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The Naturalist Society #2
The Glass Slide World
Award-winning author Carrie Vaughn’s sequel to The Naturalist Society follows a young scientist unlocking her magical abilities amid a high-seas adventure filled with international intrigue.
The year is 1902, and the world is changing with the new century. Twenty-one-year-old Ava Stanley, the daughter of two celebrated Arcane Taxonomists, has much to live up to—however scarce her magical abilities may be.
While her parents draw power from spectacular birds and megafauna, Ava’s connection to the natural world is much smaller, stemming from the microscopic. This is useful in her quest to become a doctor, as she studies the burgeoning links between bacteria and disease, but it means Ava’s power itself is also smaller. Even so, she plans to make the most of it when she boards a ship to Nassau, where she’ll continue her research.
But those plans change when pirates take over the ship, bringing with them danger, mystery, and the stirrings of war. Amid the chaos, Ava forges connections with her fellow travelers. And in them, she begins to find that every tiny piece of the world has the power to strengthen it…or shatter it completely.
The year is 1902, and the world is changing with the new century. Twenty-one-year-old Ava Stanley, the daughter of two celebrated Arcane Taxonomists, has much to live up to—however scarce her magical abilities may be.
While her parents draw power from spectacular birds and megafauna, Ava’s connection to the natural world is much smaller, stemming from the microscopic. This is useful in her quest to become a doctor, as she studies the burgeoning links between bacteria and disease, but it means Ava’s power itself is also smaller. Even so, she plans to make the most of it when she boards a ship to Nassau, where she’ll continue her research.
But those plans change when pirates take over the ship, bringing with them danger, mystery, and the stirrings of war. Amid the chaos, Ava forges connections with her fellow travelers. And in them, she begins to find that every tiny piece of the world has the power to strengthen it…or shatter it completely.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2025
302 people are currently reading
3277 people want to read
About the author
Carrie Vaughn
280 books4,540 followersCarrie Vaughn is the author more than twenty novels and over a hundred short stories. She's best known for her New York Times bestselling series of novels about a werewolf named Kitty who hosts a talk radio advice show for the supernaturally disadvantaged. In 2018, she won the Philip K. Dick Award for Bannerless, a post-apocalyptic murder mystery. She's published over 20 novels and 100 short stories, two of which have been finalists for the Hugo Award. She's a contributor to the Wild Cards series of shared world superhero books edited by George R. R. Martin and a graduate of the Odyssey Fantasy Writing Workshop.
An Air Force brat, she survived her nomadic childhood and managed to put down roots in Boulder, Colorado, where she collects hobbies.
Visit her at www.carrievaughn.com
For writing advice and essays, check out her Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carrievaughn
An Air Force brat, she survived her nomadic childhood and managed to put down roots in Boulder, Colorado, where she collects hobbies.
Visit her at www.carrievaughn.com
For writing advice and essays, check out her Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/carrievaughn
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
October 3, 2025
Recommend-O-Meter: Fun enough if you enjoyed the first book in the series, but not the best sequel
Let me start by saying I had very high hopes for this one. I’d loved the previous book, The Naturalist Society, so much so that it has taken root in my little science-loving mind. So of course, I was eager as a beaver to continue reading within its world. And, well, this second title was good. Loads of fun at times, even. But I fear it doesn’t hold a candle to the first one, and it’s from such a perspective that I’m writing this review.
Around two decades give or take after the events of the last book, the story picks up starring a now grown-up Ava Stanley, daughter of the last protagonist, Beth. In the interest of not spoiling the events of the previous title, I won’t disclose more about their family—but just know that Beth and her romantic life were an absolute joy to read about back in that last book. Now, though, it’s her daughter trying to make a name for herself, and Ava has her own peculiarities. Where Beth had built her powers of arcane taxonomy (basically a kind of science magic) on the study of birds, Ava is instead a budding doctor invested in the much less appreciated study of smaller organisms like insects, fungi, and bacteria. And I have to say, I adored that aspect of it all! I feel like it shed light on a yet-unseen part of arcane taxonomy and therefore gave some intensity to Ava’s own character, especially given that she was otherwise less blatantly challenged by misogyny than her mother had been.
But in pursuit of her research, she sets off on a sea voyage, and this is where things get a bit messy. We get drawn into a whole plot of political intrigue and secrecy, which… honestly? Not my jam. I spent the whole book just wishing Ava could concentrate on her studies or her actual medical practice, and I couldn’t have cared less about the mystery-thriller happening around her. I just feel like trying to elevate the stakes in this way deviated so much from the simple, everyday life scenes that made the first book so special. And then towards the end, I think the plot spiralled all over the place. The climax felt weird, and I didn’t fully understand Ava’s own personal growth. I just kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, for her to make some sort of major breakthrough with combining her arcanism and her medicinal practice, because that was the main conflict of her character presented at the very start. And yet, at the end, I still felt like she had developed both skills entirely separate from each other, which is such a shame because I was so looking forward to seeing how she managed to apply her arcane powers as a doctor.
The thing is, what made me love the first book so much was its characters. I bonded with them, saw myself in them, and felt for them. But in this second book, I felt like the characters—including Ava herself at times—took a back seat to the strange plot line, and I really didn’t like that. The friends she made seemed insignificant, and the romance was so poorly developed that it took me completely by surprise when things started moving in that direction. This in particular was so strange to me, considering how patient and thoughtful relationships were built up in the first book.
Anyway, don’t get me wrong. I liked it, really, and I still appreciate having learned more about Vaughn’s beautiful world in which arcane taxonomy exists. As a sequel, though, it falls flat comparatively. And frankly, I am SO sad about that, because I really wanted to love this book.
Audio Assessment: My problems with the story aside, I absolutely adored the narrator! While I believe it was a different person from whoever narrated The Naturalist Society, I feel like the overall vibe of the book was just as wonderfully captured. My love for the first book’s voice was what pushed me to request for an audiobook copy of this as well, and I feel like it brought the whole thing to life in such a way that everything leapt off the pages.
[I received an ARC and an ALC of this book from the publisher on NetGalley. This does not in any way affect the contents of my review.]
Let me start by saying I had very high hopes for this one. I’d loved the previous book, The Naturalist Society, so much so that it has taken root in my little science-loving mind. So of course, I was eager as a beaver to continue reading within its world. And, well, this second title was good. Loads of fun at times, even. But I fear it doesn’t hold a candle to the first one, and it’s from such a perspective that I’m writing this review.
Around two decades give or take after the events of the last book, the story picks up starring a now grown-up Ava Stanley, daughter of the last protagonist, Beth. In the interest of not spoiling the events of the previous title, I won’t disclose more about their family—but just know that Beth and her romantic life were an absolute joy to read about back in that last book. Now, though, it’s her daughter trying to make a name for herself, and Ava has her own peculiarities. Where Beth had built her powers of arcane taxonomy (basically a kind of science magic) on the study of birds, Ava is instead a budding doctor invested in the much less appreciated study of smaller organisms like insects, fungi, and bacteria. And I have to say, I adored that aspect of it all! I feel like it shed light on a yet-unseen part of arcane taxonomy and therefore gave some intensity to Ava’s own character, especially given that she was otherwise less blatantly challenged by misogyny than her mother had been.
But in pursuit of her research, she sets off on a sea voyage, and this is where things get a bit messy. We get drawn into a whole plot of political intrigue and secrecy, which… honestly? Not my jam. I spent the whole book just wishing Ava could concentrate on her studies or her actual medical practice, and I couldn’t have cared less about the mystery-thriller happening around her. I just feel like trying to elevate the stakes in this way deviated so much from the simple, everyday life scenes that made the first book so special. And then towards the end, I think the plot spiralled all over the place. The climax felt weird, and I didn’t fully understand Ava’s own personal growth. I just kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, for her to make some sort of major breakthrough with combining her arcanism and her medicinal practice, because that was the main conflict of her character presented at the very start. And yet, at the end, I still felt like she had developed both skills entirely separate from each other, which is such a shame because I was so looking forward to seeing how she managed to apply her arcane powers as a doctor.
The thing is, what made me love the first book so much was its characters. I bonded with them, saw myself in them, and felt for them. But in this second book, I felt like the characters—including Ava herself at times—took a back seat to the strange plot line, and I really didn’t like that. The friends she made seemed insignificant, and the romance was so poorly developed that it took me completely by surprise when things started moving in that direction. This in particular was so strange to me, considering how patient and thoughtful relationships were built up in the first book.
Anyway, don’t get me wrong. I liked it, really, and I still appreciate having learned more about Vaughn’s beautiful world in which arcane taxonomy exists. As a sequel, though, it falls flat comparatively. And frankly, I am SO sad about that, because I really wanted to love this book.
Audio Assessment: My problems with the story aside, I absolutely adored the narrator! While I believe it was a different person from whoever narrated The Naturalist Society, I feel like the overall vibe of the book was just as wonderfully captured. My love for the first book’s voice was what pushed me to request for an audiobook copy of this as well, and I feel like it brought the whole thing to life in such a way that everything leapt off the pages.
[I received an ARC and an ALC of this book from the publisher on NetGalley. This does not in any way affect the contents of my review.]
July 9, 2025
Competent, rather than thrilling. That's even true of the interpolated excerpts from the pulp fictionalization of the main character's two fathers; it's both more competent and less thrilling than real pulp fiction of the era. I think the lack of thrillingness, despite pirates and conspiracies and spies and disease outbreaks and the threat of a selfish person causing World War I to break out early because of an obsession with wealth, is down largely to three things.
