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The Zero Enigma #8
The Lady Heiress
House Lamplighter was once amongst the greatest of the Great Houses of Shallot, but now it is a tumbling ruin. The once-great mansion is decaying, the vast network of clients have broken ties long ago and the remaining family scrabbles over crumbs as the last remnants of their fortune are spent repaying their debts. The family seems doomed, beyond all hope of salvation.
Lucy Lamplighter, returning to her home after her father’s death, intends to save her family by any means necessary. Gambling everything she has left, she stakes it all on a desperate bid to rebuild House Lamplighter before the vultures begin to swoop. But she’s playing with fire...
...And those who play with fire often get burnt.
Lucy Lamplighter, returning to her home after her father’s death, intends to save her family by any means necessary. Gambling everything she has left, she stakes it all on a desperate bid to rebuild House Lamplighter before the vultures begin to swoop. But she’s playing with fire...
...And those who play with fire often get burnt.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 12, 2020
116 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
October 30, 2020
Well, if you want non-Mary Sue characters this one is it. Interesting to watch this author expand his writing over time. I certainly rate "e-books" on a different scale than the normal publication ones, but this series is a fine one for the genre.
There are parts in this book I found frustrating since I was used to the typical arc of previous work, but I did remind myself that we should be enjoying tension, and experiencing doubt in the protagonist's ability to endure.
If you are a fan of the series I think it is a good add (it is a side story of Shallot to be specific), I would not recommend as a starting point to the series.
There are parts in this book I found frustrating since I was used to the typical arc of previous work, but I did remind myself that we should be enjoying tension, and experiencing doubt in the protagonist's ability to endure.
If you are a fan of the series I think it is a good add (it is a side story of Shallot to be specific), I would not recommend as a starting point to the series.
gave-up-on
September 23, 2020Got about 60% and then gave up. I just can’t relate to the main character and the story reached a point where I didn’t care what happened to her any more.
September 23, 2022
This is another of the standalone books, along with ‘The Alchemist’s Apprentice’ and to some extent ‘The King’s Man’ (although The King’s Man neatly ties together so many of the other stories, it is hardly a standalone).
The story follows Lucy Lamplighter, the daughter of Lord Lucas Lamplighter of the once great House Lamplighter.
House Lamplighter however, has fallen on ill times, largely through some very bad decisions by Lucy’s now deceased father, and the estate has now fallen to her as the Matriarch of the house.
Lucy has spent the last 6yrs at Graylings Academy for Lady’s, a place where the Aristocracy send their unwanted female children to, for a semi-formal education, but more to get them out of the way, and provide them with most of the social etiquette and formal requirements needed to exist in ‘polite’ society. This will allow the senior members of the Family to arrange a good marriage for them when they ‘Come of Age’.
The story starts just as Lucy discovers her father’s death, and returns to House Lamplighter. Here she finds that most of the family has fled, leaving only her Uncle Jalil, an Uncle by marriage, but her father’s closest advisor. There is also another Uncle who is the family lawyer, and an Auntie, who is the connection to the ‘Grande Dames’ of high society.
Lucy also reconnects with the only maid in the house, who was her friend as a child, Jadish.
Lucy finds the family’s finances in ruins, and is told if she takes on the position of Matriarch she will be condemned to the same fate as her late father. However, Lucy feels such a strong bond to the family, and those servants that have stayed, that she cannot face turning her back on anyone. It is her responsibility to save the family, and she is committed to doing that, regardless of how she does it.
The story then follows Lucy, and those around her, as they start to find a slew of different ways to make money to try and save the House and the Lamplighter name. One of these comes out of pure luck, the ability to host balls for the other Great Houses as a neutral ground, as none of the other Houses are able to host due to loyalties and commitments.
It is during one of these balls, that Lucy stumbles across some information, overhearing one of her guests, and later, she uses this, to sneak into somewhere she shouldn’t.
This leads to several things. Lucy discovers that she gets a thrill from the gamble that comes from sneaking about, the risk of possibly getting caught somewhere she shouldn’t, and the potential outcomes. But she is also using those outcomes to create profit for her House, which is giving her another thrill.
Pretty soon, she is rolling the dice in ways that she shouldn’t be, and as with all types of gambling, eventually you lose.
I am not going to give away spoilers, but needless to say, there is an intriguing, fascinating and absolutely thrilling story that follows Lucy (who is a complete idiot to be honest, but I get that she was desperate), from her highs, to her absolute, terrifying lows.
