Anarchist on the Orient Express

Miss Sharp's Monsters #2

by Suzannah Rowntree

Revenants, revolution…and an amnesiac lady’s maid on the loose.

A trip to Europe is all in a day’s work for Liz Sharp—that is, until an anarchist throws a bomb at her employer.

As a lady’s-maid/bodyguard to royalty, Miss Sharp’s duty seems clear: protect Princess May, defuse the bomb, and hand over the would-be-killer to the police. At least, that’s what the distractingly good-looking Inspector Short advises. But Liz isn’t so sure.

No one deserves to be executed and revivified as one of the undead policemen that terrorise Europe—and if that wasn’t bad enough, the bomber, Anton Lupei, claims he and Liz were once lovers. Since a brutal werewolf attack took her memories, Anton might be Miss Sharp’s only link with a past and family she has forgotten.

As the Orient Express steams from Paris to Hungary, Liz’s search for her past threatens to uncover a continent-spanning conspiracy. Why are the anarchists targeting Princess May? Who was Miss Sharp before she lost her memories? And how do you avoid being drained by a very hungry vampire?

It’s just as well Liz thought to bring a set of lock-pick hairpins…

Genres: Fantasy, Steampunk, Historical Fiction, Paranormal, Fiction, Mystery, Victorian

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 22, 2021

About the author

Hi! I live in a big house in rural Australia with my awesome parents and siblings, drinking fancy tea and writing historical fantasy fiction that blends real-world history with legend, adventure, and a dash of romance.

​If you like the historical fantasy of Gail Carriger, S. A. Chakraborty or Naomi Novik, you'll probably like my stories too!

You can visit me online at https://suzannahrowntree.site

GOODREADS FRIEND POLICY: I'm afraid I don't accept every single friend request I receive, unless we already know each other, or it looks like we have tastes broadly in common. However, please feel free to follow and interact.

Reviews

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anarchist on the Orient Express
by Suzannah Rowntree
This is book number 2 in the series. Miss Sharp, our main character and maid/bodyguard for Princess May accompanied the Princess on a tour through Europe. This is where they encounter some rebellion, anarchists, and a bomb thrown at them. Also, the monstrous side of life such as vampires.
The amnesia Miss Sharp has about her past is partly filled in. She meets some family and friends of her past but doesn't recognize them. I won't say which ones. I really enjoyed these books. Just enough supernatural to be fun. Enough mystery and adventure to get a thrill.

[Suzannah Rowntree]

A trip to the Continent is all fun and games...till an old flame lobs a bomb at your employer.

ANARCHIST ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS, book 2 of Miss Sharp's Monsters, releases on the 22nd of April. It is EVEN MORE than the first book. You are going to love it.

[Bryn Shutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ready. Aim. Action.

Our characters are in for a wild ride across Europe in this sequel to the Werewolf of Whitechapel. Take a little history, a dash of Frankenstein, add a vampire, a lady's maid looking for her past, one anarchist, a few royals, and one handsome (Sharp's words) police inspector and we have a totally heart pounding, delicious adventure. Much as I loved the first book, I enjoyed this one even more. The settings, the dialogue, the stakes (even the literal ones) felt even more rich and immersive.

I'm currently buried under ARCs at the moment, but this one took total precedent and I'm wondering the bribe level it takes to get my grabby hands on book 3 *ponders this*

Ah! One other thing. I was highly impressed by Rowntree's handling of Sharp's emotional journey in this story. Excellent work. (will drone on more about this when the story arc is complete).

[Christina Baehr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling, hilarious, and surprisingly moving. Miss Sharp is adventuring on the continent during the explosive, gorgeous Belle Époque and she’s catching up with her forgotten past (or is her past catching up with her?), while chasing a mysteriously familiar anarchist, fending off a Russian vampire prince and deepening her working relationship with a certain starchy but golden-hearted police inspector. And also of course trying to protect the imperturbable China doll Princess May who may be her best friend - if Liz can bring herself to be honest with her about what really happened during the affair of the werewolf.

There are heart pounding adventures and fights and Liz has some serious decisions to make about what side she is on and who she really is.

I do not want to spoil any of this, so I can only say I’m delighted with where the author is taking these wonderful characters, giving them real problems and allowing them real change. The overlay of supernatural monsters with Victorian history is breathtakingly seamless. The narrative voice is witty. It is very tempting to devour these books like cookies warm from the oven but please slow down and enjoy the perfectly judged prose. This is escapism of the highest order.

[Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

In need of a quick but effective means of distraction??
Does there happen to be a vampire nearby?
TOSS HIM OUT THE WINDOW.
Viola!!

Find yourself being tossed out a window by a Not Quite Human human??
In need of a quick escape from some now enraged anarchists?
Simply commandeer the conveniently located airship and fly yourself to safety!
**mind the bombs** ;)

[Tara Grayce · Rating 4 out of 5]

The stakes are higher and the bombs bigger as Liz Sharpe and crew take on the European royalty and anarchists in this monster-filled re-imaging of the late 19th century.

[Julia Sarene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great adventure with our beloved bodyguard maid!

There's repercussions from things that happened in book one - you definitely want to read these in order - as well as all new characters and disasters.

Plenty more monsters, explosive things, action, fighting, quibs and banter as well as a dash of romance.
I must say I really enjoy how the romance is not at all the focus of the book, just a small part of of the story. Colouring in the edges and making the story feel more rounded.

I loved exploring a bit of Paris before going for a ride on the Orient Express, and how well Rowntree knows her history! Sure this is fantasy with creatures and strange things, but I still like the world feeling realistic. Only with some extra bits!

We learn more about Sharp's backstory, which I found both intriguing and well handled.

I already bought the next in the series as well as the first in a new series!

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stakes are higher, the monsters are crueller, and the villians are ever more evil! If you're here after reading book 1 (The Werewolf of Whitechapel), you're going to love book 2. It's the same but everything is MORE SO.

My favorite aspect is how, during deliciously melodramatic scenes oozing in gothic imagery (btw, most scenes are effortless to visualize thanks to vivid descriptions), a character will often make a profound observation. It often relates to the themes of truth and justice that permeate the story, and it's intriguing to see how different characters with different personalities and backgrounds approach the issues. Definitely a five star read and one I'd recommend not only for entertainment value, but also for expanding your mind a little and testing your own morals.

[Eli Hinze · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a long time since a book has kept me up past 3:30 AM, but this one did. Repeatedly.

There is no doubt that I enjoyed the first book in this series, but guys. This book was an even wilder ride, an absolute rollercoaster of intrigue, mad science, laughs, romance, and action. It was FUN. The first book was fun, yes, but this was fun to the nth degree. (Also, if you're like me and have affections for a certain vampire, you'll be delighted to know how prominently he features in this installment.)

We met many monsters in the previous book, and here we get to see even more of the world-building around them. For instance, undead policemen! While gruesome, this is something I can 100% see happening in a monster-ridden world. Additionally, as far as realism goes, many books lose me with their perception of justice. I often find that characters hold to very lofty ideals that would never be practical in the real world, and, paradoxically, often eschew true justice. However, with Miss Sharp, she is balanced. She wants justice, but knows that sometimes unpleasant things must come to pass. That was very nice to see.

I was enthralled with this story from beginning to end, and am eagerly awaiting the next installment of Miss Sharp's Monsters!

[Jacquelyn Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rowntree has created such a delightfully engaging world with this series! This second installment of the Miss Sharp’s Monsters delivers in every way I hoped. You’ll get to enjoy the company of all your favorite characters from the first book in new exciting, dangerous places battling an even more earth-shaking conspiracy.
There are seductive and dangerous vampires, zombie policemen (so creepy), airships!!, and of course lots of derring-do as Miss Sharp navigates various threats to life and limb—her limbs, other people’s limbs. There’s a whole lot of delightful threatening going on.
What I really enjoy, though, is how Rowntree has managed to put some real meat into such a fabulously pulpy piece of fiction. She isn’t afraid to dig into some of the deeper emotional and moral issues raised by her plot. Don’t worry – the thoughtfulness in no way impedes the pacing. It just lends the whole tale a bit more substance.
Highly recommended – I'm very much looking forward to the next installment of this series.
I was privileged to read an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Hayden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fabulous madcap Miss Sharp adventure, I think I enjoyed this one (which my brain kept trying to retitle "Murder on the Anarchist Express" for some reason, lol) even better than the first.

(of course, this may be because of all the Short-and-Sharp content...)

Much from Sharp's past becomes clear, we get a lot of intrigue, and SO MANY secrets are revealed (with answers to my many questions coming much more swiftly than I was expecting) This one starts off a little slow, but it more than makes up for that in the last half which is packed with action.

