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ritahuman's review against another edition
4.0
I only vaguely like steampunk and paranormal romances, having had bad experiences with both (I'm pretty sure that, as a culture, we have had one collective, prolonged bad experience with paranormal romances: it's called Twilight). This left me feeling a bit underwhelmed by Wicked Gentlemen, even though I loved everything else about it.
The mystery is satisfying (rare in crime fiction!); the worldbuilding is, too, unfolding subtly enough to pique interest without ever overwhelming.
Hale is also just a really good writer: she underwrites rather than overwrites, leaving you wanting more, and she knows exactly how to draw you through the story with good pacing and dialogue. I read this in a single afternoon, pretty much straight through, it was that seamless.
I'm giving this four stars, because it's written exactly the way I love novels to be written, and hey, it's not Ginn Hale's fault that I'm fed up with Byronic heroes.
The mystery is satisfying (rare in crime fiction!); the worldbuilding is, too, unfolding subtly enough to pique interest without ever overwhelming.
Hale is also just a really good writer: she underwrites rather than overwrites, leaving you wanting more, and she knows exactly how to draw you through the story with good pacing and dialogue. I read this in a single afternoon, pretty much straight through, it was that seamless.
I'm giving this four stars, because it's written exactly the way I love novels to be written, and hey, it's not Ginn Hale's fault that I'm fed up with Byronic heroes.
juushika's review against another edition
3.0
A missing woman brings together a clergyman/detective and a disgraced demonic descendant. As the premise implies, the worldbuilding here is indulgent and stylized, something like Fallen London-lite: otherworldly Prodigal and their demonic magics, the strict and corrupt church-cum-police force, a city with its propriety and dirty underbelly. The pair of protagonists almost live up to that; they're ultimately too nice, and their romance resolves too easily, but between them they offer a diverse, ambiguous view of their world. The mysteries that fuel the plot are only adequate, dependent on coincidence and fairly simplistic in fact, but with a moral ambiguity that echoes the worldbuilding. I wish this lived up to its potential (and had stronger editing, especially re: dialog), but it's fun.
chibishichan1x2's review
3.75
Gifted by my elf in the goodreads 2020 holiday exchange! Thanks so much! this one has been on my list for so long!
3.8 rounded up.
Read for the 2021 PopSugar book challenge prompt #26. A book with an oxymoron in the title.
I had a hard time filling this prompt but I feel this title works well enough.
Ginn Hale as always writes solid worlds and captivating stories. Another big thanks to my holiday elf from 2020 for gifting this.
3.8 rounded up.
Read for the 2021 PopSugar book challenge prompt #26. A book with an oxymoron in the title.
I had a hard time filling this prompt but I feel this title works well enough.
Ginn Hale as always writes solid worlds and captivating stories. Another big thanks to my holiday elf from 2020 for gifting this.
maellemaud's review against another edition
4.0
Belimai & Harper.
Deep. Captivating. I was fully engaged in the story, the fantasy world, the characters. Loved it! ☀️
Deep. Captivating. I was fully engaged in the story, the fantasy world, the characters. Loved it! ☀️
mint_the_muffin's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
hamalee's review
3.0
My first Ginn Hale because Lord of White Hell has a wait-list.
More typos than typical, but good writing. I liked the MCs. It's two novellas and I do think we lost a lot not getting to see the character/relationship development that clearly happened in the time jump between the two sections. And Harper's fetish confession without any reflection or letting Belamai know is icky. But overall I enjoyed it.
More typos than typical, but good writing. I liked the MCs. It's two novellas and I do think we lost a lot not getting to see the character/relationship development that clearly happened in the time jump between the two sections. And Harper's fetish confession without any reflection or letting Belamai know is icky. But overall I enjoyed it.
multenis's review against another edition
3.0
Felt a bit underdeveloped, would definitely enjoy a more in-depth look into this world.
atarnus's review against another edition
5.0
5⭐
Why are your fantasy worlds so insanely good, Ginn Hale?!
Why are your fantasy worlds so insanely good, Ginn Hale?!
turtleofhades's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
weldmadderwoad's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I have only heard good things about Ginn Hale’s writing, and I’m glad to have finally picked one up! The characters felt so human and immediately charming. The world building was straightforward without being heavy handed or overly expository. The twists and turns of the mystery felt appropriately earned and well foreshadowed. And I really liked Belimai and Harper’s romance :’)