The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Katherine Tegen Books via Edelweiss. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue

Title: The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy
Author: Mackenzi Lee
Release Date: October 2, 2018

Synopsis: A year after an accidentally whirlwind grand tour with her brother Monty, Felicity Montague has returned to England with two goals in mind—avoid the marriage proposal of a lovestruck suitor from Edinburgh and enroll in medical school. However, her intellect and passion will never be enough in the eyes of the administrators, who see men as the sole guardians of science.

But then a window of opportunity opens—a doctor she idolizes is marrying an old friend of hers in Germany. Felicity believes if she could meet this man he could change her future, but she has no money of her own to make the trip. Luckily, a mysterious young woman is willing to pay Felicity’s way, so long as she’s allowed to travel with Felicity disguised as her maid.

In spite of her suspicions, Felicity agrees, but once the girl’s true motives are revealed, Felicity becomes part of a perilous quest that leads them from the German countryside to the promenades of Zurich to secrets lurking beneath the Atlantic.

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Review: Mackenzi Lee's books are soooooo good. I've loved her writing ever since This Monstrous Thing. This is the companion novel to The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue focusing on Felicity, Monty's sister. Lee's books usually take me longer to read. This book came out back in October and I only just finished it. I think it takes me longer because her style of adventure stories have many highs and lows in the energy and pacing instead of a simpler story. Lee does such a great job of writing personal moments between the characters. Such wonderful details. There's a lot to take in in every chapter. And I love it!

This is a historical fiction, but just like Gentleman's Guide there are some fantastical elements. I think the best analogue is something like Indiana Jones. I would never think of Indian Jones as a fantasy story, but maybe it is? The 1700s were a time when there were still unknowns to the Western world. I really enjoy how Lee writes the 1700s through a modern lens. Felicity is on the asexual spectrum. It's great to see queer rep in a time period you usually only get cis straight white male stories.

The characters from Gentleman's Guide return. The focus is on Felicity, but all the other main characters are featured to some degree. Plus we get a lot of new characters! And PIRATES! 

The tension comes from differences in perspectives and priorities between the characters. I really enjoyed when "good characters" come at odds with each other. 

I obviously give this book a 5/5. If you haven't read any of Mackenzi Lee's books, you need to read her stuff! I'd suggest starting with Gentleman's Guide. I look forward to reading more of Lee's writing in the future.    


--PAUL

The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Katherine Tegen Books and Harper Collins via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review; I read an annotated arc I received in a giveaway from the author*

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Title: The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue
Author: Mackenzi Lee
Recent Release Date: June 27, 2017

My REVIEW of This Monstrous Thing by Mackenzi Lee

Synopsis: Henry “Monty” Montague was born and bred to be a gentleman, but he was never one to be tamed. The finest boarding schools in England and the constant disapproval of his father haven’t been able to curb any of his roguish passions—not for gambling halls, late nights spent with a bottle of spirits, or waking up in the arms of women or men.

But as Monty embarks on his Grand Tour of Europe, his quest for a life filled with pleasure and vice is in danger of coming to an end. Not only does his father expect him to take over the family’s estate upon his return, but Monty is also nursing an impossible crush on his best friend and traveling companion, Percy.

Still it isn’t in Monty’s nature to give up. Even with his younger sister, Felicity, in tow, he vows to make this yearlong escapade one last hedonistic hurrah and flirt with Percy from Paris to Rome. But when one of Monty’s reckless decisions turns their trip abroad into a harrowing manhunt that spans across Europe, it calls into question everything he knows, including his relationship with the boy he adores.

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Review: This book is such a fun adventure with so much heart! I was lucky enough to win an annotated copy from the author in a giveaway which made it an even more thrilling read. It was like I was being walked through the book with fun little side comments and colorful drawings of marine mammals shouting "gaaaaaaaaayyyyy" as well as details into the author's process.

This book takes place in the 1700s, but it is written with a modern eye. Much research was done into the settings and era, but there's an awareness that feels very now. The book is essentially a rich queer man's romp around Europe with his best friend and nerdy sister that goes horribly wrong. But horribly wrong in so many wonderfully outrageous escapades. I'm talking stolen artifacts, surprisingly nice pirates, and more than a handful of beautiful cities. The working title of the book was "The Big Gay European Road Trip Novel" and that's what it wonderfully is!

