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Doctrine of Labyrinths #2
The Virtu
His sanity restored, Felix Harrowgate knows there’s only one way back to the life he once knew as one of an elite society of return to Mélusine and restore the Virtu, the source of the city’s power and protection. After all, it was the manipulations of Felix’s former master that destroyed the magical orb. Now that Felix has determined his course of action, there’s a very specific companion he needs for this epic journey.
Only Mildmay isn’t so keen on Felix’s plan. Not only is the assassin and thief grieving his dead lover, he’s suffering the ill effects of a curse. Besides, Mildmay isn’t so sure a return to Mélusine is in Felix’s best interests. But there’s no persuading Felix otherwise, which means Mildmay is compelled to join forces once more with the mercurial wizard with whom he shares a bond unlike any other.
But neither man expects the evil they encounter when they enter Mélusine once more. For Malkar Gennadion, the dark wizard and sadistic master Felix believes himself free of, lies in wait. . . .
Originally published under the name Sarah Monette.
Only Mildmay isn’t so keen on Felix’s plan. Not only is the assassin and thief grieving his dead lover, he’s suffering the ill effects of a curse. Besides, Mildmay isn’t so sure a return to Mélusine is in Felix’s best interests. But there’s no persuading Felix otherwise, which means Mildmay is compelled to join forces once more with the mercurial wizard with whom he shares a bond unlike any other.
But neither man expects the evil they encounter when they enter Mélusine once more. For Malkar Gennadion, the dark wizard and sadistic master Felix believes himself free of, lies in wait. . . .
Originally published under the name Sarah Monette.
456 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2006
44 people are currently reading
1568 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Addison
18 books3,675 followersA pseudonym of Sarah Monette. Both Sarah and Katherine are on Twitter as @pennyvixen. Katherine reviews nonfiction. Sarah reviews fiction. Fair warning: I read very little fiction these days.
Sarah/Katherine was born and raised in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, one of the three secret cities of the Manhattan Project.
She got her B.A. from Case Western Reserve University, her M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Despite being summa cum laude, none of her degrees is of the slightest use to her in either her day job or her writing, which she feels is an object lesson for us all.
She currently lives near Madison, Wisconsin.
Sarah/Katherine was born and raised in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, one of the three secret cities of the Manhattan Project.
She got her B.A. from Case Western Reserve University, her M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Despite being summa cum laude, none of her degrees is of the slightest use to her in either her day job or her writing, which she feels is an object lesson for us all.
She currently lives near Madison, Wisconsin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
December 2, 2012
Loved it, despite the awfully quick resolution. At 90% I was completely certain that the final denoument was going to be in the next book, but instead it got sandwiched into the next 20 pages, and seemed awfully easy. Perhaps in book 3 I shall discover it wasn't that easy after all: there's always that huaphantike to reconsider.
I'd also like to lodge an offical complaint that the het sex is far more detailed than the gay sex: unacceptable! If I have to read about clits than I want naked cocks to even things out.
Felix: urgh! You're an asshole. I love you anyway.
Mildmay: I love you too. I want to hug you and pet you and feed you and make you feel better. You'd hate all of that.
Mehitabel: you rock.
Gideon: You deserve better, man!
I am 100% invested in this world.
I'd also like to lodge an offical complaint that the het sex is far more detailed than the gay sex: unacceptable! If I have to read about clits than I want naked cocks to even things out.
Felix: urgh! You're an asshole. I love you anyway.
Mildmay: I love you too. I want to hug you and pet you and feed you and make you feel better. You'd hate all of that.
Mehitabel: you rock.
Gideon: You deserve better, man!
I am 100% invested in this world.
February 22, 2017
3 stars--I liked it.
Felix is still a prat and Mildmay is still an angel.
There are some pacing issues here (an overly quick resolution to the important ending, but some wandering in the middle) that could have been tightened up, but I greatly enjoy this series. On to book 3!
Felix is still a prat and Mildmay is still an angel.
There are some pacing issues here (an overly quick resolution to the important ending, but some wandering in the middle) that could have been tightened up, but I greatly enjoy this series. On to book 3!
August 15, 2007
Fantasy. This is the sequel to Melusine and I enjoyed it a lot more than the first book, though you absolutely need to have read Melusine -- preferably, like, just the day before -- in order to make sense of this one. I picked this up just two weeks after I finished the first book and even then I couldn't remember who Felix was talking about half the time, and Monette doesn't drop any hints to help clue in the reader, which is kind of mean considering how many characters are crammed into this universe. Still I couldn't put this thing down. It starts right where the first book left off, and it has a lot more action. Lots of journeying and escaping and sneaking around, with very little lag time. It addresses Felix's more than brotherly love for his brother; it doesn't exactly resolve it, but for a while there, the tension's great. Felix himself is an incredible 95% less whiny; unfortunately, Mildmay takes up a lot of that slack, leading me to believe that Monette is constitutionally incapable of writing a book where one of her male leads isn't helpless and dependent on someone else. Actually, that shows up again and again: two men where one is in control of the other. She's probably doing it on purpose, but it's to Mildmay's detriment. He's not the man we used to know, and that's sad. I can only hope the next book treats him better.
A solid four stars. It has its problems -- notably with characterization and pacing -- but it was fun to read, and I ordered the third book from Amazon with two-day shipping so that I can start reading it as soon as possible before I forget who Thaddeus is again. (Lies! Even NOW I can't remember who he is!)
A solid four stars. It has its problems -- notably with characterization and pacing -- but it was fun to read, and I ordered the third book from Amazon with two-day shipping so that I can start reading it as soon as possible before I forget who Thaddeus is again. (Lies! Even NOW I can't remember who he is!)
February 6, 2024
they just don't make them like this anymore
Read
April 10, 2025Preporuka ko kuća. Zanimljiv alt svet i istorijski i jezički i kulturološki, upečatljivi likovi, duboke teme, i potresno i duboko, edži a saosećajno, može da se priča o sto sitnica u kafani. Sitni minusići što je preko nekih dešavanja možda pretrčano jer se u nekom trenutnku toliko. toga. bitnog. dešava. a kako mi kažu upoznati 1. i 2. knjiga su zapravo bile jedan (ogroman) roman podeljen na insistiranje izdavača, tako da razumem...
Takođe ispostavlja se da je dosta vas ovo već čitalo samo ja izgleda nisam bio na tom času :D
Pozdravljam :D
Takođe ispostavlja se da je dosta vas ovo već čitalo samo ja izgleda nisam bio na tom času :D
Pozdravljam :D
February 6, 2017
Since it was the second book of the series and I read it right after first, it didn't cause me the same unexpected, breathtaken delight as 'Melusine'. It was - oh, simply - the same good as the first book. And I enjoyed every second of reading it. And I fell even more in love with the characters I already knew - and the new characters were okay, too.
Ah Felix; he was a lot less likeable when he was not mad. Now you see, he's still my love in these books and I don't think it will change - but God, sometimes I wanted to grab him and shake him until his teeth rattled. And sometimes he did something just so right I wanted to kiss him.
Mildmay made me feel so sad so often. Okay, that little thing about
Anyway, loved the book, can't wait to start the third one.
Ah Felix; he was a lot less likeable when he was not mad. Now you see, he's still my love in these books and I don't think it will change - but God, sometimes I wanted to grab him and shake him until his teeth rattled. And sometimes he did something just so right I wanted to kiss him.
Mildmay made me feel so sad so often. Okay, that little thing about
Anyway, loved the book, can't wait to start the third one.
April 30, 2025
Content warnings: sexual discomfort, confinement, physical torture (off page)
The second book in The Doctrine of Labryinths, The Virtu is a far easier book to read in terms of theme and content than Mélusine and concerns itself with resolving many of the plots introduced in the first volume.
Structurally, it spends far more time accompanying our band of companions as they travel back from over the sea to their own continent on a long, sprawling journey. Only the last third of the book is concerned directly with Mélusine itself and the restoration of the Virtu, a magical anchor for the Cabaline magic school, which is spectacularly destroyed in Volume 1.
Other readers have noted that the resolution appears to come swiftly, and I suspect that while Sarah Monette can write action scenes well, she's far less concerned with them than the dynamics between characters and how they negotiate amnesty, friendship, and love.
With madness off the table, Felix emerges as a pieced together version of his old self. He's still catty, vicious and cruel, but he's more aware of his own patterns and struggling to do right by the people around him.
Mildmay the Fox gets the short end of many sticks in this second volume as he attempts to figure out who he and Felix are to each other with the wizard's madness resolved. The physical challenges presented in Book I's close have also left him with a lot to grapple with; like Felix, going back to the person he was isn't feasible.
I enjoy him more of the two characters, though I'm not sure I fully buy the solution he comes up with regarding his return to Mélusine.
Mehitabel Parr is a welcome introduction to the cast (and the first female character of note thus far) and I'm curious to see where her story goes in Volumes 3 and 4.
I enjoyed this book more than the first (it is far less graphic and concerned with recovery over suffering) and I intend to keep reading.
Series ranking thus far:
#2 -- The Virtu
#1 -- Mélusine
The second book in The Doctrine of Labryinths, The Virtu is a far easier book to read in terms of theme and content than Mélusine and concerns itself with resolving many of the plots introduced in the first volume.
Structurally, it spends far more time accompanying our band of companions as they travel back from over the sea to their own continent on a long, sprawling journey. Only the last third of the book is concerned directly with Mélusine itself and the restoration of the Virtu, a magical anchor for the Cabaline magic school, which is spectacularly destroyed in Volume 1.
Other readers have noted that the resolution appears to come swiftly, and I suspect that while Sarah Monette can write action scenes well, she's far less concerned with them than the dynamics between characters and how they negotiate amnesty, friendship, and love.
