Book Review: A Tyranny of Petticoats edited by Jessica Spotswood

Anthology

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 354

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

How I Got It: Gift

Genre: Young Adult, Historical Fiction

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Criss-cross America — on dogsleds and ships, stagecoaches and trains — from pirate ships off the coast of the Carolinas to the peace, love, and protests of 1960s Chicago. Join fifteen of today’s most talented writers of young adult literature on a thrill ride through history with American girls charting their own course. They are monsters and mediums, bodyguards and barkeeps, screenwriters and schoolteachers, heiresses and hobos. They're making their own way in often-hostile lands, using every weapon in their arsenals, facing down murderers and marriage proposals. And they all have a story to tell.

Review

Anthologies are so hard to review. So, I did write quick comments on each short story as I read (see below).

They are nice because they expose you to new/different authors and stories. I definitely want to check out Y.S. Lee's books now and I'd never even hear of her before. It's a very diverse anthology in a variety of ways which is a plus of anthologies-a variety of POVs.

Most of these stories felt like a set-up for a large story. I wouldn't mind the reading of those books, but that isn't the purpose of an anthology. 

Some of my favorite stories are:

Madeline's Choice

Gold in the Roots of the Grass

The Legendary Garrett Girls

Hard Times

And here are my individual thoughts/reviews: 

Mother Carey's Table: 3 Stars. This one came across a little blah. Because it's short there's little opportunity to explore these characters. The descriptions were good and I could feel what Joe was feeling. But it wasn't anything special.

The Journey: 3 Stars. It deals with Europeans (I assume) encroaching on Native lands. She does a decent job of showing a snapshot in time. And there was tension that had me interested. But I wasn't blown away.

Madeline's Choice: 4 Stars. I really enjoyed this. It talked about a group of people I've never even hear of (which is awful). I really felt for Maddie and her situation. New Orleans has such a different history than the rest of the US. I liked a glimpse into that story/place in time. I wouldn't hate if Ms. Spotswood wrote a whole series in this setting. Now, I need to learn more the gens de couleur libres.

El Destinos: 3 Stars. This follows mythological characters-the Fates-in a non-traditional setting. It was interesting to see her play with the setting and culture. I cared about these characters, but would have preferred more. It kind of feels like a lot to shove into a short story.

High Stakes: 3 Stars. This story blends supernatural elements with the historical fiction. It had potential, but too much scope for such a short story. I was engaged and wanted to know more which kept me reading. But ultimately, I was a little disappointed. 

The Red Raven Ball: 3 Stars. Another Civil War-set story which I'm beginning to realize I don't read a lot of. It is an interesting time to explore-especially because the war split families apart. This was a bit predictable. And again felt like a lot for a short story-not so bad if you look at it as a snapshot in time. There is a trend with these stories.

Pearls: 3 Stars. This was probably one of the better stories, but I can't give it more than 3 stars. You have to make a lot of guesses/inferences about certain events and characters. Ms. Revis left the right amount of bread crumbs. And I really liked the ending.

Gold in the Roots of the Grass: 4 Stars. My favorite (so far) which is even more impressive because this isn't a setting I particularly like. There was so much packed into this story and it was done well. Ms. Meyer slowly weaved cultural and character background info so you understood, but didn't get an info dump. She showcased the darkness of the setting, but also had a beautiful hopefulness.

The Legendary Garrett Girls: 3 Stars. I really enjoyed this. It's almost a 4 star, but I can't quite go there. The characters were interesting-I particularly like the sister's relationship. Ms. Lee kept me on the end of my seat and I had no idea how the conflict would be resolved. I've never even heard of Ms. Lee, but I'm definitely interested in checking out her books now.

The Color of the Sky: 3 Stars. What to say? This was good, but not for me. It was like a snapshot in time (again) which is not something I typically like. I did like learning about a historical figure I've never heard of. I definitely want to learn more about here. 

Bonnie & Clyde: 3 Stars. I don't even have anything to say. But I want to write something for each story. This was fine, but fairly forgettable.

Hard Times: 3 Stars. This was so close to four stars. It was interesting with compelling characters. But it was another set up/snapshot story. I would love a full-length exploration of this story and characters.

City of Angels: 3 Stars. This story made me so sad. there was a hopefulness to it, but mostly it made me sad for Evie (and Frankie) and the real people who were in their situation. It is written well-very close to 4 stars. Sorry, I can't explain why.

Pulse of the Panthers: 3 Stars. This story covers a difficult and awful time in American history. It's important to discuss this time. It was well-written but I think the Black Panthers are a complicated organization, so it's hard to discuss them in a short story. I did recently listen to a podcast that discussed Bobby Seale so it was interesting to read his name. 

The Whole World is Watching: 3 Stars. Thankfully, this story had a hopeful element. When it started I thought the anthology would end on a sad note because of the content. Again, I think this is a pretty complicated time/situation/event to condense into a short story. And I came in with some outside knowledge.

Thanks for reading!

