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Orchidelirium
An heiress, a tiger, an artificial arm, a hatbox of stolen orchids : each one is a vine in the tangle of Opal Morris's life. As she begins to discover how they all connect, she will find herself re-evaluating not only her botanical studies, but her whole life. Orchidelirium came to be through my adventures in the world of literature. This illustrated novella is a celebration of some of my favorite books...and my extensive plant family. As I wrote (and drew) I gleaned from sources as diverse as H.G. Wells, Rudyard Kipling, Georgette Heyer, and Mary Poppins. Needless to say, the process was lots of fun. I look forward to sharing it with readers old and new.
140 pages, Paperback
Published March 22, 2023
About the author
E.B. Roshan
14 books89 followersE.B. Roshan has enjoyed a nomadic lifestyle for several years, living in the Middle East, Asia and various parts of the U.S. She is now temporarily settled in Pennsylvania with her husband and three children.
To learn more about E.B. Roshan and her books, visit: https://shardsofsevia.wordpress.com
To learn more about E.B. Roshan and her books, visit: https://shardsofsevia.wordpress.com
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 25, 2023
3.5⭐️
Set in an alternate version of Edwardian England, the plot of author E.B. Roshan’s novella revolves around sisters Opal and Gem Morris. Daughters of an eminent botanist, who has since passed on, they are immensely proud of their conservatory, which houses rare specimens and an enviable collection of orchids. Opal is dedicated to the care of the conservatory and takes pains to see it is not neglected. Gem is a free spirit and is more social. When Opal hears of a fresh batch of rare orchids collected by Leonidas ”Ned” Ardmore from Assam, India she is eager to purchase a few samples, which she does even though Ned’s uncle Sir Richard, who financed the trip and expects first dibs on the same, is annoyed which leads to a confrontation between him and his nephew. Complicating matters further is that Gem is romantically involved with Ned’s younger brother and is unhappy with the friction between the two families. In a shocking turn of events, The Morris Conservatory is broken into, and the orchids are stolen. Opal suspects everyone around her. Did Ned succumb to the pressures exerted by Uncle? Was it Ned’s friend from India, Mr. Shallang, who seems to have an agenda of his own? Maybe Sir Richard? The orchids were valuable and could be sold at very high prices to collectors (a hundred pounds for a single orchid is mentioned). Could money be the motive? As the narrative progresses, we follow Opal as she navigates her friction with her sister, her duty to her late father, and looks to solve the mystery of the stolen orchids.
E.B. Roshan’s Orchidelirium is an engaging story with a cast of interesting characters and a fluid narrative. I won’t call the mystery angle of the story too complex or gripping, but I did like many other aspects of the story. I really liked the characterizations of Opal and Gem as well as the supporting characters and their backstories. The author is a skilled storyteller as is evident from how the plot and characters and setting are woven into such a coherent narrative in barely 120 pages. The author presents a scientifically advanced Edwardian society (with motorized carriages, airships and mechanized prosthetics). I won’t say these elements made much of a difference to the plot, but they did make the story interesting. This is the first time I’ve come across the phenomenon of “Orchidelirium”- the craze for orchids during the Victorian era and how orchid hunters and collectors undertook risky natures in the tropical forests of South America and India to collect rare specimens that were auctioned at exorbitant prices. I found this angle quite interesting.
I also liked that the author presented an honest picture of colonialism – the British Rule in India - and how India’s natural resources and riches were looted and plundered by colonizers, among other things. I liked that an Indian character plays a significant role in this story and the author paints a realistic picture of how he is received in British society - how though he has found some friends in a foreign land who genuinely respect him, not everyone treats him the same way. Though the author does not explore these issues in depth (it is a novella, and the plot does not demand the same) episodes of bigotry are not glossed over or portrayed as humorous in any way, despite this being a lighthearted read. I commend the author for that.
