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zombi02's review against another edition
2.0
2 1/2 stars. It wasnt bad, it just wasnt what i expected. It was also a bit predictable. But a fun little read!
lavendermarch's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this book. It was set in a version of 19th century England with magic (glamour artists and illusionists and such). I liked the main character’s forthright nature, and Milly’s quiet excellence at everything. I felt for Annis, and I enjoyed her journey to become a spy.
On one hand, this felt a bit like a prequel, but it was necessary, as a first book. Even so, I was skeptical at times. Annis’s ability as a glamour artist was very cool, and I enjoyed seeing her grow more proficient.
I thought this book had a bit of a lull in the middle, when I was skeptical, but it improved. The ending was very fun, and I do want to read book 2. 4 stars.
On one hand, this felt a bit like a prequel, but it was necessary, as a first book. Even so, I was skeptical at times. Annis’s ability as a glamour artist was very cool, and I enjoyed seeing her grow more proficient.
I thought this book had a bit of a lull in the middle, when I was skeptical, but it improved. The ending was very fun, and I do want to read book 2. 4 stars.
magicalmystery's review against another edition
4.0
This book was a delight! I loved the setting, the characters, and their storylines so much and I highly recommend it as a "cheer-up book" for anyone who is in need of some magic to lift their spirits, especially if you're a fan of historical fiction. I'd love either a sequel to see what happens next, and/or a related novel about Countess Lieven and her backstory.
Spoiler
The one thing that surprised me was that neither Annis nor Millie had uncovered Fog's true identity until they caught him face-to-face; once the countess informed Annis that he was always in France and could not see colors, I knew immediately - perhaps that shows that no matter how observant, skilled, and intelligent you are, even the brightest among us can still miss things? Nevertheless, it did not take away my enjoyment of the story; I just found it surprising.fancypython's review against another edition
5.0
Started to read it and it totally sucked me in. I'd be very happy to read more about these characters, if the author decides to write more about them. Some very satisfying takedowns and revelations at the end make it even better.
belindaclemons_123's review against another edition
5.0
This was one of the best books I've read this year. Adventurous Magical suspenseful and all around awesome. I requested a copy from netgalley. These characters kept me entertained and loving every minute of this book.
sarahfett's review against another edition
4.0
This is a witty mystery set in Regency England complete with a touch of magic and strong female characters!
I received an ARC from NetGalley.
I received an ARC from NetGalley.
allerner's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
pkrawr's review against another edition
3.0
Fun read for fans of [b:Sorcery & Cecelia: or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot|64207|Sorcery & Cecelia or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot (Cecelia and Kate, #1)|Patricia C. Wrede|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388180354l/64207._SY75_.jpg|505] -- light Regency romp with magic and humor featuring a capable set of female leads. This book is unusual in the fact that it deals with the struggles that upper-class women would face if the man paying all the bills were to suddenly die and leave them with a mountain of debts to pay and no way to earn an income without losing their place in society permanently. In that, I thought this book was unusual (even if the solutions to their problems are magically presented by the end of the book). It also highlights the vulnerability of women who serve others as either servants or merchants. That's the end of the realism, though. The book comes off as frothy, even with the dark moments.
Warning: The book contains references to a man sexually preying on female servants, some instances of trauma and one assault that may trigger some readers.
Warning: The book contains references to a man sexually preying on female servants, some instances of trauma and one assault that may trigger some readers.
cgbart's review against another edition
4.0
This novel was SUCH FUN, in the manner that Newt’s Emerald and Sorcery & Cecelia are such fun, and how fitting that is because LO AND BEHOLD, Kelly Jones was given permission to borrow some of the characters for the background—so HA, I wasn’t just doing constant double takes for nothing.