Reviews

The Embroidered Book by Kate Heartfield

yannaperry's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

lilia123's review against another edition

adventurous informative reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

bailyc's review against another edition

3.0

Thank you Harper Collins and Netgalley for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.

All opinions are my own.

Firstly I would say that this book is a whole lot more of a historical fiction type book than fantasy. The fantasy element of the book is there but could be removed without much harm to the story. That being said I did enjoy it. I wish there was more magic and more of a loser on the history element but that is totally personal preference from someone who reads primarily fantasy books.

I thought for a historical book there was a good balance between facts and story without it ever feeling like it was overexplaining or coming across like a textbook which some books ten to do. You can see the love the author poured into this story and that I loved to read.

Overall a good read if you like historical fiction, not as great if you are hunting for more fantasy.

darkskybooks's review against another edition

4.0

Historical fantasy is an interesting subgenre, weaving fantastical elements into well established historical events. The best ones of these really manage to capture the time period with the fantastical elements used more to drive the story and fill in blanks rather than attempting major revisionism. At this The Embroidered Book most definitely succeeds.

Here we take on the story of Marie Antoinette and Maria Carolina, two sisters who had a major impact on European history. Marie Antoinette needs no real introduction as Queen of France during the French Revolution. Maria Carolina was Queen of Naples during the same period, and effectively the power in the country as her husband was disinterested in matters of state.

Kate Heartfield manages to weave a story of magic into a well researched history of the period. She prevents a much more sympathetic view of Marie Antoinette than is usually found in the popular discourse. It was also fascinating to read more of the story behind Maria Carolina, whose own history is really interesting!

Overall a well worked take on the history in the period. Possibly a bit on the long side (it drags a little in the middle) but it provides a fun fantasy read with a fascinating take on some important historical figures.

santaniello's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

nicornap's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

booksaremyhear's review against another edition

sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.75

gracie_lou_dream's review against another edition

adventurous dark inspiring sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Interesting take on the story of Marie Antionette, but I was more interested in her sister Charlotte as a character.  Of course you knew how it was going to end but the road to get there was full of engagement.

shann_d18's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

cupiscent's review against another edition

mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

The theme work in this book is immensely strong. Such a rumination on power, knowledge, control, sacrifice, betterment... and the introduction of the magic system just made more explicit, and cast new light, upon the tensions and tangles between all those things, especially in the historical period covered. The interweaving of history and magic was deftly and delicately done, and the central characters made an elegant juxtaposition in their differing approaches to security. I really enjoyed the reading - line by line, it was elegant and easily flowing, though occasionally stumbling in the setup of a new chapter. I'm unconvinced it needed to be as long as it is, but it was all interesting to read. I'm also unconvinced by the necessity of certain elements of the ending, which also seemed a little rushed after the languid length of the rest of the book. But overall, this was an excellent read.