atn's review against another edition
5.0
I've finished the novel and I am absolutely left without words. I found this book a fitting ending to the Magic Most Foul series and the opening to The Eterna Files. I must say that I will miss this series. I'm currently in tears because I don't want to say goodbye to all the characters I have grown to love over the last 2 years, but, alas, I must. I must say that The Double Life of Incorporate Things was definitely worth the wait and money. I don't know if I'll recover from such a fantastic series.
My rating is definitely 5 stars. I see no faults in the novel that I would have to downgrade it.
My rating is definitely 5 stars. I see no faults in the novel that I would have to downgrade it.
mackle13's review against another edition
3.0
I won this book through Goodreads First Reads
Overall I enjoyed this book, and the trilogy as a whole. I like the mix of gothic fantasy and romance - though my general preference would have a bit more focus on the plot and a bit less on the romance than this particular story provides.
One good thing about this story is that it ties up the threads of the story quite nicely, while leaving avenus of exploration open should the author ever decide to have further forays into this world. And the climax of the story was pretty well handled, for the most part.
My biggest complaint with the story has been the same for the whole series, and that's pretty much the first person narration and some of the issues that's inherent in that writing style - particularly limited perspective (i.e. not seeing what other people are doing, which could be an interesting component to the story), and train-of-thought style writing.
For me it's the latter that really bogs down the story, in this case. Natalie is embroiled is this story of love and life and death and demonic plots, and while she does think on these things, it's the love aspect of the story which she focuses on the most and, thus, which we focus on the most. While their are demonic plots and clues abound, we get mostly internal monologuing about her insecurities and jealous and how much Jonathon means to her.
At length.
We're also reminded certain things repeatedly, like how her now surpassed Selective Mutism made her keenly aware of bodily and facial expressions, and how she can read people deeper than most may be able to. (Of course, this ability seems rather selective, as she suddenly can't read people when it's better for the plot for her to be unable to.)
This is just one example but, in general, Natalie seems to focus on a handful of things which are important to her, ad nauseum, and other, potentially more interesting parts of the plot are sort of in the periphary. Kind of annoying, that.
As to the limited perspective, this is also why I say the climax was handled well "for the most part". There's something which happens which, while predictable, seems to come out of nowhere. It seems in many ways may have been the more interesting story, but we only get bits of that in a letter after the big "surprise".
Granted, the "shock" might not have worked had we been more privvy to the various ongoings out of Natalie's purview but, then, as I said, it wasn't really all that surprising anyway.
Anyway -
As I said, this story does wrap things up nicely and we get our long-fought HEA, and that's nice, but I do think the writing style sort of limited the story in some severe ways.
***
Oh, speaking of writing styles - I'm not sure how I feel about the earnestness. The other of Hieber's series that I've read, Percy Parker, was also a bit over-the-top in its gothicness (though perhaps not as self-aware as this book, which repeatedly calls focus to 'being caught up in a gothic novel'), but the writing style lent it an air of tongue-in-cheekness to it. This book seems more earnest, which is, perhaps, one reason I didn't enjoy it quite as much.
Still enjoyable, though, and perhaps I'd enjoy it more if I could stop comparing the two series but, alas, I don't seem to be able to make my brain do it.
Overall I enjoyed this book, and the trilogy as a whole. I like the mix of gothic fantasy and romance - though my general preference would have a bit more focus on the plot and a bit less on the romance than this particular story provides.
One good thing about this story is that it ties up the threads of the story quite nicely, while leaving avenus of exploration open should the author ever decide to have further forays into this world. And the climax of the story was pretty well handled, for the most part.
My biggest complaint with the story has been the same for the whole series, and that's pretty much the first person narration and some of the issues that's inherent in that writing style - particularly limited perspective (i.e. not seeing what other people are doing, which could be an interesting component to the story), and train-of-thought style writing.
For me it's the latter that really bogs down the story, in this case. Natalie is embroiled is this story of love and life and death and demonic plots, and while she does think on these things, it's the love aspect of the story which she focuses on the most and, thus, which we focus on the most. While their are demonic plots and clues abound, we get mostly internal monologuing about her insecurities and jealous and how much Jonathon means to her.
At length.
We're also reminded certain things repeatedly, like how her now surpassed Selective Mutism made her keenly aware of bodily and facial expressions, and how she can read people deeper than most may be able to. (Of course, this ability seems rather selective, as she suddenly can't read people when it's better for the plot for her to be unable to.)
This is just one example but, in general, Natalie seems to focus on a handful of things which are important to her, ad nauseum, and other, potentially more interesting parts of the plot are sort of in the periphary. Kind of annoying, that.
As to the limited perspective, this is also why I say the climax was handled well "for the most part". There's something which happens which, while predictable, seems to come out of nowhere. It seems in many ways
Spoiler
Maggie's journeyGranted, the "shock" might not have worked had we been more privvy to the various ongoings out of Natalie's purview but, then, as I said, it wasn't really all that surprising anyway.
Spoiler
I knew Maggie would end up involved in the climax, just not to what extent.Anyway -
As I said, this story does wrap things up nicely and we get our long-fought HEA, and that's nice, but I do think the writing style sort of limited the story in some severe ways.
***
Oh, speaking of writing styles - I'm not sure how I feel about the earnestness. The other of Hieber's series that I've read, Percy Parker, was also a bit over-the-top in its gothicness (though perhaps not as self-aware as this book, which repeatedly calls focus to 'being caught up in a gothic novel'), but the writing style lent it an air of tongue-in-cheekness to it. This book seems more earnest, which is, perhaps, one reason I didn't enjoy it quite as much.