Firstly, the main character, Ava, is not obviously emotional about any of it. Now, I yield to nobody in my liking for a level-headed, sensible, pragmatic female character rather than an emotional mess, but they should still obviously feel something, and I never got much of an emotional sense off Ava. I'm not sure if that's the character or the narration style, which is matter-of-fact throughout.
Secondly, there's no real driving plot question. (Some spoilers in this paragraph for a not-very-exciting plot; you really won't lose much tension by reading them.) Sure, the character has an arc; she has to prove for herself that she's capable of being a doctor and a naturalist, and coping on her own, but she didn't seriously think otherwise at the beginning, and nor did I, and it's perfectly possible to have this arc while also having some kind of overarching plot goal for the narrative as a whole.
Thirdly, the magic system is super loose and non-Sandersonian. The premise is that naturalists, by understanding nature, gain the ability to access powers that the creatures they study have, but a lot of it seems to be dependent on imagination, and while Ava insists that it's science (though not an exact science) and that it's not magic, it's totally magic. Her particular area of study is small and microscopic organisms, so her family think it's lacking in power, but it's really not. (Each chapter is labelled with the name of such an organism, and occasionally these are relevant, but usually not, unless I was missing something.)
Some of how the magic works is pretty dubious, too. At one point, needing a way to sterilize things in a field hospital, Ava turns water into alcohol using the power of yeast. Except yeast can't turn plain water into alcohol; alcohol has carbon atoms in it, and you need a source for those. Ava also learns to scry using bacteria, which are everywhere, and even has a vision of the future, feebly justified by the chain of life stretching through time as well as space.
The magic can do pretty much anything, and we don't know in advance what its limitations are, so it can be used to overcome any plot difficulty. Which is why Sanderson's First Law ("An author's ability to solve conflict with magic is DIRECTLY PROPORTIONAL to how well the reader understands said magic") is so important. The stakes never feel very high, because we're never convinced that Ava is going to fail; she'll just pull a solution almost literally out of the air - plus she's not setting out to solve an overarching problem, she's just dealing with what's in front of her. Perhaps the next book, where she tries to prevent World War I, will solve the second problem if not the first.
But the book is, at least mechanically, very competent, like its heroine. I only noticed three sentences where there were missing or misplaced words in the pre-publication version I got from Netgalley for review, and the punctuation is impeccable. This is something I've noticed with other 47North books: whatever their other faults, the editing is excellent.
The setting in 1902 feels authentic; it's not just scenery flats with some 21st-century people in cosplay performing in front of them. Sure, Ava's parents are what's now called a throuple, but it isn't like such arrangements didn't exist in the period. The poet Sir Henry Newbolt (1862-1938), author of 'Drake's Drum,' had a well-documented and long-standing polyamorous relationship with his wife and her cousin, for example, though as at time of writing his Wikipedia article doesn't mention it. The comparative openness of Ava's parents' arrangement - which seems to have been reached in the first book, which I haven't read - is perhaps slightly anachronistic, but given that one of her fathers is of African descent, anyone who's going to be shocked already is, so why obsess about hiding it?
Still, if this book was a contestant on American Idol around the mid-20-teens, Randy Jackson would describe it as "just OK for me, dogg," while Harry Connick Jr would say it was "all chops and no gravy". It's... fine. The competence would normally get it a Silver rating in my annual Best of the Year list, but I just didn't find it that exciting, mainly for reasons of craft that I've outlined above, so it drops to Bronze (which probably ought to be three stars, but I'm leaving it at four to maintain backwards compatibility with several years of previous ratings).
An experienced author like Carrie Vaughn, who has written thrilling urban fantasy and supers books, can definitely do better than this. It seems she was going through some family stuff around the time this was written, which may account for a performance below her usual standard.
Firstly, the main character, Ava, is not obviously emotional about any of it. Now, I yield to nobody in my liking for a level-headed, sensible, pragmatic female character rather than an emotional mess, but they should still obviously feel something, and I never got much of an emotional sense off Ava. I'm not sure if that's the character or the narration style, which is matter-of-fact throughout.
Secondly, there's no real driving plot question. (Some spoilers in this paragraph for a not-very-exciting plot; you really won't lose much tension by reading them.) Sure, the character has an arc; she has to prove for herself that she's capable of being a doctor and a naturalist, and coping on her own, but she didn't seriously think otherwise at the beginning, and nor did I, and it's perfectly possible to have this arc while also having some kind of overarching plot goal for the narrative as a whole.
Thirdly, the magic system is super loose and non-Sandersonian. The premise is that naturalists, by understanding nature, gain the ability to access powers that the creatures they study have, but a lot of it seems to be dependent on imagination, and while Ava insists that it's science (though not an exact science) and that it's not magic, it's totally magic. Her particular area of study is small and microscopic organisms, so her family think it's lacking in power, but it's really not. (Each chapter is labelled with the name of such an organism, and occasionally these are relevant, but usually not, unless I was missing something.)
Some of how the magic works is pretty dubious, too. At one point, needing a way to sterilize things in a field hospital, Ava turns water into alcohol using the power of yeast. Except yeast can't turn plain water into alcohol; alcohol has carbon atoms in it, and you need a source for those. Ava also learns to scry using bacteria, which are everywhere, and even has a vision of the future, feebly justified by the chain of life stretching through time as well as space.
The magic can do pretty much anything, and we don't know in advance what its limitations are, so it can be used to overcome any plot difficulty. Which is why Sanderson's First Law ("An author's ability to solve conflict with magic is DIRECTLY PROPORTIONAL to how well the reader understands said magic") is so important. The stakes never feel very high, because we're never convinced that Ava is going to fail; she'll just pull a solution almost literally out of the air - plus she's not setting out to solve an overarching problem, she's just dealing with what's in front of her. Perhaps the next book, where she tries to prevent World War I, will solve the second problem if not the first.
But the book is, at least mechanically, very competent, like its heroine. I only noticed three sentences where there were missing or misplaced words in the pre-publication version I got from Netgalley for review, and the punctuation is impeccable. This is something I've noticed with other 47North books: whatever their other faults, the editing is excellent.
The setting in 1902 feels authentic; it's not just scenery flats with some 21st-century people in cosplay performing in front of them. Sure, Ava's parents are what's now called a throuple, but it isn't like such arrangements didn't exist in the period. The poet Sir Henry Newbolt (1862-1938), author of 'Drake's Drum,' had a well-documented and long-standing polyamorous relationship with his wife and her cousin, for example, though as at time of writing his Wikipedia article doesn't mention it. The comparative openness of Ava's parents' arrangement - which seems to have been reached in the first book, which I haven't read - is perhaps slightly anachronistic, but given that one of her fathers is of African descent, anyone who's going to be shocked already is, so why obsess about hiding it?
Still, if this book was a contestant on American Idol around the mid-20-teens, Randy Jackson would describe it as "just OK for me, dogg," while Harry Connick Jr would say it was "all chops and no gravy". It's... fine. The competence would normally get it a Silver rating in my annual Best of the Year list, but I just didn't find it that exciting, mainly for reasons of craft that I've outlined above, so it drops to Bronze (which probably ought to be three stars, but I'm leaving it at four to maintain backwards compatibility with several years of previous ratings).
An experienced author like Carrie Vaughn, who has written thrilling urban fantasy and supers books, can definitely do better than this. It seems she was going through some family stuff around the time this was written, which may account for a performance below her usual standard.
October 31, 2025
Ava Stanley is studying to become a doctor in 1902. She has little magical abilities, unlike her parents, who can draw power from birds and megafauna. Ava instead has a connection to the microscopic world, but her power is consequently quite small. So she studies medicine, and hopes to do good in the world.
Her famous adventurer parents love her and their two boys dearly, and though they’ve all travelled extensively together, Ava 's mother balks initially when Ava says she will be travelling to Nassau for a research trip. But Ava does get permission and sets off with others on the ocean journey from London To Nassau.
She falls in with a small group on board: the enigmatic Mrs Monroe, the widow Gilda Bell, the Frenchman Monsieur Marchand, the bigoted Brannock couple,
Partway through the voyage, the Brannocks attempt to take over the vessel, diverting it from its intended destination to Cape Town, South Africa. Though the Brannocks failed at taking over, they do manage to force the ship off course. Ava discovers that Mrs. Monroe is intent on a much more than an ocean voyage; she and her husband are involved with the British empire's expansion plans, while Gilda has reason to want to escape anywhere, and Marchand had been charged with Mrs. Monroe’s protection by her husband.
Ava is shocked, and somewhat appalled to Mrs Monroe’s imperialistic intentions, and after docking at Cape Town and travelling with this bunch further inland, she begins to realize she has more important things to deal with: there are many sick people needing her help at a remainder of the Boer War, a concentration camp.
I was intrigued by author Carrie Vaughn's magic system in this world. Naturalists can draw on the power of the beasts they study and understand. It's not defined really any more than this by Vaughn, but I was willing to accept it and keep reading.
Eva is highly intelligent, but for all her world travels, naïve. Ava looks forward to her research trip, and eventual exam to qualify as a doctor, but this voyage will open her eyes to geopolitics, and to applying her academic skills to combat illnesses in the field with little help and supplies.
This wasn't as gripping as another book I've read by this author, but I still enjoyed this. I have not read book one in this series, but aim to now, as I'm interested in how Ava's parents got together.
I enjoyed the excerpts from dime store interpretations of these famous people's adventures that are interspersed throughout this novel's plot.
Barrie Kreinik voices the audio, which I listened to (I switched back and forth between this and the book). I'm familiar with this actor's work, and enjoyed her inhabiting all the characters.
