snazel's review against another edition
5.0
I adore the worldbuilding and magic system in this, and the mystery was lots of fun. I would really like more in this world. (And admittedly I'm interested to see how the romance will happen once our detectives have stopped being full of misunderstandings at each other.)
I like the characters, the mystery, the romance— I LOVE the world. I want more. I just want an entire book of the characters discussing the latest in metaphysical developments.
I like the characters, the mystery, the romance— I LOVE the world. I want more. I just want an entire book of the characters discussing the latest in metaphysical developments.
kiiouex's review against another edition
3.0
Ok so this is an established-relationship book, but also a completely-based-on-miscommunication relationship, which makes it kind of an odd read! On the one hand, I like established relationships (I like when people, y'know, like each other) the friendship was very comfortable and believable, and it's nice to take a little break from 'who is that handsome stranger bet I won't get along with him'.
but it also stretches my belief juuuust a little that these two are hooking up on the regular, yet have no idea that they mutually like each other. hm.
other than that, the murder-mystery has a lot packed into it, stuff keeps getting introduced well into the book, though I think the main culprit becomes obvious about halfway through (I am a meta-text bitch, I can't help it) it's still a good read. I don't realllly feel like the childhood-abuse flashbacks really... build to anything... it's not really discussed in a way that gives anyone closure, or comeuppance, like you might expect. That's pretty realistic in a lot of ways! But it's still a lot of page time that doesn't really have a payoff.
Anyway! that sounds kind of negative BUT it was a well-told story in an interesting world, and I'm hoping that since they end the book properly together that the sequel will be able to forge onwards with a better arc, and I'm really keen to see what happens with the miscommunication out of the way.
but it also stretches my belief juuuust a little that these two are hooking up on the regular, yet have no idea that they mutually like each other. hm.
other than that, the murder-mystery has a lot packed into it, stuff keeps getting introduced well into the book, though I think the main culprit becomes obvious about halfway through (I am a meta-text bitch, I can't help it) it's still a good read. I don't realllly feel like the childhood-abuse flashbacks really... build to anything... it's not really discussed in a way that gives anyone closure, or comeuppance, like you might expect. That's pretty realistic in a lot of ways! But it's still a lot of page time that doesn't really have a payoff.
Anyway! that sounds kind of negative BUT it was a well-told story in an interesting world, and I'm hoping that since they end the book properly together that the sequel will be able to forge onwards with a better arc, and I'm really keen to see what happens with the miscommunication out of the way.
losthitsu's review against another edition
5.0
Having fallen in love with Astreiant earlier this year, I was hoping to have a similar experience but with a Victoriana twist - and that's exactly what I got. Everything I love about Scott's writing and her exquisite character work is here sprinkled with delightful Holmesian nods (Morocco leather case!) to cheer the heart of a lifelong fan, and all of that wrapped around a gentle, slow-burn romance at the centre.
stitchywitch's review against another edition
4.0
Surprisingly well written, though I wished we might have had a little more difference between characters. The mystery was satisfying, and the details about Victorian London were very accurate.
texile's review against another edition
5.0
Love love love. Victorian fantasy murder mystery with a sweet romance. Starting the sequel right away. Possible tw for bullying.
rixx's review against another edition
3.0
MORE gay Victorian (well, Gaslamp) magicians, will it ever stop? This one at least doesn't follow the cookie-cutter for the genre: no nobility, and magic is well-known and accepted, so there's an actual industry and civil services. Magic has actual rules, and a lot of it seems to be grammar-based, and people can, for example, take educated guesses about a magician's schooling (Oxford vs Cambridge styles) – but only guesses, not enough to be actually important clues, which I thought was a nice show of restraint.
School bullying at boarding schools makes the backstory of the two protagonists pretty unpleasant and adds something real to the general popcorn-ness of the genre (and the story, somewhat).
The story outcome was so predictable that I was certain there had to be a twist, and I wouldn't want to be friends with any of the characters except the secretary, but the details in the worldbuilding make me want to give this series another chance – maybe the second book is better? Or maybe I'll check out Melissa Scott's sci-fi – historians can write some really interesting worlds, after all, and I think she tends to be very queer-inclusive.
School bullying at boarding schools makes the backstory of the two protagonists pretty unpleasant and adds something real to the general popcorn-ness of the genre (and the story, somewhat).
The story outcome was so predictable that I was certain there had to be a twist, and I wouldn't want to be friends with any of the characters except the secretary, but the details in the worldbuilding make me want to give this series another chance – maybe the second book is better? Or maybe I'll check out Melissa Scott's sci-fi – historians can write some really interesting worlds, after all, and I think she tends to be very queer-inclusive.
tregina's review against another edition
4.0
It's always such a pleasant surprise when I enjoy the developing relationship in a novel as much as I enjoy the plot--usually one eclipses the other. This was a joy all over, and while not without its flaws (I found the flashbacks pertinent, but also jarring) it was smart and complex in its feeling out of human relationships--friend, lover and foe are never as simple as that.
eol's review
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
slow-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
3.25
beththebookdragon's review against another edition
3.0
First off, the magic system: using "magic squares" of numbers and a "grammar" of words is fascinating, but we're given precious few details of how it works until more than halfway through the book.
The mystery unfolds well, with tantalizing clues and a reasonable if slightly slow pace. As for the romance, it's a bit awkwardly written in at first, starting off as a "friendship with sex" relationship that both characters struggle with for cultural reasons (Victorian men, very much expected to marry and raise a family or at worst be chaste bachelors) without communicating well (very realistic for the time period)
The story is overall a bit rough sometimes in how the mystery and romance elements are braided together. Historical accuracy seems to abound, though.
Good for Victorian mystery and magic fans who are looking for stories with time-appropriate male couples.
The mystery unfolds well, with tantalizing clues and a reasonable if slightly slow pace. As for the romance, it's a bit awkwardly written in at first, starting off as a "friendship with sex" relationship that both characters struggle with for cultural reasons (Victorian men, very much expected to marry and raise a family or at worst be chaste bachelors) without communicating well (very realistic for the time period)
The story is overall a bit rough sometimes in how the mystery and romance elements are braided together. Historical accuracy seems to abound, though.
Good for Victorian mystery and magic fans who are looking for stories with time-appropriate male couples.
jennybeastie's review against another edition
4.0
Great world, with an interesting magical system, and a strong steampunk sensibility. I particularly like the vicious, roving plants. Heh. Also, hooray for gay romance, and man, boarding schools are the pits. Solid mystery, very entertaining.