With madness off the table, Felix emerges as a pieced together version of his old self. He's still catty, vicious and cruel, but he's more aware of his own patterns and struggling to do right by the people around him.
Mildmay the Fox gets the short end of many sticks in this second volume as he attempts to figure out who he and Felix are to each other with the wizard's madness resolved. The physical challenges presented in Book I's close have also left him with a lot to grapple with; like Felix, going back to the person he was isn't feasible.
I enjoy him more of the two characters, though I'm not sure I fully buy the solution he comes up with regarding his return to Mélusine.
Mehitabel Parr is a welcome introduction to the cast (and the first female character of note thus far) and I'm curious to see where her story goes in Volumes 3 and 4.
I enjoyed this book more than the first (it is far less graphic and concerned with recovery over suffering) and I intend to keep reading.
Series ranking thus far:
#2 -- The Virtu
#1 -- Mélusine
July 19, 2012
Virtu
Or
The Continuing Saga of Felix Trying Not To Be A Dick And Failing At It
Subtitle: Why Can't I Stop Liking Felix He Is Such A Dick But I Still Like Him, The Prick
Sometimes, picking up a sequel is risky. Certainly Virtu had that risked since it promised a certain fundamental change from the first book, Melusine. We barely got to know Felix in the first book before he promptly went completely batshit crazy. And liking crazy Felix and even the Felix at the end of the book doesn't mean we will like the guy enough to read an entire (half) book from his point of view when he's not insane.
So basically, going into Virtu, you either have to get like the new Felix (old Felix?) or really, REALLY like Mildmay.
...And okay, the second is actually pretty easy. Mildmay is pretty awesome.
But along with liking Mildmay, I came to enjoy non-crazy Felix too. Sure, he's about the biggest prick in the Mirador (and they breed 'em big there, people), but he's a great character because his cruelty is not written off as charming or funny. Yes, other people within the book write it off as such, but the book itself does not forgive Felix for rudeness, cruelty, and a lack of concern for others. Through the story, Felix has to confront these aspects of himself and fight to change them. And its slow. And he slips, often. But he is trying and that lets him shine as a character.
More than anything else, I loved the interplay between the characters. At the heart, this book is about people learning to deal with each other. Primarily its the relationship between Mildmay and Felix as they try to figure out who they are to each other and who they are to themselves. But there are other relationships that thread in and out, which bring richness to the world.
Also, a comment on the writing style. For a very detailed, rich prose, I found this surprisingly easy to read. The world is ornate, but the prose doesn't bog me down.
Or
The Continuing Saga of Felix Trying Not To Be A Dick And Failing At It
Subtitle: Why Can't I Stop Liking Felix He Is Such A Dick But I Still Like Him, The Prick
Sometimes, picking up a sequel is risky. Certainly Virtu had that risked since it promised a certain fundamental change from the first book, Melusine. We barely got to know Felix in the first book before he promptly went completely batshit crazy. And liking crazy Felix and even the Felix at the end of the book doesn't mean we will like the guy enough to read an entire (half) book from his point of view when he's not insane.
So basically, going into Virtu, you either have to get like the new Felix (old Felix?) or really, REALLY like Mildmay.
...And okay, the second is actually pretty easy. Mildmay is pretty awesome.
But along with liking Mildmay, I came to enjoy non-crazy Felix too. Sure, he's about the biggest prick in the Mirador (and they breed 'em big there, people), but he's a great character because his cruelty is not written off as charming or funny. Yes, other people within the book write it off as such, but the book itself does not forgive Felix for rudeness, cruelty, and a lack of concern for others. Through the story, Felix has to confront these aspects of himself and fight to change them. And its slow. And he slips, often. But he is trying and that lets him shine as a character.
More than anything else, I loved the interplay between the characters. At the heart, this book is about people learning to deal with each other. Primarily its the relationship between Mildmay and Felix as they try to figure out who they are to each other and who they are to themselves. But there are other relationships that thread in and out, which bring richness to the world.
Also, a comment on the writing style. For a very detailed, rich prose, I found this surprisingly easy to read. The world is ornate, but the prose doesn't bog me down.
October 10, 2007
This is the sequel to Melusine. Renegade wizard Felix Harrowgate has regained his sanity but is hated, feared and scoffed at across two continents because of his dark past, madness and most recent betrayal, in which he inadvertantly broke the Virtu, the magical core of the Mirador. With his half-brother Mildmay in tow, Felix treks back to the Mirador, where he intends to fix the Virtu.
Now that Felix is sane again, the reader can get a much better grip on his personality. I find him to be a very dynamic and exciting character, especially in contrast to Mildmay, who mostly just sounds like Eeyore. (I like the brother equally, but I am getting tired of the setup of: Felix does something thoughtlessly cruel or mercilessly expedient. Mildmay is thus forced into physical or mental pain. All the characters pity Mildmay. Mildmay says, "no no, I deserve it and besides, I love Felix so." Repeat ad nauseum.) As in Melusine, the plot progresses in fits and starts; there are long periods where nothing happens followed by GHOULS ATTACK or PRISON BREAK! Some parts I slogged through, while others I couldn't read fast enough. I look forward to the next book.
Now that Felix is sane again, the reader can get a much better grip on his personality. I find him to be a very dynamic and exciting character, especially in contrast to Mildmay, who mostly just sounds like Eeyore. (I like the brother equally, but I am getting tired of the setup of: Felix does something thoughtlessly cruel or mercilessly expedient. Mildmay is thus forced into physical or mental pain. All the characters pity Mildmay. Mildmay says, "no no, I deserve it and besides, I love Felix so." Repeat ad nauseum.) As in Melusine, the plot progresses in fits and starts; there are long periods where nothing happens followed by GHOULS ATTACK or PRISON BREAK! Some parts I slogged through, while others I couldn't read fast enough. I look forward to the next book.
August 12, 2023
Felix and Mildmay return to Mélusine and the Mirador, so that Felix can try to fix the Virtu, the magical crystal he was forced to break in Mélusine. Along the way, they pick up a new companion (and a marvelous one, whom I hope to see more of) and rejoin some old ones.
I particularly loved the development of the relationship between Felix and Mildmay, and was impressed that although Felix is not very likable in many ways, it's impossible (for me, at least), not to sympathize with him. (Though I love Mildmay much more.) This is a wonderful companion to Mélusine, and I really look forward to The Mirador (though there's more closure here than at the end of Mélusine, so it'll be easier to wait for The Mirador than it was to wait for The Virtu).
I particularly loved the development of the relationship between Felix and Mildmay, and was impressed that although Felix is not very likable in many ways, it's impossible (for me, at least), not to sympathize with him. (Though I love Mildmay much more.) This is a wonderful companion to Mélusine, and I really look forward to The Mirador (though there's more closure here than at the end of Mélusine, so it'll be easier to wait for The Mirador than it was to wait for The Virtu).
March 22, 2012
This is a lot like the first book, except that Felix is less crazy and a lot meaner, and Mildmay has become a complete doormat. The dynamic between them has gotten weird, without the excuse of one of them being insane. The author often uses a technique that I associate with romance novels: she gives the reader two points of view of the same scene, where both parties are misinterpreting the other’s actions or intentions.
Now that I think back on the first book, I guess Mildmay has always had a submissive personality - trying to accommodate everyone - but you don’t notice it so much in the first book because he has taken charge of the incapacitated Felix. The injury to his leg seems to have destroyed what little self esteem he possessed.
It’s hard to take all this seriously, but something about the writing is mesmerizing, and I’m going to continue with the series. I like the addition of Mehitabel; it’s nice to have a fairly stable character who recognizes that Felix and Mildmay are both a little crazy. This book doesn’t have as much humor as the first one because Mildmay is too miserable to be a smartass.
Now that I think back on the first book, I guess Mildmay has always had a submissive personality - trying to accommodate everyone - but you don’t notice it so much in the first book because he has taken charge of the incapacitated Felix. The injury to his leg seems to have destroyed what little self esteem he possessed.
It’s hard to take all this seriously, but something about the writing is mesmerizing, and I’m going to continue with the series. I like the addition of Mehitabel; it’s nice to have a fairly stable character who recognizes that Felix and Mildmay are both a little crazy. This book doesn’t have as much humor as the first one because Mildmay is too miserable to be a smartass.
June 25, 2011
This isn't the most fascinating story line I've ever read, but the voice of the book is just wonderful. Mildmay's voice is superb. Not sure I like his character (he is a bit mopey) as much as I do the way he talks. Felix, not so much the way he talks, but he is my kind of character: flawed and obnoxious and complicated. All in all a very satisfying read.
July 8, 2014
I liked this one far better than the previous. I think it's because I'm starting to grasp the feeling of the world created by the author, in this one the POV of each character is clearer and there aren't so many invented terms. But I've started to truly dislike Felix self-conceit and Mildmay apathy... Let's see how The Mirador develops...
May 29, 2019
Genuinely can't remember the last time I've fallen so completely for the cast of a novel.
November 18, 2020
Meduse, this world we're in grows bigger this time around. You already feel how big it was in Melusine but the magic system, the wizarding school of thoughts and the politics are seen more clearly . The sequel is a traveling fantasy book as was it's predecessor. This time time traveling back to Melusine to mend the Virtu and letting our characters heal , fall and heal again along the way physically and metaphorically. We meet new characters, old ones and the hideous monster of a man returns.