This is a story with politics, lots of intrigue and gossip about multiple different characters we have already met from the previous books, from Great Houses, to the Lower classes, and all of it is creative, clever, and riveting. This is a very clever story, and one that has you captivated from the start, through to the very end.
The character work continues to be beyond exceptional, Lucy is brilliant, along with the characters in her household (Jadish and Jalil are outstanding). Her friends (I am not going to mention anyone to avoid spoilers), are very cleverly done in this book, and really provide a wonderful edge to the story. It is the malicious character that really provides the exceptional and gritty aspect to this book though, they are just truly brilliant, something unexpected, and done so well.
Overall, this is another really great book in the series, like ‘The King’s Man’, it ties together other characters from previous books, providing great insight into the lives of main and secondary characters so that we get to see the background workings of the story, and are in a way, brought up to speed with the overall timeline. This book actually starts back before book 7, but then covers the events of book 7, and does it so incredibly well, incorporating the uprising into Lucy’s story with remarkable ease. It is obvious that Nuttall has an overarching plan for the series, which is making this such an amazing read.
This is just one of those series that you can’t miss – and this book is a highlight in the series, really well done!
The story follows Lucy Lamplighter, the daughter of Lord Lucas Lamplighter of the once great House Lamplighter.
House Lamplighter however, has fallen on ill times, largely through some very bad decisions by Lucy’s now deceased father, and the estate has now fallen to her as the Matriarch of the house.
Lucy has spent the last 6yrs at Graylings Academy for Lady’s, a place where the Aristocracy send their unwanted female children to, for a semi-formal education, but more to get them out of the way, and provide them with most of the social etiquette and formal requirements needed to exist in ‘polite’ society. This will allow the senior members of the Family to arrange a good marriage for them when they ‘Come of Age’.
The story starts just as Lucy discovers her father’s death, and returns to House Lamplighter. Here she finds that most of the family has fled, leaving only her Uncle Jalil, an Uncle by marriage, but her father’s closest advisor. There is also another Uncle who is the family lawyer, and an Auntie, who is the connection to the ‘Grande Dames’ of high society.
Lucy also reconnects with the only maid in the house, who was her friend as a child, Jadish.
Lucy finds the family’s finances in ruins, and is told if she takes on the position of Matriarch she will be condemned to the same fate as her late father. However, Lucy feels such a strong bond to the family, and those servants that have stayed, that she cannot face turning her back on anyone. It is her responsibility to save the family, and she is committed to doing that, regardless of how she does it.
The story then follows Lucy, and those around her, as they start to find a slew of different ways to make money to try and save the House and the Lamplighter name. One of these comes out of pure luck, the ability to host balls for the other Great Houses as a neutral ground, as none of the other Houses are able to host due to loyalties and commitments.
It is during one of these balls, that Lucy stumbles across some information, overhearing one of her guests, and later, she uses this, to sneak into somewhere she shouldn’t.
This leads to several things. Lucy discovers that she gets a thrill from the gamble that comes from sneaking about, the risk of possibly getting caught somewhere she shouldn’t, and the potential outcomes. But she is also using those outcomes to create profit for her House, which is giving her another thrill.
Pretty soon, she is rolling the dice in ways that she shouldn’t be, and as with all types of gambling, eventually you lose.
I am not going to give away spoilers, but needless to say, there is an intriguing, fascinating and absolutely thrilling story that follows Lucy (who is a complete idiot to be honest, but I get that she was desperate), from her highs, to her absolute, terrifying lows.
This is a story with politics, lots of intrigue and gossip about multiple different characters we have already met from the previous books, from Great Houses, to the Lower classes, and all of it is creative, clever, and riveting. This is a very clever story, and one that has you captivated from the start, through to the very end.
The character work continues to be beyond exceptional, Lucy is brilliant, along with the characters in her household (Jadish and Jalil are outstanding). Her friends (I am not going to mention anyone to avoid spoilers), are very cleverly done in this book, and really provide a wonderful edge to the story. It is the malicious character that really provides the exceptional and gritty aspect to this book though, they are just truly brilliant, something unexpected, and done so well.
Overall, this is another really great book in the series, like ‘The King’s Man’, it ties together other characters from previous books, providing great insight into the lives of main and secondary characters so that we get to see the background workings of the story, and are in a way, brought up to speed with the overall timeline. This book actually starts back before book 7, but then covers the events of book 7, and does it so incredibly well, incorporating the uprising into Lucy’s story with remarkable ease. It is obvious that Nuttall has an overarching plan for the series, which is making this such an amazing read.
This is just one of those series that you can’t miss – and this book is a highlight in the series, really well done!
