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miduhadi's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
caitlin_bookchats's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
ewil6681's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
mastersal's review against another edition
4.0
A satisfying finish to the Glamourist Histories Series (the first of the year for me!), the charm of this book will depend on how invested you are in the characters.
A main couple, Jane and Vincent, continue their international adventures and find trouble. Basically, these two should never leave the shores of England for fear of the world ending.
The basic plot deals with “Vincent [receiving] word that his estranged father has passed away on one of his properties in the West Indies”. So they have to travel there to settle the estate. The sea voyage is long and Jane … discovers that she is with child” and the stage is set for our couple.
Being set in Barbados, this book is surrounding by the awful reality of slavery. Ms. Kowal never shunts that off the page but neither is this book particularly angsty. Our MCs remain steadfastly honest and open minded, which makes this an easy read (well as far as it can be given the context. I did have to put the book down a couple of times as some of the sections did hit me in the feels. This is possibly a lot to do with the BLM context as it made me think about how the scars of history continue.)
For me, there was enough historical detail that I want to go back and discover the actual history of the area which I am woefully ignorant about. In that respect, I think this book is a success. If you are looking for something a little more unflinching that you may be disappointed. If you are looking to ignore reality then you may be even more disappointed.
The general plot and setting made this the most substantial of the books. It still managed an overall lightness of touch which I appreciated. The bad guys get their cumpanance and there are small victories - but they are small in the end. The author was clever in not having our MCs “change the world” and keeps the scale small and personal.
I like the black women in this especially - and the gentle dig at the Euro-centric understanding of Glamour.
Jane and Vincent remain the biggest draw for me here - it is rare to see happy, healthy relationships depicted after marriage but here that is front and center. Vincent struggles which his upbringing but they both manage to pull together and support each other. This shouldn’t be the rarity it is but I am glad it exists here.
All in all - a solid end. I would give this a 4.5 stars but I am rounding down as per my usual rules. I didn’t get super excited by it but, given the state of the world, I am thinking that is not the book’s fault. The intent here was to be light - almost introductory - despite the heavy subject matter. In the end that is what kept it from a full 5 stars for me - I admire this book but didn’t love it. Even though I think it’s a stronger book than the one before, [b:Valour and Vanity|12987423|Valour and Vanity (Glamourist Histories, #4)|Mary Robinette Kowal|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388795753l/12987423._SX50_.jpg|18147165], I think I prefer the latter on a personal level. L
Still - this series is worth checking out for fantasy fans who are looking for something gentle but well written.
A main couple, Jane and Vincent, continue their international adventures and find trouble. Basically, these two should never leave the shores of England for fear of the world ending.
The basic plot deals with “Vincent [receiving] word that his estranged father has passed away on one of his properties in the West Indies”. So they have to travel there to settle the estate. The sea voyage is long and Jane … discovers that she is with child” and the stage is set for our couple.
Being set in Barbados, this book is surrounding by the awful reality of slavery. Ms. Kowal never shunts that off the page but neither is this book particularly angsty. Our MCs remain steadfastly honest and open minded, which makes this an easy read (well as far as it can be given the context. I did have to put the book down a couple of times as some of the sections did hit me in the feels. This is possibly a lot to do with the BLM context as it made me think about how the scars of history continue.)
For me, there was enough historical detail that I want to go back and discover the actual history of the area which I am woefully ignorant about. In that respect, I think this book is a success. If you are looking for something a little more unflinching that you may be disappointed. If you are looking to ignore reality then you may be even more disappointed.
The general plot and setting made this the most substantial of the books. It still managed an overall lightness of touch which I appreciated. The bad guys get their cumpanance and there are small victories - but they are small in the end. The author was clever in not having our MCs “change the world” and keeps the scale small and personal.
I like the black women in this especially - and the gentle dig at the Euro-centric understanding of Glamour.
Jane and Vincent remain the biggest draw for me here - it is rare to see happy, healthy relationships depicted after marriage but here that is front and center. Vincent struggles which his upbringing but they both manage to pull together and support each other. This shouldn’t be the rarity it is but I am glad it exists here.