The touchstones of magic and the wizardry school of thoughts are introduced in book 1 but not a lot if explained and you figure some out by context. Monette gradually explains the magic in the second one. The way different academic ways of study conflict in our society so do they as well with the Meduse. These are wizards who follow different theories of magic in a very scholarly way. I loved reading about these theories as Felix inevitably tries to get a grasp on each new concept of magic he comes across. The book show some knowledge is forgotten by time or destroyed on purpose. And why the series title is Doctrine of Labyrinths becomes known. I've never read about a magic system using mazes and labyrinths and this was so interesting to read. I loved how the magic was shown to be academic . I also loved learning about Felix ' connection with the dream realm and how it strengthened with the help of wizard he has grown close to and call friend. This mentoring and interacting is only possible in this realm because of his mentor 's state in the waking world. He is a huge part with the way Felix changes as a person for the better.
The sequel begins a few weeks after the occurrences in Melusine. We meet Mildmay and Felix again in the Gardens of Nephele. That magical order healed Felix from the magical trauma and mind . They care for each other and their brotherly bond grows stronger but it remains strained because even after year on the road Mildmay and Felix still know so little of each other. And Felix being selfish wizard with a huge ego doesn't help. Felix was often surprised to see Mildmay angry. Come on dude your at fault most of the time. You are really a more selfish, cruel and egotistical Howl lol. But I love how Felix shows more in actions and words how much he cares for Mildmay and the small group of loved ones trough out this book. But I know he'll screw it up somehow . Society in the garden , in Melusine and everwhere else sees Mildmay only as a thug. Felix doesn't understand how this hurts Mildmay. And the tension remains through out the book.
On their travel back home they meet known people, rescue some and fight others. We meet new characters of which Mehitabel is probably the biggest. She's an actress turned governess also running from her past, what we don't know yet when we meet her. I really appreciate how Mehitabel sees Mildmay as a person and not the scar faced thug most see. I admire how she doesn't make fun of Mildmay , which makes her the exact opposite of Felix's thoughtlessly cruel conversations with Mildmay.
She tries to be a proper friend towards Mildmay and notices the subtle changes that occur between Felix and Mildmay on the way home in ways others don’t. Mildmay needed someone desperately needed a friend like her that worries about him and doesn’t want to see him trod on by other people. She respects Mildmay more than he respects himself. She not afraid stand on even footing with strong characters and imposing figures Felix. He's said to unnaturally tall - I picture a 7 feet tall gorgeous redhaired man with brilliant arm and hand tattoos
But without Mildmay the story wouldn't have happened and he's the glue with these group of people. He's not as talented as Mehitabel to influence people with her acting or charming and does not have a presence like Felix. Mildmay is freaking intelligent , what he needs to believe he is. He's so funny with his dry wit , he's caring and loves the people he loves immensely. No other person would go to go underground into the ruins of an ancient death cult to rescue a rich young boy they met in their travels and no one would travel with a half-mad Felix , he just met, to the Gardens of Nephele . What Felix saw in a dream. Who knows if it would exist and were to find it. He trusted Felix to find the way in his half-mad state. Mildmay has seen so many friends burned to dead, get murdered or die in someway. I enjoy seeing his worldviews through his beautiful green eyes and dangit love him so much. The biggest thing I love about the relationship between the brothers is that no matter how complicated things get between them they still find comfort in each other. And I hope Felix shows Mildmay how deeply he cares, that huge ego is in the way. Just show it you silly.
The biggest thing I love about the relationship between the brothers is that no matter how complicated things get between them they still find comfort in each other.
I can't wait to follow these brothers in the two concluding novels.
The touchstones of magic and the wizardry school of thoughts are introduced in book 1 but not a lot if explained and you figure some out by context. Monette gradually explains the magic in the second one. The way different academic ways of study conflict in our society so do they as well with the Meduse. These are wizards who follow different theories of magic in a very scholarly way. I loved reading about these theories as Felix inevitably tries to get a grasp on each new concept of magic he comes across. The book show some knowledge is forgotten by time or destroyed on purpose. And why the series title is Doctrine of Labyrinths becomes known. I've never read about a magic system using mazes and labyrinths and this was so interesting to read. I loved how the magic was shown to be academic . I also loved learning about Felix ' connection with the dream realm and how it strengthened with the help of wizard he has grown close to and call friend. This mentoring and interacting is only possible in this realm because of his mentor 's state in the waking world. He is a huge part with the way Felix changes as a person for the better.
The sequel begins a few weeks after the occurrences in Melusine. We meet Mildmay and Felix again in the Gardens of Nephele. That magical order healed Felix from the magical trauma and mind . They care for each other and their brotherly bond grows stronger but it remains strained because even after year on the road Mildmay and Felix still know so little of each other. And Felix being selfish wizard with a huge ego doesn't help. Felix was often surprised to see Mildmay angry. Come on dude your at fault most of the time. You are really a more selfish, cruel and egotistical Howl lol. But I love how Felix shows more in actions and words how much he cares for Mildmay and the small group of loved ones trough out this book. But I know he'll screw it up somehow . Society in the garden , in Melusine and everwhere else sees Mildmay only as a thug. Felix doesn't understand how this hurts Mildmay. And the tension remains through out the book.
On their travel back home they meet known people, rescue some and fight others. We meet new characters of which Mehitabel is probably the biggest. She's an actress turned governess also running from her past, what we don't know yet when we meet her. I really appreciate how Mehitabel sees Mildmay as a person and not the scar faced thug most see. I admire how she doesn't make fun of Mildmay , which makes her the exact opposite of Felix's thoughtlessly cruel conversations with Mildmay.
She tries to be a proper friend towards Mildmay and notices the subtle changes that occur between Felix and Mildmay on the way home in ways others don’t. Mildmay needed someone desperately needed a friend like her that worries about him and doesn’t want to see him trod on by other people. She respects Mildmay more than he respects himself. She not afraid stand on even footing with strong characters and imposing figures Felix. He's said to unnaturally tall - I picture a 7 feet tall gorgeous redhaired man with brilliant arm and hand tattoos
But without Mildmay the story wouldn't have happened and he's the glue with these group of people. He's not as talented as Mehitabel to influence people with her acting or charming and does not have a presence like Felix. Mildmay is freaking intelligent , what he needs to believe he is. He's so funny with his dry wit , he's caring and loves the people he loves immensely. No other person would go to go underground into the ruins of an ancient death cult to rescue a rich young boy they met in their travels and no one would travel with a half-mad Felix , he just met, to the Gardens of Nephele . What Felix saw in a dream. Who knows if it would exist and were to find it. He trusted Felix to find the way in his half-mad state. Mildmay has seen so many friends burned to dead, get murdered or die in someway. I enjoy seeing his worldviews through his beautiful green eyes and dangit love him so much. The biggest thing I love about the relationship between the brothers is that no matter how complicated things get between them they still find comfort in each other. And I hope Felix shows Mildmay how deeply he cares, that huge ego is in the way. Just show it you silly.
The biggest thing I love about the relationship between the brothers is that no matter how complicated things get between them they still find comfort in each other.
I can't wait to follow these brothers in the two concluding novels.
December 19, 2015
Great fantasy/magic series, and I love epic tales in make believe lands far, far away so I'm loving theses books, especially when they're with a kick ass series to boot.
One thing that makes great series like these rise above the others is that they have to stand by quality over quantity or with an epic, consistent quality. There isn't really a lack of anything wrong that a good editor couldn't fix and it's the only slight exception. I sometimes felt that a good 10-20 pages within some chapters just weren't necessary and although it did not detract from the book it didn't add to it either. It just drew out some scenes at times very unnecessarily but when you hunker down to prepare for action stations it's usually all over very quickly.
Yes this is being very picky as I gave five stars but the storylines are excellent as is the writing and all the characters and the escapades but they just need a damn good edit here and there.
They are becoming quite dark too during flash back scenarios so I'll call a trigger warning for child abuse, slavery, rape and physical and mental abuse and torture.
One thing that makes great series like these rise above the others is that they have to stand by quality over quantity or with an epic, consistent quality. There isn't really a lack of anything wrong that a good editor couldn't fix and it's the only slight exception. I sometimes felt that a good 10-20 pages within some chapters just weren't necessary and although it did not detract from the book it didn't add to it either. It just drew out some scenes at times very unnecessarily but when you hunker down to prepare for action stations it's usually all over very quickly.
Yes this is being very picky as I gave five stars but the storylines are excellent as is the writing and all the characters and the escapades but they just need a damn good edit here and there.
They are becoming quite dark too during flash back scenarios so I'll call a trigger warning for child abuse, slavery, rape and physical and mental abuse and torture.
March 18, 2014
A solid 4.5 stars. I loved this installment of the series even more than Melusine. The Felix/Mildmay relationship was even more intriguing than in the first book and I loved the new addition to the team. I loved both brother's POVs, and I laughed at Mildmay's sarcasm more than once (though I'm sure he has no idea what the word means).
I'm going on with The Mirador.
I'm going on with The Mirador.
March 14, 2009
Already in the first book (Melusine), it seemed to me that Monette read and liked Pratchett, perhaps not a usual trait in her type of genre. Focussing on labyrinths instead of prophecies and gods was also well done.
Just like both male protagonists are said to nearly look the same, the second novel features a reversal of positions that makes it basically the same story again, featuring a sick one and a strong one.
Mildmay's memories, seeming so pointedly more positive than Felix's though they both had been kept-thiefs, now openly show to have been just the same abuse, even down to the sexual.
I found it hard to accept that Felix will never actually be shown exuding that magical charm the author keeps telling me about, but this time round Mildmay has the girly rejection feelings.
And Felix is a shitbag to him, out of guilt and other notthatbad stuff, but it's worse than when he was wrongly afraid of Mildmay on the forward journey. The lovely side of this is whenever he realises how ugly other people see his bro, who is beautiful to him even though he also put him down about his grammar and style.