Also, it went even MORE steampunk in this one if that's possible airships and mad scientists! so I can't wait to see where the next book takes us!

*I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to give a positive review.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, that was exciting. Miss Sharp's latest adventure takes her on a madcap journey across Europe, from the boulevards of Paris to the posh cars of the Orient Express to the mountains of middle-of-nowhere Hungary. Along the way, she must deal with anarchists, explosions, and the usual assortment of monsters.

As always, I enjoyed spending time with Miss Sharp and her companions. While I did get frustrated with Sharp at times (trust! your! friends! stormit!), her choices made sense in the narrative, and I very much sympathized with her desire for answers as well as her desire to protect those who she cared about, past and present. She is, as always, clever and witty and determined. Not perfect, but she's doing her very best and her very best is quite a lot.

And it was a delight to see the rest of the main returning cast as well. Short is magnificent (but you know I love a gentleman who sticks to his morals and still manages to be useful). Poor May is a bit of a mess, emotionally, but I loved her arc in this book. And I can't help liking George more and more as these stories go on. And then there's Grand Duke Vasily, who I love in the same way I love Silver from the Invisible Library series — which is to say, I never, ever want to meet him in real life, but on the page he has a great deal of wit and charm and mystery that I deeply, deeply appreciate.

I will say that this book felt like it had less of a mystery element than Werewolf did, especially in the second half of the story, which I think may be the other part of why I liked it a little less. (Sorry!) It almost had more of a spy/thriller/action vibe (but if spy/thriller/action stories involved airships and anarchists and monsters). That's not a bad thing. I still very much enjoyed the book. I'm just letting y'all know what to expect.

As always, I enjoyed Rowntree's use of historical detail combined with fantasy. Top-notch work there.

We'll end this on a more personal note. Going into this book and reading the first few chapters, I was a bit worried that I'd have to set the story down and come back to it later so I could give it a fair review. Both bomb-throwing anarchists (with some good points about the corrupt nature of their governments and society) and governments/policing forces filled with monsters (both those who acknowledge their monstrosity and call it good and those who hide it) and, in general, the fact that neither side is entirely in the right or in the wrong feels a bit . . . well, a bit more obviously relevant to aspects of our current society. I don't think this was intentional on the part of the author because (A) she's Australian and (B) as long as human nature doesn't change, society will just keep recycling the same four or five mistakes, so no matter what's going on in current events, you can probably find it mirrored in historical events as well.

Anyway. As someone who reads largely as a form of escape, I was worried that how much I liked the book would be colored by how much it reminded me of what I was trying to escape from. But in the end, I actually found that this story gave me hope. Sharp and Short both are able to acknowledge that neither is fully in the right and find a better path. And it was really quite encouraging.

So, in summary: read this book. Unless you haven't read the first book, in which case, read the first book. Then read this. It's good.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid, punch from book 2!

The second novel of this gaslamp, nearly steampunk, monster romp begins with a passionate, but confusing kiss, adds drama with a bite and ends with a thrilling, edge of the seat Indiana Jones nail biting end.  The author's control of language both in advanced English (loving Kindle dictionary), as well as specific character's nuances and speech patterns across the monarchy are so well done that it's frankly masterful.  I'm convinced I could never be nearly so clever,  accurate,  consistent or fun were I to attempt the same.


With my new favorite monster added (zombies?) And new adventures (zombies on fire?), the deep dive into anarchy,  bombs, familial bonds and an exploration of true friendship even in hardship,  this book is a certifiable winner.  I love her nuanced approach to what truly makes a monster... and yes,  sometimes it's sharp fanged, but sometimes it's just fanatical.


If you like historical/ Victorian,  clever,  mysterious,  monster filled, narrated adventure, this is the one

[T P · Rating 4 out of 5]

You must read this book!

A most excellent Miss Sharp adventure! Like the eponymous express train, book 2 starts slow, but builds tremendous momentum. This series is the distillation of all things Rowntree into a rollickingly fun, awesomely fast-paced package! Which also manages to be eminently insightful throughout!

In book 2, Rowntree throws in every fantasy steampunk figure and reference — ALL OF THEM —and then some — but rather than it being a train wreck, it is such an enjoyable romp. (I’d make an itemised list here of the terrific and terrifying characters and situations you’ll encounter, but I don’t want to spoil even one page of the fun.)

Simultaneously, Anarchist on the Orient Express wonderfully handles some profound issues. But that makes it sound stuffy. And stuffy it is not!