The book is told from Monty's POV and the author absolutely nails the voice. It is infuriating in the best way possible when Monty doesn't catch something or interprets a situation in the wrong way. All three of the main characters are written so well. They make such a great team of misfits.

Obviously, I absolutely loved this book. I'm going to be recommending it to so many people. It's a fun, adventure story with queer characters that takes place in 1700s Europe! I'm super stoked for the next book in this universe ("The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy" is expected to be released sometime in 2018). I give this book a 5/5. You will love it!   
  
--PAUL

This Monstrous Thing by Mackenzi Lee - Paul's REVIEW

*I received this book as an eARC from Katherine Tegen Books via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*

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My PRE-READING

Title: This Monstrous Thing
Author: Mackenzi Lee
Upcoming Release Date: September 22, 2015

Synopsis: In 1818 Geneva, men built with clockwork parts live hidden away from society, cared for only by illegal mechanics called Shadow Boys. Two years ago, Shadow Boy Alasdair Finch’s life shattered to bits.

His brother, Oliver—dead.

His sweetheart, Mary—gone.

His chance to break free of Geneva—lost.

Heart-broken and desperate, Alasdair does the unthinkable: He brings Oliver back from the dead.

But putting back together a broken life is more difficult than mending bones and adding clockwork pieces. Oliver returns more monster than man, and Alasdair’s horror further damages the already troubled relationship.

Then comes the publication of Frankenstein and the city intensifies its search for Shadow Boys, aiming to discover the real life doctor and his monster. Alasdair finds refuge with his idol, the brilliant Dr. Geisler, who may offer him a way to escape the dangerous present and his guilt-ridden past, but at a horrible price only Oliver can pay…

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Review: This book was so much more than I expected! I LOVED it! It was heavier than I thought it would be, in subject matter considering I read this on my kindle. It started as a slow read, but I really got into it. The long chapters made me want to make sure I'd finish the whole chapter in one sitting. Between chapters, the book just kept coming up in my thoughts. This book was a thinker. 

This book presents so many interesting questions of humanity. It definitely is a spiritual sequel to Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Speaking of the semi-source material, it is handled in such a unique way. The book and Mary Shelley both come into play within the story in interesting ways. I don't want to spoil too much, but I loved the way this book presented an alternate version of 1818 Geneva. The more you are familiar with both Mary Shelley and her famous book, the more I think you'll enjoy this. Although, I don't think it's necessary. 

There are wonderful steampunk aspects of this book, but it is done in a very realistic way. There aren't outrageous contraptions at every corner of the world, but the science present is more advanced than modern science. The political and social world created by merging this technology with the early 19th century makes for a complicated and interesting world. 

Some of the topics this book addresses include what it means to be human, what defines a monster, the feelings one has for their creator as well as the feelings a creator has for their creation, the many ways literature can be interpreted, responsibilities and attachments as burdens that hold one back and the freedom that may come when they no longer exist, the concept of possession once art has been released into the world, and more! There are a lot of great topics in this book. I almost wish I had read this as part of a book club so I could have had a glass of wine and discussed this book with fellow readers. 

I really enjoyed the clockwork imagery in this novel. The clock tower is very cool. The merging of mechanical and organic also leads to some really great mental images. 

I really, really enjoyed this book. It started out slow, but the meat of the book was substantial. Each chapter was a meal that kept me full until I sat down to read the next one. I give this book a 5/5 and will definitely be looking for more from Mackenzi Lee. You MUST follow her on social media! Her twitter is @themackenzilee. She also has a youtube channel!!!

--PAUL

This Monstrous Thing by Mackenzi Lee - Paul's Pre-Reading

*I received this book as an eARC from Katherine Tegen Books via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: This Monstrous Thing
Author: Mackenzi Lee
Upcoming Release Date: September 22, 2015

Synopsis: In 1818 Geneva, men built with clockwork parts live hidden away from society, cared for only by illegal mechanics called Shadow Boys. Two years ago, Shadow Boy Alasdair Finch’s life shattered to bits.

His brother, Oliver—dead.

His sweetheart, Mary—gone.

His chance to break free of Geneva—lost.

