About the Book:
Title: Longshadow
Author: Olivia Atwater
Series: Regency Faerie Tales #3
Page Length: 288
Publication Date: Aug. 16, 2022
Publisher: Orbit Books
Synopsis: Proper Regency ladies are not supposed to become magicians – but Miss Abigail Wilder is far from proper.
The marriageable young ladies of London are dying mysteriously, and Abigail Wilder intends to discover why. Abigail’s father, the Lord Sorcier of England, believes that a dark lord of faerie is involved – but while Abigail is willing to match her magic against Lord Longshadow, neither her father nor high society believe that she is capable of doing so.
Thankfully, Abigail is not the only one investigating the terrible events in London. Mercy, a street rat and self-taught magician, insists on joining Abigail to unravel the mystery. But while Mercy’s own magic is strange and foreboding, she may well post an even greater danger to Abigail’s heart.
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My Review:
Longshadow is the third book in the Regency Faerie Tales series by Olivia Atwater. This is a unique series that blends historical romance and fantasy in a way that I haven’t seen before, and I’m glad I had the chance to buddy read all three books with Leslie @ Books Are the New Black.
The premise of the story is really interesting, and I liked that the characters from the first two books have roles in this one too. That being said, I felt like the characters were a bit underdeveloped and lacked emotion. Some of the secondary characters are endearing, and I enjoyed their roles in the story, but, I don’t know, I kept expecting, well, more. I wanted more layers to the plot and characters and a deeper look at the relationship dynamics, emotional responses, and the magical world created. It feels like the author just skims the surface of the story.
One aspect of the story that I liked, and like in the first two books as well, is the strong messages about social and gender issues. The story spotlights many strong, independent, and courageous women living in a society that values men more than them. I like that we see these women defy societal norms and embrace their individuality and passions in life. The story also sheds light on the massive discrepancies between social classes, as well as the unbalanced political system which strengthens the upper class while working to the detriment of the lower class.
I also really liked the magical world the author created, though I wish it were developed more. And I enjoyed the beginning and the end of the book. They were faster-paced and more immersive than the middle of the story, which I felt dragged a bit. The love story was also very slow building and didn’t have a lot of chemistry. It was another aspect of the story where I hoped for more.
Overall, this was just an ok read for me. I liked the messages and some of the characters. It’s an interesting story with a great premise, but it didn’t feel as layered and nuanced as the first two books. Thanks to Orbit Books for sending me a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
Rating:
Favorite Parts:
- The messages.
- Hugh! He’s a sweetie!
Favorite Line:
“The enemy of my enemy isn’t always my friend. Sometimes they’re just awful in a different way.”
Lovely review, Julie! It sounds like an interesting series.
Thanks so much, Stephen!
I didn’t think that this book had the sparkle of the first two.
Exactly! I felt the same way.
It’s really too bad when a series you are loving ends on a flat note. Glad is was at least an okay read, Julie.
Thanks, Carla.
Great review, Julie! I agree with all of this.I am glad we got to buddy read the whole series together! This one was a step down from the previous two.
It was a lot of fun! Too bad we were both disappointed with the last book. I definitely liked the first one the best.
Yeah… onto the next!! I’m sure it will be better. 🙂