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endofpricetag's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
itslucyamber's review against another edition
5.0
I wrote a 'real' review for the last book.
This time, I'll admit, I'm here for the octopus and the octopus only.
(though that watchmaker guy, his dying lodger, their 9 year-old girl, Six, and her pet owl are pretty cool too)
This time, I'll admit, I'm here for the octopus and the octopus only.
(though that watchmaker guy, his dying lodger, their 9 year-old girl, Six, and her pet owl are pretty cool too)
ellie_cripps's review against another edition
5.0
I'm so glad I discovered this series, it's evocative, exciting and fascinating. I love the author's style and her approach to events, so that often I felt as involved in them as Thaniel or Mori.
I listened to the audiobook and Thomas Judd did an amazing job of bringing the characters to life, so at times I forgot they were all being performed by the same person.
If you enjoy historical twist with a little twist of possibly magic possible science fiction, this is a series for you (although I recommend you read the first one first!)
I listened to the audiobook and Thomas Judd did an amazing job of bringing the characters to life, so at times I forgot they were all being performed by the same person.
If you enjoy historical twist with a little twist of possibly magic possible science fiction, this is a series for you (although I recommend you read the first one first!)
mary_soon_lee's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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
This is the third book in a trilogy that began with "The Watchmaker of Filigree Street," a book that I loved. All three are quietly, beautifully-told historical fantasies set in a nineteenth-century that is nearly our own, but in which clairvoyance is possible.
The book picks up the story a few years after "The Watchmaker of Filigree Street," with Thaniel returning as the chief of several point-of-view characters. This time much of the story takes place in Japan.
I love these characters, especially Thaniel, and Mori, and Six, and Katsu. I wanted desperately for them to reach a happy ending. And I liked this very much, if not quite as much as Watchmaker. I had hoped (spoiler warning) for more shared moments between Thaniel and Mori. Plus I found it more difficult than before to switch off the analytical part of my brain. Clairvoyance across a decade seems highly implausible, at least as depicted here (where clairvoyants cannot predict the outcome of things such as dice rolls).
The setting is fascinating; the prose by turns lyrical, page-turning, and satisfyingly funny. But mostly I am haunted by the characters.
Four and a half out of five ghost stars.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
The book picks up the story a few years after "The Watchmaker of Filigree Street," with Thaniel returning as the chief of several point-of-view characters. This time much of the story takes place in Japan.
I love these characters, especially Thaniel, and Mori, and Six, and Katsu. I wanted desperately for them to reach a happy ending. And I liked this very much, if not quite as much as Watchmaker. I had hoped (spoiler warning) for more shared moments between Thaniel and Mori. Plus I found it more difficult than before to switch off the analytical part of my brain. Clairvoyance across a decade seems highly implausible, at least as depicted here (where clairvoyants cannot predict the outcome of things such as dice rolls).
The setting is fascinating; the prose by turns lyrical, page-turning, and satisfyingly funny. But mostly I am haunted by the characters.
Four and a half out of five ghost stars.
About my reviews: I try to review every book I read, including those that I don't end up enjoying. The reviews are not scholarly, but just indicate my reaction as a reader, reading being my addiction. I am miserly with 5-star reviews; 4 stars means I liked a book very much; 3 stars means I liked it; 2 stars means I didn't like it (though often the 2-star books are very popular with other readers and/or are by authors whose other work I've loved).
algaliarept's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
gewills97's review against another edition
5.0
This is so intricate I can’t even fathom setting out to create it. Pulley is a singular talent and I devoured this and perhaps now wish I had savoured it more. It feels like a certain privilege to be privy to the relationship of Mori and Thaniel. Pulley has my upmost admiration for creating such a detailed web of plot that concludes such as it does.
jesssica__berg's review against another edition
4.0
The Lost Future of Pepperharrow by Natasha Pulley isa sequel to her previous novel, The Watchmaker of Filigree Street, and it takes place in late 19th century Japan. The story follows Nathaniel Steepleton, a telegraphist and former lover of the watchmaker, as he investigates a mysterious disappearance at the request of his friend, Mori, a time-traveler and inventor.
What I love about Pulley's writing is how beautifully descriptive it is. She paints a vivid picture of the exotic setting and the intricacies of the characters' relationships. The attention to detail in both the historical and fantastical elements of the story is impressive, creating a fully realized world that readers can easily get lost in. And the inclusion of Japanese mythology and folklore adds an extra layer of depth and intrigue to the narrative.
The characters themselves are complex and well-developed, each with their own motivations and desires. Nathaniel is a relatable protagonist, struggling with his own identity and past mistakes, while Mori is enigmatic and fascinating, with a complicated history that is slowly revealed throughout the novel. The addition of new characters, such as the spunky Katsu and the mysterious Pepperharrow, only adds to the richness of the story.
The plot is intricate and unpredictable, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the mystery of the disappearance unfolds. The themes of time, identity, and love are woven throughout the story in a way that feels organic and thought-provoking.
While The Lost Future of Pepperharrow can be read as a standalone novel, I'd highly recommend reading The Watchmaker of Filigree Street first to fully appreciate the continuation of the story and the deeper understanding of the characters' pasts. Overall, this novel is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, fantasy, and romance, and I can't wait to see what Pulley comes up with next!
What I love about Pulley's writing is how beautifully descriptive it is. She paints a vivid picture of the exotic setting and the intricacies of the characters' relationships. The attention to detail in both the historical and fantastical elements of the story is impressive, creating a fully realized world that readers can easily get lost in. And the inclusion of Japanese mythology and folklore adds an extra layer of depth and intrigue to the narrative.
The characters themselves are complex and well-developed, each with their own motivations and desires. Nathaniel is a relatable protagonist, struggling with his own identity and past mistakes, while Mori is enigmatic and fascinating, with a complicated history that is slowly revealed throughout the novel. The addition of new characters, such as the spunky Katsu and the mysterious Pepperharrow, only adds to the richness of the story.
The plot is intricate and unpredictable, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the mystery of the disappearance unfolds. The themes of time, identity, and love are woven throughout the story in a way that feels organic and thought-provoking.
While The Lost Future of Pepperharrow can be read as a standalone novel, I'd highly recommend reading The Watchmaker of Filigree Street first to fully appreciate the continuation of the story and the deeper understanding of the characters' pasts. Overall, this novel is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, fantasy, and romance, and I can't wait to see what Pulley comes up with next!
zoer03's review against another edition
3.0
I am not sure about this. At first it felt good but gradually I got really confused and I didn’t really come to grips with the story even from the last page. I think it’s because the characters felt cold and yes a little bit psychotic. I found the main characters awful and even the women characters felt off. Not the best am sorry to say
thomas454's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
elliya's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A twisty romp through time and its implications, without ever traveling through time. Some really fascinating scientific experimentation concepts, lovely world-building, a flawed but lovable narrator, an actual PLOT, and a feel-good ending. What more could you want?
I’ve enjoyed these two books by Natasha Pulley. I’m intrigued by the premise of her other book “mars house” as being also queer sci-fi. The queer in these two was so incredibly subtle / seen another way, so incredibly foundational — they hardly even read as queer books to me.
I’ve enjoyed these two books by Natasha Pulley. I’m intrigued by the premise of her other book “mars house” as being also queer sci-fi. The queer in these two was so incredibly subtle / seen another way, so incredibly foundational — they hardly even read as queer books to me.