3.5 stars.
Thank you to Netgalley, 47North and to Brilliance Publishing for these ARCs in exchange for my review.
Her famous adventurer parents love her and their two boys dearly, and though they’ve all travelled extensively together, Ava 's mother balks initially when Ava says she will be travelling to Nassau for a research trip. But Ava does get permission and sets off with others on the ocean journey from London To Nassau.
She falls in with a small group on board: the enigmatic Mrs Monroe, the widow Gilda Bell, the Frenchman Monsieur Marchand, the bigoted Brannock couple,
Partway through the voyage, the Brannocks attempt to take over the vessel, diverting it from its intended destination to Cape Town, South Africa. Though the Brannocks failed at taking over, they do manage to force the ship off course. Ava discovers that Mrs. Monroe is intent on a much more than an ocean voyage; she and her husband are involved with the British empire's expansion plans, while Gilda has reason to want to escape anywhere, and Marchand had been charged with Mrs. Monroe’s protection by her husband.
Ava is shocked, and somewhat appalled to Mrs Monroe’s imperialistic intentions, and after docking at Cape Town and travelling with this bunch further inland, she begins to realize she has more important things to deal with: there are many sick people needing her help at a remainder of the Boer War, a concentration camp.
I was intrigued by author Carrie Vaughn's magic system in this world. Naturalists can draw on the power of the beasts they study and understand. It's not defined really any more than this by Vaughn, but I was willing to accept it and keep reading.
Eva is highly intelligent, but for all her world travels, naïve. Ava looks forward to her research trip, and eventual exam to qualify as a doctor, but this voyage will open her eyes to geopolitics, and to applying her academic skills to combat illnesses in the field with little help and supplies.
This wasn't as gripping as another book I've read by this author, but I still enjoyed this. I have not read book one in this series, but aim to now, as I'm interested in how Ava's parents got together.
I enjoyed the excerpts from dime store interpretations of these famous people's adventures that are interspersed throughout this novel's plot.
Barrie Kreinik voices the audio, which I listened to (I switched back and forth between this and the book). I'm familiar with this actor's work, and enjoyed her inhabiting all the characters.
3.5 stars.
Thank you to Netgalley, 47North and to Brilliance Publishing for these ARCs in exchange for my review.
November 15, 2025
A sequel to the first book, 'The Naturalist Society'. This book could be read as a stand-alone, but I don't recommend it; you probably need the context of the first book.
The focus this time is on the daughter of the first book's protagonist. Ava Stanley is not as accomplished an Arcane Taxonomist as her mother (she thinks), but she is also training as a medical doctor. She is a dedicated bacteriologist, with her own microscope. A research trip to the Bahamas goes awry when the ship is hijacked, and the book takes off from there.
This book doesn't have quite the complexity of the first, and of course we know the basic premise so that the sense of discovery is lessened. However, the author has chosen to feature a different aspect of the natural world, the microscopic. Ava may not understand what kind of power this gives her, but she will.
Interspersed are brief chapters of 'dime novel' books with highly fictionalized accounts of her family in exciting adventures echoing the early years of pulp fiction. These are fun interludes and allow the author to indulge in a bit of overly written yarning. It must have been great fun to write.
The focus this time is on the daughter of the first book's protagonist. Ava Stanley is not as accomplished an Arcane Taxonomist as her mother (she thinks), but she is also training as a medical doctor. She is a dedicated bacteriologist, with her own microscope. A research trip to the Bahamas goes awry when the ship is hijacked, and the book takes off from there.
This book doesn't have quite the complexity of the first, and of course we know the basic premise so that the sense of discovery is lessened. However, the author has chosen to feature a different aspect of the natural world, the microscopic. Ava may not understand what kind of power this gives her, but she will.
Interspersed are brief chapters of 'dime novel' books with highly fictionalized accounts of her family in exciting adventures echoing the early years of pulp fiction. These are fun interludes and allow the author to indulge in a bit of overly written yarning. It must have been great fun to write.
October 24, 2025
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an audio ARC.
Overall I had fun listening to this book. The writing is enjoyable to where you can ignore some of the historical aspects of the book that are a bit off about the time period. The characters are fun and Ava is great to follow around. I did feel that there wasn't a strong plot, but rather random subplots in this book. I did enjoy the emphasis on bacteria in this book and the importance of studying it. The narrator did a great job with this book and was wonderful to listen to.
Overall I had fun listening to this book. The writing is enjoyable to where you can ignore some of the historical aspects of the book that are a bit off about the time period. The characters are fun and Ava is great to follow around. I did feel that there wasn't a strong plot, but rather random subplots in this book. I did enjoy the emphasis on bacteria in this book and the importance of studying it. The narrator did a great job with this book and was wonderful to listen to.
October 12, 2025
This was really cute and a nice sequel. You do have to just roll with everyone being vaguely cool with her parents being in a three way relationship in that time period but eh! There’s magic so it’s all good. Ava is a fun lead character and really has the suitably spirited personality that any young Miss really requires in a period novel. I’d happily read a third book in this world.
December 20, 2025
31/2 stars.
I think I enjoyed this more than the previous one. I’m always on board for some light historical fantasy.
I was a bit disappointed with the ending. I felt that more was promised than was delivered. I was expecting something more epic. Perhaps if there’s another one.
A nice fun read.
I think I enjoyed this more than the previous one. I’m always on board for some light historical fantasy.
I was a bit disappointed with the ending. I felt that more was promised than was delivered. I was expecting something more epic. Perhaps if there’s another one.
A nice fun read.
November 1, 2025
I made myself finish this. I have previously liked all Carie Vaughn's work but I think she must have have read "The 39 Steps" just one too many times. At all times this book seemed derivative, predictable and boring. Don't bother.
November 27, 2025
Enjoyed The Naturalist Society much more. Definitely read that one first.
August 17, 2025
A fitting sequel to The Naturalist Society! While I had a few quibbles, it was overall a very enjoyable read and definitely one I would recommend.
I liked how we delved more into Arcane Taxonomy as a study and how it would have evolved with the advancement of science and medical care.
Ava was a funny lead, with a good balance of witty banter and poignant reminisces of identity and purpose. I do wish she had more depth of thought in regard to plot events throughout the book. She seems to just be taken along for the ride because the reader isn’t really experiencing her perspective on events. Plus, for all her talk of Arcane Taxonomy being a science, she uses it in a very unscientific manner.
Compared to the previous book, I think having one POV may have held it back? Though I understand why, I couldn’t help but think that chapters from Gilda’s POV diving into her story would have been intriguing. She felt a little too blank for someone whose journey Ava seems to be watching so closely. Despite that, I felt like the side characters in the story were a touch more developed than in the previous book and held their own through the story.
Without giving too much away, the romance “subplot” felt a little too on the nose after the first book. It kind of made me wonder if this is a thing in all of the author’s book…? And the ending was a little too… IDK, I don’t like when books try and wink at a sequel like that, especially hinting to a plot that feels a little farfetched. This is just me being picky however.
If you enjoy alternative history fantasy, you can’t go wrong with The Glass Slide World.
I liked how we delved more into Arcane Taxonomy as a study and how it would have evolved with the advancement of science and medical care.
Ava was a funny lead, with a good balance of witty banter and poignant reminisces of identity and purpose. I do wish she had more depth of thought in regard to plot events throughout the book. She seems to just be taken along for the ride because the reader isn’t really experiencing her perspective on events. Plus, for all her talk of Arcane Taxonomy being a science, she uses it in a very unscientific manner.
Compared to the previous book, I think having one POV may have held it back? Though I understand why, I couldn’t help but think that chapters from Gilda’s POV diving into her story would have been intriguing. She felt a little too blank for someone whose journey Ava seems to be watching so closely. Despite that, I felt like the side characters in the story were a touch more developed than in the previous book and held their own through the story.
Without giving too much away, the romance “subplot” felt a little too on the nose after the first book. It kind of made me wonder if this is a thing in all of the author’s book…? And the ending was a little too… IDK, I don’t like when books try and wink at a sequel like that, especially hinting to a plot that feels a little farfetched. This is just me being picky however.
If you enjoy alternative history fantasy, you can’t go wrong with The Glass Slide World.
August 2, 2025
It was a fine historical fantasy book, very smooth and easy reading.
I like the world, it's an interesting naturalist/magic system, I like the choice of not having a romance in it, it felt right to the character and that's refreshing in today's fantasy scene. In general I found many of the ideas interesting, but I just wish Ava had been more of a hero of her own story. As it was, I felt like she was just being pushed and pulled by the plot into many directions, but that the big plot points were basically exterior to her and didn't touch her emotionally. The emotional beats were entirely apart from the actual happenings, which felt like a strange choice.
This book remains a pleasant book to read to change your mind, cozy and fast to read.
I like the world, it's an interesting naturalist/magic system, I like the choice of not having a romance in it, it felt right to the character and that's refreshing in today's fantasy scene. In general I found many of the ideas interesting, but I just wish Ava had been more of a hero of her own story. As it was, I felt like she was just being pushed and pulled by the plot into many directions, but that the big plot points were basically exterior to her and didn't touch her emotionally. The emotional beats were entirely apart from the actual happenings, which felt like a strange choice.
This book remains a pleasant book to read to change your mind, cozy and fast to read.
October 28, 2025
If anything, I enjoyed this one more than the first book in the series. And if you haven’t had the pleasure of reading The Naturalist Society and want to go ahead and pick up this one – go ahead.
