alright book. It was enjoyable, but not memorable. It's clear the author did her research, and I enjoyed the descriptions of historic Paris. The storyline and the characters were alright, but again, nothing particularly memorable.
lisagray68's review against another edition
4.0
I really like Stott’s books -period historical pieces. This one is about scientific discoveries in Paris right after Napoleon’s fall.
stacialithub's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoyed The Coral Thief as a historical fiction piece (though the characterization could have been stronger, imo). Stott provided many fascinating facts about the Paris scientific community after the fall of Napoleon, specifically lots of emerging thought around the ideas of transmutation & evolution. Recommended for those who enjoy historical fiction w/ a dose of science.
tessorlando's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75