Of Noble Family by Mary Robinette Kowal
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is a heavyweight – and not just because it’s almost twice as big as the earlier ones.
(mild spoilers follow)
Whereas Valour and Vanity was a historical heist novel, Of Noble Family could be seen as a psychological thriller. What should have been a simple engagement or even a relaxing vacation turns soon into horror, and Jane and Vincent have to bear the effects of … (Read more)
Cotillion by Georgette Heyer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I absolutely love Freddy!
Though nominally this book is about Kitty – her predicament, her coming to London, her getting tangled up in other people’s problems – none of this would happen, or get resolved in any satisfactory way, without the quiet, simple, and unassuming help of a character who, normally, would be relegated to the sidelines, being the helpful best friend or that guy in the background.
The story … (Read more)
Newt’s Emerald by Garth Nix
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book is a fun, fast read but as, other commenters have said, the best word to describe it would probably be “cute”.
The plot is set into an alternate-history regency with magic, and is pretty much a fast-paced action romp with simple but relatable characters.
The most distracting issues is that, because of its macguffin nature, one of the main plot points (the main character disguises herself as … (Read more)