Fantasy comes in many forms, some more unusual than others. And this series falls outside the usual run of fantasy adventures. Vaughn taps into the febrile atmosphere of scientific discovery that went on in the latter half of the 19th and into the early part of the 20th century, when many wealthy gentlemen and some women decided to devote themselves to discovering aspects of the natural world around them. There were huge strides in classification in fauna and flora from around the globe as both were scientifically examined and then given a Latin name under the Linnaean classification system. The fantasy twist is that some magically gifted individuals manage to take on aspects of the creatures they study and learn about, particularly in times of stress or need. Young Ava Stanley is one of these rare Arcane Taxonomists.
In many ways she is highly privileged. Ava comes from a distinguished family of explorers and naturalists – her mother’s passion and gift revolves around birds – and she is encouraged to forge her own path. In fact, her family are very keen for her to qualify as a doctor. But Ava feels huge pressure. For people immediately expect a lot from her due to her parents’ achievements and she is also increasingly aware that her parents’ domestic arrangements are regarded as scandalous by the outside world – though such matters are never discussed. But the main graunching point for Ava is that her passion and gift doesn’t revolve around birds, or even insects – she is completely intrigued by the microbial life teeming around us. So unlike almost every other Arcane Taxonomist – Ava is unable to light a candle with a flick of her finger.
Her mother, in particular, while proud and enthusiastic at Ava’s success with her medical studies – is increasingly concerned that she is devoting her energies in the wrong direction. Especially as Ava is hesitant about taking her final exams that will give her the qualification as a doctor, absorbing her family’s worries on her behalf and finding it undermining her confidence. I will hasten to add – this is not a scenario where an unfeeling or overbearing authority figure is demanding that Ava follow their own ideas on how to achieve success. It’s more that the worries of a loving parent are rubbing off on her.
She decides to travel to Nassau to further her studies in microbiology, as she wants to see if some of the more common microbes she encounters in the UK still proliferate in other parts of the world. Particularly those that cause severe illnesses like cholera, for instance. However the journey on the steamer is anything but routine. There is an unexpected adventure during the voyage, which tests Ava’s courage and resilience – and also allows her to discover her own strength when under pressure.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one and it has stayed with me since I finished reading it. There are huge numbers of books about a talented young heroine unsure of her abilities and which direction to take. But most aren’t anything like as intelligently written as this offering. Vaughn has a knack for getting under the skin of her characters in a nuanced, subtle manner that makes her books a properly grown-up read and thus avoiding many of the generic narratives that abound in SFF fiction. Ava finds not all the people she meets are as they initially seem – for good and ill.
I loved the growth of her character as she copes with daunting circumstances that rightly causes a great deal of stress. Vaughn also shines a light on the terrible conditions endured by the Boer population in South Africa during the Boer War, when the British scorched earth policy displaced thousands of civilians in a move that nowadays would be classed as genocide. Huge tented settlements sprawled across the landscape, without any proper drainage or washing facilities – and this was where the term ‘concentration camp’ was first coined.
All in all, this is a riveting, outstanding read that also provides much food for thought. I very much hope there’s more to come in this enjoyable and original series, following Ava and family with such an intriguing magic system. Highly recommended for those who enjoy a dollop of genuine science alongside their fantasy within a vividly detailed historical setting. While I obtained a copy of The Glass Slide World from the publisher via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
10/10
Fantasy comes in many forms, some more unusual than others. And this series falls outside the usual run of fantasy adventures. Vaughn taps into the febrile atmosphere of scientific discovery that went on in the latter half of the 19th and into the early part of the 20th century, when many wealthy gentlemen and some women decided to devote themselves to discovering aspects of the natural world around them. There were huge strides in classification in fauna and flora from around the globe as both were scientifically examined and then given a Latin name under the Linnaean classification system. The fantasy twist is that some magically gifted individuals manage to take on aspects of the creatures they study and learn about, particularly in times of stress or need. Young Ava Stanley is one of these rare Arcane Taxonomists.
In many ways she is highly privileged. Ava comes from a distinguished family of explorers and naturalists – her mother’s passion and gift revolves around birds – and she is encouraged to forge her own path. In fact, her family are very keen for her to qualify as a doctor. But Ava feels huge pressure. For people immediately expect a lot from her due to her parents’ achievements and she is also increasingly aware that her parents’ domestic arrangements are regarded as scandalous by the outside world – though such matters are never discussed. But the main graunching point for Ava is that her passion and gift doesn’t revolve around birds, or even insects – she is completely intrigued by the microbial life teeming around us. So unlike almost every other Arcane Taxonomist – Ava is unable to light a candle with a flick of her finger.
Her mother, in particular, while proud and enthusiastic at Ava’s success with her medical studies – is increasingly concerned that she is devoting her energies in the wrong direction. Especially as Ava is hesitant about taking her final exams that will give her the qualification as a doctor, absorbing her family’s worries on her behalf and finding it undermining her confidence. I will hasten to add – this is not a scenario where an unfeeling or overbearing authority figure is demanding that Ava follow their own ideas on how to achieve success. It’s more that the worries of a loving parent are rubbing off on her.
She decides to travel to Nassau to further her studies in microbiology, as she wants to see if some of the more common microbes she encounters in the UK still proliferate in other parts of the world. Particularly those that cause severe illnesses like cholera, for instance. However the journey on the steamer is anything but routine. There is an unexpected adventure during the voyage, which tests Ava’s courage and resilience – and also allows her to discover her own strength when under pressure.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one and it has stayed with me since I finished reading it. There are huge numbers of books about a talented young heroine unsure of her abilities and which direction to take. But most aren’t anything like as intelligently written as this offering. Vaughn has a knack for getting under the skin of her characters in a nuanced, subtle manner that makes her books a properly grown-up read and thus avoiding many of the generic narratives that abound in SFF fiction. Ava finds not all the people she meets are as they initially seem – for good and ill.
I loved the growth of her character as she copes with daunting circumstances that rightly causes a great deal of stress. Vaughn also shines a light on the terrible conditions endured by the Boer population in South Africa during the Boer War, when the British scorched earth policy displaced thousands of civilians in a move that nowadays would be classed as genocide. Huge tented settlements sprawled across the landscape, without any proper drainage or washing facilities – and this was where the term ‘concentration camp’ was first coined.
All in all, this is a riveting, outstanding read that also provides much food for thought. I very much hope there’s more to come in this enjoyable and original series, following Ava and family with such an intriguing magic system. Highly recommended for those who enjoy a dollop of genuine science alongside their fantasy within a vividly detailed historical setting. While I obtained a copy of The Glass Slide World from the publisher via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
10/10
July 28, 2025
I’ll start with what I enjoyed. The author is a good writer, and the words flowed smoothly. The concept is unique and not something I’ve seen before: kind of a mixture of magic and science. I also haven’t seen a lot of novels that focus in on microbiology around the turn of the 19th century. I like a historical setting and so altogether it was very intriguing as a concept.
But sadly, as a whole, I had a hard time engaging in and enjoying this novel.
I believe the main reason for this was due to a general sense of ‘vagueness’ throughout the book. Ava’s journey of self-discovery was... muddy at best. Because her own experience was confusing and overwhelming, it translated to me as to the reader. There's nothing wrong with going through something like this, but she never once reached a larger point of understanding - and that was frustrating for me. I think I understood what the author was going for, but it left a film of confusion over the entire experience.
Another place of ambiguity was with the actual concept of Arcane Taxonomy. I didn’t read the first novel, so perhaps it was fleshed out better in that book. But since this was the book I read, I would have appreciated a clearer description of what it involved within these pages..
What I did discover from reading is, simply put, that some people have an ability to take on certain traits of the natural world. Most commonly, from living creatures. Want to make fire? Think about an electric eel. Need to see what’s happening halfway across the world? Borrow the eyeballs of a Tern. How does one do that? Couldn’t tell you. What are the limits and boundaries of this ability? Unsure, to be honest.
It seems that the abilities can only be used for moments. And there are people who are better at it, so naturally there’s a ranking system. But outside of this, I was never given a deep understanding of what Arcane Taxonomy was. It was just... there. And the concept was so vast and spoken of so casually that it became rather uninspiring. For building two novels upon this notion, I would have hoped to seen more comprehensive development.
Secondly: I found Ava to be a bland main character. She wasn’t unpleasant by any means. But she had almost zero strong opinions or feelings. A couple of times it was said that “she’d try not to be furious” or “she was preparing to be angry”. But never once did she actually land there. Come on, girl! Just feel something for once! And even beyond that, she shrugged her shoulders at nearly every morally wrong or questionable occurrence. Except for war, I suppose.
This book will likely be enjoyed by many, but ultimately I don’t believe I was the right audience for this story.
But sadly, as a whole, I had a hard time engaging in and enjoying this novel.
I believe the main reason for this was due to a general sense of ‘vagueness’ throughout the book. Ava’s journey of self-discovery was... muddy at best. Because her own experience was confusing and overwhelming, it translated to me as to the reader. There's nothing wrong with going through something like this, but she never once reached a larger point of understanding - and that was frustrating for me. I think I understood what the author was going for, but it left a film of confusion over the entire experience.
Another place of ambiguity was with the actual concept of Arcane Taxonomy. I didn’t read the first novel, so perhaps it was fleshed out better in that book. But since this was the book I read, I would have appreciated a clearer description of what it involved within these pages..
What I did discover from reading is, simply put, that some people have an ability to take on certain traits of the natural world. Most commonly, from living creatures. Want to make fire? Think about an electric eel. Need to see what’s happening halfway across the world? Borrow the eyeballs of a Tern. How does one do that? Couldn’t tell you. What are the limits and boundaries of this ability? Unsure, to be honest.