Overall, this was both an entertaining and interesting read. The cartoon-like illustrations were well-done and also helped in adding to the humor of the story.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this novella. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
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Set in an alternate version of Edwardian England, the plot of author E.B. Roshan’s novella revolves around sisters Opal and Gem Morris. Daughters of an eminent botanist, who has since passed on, they are immensely proud of their conservatory, which houses rare specimens and an enviable collection of orchids. Opal is dedicated to the care of the conservatory and takes pains to see it is not neglected. Gem is a free spirit and is more social. When Opal hears of a fresh batch of rare orchids collected by Leonidas ”Ned” Ardmore from Assam, India she is eager to purchase a few samples, which she does even though Ned’s uncle Sir Richard, who financed the trip and expects first dibs on the same, is annoyed which leads to a confrontation between him and his nephew. Complicating matters further is that Gem is romantically involved with Ned’s younger brother and is unhappy with the friction between the two families. In a shocking turn of events, The Morris Conservatory is broken into, and the orchids are stolen. Opal suspects everyone around her. Did Ned succumb to the pressures exerted by Uncle? Was it Ned’s friend from India, Mr. Shallang, who seems to have an agenda of his own? Maybe Sir Richard? The orchids were valuable and could be sold at very high prices to collectors (a hundred pounds for a single orchid is mentioned). Could money be the motive? As the narrative progresses, we follow Opal as she navigates her friction with her sister, her duty to her late father, and looks to solve the mystery of the stolen orchids.
E.B. Roshan’s Orchidelirium is an engaging story with a cast of interesting characters and a fluid narrative. I won’t call the mystery angle of the story too complex or gripping, but I did like many other aspects of the story. I really liked the characterizations of Opal and Gem as well as the supporting characters and their backstories. The author is a skilled storyteller as is evident from how the plot and characters and setting are woven into such a coherent narrative in barely 120 pages. The author presents a scientifically advanced Edwardian society (with motorized carriages, airships and mechanized prosthetics). I won’t say these elements made much of a difference to the plot, but they did make the story interesting. This is the first time I’ve come across the phenomenon of “Orchidelirium”- the craze for orchids during the Victorian era and how orchid hunters and collectors undertook risky natures in the tropical forests of South America and India to collect rare specimens that were auctioned at exorbitant prices. I found this angle quite interesting.
I also liked that the author presented an honest picture of colonialism – the British Rule in India - and how India’s natural resources and riches were looted and plundered by colonizers, among other things. I liked that an Indian character plays a significant role in this story and the author paints a realistic picture of how he is received in British society - how though he has found some friends in a foreign land who genuinely respect him, not everyone treats him the same way. Though the author does not explore these issues in depth (it is a novella, and the plot does not demand the same) episodes of bigotry are not glossed over or portrayed as humorous in any way, despite this being a lighthearted read. I commend the author for that.
Overall, this was both an entertaining and interesting read. The cartoon-like illustrations were well-done and also helped in adding to the humor of the story.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this novella. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Connect with me!
My Blog
The StoryGraph
February 18, 2023
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
A fun, quick read set in a fantasy version of England!
I've read and enjoyed a couple of books in E.B. Roshan's Shards of Sevia series (romantic suspense with a light touch of dystopian/alternative history), and I'm happy to report she writes a good cozy mystery/historical fantasy as well.
I found Opal to be an interesting, slightly grumpy main character. I did think she seemed a decade or two older than she actually was. The side characters were quite intriguing, especially Leonidas and Pradyat (I believe that's how his name was spelled). I loved the original artwork scattered through this story. Conflict among the characters and the mystery of the stolen orchids kept the plot moving right along. I enjoyed E.B. Roshan's clear writing style, but I felt like I was kept a little distant from the main character.
Overall, Orchidelirium was an entertaining story that I'd recommend to those who enjoy clean fiction, cozy mysteries, and historical fantasy.
A fun, quick read set in a fantasy version of England!
I've read and enjoyed a couple of books in E.B. Roshan's Shards of Sevia series (romantic suspense with a light touch of dystopian/alternative history), and I'm happy to report she writes a good cozy mystery/historical fantasy as well.
