mannis

The mix of Roman mythology and colonial Virginia was really interesting and well done, but the back and forth structure of the timeline never fully clicked for me. In addition, Cora's character fell a little flat compared to the MC. I still enjoyed a lot of the book though.

In the end, I LOVED all the reveals about Clef/Cresedes and their backstories and interactions, as well as the final battle of Cresedes literally ripping islands out of the ocean to fling them at Tevanne's flying cities. However, this book really sidelined Sancia compared to the last few books and I didn't find myself caring much at all about Berenice (or the newly introduced Givans) even though I loved Berenice in Shorefall and Foundryside. 

There was also big parts of the book where it didn't seem like much was happening despite the breakneck pace, and the epilogue completely lost me. So basically everything that tied heavily into the previous books (Clef, Cresedes, the mysteries of the past) was awesome and everything based off the big tonal shift and time skip (all the Giva/twinning things, the war with Tevanne, how complicated and crazy scriving got) was a bit of a step down. 

Foundryside definitely remains my favorite part of the trilogy, as it also had a sense of fun that both Locklands and Shorefall are missing

I went into this book not expecting a lot, only to be greeted with one of the most engrossing mysteries I've read in a long time. The Sherlock Holmes and Watson nature of the two main characters was delightful and kept things interesting even in places where the story slowed down. The world this all took place in was fascinating and exciting in equal measure, with magic based off nature and biological enhancement, and an empire protected from enormous leviathans via three walls in a fashion that reminded me of Attack on Titan. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mystery, interesting characters, or both!

Though not quite as fresh as the first book, this was nonetheless a highly enjoyable read with a colorful cast of characters. Wendell will forever be my favorite male love interest.

Heather Fawcett has done it again! I had my doubts that she would be able to catch lightning in a bottle a second time after the joy that was Emily Wilde, but this book was everything I wanted from a cozy feel-good fantasy romance. The inspiration taken from Howl's Moving Castle had me grinning unabashedly at multiple points throughout the story, and I turned the final page in a mood satisfied, relaxed, and delighted.