It seems that the abilities can only be used for moments. And there are people who are better at it, so naturally there’s a ranking system. But outside of this, I was never given a deep understanding of what Arcane Taxonomy was. It was just... there. And the concept was so vast and spoken of so casually that it became rather uninspiring. For building two novels upon this notion, I would have hoped to seen more comprehensive development.
Secondly: I found Ava to be a bland main character. She wasn’t unpleasant by any means. But she had almost zero strong opinions or feelings. A couple of times it was said that “she’d try not to be furious” or “she was preparing to be angry”. But never once did she actually land there. Come on, girl! Just feel something for once! And even beyond that, she shrugged her shoulders at nearly every morally wrong or questionable occurrence. Except for war, I suppose.
This book will likely be enjoyed by many, but ultimately I don’t believe I was the right audience for this story.
August 17, 2025
This was my first book by Carrie Vaughn and I loved reading this historical fantasy. I would have given this a full 5 star rating if not for a few aspects that didn't work for me.
What worked for me:
Concept: Although there have been books where science meets fantasy, the idea of Arcane Taxonomy felt unique and fresh.
Writing: The book was well-written and the simple straight forward narration style, the tone as well as the pacing (although slower than one might expect) worked well enough for the story.
Characters: The characters were interesting and some were even livelier than the main character, Ava.
Lead character: The main character is female and I may be slightly partial to women-centric fiction. I did find Ava to be extremely relatable. She was passionate and competent but not overconfident, she was still working on her skills and discovering the potential of her innate abilities (which was looked down by most as it was unfamiliar and largely considered irrelevant), and she was mostly calm, sensible, and well-meaning. Why should heroines always be theatrical and exuberant?
Genre: The story has elements of history (it didn't seem forced or limited to appearances and high-society life), adventure (piracy, mentions of expeditions, travel by ship, espionage), and magic (The concept isn't well explained in this book but that maybe because this is the second book in the series;nevertheless, the readers get a clear-enough idea and I found Arcane Taxonomy to be utterly fascinating).
What didn't work out for me:
Subplots: The book included excerpts from a fictional series of dime novels about two of the book's characters, but these insertions were unnecessary and distracting (and not particularly interesting either although these were described as being hugely popular).
The adventurous aspects of the story were not actually connected to Ava, but that would have been fine except
The unusual family arrangement and relationship dynamics might not be unheard of in any period of time but was it okay to be so open about it considering this was 1902? Perhaps it was alright in a world that accepted Arcane Taxonomists.
I don't see how the chapter titles fit with the chapters? Was the idea to simply use the scientific names of microorganisms as titles even if it was random?
Overall, this isn't for someone looking for a nail bitingly thrilling fast paced fantasy, but it is definitely an easy and interesting read, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys this genre.
I thank the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What worked for me:
Concept: Although there have been books where science meets fantasy, the idea of Arcane Taxonomy felt unique and fresh.
Writing: The book was well-written and the simple straight forward narration style, the tone as well as the pacing (although slower than one might expect) worked well enough for the story.
Characters: The characters were interesting and some were even livelier than the main character, Ava.
Lead character: The main character is female and I may be slightly partial to women-centric fiction. I did find Ava to be extremely relatable. She was passionate and competent but not overconfident, she was still working on her skills and discovering the potential of her innate abilities (which was looked down by most as it was unfamiliar and largely considered irrelevant), and she was mostly calm, sensible, and well-meaning. Why should heroines always be theatrical and exuberant?
Genre: The story has elements of history (it didn't seem forced or limited to appearances and high-society life), adventure (piracy, mentions of expeditions, travel by ship, espionage), and magic (The concept isn't well explained in this book but that maybe because this is the second book in the series;nevertheless, the readers get a clear-enough idea and I found Arcane Taxonomy to be utterly fascinating).
What didn't work out for me:
Subplots: The book included excerpts from a fictional series of dime novels about two of the book's characters, but these insertions were unnecessary and distracting (and not particularly interesting either although these were described as being hugely popular).
The adventurous aspects of the story were not actually connected to Ava, but that would have been fine except
The unusual family arrangement and relationship dynamics might not be unheard of in any period of time but was it okay to be so open about it considering this was 1902? Perhaps it was alright in a world that accepted Arcane Taxonomists.
I don't see how the chapter titles fit with the chapters? Was the idea to simply use the scientific names of microorganisms as titles even if it was random?
Overall, this isn't for someone looking for a nail bitingly thrilling fast paced fantasy, but it is definitely an easy and interesting read, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys this genre.
I thank the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 15, 2025
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 3.0 of 5
Carrie Vaughn is an author whose work I really enjoy. It's taken me awhile to catch on to this - one of the downsides to reading so many books each year is that when an author only publishes once a year, it takes me some time to realize the consistency of their work. Fortunately I have recognized that I like Vaughn's work and now seek it out. ...Though I'm a little late finding this one. Late, because this is a follow-up to The Naturalist Society, which I did not get a chance to read.
Ava Stanley is the daughter of two Arcane Taxonomists and it's expected that Ava also has Arcane powers, but her magical abilities have been a bit slower to appear. While her parents draw power from particular birds and fauna, Ava's powers come from the microscopic - bacteria and the like. This will be helpful in her goal to become a doctor studying the link between bacteria and disease. This is turn-of-the-century (into the 20th century) and the idea of a woman studying medicine - even one with Arcane powers - is still uncommon and unusual.
While Ava begins a trip to do more research, pirates take over the ship causing much panic and concern. it does, however, help Ava create a bond with the other travelers and a chance to use some of her Arcane abilities.
I struggled a bit with this book and I wonder if having read the first book might have helped me. Mostly I felt that this world world (world building) wasn't clear to me. I 'got' the idea of Arcane abilities, but their uniqueness or rarity is unclear.
The pirates.... What was that all about? Their appearance has nothing to do with Ava or her parents. It's merely a plot device to change the course of Ava's action - but we haven't been invested enough in her original direction to really care (again ... maybe this comes in the first book?) The appearance of pirates is pretty dramatic and given a fair amount of page time for something that turns out to be rather banal.
Ava sees some success if her chosen direction, but there's really been no obstacle in her path to get there (except maybe those danged pirates). So ... no character growth? Not really.
There's something missing here. Maybe it's just me missing something. Maybe this just fits into a bigger story arc, but I didn't see much beginning-to-end story here. I enjoyed Vaughn's writing, but the plotting and character building kind of let me down with this one.
Looking for a good book? Carrie Vaughn's The Glass Slide World is missing a few elements that would make it a really good novel. It's a follow-up to The Naturalist Society and perhaps those who've read the first book will enjoy this more.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Carrie Vaughn is an author whose work I really enjoy. It's taken me awhile to catch on to this - one of the downsides to reading so many books each year is that when an author only publishes once a year, it takes me some time to realize the consistency of their work. Fortunately I have recognized that I like Vaughn's work and now seek it out. ...Though I'm a little late finding this one. Late, because this is a follow-up to The Naturalist Society, which I did not get a chance to read.
Ava Stanley is the daughter of two Arcane Taxonomists and it's expected that Ava also has Arcane powers, but her magical abilities have been a bit slower to appear. While her parents draw power from particular birds and fauna, Ava's powers come from the microscopic - bacteria and the like. This will be helpful in her goal to become a doctor studying the link between bacteria and disease. This is turn-of-the-century (into the 20th century) and the idea of a woman studying medicine - even one with Arcane powers - is still uncommon and unusual.
While Ava begins a trip to do more research, pirates take over the ship causing much panic and concern. it does, however, help Ava create a bond with the other travelers and a chance to use some of her Arcane abilities.
I struggled a bit with this book and I wonder if having read the first book might have helped me. Mostly I felt that this world world (world building) wasn't clear to me. I 'got' the idea of Arcane abilities, but their uniqueness or rarity is unclear.
The pirates.... What was that all about? Their appearance has nothing to do with Ava or her parents. It's merely a plot device to change the course of Ava's action - but we haven't been invested enough in her original direction to really care (again ... maybe this comes in the first book?) The appearance of pirates is pretty dramatic and given a fair amount of page time for something that turns out to be rather banal.
Ava sees some success if her chosen direction, but there's really been no obstacle in her path to get there (except maybe those danged pirates). So ... no character growth? Not really.
There's something missing here. Maybe it's just me missing something. Maybe this just fits into a bigger story arc, but I didn't see much beginning-to-end story here. I enjoyed Vaughn's writing, but the plotting and character building kind of let me down with this one.
Looking for a good book? Carrie Vaughn's The Glass Slide World is missing a few elements that would make it a really good novel. It's a follow-up to The Naturalist Society and perhaps those who've read the first book will enjoy this more.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2025
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
The Glass Slide World is the second book in an alternate historical fantasy by Carrie Vaughn. Released 7th Oct 2025 by Amazon on their 47 North imprint, it's 276 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats.It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The previous (1st) book in the series, is also available on KU.
This is emphatically mostly a natural history novel set in the mid-Victorian era with a female protagonist partially constrained by her gender and the rigidity of scientific study and all the sexism and snobbery that implied. Secondarily, it's a fantasy novel, and readers who are -primarily- interested in the fantasy aspects might well be less engaged than readers who just love drily (pseudo)academic narratives (c.f. Fawcett's Emily Wilde series). This story picks up a couple decades after the first book and primarily follows daughter Ava's studies to qualify as a physician as well as a naturalist.