The supporting characters are interesting.
Amongst the bad things is Felix having sex with a sunling (and later he'll be with Gideon), and Mildmay having to ignore it. BUT, and I'm not sure if that doesn't make it worse, we only ever see his bad sex, when he's forced and repelled by other men, we never get Felix's pov when he has sex that he wants.
As in book one, the magic keeps being basically not there; they are plagued by diseases of the body and the mind, physical and mental scarring and crippling. And the magic isn't even helping mend bones or anything useful at all ever!
I saw that the third novel features the pov of the woman on the cover, and the fourth has such an ugly cover I shudder to think, but now that both guys feel the attraction I am hooked again, a stupid fish not finding anything but critical points, but not disliking it at all. :)
About a third way in, I really liked it. F and M are together, there's UST and woe, but mainly them together makes it good. Of course I kinda loved Mildmay for a long time, what with being adorably misunderstood heroic scarred not-woobie. I also want the cover, the only one of the series I like - book one was half-cliché (and still not enough much too manly for skinny femme Felix) and the fourth makes me puke with it's macho muscles, but this one looks lovely and is OOP all over the world.
I wasn't surprised they meet not just Gideon but also Marvortian and Bernard again, and just as there seems a little more description in the novel in general, the torture of these guys is actually horrible, like the raped female ghosts and unlike Felix's fate in book 1 (according to author and friend, I'm not normal in that respect though).
I liked Gideon only when he's not paired with Felix, but that's even more inevitable once he's crippled! *gnaws frustratedly* Bernard was always oddly appealing. Another mirroring of F&M?
The adventure segment of Mildmay risking his neck a third time for Felix's acquaintances had me quivering for him. (Thinking of those tiresome heroes that fight with bullets in them, and him still so crippled and torn, I find the only solution in men complaining much more about hurts, ie. that he's not really that cut-n-banged up; but he's in so much terrible pain constantly and he keeps being sent in and up and out and down)
I'm not sure why they needed the obligation d'ame as well as the many other bonds that already connects the men (well, the plot/arc needs it *g*), but at least it offers more guh and cringe and gives that misleading intro another reason. Mildmay's thoughts, shame nobody really ever hears them, yes, and the self-critical irony, but then I also hope his convincing refusal to have no desire to fuck him is because he's been fucked over, and loving another man so deeply is just a better way of molly anyway.
What I said about sex scenes changes once Felix takes Gideon as his lover, which he did partly in reaction to M calling him out about what he'd done to Mildmay. And how much sexier the brief scene here is than in SGA fic where R was tongueless (though in book 3, Monette/Felix claims he does not like the warm emptyness that clearly arouses him here).
So for the next couple hundreds of pages, I just liked it. The American author annoyingly keeps having people ask each other "how are you/are you okay" and replying "I'm fine" but otherwise I just keep following in hopeful anticipation.
But of course in the last fifth, after Mildmay helping Felix immeasurably, he sends MM out against the lethal Vey, after all the other horror he had sent him into, all the danger, unflinchingly - and with all that love it's odd he never grasps what he asks there. Felix seemed worried about MM at times, but not at all at these lethal moments, and I was so scared for Mildmay, never mind dying, that's not the point. Worse though than even that is how it makes it seem possible the woman gracing the cover of book 3 and getting her own pov will end up MMs partner. As cool as she turned out to be, it is breaking my heart, after I had grown some hope again. *hurting*
I didn't cave in and skim ahead to avoid MMs capture, nor was it impatient anticipation of something good - I had to skim fastforward just to make sure Felix would get out of St. Crelifers again where, instead of fucking following MM, he'd let himself be dragged by Robert for no reason, after days of sitting around stupidly. Yes, I really want to hit Felix a lot and often :)
Finally they are going to rescue the kidnapped Mildmay who usually does the rescuing, and on the occasion of his - not revealed - torture I want to note that I always suspected that MM might have been drilled into heterosexuality by his Keeper.
His two cell mates, damaged as they are in mind and body, are still hilarious. I'm torn between shaking terror for MM again (yes, I know he won't die! and that Monette's tortures are usually not graphic) and laughing at them and their relationship to him. Oh yes, Pratchett.
And then MM thinking he's no good at thinking anyway, and my heart always aching for him so. And at the apex of me going aaawww Mehitabel and him have loving sex and all my hopes seem crushed again (just not until I get book 4) - and even that is a lie, because M really makes it about affection and helping MM and gnnnnnnnnn Mildmay, damn you!
I spent the next days feverishly failing to get my hands on Mirador, unwilling to trawl reviews, afraid of the implications of Bear's words about gay+straight m/m and of the lack of mention of Mildmay's torture in the first chapters of Mirador, which skips two years of different steady lovers - never before has my whole opinion of books depended solely on the outcome, but it reflects on and changes everything. Either this is one of my favourite books ever, or a coldly calculated prick-tease, random accumulation of pointless little episodes - here's hoping!
Just like both male protagonists are said to nearly look the same, the second novel features a reversal of positions that makes it basically the same story again, featuring a sick one and a strong one.
Mildmay's memories, seeming so pointedly more positive than Felix's though they both had been kept-thiefs, now openly show to have been just the same abuse, even down to the sexual.
I found it hard to accept that Felix will never actually be shown exuding that magical charm the author keeps telling me about, but this time round Mildmay has the girly rejection feelings.
And Felix is a shitbag to him, out of guilt and other notthatbad stuff, but it's worse than when he was wrongly afraid of Mildmay on the forward journey. The lovely side of this is whenever he realises how ugly other people see his bro, who is beautiful to him even though he also put him down about his grammar and style.
The supporting characters are interesting.
Amongst the bad things is Felix having sex with a sunling (and later he'll be with Gideon), and Mildmay having to ignore it. BUT, and I'm not sure if that doesn't make it worse, we only ever see his bad sex, when he's forced and repelled by other men, we never get Felix's pov when he has sex that he wants.
As in book one, the magic keeps being basically not there; they are plagued by diseases of the body and the mind, physical and mental scarring and crippling. And the magic isn't even helping mend bones or anything useful at all ever!
I saw that the third novel features the pov of the woman on the cover, and the fourth has such an ugly cover I shudder to think, but now that both guys feel the attraction I am hooked again, a stupid fish not finding anything but critical points, but not disliking it at all. :)
About a third way in, I really liked it. F and M are together, there's UST and woe, but mainly them together makes it good. Of course I kinda loved Mildmay for a long time, what with being adorably misunderstood heroic scarred not-woobie. I also want the cover, the only one of the series I like - book one was half-cliché (and still not enough much too manly for skinny femme Felix) and the fourth makes me puke with it's macho muscles, but this one looks lovely and is OOP all over the world.
I wasn't surprised they meet not just Gideon but also Marvortian and Bernard again, and just as there seems a little more description in the novel in general, the torture of these guys is actually horrible, like the raped female ghosts and unlike Felix's fate in book 1 (according to author and friend, I'm not normal in that respect though).
I liked Gideon only when he's not paired with Felix, but that's even more inevitable once he's crippled! *gnaws frustratedly* Bernard was always oddly appealing. Another mirroring of F&M?
The adventure segment of Mildmay risking his neck a third time for Felix's acquaintances had me quivering for him. (Thinking of those tiresome heroes that fight with bullets in them, and him still so crippled and torn, I find the only solution in men complaining much more about hurts, ie. that he's not really that cut-n-banged up; but he's in so much terrible pain constantly and he keeps being sent in and up and out and down)
I'm not sure why they needed the obligation d'ame as well as the many other bonds that already connects the men (well, the plot/arc needs it *g*), but at least it offers more guh and cringe and gives that misleading intro another reason. Mildmay's thoughts, shame nobody really ever hears them, yes, and the self-critical irony, but then I also hope his convincing refusal to have no desire to fuck him is because he's been fucked over, and loving another man so deeply is just a better way of molly anyway.
What I said about sex scenes changes once Felix takes Gideon as his lover, which he did partly in reaction to M calling him out about what he'd done to Mildmay. And how much sexier the brief scene here is than in SGA fic where R was tongueless (though in book 3, Monette/Felix claims he does not like the warm emptyness that clearly arouses him here).
So for the next couple hundreds of pages, I just liked it. The American author annoyingly keeps having people ask each other "how are you/are you okay" and replying "I'm fine" but otherwise I just keep following in hopeful anticipation.
But of course in the last fifth, after Mildmay helping Felix immeasurably, he sends MM out against the lethal Vey, after all the other horror he had sent him into, all the danger, unflinchingly - and with all that love it's odd he never grasps what he asks there. Felix seemed worried about MM at times, but not at all at these lethal moments, and I was so scared for Mildmay, never mind dying, that's not the point. Worse though than even that is how it makes it seem possible the woman gracing the cover of book 3 and getting her own pov will end up MMs partner. As cool as she turned out to be, it is breaking my heart, after I had grown some hope again. *hurting*
I didn't cave in and skim ahead to avoid MMs capture, nor was it impatient anticipation of something good - I had to skim fastforward just to make sure Felix would get out of St. Crelifers again where, instead of fucking following MM, he'd let himself be dragged by Robert for no reason, after days of sitting around stupidly. Yes, I really want to hit Felix a lot and often :)
Finally they are going to rescue the kidnapped Mildmay who usually does the rescuing, and on the occasion of his - not revealed - torture I want to note that I always suspected that MM might have been drilled into heterosexuality by his Keeper.
His two cell mates, damaged as they are in mind and body, are still hilarious. I'm torn between shaking terror for MM again (yes, I know he won't die! and that Monette's tortures are usually not graphic) and laughing at them and their relationship to him. Oh yes, Pratchett.
