The Starry Library's Reviews > The Naturalist Society
The Naturalist Society (The Naturalist Society #1)
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The Naturalist Society by Carrie Vaughn is a magical story about nature and human nature featuring a love triangle, birds, arctic exploration, and what it means to honour your own nature in a 19th century world.
The story revolves around a magical practice called Arcane Taxonomy, in which some people known as Arcanist's can harness the powers of animals and plants as long as long as the natural specimen has been named and classified. Saying the Latin taxonomical name is how one can imbue themselves with the power of the animal or plant. For example, classifying a specific bird species can allow an Arcanist to be able to tap into the unique ability of that bird. This concept was original and fascinating and the interludes throughout the story about famous people from the past who may have been Arcanists, was the perfect way to add a touch of realism to this book. The whole time reading this story I couldn't help but wonder if there was or is such as thing as Arcane Taxonomy? I learned a lot about the science of naturalism and the 1880s setting was the perfect backdrop to explore this subject as the world was on the cusp of technological breakthroughs with nature and the environment paying the price.
The story revolves around three characters, Beth, Bran, and Anton, and the difficulties they encounter managing their abilities in a world that does not fully understand or accept them. Beth is a widow with an incredible gift in ornithology yet does not have the equal rights to be taken seriously in her field, needing to hide her interest and talents due to its societal impropriety. Bran is an artic explorer and Arcanist trying to get to the South Pole with his companion Anton in order to harness the earth's magnetic fields, which would empower an Arcanist in ways never seen before. His late friend and Beth's deceased husband was also a gifted Arcanist, who left behind a treasure trove of knowledge in the field, but meeting his widow Beth changes his entire perspective on Arcane Taxonomy... and love. Beth, Bran, and Anton are caught up in a love triangle, keeping their romance hidden all the while experimenting with their Arcane powers in a world that has rejected them in different ways.
I really enjoyed this story for being an original fantasy about naturalism. The subject was fascinating and the idea of harnessing power from nature offered an interesting perspective on what it means to master and exploit it. I liked how the author explored the natural vs unnatural themes within the context of 19th century America. I loved getting immersed in this story and looking at nature through the eyes of an Arcanist whose passion for understanding flora and fauna brought the story to life.
The Naturalist Society was a high concept historical fantasy that will make you love and appreciate the natural world and its powerful magical ability to survive, live, and thrive in a world full of humans seeking to harness it, for better and for worse.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free arc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story revolves around a magical practice called Arcane Taxonomy, in which some people known as Arcanist's can harness the powers of animals and plants as long as long as the natural specimen has been named and classified. Saying the Latin taxonomical name is how one can imbue themselves with the power of the animal or plant. For example, classifying a specific bird species can allow an Arcanist to be able to tap into the unique ability of that bird. This concept was original and fascinating and the interludes throughout the story about famous people from the past who may have been Arcanists, was the perfect way to add a touch of realism to this book. The whole time reading this story I couldn't help but wonder if there was or is such as thing as Arcane Taxonomy? I learned a lot about the science of naturalism and the 1880s setting was the perfect backdrop to explore this subject as the world was on the cusp of technological breakthroughs with nature and the environment paying the price.
The story revolves around three characters, Beth, Bran, and Anton, and the difficulties they encounter managing their abilities in a world that does not fully understand or accept them. Beth is a widow with an incredible gift in ornithology yet does not have the equal rights to be taken seriously in her field, needing to hide her interest and talents due to its societal impropriety. Bran is an artic explorer and Arcanist trying to get to the South Pole with his companion Anton in order to harness the earth's magnetic fields, which would empower an Arcanist in ways never seen before. His late friend and Beth's deceased husband was also a gifted Arcanist, who left behind a treasure trove of knowledge in the field, but meeting his widow Beth changes his entire perspective on Arcane Taxonomy... and love. Beth, Bran, and Anton are caught up in a love triangle, keeping their romance hidden all the while experimenting with their Arcane powers in a world that has rejected them in different ways.
I really enjoyed this story for being an original fantasy about naturalism. The subject was fascinating and the idea of harnessing power from nature offered an interesting perspective on what it means to master and exploit it. I liked how the author explored the natural vs unnatural themes within the context of 19th century America. I loved getting immersed in this story and looking at nature through the eyes of an Arcanist whose passion for understanding flora and fauna brought the story to life.
The Naturalist Society was a high concept historical fantasy that will make you love and appreciate the natural world and its powerful magical ability to survive, live, and thrive in a world full of humans seeking to harness it, for better and for worse.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free arc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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