I repeat, you must read this book!

[Carina Shephard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't intend on reading this in one sitting but here we are. A fun, action-packed steampunk historical fantasy that keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time. 5 stars, read July 2021.

[Eve (were)-Baehr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I need to take a second before writing a proper review. I’ll just say that it was really good.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

In ANARCHIST, Rowntree dials up the awesome and breaks the knob off.

We start right where book 1 left off—Miss Sharp being accosted by someone from her forgotten past, and she gives chase throughout the book, leading her to revenant zombie policemen, the Orient Express, and a group of revolutionaries as Miss Sharp seeks to answer, Who was she? And is that person someone she still wants to know?

Also returning is my favorite tall inspector, Short (I love him!!!!), Princess May, dear George, and Grand Duke Vasily, the darkly alluring vampire. Miss Sharp no. 2 drives home the question of what makes a monster, and will you know them when you see them. Rowntree also continues to pick at the Victorian social structure and the morals of the era in a very deft but relentlessly honest way.

There were so many emotional moments in this book (betrayals by ones close to you! Short continuing to be the only man who gets it!) and so many high-octane thrills!!! This book truly levels up and does it so well! And once again, that ending hook for book 3–couldn’t be more perfect. FIVE STARS!

The author kindly sent me an arc of this book and this is my honest review.

[Zoe Kaylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anarchist on the Orient Express picks up where The Werewolf in Whitechapel left off with a new adventure on the Continent following Liz Sharp's, our intrepid detective and lady's maid. While there's plenty of action in Anarchist (bomb threats, train chases, and an action-packed finale that involves dirigibles and danger) this second book is really much more character focused. We learn more about Liz and journey with her as she uncovers the secrets of her past. It feels a bit different (and perhaps a tad slower) than the first book, but is just as worth the journey to get to know our characters better. Miss Sharp's Monsters really is one of the most unique and fun series I have read this year!

Thanks to Bocfodder Press and Suzannah Rowntree for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Eden · Rating 4 out of 5]

2021 bk 256. The second of the series. I didn't enjoy it near as well as the first, although it has its high points (Lizzie/Vera being tossed out of an airship with a parachute springs to mind - wearing full victorian garb, heck the skirt alone was probably a third parachute.) The scenes on the Orient Express, Lizzie dismantling a bomb which the Scotland Yard detective tries to hold it steady. Lots of interesting scenes.

[Chrissy Garwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another exciting episode in this series. I couldn't put down the story until I reached the final page. Already added the next installment to my to-read list.
The marvellous Miss Sharp proves herself more than a match for anarchists, monsters with the help of some friends. Plenty of action and adventure. Highly recommended )i(

[Tony Hisgett · Rating 1 out of 5]

I gave the first book the benefit of the doubt, but I have found the whole ‘world’ a bit ridiculous and Liz hasn’t turned into the competent heroine I was hoping for. The publicity blurb suggests that readers who like Gail Carriger’s ‘Parasol Protectorate’ books would also enjoy these books, but I’m afraid I really didn’t.

[Grace Crandall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adored this book! So many fantastic new elements to the story world. It provided some deeply satisfying answers to the questions raised in the first book, all while adding in new mysteries. I can't get over how heartfelt these books are. Refreshingly genuine and utterly fascinating.

[Paulina Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to like this book more than I like this book.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this is definitely the middle of a trilogy, the action never flags. And the title! It's a glorious title and absolutely true. There's also minor English royalty, a werewolf, a vampire, and certain Scotland Yard inspector on the train. No matter, Miss Sharp rises above it all--literally for a classic chase across train roof moment and later dirigible action.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

Wonderful steampunk book with all the good things classic to the genre, and none of the bad. Excited for # 3!

[Cheyenne Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply Smashing!

I have been loving reading Miss Sharp's adventures in this series. There is so much I enjoy, it's hard too articulate. I love Rowntree's writing style; it's crisp, engaging, and somewhat whimsical. The plot it fast-paced and highly interesting--in this book we get answers about Sharp's forgotten past which is both satisfying and heartbreaking. The characters are great. I love Sharp and Short. May is also great. Rowntree does a great job making characters multidimensional. Characters aren't strictly "good" and "bad", but there's a lot of nuance and even when I disagree with a character's deplorable choices, they're still understandable and sympathizable (that's probably not a word). There's some pretty serious themes regarding revolution, laws, when bloodshed is okay, and such. I really appreciated how these themes are explored and how Sharp wrestles with these issues in a believable and highly relatable way. I can't wait to see what Miss Sharp gets up to in the next book!

