Saira

Started out just okay, then got good once the trials started and Drake and Cass teamed up. The ending was very rushed and bonkers and ended on the worst cliffhanger ever, which kind of cancelled out the rest of the book with making it just feel rushed or half-finished, especially since there's no news of a following book. Similar to “Realm of Wonders'” but that was better.

Tone and writing really reminded me of the 39 Clues (one of my favorite series) but a little older! It did still read a little young for college aged and is not that academically/nerdy as some other books– so definitely read more like upper MG/lower YA. I loved Sam & Bennett's relationship and Jo was a fun character too. It was nice how it was set in the 1920s, though I wish we got more of that vibe and more setting/world building on the train and steamer. I think the general premise/name of this “Specter Queen” and Ireland is a bit less appealing for an archaeology book (especially a first one) but it could've been aided by stronger world building and description. Despite this, still a fun time, well paced and looking forward to reading more in the series!

*SPOILER
Also, still SHOCKED by what happened to Alistair, and don't like that... it seemed too dark to fit in with the rest of the story -- the other fates seemed more justified, but not him... seemed like a bit of just a shock factor.

The book was really well written. You followed along with both Sutton and Emma's thought processes and could see exactly why they thought a certain person was the killer and their reasoning and deduction. The only minor thing that could have been better for me is if the author made it a little clearer when which twin was speaking (using italics or something) as at times I would forget the story was in Sutton's viewpoint and she would say “I” and I would get confused thinking it was Emma talking. Other than that, good writing and plot line that kept me on my toes and I was really convinced it was the SPOILER Twitter Twins.

I've been reading this series ever since it started back when I was in Middle School. Now, 5/6 years later reading the finale of the second series I am thoroughly disappointed. While some things in the plot weren't ideal, I didn't mind it and it was fine overall. However the writing was appalling.

First off:

Fiske. What. Since when did he become a kick-ass, “old fart”, sarcastic guy? His character is supposedly somber and composed. Every time the phrase “old fart” came up I rolled my eyes in dismay. Eugh.

Jamy and Evan– Okay I knew that things have been developing between Jake and Amy and I was fine with the love square but Ian's feelings for Amy were completely disregarded save for 1 page in this book. Evan was also thrown into the shadows barely being noted by Amy. When they met in 'Heaven" it was so awkward and as if they were just friends... Where as in Book 1 of the series they were enamored with another. The scene in the train station was sooooo overly sappy and FAKE. Neither of those characters would ever have actually done something like that in other novels.

Heaven: If he was going to have a scene there he should've brought characters from the WHOLE series like Erasmus, William, GRACE, Irina... It feel like he didn't even read the other books. (I doubt he did)

Isabel - I'm sure he thought that adding in the scene with the whole gas on the train would be funny, but Dan isn't 9 anymore, it was not needed and out of character and was a sorry attempt at lightening the mood of the book. Her being AJT was good though, that seemed in character.

Vesper 1 - C'mon. Sooo anticlimactic, no connections made to the burn, the phone, his power. You meet him, get very little description, very little thoughts from the other characters about him. Then he's gone. Okay then.

Anyways. If you have read the series, do read this book because a lot does happen and the plot is good overall. But just try to skip over the poor writing and be glad there will be new authors for the next series. If just starting out go back to book one of the clue hunt so you can follow the characters not be thrown into this false depiction of them.

This book was very well written especially since it was written in 2nd person format which is very uncommon in books. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and it had a strong plot that kept the reader intrigued and following along. My only complaint is the availability of this book as well as the 2 (or more?) sequels is very very low. Try as I may I can not seem to find anywhere that sells the next books in the series. Really disappointing as the cliffhanger at the end of this novel really sets up a next novel well. I look forward to reading the next two if and when I find them!!

Thanks to the publisher & Net Galley for providing me with an eArc.

I was interested in this book as a fan of Enola Holmes, Sherlock, Hercule Poirot, Benoit Blanc, and the general murder mystery genre!

The book had a fun and interesting concept, but did read rather young for it to be set at college/college age– may be better as an upper MG/lower YA set in HS based on the tone. It also didn't do much to set up the world – I forgot where and when it was set often! Especially since often these types of mysteries are set in Victorian/England – if they aren't, it helps if the setting also acts as a character for the enhanced mysterious atmosphere (like Knives Out).

The characters didn't get much development besides the relationship between the MC and Percy, which seemed a little unfounded as well.

As for the plot, it didn't really feel like a mystery where they gathered clues, looked at suspects etc. It was very much like they were in class, Ashley disappeared, they find her iPad and Holmes, they team up, then it's solved. The two mysteries didn't seem to be linked as nicely at the end as they seemed to want to be – and didn't have a satisfying conclusion.

Overall the conclusion of the book was very rushed and half-done, and we never got answers as to if/why Ashley was related to the medium. Also was not a fan at all of the big reveal/culprit -- it seemed very out of character, especially as a Doctor.

Took a little adjusting to view it in the world of Aladdin, but helped if I kind of separated it from the canon of the movie(s). The characters did feel a little OOC which was a part of it. It had some kinda spooky bits and the twist and plot were interesting. It just didn't feel very believable to the world of Aladdin and Jasmine and how she treated him. It also felt a little short and underdeveloped and the ending was very rushed. Similar to “A Game of Malice in Greed” in many ways, though more PG.

The most well written book? No, but the setting was immersive and who doesn't love fantasy academia vibes. The pacing and story were interesting and I raced through the book easily after a bit of a slow time getting in. I'm a bit indifferent to the dragon aspect personally, but I guess it's better than fae?

This book had much of the same charms and flaws as the first — a fairly short and quick read that gives you a little bit of adventure but doesn't spend too long building the world or characters or themes. It seems almost formulaic how similar it was to the first book. Still, I hope there are further books in the series and that they can continue to delve deeper into the world and characters and themes, especially the history and mythology.

Yet another seemingly gratuitous death and crazy professor.