Holly 

Review: A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn

Series: Veronica Speedwell Book #1

Format: ebook

Rating: 4.5 Stars

How I Got It: Borrowed from Library

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery

Publisher: Penguin/NAL

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

London, 1887. After burying her spinster aunt, orphaned Veronica Speedwell is free to resume her world travels in pursuit of scientific inquiry—and the occasional romantic dalliance. As familiar with hunting butterflies as with fending off admirers, Veronica intends to embark upon the journey of a lifetime.

But fate has other plans when Veronica thwarts her own attempted abduction with the help of an enigmatic German baron, who offers her sanctuary in the care of his friend Stoker, a reclusive and bad-tempered natural historian. But before the baron can reveal what he knows of the plot against her, he is found murdered—leaving Veronica and Stoker on the run from an elusive assailant as wary partners in search of the villainous truth.

Review

I got this from the library after hearing an interview with Deanna Raybourn on the Smart Bitches podcast. Mystery isn't a typical genre for me, but I'm glad I gave it a chance. I really enjoyed it, but can't quite give it 5 stars for some reason.

My favorite thing is the writing style. Veronica reminds me of Alexia Taribotti from the Parasol Protectorate series. She's kind of a snob, but still likable. Snob may be a little harsh. Veronica is very intelligent and independent and thinks she knows what is best in every situation. She has a pretty subtle wit that often made me smile.

The mystery was interesting and kept me guessing. I'm curious to see what mysteries and stories happen in the next books.

There is a budding romance-at least I think and hope. It'll probably be very drawn out, but I'm along for the ride. 

I really enjoy the dynamic between Stoker and Veronica. Stoker is an interesting character who I want to know more about. I think I see things about him Veronica doesn't but who knows. I guess I'll find out as I keep reading the series.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, And Jodi Meadows

Series: The Lady Janies Book #1

Format: ebook

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Borrowed from Library (Overdrive)

Genre: Young Adult, Historical

Publisher: Harper Teen

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Edward (long live the king) is the King of England. He’s also dying, which is inconvenient, as he’s only sixteen and he’d much rather be planning for his first kiss than considering who will inherit his crown…

Jane (reads too many books) is Edward’s cousin, and far more interested in books than romance. Unfortunately for Jane, Edward has arranged to marry her off to secure the line of succession. And there’s something a little odd about her intended…

Gifford (call him G) is a horse. That is, he’s an Eðian (eth-y-un, for the uninitiated). Every day at dawn he becomes a noble chestnut steed—but then he wakes at dusk with a mouthful of hay. It’s all very undignified.

The plot thickens as Edward, Jane, and G are drawn into a dangerous conspiracy. With the fate of the kingdom at stake, our heroes will have to engage in some conspiring of their own. But can they pull off their plan before it’s off with their heads?

Review

I feel like I've been reading some weird books lately. And this was definitely...odd. Like how do you classify this? The style and tone just felt very different. 

Going in, I knew very little about Lady Jane Grey. However, I am moderately knowledgeable about the other players since I took a British monarchs class in college. So, it was interesting to learn about new characters and see what these ladies did with the more well-known ones.

I can't figure out if this is supposed to be funny. Don't get me wrong-it is. But is it supposed to be LOL funny or subversive funny? Perhaps its somewhere in between. My favorite parts were probably the ones between Jane and G. They have great banter that usually brought a smile to my face.

The whole shape-shifter thing was interesting. I assume this is meant to be a play on the Catholic/Protestant struggles of the time. I do wish it had been more explored. I want to know more about the changes and what type of animal means-if at all. 

This book breaks the fourth wall. The narrators, especially, talk to the reader. And they do it fairly regularly. I have always liked reading books with this. I like shows that do it, too. I don't know why, but I do. Maybe it makes me feel like I'm more a part of the story.

I will most likely read the other books in this series, but I'm not dying for them. I am a little sad there won't be a book about Bess/Elizabeth. She has so much potential and I would love to see what they would do with her as more of a main character.

Thanks for reading!

Holly

Review: Conspiracy of Blood and Smoke by Anne Blankman

Series: Prisoner of Night and Fog Book #2

Format: Hardcover

Pages:406

Rating: 5 Stars

How I Got It: Borrowed from the library

Genre: Historical Fiction, Young Adult,

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

The girl known as Gretchen Whitestone has a secret: She used to be part of Adolf Hitler’s inner circle. More than a year after she made an enemy of her old family friend and fled Munich, she lives with a kindly English family, posing as an ordinary German immigrant, and is preparing to graduate from high school. Her love, Daniel Cohen, is a reporter in town. For the first time in her life, Gretchen is content.

But then, Daniel gets a telegram that sends him back to Germany, and Gretchen’s world turns upside-down. And when she receives word that Daniel is wanted for murder, she has to face the danger she thought she’d escaped-and return to her homeland.

Gretchen must do everything she can to avoid capture and recognition, even though saving Daniel will mean consorting with her former friends, the Nazi elite. And as they work to clear Daniel’s name, Gretchen and Daniel discover a deadly conspiracy stretching from the slums of Berlin to the Reichstag itself. Can they dig up the explosive truth and get out in time-or will Hitler discover them first?

