Scan barcode
arcali's review
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-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
4.5
When I first learned of this book, it was described to me as 'Agatha Christie meets Soulsborne', and it's a very apt description. This book is a wonderful mix of gothic horror and whodunnit mystery, with ghosts, monsters and other creatures of the night combined with the darkness in ordinary people.
I loved the setting of the book, which I'd describe as a steampunk, gaslamp fantasy. The characters are all very Victoriana in style, with occupations such as coachman, mesmer, medium, socialite and... huntress. What hints I had of the world left me eager to find out more, and I was delighted to see that there's going to be a sequel.
The only reason I've rated the book 4.5/5 instead of a full 5 stars is that I felt that one of the threats in the story wasn't played quite as strongly as it should have been - it took more of a second fiddle to the whodunit elements. This is possibly just personal preference on my part.
Overall thoughts: Would definitely recommend this! It was wonderfully gothic with some fun moments of humour as well.
I loved the setting of the book, which I'd describe as a steampunk, gaslamp fantasy. The characters are all very Victoriana in style, with occupations such as coachman, mesmer, medium, socialite and... huntress. What hints I had of the world left me eager to find out more, and I was delighted to see that there's going to be a sequel.
The only reason I've rated the book 4.5/5 instead of a full 5 stars is that I felt that one of the threats in the story wasn't played quite as strongly as it should have been - it took more of a second fiddle to the whodunit elements. This is possibly just personal preference on my part.
Overall thoughts: Would definitely recommend this! It was wonderfully gothic with some fun moments of humour as well.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Gun violence, and Death
kurumipanda's review
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
A cozy mystery in a dark, gaslamp fantasy setting. Very funny, with some spooky moments, and an enjoyable unraveling of a mystery. There were a couple awkward wording choices and one of two references that pulled me out of the story a bit, but overall this was a blast. I’m excited to read the rest of the series - cool setting, fun characters, and a solid story.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gore, Murder, Gun violence, and Alcoholism
Minor: Terminal illness, Body horror, Classism, Colonisation, Fire/Fire injury, and Infidelity
vivavia's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Violence, Toxic friendship, Body horror, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Classism, Death, Medical trauma, and Murder
TW: Spiders
More...