September 26, 2020
I have loved almost all of Christopher Nuttall s magic books. The schooled in magic series was one of my favorites. It was getting a little stale and he started this series of the zero enigma instead. I would suggest new readers start with the first book in both series and then progress as far as their interest takes them. This book diverges from big political or magical reveals and deals more with one aristocrat tribulations and family politics. While it can be read stand alone reading earlier books in the series adds depths.
October 27, 2020
Fantastic world building
The Author has always been able to weave amazing worlds, building intricate intra personal relationships between large groupings of characters, creative magic systems, multi dimensional characters, detailed lore and history. you get transported to the world in his imagination and swept up into the intrigues and triumphs of his characters development. This series as well as the schooled in magic series has been amazing so far. I can't wait to see where the journey takes me.
The Author has always been able to weave amazing worlds, building intricate intra personal relationships between large groupings of characters, creative magic systems, multi dimensional characters, detailed lore and history. you get transported to the world in his imagination and swept up into the intrigues and triumphs of his characters development. This series as well as the schooled in magic series has been amazing so far. I can't wait to see where the journey takes me.
October 15, 2020
Rich original fantasy
I’m a bit tired of fantasy heroines saving the world. Here’s a young woman whose legacy from her father is a load of debt and a need for thrills. Can she stave off financial ruin for long enough to grow up a little, and can she keep her love of dangerous rule breaking from ruining not only her life, but that of her friends as well.
I’m a bit tired of fantasy heroines saving the world. Here’s a young woman whose legacy from her father is a load of debt and a need for thrills. Can she stave off financial ruin for long enough to grow up a little, and can she keep her love of dangerous rule breaking from ruining not only her life, but that of her friends as well.
September 29, 2020
After the first 50% it wasnt very funny to read. I gave up. Read the ending. I hope the next is better.
September 9, 2025
Another side book, this time with a protagonist that is previously entirely unknown.
Lucy Lamplighter, the daughter and Heir Presumptive of House Lamplighter is about to graduate from a boarding school that she has been sent to by her father after the death of her mother when she finds out that her father has died as well, leaving her the head of the house. And it turns out that the house is functionally bankrupt.
Then things get complex.
The plot is paced well, keeping my attention throughout. And the challenges it presents to the protagonist are difficult and layered. The resolution is a bit hand-waved, but generally satisfying.
Lucy has a well-developed character, with both significant flaws and significant advantages arising from her background. That character grows substantially in the course of the story, and in ways that are both logical and compelling. The supporting characters are less nuanced, but none is a caricature and all of them make sense in context.
The one partial exception is the primary villain of the piece, who is evil because he is vindictive, and the cause is his own prior evil actions. His background goes some way toward explaining this, but he is the farthest thing from nuanced.
Like book 7 of the series, this could have been a standalone, and probably should have been relegated to a companion series. But it was an entertaining and quick read.
Lucy Lamplighter, the daughter and Heir Presumptive of House Lamplighter is about to graduate from a boarding school that she has been sent to by her father after the death of her mother when she finds out that her father has died as well, leaving her the head of the house. And it turns out that the house is functionally bankrupt.
Then things get complex.
The plot is paced well, keeping my attention throughout. And the challenges it presents to the protagonist are difficult and layered. The resolution is a bit hand-waved, but generally satisfying.
Lucy has a well-developed character, with both significant flaws and significant advantages arising from her background. That character grows substantially in the course of the story, and in ways that are both logical and compelling. The supporting characters are less nuanced, but none is a caricature and all of them make sense in context.
The one partial exception is the primary villain of the piece, who is evil because he is vindictive, and the cause is his own prior evil actions. His background goes some way toward explaining this, but he is the farthest thing from nuanced.
Like book 7 of the series, this could have been a standalone, and probably should have been relegated to a companion series. But it was an entertaining and quick read.
September 17, 2020
Brilliant & Wonderful!!!
This is an exciting, engrossing read from a fabulous author, guaranteed to please all fans of magic in a quasi medieval setting. Think Raymond Feist vs David Eddings with a bit of J.K. Rowling thrown in for good measure. Every one of the books in this series has been really enjoyable, although you can read this as a stand alone and it will still read just as strongly. I recommend reading the whole series to add even more enjoyment however, and more depth of back stories to many of the characters.
I only wish Chris would write these ones faster!!! Another fantastic series (more Harry Potter-ish but with a strong female lead) is his series called Schooled in Magic, and they are utterly fabulous!!!
