4.5 Madcap, Dastardly Stars!!!
This book. This book! Utterly unputdownable and reminiscent of Rowling.
From the very first page India Holton's writing just sucks you in. It's so lush and so fluid and her characters are so sharp and authentic, that you want to collect them all and make them your friends. Even the badies. And the action is insane. It's part HP world with it's deadly, fantastical, magical beasts and part Indiana Jones with it horse stealing, lasso wielding and helicopter parasol escapes.
Beth, our fmc, tells the story in single first pov and it's such a treat to experience her mind and how she navigates her male dominated world and societal expectations (Victorian era setting) while remaining authentic to herself. I love that she's strong and bright and yet she's vulnerable. The author did such a wonderful job of making Beth well rounded and real. Plus she has some of the best dialogue in the novel.
The book is teaming with robust characters who add to the vibrant tapestry of this story. From angry French sailors to crafty inn keepers and shifty press agents to the dark seedy characters of the ornithological world, this story moves with such speed and force, and with such interesting characters, that it's nearly impossible to find a lull during which to take a break from it. Every element, every character, adds just the right touch, adds just the right color to the tapestry that when you've reached a chapter's end, the story practically glows on the page and you find yourself reaching, desperate to begin the next.
The romance in this book was perfect. It never overwhelmed Beth's story, it never altered her in any way, in fact, as she discovers herself amidst the budding relationship with Devon, it actually makes her more relatable. Devon, who is her equal and, despite first appearances, is as vulnerable as Beth adds the perfect level of steam to the novel. As these to team up together to, at first, find the magical Caladria bird and win Birder of the Year, which then becomes a rescue mission, these two characters are nearly thwarted at every turn. It's one madcap adventure after another as these characters traverse England. These adventures solidify the relationship and bond these two together, and test the steadfastness of their commitment to each other, as well as their integrity amongst a sea of unscrupulous characters.
In the end, I felt so very satisfied with all the elements in the novel. The love story left both characters firmly rooted in their pursuits while still allowing them to blend their lives. All of the story arcs were tied up perfectly and I felt wholly fulfilled. Now I have to go back to the beginning of the series and start there. Though this is listed as Love's Academic #1 it's also listed as book #4 in the Dangerous Damsels series. I'm not complaining. I'd go back and read these irrespective. But I like things to be in order so this bore mentioning.
Anyway, READ THIS NOW!!! It's such an amazing novel and I'm excited to jump back into that world.
Side note: I alternated between the Kindle and audiobook which was so well narrated that it was much like watching a movie in your mind. I highly recommend if you're into audiobooks.