And then MM thinking he's no good at thinking anyway, and my heart always aching for him so. And at the apex of me going aaawww Mehitabel and him have loving sex and all my hopes seem crushed again (just not until I get book 4) - and even that is a lie, because M really makes it about affection and helping MM and gnnnnnnnnn Mildmay, damn you!
I spent the next days feverishly failing to get my hands on Mirador, unwilling to trawl reviews, afraid of the implications of Bear's words about gay+straight m/m and of the lack of mention of Mildmay's torture in the first chapters of Mirador, which skips two years of different steady lovers - never before has my whole opinion of books depended solely on the outcome, but it reflects on and changes everything. Either this is one of my favourite books ever, or a coldly calculated prick-tease, random accumulation of pointless little episodes - here's hoping!
November 4, 2025
Tercera lectura (octubre 2025): ¿Y si amo estos libros con toda mi alma qué? En esta relectura volví a disfrutar de Mildmay (el mejor personaje de la tierra), pero gané una nueva apreciación por Félix. Su orgullo le caga la vida una y otra vez, es fascinante de ver. La relación que tiene con Mildmay es de las mejores cosas que leí, es fascinante cómo se vuelve crecientemente codependiente. Para este libro ya es un poco aterrador: Mildmay prefiere ser su esclavo a separarse de él, y Félix sabe que es pésima idea tener ese control, pero es absolutamente incapaz de rechazarlo.
Disfruté mucho los detalles sobre la historia de Mélusine y de Marathat en general (sobre todo creo que finalmente me terminó de quedar clara la arquitectura taumatúrgica del Mirador, su relación con el Sim y con la necromancia), y el personaje de Mehitabel que ni mencioné en las otras reseñas pero que es EXCELENTE, un personaje femenino intrincado que tiene su propia historia, sus propios problemas, sus propios talentos. La amo, me gustó mucho leerla.
Sigo pensando que Félix debería haber ido a rescatar a Mildmay de inmediato en vez de quedarse papando moscas. Me hizo acordar a los jueguitos cuando te dan una misión urgente pero en realidad podés hacer todas las sidequests que quieras, ¿qué hacés yendo al baile de no sé qué corno? ¡Tu abusador tiene secuestrado a tu hermano!
Segunda lectura (octubre de 2022): Es increíble lo mucho que se beneficia esta saga de ser releída. No, no es perfecta ni mucho menos, pero a esta altura ya no puedo decir que no es buena.
Habiendo leído los cuatro libros y entendiendo mejor tanto el núcleo emotivo de la narrativa como los caminos que recorren los personajes, muchas de las críticas que elaboré en primera lectura me resultan un poco injustas. Me explayo:
Sí, Felix no es una gran persona y es verdad que sus pensamientos son a menudo crueles y desagradables. Sin embargo esta vez veo mejor su enorme complejidad, cómo esa crueldad es un impulso difícil de someter nacido de heridas profundas. El contraste entre las acciones de Felix hacia Mildmay, egoístas, desdeñosas, y sus pensamientos, permanente culpa, adoración fascinada, es tan interesante de explorar como el que hay entre el exterior y el interior de Mildmay mismo (taciturno por un lado, astuto, expresivo y vulnerable por el otro).
Sí, el comportamiento de los personajes a veces resulta bastante confuso, quizás hasta contradictorio, pero creo que en este caso "it's a feature, not a bug": para mí tiene que ver con el énfasis puesto en que no sepamos más que nuestros narradores. De nuevo, en segunda lectura y conociendo a todos más a fondo sus acciones tienen más sentido, y las que no creo que se justifican por la cantidad de información que los mismos personajes callan.
Sí, tanto arreglar la Virtu como derrotar a Malkar son tareas que parecían imposibles y terminan súbitamente resueltas, y aunque todavía pienso que esto es en gran medida cierto, también creo que me estaba acercando a la cuestión por el lado equivocado. Lleva como 100 páginas arreglar la Virtu, porque la mayor parte del trabajo es de trasfondo y requiere entender más profundamente la arquitectura taumatúrgica. No le presté la suficiente atención en primera lectura. Y derrotar a Malkar lleva en realidad dos libros enteros, porque lo que se requiere para esa batalla final es que Felix haya llegado a un punto específico en su proceso de sanación, a perderle el miedo al lobo de sus pesadillas. En última instancia, Doctrina de Laberintos es una historia sobre trauma y el tortuoso camino hacia sanarlos. Es lógico que la resolución pase por ahí.
En fin. Aprovecho para decir que Mildmay es el mejor personaje de la historia y lo adoro con todo mi ser. Voy a pensar en él por el resto de mi vida. Y adoro cómo se desarrolló la relación entre los dos, a veces bastante dañinamente pero siempre de manera intrincada y fascinante y con un trasfondo de genuina y en gran medida inexpresable adoración que me destruye.
----
Primera lectura (diciembre 2020):
Estos libros son droga. No puedo decir que sean buenos pero no los puedo soltar, ayer me fui a dormir a las cinco de la mañana porque quería terminarlo.
Es sorprendente: en el libro anterior me temía leer las partes desde el punto de vista de Félix, porque estaba traumatizado y loco, y pensé que se volverían repetitivas y algo dramáticas. No fue así en absoluto. Ahora que el personaje está recuperado, sin embargo, leer sus pensamientos me resulta cansador. Es bastante desagradable como persona. No quiere decir que el libro no haya tenido éxito en lograr que me preocupe por su destino y que le tenga cariño, pero fundamentalmente le quiero meter un sopapo. Sobre todo porque Mildmay es un ángel y se merece mejores cosas.
Creo que, igual que en el libro anterior, existe un problema relativo a los personajes secundarios en el cual sus personalidades no quedan del todo claras y sus acciones no parecen condecirse del todo con lo que pensábamos que sabíamos de ellos. Mencionaba en la reseña anterior el problema de Thaddeus; acá se explica un poco su comportamiento, pero a decir verdad no me satisface. De forma similar me siento respecto a Gideon, quizás al revés, y a Mavortian.
Muchos mencionaron la rapidísima resolución. Es verdad; el final del libro deja un gusto amargo. En unas treinta páginas resuelven un problema que parecía completamente irresoluble y vencen un enemigo que parecía invencible. Al mismo tiempo, siento que deberían denotar un tono de urgencia del que ciertamente prescinden, lo cual dificulta mucho comprender la culpa de Félix. Si tan mal te sentís hacé algo, pelotudo, en lugar de dar vueltas hablando con cualquiera. Resulta extrañísimo.
Pero la verdad es que lo disfruté mucho. Las escenas en Klepsydra me parecieron fascinantes, el laberinto un espacio que me intrigó y me atrapó. Y me satisface que finalmente se haya hecho uso de la obligation d'âme como era obvio que iba a hacérselo desde la primer página del primer libro.
Disfruté mucho los detalles sobre la historia de Mélusine y de Marathat en general (sobre todo creo que finalmente me terminó de quedar clara la arquitectura taumatúrgica del Mirador, su relación con el Sim y con la necromancia), y el personaje de Mehitabel que ni mencioné en las otras reseñas pero que es EXCELENTE, un personaje femenino intrincado que tiene su propia historia, sus propios problemas, sus propios talentos. La amo, me gustó mucho leerla.
Sigo pensando que Félix debería haber ido a rescatar a Mildmay de inmediato en vez de quedarse papando moscas. Me hizo acordar a los jueguitos cuando te dan una misión urgente pero en realidad podés hacer todas las sidequests que quieras, ¿qué hacés yendo al baile de no sé qué corno? ¡Tu abusador tiene secuestrado a tu hermano!
Segunda lectura (octubre de 2022): Es increíble lo mucho que se beneficia esta saga de ser releída. No, no es perfecta ni mucho menos, pero a esta altura ya no puedo decir que no es buena.
Habiendo leído los cuatro libros y entendiendo mejor tanto el núcleo emotivo de la narrativa como los caminos que recorren los personajes, muchas de las críticas que elaboré en primera lectura me resultan un poco injustas. Me explayo:
Sí, Felix no es una gran persona y es verdad que sus pensamientos son a menudo crueles y desagradables. Sin embargo esta vez veo mejor su enorme complejidad, cómo esa crueldad es un impulso difícil de someter nacido de heridas profundas. El contraste entre las acciones de Felix hacia Mildmay, egoístas, desdeñosas, y sus pensamientos, permanente culpa, adoración fascinada, es tan interesante de explorar como el que hay entre el exterior y el interior de Mildmay mismo (taciturno por un lado, astuto, expresivo y vulnerable por el otro).
Sí, el comportamiento de los personajes a veces resulta bastante confuso, quizás hasta contradictorio, pero creo que en este caso "it's a feature, not a bug": para mí tiene que ver con el énfasis puesto en que no sepamos más que nuestros narradores. De nuevo, en segunda lectura y conociendo a todos más a fondo sus acciones tienen más sentido, y las que no creo que se justifican por la cantidad de información que los mismos personajes callan.
Sí, tanto arreglar la Virtu como derrotar a Malkar son tareas que parecían imposibles y terminan súbitamente resueltas, y aunque todavía pienso que esto es en gran medida cierto, también creo que me estaba acercando a la cuestión por el lado equivocado. Lleva como 100 páginas arreglar la Virtu, porque la mayor parte del trabajo es de trasfondo y requiere entender más profundamente la arquitectura taumatúrgica. No le presté la suficiente atención en primera lectura. Y derrotar a Malkar lleva en realidad dos libros enteros, porque lo que se requiere para esa batalla final es que Felix haya llegado a un punto específico en su proceso de sanación, a perderle el miedo al lobo de sus pesadillas. En última instancia, Doctrina de Laberintos es una historia sobre trauma y el tortuoso camino hacia sanarlos. Es lógico que la resolución pase por ahí.
