Longshadow

More predictable than the first two, which wasn't bad at all. These books have a coziness that still allows for stakes to play out and keep your attention. The sweet romance and self-discovery were delightful, but I loved the comeuppance even more. Abigail is forever my introvert queen.

This was my favorite of the three, partially because I've always loved psychopomps and ghosts, and queer romance is always a sure fire way to my heart. I also think it's the strongest of the three — I felt it was the best paced especially at the climax (which I couldn't put down), and while one of the two central mysteries was fairly guessable, I enjoyed seeing it play out on page  and the full reveal of our murderer at the climax had some good twists.

I really enjoyed the chemistry and self-discovery the two leads had, and the secondary characters were great. I really enjoyed that we got to see some of Elias's arc from Half a Soul and “The Latch Key” continue  (and to catch up with Dora in general). Mercy did have a stronger arc than Abigail and I loved the way her gender was dealt with and that her true form was what she was most comfortable in, not what was original or most powerful, but I think Abigail's worked for the story well. And I really appreciate that the uniting factor of the magicians in all three stories is anger at things wrong in the world. This was a great cap to the series, and I will definitely revisit it at some point.

Another 4.5 read this month, yay !!!!

I've been eager to read this third installment of the Regency Faerie Tales since I got a copy last year but it just never worked out. But I definitely needed something sweet to get through my troubles this month and this book turned out to be the perfect medication.

The writing is as charming, witty, whimsical and lovely as the first two books and I was instantly delighted to be back in this world. It was also nice to be back in this world among familiar characters, because this is kind of a direct sequel to Half A Soul. Abigail is the adopted daughter of Elias and Dora and their relationship is one of the sweetest in the book, along with Abby's dynamic with Hugh, her cool ghost brother. It's just such an endearing family and I loved following their quest to solve murders involving the ton in this book. Abby is ably assisted by Mercy who is as mysterious as her shadow magic and while they both start off as adversaries, the development of their love story absolutely adorable.

While family and love are the core of this book, I also liked how the author tackled important themes without them overwhelming the cozy tone of the story. We see the kind of classist and snobby behavior the ton exhibits and how Abby has to lie or trick her way through conversations even when she is investigating murders among their own. The other theme that is quite deeply explored is the idea of death and while it's true that it's inevitable for everyone, it doesn't mean that it's wrong for a person to want to fight to live, or even want to remain a ghost without moving on from their loved ones. The author integrates these ideas through character development and I thought it was masterfully done.

Overall, this was a delightful read and something that made me very happy. While the first two books of the trilogy can work as standalones, you'll enjoy this book more if you've read both of them. If you are in the mood for a regency sapphic romance, some delightful family moments, as well as some cool magical and ghostly sleuthing, do pick up this book and I promise you will not be disappointed.

Overall I thought this one had the most interesting plot of the trilogy with more interesting characters than the second book and good queer representation. It also touches on some of the same social commentary and themes that I've enjoyed in the previous two books and adds in some new conversations of it's own.

I'd say the weak link in this one though is the romantic chemistry. In comparison to books one or two it does fall pretty flat. I was enjoying the plot enough that it didn't really detract much from my enjoyment though. Half a Soul was my favourite, but this is very solidly in the #2 spot.

I loved it and I wish Atwater would write in this series forever. Great romance and fantastical world.