This was a lovely fairytale, and like all fairytales it was short. Too short. I wished the story of Tristran Thorn and Yvaine could continue. Sadly, nThis was a lovely fairytale, and like all fairytales it was short. Too short. I wished the story of Tristran Thorn and Yvaine could continue. Sadly, not all wishes come true....more
It seems that if I really dislike a book, it's the fault of the main character. That is certainly the case with this book. I loathed Alf, who really sIt seems that if I really dislike a book, it's the fault of the main character. That is certainly the case with this book. I loathed Alf, who really should be named Angst. Ugh. The premise was interesting but the story did not work for me....more
I enjoyed this installment even more than the first two. Lots of London Underground, which I enjoy, and plenty of magic. * I've never been able to finI enjoyed this installment even more than the first two. Lots of London Underground, which I enjoy, and plenty of magic. * I've never been able to finish an audiobook - my visual attention is apparently way more developed than my auditory. That being said, the narrator, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith was excellent, so I did a combo of audio (while driving) and reading. A victory of sorts....more
I really enjoyed the first book in the series but found this one a bit disappointing. The book opens on a somewhat comical note, very Pirates of the CI really enjoyed the first book in the series but found this one a bit disappointing. The book opens on a somewhat comical note, very Pirates of the Caribbean. After that, not much happens at all for about 300 pages. Kell and Rhy brood. Lila discovers things about herself. Then there are the Element Games, a magical competition that falls somewhere between the Triwizard cup and the Hunger Games. I would have preferred more about what was happening in the various Londons. That being said, I do like the characters in this series very much and am looking forward to book 3....more
Not much happened for the first 100 pages or so, which were devoted mainly to world building. After that, the story took off and was, basically, unputNot much happened for the first 100 pages or so, which were devoted mainly to world building. After that, the story took off and was, basically, unputdownable. Loved the characters of both Kell and Lila....more
A very well done historical fantasy - complex plotting and a pleasure to read. I especially enjoyed the story of Charlotte-Rose, with its glimpses of A very well done historical fantasy - complex plotting and a pleasure to read. I especially enjoyed the story of Charlotte-Rose, with its glimpses of the court of the Sun King and the affair of poisons....more
I'm not a great fan of "alternate history" but this was a fun read and very different from what I usually read. I will definitely try the next one in I'm not a great fan of "alternate history" but this was a fun read and very different from what I usually read. I will definitely try the next one in the series....more