En fin. Aprovecho para decir que Mildmay es el mejor personaje de la historia y lo adoro con todo mi ser. Voy a pensar en él por el resto de mi vida. Y adoro cómo se desarrolló la relación entre los dos, a veces bastante dañinamente pero siempre de manera intrincada y fascinante y con un trasfondo de genuina y en gran medida inexpresable adoración que me destruye.
----
Primera lectura (diciembre 2020):
Estos libros son droga. No puedo decir que sean buenos pero no los puedo soltar, ayer me fui a dormir a las cinco de la mañana porque quería terminarlo.
Es sorprendente: en el libro anterior me temía leer las partes desde el punto de vista de Félix, porque estaba traumatizado y loco, y pensé que se volverían repetitivas y algo dramáticas. No fue así en absoluto. Ahora que el personaje está recuperado, sin embargo, leer sus pensamientos me resulta cansador. Es bastante desagradable como persona. No quiere decir que el libro no haya tenido éxito en lograr que me preocupe por su destino y que le tenga cariño, pero fundamentalmente le quiero meter un sopapo. Sobre todo porque Mildmay es un ángel y se merece mejores cosas.
Creo que, igual que en el libro anterior, existe un problema relativo a los personajes secundarios en el cual sus personalidades no quedan del todo claras y sus acciones no parecen condecirse del todo con lo que pensábamos que sabíamos de ellos. Mencionaba en la reseña anterior el problema de Thaddeus; acá se explica un poco su comportamiento, pero a decir verdad no me satisface. De forma similar me siento respecto a Gideon, quizás al revés, y a Mavortian.
Muchos mencionaron la rapidísima resolución. Es verdad; el final del libro deja un gusto amargo. En unas treinta páginas resuelven un problema que parecía completamente irresoluble y vencen un enemigo que parecía invencible. Al mismo tiempo, siento que deberían denotar un tono de urgencia del que ciertamente prescinden, lo cual dificulta mucho comprender la culpa de Félix. Si tan mal te sentís hacé algo, pelotudo, en lugar de dar vueltas hablando con cualquiera. Resulta extrañísimo.
Pero la verdad es que lo disfruté mucho. Las escenas en Klepsydra me parecieron fascinantes, el laberinto un espacio que me intrigó y me atrapó. Y me satisface que finalmente se haya hecho uso de la obligation d'âme como era obvio que iba a hacérselo desde la primer página del primer libro.
October 1, 2018
Please join me in welcoming Mildmay and Felix to my fictional family. I'd die for them tbh.
The stakes were upped here, as my love for the characters grew, and the structure and storytelling gained nuance.
I devoured this book and I'm straight on to book three
The stakes were upped here, as my love for the characters grew, and the structure and storytelling gained nuance.
I devoured this book and I'm straight on to book three
April 3, 2025
Oh, look, Felix has a personality! Not a very nice personality but more entertaining anyway. And the best side character just entered the chat. Mehitabel Parr ftw, her banter with Mildmay is off the charts!
January 22, 2016
auuuuuuuuuuuuuuughhhh
It's been so long since I've found a series that I've gotten heart-wrenchingly emotionally invested in. Bless Sarah Monette. It's definitely not the best written book, but it's getting five stars from me just because I loved it so very much.
The characters are wonderful. All of them. Felix and Mildmay are the exact type of deeply fucked up, deeply flawed but very likable characters that I love reading about. I was so galled at Felix's existence at some points in the book lmfao. us readers know how badly Mildmay broke himself to make sure felix was safe and got to Troia in 'Melusine', and then Felix was SUCH AN ANUS in return in this book omfg. But we really got to know what kind of place his arrogance and cruelty comes from, now that he isn't absolutely crazy, and that's exactly the kind of flawed fucked up character I love - someone who does horrible things, but we know why and we know that they're inherently good.
and oh god their relationship it's just such fantastic suffering to read about their fights and reconciliations and how much they love each other but how can't help hurting each other and are completely incapable of putting their devotion into words. yessss dramaaaaa I eat it up. I loved loved loved their fucked up co-dependency and love, sinful incest angle and all lol. (I had to put my book down so many times tho dear god there was a lot of incest)
I enjoyed the secondary characters too, the little gang with Mavortian, Bernard, Mehitabel and Gideon, Thamuris, the Mirador wizards, and Cardenioooo. I hope the Mirador gets fleshed out in the next book because dear god. I like them but they need it. and on the note of Mehitabel and Gideon, like, I'm kind of annoyed there was more compelling sexual tension between Mildmay and Felix than between them and their love interests LOL I kind of like their respective pairings but I'm mostly indifferent?
(also because I read a lot of this late at night after doing postgrad stuff I missed some details... including every time Mehitabel and Mildmay kissed LOL so that was kind of left field at the end)
The approach to magic was fun, too, with the different schools and the different approaches and types of working magic. I never thought I would read a book about working magic with mazes so that was p cool. Serious thought was put into building the world of Melusine and the world's magic and yet it didn't need to be an RPG manual pff
The pacing was WAY better, and the prose is so compelling that I was genuinely interested in the first ~250 pages of the book that basically entirely focused on the brother drama. Still, it took about 250 pages to even get around to addressing the conflict that had began in the first book lol.
I'm mostly so happy with 'Doctrine of Labyrinths' so far because this is basically EXACTLY what I want out of ~queer fantasy. Exactly. Compelling writing, well drawn characters that I become deeply invested in, and.... well the plot was interesting when it was happening lol. But I'm glad that romance nor sex was even a big focus, and it wasn't literally just two dudes fucking with a dragon urinating in the background in order to pass it off as fantasy LOL
Also, this is my 50th completed book of the year!!!! and I'm not even on uni holidays yassssss @ me
now I'm going to go reread early Harry Potter books because I need something light and fun, where none of the relationships are dysfunctional and tragic LOL
It's been so long since I've found a series that I've gotten heart-wrenchingly emotionally invested in. Bless Sarah Monette. It's definitely not the best written book, but it's getting five stars from me just because I loved it so very much.
The characters are wonderful. All of them. Felix and Mildmay are the exact type of deeply fucked up, deeply flawed but very likable characters that I love reading about. I was so galled at Felix's existence at some points in the book lmfao. us readers know how badly Mildmay broke himself to make sure felix was safe and got to Troia in 'Melusine', and then Felix was SUCH AN ANUS in return in this book omfg. But we really got to know what kind of place his arrogance and cruelty comes from, now that he isn't absolutely crazy, and that's exactly the kind of flawed fucked up character I love - someone who does horrible things, but we know why and we know that they're inherently good.
and oh god their relationship it's just such fantastic suffering to read about their fights and reconciliations and how much they love each other but how can't help hurting each other and are completely incapable of putting their devotion into words. yessss dramaaaaa I eat it up. I loved loved loved their fucked up co-dependency and love, sinful incest angle and all lol. (I had to put my book down so many times tho dear god there was a lot of incest)
I enjoyed the secondary characters too, the little gang with Mavortian, Bernard, Mehitabel and Gideon, Thamuris, the Mirador wizards, and Cardenioooo. I hope the Mirador gets fleshed out in the next book because dear god. I like them but they need it. and on the note of Mehitabel and Gideon, like, I'm kind of annoyed there was more compelling sexual tension between Mildmay and Felix than between them and their love interests LOL I kind of like their respective pairings but I'm mostly indifferent?
(also because I read a lot of this late at night after doing postgrad stuff I missed some details... including every time Mehitabel and Mildmay kissed LOL so that was kind of left field at the end)
The approach to magic was fun, too, with the different schools and the different approaches and types of working magic. I never thought I would read a book about working magic with mazes so that was p cool. Serious thought was put into building the world of Melusine and the world's magic and yet it didn't need to be an RPG manual pff
The pacing was WAY better, and the prose is so compelling that I was genuinely interested in the first ~250 pages of the book that basically entirely focused on the brother drama. Still, it took about 250 pages to even get around to addressing the conflict that had began in the first book lol.
I'm mostly so happy with 'Doctrine of Labyrinths' so far because this is basically EXACTLY what I want out of ~queer fantasy. Exactly. Compelling writing, well drawn characters that I become deeply invested in, and.... well the plot was interesting when it was happening lol. But I'm glad that romance nor sex was even a big focus, and it wasn't literally just two dudes fucking with a dragon urinating in the background in order to pass it off as fantasy LOL
Also, this is my 50th completed book of the year!!!! and I'm not even on uni holidays yassssss @ me
now I'm going to go reread early Harry Potter books because I need something light and fun, where none of the relationships are dysfunctional and tragic LOL
September 10, 2009
Sarah Monette, The Virtu (Ace, 2006)
Monette returns to the rich, detailed world she created in her first novel, Mélusine, for a sequel. And while it's a bit slow out of the gate, a fine sequel it is indeed. Monette expands on some of the stuff that seemed, in the first book, as if it had been for worldbuilding and color more than anything, giving this a more cohesive feel with its predecessor than many sequels. I like that in a book. Quite a lot, actually.
We open not long after the conclusion of Mélusine, with Felix and Mildmay still overseas and still not liking each other too much. Felix's research has led him to the possibility that he may, in fact, be able to undo the shattering of the Virtu, the central event of the first book, and one in which he was an unwitting participant; Mildmay is just plain homesick. In any case, the two of them decide to head back to the City of Wonders, as perilous a journey as that may be. But Felix's recently-shed madness is always sitting in the back of his head, waiting to be roused, and his fear of deep water means that crossing the ocean this time is going to be even worse than it was before. And then, of course, there's the fact that pretty much every wizard in Mélusine would be more than happy never to see Felix again...