The author is adept at narrative prose; the descriptions are beautifully rendered and the characters are well developed, believable (for the genre), and three dimensional. The author either has a true deep-dive fascination with natural history, access to a solid research librarian, or both. There are a number of fairly in-depth explanations of microbiological concepts and species, as much as the first book was a rabbit hole of ornithology, this one turns to the hidden world contained in a drop of water. There's a distinct nod to upcoming books, maybe we can get Ms. Vaughn to turn her sights toward lepidoptery sometime. :)
The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 9 hours 3 minutes and is capably read by Barrie Kreinik (new for this volume). She has a precise, classically trained voice and does a good job of the disparate accents, male and female, and a range of ages. MC Ava's voice is mostly cut-glass RP English, but the narrator's voice is fairly soothing and isn't grating or strident. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.
Four stars. Engaging and (mostly) satisfying. It would make a good buddy read. It's not at all derivative, but fans of Emily Wilde should definitely pick this one up.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Glass Slide World is the second book in an alternate historical fantasy by Carrie Vaughn. Released 7th Oct 2025 by Amazon on their 47 North imprint, it's 276 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats.It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The previous (1st) book in the series, is also available on KU.
This is emphatically mostly a natural history novel set in the mid-Victorian era with a female protagonist partially constrained by her gender and the rigidity of scientific study and all the sexism and snobbery that implied. Secondarily, it's a fantasy novel, and readers who are -primarily- interested in the fantasy aspects might well be less engaged than readers who just love drily (pseudo)academic narratives (c.f. Fawcett's Emily Wilde series). This story picks up a couple decades after the first book and primarily follows daughter Ava's studies to qualify as a physician as well as a naturalist.
The author is adept at narrative prose; the descriptions are beautifully rendered and the characters are well developed, believable (for the genre), and three dimensional. The author either has a true deep-dive fascination with natural history, access to a solid research librarian, or both. There are a number of fairly in-depth explanations of microbiological concepts and species, as much as the first book was a rabbit hole of ornithology, this one turns to the hidden world contained in a drop of water. There's a distinct nod to upcoming books, maybe we can get Ms. Vaughn to turn her sights toward lepidoptery sometime. :)
The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 9 hours 3 minutes and is capably read by Barrie Kreinik (new for this volume). She has a precise, classically trained voice and does a good job of the disparate accents, male and female, and a range of ages. MC Ava's voice is mostly cut-glass RP English, but the narrator's voice is fairly soothing and isn't grating or strident. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.
Four stars. Engaging and (mostly) satisfying. It would make a good buddy read. It's not at all derivative, but fans of Emily Wilde should definitely pick this one up.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
July 19, 2025
I'm sad that I didn't enjoy this book more. I mostly loved book 1 (except for the romance) because of the focus on the history of taxonomy and the field of natural history. The whole story was neatly tied together in that context, with a magical realism spin on history. This sequel was a bit of a letdown for me personally, for a few reasons:
* The subplot felt random and out of place. I wasn't particularly interested in reading an unrelated mystery story about deception. And the fact that Ava stayed with the rest of the group for that long seemed unrealistic.
* In book 1, I loved the interludes that painted real historical figures in natural history and taxonomy with a magical realism brush. I loved that so much. It spoke to my soul as a systematic biologist and zoologist by training. The interludes in this book, in contrast, are , and it felt unnecessary and also random. I don't get the point of it.
* Writing one of the women as suddenly out of nowhere at the end of the book was, again, totally random and felt like it was thrown in there because the author wanted to check more boxes of including every possible hot sociopolitical topic. Look, I am relatively progressive on social issues personally, but I'm gonna be frank that this duology of books kind of read to me like I would say that this distracts a lot from the story, but I don't really think that's entirely a fair assessment because who am I to say what the "main story" is here?
What I thought was great:
* Depictions of how science slowly came to understand the world of microbiota and how microbes can cause disease. This was fantastic, same as the focus on natural history in book 1.
* Similarly, I appreciated the acknowledgements in this story that studying microbes and fungi is just as important as the "charismatic megafauna" like birds, and how this hasn't always been (and still isn't always) appreciated.
Digital ARC received from the publisher and the author via NetGalley.
* The subplot felt random and out of place. I wasn't particularly interested in reading an unrelated mystery story about deception. And the fact that Ava stayed with the rest of the group for that long seemed unrealistic.
* In book 1, I loved the interludes that painted real historical figures in natural history and taxonomy with a magical realism brush. I loved that so much. It spoke to my soul as a systematic biologist and zoologist by training. The interludes in this book, in contrast, are , and it felt unnecessary and also random. I don't get the point of it.
* Writing one of the women as suddenly out of nowhere at the end of the book was, again, totally random and felt like it was thrown in there because the author wanted to check more boxes of including every possible hot sociopolitical topic. Look, I am relatively progressive on social issues personally, but I'm gonna be frank that this duology of books kind of read to me like I would say that this distracts a lot from the story, but I don't really think that's entirely a fair assessment because who am I to say what the "main story" is here?
What I thought was great:
* Depictions of how science slowly came to understand the world of microbiota and how microbes can cause disease. This was fantastic, same as the focus on natural history in book 1.
* Similarly, I appreciated the acknowledgements in this story that studying microbes and fungi is just as important as the "charismatic megafauna" like birds, and how this hasn't always been (and still isn't always) appreciated.
Digital ARC received from the publisher and the author via NetGalley.
October 11, 2025
I absolutely loved the first book and I’m sad that this one didn’t work as well for me.
The things I enjoyed included all the science and magic and how microorganisms fit into everything, I liked the beginning, seeing Beth and Bran and Anton and Eva’s siblings, and the end with Eva working at the hospital.
I was rather less taken with the middle portion of the book. Everything between the pirates taking over and Eva working at the military hospital was muddled, not well developed and, honestly, kinda boring. I wasn’t interested in anything that happened on the Penelope and I wasn’t interested in any of the characters Eva met on there either.
The first 40 and final 90 pages held the more interesting aspects of the story and I wish those elements had been the focus. The middle portion of the book didn’t really add anything to the story at all.
I also wasn’t a fan of the snippets of the novels based on Anton and Bran’s adventures. I honestly didn’t see why they had been included. They didn’t add anything and the writing style was so similar to the rest of the book that it just felt shoehorned in. I think the book would have been better with them removed.
While I liked Eva and enjoyed her pov, I do wish this had been set earlier and focused more on Bran, Beth and Anton navigating their professional and private lives. I would have loved to have seen their journey to becoming the people we see in this book. It just seems like a missed opportunity, especially when they were such compelling characters.
The characters in this book just aren’t as interesting or compelling and the relationships and friendships Eva has with them aren’t as interesting or meaningful as the relationship between Bran, Beth and Anton in the first book.
Seeing as this was one of my most anticipated books this year, it’s all quite disappointing.
The things I enjoyed included all the science and magic and how microorganisms fit into everything, I liked the beginning, seeing Beth and Bran and Anton and Eva’s siblings, and the end with Eva working at the hospital.
I was rather less taken with the middle portion of the book. Everything between the pirates taking over and Eva working at the military hospital was muddled, not well developed and, honestly, kinda boring. I wasn’t interested in anything that happened on the Penelope and I wasn’t interested in any of the characters Eva met on there either.
The first 40 and final 90 pages held the more interesting aspects of the story and I wish those elements had been the focus. The middle portion of the book didn’t really add anything to the story at all.
I also wasn’t a fan of the snippets of the novels based on Anton and Bran’s adventures. I honestly didn’t see why they had been included. They didn’t add anything and the writing style was so similar to the rest of the book that it just felt shoehorned in. I think the book would have been better with them removed.
While I liked Eva and enjoyed her pov, I do wish this had been set earlier and focused more on Bran, Beth and Anton navigating their professional and private lives. I would have loved to have seen their journey to becoming the people we see in this book. It just seems like a missed opportunity, especially when they were such compelling characters.
The characters in this book just aren’t as interesting or compelling and the relationships and friendships Eva has with them aren’t as interesting or meaningful as the relationship between Bran, Beth and Anton in the first book.
Seeing as this was one of my most anticipated books this year, it’s all quite disappointing.
October 20, 2025
My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and 47 North. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
Genre: Historical Fiction, Historical Fantasy
Subgenre: Historical Romance
Spice Level: Nothing on page at all
Language: Light and infrequent profanity
Representation: LGBTQ side characters
Readability: I picked up this one, book 2, without having read the first, and everything is clear—I do think reading in order would be helpful to grasp the full context. Either way, it's an incredibly readable story.
Format: Epistolary/Penny Novel style articles interspersed through the story
THE GLASS SLIDE WORLD takes a new view on magic that is new and microscopically wild.
I am so intrigued by this world of magic—Ava is figuring out who she is and how she can use her magical gifts that aren't really recognized because nobody appreciates how microscopic creatures might interconnect and affect the world at large. It's a fascinating concept.
The plot did not go where I was expecting! I loved that. (Sorry—no spoilers about how, but I fully anticipated a different adventure.)
I was also thrilled that this book wraps up with a complete story and arc, but it leaves breadcrumbs that point in new directions for a series.
Possibilities:
- More romance on the horizon
- A possible master criminal developing
- An unlikely friendship (maybe more romance...)
- War
- New technology in war
- Rising tensions between races and continents
- Social justice
If you love reading historical fantasy, and want a new view (like bacteria on a microscope slide), this is truly the perfect series for you.
Happy reading!
Genre: Historical Fiction, Historical Fantasy
Subgenre: Historical Romance
Spice Level: Nothing on page at all
Language: Light and infrequent profanity
Representation: LGBTQ side characters
Readability: I picked up this one, book 2, without having read the first, and everything is clear—I do think reading in order would be helpful to grasp the full context. Either way, it's an incredibly readable story.