I found Opal to be an interesting, slightly grumpy main character. I did think she seemed a decade or two older than she actually was. The side characters were quite intriguing, especially Leonidas and Pradyat (I believe that's how his name was spelled). I loved the original artwork scattered through this story. Conflict among the characters and the mystery of the stolen orchids kept the plot moving right along. I enjoyed E.B. Roshan's clear writing style, but I felt like I was kept a little distant from the main character.
Overall, Orchidelirium was an entertaining story that I'd recommend to those who enjoy clean fiction, cozy mysteries, and historical fantasy.
February 28, 2024
4 stars. I was very intrigued when I first heard of this novella. Victorian England is my jam, but steampunk is a whole new genre for me (I probably first discovered it in the 2010 Sherlock Holmes film… which I hated). So I was quite curious what I would think of this. In the end, I found the steampunk part was quite small and subtle, and just added an interesting twist to things. Mostly it felt like an alternate, technologically advanced Victorian Era, and I really enjoyed the uniqueness of that. The writing style was rather old-fashioned, too, which really helped sell the Victorian feel.
I was quite a fan of the dry humour that permeated the story! 99% of that was due to Opal, and Opal… you just had to love Opal. She was so NOT what she thought she was and so exactly what she thought she wasn’t, and it was adorable and hilarious all at once. Such a cute, impulsive, intimidating little spinster! Gem was a sweet sister, and I enjoyed the sibling banter, as well as the lessons both learned about understanding each other and getting along. Leonidas and Hector were both amusing and adorable in their own ways—such bumbling but upright boys—and [redacted] was an interesting of villain-who-wasn’t-the-real-villain-in-the-end; and Pradyut was really quite fascinating. I can’t quite make up my mind about him.
The romance between Gem and Hector was sweet; and the tiiiiiny thread of romance between Miss O. and *SOMEONE* was really cute, even if it was super open-ended. The mystery was quite satisfactory as it kept growing and being partly solved, and the ending I never saw coming! I did feel that it was very fast-paced and jumped around a lot, or else didn’t explain things fully—I really struggled to connect the dots—but that could be just me. What I really liked, though, was the plot. The whole orchid part was very unique and very interesting, and it added a touch I really liked, as did the mechanical arm and all that situation. Most of all, I was really intrigued by the alternate view of Victorian England. The author presents a much more sensitive and not at all colonizing outlook from her main characters, and also touches, subtly, on the problems the Europeans caused in Asia, etc, by their collecting and exploring. Pradyut’s story gave a lot to think about.
Overall, this was a good mix of humour and seriousness, history and fantasy, lightness and heaviness, and a great deal of uniqueness!
A Favourite Quote: Papa, however, had wished for the common man to share his view into their remarkable—no—miraculous world. 'God placed no price tag upon beauty,' she heard him saying, 'So who are we to decree that only the wealthy may enjoy it?’
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “Hector did not wish his family to learn of his outrageous behavior, so I imagine that he would not thank you for arriving all of a flutter to ask after his health.”
… “Surely he realized that coming home clad in ill-fitting servants’ clothes would also invite comment?”
… “I have never accused Hector Ardmore of having more brain matter than is strictly necessary for vital functions.”
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
I was quite a fan of the dry humour that permeated the story! 99% of that was due to Opal, and Opal… you just had to love Opal. She was so NOT what she thought she was and so exactly what she thought she wasn’t, and it was adorable and hilarious all at once. Such a cute, impulsive, intimidating little spinster! Gem was a sweet sister, and I enjoyed the sibling banter, as well as the lessons both learned about understanding each other and getting along. Leonidas and Hector were both amusing and adorable in their own ways—such bumbling but upright boys—and [redacted] was an interesting of villain-who-wasn’t-the-real-villain-in-the-end; and Pradyut was really quite fascinating. I can’t quite make up my mind about him.