That tells you almost nothing, but I can't get into a lot of it without hitting spoilerville. (I implore you not to read the jacket synopsis before reading the actual book, as it reveals what I'd consider a major spoiler.) Monette's world holds up for another novel, and is just as detailed and fantastical, in the classical sense of the term, as it was the first time. She also employs techniques that usually drive me up the wall (such as character A not saying something that, were it said to character B, would avoid a lot of mess) in subtle enough ways that they actually work here. As for the characters themselves, my only real problem is that a bit more of a refresher on some of the characters from the earlier novel would have been welcome (though I know all too well how easy it is to go overboard with that sort of thing, viz. Terry Goodkind's last seven Sword of Truth novels). Can't fault Monette for her character-writing abilities, however. For two guys who probably moonlight in romance novels, Felix and Mildmay are engaging characters, and Monette gets the balance of similar and different between the half-brothers dead on. The minor characters are for the most part three-dimensional as well, though a few of them do seem to exist just to advance plot points (Shannon, in particular, has struck me this way in both novels). As for the plot, well, Monette keeps her foot on the gas the same way she did with the last book, and “exciting” is the least enthusiastic word I can come up with for what all goes on on this book. It is a touch episodic, though all road novels have that feel to them by definition, but that's a minor thing at best. This is fun, fun stuff, and if you haven't picked up Mélusine yet, I urge you to do so pronto, and then continue on to this one. *** ½
Monette returns to the rich, detailed world she created in her first novel, Mélusine, for a sequel. And while it's a bit slow out of the gate, a fine sequel it is indeed. Monette expands on some of the stuff that seemed, in the first book, as if it had been for worldbuilding and color more than anything, giving this a more cohesive feel with its predecessor than many sequels. I like that in a book. Quite a lot, actually.
We open not long after the conclusion of Mélusine, with Felix and Mildmay still overseas and still not liking each other too much. Felix's research has led him to the possibility that he may, in fact, be able to undo the shattering of the Virtu, the central event of the first book, and one in which he was an unwitting participant; Mildmay is just plain homesick. In any case, the two of them decide to head back to the City of Wonders, as perilous a journey as that may be. But Felix's recently-shed madness is always sitting in the back of his head, waiting to be roused, and his fear of deep water means that crossing the ocean this time is going to be even worse than it was before. And then, of course, there's the fact that pretty much every wizard in Mélusine would be more than happy never to see Felix again...
That tells you almost nothing, but I can't get into a lot of it without hitting spoilerville. (I implore you not to read the jacket synopsis before reading the actual book, as it reveals what I'd consider a major spoiler.) Monette's world holds up for another novel, and is just as detailed and fantastical, in the classical sense of the term, as it was the first time. She also employs techniques that usually drive me up the wall (such as character A not saying something that, were it said to character B, would avoid a lot of mess) in subtle enough ways that they actually work here. As for the characters themselves, my only real problem is that a bit more of a refresher on some of the characters from the earlier novel would have been welcome (though I know all too well how easy it is to go overboard with that sort of thing, viz. Terry Goodkind's last seven Sword of Truth novels). Can't fault Monette for her character-writing abilities, however. For two guys who probably moonlight in romance novels, Felix and Mildmay are engaging characters, and Monette gets the balance of similar and different between the half-brothers dead on. The minor characters are for the most part three-dimensional as well, though a few of them do seem to exist just to advance plot points (Shannon, in particular, has struck me this way in both novels). As for the plot, well, Monette keeps her foot on the gas the same way she did with the last book, and “exciting” is the least enthusiastic word I can come up with for what all goes on on this book. It is a touch episodic, though all road novels have that feel to them by definition, but that's a minor thing at best. This is fun, fun stuff, and if you haven't picked up Mélusine yet, I urge you to do so pronto, and then continue on to this one. *** ½
September 22, 2020
Reread, 2020: Narratives about bad communication and miscommunication are cheap and tedious; narratives about why people are bad at communicating & the effect it has on their self and relationships are an absolute delight. Much of that tropey interpersonal tension and payoff remains, but there's more insight with less contrivance.
I'm dropping this from 5 stars to 4: it isn't perfect, the pacing is uneven, there remains some contrivance, etc. But this is where the series coalesces. Where the first book feels like a prologue, this could be the end of a duology. It has good closure, and the sequels will also be satisfying and contained. But more remarkably it carries itself forward, persistently and exhaustively: the backstory elements of the first book, the turbulent character development, the vast world and its diverse and contradictory magic systems are all remembered. It builds something complex and realistic within the series's particular heightened style, and that's what I love & remember best. (It also makes my initial doubts about how the series handles trauma particularly ridiculous in retrospect! The series may have its problematic flaws, but using trauma for hollow shock value isn't one of them.)
Original review, 2013: A year ago, Felix's magic was used to destroy Mélusine's magical focus the Virtu, and left him mad. Now Felix has been cured, but has no memory of the past year; Mildmay has been left crippled, and the Virtu still stands in ruins--except that Felix intends to repair it. The Virtu is a direct sequel to Mélusine, benefiting from that book's preexisting worldbuilding--still a densely original setting, now less heavyhanded and overwhelming--and building a better-balanced and utterly successful story. Mélusine was Mildmay's book, but The Virtu belongs to Felix, an equally flawed, strongly defined, and powerfully voiced character. This series has a deceptive aura of fanfiction brought on by an intense, psychological focus on complex non-normative relationships--it's id-level writing, tending towards indulgence but too finely wrought, and I love it. The plot can be uneven, coincidence-heavy and occasionally rushed, but these two first books can be read as a complete and satisfying duology--and the character and relationship arcs are consistently superb. It's rewarding to see an author and series improve so distinctly: every strength of Mélusine persists, and The Virtu capitalizes on them to move forward with finer craft and balance. It can't stand alone, but I now recommend the series without caveat and look forward to seeing where it goes from here.
I'm dropping this from 5 stars to 4: it isn't perfect, the pacing is uneven, there remains some contrivance, etc. But this is where the series coalesces. Where the first book feels like a prologue, this could be the end of a duology. It has good closure, and the sequels will also be satisfying and contained. But more remarkably it carries itself forward, persistently and exhaustively: the backstory elements of the first book, the turbulent character development, the vast world and its diverse and contradictory magic systems are all remembered. It builds something complex and realistic within the series's particular heightened style, and that's what I love & remember best. (It also makes my initial doubts about how the series handles trauma particularly ridiculous in retrospect! The series may have its problematic flaws, but using trauma for hollow shock value isn't one of them.)
Original review, 2013: A year ago, Felix's magic was used to destroy Mélusine's magical focus the Virtu, and left him mad. Now Felix has been cured, but has no memory of the past year; Mildmay has been left crippled, and the Virtu still stands in ruins--except that Felix intends to repair it. The Virtu is a direct sequel to Mélusine, benefiting from that book's preexisting worldbuilding--still a densely original setting, now less heavyhanded and overwhelming--and building a better-balanced and utterly successful story. Mélusine was Mildmay's book, but The Virtu belongs to Felix, an equally flawed, strongly defined, and powerfully voiced character. This series has a deceptive aura of fanfiction brought on by an intense, psychological focus on complex non-normative relationships--it's id-level writing, tending towards indulgence but too finely wrought, and I love it. The plot can be uneven, coincidence-heavy and occasionally rushed, but these two first books can be read as a complete and satisfying duology--and the character and relationship arcs are consistently superb. It's rewarding to see an author and series improve so distinctly: every strength of Mélusine persists, and The Virtu capitalizes on them to move forward with finer craft and balance. It can't stand alone, but I now recommend the series without caveat and look forward to seeing where it goes from here.
January 18, 2018
As with my review of book one, I'm still disturbed by a lot of things about this. M/M romance is completely normalized--in fact, it dominates the plot--but there is still no hint of any wlw characters, which still smacks to me of fetishization.
Though at least the incest part isn't happening, as I feared it would. Mildmay found out about his half-brother's desire for him, but upon reflection, his major objection wasn't that it would be incest, but that he's simply not attracted to men at all. So Felix isn't trying to get with him, and in fact, takes another lover altogether. One he doesn't usually seem to actually like very much, but whatever, because it keeps him off Mildmay, right?
The non-faux-romance plot is decent, but not amazing. After spending the entire first book trekking across an enemy empire in order to find the place where Felix's magic-induced madness could be cured, he and Mildmay then have to safely make it back home so that Felix can restore the broken Virtu. Which (while being a mystical object of little importance to the reader) is at least a reasonable goal for the man who broke it in the first place, albeit unwillingly. It's a sort of redemption arc (I stress the sort of because it doesn't restore Felix's standing among his peers much at all) but it works as a personal milestone.
In fact, it works so well, I'm wondering what the next two books could even be about. A few loose ends aside, this easily could have been the second book of a duology rather than book two of four.
My last criticism is definitely the pacing. After taking most of the book to get back to the Mirador, with the journey being touted as dangerous as all hell, then the ending sequence takes them halfway back through enemy territory to its heart, the Bastion, in the blink of an eye to resolve Mildmay's kidnapping, which happened with so few pages left to read that I honestly believed it was going to be a cliffhanger for book three. And it isn't. The conclusion is rushed and unsatisfying.
After all that, though, I still enjoyed the book. In fact, the highly individualized tone of the first-person narration, no matter whether it was Felix's or Mildmay's, kept me turning pages at lightning speed. And I was fascinated by the notion of labyrinths underpinning both the magic system and the story arcs, and I definitely want to know more about those.
I'm just not sure what to expect going forward.
