A review by asterope
The Detective by Jonathan L. Howard
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
4.25
Sick. Improved upon many of my issues with the first book, and still just as hilarious.
Leonie's return was sorely needed. Someone needs to keep Cabal in check. And despite everything, I'm once again surprised at how likeable Cabal remains as a protagonist. We even got another snippet of backstory! For a while there I thought I'd imagined the ending of the first book (I read it whilst very tired).
The worldbuilding was nicely expanded upon, with some fictional yet convincing European countries thrown in with the existing ones. I'm glad Britain was confirmed as real too. The author's writing was much better. Just generally lots more detail and care given to making the world come alive. At first I was concerned the book would be almost entirely set in the airship, and the descriptions of its various mechanical parts got a little tiring, but overall the book felt varied enough.
The only thing that was missing was necromancy! There was some, but not enough. I understand why the plot was so focused on unravelling the mystery of course, I just wished there was more opportunities for magic. But yes, very happy with this as a sequel. Onto the next one!
Leonie's return was sorely needed. Someone needs to keep Cabal in check. And despite everything, I'm once again surprised at how likeable Cabal remains as a protagonist. We even got another snippet of backstory! For a while there I thought I'd imagined the ending of the first book (I read it whilst very tired).
The worldbuilding was nicely expanded upon, with some fictional yet convincing European countries thrown in with the existing ones. I'm glad Britain was confirmed as real too. The author's writing was much better. Just generally lots more detail and care given to making the world come alive. At first I was concerned the book would be almost entirely set in the airship, and the descriptions of its various mechanical parts got a little tiring, but overall the book felt varied enough.
The only thing that was missing was necromancy! There was some, but not enough. I understand why the plot was so focused on unravelling the mystery of course, I just wished there was more opportunities for magic. But yes, very happy with this as a sequel. Onto the next one!