Heart-broken and desperate, Alasdair does the unthinkable: He brings Oliver back from the dead.

But putting back together a broken life is more difficult than mending bones and adding clockwork pieces. Oliver returns more monster than man, and Alasdair’s horror further damages the already troubled relationship.

Then comes the publication of Frankenstein and the city intensifies its search for Shadow Boys, aiming to discover the real life doctor and his monster. Alasdair finds refuge with his idol, the brilliant Dr. Geisler, who may offer him a way to escape the dangerous present and his guilt-ridden past, but at a horrible price only Oliver can pay…

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Why?: I've always been intrigued by Frankenstein's Monster. Retellings and reimaginings of the classics always perk my interest. Both of those combine in this book. In addition, I've been following the author on twitter ( @themackenzilee ) and she is pretty awesome! Learn more about Mackenzi Lee in this video from the Epic Reads youtube page:

Expectations:   I'm expecting a cool YA that takes the themes of Frankenstein to a modern reader. It looks like it may be a little steampunky. I'm really excited for this one. 

Judging a book by its cover: I like the colors on this cover. The lightning and architecture alludes to the source material. I like the tone the cover sets. It's creepy and intriguing. 


--PAUL

Allegiant (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth - Ashley's Review

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Title: Allegiant (Divergent #3)
Author: Veronica Roth
Year Published: 2013

My Allegiant (#3) Pre-ReadingMy Insurgent (#2) Review
My Insurgent (#2) Pre-Reading
My Divergent (#1) Review
My Divergent (#1) Pre-Reading

Paul's Allegiant (#3) Review
Paul's Allegiant (#3) Pre-Reading
Paul's Insurgent (#2) Review
Paul's Insurgent (#2) Pre-Reading

Synopsis: The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories. 

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love. 

Told from a riveting dual perspective, Allegiant, by #1 New York Times best-selling author Veronica Roth, brings the Divergent series to a powerful conclusion while revealing the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent.

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Review: Oh my goodness, this book. I'd read mixed reviews before going into Allegiant (although I somehow managed to avoid spoilers even though I was still active on websites where this book was discussed... thanks for being awesome, internet people!), so I was a little afraid this book might let me down. But it didn't. It definitely didn't.

The beginning was a little slow for me, and other parts seemed really rushed, but I think part of that was from having to create an entirely new part of this world. Everything Tris and Tobias know is questioned, and everything has to be rebuilt from the ground up. I think there was a lot more telling in this book instead of things being inferred, but I'm not really sure how else it would have been done all in one book. The world-building was a little lacking in this book compared to the other ones, but it didn't bother me as much as it typically would. 

I did really enjoy that this story was told from two perspectives though. It was a little jarring at first - since the first two are solely from Tris' perspective, Tobias took a little bit to get used to. But then, I don't think this story would have worked any other way. Divergent and Insurgent were definitely Tris' story to tell, but this one belongs to both of them in so many ways. Tobias has issues that he has to deal with, and Tris has her own problems, and it wouldn't have made any sense for Tris to really be able to explain Tobias' problems and thoughts and actions. It was a risky choice, but I think it's one that definitely enhanced this last book.

As I was reading this book, I felt like it had a Maze Runner feel to it. I don't want to spoil anything for either series, but I think people who have read The Maze Runner will understand. One of those "society isn't always what you think it is, we're doing this for your own good" kind of things.

The pacing in this book was definitely very fast-paced, but I think the rest of the series is too so it wasn't off-putting. The whole series is a gigantic roller coaster ride, and this book was true to that. Especially with all of the feels. Oh, the feels. So many emotions on opposite ends of the spectrum that I should have been prepared for but wasn't really. So thanks for that, Veronica. You win. 

I don't want to say too much about the ending, because it's one I think everyone should experience on their own (if you haven't had it spoiled yet, keep avoiding those spoilers!), but I will say that I thought it was excellently done. It was risky, and I know quite a few people were outraged by it and hated the book because of it. I, however, think it remained true to the characters. After reading it, I don't think this series could have ended any other way.