The romance between Gem and Hector was sweet; and the tiiiiiny thread of romance between Miss O. and *SOMEONE* was really cute, even if it was super open-ended. The mystery was quite satisfactory as it kept growing and being partly solved, and the ending I never saw coming! I did feel that it was very fast-paced and jumped around a lot, or else didn’t explain things fully—I really struggled to connect the dots—but that could be just me. What I really liked, though, was the plot. The whole orchid part was very unique and very interesting, and it added a touch I really liked, as did the mechanical arm and all that situation. Most of all, I was really intrigued by the alternate view of Victorian England. The author presents a much more sensitive and not at all colonizing outlook from her main characters, and also touches, subtly, on the problems the Europeans caused in Asia, etc, by their collecting and exploring. Pradyut’s story gave a lot to think about.
Overall, this was a good mix of humour and seriousness, history and fantasy, lightness and heaviness, and a great deal of uniqueness!
A Favourite Quote: Papa, however, had wished for the common man to share his view into their remarkable—no—miraculous world. 'God placed no price tag upon beauty,' she heard him saying, 'So who are we to decree that only the wealthy may enjoy it?’
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “Hector did not wish his family to learn of his outrageous behavior, so I imagine that he would not thank you for arriving all of a flutter to ask after his health.”
… “Surely he realized that coming home clad in ill-fitting servants’ clothes would also invite comment?”
… “I have never accused Hector Ardmore of having more brain matter than is strictly necessary for vital functions.”
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
Read
June 27, 2024Orchidelirium came to be through my adventures in the world of literature. This illustrated novella is a celebration of some of my favorite books…and my extensive plant family.
As I wrote (and drew) I gleaned from sources as diverse as H.G. Wells, Rudyard Kipling, Georgette Heyer, and Mary Poppins. Needless to say, the process was lots of fun. I look forward to sharing it with readers old and new.
As I wrote (and drew) I gleaned from sources as diverse as H.G. Wells, Rudyard Kipling, Georgette Heyer, and Mary Poppins. Needless to say, the process was lots of fun. I look forward to sharing it with readers old and new.
March 28, 2023
Thanks to Ms. Roshan for offering a review copy of Orchidelirium! I’m not sure I would have picked this one up without prompting, but it was a fun read and I’m glad I had that push to check it out. (All thoughts are my own; I was not required to provide a positive review.)
Let’s start with the characters. I had some difficulty getting the cast straight, at first; they’re introduced at a party, and the prevalence of family means many of them were referred to by shared surnames which made it hard to keep track of which were which. Gem and Opal gave me the hardest time, between both having gemstone names and the POV being somewhat unclear in the beginning, with Opal presuming and communicating Gem’s feelings as well as her own.
That said, the characters were quite enjoyable once you got them straight. I loved Opal’s passion for both her flowers and her family, and her fearlessness in confronting those who needed to be confronted. Gem’s better decorum seemed to balance her well, though I would enjoy seeing a sequel in which they both understand and appreciate that balance better and it can thus shine through more fully.
I enjoyed the Ardmores, as well, and particularly Leonidas. He was honorable and gentlemanly, yet willing to ruffle feathers as needed—albeit with somewhat more restraint than Opal. And his steampunk-style prosthetic was interesting.
Leonidas’s arm will bring us to the worldbuilding. While his prosthetic was interesting and the electric carriage provided some color to the story, the more steampunk elements didn’t feel like they overall had much bearing on the story. His prosthetic could have been more traditional, the carriages horse-drawn, the airships omitted altogether, and the story would have been none the worse for it. As it was, those elements didn’t contribute quite enough color to provide a full backdrop or quite enough influence to seem like a necessary and organic part of the setting. While I liked the idea of giving things a steampunk twist, that twist mostly felt extraneous in practice.
The Edwardian setting was nearly sufficient on its own (Leonidas’s prosthetic being the one truly relevant addition from steampunk), and the writing of it was a joy to read. The prose was smooth, and the dialogue sounded like it had come from an Austen novel. It was proper and veiled in the way you would expect of high society dialogue, with witty remarks scattered throughout (particularly courtesy of Opal). The focus on orchids, as well, was a lovely divergence from the norm, and described beautifully!
Not only was the emphasis on plants refreshing from a setting standpoint, but also in regard to the plot. While Gem had a courtship storyline that became a focal point, it wasn’t the main plot as would often be the case in an Edwardian-era novella; and while there was a mystery, it wasn’t a murder as you would often expect. And this in no way distracted from the importance of the plot to the main character, with Opal established so well in her affection for orchids and her passion for their proper upkeep.