All in all - a solid end. I would give this a 4.5 stars but I am rounding down as per my usual rules. I didn’t get super excited by it but, given the state of the world, I am thinking that is not the book’s fault. The intent here was to be light - almost introductory - despite the heavy subject matter. In the end that is what kept it from a full 5 stars for me - I admire this book but didn’t love it. Even though I think it’s a stronger book than the one before, [b:Valour and Vanity|12987423|Valour and Vanity (Glamourist Histories, #4)|Mary Robinette Kowal|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388795753l/12987423._SX50_.jpg|18147165], I think I prefer the latter on a personal level. L
Still - this series is worth checking out for fantasy fans who are looking for something gentle but well written.
nae_nae_deluxe's review
5.0
Magnificent.
I don't buy books often. Because, libraries.
I never buy books before I've read them and know that I like them.
This series? The Exception. My hardcopy of this last installment arrived just a few days ago. I read it in less than 24 hours...which happens with things I can't put down.
Of Noble Family is a phenomenal ending to this powerful, delightful, and enchanting series. Of course we needed Regency magic! But more than just having a great idea, Mary Robinette Kowal crafted each book with style, real and wonderful characters, and fantastic writing. As each book ended up in my excited little hands I was consistently impressed and surprised. Naturally my expectations were high with each subsequent novel, but those expectations were always exceeded.
Jane Austen—magic. Then Jane Austen—magic—spies! And so on and so forth, with each book bringing something new to the table.
Always there is the underlying power of a real relationship. A love story that has to survive LIFE. Jane and Vincent aren't up against petty little problems and THAT is what drives their characters and relationship with such force. They have such beautiful growth together. Theirs is a love story done right.
I know this review is more of the whole series than the last book. But you need to start with the first book for this one to deliver the emotional ride it intends.
Also, Mary Robinette Kowal reads her novels, in case you want to audio this series. She's a professional puppeteer and voice actor. She's marvelous.
I don't buy books often. Because, libraries.
I never buy books before I've read them and know that I like them.
This series? The Exception. My hardcopy of this last installment arrived just a few days ago. I read it in less than 24 hours...which happens with things I can't put down.
Of Noble Family is a phenomenal ending to this powerful, delightful, and enchanting series. Of course we needed Regency magic! But more than just having a great idea, Mary Robinette Kowal crafted each book with style, real and wonderful characters, and fantastic writing. As each book ended up in my excited little hands I was consistently impressed and surprised. Naturally my expectations were high with each subsequent novel, but those expectations were always exceeded.
Jane Austen—magic. Then Jane Austen—magic—spies! And so on and so forth, with each book bringing something new to the table.
Always there is the underlying power of a real relationship. A love story that has to survive LIFE. Jane and Vincent aren't up against petty little problems and THAT is what drives their characters and relationship with such force. They have such beautiful growth together. Theirs is a love story done right.
I know this review is more of the whole series than the last book. But you need to start with the first book for this one to deliver the emotional ride it intends.
Also, Mary Robinette Kowal reads her novels, in case you want to audio this series. She's a professional puppeteer and voice actor. She's marvelous.
daumari's review
5.0
I think this might actually be my favorite of the Glamourist Histories, and part of me's sad to see that this is the last book... but what a point to go out on.
Vincent's father has passed and because his older brothers are dead and crippled respectively, Vincent and Jane must travel to Antigua to investigate the updated will there. But of course, there are twists and they remain on the island far longer than they want to (frankly, if they Vincents had their way they would've left on day one, but alas.)
Mary Robinette Kowal's commitment to research shows with how fleshed out the Antiguans are and with passing references to contemporary events, as well as the dialect of slaves from different parts of Africa.
Vincent's father has passed and because his older brothers are dead and crippled respectively, Vincent and Jane must travel to Antigua to investigate the updated will there. But of course, there are twists and they remain on the island far longer than they want to (frankly, if they Vincents had their way they would've left on day one, but alas.)