This is an exciting, engrossing read from a fabulous author, guaranteed to please all fans of magic in a quasi medieval setting. Think Raymond Feist vs David Eddings with a bit of J.K. Rowling thrown in for good measure. Every one of the books in this series has been really enjoyable, although you can read this as a stand alone and it will still read just as strongly. I recommend reading the whole series to add even more enjoyment however, and more depth of back stories to many of the characters.
I only wish Chris would write these ones faster!!! Another fantastic series (more Harry Potter-ish but with a strong female lead) is his series called Schooled in Magic, and they are utterly fabulous!!!
January 22, 2021
Still loving Christopher Nuttall's fantasy books, I thing 4 stars is the lowest rating I have ever given.
This book kinda came out of left field but the pages still kept turning nicely. I am really interested to see where Christopher takes this series.
If you have read this far in the series you are probably, like me, a committed fan. I have tried to spread the word on a private book forum I am a member of and I thing that y'all should too so we can keep this high quality work coming and we do not drown in crap like the "twilight" series.
This book kinda came out of left field but the pages still kept turning nicely. I am really interested to see where Christopher takes this series.
If you have read this far in the series you are probably, like me, a committed fan. I have tried to spread the word on a private book forum I am a member of and I thing that y'all should too so we can keep this high quality work coming and we do not drown in crap like the "twilight" series.
April 16, 2021
A good series
So far I am up to date on this series and buy the audio for each book as it becomes available. I believe a new series is about to become available and I shall purchase the first book as well and see how that pans out. I shall continue with this series and schooled in magic. I am looking out for part three of the mixed short stories as the book contains more about the schooled in magic characters.
So far I am up to date on this series and buy the audio for each book as it becomes available. I believe a new series is about to become available and I shall purchase the first book as well and see how that pans out. I shall continue with this series and schooled in magic. I am looking out for part three of the mixed short stories as the book contains more about the schooled in magic characters.
September 19, 2020
Easy enjoyable read
Perfect solution for some escapism but without any complexity. Christopher Nuttalls books are enjoyable fantasy and a go to author if you want light hearted entertainment, but lack deeper twists or literary genius. For me this book is a little weaker than his earlier works but remains a very good addition to the Zero series.
Perfect solution for some escapism but without any complexity. Christopher Nuttalls books are enjoyable fantasy and a go to author if you want light hearted entertainment, but lack deeper twists or literary genius. For me this book is a little weaker than his earlier works but remains a very good addition to the Zero series.
October 9, 2020
Perspective
I like that the last few "Zero" books haven't been about Cat and Akin, or even the families. I like the different perspectives of this world, and the way it fleshes out everything. Mr. Nuttall gives you real characters, with real flaws, and doesn't try to make everything perfect. I anxiously await each new book from him.
I like that the last few "Zero" books haven't been about Cat and Akin, or even the families. I like the different perspectives of this world, and the way it fleshes out everything. Mr. Nuttall gives you real characters, with real flaws, and doesn't try to make everything perfect. I anxiously await each new book from him.
November 1, 2020
SHALLOT BOOK 7
The Shallot series are wonderfully interwoven. The cold political & social world is brilliantly realised once again. Chris breathes life into characters & situations. His characters not truly perfect but are just great perhaps because of that. Still one of my favourite authors.
The Shallot series are wonderfully interwoven. The cold political & social world is brilliantly realised once again. Chris breathes life into characters & situations. His characters not truly perfect but are just great perhaps because of that. Still one of my favourite authors.
December 22, 2020
I continue to enjoy this series from one of my favorite fantasty-fiction authors, Christopher Nuttall. This most recent installment was no disappointment. Fast paced, yet detailed and developed enough to be engaging and interesting. I love the world-building that has gone into this series. Good stuff.
March 15, 2021
Another great book
Even though this series doesn’t follow a single character like his Schooled in Magic series, it nevertheless centers primarily on a single city and that, in large part, is what makes it such a fascinating series. This is another great installment in this series.
Even though this series doesn’t follow a single character like his Schooled in Magic series, it nevertheless centers primarily on a single city and that, in large part, is what makes it such a fascinating series. This is another great installment in this series.
October 12, 2025
Enchanting
A great read with engaging characters and a compelling storyline. You can get too wrapped up in the characters and wish that they could see the light, or in some cases, hope that they become truly wicked and do unmentionable things. The author writes well and has a well thought out and compelling story. BZ
A great read with engaging characters and a compelling storyline. You can get too wrapped up in the characters and wish that they could see the light, or in some cases, hope that they become truly wicked and do unmentionable things. The author writes well and has a well thought out and compelling story. BZ
September 16, 2020
Very enjoyable!