Review

I definitely enjoyed this, but I liked the first book a little bit more. Granted, I feel like I went into this one with my emotional guards. It’s been a couple weeks and I’m still dealing with how that one made me feel. I’m actually really torn because these books are so beautiful, but I don’t know if I could ever read them again. I do plan on reading other books Anne Blankman writers.

I really didn’t know what the plot would be for this one. It still has mystery and suspense, but was more about things bigger than Gretchen and Daniel. And I really liked getting a larger view of Germany and the people. They travel to Berlin and meet some communists. I almost always like when you get more people’s perspectives on what is going on.

Gretchen and Daniel also had to deal with some real personal problems. They question if they are good for each other and how their differences will impact their lives if they stay together. It was interesting that some of the things pushing them together would also pull them apart.

This probably isn’t my best review, but I think my emotions are too high to have very clear thoughts.

Thanks for reading!

Review: Changeless by Gail Carriger

Series: The Parasol Protectorate Book #2

Format: Paperback

Pages: 374

Rating: 5 Stars

How I Got It: Borrowed from the library

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Paranormal, Romance,

Publisher: Orbit

 

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Alexia Maccon, the Lady Woolsey, awakens in the wee hours of the mid-afternoon to find her husband, who should be decently asleep like any normal werewolf, yelling at the top of his lungs. Then he disappears; leaving her to deal with a regiment of supernatural soldiers encamped on her doorstep, a plethora of exorcised ghosts, and an angry Queen Victoria.

But Alexia is armed with her trusty parasol, the latest fashions, and an arsenal of biting civility. So even when her investigations take her to Scotland, the backwater of ugly waistcoats, she is prepared: upending werewolf pack dynamics as only the soulless can. She might even find time to track down her wayward husband, if she feels like it.

CHANGLESS is the second book of the Parasol Protectorate series: a comedy of manners set in Victorian London, full of werewolves, vampires, dirigibles, and tea-drinking.

Review

I’m a little heart-broken right now with that ending. Objectively, it was a great ending, but I wasn’t expecting it. Plus, I finished this on my break at work so I couldn’t pick up the next one.

It actually took me a little while to get into this one so I was a little worried. Looking back on it, I think I just needed to take a break from reading instead of forcing myself to read. Once I got over that I flew through it.

Gail Carriger has such a unique and funny voice. Her writing has some of the subtle sarcasm I’ve read in classics, but somehow it’s got a modern flavor. It’s just so freaking beautiful.

And Alexia. I’m not surprised, but I’m glad she’s still herself even though she’s married. She is an alpha female without being a bitch. Although, considering the wolf dynamics she could be…technically. And she’s such a well-rounded and thoughtful character.

The Alexia and Connall relationship is becoming one of my favorites now. They are a supportive couple but aren’t afraid to challenge each other when it’s needed. And even though they are now a couple and work together they don’t lose themselves by being married. Plus, their banter. It’s one of my favorite things. Even when they are arguing you can tell they love each other. Ms. Carriger does an excellent job of writing their physicality with each other which shows how close they are.

Ivy stole the show for me. She’s so unintentionally funny and I hope she continues showing up. And I really like her relationship with Alexia.

I did like the mystery and paranormal part of the plot. It was interesting and I wanted to know what was going on but I don’t have much to say about it.

Thanks for reading!

Review: Prisoner of Night and Fog by Anne Blankman

Series: Prisoner of Night and Fog Book #1

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 401

Rating: 5 Stars

How I Got It: Borrowed from the Library

Holy S**t! I actually had to read another book to cleanse my brain before writing this review. This book had a profound impact on me and I equal parts want to read the next book and fear reading it.

I’m actually struggling to write this, so I’m not sure how much I can talk about the content and technicalities in here.

The reason I gave this five stars is how it made me feel. While reading this I was so tense. I was constantly nervous that something horrible would happen to Gretchen and Daniel. I was so tense that I’m not sure I can read it again.

Now, why is this a good thing?

I can only assume the way I felt is similar to how living in this time felt. And, unfortunately, the way some people still feel. It made me think and re-evaluate my views in life.

OK. I think I can talk content now.

Gretchen is a great character. And she has some great growth as she learns things and starts to think for herself. And Daniel is understanding and sweet. They have a cute romance that causes me to live in fear that one of them will die and I will not get a Happily Ever After.

I don’t know a lot about German history or Hitler. But I did read Anne Frank’s Diary ten million times as a kid. But Ms. Blankman gave me enough information that I understood. It was also great that she explored the newly developing world of psychology. And I’m actually curious about Hitler now.

Oh, there’s one more thing I want to say about Gretchen and Daniel, but mostly Gretchen. They could have avoided a lot of problems if they lied about their true feelings. The fact that they are willing to risk their lives for what is right is so inspiring.

I will be reading the second book and have already requested it from my library. But I think I’m going to need to prepare myself mentally to read it.

Thanks for reading!

~Holly