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A review by jaironside
Leviathan by L.S. Johnson
5.0
4.5 stars
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
Following on from Harkworth Hall, Leviathan follows the further adventures of Caroline Daniels – a well to do young lady in late Georgian England, and Joanne Chase, intrepid investigator of sea cryptids and their human masters. Now both in the employ of His Majesty, George II, the pair have formed a firm friendship since the last book which is ripening into something even closer. But there is little time for love when word comes that French agents may be meeting with the brother of the villainous Masterson who caused them so much heartache and danger before. The tale of a frightened local woman clinches the decision to remove at once to the port town of Medby – it would seem that the creature roused from the deeps before may have returned…
I am 80% in this just for Jo and Caroline’s relationship. The other 20% is carried along by the historical setting and the author’s crisp and engaging style. Told in first person from Caroline’s POV, these books are a very easy read in the sense that they just sweep you up and take you back to Georgian England. While they are a little light on the mystery side, this works far better in terms of the story which is concentrated on Jo and Caroline’s burgeoning romance, as well as on familial loyalties and constraints. Johnson includes enough historical detail to set the scene without bogging the reader down in needless detail. The depiction of Medby was a spot on portrayal of Georgian Scarborough and while there was no need for long descriptions of tall ships, this volume in the series gave a pleasing feel of the age of sail.
There’s an almost Lovecraftian element too in terms of the sea beastie which is most definitely carnivorous and possibly madness inducing. I enjoyed each twist and turn as the plot thickened and ambitious villains, turbulent rival nations and oceanic abominations all came together for a very dastardly plot indeed.
Caroline and Jo are just adorable together. While there are difficulties and influences on their relationship it would have been strange to ignore, Johnson never turns it into a story about issues. This is an adventure story, a fantasy mystery and very sweet romance.
Thoroughly enjoyed this and highly recommend it. More please.
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
Following on from Harkworth Hall, Leviathan follows the further adventures of Caroline Daniels – a well to do young lady in late Georgian England, and Joanne Chase, intrepid investigator of sea cryptids and their human masters. Now both in the employ of His Majesty, George II, the pair have formed a firm friendship since the last book which is ripening into something even closer. But there is little time for love when word comes that French agents may be meeting with the brother of the villainous Masterson who caused them so much heartache and danger before. The tale of a frightened local woman clinches the decision to remove at once to the port town of Medby – it would seem that the creature roused from the deeps before may have returned…
I am 80% in this just for Jo and Caroline’s relationship. The other 20% is carried along by the historical setting and the author’s crisp and engaging style. Told in first person from Caroline’s POV, these books are a very easy read in the sense that they just sweep you up and take you back to Georgian England. While they are a little light on the mystery side, this works far better in terms of the story which is concentrated on Jo and Caroline’s burgeoning romance, as well as on familial loyalties and constraints. Johnson includes enough historical detail to set the scene without bogging the reader down in needless detail. The depiction of Medby was a spot on portrayal of Georgian Scarborough and while there was no need for long descriptions of tall ships, this volume in the series gave a pleasing feel of the age of sail.
There’s an almost Lovecraftian element too in terms of the sea beastie which is most definitely carnivorous and possibly madness inducing. I enjoyed each twist and turn as the plot thickened and ambitious villains, turbulent rival nations and oceanic abominations all came together for a very dastardly plot indeed.
Caroline and Jo are just adorable together. While there are difficulties and influences on their relationship it would have been strange to ignore, Johnson never turns it into a story about issues. This is an adventure story, a fantasy mystery and very sweet romance.
Thoroughly enjoyed this and highly recommend it. More please.