Managing to make up for the habbernabberies of its predecessor, Blameless only falls short in that these books were not combined into one super book. It is safe to say that this will be a series warranting revisiting if only for the inordinately alliterative Channing Channing of the Chesterfield Channings and the descriptions of hats. To be more specific about how this book improves on its predecessor: it does not hustle us out the back door with an aching cliffhanger, it does not flip to one character’s perspective only to leave them for the rest of the book, and it does not let its main character suffer from despicable black spots that would make her look like a dolt. No, no instead this book takes a lot of time characterizing Professor Lyall and his incredible administrative duties as Beta. The book gives us a happy ending that we can stomach long enough to reach the next book. And Alexia although not saving the day holds her own and becomes even more important to this delectable world. And let us talk about the world building since that comes from the characters themselves…For a change we get to see the elaborately orange Italy and its odd monastic order of Templars. We are introduced to more friends of Madame Leroux. Madame Leroux unfortunately gets a little more fun poked at her this time. Even Ivy comes off looking less like a dunder. I am having trouble naming who stood out in this entry. Weight is tossed around from character to character in a confident manner thus giving the illusion that there is no center. But make no mistake this remains Alexia’s story.
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Recommendation: | Fascinating world-building. A display of a menagerie of fantasy creatures in an (a)historical setting. |
Like this, like that: | Jane Yellowrock series by Faith Hunter, the Alex Craft series by Kalayna Price and the Season of the Moon series by S. M. Reine. |
About the Blogger
I review Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance books with a focus all things werewolf. Based out of Ottawa, Canada
Awesome review, Josh! This is my favorite adult steampunk series and every book is an adventure. I really liked Blameless for the in-depth insights into Professor Lyall and Biffy’s dilemma.