Mary Robinette Kowal's commitment to research shows with how fleshed out the Antiguans are and with passing references to contemporary events, as well as the dialect of slaves from different parts of Africa.
Spoiler
Once again, I found her treatment of pregnancy, childbirth, and the anxiety from Jane's previous miscarriage well-crafted- maybe I'm reading the wrong genres, but I don't see such a careful, thoughtful treatment of the topic that often.tonlewkel's review
A good ending to a great series, one about a happily married couple that takes on challenges together in regency England with an added twist of fantasy.
eyreguide's review
5.0
It's interesting to me how this series keeps getting a little darker and a little more involved with issues of social justice. This series is just so different from where it started. With the previous novel "Valour and Vanity", I thought it couldn't get sadder, or more heart-rending or plumb the characters of Jane and Vincent deeper. I was wrong. This is the last book in the Glamourist Histories series, and it brought more depth and closure to Jane and Vincent and brings their story to a completely fulfilling conclusion.
The main plot of this story deals with a surprise twist that occurs very early on in the book. Which I can't really explore in my review because I don't want to spoil it for everyone. But it is wonderful that the reader finds out more about Vincent, his past, and his family in this book, and just how much that has affected him. Vincent has always been a closed off character in the series, but in this book we see and understand him so much more. His portrayal throughout this series has been very realistic, and that has just been made more apparent to me in this book. Because there's still so many layers to him, and it's revealed further.
Another reason I adored this book was the love between the Vincents just felt more real, and achingly honest. They love each other so much, it's ridiculous. I'm totally jealous. And it made me ache all the more with them as they went through all the trials and injustices this story presents.
The social injustice Jane and Vincent face in this novel is slavery and it's approached perfectly in this novel. Our main characters are compassionate and do not condone the practice at all, but the story is realistic about the change they could effect for the time, and I felt all the frustration that they felt in seeing such an atrocity. There's a particular new character in this book, who is the example for all the worst prejudices and greed that made it so hard to eradicate slavery, and it was satisfying to have him dealt with in the end. This whole novel was a gradual building of frustration and suspense with how impotent the Vincents were in the situation, but fortunately (as is the case for all the novels in the series so far) the author manages to craft the perfect resolution that is both satisfying and true to the time. I'm especially in awe of just how cleverly it was done in this book because there is such a full circle satisfaction to the conclusion.
I'm sad that the series is over, but I loved reading every installment, and it's wondrous how the author brought two such wonderful characters to vivid and varied life. This is a gorgeous ending to a glorious series!
The main plot of this story deals with a surprise twist that occurs very early on in the book. Which I can't really explore in my review because I don't want to spoil it for everyone. But it is wonderful that the reader finds out more about Vincent, his past, and his family in this book, and just how much that has affected him. Vincent has always been a closed off character in the series, but in this book we see and understand him so much more. His portrayal throughout this series has been very realistic, and that has just been made more apparent to me in this book. Because there's still so many layers to him, and it's revealed further.
Another reason I adored this book was the love between the Vincents just felt more real, and achingly honest. They love each other so much, it's ridiculous. I'm totally jealous. And it made me ache all the more with them as they went through all the trials and injustices this story presents.
The social injustice Jane and Vincent face in this novel is slavery and it's approached perfectly in this novel. Our main characters are compassionate and do not condone the practice at all, but the story is realistic about the change they could effect for the time, and I felt all the frustration that they felt in seeing such an atrocity. There's a particular new character in this book, who is the example for all the worst prejudices and greed that made it so hard to eradicate slavery, and it was satisfying to have him dealt with in the end. This whole novel was a gradual building of frustration and suspense with how impotent the Vincents were in the situation, but fortunately (as is the case for all the novels in the series so far) the author manages to craft the perfect resolution that is both satisfying and true to the time. I'm especially in awe of just how cleverly it was done in this book because there is such a full circle satisfaction to the conclusion.
I'm sad that the series is over, but I loved reading every installment, and it's wondrous how the author brought two such wonderful characters to vivid and varied life. This is a gorgeous ending to a glorious series!