If you've read Divergent and Insurgent, you will definitely want to read Allegiant! It has its flaws, but I think it wraps up the series well. I mean, even the epilogue is true to all of the characters. Usually I hate the epilogues, but I enjoyed this one. Any fans of The Hunger Games or The Maze Runner series would most likely enjoy this series, as well as any fans of YA dystopias. 4/5 for this final book in an amazing trilogy! 

--Ashley

Allegiant (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth - Ashley's Pre-Reading

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Title: Allegiant (Divergent #3)
Author: Veronica Roth
Year Published: 2013

My Insurgent (#2) Review
My Insurgent (#2) Pre-Reading
My Divergent (#1) Review
My Divergent (#1) Pre-Reading

Paul's Allegiant (#3) Review
Paul's Allegiant (#3) Pre-Reading
Paul's Insurgent (#2) Review
Paul's Insurgent (#2) Pre-Reading

Synopsis: The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories. 

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love. 

Told from a riveting dual perspective, Allegiant, by #1 New York Times best-selling author Veronica Roth, brings the Divergent series to a powerful conclusion while revealing the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent.

Why?: I loved the first two installments in this trilogy, and I have been waiting for what seems like forever for this last book. I can't wait to find out what happens once the factions are disbanded, and what battles Tris (and Tobias) must fight this time around. 

Expectations: I have extremely high expectations for this book, having read and loved the other two. I've also heard mixed reviews on this one, so I'm expecting a pretty controversial book. Especially when it comes to the ending. 

Judging a book by its cover: I kind of love this cover. I love that it matches the other two, and I love the water symbol. I love the color scheme too. I would totally pick this up if I saw it on a shelf somewhere based on the cover alone.


--Ashley

Allegiant (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth - Paul's Review

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Title: Allegiant (Divergent #3)
Author: Veronica Roth
Year Published: 2013

My Allegiant (#3) PRE-READING
My Insurgent (#2) REVIEW

Ashley's Insurgent (#2) REVIEW
Ashley's Divergent (#1) REVIEW

Synopsis: The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories. 

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love. 

Told from a riveting dual perspective, Allegiant, by #1 New York Times best-selling author Veronica Roth, brings the Divergent series to a powerful conclusion while revealing the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent.

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Review: I was not impressed with the beginning and middle of this book, but the ending I enjoyed. It seemed too much like The Maze Runner series to me. It didn't feel like a fluid trilogy. There were so many new things for just this third book in the trilogy. It also seemed like many of the same situations from the previous two books with just different details. 

Now don't get me wrong, I did really enjoy this book. I was just not overly impressed. 

It was weird to have Tobias's perspective at first, but I eventually got used to it. I enjoyed how Tris and Tobias's relationship progressed. And there were a lot of minor characters that I really enjoyed. 

I found Peter's obsession with the size of the world really interesting. I also really liked Amar in this novel. I liked getting to know more about him. Parental relationships in this series, especially this novel are very interesting. 

I thankfully avoided all spoilers before reading this book, but I guess there was controversy over the ending. I thought the ending was done very well. I thought it was an excellent ending to the series. I give this third book a 4/5.

--PAUL

Allegiant (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth - Paul's Pre-Reading

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Title: Allegiant (Divergent #3)
Author: Veronica Roth
Year Published: 2013

My INSURGENT Review
Ashley's INSURGENT Review
Ashley's DIVERGENT Review

Synopsis: The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories. 

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love. 

Told from a riveting dual perspective, Allegiant, by #1 New York Times best-selling author Veronica Roth, brings the Divergent series to a powerful conclusion while revealing the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent.

Why?: Divergent was one of the books that came out when YA dystopias were very popular. Finally, the third in the trilogy has arrived!

Expectations: I expect an amazing conclusion that has a lot of explanations and brings closure to the story.

Judging a book by its cover: I really like this cover. I like how the covers have kept the same style from book to book. 


-PAUL

Asunder (Newsoul #2) by Jodi Meadows - Ashley's Review

My Pre-Reading
Paul's Review
Paul's Pre-Reading

Title: Asunder 
Author: Jodi Meadows
Year Published: 2013
 
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Synopsis: DARKSOULS
Ana has always been the only one. Asunder. Apart. But after Templedark, when many residents of Heart were lost forever, some hold Ana responsible for the darksouls–and the newsouls who may be born in their place.