I do think the plot is where the story was weakest, however. The progression of events, particularly after the crime is committed, was a little hard to track; and the resolution involved pieces that felt too coincidental, particularly for a mystery story where every detail carries consequence in most cases. I would have liked to see more time taken to establish those pieces upfront so they weren’t a shock at the end, and more time dedicated to the case in general to clear up the more awkward transitions. Because this story is more character-driven despite being a mystery, I wasn’t overly bothered by the weaker plot, at least until the deux ex machina feel of how some of the characters reached the resolution scene.
And as this is an illustrated novella: The art style wasn’t my cup of tea, but the illustrations were cute and they were a fun way to break up the text.
Overall, despite its few weak spots, I quite enjoyed the style of Orchidelirium and I would recommend it to readers of historical fiction and/or readers who enjoy passionate characters and plants.
Let’s start with the characters. I had some difficulty getting the cast straight, at first; they’re introduced at a party, and the prevalence of family means many of them were referred to by shared surnames which made it hard to keep track of which were which. Gem and Opal gave me the hardest time, between both having gemstone names and the POV being somewhat unclear in the beginning, with Opal presuming and communicating Gem’s feelings as well as her own.
That said, the characters were quite enjoyable once you got them straight. I loved Opal’s passion for both her flowers and her family, and her fearlessness in confronting those who needed to be confronted. Gem’s better decorum seemed to balance her well, though I would enjoy seeing a sequel in which they both understand and appreciate that balance better and it can thus shine through more fully.
I enjoyed the Ardmores, as well, and particularly Leonidas. He was honorable and gentlemanly, yet willing to ruffle feathers as needed—albeit with somewhat more restraint than Opal. And his steampunk-style prosthetic was interesting.
Leonidas’s arm will bring us to the worldbuilding. While his prosthetic was interesting and the electric carriage provided some color to the story, the more steampunk elements didn’t feel like they overall had much bearing on the story. His prosthetic could have been more traditional, the carriages horse-drawn, the airships omitted altogether, and the story would have been none the worse for it. As it was, those elements didn’t contribute quite enough color to provide a full backdrop or quite enough influence to seem like a necessary and organic part of the setting. While I liked the idea of giving things a steampunk twist, that twist mostly felt extraneous in practice.
The Edwardian setting was nearly sufficient on its own (Leonidas’s prosthetic being the one truly relevant addition from steampunk), and the writing of it was a joy to read. The prose was smooth, and the dialogue sounded like it had come from an Austen novel. It was proper and veiled in the way you would expect of high society dialogue, with witty remarks scattered throughout (particularly courtesy of Opal). The focus on orchids, as well, was a lovely divergence from the norm, and described beautifully!
Not only was the emphasis on plants refreshing from a setting standpoint, but also in regard to the plot. While Gem had a courtship storyline that became a focal point, it wasn’t the main plot as would often be the case in an Edwardian-era novella; and while there was a mystery, it wasn’t a murder as you would often expect. And this in no way distracted from the importance of the plot to the main character, with Opal established so well in her affection for orchids and her passion for their proper upkeep.
I do think the plot is where the story was weakest, however. The progression of events, particularly after the crime is committed, was a little hard to track; and the resolution involved pieces that felt too coincidental, particularly for a mystery story where every detail carries consequence in most cases. I would have liked to see more time taken to establish those pieces upfront so they weren’t a shock at the end, and more time dedicated to the case in general to clear up the more awkward transitions. Because this story is more character-driven despite being a mystery, I wasn’t overly bothered by the weaker plot, at least until the deux ex machina feel of how some of the characters reached the resolution scene.
And as this is an illustrated novella: The art style wasn’t my cup of tea, but the illustrations were cute and they were a fun way to break up the text.
Overall, despite its few weak spots, I quite enjoyed the style of Orchidelirium and I would recommend it to readers of historical fiction and/or readers who enjoy passionate characters and plants.
