A review by cupiscent
The Embroidered Book by Kate Heartfield

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.