This book review was part of a podcast discussion.
Listen to the episode here.
Sorceress Prime Emma Bannon and Archibald Clare, a mentath (really smart guy good at solving problems), must join forces to stop a rebellion against Queen Victrix, the current vessel of Britannia’s spirit. It sounds interesting and exciting when summarized this way, but the book was very dry. It focused more on manners and etiquette and being proper, while at the same time saving the Queen. Too many times did it say Bannon “uttered a word a proper lady would faint at,” or some variety.
The characters’ backstories were another issue. Out of five main characters, only one didn’t have a mysterious background. The fact that they all had secrets about their history was annoying, not intriguing. So many mysteries underneath the main story detracted too much from the actual rebellion happening. Some reviews for the third book say they still have backstory questions, meaning they never get resolved, and it just feels unfulfilling.
If you enjoy “mannerpunk” and needlessly clockworked horses, this book is for you. I, however, will not be continuing the series.
Minnesota
Caty Willis works a boring day job, but in downtime fancies herself an artist and writer. She loves reading, especially fantasy, and dreams of opening a bookstore one day. Follow her on Twitter @shimmybook.