[F.J. Akkerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I say," Mary Adelaide said reproachfully, "what fun you are all having without me! I insist on being included! What is it, anyway? Have you found that dreadful little man with the bombs?"

Rowntree has everything: the charm of an Austen, the details of a Dickens, the brooding themes of a Bronte, the dark action of a Matheson and the hilarity of a Wilde.

The second installment of Miss Sharp's Monsters more than delivers.

If you haven't already, go kick-start this series by reading The Werewolf of Whitechapel, and then you'll be as excited as the rest of us to dive straight into Anarchist on the Orient Express.

Liz Sharp lands in Paris on a new adventure with her aristocratic employers, who are embarking on a sightseeing trip around the Continent. But the past reveals itself in an unexpected meeting, and soon Sharp is chasing down answers through foreign streets replete with danger. 

Conflicted over the lies she's told and the dark secrets she's keeping, Sharp is determined to follow the only lead she's gained, however far it may impel her across Europe and whatever the stakes may be.

With disaster gaining momentum, everyone around her is pressuring her to choose a side. But are there only two sides to choose between?

Monsters, bombs, dungeons, flying ships, and (without giving too much away) plenty of steampunk vibes. Hardly does one swell in the plot subside before another rolls in with increasing intensity. The suspense is relentless and the reveals...they'll positively truncheon you over the head.

And I'm still mad, because in the middle of a jaw-dropping crisis, my phone battery went flat and it was well-nigh hours before I could get home to a charger and find out **what in tarnation** was about to happen! To this day I don't know which I'm trying hardest to forgive, Ms. Rowntree or the blasted phone.

Very much looking forward to the third and final installment, which I hope delivers as much fun and pow-wow as this one.

I do, however, have a few pet peeves:

1) obscure background characters are frequently described as a "young man", "young couple", "young poet" or "young person". Must every stranger who passes her in the street be young? lol

2) the number of times Sharp refers to herself in the third person irks me, and she seems to remind us in every chapter of her scars/wolf-bite/supernatural strength, i.e. "I am naturally a curious woman", "[my scars] marked me as a fallen woman", "a young woman of my background", "a woman of my precarious standing in the world", "few men would have admitted to fault like that - certainly not to a woman, let alone one of my sort", "My scars marked me in such a way that only a very brave man would [risk loving] me", "I was stronger than any unbitten woman and most men", "the unnatural strength that had been mine since I was wolf-bitten aided me now" etc.

3) And a room containing "half a hundred" people (can anybody think of one word to replace those three!)

BUT. These niggles are more than made up for by some of my favourite quotes:

"Oh, Sharp!" May whispered from the darkness above me. I realised my head was resting in her lap. "You are alive!"
"Yes," I said, wincing, "but are you?"

His voice was desperate. "They're going to incinerate your Queen, my Emperor, and the German fruitcake. Tell me you have a plan, Sharp."

Seized by the handful and thrown into the [vampire's] eyes, it results in a great deal of pain and an abrupt disruption of dining arrangements.

"Where can I find him?"
"Oh, he lives somewhere on the Rue Marcadet, but so do all the angry young men in Paris."

"A woman may want things that are not good for her, without being fool enough to take them."

He entered, reaching up to take off his bowler hat; and then stilled in astonishment as he beheld the tableau: Anton slouching villainously against the wall, May fainting in a chair, and me ransacking the room in search of smelling salts.
"Miss Sharp," he sighed, "I was away for a mere half hour! What now?" I located the needful in a box upon the mantle-piece, and sent him my sweetest smile. "I hope you packed a tailcoat, Short. We're off to a wedding!"

The only downside of this book, gotta say, is the lack of character development. The surrounding characters seem like props:

> Anton acts in contradictory ways and seems too much like a slave of his mapped out role in the plot (regardless of personality/motives/goals/desires). As the only person with the key to Sharp's past, I'd hoped for more from him. But there's still another book to come, so I'm optimistic.

> I'm struggling to ship Inspector Short - he's a bit of a pushover and doesn't contribute much to the plot except...well, being there, as a character for Sharp to outshine and disagree with?

> May is just good and well-behaved.

> More of the Duchess of Teck, please!

Vasily is the shining exception and I must say, he's evolving into by far the most interesting character. He's a big question mark and creates magnificent tension the whole way through. And he's clearly scheming something and I'm dying to find out what.

That's all from me! You guys will enjoy this series, so grab a copy of your own and get stuck in! AND guess what? I've had the privilege of receiving an ARC of Book 3! *happy dance*

[Cara (Wilde Book Garden) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the Orient Express part of the plot much more than the other stuff, but I still really enjoyed this book overall! I love this cast of characters and the thematic explorations of monstrousness and power. The humor and dialogue is fantastic, and I really appreciate the balance of lightness and heaviness in this series. Also, I am becoming more and more invested in Princess May's romantic subplot!

And speaking of romantic subplots, I think Liz's is lovely - her conflicted feelings when interacting with the other men make complete sense, but that doesn't overshadow her main romantic interest.

There's a part of the conflict that annoyed me here, and I was a little frustrated with the way violence and justice were discussed in this entry of the series (like, I fully agree with Liz that killing innocent people isn't the answer! but I wish we would spend an equal amount of time discussing the very real harm the monsters / nobility inflict - it is definitely included, but just not in a comparable amount, I feel.) But the end of the book and the author's note give me hope that this is intentional and that we're going to dig more into this in the final book!

Also, this is very petty, but it annoys me that every single other country we hear about gets a really interesting magical creature, and the U.S. gets...freaking bionic arms, or something? Not that that couldn't ever be interesting (though my taste leans much more to fantasy beings than augmented humans / cyborgs), but in the context of this series I am SO disappointed. Like, sirens or vampires or dragons vs. robo-arm thing? no contest, in my mind.
(I know the author is Australian and this could very well be a reference to the annoyingly American-dominated publishing world so, like, fair enough, LOL. I just wish it had been a slightly more interesting one 😂)

VERY disappointed in Vasily's choice at the end, though perhaps not surprised. He's such a fascinating character and while from the information we have it seems that there really was no other option that would have saved Liz and everyone else's life, his actions are still going to be difficult to atone for.

CW: Bombs, grief, assault (non-sexual, but suggestive of SA), blood, references to: torture, mass murder

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

My fragile hope that a love triangle will not bloom with an amnesiac involved was sadly shattered. There is a love triangle here, sometimes even bordering on a love square, and it impacted my reading experience quite a lot. I do understand the writer's choice to do this. Liz Sharp's past life needs to be well-developed, and she must be forced to choose between two sides. I understand that most love triangles are about the protagonist choosing between two options that represent different paths. I get that. I really do. It doesn't make me like this trope any better. It doesn't matter if the execution is good, if some part of it is subverted, if it's "not like other love triangles," any love triangle makes me like the book less than if it wasn't in it. That's just the way it is for me sadly.

For those who don't mind love triangles, I think you'll enjoy this if you enjoyed the first one. The reader finally gets to discover Liz Sharp's origins, who her family is, and where she is from. There's a sinister plot by the anarchists, and Liz must decide whether she wants to join them or thwart them. There are people on both sides that don't treat her well, or only treat her well if she does what they want her to do. The theme of justice is still present the entire way through, although I do feel that Liz wavers on her values a little bit. For someone who is all about Truth, she does put on false pretenses very, very often throughout the book. I understand the situations when her own life is at stake, but other times she only wanted to find out about her history. Again, understandable, but it also shows that people don't stand up for their beliefs as strongly as they seem to think when they're not getting their way. And to a certain extent, I think Liz is aware of her inconsistencies.

But then again, I don't know if I'm just being nit-picky because of the love triangle, haha.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm outrageously behind on writing reviews of the things that I've read this year, so, because I basically read it all at once, I'm going to briefly review this trilogy as a whole.

Such a fun read. Loved the copious allusions to everyone from GK Chesterton to Elle Woods.

Miss Short makes subversive choices every chance she gets, yet remains completely wholesome. This is meta-level subversiveness going on here, and it is delightful.

I once had a conversation with a good friend about whether one can write historical fiction about real people without breaking the commandment not to bear false witness against your neighbor. I had a chuckle remembering that conversation while navigating a literary universe in which all of the Victorian-era monarchs are literal monsters. Ultimately, I concluded that there must be some wiggle room in the law for the historical fantasy fiction genre. The series does invite some deeper than expected thought about the role of government and the nature of civil authority, but the reading is enjoyable regardless of where you land on such issues.