Give this a try and you won’t regret it. This is a stand alone story but it does help if you’ve read the other Zero Enigma books. I would enjoy reading about Lucy again. Thank you for this novel Mr Nuttall. I love all of your fantasy series’s.
Give this a try and you won’t regret it. This is a stand alone story but it does help if you’ve read the other Zero Enigma books. I would enjoy reading about Lucy again. Thank you for this novel Mr Nuttall. I love all of your fantasy series’s.
September 24, 2020
I devoured it
As always, Chris Nuttall has written excellent characters, with flaws and saving graces. I am loving how side characters from earlier books in the series begin to interweave. Can’t wait for the next one.
As always, Chris Nuttall has written excellent characters, with flaws and saving graces. I am loving how side characters from earlier books in the series begin to interweave. Can’t wait for the next one.
September 26, 2020
Another great story.
All of Nuttall's work is outstanding and this latest entry in the Zero Enigma series is no exception. Great story with an interesting blackmail plot. Highly recommended.
All of Nuttall's work is outstanding and this latest entry in the Zero Enigma series is no exception. Great story with an interesting blackmail plot. Highly recommended.
September 26, 2020
Another good breakoff story.
I have enjoyed all of Mr Nuttall's books. Although this book does not, nor is it, influenced by "The Zero Enigma", it still brings the main story in to play.
I have enjoyed all of Mr Nuttall's books. Although this book does not, nor is it, influenced by "The Zero Enigma", it still brings the main story in to play.
September 28, 2020
Great book
I have found that I like these books because each is a little different part of the story with introductions to new characters and yet bringing in some of the old ones too. Also they have new plots yet they still tie the all the stories together with progress.
I have found that I like these books because each is a little different part of the story with introductions to new characters and yet bringing in some of the old ones too. Also they have new plots yet they still tie the all the stories together with progress.
September 29, 2020
Another shining example of Christopher Nuttall's flexibility
Christopher Nuttall has become one of my favorite authors and this is just another example of his flexibility. My biggest regret is not being able to get his books in print in the US to loan out to others.
Christopher Nuttall has become one of my favorite authors and this is just another example of his flexibility. My biggest regret is not being able to get his books in print in the US to loan out to others.
September 29, 2020
Interesting side story
Christopher Nuttall is one of my favorite writers because his characters are so well filled out. This is another side story that adds depth to the Zero Enigma world.
Christopher Nuttall is one of my favorite writers because his characters are so well filled out. This is another side story that adds depth to the Zero Enigma world.
October 4, 2020
A fantasy thriller
A different view of the Zero Enigma world, introducing a new central character with friends and touching the lives of previous characters. Some parts were nerve wracking and others exciting. Without giving anything away things worked out. Roll on the next book.
A different view of the Zero Enigma world, introducing a new central character with friends and touching the lives of previous characters. Some parts were nerve wracking and others exciting. Without giving anything away things worked out. Roll on the next book.
October 8, 2020
The main story line is very intriguing and leaves me looking forward to the next book. The look of using new and different character is fascinating and refreshing.
Outstanding as usual , I have found very few stories that he written that are not of the above caliber.
Outstanding as usual , I have found very few stories that he written that are not of the above caliber.
October 14, 2020
Another cracker
Christopher Burrell writes books i can't put down. This story centred around Lucy Lamplighter is another. Heroines and hero's you love to love and villains you can hate. Woven into tales that keep pulling you along.
Loved it.
Christopher Burrell writes books i can't put down. This story centred around Lucy Lamplighter is another. Heroines and hero's you love to love and villains you can hate. Woven into tales that keep pulling you along.
Loved it.
October 23, 2020
Really enjoying this series
I started reading Chris’s books through the schooled in magic series, and as much as I love it , I’m beginning to think I love the Zero Enigma series more !
I started reading Chris’s books through the schooled in magic series, and as much as I love it , I’m beginning to think I love the Zero Enigma series more !
October 24, 2020
Another winner
Another good addition to the series that would read well as a stand alone. Really good villains. Heroine you root for but sometimes think "why did you DO that?" And cheer when she comes our ahead.
Another good addition to the series that would read well as a stand alone. Really good villains. Heroine you root for but sometimes think "why did you DO that?" And cheer when she comes our ahead.
November 25, 2020
Grand adventures
Everything ive come to expect from Christopher Nuttall intelligent fast paced and most importantly the good guys win in the end . the world being what it is now days i need a little of that.
Everything ive come to expect from Christopher Nuttall intelligent fast paced and most importantly the good guys win in the end . the world being what it is now days i need a little of that.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews