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mackle13's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
relaxing
fast-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
4.0
So far I am loving this trilogy.
I think this one was even better than the first. Since we knew the characters already, we were able to pretty much jump right into the story - and what a story! Magic and mystery all caught up in Crane's past and friends in China, with vengeance that pursues them to England.
It was cool to see Stephen at work, especially with his other colleagues, as you get more of a feel for the society that Stephen works for.
Even better - character growth for Crane, and relationship growth for the both of them! I was a little scared towards the 1/3 - 1/2 point, with the wholewe can't be together because we can't let people find out thing, because I'm so tired of that trope where people want to be together but force themselves apart for drama... but luckily this was short-lived, and event forced Stephen to confess and his colleagues were all like, yeah, literally don't care, just glad you're not a warlock! LOL
I really enjoyed Crane's development, though - and Merrick, of course, kicking Crane up the arse to get him to realize he <i>needed</i> to develop and be honest with himself, and Stephen.
The steamy scenes were fun, and I was particularly glad to find thatthe sub/dom thing felt entirely consensual in this book, unlike the beginning of their relationship in the first book, which had a few borderline squick moments.
Can't wait for the next in the series, though I'm a bit sad it'll be the last. I enjoy these quick little palate cleansers.
I think this one was even better than the first. Since we knew the characters already, we were able to pretty much jump right into the story - and what a story! Magic and mystery all caught up in Crane's past and friends in China, with vengeance that pursues them to England.
It was cool to see Stephen at work, especially with his other colleagues, as you get more of a feel for the society that Stephen works for.
Even better - character growth for Crane, and relationship growth for the both of them! I was a little scared towards the 1/3 - 1/2 point, with the whole
I really enjoyed Crane's development, though - and Merrick, of course, kicking Crane up the arse to get him to realize he <i>needed</i> to develop and be honest with himself, and Stephen.
The steamy scenes were fun, and I was particularly glad to find that
Can't wait for the next in the series, though I'm a bit sad it'll be the last. I enjoy these quick little palate cleansers.
effiekfe's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
mysterious
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? Yes
4.75
ivybee's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
carmenshea's review against another edition
5.0
note to self: am no longer allowed to read anymore of this series (potentially also this author) if I have things to do because this is the second story I haven't been able to put down until the end!
Following on from The Magpie Lord, we find Crane and Day back in Victorian London and going about their daily lives: Crane still trying to settle the affairs of his late family, Day back to work as a practitioner, and both of them trying to keep their burgeoning relationship casual and secret... until someone comes along and threatens to expose them.
But it's not just a simple case of blackmail they have to avoid when a case Day is investigating ends up involving not only their blackmailer but also many of Crane's friends from Shanghai. Added to that, Day's already under suspicion for his increased power level and bringing in Crane to solve this one could jeopardise not only Day's job but Crane's life.
This was such a gripping read! From start to end with a great balance of drama and romance, and a plot that keeps you interested all the way through.
Following on from The Magpie Lord, we find Crane and Day back in Victorian London and going about their daily lives: Crane still trying to settle the affairs of his late family, Day back to work as a practitioner, and both of them trying to keep their burgeoning relationship casual and secret... until someone comes along and threatens to expose them.
But it's not just a simple case of blackmail they have to avoid when a case Day is investigating ends up involving not only their blackmailer but also many of Crane's friends from Shanghai. Added to that, Day's already under suspicion for his increased power level and bringing in Crane to solve this one could jeopardise not only Day's job but Crane's life.
This was such a gripping read! From start to end with a great balance of drama and romance, and a plot that keeps you interested all the way through.
jbt1234's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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
3.75
Another quick but exciting adventure. I'm quite glad that emotions started making their way into the relationship, as the first felt a little dismissive of the fact that gay men have feelings too, it's not all about sex.
The mystery this time, however, was a little more out of the hands of the reader. A lot of it banked on relationships and history known only by the characters until the reveals.
Super enjoyable, if not a perfect piece of literature.
The mystery this time, however, was a little more out of the hands of the reader. A lot of it banked on relationships and history known only by the characters until the reveals.
Super enjoyable, if not a perfect piece of literature.
sweetdream's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
local_hat's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
3.75