Format: Epistolary/Penny Novel style articles interspersed through the story
THE GLASS SLIDE WORLD takes a new view on magic that is new and microscopically wild.
I am so intrigued by this world of magic—Ava is figuring out who she is and how she can use her magical gifts that aren't really recognized because nobody appreciates how microscopic creatures might interconnect and affect the world at large. It's a fascinating concept.
The plot did not go where I was expecting! I loved that. (Sorry—no spoilers about how, but I fully anticipated a different adventure.)
I was also thrilled that this book wraps up with a complete story and arc, but it leaves breadcrumbs that point in new directions for a series.
Possibilities:
- More romance on the horizon
- A possible master criminal developing
- An unlikely friendship (maybe more romance...)
- War
- New technology in war
- Rising tensions between races and continents
- Social justice
If you love reading historical fantasy, and want a new view (like bacteria on a microscope slide), this is truly the perfect series for you.
Happy reading!
October 8, 2025
Thank you Brilliance Publishing and Netgalley for this ALC.
I haven’t read The Naturalist Society, so I went into The Glass Slide World without much context — and honestly, I did find parts of it a bit confusing at first. There were references and character dynamics that clearly carried over from the previous book, and it took me a while to catch up.
That said, once I got into it, I really enjoyed the concept of Arcane Taxonomy and how the story tied this strange science to real-world ideas about medicine and discovery. Ava, the main character, was funny and likable, with a nice balance of wit and self-reflection, though I sometimes wished she had more depth or agency in the plot.
Because the story sticks to Ava’s point of view, I felt it limited the perspective a bit — I would’ve loved to see Gilda’s side of things. The side characters, though, were surprisingly strong and helped carry the story.
The romance subplot felt a little predictable, and the ending hinted at a sequel in a way that didn’t fully land for me.
Still, even with some confusion from not having read the first book, I thought The Glass Slide World was creative and enjoyable. If you like alternative history fantasy, it’s definitely worth checking out — though I’d probably recommend starting with the prequel first and going with the audiobook because Barrie Kreinik did a marvelous job.
I haven’t read The Naturalist Society, so I went into The Glass Slide World without much context — and honestly, I did find parts of it a bit confusing at first. There were references and character dynamics that clearly carried over from the previous book, and it took me a while to catch up.
That said, once I got into it, I really enjoyed the concept of Arcane Taxonomy and how the story tied this strange science to real-world ideas about medicine and discovery. Ava, the main character, was funny and likable, with a nice balance of wit and self-reflection, though I sometimes wished she had more depth or agency in the plot.
Because the story sticks to Ava’s point of view, I felt it limited the perspective a bit — I would’ve loved to see Gilda’s side of things. The side characters, though, were surprisingly strong and helped carry the story.
The romance subplot felt a little predictable, and the ending hinted at a sequel in a way that didn’t fully land for me.
Still, even with some confusion from not having read the first book, I thought The Glass Slide World was creative and enjoyable. If you like alternative history fantasy, it’s definitely worth checking out — though I’d probably recommend starting with the prequel first and going with the audiobook because Barrie Kreinik did a marvelous job.
November 10, 2025
A pleasant read, but not nearly as good as the first in the series.
I liked the protagonist, and her choices made sense, mostly. But ultimately this was an episode in one person’s life. Part of her growing up process, perhaps the last step along her path to having the self confidence to fully inhabit her adult identity. Now she’s ready to take her next step, whatever that may be. A mildly satisfying conclusion, yes, but that’s all.
Part of what made the first book so satisfying was the way the MCs transformed each other’s lives. It had to be those three people; no other grouping could have had such a profound impact on their futures.
In this book, I had the sense that Ava’s internal journey could have happened anywhere. She was ready for growth; she decided to step out of her comfort zone and take risks; she grew. The fact that her physical journey was very different from what she anticipated feels largely irrelevant. She could have found the opportunities she needed almost anywhere. Although she will retain the self confidence she has developed, & her two new epistolary friendships have the potential to affect her future, it doesn’t feel like anything else from her experience will have a long term impact on her life. Nothing transformative happened. There was Ava before, and there is Ava after. In between, she did some growing up. That’s all.
I liked the protagonist, and her choices made sense, mostly. But ultimately this was an episode in one person’s life. Part of her growing up process, perhaps the last step along her path to having the self confidence to fully inhabit her adult identity. Now she’s ready to take her next step, whatever that may be. A mildly satisfying conclusion, yes, but that’s all.
Part of what made the first book so satisfying was the way the MCs transformed each other’s lives. It had to be those three people; no other grouping could have had such a profound impact on their futures.
In this book, I had the sense that Ava’s internal journey could have happened anywhere. She was ready for growth; she decided to step out of her comfort zone and take risks; she grew. The fact that her physical journey was very different from what she anticipated feels largely irrelevant. She could have found the opportunities she needed almost anywhere. Although she will retain the self confidence she has developed, & her two new epistolary friendships have the potential to affect her future, it doesn’t feel like anything else from her experience will have a long term impact on her life. Nothing transformative happened. There was Ava before, and there is Ava after. In between, she did some growing up. That’s all.
July 27, 2025
Synopsis: Through identifying and classifying the world, Scientists have discovered Arcane taxonomy, giving them the ability to harness the power of nature. Incanting "Bubo scandiacus" gives one the hearing of a Snowy Owl, “Piranga olivacea" sets things ablaze like the feathers of the Scarlet Tanager.
For Arcanist and (almost) medical doctor Miss Ava Stanley, her fascination lies with bacteria - fauna thought useless for Arcane practicum by the science community and her famous Arcanist explorer parents.
But when Ava's first science expedition is overtaken by pirates and the ship and it's passengers taken hostage, she comes to realise how important bacteria are for an Arcanist when fighting for survival.
Review: I loved how this book embraced the microscopic world, with each chapter named after a microorganism, and Ava's exploration of the tiny world around her seemlessly tying the story with scientific names and life histories. However, the plot felt like multiple "adventures" rapidly squeezed into one book so none felt climactic or like we'd reached the story's purpose.
With thanks to NetGalley and the Publishers for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
For Arcanist and (almost) medical doctor Miss Ava Stanley, her fascination lies with bacteria - fauna thought useless for Arcane practicum by the science community and her famous Arcanist explorer parents.
But when Ava's first science expedition is overtaken by pirates and the ship and it's passengers taken hostage, she comes to realise how important bacteria are for an Arcanist when fighting for survival.
Review: I loved how this book embraced the microscopic world, with each chapter named after a microorganism, and Ava's exploration of the tiny world around her seemlessly tying the story with scientific names and life histories. However, the plot felt like multiple "adventures" rapidly squeezed into one book so none felt climactic or like we'd reached the story's purpose.
With thanks to NetGalley and the Publishers for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2025
I didn't read the first book, and so, I'm not sure if it will change my views on this considering book 1 is about Ava's parents, and this one is about her.
That said, I was able to follow the story and the magic system. I find it funny that Ava can't do magic like her mother, but it comes to her when she associates it with her beloved bacteria. It makes sense since it sounds like their powers should come from a place of familiarity or passion in Ava's case.
I love how female forward this book is from Ava down to it's villains. That said, the characters feels two dimensional, they could definitely use a little bit more personality, more outstanding characteristics that will make them memorable. I love how Ava is both self-deprecating and a capable medical professional and Arcane practitioner, is so dry. I wish she's cheekier or funny, or maybe even a flirt, anything but this self-driven academic with the same personality as the bacteria she loves.
The story and cast are functional, the events are entertaining, there's enough intrigue in the plot that kept me curious and reading, but I didn't feel attached to the characters. They didn't endear themselves to me where I'm left wanting for the next book.
That said, I was able to follow the story and the magic system. I find it funny that Ava can't do magic like her mother, but it comes to her when she associates it with her beloved bacteria. It makes sense since it sounds like their powers should come from a place of familiarity or passion in Ava's case.
I love how female forward this book is from Ava down to it's villains. That said, the characters feels two dimensional, they could definitely use a little bit more personality, more outstanding characteristics that will make them memorable. I love how Ava is both self-deprecating and a capable medical professional and Arcane practitioner, is so dry. I wish she's cheekier or funny, or maybe even a flirt, anything but this self-driven academic with the same personality as the bacteria she loves.
The story and cast are functional, the events are entertaining, there's enough intrigue in the plot that kept me curious and reading, but I didn't feel attached to the characters. They didn't endear themselves to me where I'm left wanting for the next book.
November 8, 2025
This next installment in the Naturalist Society series was completely different from the romantasy vibe of the first book, which paired skilled world-building with a dramatic Victorian love triangle (M/M/F). It worked well, but this book very much switches gears. About 20 years have passed and that still-closeted throuple, world renown adventurers and arcane taxonomists, are lovingly over protective parents to three children who are nearly ready to fly the nest.
"The Glass Slide World" focuses on the oldest, Ava, training to be a doctor and building her Arcane Taxonomy skills with an unorthodox focus on microscopic organisms. Very cool! However, if you are longing for (many) steamy encounters, oppressive establishment rivalries and stiff-upper lips in the face of personal angst, please direct your attentions to Book #1. If you are looking for a well-crafted coming-of-age story of a young woman falling into an adventure on the high seas and in post-Boer War South Africa, this is the book for you. The cast of characters is intriguing, and our heroine Ava was a pleasure to get to know. Vaughn is the first author I've read in a long time who balances young-adult growing pains with plot. Sure, Ava struggles with self-doubt and questions her decisions, but her personal growth doesn't crowd out everything else for pages on end. So refreshing! This series is so loosely connected, and the two books are so different that there's no need to read them in order unless you want to. Definitely recommended!
