Audio Notes: Tried this on audio; while the narrator has a pleasant voice, I don’t think her performance sets the tone I associate with the book. AlreAudio Notes: Tried this on audio; while the narrator has a pleasant voice, I don’t think her performance sets the tone I associate with the book. Already have my gorgeous hard copy, though, so will be plunging into this world this summer! ...more
I listened to just over 4 hours and it's fine, but there are some pacing issues and it's not keeping my interest at 38%. The thought of another 7 hourI listened to just over 4 hours and it's fine, but there are some pacing issues and it's not keeping my interest at 38%. The thought of another 7 hours just doesn't excite me....more
I enjoyed this very much, except that the magical parts are so woefully undeveloped that they might as well not exist, honestly. And it was a bit discI enjoyed this very much, except that the magical parts are so woefully undeveloped that they might as well not exist, honestly. And it was a bit disconcerting that the heroine’s circumstances kept changing throughout the story. I realize it’s the start of a series, but there are better ways to keep interest than to refuse to explain or clearly delineate so many things.
Still, the audiobook was very enjoyable to listen to, so I’ll try the next one.
4.5 stars I have an uneasy relationship with faeries(THEY ARE SO TRICKY), but I LOVED this one. The use of magic is so immersive, the description of h4.5 stars I have an uneasy relationship with faeries(THEY ARE SO TRICKY), but I LOVED this one. The use of magic is so immersive, the description of her dress near the end is amazing, the deadpan humor made me chuckle, and the pairing of an unusual heroine paired with an unusual magician was pretty close to perfect.
Audio Notes: Madeleine Leslay’s performance is just perfect. So many voices done well, from Dora’s calm narrative voice to the many male characters. My favorite scene was at the faerie ball, when the voice she did for one blustery, good-humored character reminded me of the Walrus in Disney’s Alice in Wonderland. It made me laugh. ...more
Somehow each one of the books in this series has managed to be even better than the previous one. Such a delightful comedy of manners! Such distractinSomehow each one of the books in this series has managed to be even better than the previous one. Such a delightful comedy of manners! Such distracting chemistry! Such an unabashedly absurd plot! Such a violent smashing of fruitcake!
...a look so wicked, he might as well as gone through and dog-eared all her pages.
And such wonderful, wonderful love of literature, present directly in the story (they are both soothed by their books, and he is bespectacled), in the witty dialogue, and in quotes/misquotes brazenly seized and tossed into the story at dizzying speed. I want to ply India Holton with copious amounts of tea and cake and inspect her pockets for daggers, as her prose is so wickedly sharp, I'm half in love with her myself, despite being neither witch nor pirate. Along with The Lady Janies' work, this series is a masterclass on how to write a madcap historical with a modern eye.
I loved the book, adored the ending, and can't wait for her new series featuring RIVAL ORNITHOLOGISTS in 2024.
4.5 stars
Audio Notes: I fear I'll sound like a deranged stalker if I heap more praises upon Elizabeth Knowelden's narration, but I'll just say she has in her armory a series of demented social laughs that made me burst into giggles every time they appeared.
Not a hugely plot-heavy paranormal romance, but so very fun.
Recommended for fans of Soulless--this one has less focus on world-building, but has a siNot a hugely plot-heavy paranormal romance, but so very fun.
Recommended for fans of Soulless--this one has less focus on world-building, but has a similarly dizzyingly cheerful tone in the face of disaster. The endless literary allusions, often humorously integrated, are amusing to catch, and there are some magical spectacles that are visually very striking. It's also hard to resist such a briskly competent heroine and a dashing gentleman who looks upon her with such unbridled affection and lust and respect.
Audio Notes: I rarely listen to romances on audiobook, but I am so very glad I did with this one. The banter is quick and witty, and Elizabeth Knowelden's perfect delivery and varied voices made it a hugely enjoyable experience. I suspect the lightness in plot might be more obvious during a regular reading experience, but on audio it's absolutely delightful....more
3.5 stars Not a hugely complex plot, and I’m not sure I quite understand how some of this works, but if you look upon it as a simpler extended fairy t3.5 stars Not a hugely complex plot, and I’m not sure I quite understand how some of this works, but if you look upon it as a simpler extended fairy tale—where the princess saves herself and her country—it’s quite enjoyable. The author also writes some pretty swoony kisses. :D
Also glad that (view spoiler)[the big death towards the end was reversed. I was not on board with that. (hide spoiler)]
Audio Notes: Fiona Hardingham has a lovely narrative style, as always. And she handles some harsher words and accents in this world with ease. A pleasant, undemanding audio experience. ...more
4.5 stars So delightful! Sly jokes, rakish pirates looking upon determined witches with unbridled lust even as he plots against her, dazzlingly silly 4.5 stars So delightful! Sly jokes, rakish pirates looking upon determined witches with unbridled lust even as he plots against her, dazzlingly silly puns, and affectionate nods to Jane Austen.
There are some modern turns of phrase and liberties with plot/characterization for sure, but I don’t mind them at all in this series the way I do in many others. The author establishes a believable historical world (not just in the usual details, but in mood and manner), uses language skillfully and intelligently in dialogue and phrasing, and the anachronisms are included cheekily. It works here because she understands all the rules before she breaks them, versus books that feel as though the author learned history and etiquette solely through Netflix Bridgerton. Effortlessly witty romances like these are so rare, and I found myself laughing throughout the whole splendid thing.
Audio Notes: I wish I’d heard a bit more of a lilting Irish accent for Alex, but otherwise Elizabeth Knowelden’s voice and performance is perfect for these books. So very enjoyable....more
Wendy Darling
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Books:
historical-fantasy
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