The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
hlizmarie's review against another edition
4.0
I received this book courtesy of Amazon Vine and I'm so glad I took a chance on this series. The first book in the series, Gods of Gotham, hooked me and this one sold me. I think it was even better than the first. The characters we were introduced to in Gods of Gotham just get deeper, more complex and more tangible. I love seeing things from Timothy Wilde's worldview and really enjoy being in his head as his job as a copper star helps him realize who he is. He's often startled to figure out theses new pieces of himself and the people in his life. The job has changed his life, his view of the world and his place in it. The supporting characters are vivid and wonderful. The plot was fantastic and I didn't quite piece it together which is always a joy. This book hasn't even come out yet and I already want the third one!
mkhaas29's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. Another solid Timothy Wilde installment. It never ceases to amaze me the lengths she goes to to use language relevant to the times and the research that went into this. While this one did make Wilde seem a little too good/holier than thou for the times, was still an interesting take on the beginning to abolitionism and its trickle-down effects in politics and society.
And good riddance, Mercy.
And good riddance, Mercy.
saldragski's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
circularcubes's review against another edition
4.0
I was so surprised to enjoy this book! It's unusual that sequels are better than their predecessors, so I wasn't expecting to like this as much as I did. I was comparing The Gods of Gotham unfavorably to the crime novels of the likes of Tana French, but I think the Timothy Wilde series is best when not quite taken seriously. Faye writes of weighty social themes (nationalism, racism, slavery, corruption) but she does so with characters that never really come to life for me. I'm still bitter about the narrator, Timothy Wilde, who has failed to really grow on me as a narrator and protagonist - he's still a boring stick in the mud (think Harry Potter circa the Order of the Phoenix). Valentine, the bisexual man-whore with an appetite for drugs and a hidden heart of gold, is a far more interesting character, as is... mostly every one else, tbh. Actually, scratch that, the one character I dislike the most is Silkie Marsh, the Very Evil Madam who is supposed to be Supremely Bad and Absolutely Soulless and Smarter Than Everyone Else. Eh, I don't buy it. But my grumblings about this one particular character aside, I really did enjoy this book more than the first. I appreciated that Faye made Timothy Wilde a bumbling would-be white savior who is given a hefty dose of reality from the black characters in the book. I also loved getting to see more of Gentleman Jim and his backstory - I ship it!! I don't think Valentine is a settling man, but a girl can dream.
Spoiler
I'm bitter that Julius Carpenter had to die - he was great.trudilibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
I gushed over Lyndsay Faye's The Gods of Gotham, her debut foray into the dark heart of New York City 1845 and the violent and inauspicious origins of its first police force -- the copper stars. In its pages Faye strikes a remarkable balance between the thrilling and cerebral aspects of a good mystery and blends it with the rich detail and sumptuous atmosphere of the best historical fiction.
More than the mystery and the historical details, what really makes this series a great read is Faye's colorful cast of characters. Timothy Wilde is flawed and sympathetic. For all of his bravado and prickly self-righteousness, I have such a soft spot for Tim because I know how much room there is for him to grow into the man he's supposed to be.
But who I was really excited to get more of this time around is Tim's drinking, whoring, brawling older brother Valentine. Val is one of the most scurrilous, scandalous, lovable characters I've had the pleasure of reading in a long, long, time. While Tim is over-serious and pining after a woman he can't have, Valentine is a man of huge appetites and humor, chasing after his demons with alcohol and drugs and any warm body he can find to curl up next to. The two brothers together are a yin and yang of contradiction and chemistry. A study in the unbreakable bonds of brotherly love (and all the hate, hurt and simmering resentment contained therein).
I don't think the mystery was quite as strong in this second book as in Gotham, and the ending felt a tad drawn out (twice I thought I had read the final sentence only to have to keep turning the pages). But other than those quibbles, this is a very strong second book in a series that I cannot wait to get more of.
More than the mystery and the historical details, what really makes this series a great read is Faye's colorful cast of characters. Timothy Wilde is flawed and sympathetic. For all of his bravado and prickly self-righteousness, I have such a soft spot for Tim because I know how much room there is for him to grow into the man he's supposed to be.
But who I was really excited to get more of this time around is Tim's drinking, whoring, brawling older brother Valentine. Val is one of the most scurrilous, scandalous, lovable characters I've had the pleasure of reading in a long, long, time. While Tim is over-serious and pining after a woman he can't have, Valentine is a man of huge appetites and humor, chasing after his demons with alcohol and drugs and any warm body he can find to curl up next to. The two brothers together are a yin and yang of contradiction and chemistry. A study in the unbreakable bonds of brotherly love (and all the hate, hurt and simmering resentment contained therein).
The things my brother and I don't say could pave over the Atlantic Ocean.I am a huge fan of Faye's prose style as well, but I can see how some readers might be put off as at times it does flirt with superfluous and 'purple'. But I lick all that historical detail up as if it were buttercream icing and it is a marvel to me how she can write about the most despicable, tragic things in such a beautiful, luscious way.
I don't think the mystery was quite as strong in this second book as in Gotham, and the ending felt a tad drawn out (twice I thought I had read the final sentence only to have to keep turning the pages). But other than those quibbles, this is a very strong second book in a series that I cannot wait to get more of.
indianajane's review against another edition
4.0
I am really glad that I discovered Lyndsay Faye's Timothy Wilde mysteries. The history is fascinating and the characters are well-drawn, complex, and interesting. Timothy Wilde is one of my favorite fictional detectives that I have encountered in a long time.
emmascc's review against another edition
5.0
Reread: 30/6/16
Each time I read these books, I love them more and more. Lyndsay Faye writes an incredible story with characters you can't help but love, incredible plot and so much heart. Reading about the injustice occurring during the slavery era is so terrible, and this book does not shy away from expressing this. The characters are all compelling, you can't help but care for them. Tim and Val's relationship will forever be one of my favourites. Seeing how much they care for each other but struggle to express it, and each time they unwittingly hurt each other, destroys me. Every time remember that Val thought Tim blamed him for their parents death I want to die. Their scenes are always my favourite, and I love getting to witness the character growth in each of them and their relationship.
Each time I read these books, I love them more and more. Lyndsay Faye writes an incredible story with characters you can't help but love, incredible plot and so much heart. Reading about the injustice occurring during the slavery era is so terrible, and this book does not shy away from expressing this. The characters are all compelling, you can't help but care for them. Tim and Val's relationship will forever be one of my favourites. Seeing how much they care for each other but struggle to express it, and each time they unwittingly hurt each other, destroys me. Every time remember that Val thought Tim blamed him for their parents death I want to die. Their scenes are always my favourite, and I love getting to witness the character growth in each of them and their relationship.
jerseygrrrl's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed this book. A great read and loved hearing about old New York.
librarian_lisa_22's review against another edition
3.0
Entertaining. Disturbing. Reminiscent of 12 years a space.