Still enjoyable, though, and perhaps I'd enjoy it more if I could stop comparing the two series but, alas, I don't seem to be able to make my brain do it.
thegothiclibrary's review against another edition
5.0
After racing around New York City to stop the schemes of hellish necromancers in the last book, Natalie and Jonathon are trying to settle back into their lives as a normal courting couple. But Jonathon is having a hard time being the kind of suitor he should be while balancing unaddressed grief for his home and his family, pretending to be a demon, and immense pressure from Natalie's father. Meanwhile, the Master's Society has spread their net wide, unleashing a dangerous powder in New York City that drives people mad, while an even larger danger is growing across the pond. When Jonathon returns to England to confront the demons that have taken over his estate, Natalie refuses to sit this one out. She and her new friend Lavinia must cross an ocean to save the men they love and put the evil Society to rest once and for all.
See my full review on TheGothicLibrary.com
See my full review on TheGothicLibrary.com
lpcoolgirl's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this book a lot! It's almost a reread, since I read all the posted chapters, but the last 5 chapters weren't posted, so I read the whole thing! Really enjoyed it, and great ending to the series!
readingicequeen's review against another edition
4.0
This was a perfect conclusion to the series. Jonathan and Natalie are still fighting the demonic battles - this time traveling to London to help end the evil forces once and for all. What I love most about this series is Natalie's growth from an innocent young lady to a badass heroine who knows what she wants and will do anything to achieve it.
booksuperpower's review against another edition
4.0
The Double Life of Incorporate Things by Leanna Renee Hieber is a 2013 Deus Ex Victoriana publication. I was provided a copy of this book in conjunction with a book tour promotion.
This book is the finale in the Magic Most Foul series.
Jonathon, Lord Denbury and Miss Natalie Stewart will need to conclude their paranormal business before they can embark on their life together. Nathaniel and Livinia will join forces with Jonathon and Natalie to battle evil demons after their very souls. They will have to go directly to the Denbury Estate to face the ultimate evil. A precarious plan is hatched that will test the foursome beyond anything they ever faced in the past.
I will confess that I have not read the previous two books in this series. Often times that is not all that big of a deal. It's always best to read in order to get the maximum enjoyment from a series. However, it's not a deal breaker if you pick up a series in the middle somewhere. In this case though, I think it is best to read the other two before tackling this one. It's obvious that there is a past between Jonathon and Natalie and with other characters that play a role in this novel, but whose history is only alluded to. The presumption is that you know what has happened already and this book will not clue you in too much. If you want to know the history, you will have to go back and catch up. There is a great deal of information you will feel left out of if you have not read the other books. Having said that, this is a new adventure and it is easy to figure out the basic things you need to know in order to follow along. The writing is very descriptive and close to being "Gothic" in style. I love Gothic literature, but I often become frustrated that a paranormal element seems to define the current day Gothic novel. However, this novel is historical and the mood is absolutely atmospheric and creepy, and quite tense at times. I was really sucked in by the writing and loved the story.
I enjoyed Natalie's non-traditional attitudes, and Jonathon was so funny. His attempts at gallant romance were so awkward you will just want to hug him. He is quite honorable and is a true hero.
For those following this series, I think you will be very satisfied with the conclusion of the trilogy.
Over all this one is an A.
This book is the finale in the Magic Most Foul series.
Jonathon, Lord Denbury and Miss Natalie Stewart will need to conclude their paranormal business before they can embark on their life together. Nathaniel and Livinia will join forces with Jonathon and Natalie to battle evil demons after their very souls. They will have to go directly to the Denbury Estate to face the ultimate evil. A precarious plan is hatched that will test the foursome beyond anything they ever faced in the past.
I will confess that I have not read the previous two books in this series. Often times that is not all that big of a deal. It's always best to read in order to get the maximum enjoyment from a series. However, it's not a deal breaker if you pick up a series in the middle somewhere. In this case though, I think it is best to read the other two before tackling this one. It's obvious that there is a past between Jonathon and Natalie and with other characters that play a role in this novel, but whose history is only alluded to. The presumption is that you know what has happened already and this book will not clue you in too much. If you want to know the history, you will have to go back and catch up. There is a great deal of information you will feel left out of if you have not read the other books. Having said that, this is a new adventure and it is easy to figure out the basic things you need to know in order to follow along. The writing is very descriptive and close to being "Gothic" in style. I love Gothic literature, but I often become frustrated that a paranormal element seems to define the current day Gothic novel. However, this novel is historical and the mood is absolutely atmospheric and creepy, and quite tense at times. I was really sucked in by the writing and loved the story.
I enjoyed Natalie's non-traditional attitudes, and Jonathon was so funny. His attempts at gallant romance were so awkward you will just want to hug him. He is quite honorable and is a true hero.
For those following this series, I think you will be very satisfied with the conclusion of the trilogy.
Over all this one is an A.
grace_ezri's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
This felt just as bad as the second book. The plot seemed sloppy and rushed with a whole lot just thrown together at once to make it "scary". The issues I had with the characters in the second book seemed to continue in the last book. Overall I'm just not impressed. I really like the author's tone and descriptions so I wish the plot and character work were stronger. My recommendation would be read the first book and then stop there. The second and third book aren't worth it.
lilfairy's review against another edition
3.0
I really really like the first book in this series but im not sure why but I found this book a little bit lacking, and then the last like 50 pages were parts from like every single horror movie you've ever seen. it was really scary and disturbing, I like a good vs. evil fight but all this blood poring from her ears and possession crap im not into, but I still liked the book because I liked the other two.
More...