Reviewed by Amber (The Literary Phoenix) on
Steampunk and I have a notorious love/hate relationship. I really want to love it BUT then I read the books and am left wanting for stronger characters and less stiff social settings. I do believe it is possible to do great steampunk and still empower women ([b:The Strange Case of Finley Jayne|11130686|The Strange Case of Finley Jayne (Steampunk Chronicles, #0.5)|Kady Cross|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1303414416s/11130686.jpg|16053889] does it well, even if the book series it's attached to does not). And, FINALLY, I have found a book with a grand assortment of women in various states of personality, strength, and refinery. So refreshing.
I'm not speaking poorly about other steampunk, mind you. They just leave me wanting more.
This novel was fast-paced, but not exhausting. If Sephronia's hijinks were not keeping me entertained, the curiosities of the world were. Even her name is delightful, surpassed only by the terribly useful Bumbersnoot. Additionally, I really liked the female friendships in this one. They came in all shapes and sizes, and AMAZINGLY when two friends had a problem, they worked it out maturely and sensibly. Why can't all fantasy girls do that?
If you like stories about boarding school and posh gentlemen and assassins and whatnot, you'll quite enjoy this tale.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- 12 May, 2018: Finished reading
- 12 May, 2018: Reviewed