SHADOWS
Many are afraid of Ana’s presence, a constant reminder of unstoppable changes and the unknown. When sylph begin behaving differently toward her and people turn violent, Ana must learn to stand up not only for herself but for those who cannot stand up for themselves.

LOVE
Ana was told that nosouls can’t love. But newsouls? More than anything, she wants to live and love as an equal among the citizens of Heart, but even when Sam professes his deepest feelings, it seems impossible to overcome a lifetime of rejection.

In this second book in the Newsoul trilogy, Ana discovers the truth about reincarnation and will have to find a way to embrace love and make her young life meaningful. Once again, Jodi Meadows explores the extraordinary beauty and shadowed depths of the soul in a story equal parts epic romance and captivating fantasy.


Review: I wish I had reread Incarnate before I started this book. When I started Asunder, I had completely forgotten who some of the characters were, what had happened to them, and pretty much everything except for the really important things. I think I probably would have gotten into this so much quicker and easier if I had remembered what was even going on. That being said, the way that Meadows reminds you what went down last time was done very well. It didn't seem overwhelming or like she was telling you "ok, this this and this happened." It was more Ana remembering. Which is totally believable. 

I loved how music was incorporated into this story again. As a musician, it's always interesting to see how music impacts characters and how much people rely on it. If I were Sam, I would have been absolutely devastated if someone had done to me what they do to him. And then I would probably go on a rampage. I love how Ana goes from listening to music to playing it to composing it, and I'm super jealous that she can pick all of that up so quickly.
Meadows' world building skills are absolutely extraordinary. I mean, I thought I knew a lot about the world by the end of Incarnate. But she just keeps throwing new things at me, and I love all of them. I was really excited when I realized that there would be a lot of sylph in this book as well, because I had so many questions about them at the end of Incarnate. And I was not disappointed at all! I still have questions, but they're new ones. I also really enjoyed how religion and romance are portrayed in this book. Especially when the truth about Janan is revealed. Or part of it, anyway.

Oh, and Cris. I loved Cris and his roses. I don't like Stef as much anymore, but I can understand why she does and says the things she does. But Cris... I wish we had seen more of him!

One of my only gripes about this book was that Ana mentions being "asunder" way too often. By the end, I wanted to take that word and cram it down her throat so many times. I understand it's a big part of Ana and of the story, but good grief. Maybe if the title of the book was something else it wouldn't have bothered me so much, but I like subtler reasons for books being named what they are.

Overall, I would totally recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Incarnate. I would also recommend the series to anyone who enjoys fantasy books filled with romance, mystery, and adventure. A very strong 4/5 on this one! 


--Ashley

Asunder (Newsoul #2) by Jodi Meadows - Ashley's Pre-Reading

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: Asunder 
Author: Jodi Meadows
Year Published: 2013

Synopsis: DARKSOULS
Ana has always been the only one. Asunder. Apart. But after Templedark, when many residents of Heart were lost forever, some hold Ana responsible for the darksouls–and the newsouls who may be born in their place.

SHADOWS
Many are afraid of Ana’s presence, a constant reminder of unstoppable changes and the unknown. When sylph begin behaving differently toward her and people turn violent, Ana must learn to stand up not only for herself but for those who cannot stand up for themselves.

LOVE
Ana was told that nosouls can’t love. But newsouls? More than anything, she wants to live and love as an equal among the citizens of Heart, but even when Sam professes his deepest feelings, it seems impossible to overcome a lifetime of rejection.

In this second book in the Newsoul trilogy, Ana discovers the truth about reincarnation and will have to find a way to embrace love and make her young life meaningful. Once again, Jodi Meadows explores the extraordinary beauty and shadowed depths of the soul in a story equal parts epic romance and captivating fantasy.

Why?: I read and loved Incarnate, and so I'm really excited to find out what is in store for Ana and Sam. And what Ana finds out about reincarnation. And I'm so curious about the sylph, I really want to know more about them. 

Expectations: I expect a pretty epic story. Lots of fantastical creatures and idea. And also a mystery that needs to be solved, conflicts to be dealt with, and definitely a lot of romance between Sam and Ana.

Judging a book by its cover: I think the cover is absolutely gorgeous. I would pick this book up off a shelf any day. 


--Ashley