A review by orionmerlin
The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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

3.5

Characters: 7/10

The characters in The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue were vibrant and distinctive, with Monty’s flawed yet endearing personality making him easy to connect with. Percy and Felicity, the secondary characters, had significant roles and added depth to the story. While I enjoyed their dynamics, some of the characters felt a bit exaggerated at times, which occasionally pulled me out of the narrative.

Atmosphere/Setting: 7/10

The historical European setting was richly described, with lavish parties, gritty streets, and adventurous locales painting a vivid picture. While I could imagine many of the scenes, a few moments lacked the energy or detail to make them fully immersive.

Writing Style: 7/10

Mackenzi Lee’s writing style was enjoyable, with a blend of wit and emotional depth that suited the story well. Monty’s narration was engaging, but at times, the humor felt a bit overused, and the prose wasn’t as consistent in tone as I would have liked. While the style was accessible, it didn’t leave a lasting impression on me.

Plot: 7/10

The plot offered a mix of romance, adventure, and self-discovery that kept me entertained. The pacing was mostly strong, but some middle sections felt tedious and drawn out. While the central conflicts and twists were satisfying, the overall journey didn’t feel particularly unique compared to other stories in the genre.

Intrigue: 7/10

I enjoyed following the story and was curious about where it would lead, but it wasn’t always compelling enough to make me prioritize reading it. While there were plenty of entertaining moments, the pacing inconsistencies occasionally pulled me out of the experience.

Logic/Relationships: 7/10

The relationships, especially between Monty, Percy, and Felicity, were well-developed and emotionally resonant. However, some character motivations and choices felt unclear or inconsistent at times, which disrupted the story’s logic. The world-building was sufficient but didn’t fully draw me in or make me feel the stakes were as high as they could have been.

Enjoyment: 7/10

Overall, I enjoyed the book, though my enjoyment wasn’t entirely consistent. While I appreciated the humor, characters, and adventurous spirit, there were moments when the story felt repetitive or overly reliant on certain tropes.