Though at least the incest part isn't happening, as I feared it would. Mildmay found out about his half-brother's desire for him, but upon reflection, his major objection wasn't that it would be incest, but that he's simply not attracted to men at all. So Felix isn't trying to get with him, and in fact, takes another lover altogether. One he doesn't usually seem to actually like very much, but whatever, because it keeps him off Mildmay, right?
The non-faux-romance plot is decent, but not amazing. After spending the entire first book trekking across an enemy empire in order to find the place where Felix's magic-induced madness could be cured, he and Mildmay then have to safely make it back home so that Felix can restore the broken Virtu. Which (while being a mystical object of little importance to the reader) is at least a reasonable goal for the man who broke it in the first place, albeit unwillingly. It's a sort of redemption arc (I stress the sort of because it doesn't restore Felix's standing among his peers much at all) but it works as a personal milestone.
In fact, it works so well, I'm wondering what the next two books could even be about. A few loose ends aside, this easily could have been the second book of a duology rather than book two of four.
My last criticism is definitely the pacing. After taking most of the book to get back to the Mirador, with the journey being touted as dangerous as all hell, then the ending sequence takes them halfway back through enemy territory to its heart, the Bastion, in the blink of an eye to resolve Mildmay's kidnapping, which happened with so few pages left to read that I honestly believed it was going to be a cliffhanger for book three. And it isn't. The conclusion is rushed and unsatisfying.
After all that, though, I still enjoyed the book. In fact, the highly individualized tone of the first-person narration, no matter whether it was Felix's or Mildmay's, kept me turning pages at lightning speed. And I was fascinated by the notion of labyrinths underpinning both the magic system and the story arcs, and I definitely want to know more about those.
I'm just not sure what to expect going forward.
December 28, 2007
Warning: This review contains spoilers. Read at your own risk
I really liked this book, too. With Felix's madness gone, it was a pleasure to read from his point of view again (though I continue to enjoy Mildmay as well).
The world and magic system are ever more rich and complex. I enjoyed seeing so many of the characters from the first novel make a return appearance. While in the first novel I initially hoped that Felix woudl get together with Giddeon, by the end I was rooting for Felix/Mildmay (and still am, though in some ways it looks unlikely). I like that Monette addresses the fact that it's technically incest headon and I completely believe that it doesn't bother Felix (the way it might had they actually been raised together).
It's true that much of the tension and angst could be resolved if Mildmay and Felix would just talk to each other, but it's completely believable that they don't. They obviously trust each other with their lives, but really talking about what was bothering them would require both self-awareness and much more vulnerability and neither of them likes to be vulnerable (being open is not the same as being vulnerable). I think it's easier for them to talk about the past, even the things in the past they've kept from everyone else, than it is to talk about how they feel. And frankly, I don't think Felix can be trusted with Mildmay's heart. He'd want to be good to him, but he'd get careless and hurt him all over again. I like that he's self aware enough to actually say that at one point (though honestly, I can't remember if it was in this book or the one before).
It makes sense to me that Felix can't just change over night, even if he wants to. But neither is he a static character. He learns from his mistakes and tries to be more aware of them in the future. But like most people, he has relapses. Frequent relapses.
I look forward to reading more about these characters, seeing them change and grow. I'm concerned about Mildmay now, and very anxious to read the next book.
I really liked this book, too. With Felix's madness gone, it was a pleasure to read from his point of view again (though I continue to enjoy Mildmay as well).
The world and magic system are ever more rich and complex. I enjoyed seeing so many of the characters from the first novel make a return appearance. While in the first novel I initially hoped that Felix woudl get together with Giddeon, by the end I was rooting for Felix/Mildmay (and still am, though in some ways it looks unlikely). I like that Monette addresses the fact that it's technically incest headon and I completely believe that it doesn't bother Felix (the way it might had they actually been raised together).
It's true that much of the tension and angst could be resolved if Mildmay and Felix would just talk to each other, but it's completely believable that they don't. They obviously trust each other with their lives, but really talking about what was bothering them would require both self-awareness and much more vulnerability and neither of them likes to be vulnerable (being open is not the same as being vulnerable). I think it's easier for them to talk about the past, even the things in the past they've kept from everyone else, than it is to talk about how they feel. And frankly, I don't think Felix can be trusted with Mildmay's heart. He'd want to be good to him, but he'd get careless and hurt him all over again. I like that he's self aware enough to actually say that at one point (though honestly, I can't remember if it was in this book or the one before).
It makes sense to me that Felix can't just change over night, even if he wants to. But neither is he a static character. He learns from his mistakes and tries to be more aware of them in the future. But like most people, he has relapses. Frequent relapses.
I look forward to reading more about these characters, seeing them change and grow. I'm concerned about Mildmay now, and very anxious to read the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2014
I liked this better than the first book because it made me just explode with love for Felix. I already liked Felix and his crazy self, and now I liked him even more. I wouldn't like him in real life, but he's the most compelling character of a book since Severus Snape in Harry Potter, and that's saying a hell of a lot, as anyone who knows Severus Snape is pretty keen on.
I can't even begin to start. I'm so used to this book being the breath of me that just sitting away from it to think about it all is just so hard to do.
Oh, well, this book also made me love Mildmay more. But I think everyone already loves Mildmay. He's just adorable the way he loves Felix and acts like an obedient younger brother when he's the 'fox' of the two. I think Felix is more of snake.
Without getting into spoilers, lemme tell you it's just one adventure after another until it culminates into one huge overreaching adventure and you're like, how the heck did we get here? Weren't we just out of dire imaginings and now we're in another?
But it was good, because, I started to see, well, of course, that little piece wasn't going to be let go, and neither was that one, or that one, or that one, because Felix and Mildmay are just that cool, even with all their crazy hang-ups.
And I loved the minor characters. They were really fleshed as the people they were, and not just the parts they played. I just wished that everyone wasn't so prideful- the only distraction I could feel in the book. Does everyone have to feel like they didn't want to admit doing something? Whether it was a beef with either Felix or Mildmay, no one liked anyone in the end because they were so caught up in themselves- well, except for a couple which will be spoiler to name.
All in all, very nice, very good, and one of my favorites.
I can't even begin to start. I'm so used to this book being the breath of me that just sitting away from it to think about it all is just so hard to do.
Oh, well, this book also made me love Mildmay more. But I think everyone already loves Mildmay. He's just adorable the way he loves Felix and acts like an obedient younger brother when he's the 'fox' of the two. I think Felix is more of snake.
Without getting into spoilers, lemme tell you it's just one adventure after another until it culminates into one huge overreaching adventure and you're like, how the heck did we get here? Weren't we just out of dire imaginings and now we're in another?
But it was good, because, I started to see, well, of course, that little piece wasn't going to be let go, and neither was that one, or that one, or that one, because Felix and Mildmay are just that cool, even with all their crazy hang-ups.
And I loved the minor characters. They were really fleshed as the people they were, and not just the parts they played. I just wished that everyone wasn't so prideful- the only distraction I could feel in the book. Does everyone have to feel like they didn't want to admit doing something? Whether it was a beef with either Felix or Mildmay, no one liked anyone in the end because they were so caught up in themselves- well, except for a couple which will be spoiler to name.
All in all, very nice, very good, and one of my favorites.
June 19, 2025
I missed being in this world. I may have gone too long between books that the events from Melusine started to fade, but it was easier to slip back into the story now that I’m more familiar with its structure. I wasn’t ready for the characters to leave their initial location because I was still curious about the culture, history, and relationships they found there, and I forgot how long they had been away. The journey back and the companions the party met along the way all felt neatly in service to the plot, though that didn’t dampen my enjoyment of the story. I assumed some conflicts would be stretched through the end of the series, so when they got resolved quickly in The Virtu, I wondered what else could happen next. That kept me on my toes—a welcome change to obvious plot developments, even those you want to see unfold. I am a nerd for thaumaturgical theory, the philosophy and facts about different kinds of magic, which groups use them, and why. I could have read much more about tarot, dream magic, necromancy, blood magic, water, clocks, etc. I hope there’s more to learn in book three. I am still intrigued by the bristly and tender tension between Felix and Mildmay. They have a pattern to their interactions, but because they are willing to explore dark corners that aren’t often discussed, they continue to intrigue me. At the same time, two more books of the same brooding silence-to-fight crescendo could get old unless they continue to evolve individually and as a duo.
February 14, 2010
This continuance of the story of Felix Harrowgate and his brother Mildmay lost the drive and fascination of the first book, and left us with a character who was far more interesting and likable when mad, and his brother who has become one-dimensional and is used as a doormat all the way through. The magic and inspiration of the first book is gone. Isolated encounters linger for a few chapters and then are gone, and don't tie into the overall plot. What is humorous is that the author has her characters complain about their behavior, which doesn't make them more interesting to the reader. Its as if they know they are boring and are whining about it! The abuse by Felix of his brother is not resolved in any kind of satisfactory manner at the end; in fact, his brother, once the more interesting character, is now pathetic. I see that there are more in this series, and I'll look for them at the library to see if the plot improves, but if I don't find them, no loss. What a shame.
June 18, 2007
I don't think it would work well as a standalone, but I enjoyed this sequel. There was more satisfying plot resolution at the end than in the first book, but at the same time it's clear that this is still a middle volume in a series. The pacing was also a little better, because even if you hate Felix--which I don't--I think the fact that he is no longer completely insane, as he was for almost the entire previous book, really helps. Of course, sanity does not equal healthy boundaries for Felix, especially when it comes to sex (I'm sure you're so shocked). I did find the big reveal about the new female character who's introduced in this installment somewhat disappointing, because I felt it was anticlimactic and that the character was just never as interesting as Monette was trying hard to make her, but if you liked MELUSINE I would definitely recommend you pick up THE VIRTU.
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