Oh, this was wonderful. Gardening, beekeeping, magic, cozy vibes, and gender exploration, what else coulThanks to the author for the ARC of this book.
Oh, this was wonderful. Gardening, beekeeping, magic, cozy vibes, and gender exploration, what else could I want? This is oddly enough the first book I read in this series, but it definitely won't be the last. The first couple pages explaining how Florian landed in their predicament were a little awkwardly written and felt out of place, but after that it was smooth sailing. There is a big emphasis on clear communication, which I always appreciate in romance, and the gender vibes...hell yes.
I really liked this novella. In 17th century London, there's an increasing number of children born strange and uncanny, often to the point they are unI really liked this novella. In 17th century London, there's an increasing number of children born strange and uncanny, often to the point they are unable to survive. It's up to apprentice midwife Sarah, who is more than a little strange and uncanny herself to help the mothers and babies and figure out what's going on. It's a pretty unique concept, written in a very atmospheric way, and while Rather doesn't shy away from darker sides of being poor and a woman in that era, there is still plenty of hope for the protagonist and her girlfriend. The pacing, the most critical aspect of novellas for me, is also perfectly fine.
In short, if the concept sounds interesting to you, it's definitely a book I'd recommend.
DNF 40% - Just not what I'm looking for right now. The first one was smaller scale, with more focus on Elin and her care of the animals, which is why DNF 40% - Just not what I'm looking for right now. The first one was smaller scale, with more focus on Elin and her care of the animals, which is why I liked it. This, meanwhile, expands in scope dramatically, with the plot being mostly about politics and war. And I find that I don't care about all that nearly as much. I'm having a hard time picking it back up, I'd rather be reading other books, so there's only one thing to do before it pushes me back into a slump. Oh well.
I would have never read this book if not for wanting to complete the bookclub r/Fantasy Bingo square as soon as possible. And I'm glad I did. I loved I would have never read this book if not for wanting to complete the bookclub r/Fantasy Bingo square as soon as possible. And I'm glad I did. I loved Elin and how she tries to do what's best for the beasts she loves so much, I'm a sucker for a good fantasy school, and the early part after she's rescued by the beekeeper was very relaxing to read.
There were a few odd decisions plot-wise, like postponing telling a story the character learned in the middle to the reader until the end (totally unnecessarily), as well as quite a lot of infodumping, but overall, I liked it enough to borrow the sequel immediately.
What a lovely, odd book. My favourite kind to encounter. Literary fantasy can be hit or miss (*cough*), but this one worked well enough for me.
I likeWhat a lovely, odd book. My favourite kind to encounter. Literary fantasy can be hit or miss (*cough*), but this one worked well enough for me.
I liked that the plot meanders leisurely, pulling you along for the journey if you want. Towards what? I could not tell. I was just along for the ride. There is everything and the kitchen sink, magic, gods, chosen and unchosen, strange doors, devils, clearly a secondary world, but also modern technology including email lists, crowdfunding, and smartphones. I would have expected that to be jarring, but it was not. It all works. The city of Luriat with its impossibly byzantine politics impenetrable to an outsider like Fetter, seasonal atrocities, and kafkaesque bureaucracy is also oddly...relatable, maybe.
If there's anything that prevented me from getting fully invested, it's the distant narration. It's there for a reason, I know. It, too, makes sense. Even so, while I might not have minded it as much as I usually do, it's also not a style I enjoy.
Enjoyment: 4/5 Execution: 4.5/5
Recommended to: fans of weird cities and meandering plots
Para (wanderer)
>
Books:
fantasy
(500)
Loading...
