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A review by thiscryptidreads
Vanished by Nicole McKeon
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Immersive, light-hearted, wonderful world building.
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Probably one of my favorite books of the year!
-NO SPOILERS-
This book is a duel POV between our MFC Lady Gwenevere St. James and Young Sally. Each chapter is notated at the top with the name of the character whose POV you're currently reading which I appreciated SO much! Lady Gwen is tenacious, funny and caring and I found myself quickly endeared to her as she searched London in this Gaslamp fantasy in search of missing children. I consider his book low to medium stakes since there's nothing super stressful like world changing events or full out war but there is some political tension and societal gossip. You get the feel of a historical fiction, fantasy and mystery all rolled into one.
I found Nicole McKeon via Tiktok and she said she hoped this world was something similar to The Parasol Protectorate by Gail Carriger and she did not disappoint. Inventions, witty banter, found family, and while this doesn't have a full HPE there is a fulfilling and slightly bittersweet ending that leaves readers wanting more. I begged Nicole to be a Beta reader for book 2 because I honestly couldn't get enough! I'll absolutely be buying a hardback copy and placing this book on my shelf designated for cozy re-reads.
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Probably one of my favorite books of the year!
-NO SPOILERS-
This book is a duel POV between our MFC Lady Gwenevere St. James and Young Sally. Each chapter is notated at the top with the name of the character whose POV you're currently reading which I appreciated SO much! Lady Gwen is tenacious, funny and caring and I found myself quickly endeared to her as she searched London in this Gaslamp fantasy in search of missing children. I consider his book low to medium stakes since there's nothing super stressful like world changing events or full out war but there is some political tension and societal gossip. You get the feel of a historical fiction, fantasy and mystery all rolled into one.
I found Nicole McKeon via Tiktok and she said she hoped this world was something similar to The Parasol Protectorate by Gail Carriger and she did not disappoint. Inventions, witty banter, found family, and while this doesn't have a full HPE there is a fulfilling and slightly bittersweet ending that leaves readers wanting more. I begged Nicole to be a Beta reader for book 2 because I honestly couldn't get enough! I'll absolutely be buying a hardback copy and placing this book on my shelf designated for cozy re-reads.
Content Warnings
Minor: Terminal illness, Violence, and Kidnapping
This is a Gaslamp fantasy set in Victorian London where magical races (elves, dwarves, fairies) and Humans coexist.