"The Glass Slide World" focuses on the oldest, Ava, training to be a doctor and building her Arcane Taxonomy skills with an unorthodox focus on microscopic organisms. Very cool! However, if you are longing for (many) steamy encounters, oppressive establishment rivalries and stiff-upper lips in the face of personal angst, please direct your attentions to Book #1. If you are looking for a well-crafted coming-of-age story of a young woman falling into an adventure on the high seas and in post-Boer War South Africa, this is the book for you. The cast of characters is intriguing, and our heroine Ava was a pleasure to get to know. Vaughn is the first author I've read in a long time who balances young-adult growing pains with plot. Sure, Ava struggles with self-doubt and questions her decisions, but her personal growth doesn't crowd out everything else for pages on end. So refreshing! This series is so loosely connected, and the two books are so different that there's no need to read them in order unless you want to. Definitely recommended!
October 7, 2025
The follow up the The Naturalist Society, The Glass Slide World continues the world of Arcane Taxonomists.
Ava, the oldest child of Bran and Beth, is the only one of her siblings to have the Arcane Taxonomist power, but not to a very strong degree (or so it seems). Her focus is on bacteria and bugs - small, nearly unseen creatures which are often overlooked and discounted. With this focus Ava is pursuing a medical degree and doing her own field studies on the side to further understand how bacteria can be used.
On the way to such a field study, the ship she's on taken over by a duo bent on gathering information about a land dispute in Africa and their ship is redirected to Cape Town. The colonization runs deep.
But anyway. The story felt a little short to me, but I did enjoy Ava as a character and her exploration. Her brothers seems equally interesting. I'm not sure if there are plans for a full series, but I'd personally be interested in reading about them as well, Arcane powers or not.
Ava, the oldest child of Bran and Beth, is the only one of her siblings to have the Arcane Taxonomist power, but not to a very strong degree (or so it seems). Her focus is on bacteria and bugs - small, nearly unseen creatures which are often overlooked and discounted. With this focus Ava is pursuing a medical degree and doing her own field studies on the side to further understand how bacteria can be used.
On the way to such a field study, the ship she's on taken over by a duo bent on gathering information about a land dispute in Africa and their ship is redirected to Cape Town. The colonization runs deep.
But anyway. The story felt a little short to me, but I did enjoy Ava as a character and her exploration. Her brothers seems equally interesting. I'm not sure if there are plans for a full series, but I'd personally be interested in reading about them as well, Arcane powers or not.
December 14, 2025
The Glass Slide World is a strong and satisfying sequel to Carrie Vaughn’s first book.
I really loved that we’re following the daughter this time instead of one of the main characters from the first book. It gives the story a fresh perspective while still keeping the world familiar and engaging. The previous main characters make small appearances throughout, which was a nice touch and kept the connection to the first book alive.
While I do like the first book a bit more, this one is still enjoyable. Some construction flaws, like the limitations of the magical world, are still not fully addressed in the narrative. It didn’t bother me too much, but it’s something readers might want to be aware of.
The worldbuilding continues to be imaginative, and the plot moves at a good pace with moments of tension, adventure, and clever twists. The writing is solid and immersive, making it easy to get lost in the story.
Overall, it’s a great continuation of the series that balances new perspectives with familiar elements. A solid 4-star read.
I really loved that we’re following the daughter this time instead of one of the main characters from the first book. It gives the story a fresh perspective while still keeping the world familiar and engaging. The previous main characters make small appearances throughout, which was a nice touch and kept the connection to the first book alive.
While I do like the first book a bit more, this one is still enjoyable. Some construction flaws, like the limitations of the magical world, are still not fully addressed in the narrative. It didn’t bother me too much, but it’s something readers might want to be aware of.
The worldbuilding continues to be imaginative, and the plot moves at a good pace with moments of tension, adventure, and clever twists. The writing is solid and immersive, making it easy to get lost in the story.
Overall, it’s a great continuation of the series that balances new perspectives with familiar elements. A solid 4-star read.
September 11, 2025
This was my first time picking up a Carrie Vaughn book—I haven’t read The Naturalist Society yet, but I decided to dive straight into The Glass Slide World.
The story follows Ava, the daughter of the first book’s protagonists, who is studying medicine and exploring her unusual arcane taxonomy powers that draw from the microscopic world. I loved the premise and the sense of adventure (pirates + science = fun!), and the writing itself was really soothing and well-paced. Ava’s journey of self-discovery and the friendships she builds along the way were definitely my favorite parts.
What didn’t work as well for me was how underdeveloped Ava’s powers felt. For a book with microbiology at its heart, I expected it to play a stronger role in shaping her arc. Still, the worldbuilding, the characters, and the adventure kept me turning the pages.
Overall, an enjoyable and ambitious read that left me curious about where the series might go next.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
November 7, 2025
I was rather disappointed with this sequel to The Naturalist Society.
As a scientist the science aspects of the book were interesting but I was really dismayed that Ava’s magic involved fermenting water with yeast to make alcohol. That is an odd task and the science of it isn’t there. Fermentation is the transformation of sugars to alcohol, sugar being the carbon source. Yeast can’t ferment water (hydrogen and oxygen) to alcohol (containing carbon). I know it was supposed to be magic but she’s a scientist who should know this. But why not perform her magic on something that’s truly impossible, like just turn water to alcohol without the yeast. Then, she compared herself to Jesus…..
When I realized the book would be about Ava and her medical studies, arcanism and her famous family I was excited, but it didn’t stack up like I had hoped. Her medical knowledge and insight into infectious diseases was interesting. But, the crime mystery aspect to the story wasn’t intriguing and really didn’t have much relevance to her medical studies and family history.
The ever-fainting Ava seemed insecure with her knowledge and powers. At least she finally did stop taking her orders from the pushy diplomat’s wife.
I know the author did a lot of research and it was well written but I thought the book was rather dry and slow and just didn’t go anywhere. The plot was wobbly at best.
The ending was odd and obviously a cliff hanger for book 3 in the series.
As a scientist the science aspects of the book were interesting but I was really dismayed that Ava’s magic involved fermenting water with yeast to make alcohol. That is an odd task and the science of it isn’t there. Fermentation is the transformation of sugars to alcohol, sugar being the carbon source. Yeast can’t ferment water (hydrogen and oxygen) to alcohol (containing carbon). I know it was supposed to be magic but she’s a scientist who should know this. But why not perform her magic on something that’s truly impossible, like just turn water to alcohol without the yeast. Then, she compared herself to Jesus…..
When I realized the book would be about Ava and her medical studies, arcanism and her famous family I was excited, but it didn’t stack up like I had hoped. Her medical knowledge and insight into infectious diseases was interesting. But, the crime mystery aspect to the story wasn’t intriguing and really didn’t have much relevance to her medical studies and family history.
The ever-fainting Ava seemed insecure with her knowledge and powers. At least she finally did stop taking her orders from the pushy diplomat’s wife.
I know the author did a lot of research and it was well written but I thought the book was rather dry and slow and just didn’t go anywhere. The plot was wobbly at best.
The ending was odd and obviously a cliff hanger for book 3 in the series.
October 5, 2025
I haven't read book one so don't have the comparison, but I really enjoyed The Glass Slide World (The Naturalist Society has been added to my TBR after reading the reviews!).
I felt for Ava throughout the book. It seems like she is constantly being compared to the skills of her famous parents (both by herself and others). She does not have the same ability but is only just discovering what she is capable of, and also how hard it is to figure out magic in a high stress situation.
The inclusion of the dime novels of the fanciful adventures of her family highlights how revered her family is.
Some of the discoveries felt unfinished, I hope that is because another book is coming - I would love to read more about Ava and her burgeoning relationships.
(ARC provided by NetGalley)
I felt for Ava throughout the book. It seems like she is constantly being compared to the skills of her famous parents (both by herself and others). She does not have the same ability but is only just discovering what she is capable of, and also how hard it is to figure out magic in a high stress situation.
The inclusion of the dime novels of the fanciful adventures of her family highlights how revered her family is.
Some of the discoveries felt unfinished, I hope that is because another book is coming - I would love to read more about Ava and her burgeoning relationships.
(ARC provided by NetGalley)
October 23, 2025
Carrie Vaughn delivers again! I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel to The Naturalist Society, and am pleased that she left it open for another book.
This is a wonderful blend of science fiction and fantasy. Vaughn's world is one of the most imaginative I've come across, with arcane powers rooted in science. Ava is the daughter of the previous book's protagonists and her interest is in microbiology. She sets off on an research expedition, but the ship is hijacked on the way.
Surprisingly, this went a different direction than what I was expecting and became an adventure steeped in the politics of 1902, with Ava discovering more about herself along the way and figuring out her place in the world. I do feel like the story was not long enough, I was left wanting more. All I can say is that she had better continue to write more in this series. An easy 4 stars.
This is a wonderful blend of science fiction and fantasy. Vaughn's world is one of the most imaginative I've come across, with arcane powers rooted in science. Ava is the daughter of the previous book's protagonists and her interest is in microbiology. She sets off on an research expedition, but the ship is hijacked on the way.
Surprisingly, this went a different direction than what I was expecting and became an adventure steeped in the politics of 1902, with Ava discovering more about herself along the way and figuring out her place in the world. I do feel like the story was not long enough, I was left wanting more. All I can say is that she had better continue to write more in this series. An easy 4 stars.
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