August 1, 2023
I want to start by saying this book was cute! I just feel like I’m the wrong audience….I feel like the author was trying to write a book for younger readers, but she made it pretty boring, confusing characters, and tricky language for kids. So it’s written like more of an adult book, but its theme and stuff is very childlike. Below are my pros/cons:
Cons:
🌷 The book was boring! The whole plot centered around stolen orchids.🤦🏼♀️ Idk where the author was trying to take the book, but I never felt like it got anywhere. Also, idk what the genre would be. Mystery? Thriller? Kids? Who knows!!
🌷 This book had a very childlike plot, but the language used and the actual plot was geared for adults. The author used trickier language than one usually would for kids, so I feel like her goal was late elementary/ early middle school age, but the book was super boring so it wouldn’t interest that age!
🌷The characters were hard to follow. (For me at least) The author wrote this book with a narrator, but also with Opal’s personal thoughts and feelings. (I think.) so the narrator tells us about Gem, and Opal is talking and it’s so confusing!
🌷 There were some minor grammar/editing issues in the Kindle version.
Pros:
🌷 This book had a good message! Basically to love your siblings and band together, even when you might fight. Very positive!
🌷 This book was a quick and fun read, which reinforces the idea that it was designed for more of a kids audience.
🌷 This book was fully clean, including no swearing or LGBTQ characters. Again, great kids book!
🌷 The characters were positive, upbeat, kind, just great role models.
All in all, I think this would be a great book for 8-11 year old kids. I didn’t love it, but I’m not 8 and this isn’t my normal genre! 😂 The author was kind enough to send me a copy for free in exchange for this review, so kudos to her! Parents, I would recommend this book!!
Cute Quote: “A flower, no matter how beautiful, is only a flower. It is not a human life.”
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Length of book: 130 pages
Language/TW: 0/10 fully clean
Format I read: Kindle
Genre: Kids
Would I recommend to others: To parents
‼️ I recieved a copy of this book for free from the author in exchange for my honest review. ‼️
Cons:
🌷 The book was boring! The whole plot centered around stolen orchids.🤦🏼♀️ Idk where the author was trying to take the book, but I never felt like it got anywhere. Also, idk what the genre would be. Mystery? Thriller? Kids? Who knows!!
🌷 This book had a very childlike plot, but the language used and the actual plot was geared for adults. The author used trickier language than one usually would for kids, so I feel like her goal was late elementary/ early middle school age, but the book was super boring so it wouldn’t interest that age!
🌷The characters were hard to follow. (For me at least) The author wrote this book with a narrator, but also with Opal’s personal thoughts and feelings. (I think.) so the narrator tells us about Gem, and Opal is talking and it’s so confusing!
🌷 There were some minor grammar/editing issues in the Kindle version.
Pros:
🌷 This book had a good message! Basically to love your siblings and band together, even when you might fight. Very positive!
🌷 This book was a quick and fun read, which reinforces the idea that it was designed for more of a kids audience.
🌷 This book was fully clean, including no swearing or LGBTQ characters. Again, great kids book!
🌷 The characters were positive, upbeat, kind, just great role models.
All in all, I think this would be a great book for 8-11 year old kids. I didn’t love it, but I’m not 8 and this isn’t my normal genre! 😂 The author was kind enough to send me a copy for free in exchange for this review, so kudos to her! Parents, I would recommend this book!!
Cute Quote: “A flower, no matter how beautiful, is only a flower. It is not a human life.”
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Length of book: 130 pages
Language/TW: 0/10 fully clean
Format I read: Kindle
Genre: Kids
Would I recommend to others: To parents
‼️ I recieved a copy of this book for free from the author in exchange for my honest review. ‼️
March 11, 2023
It was such a pleasure to read another book by E.B. Roshan! I found this to be a pretty unique book, too, given it features illustrations. Set in an alternate version of England during the Edwardian era, this cozy mystery is filled with wit and lots of flowers.
Though the plot does focus heavily on the book's mystery (stolen orchids, tigers, etc.), it is also a largely character-driven story. Admittedly, I didn't find myself latching onto Opal as the protagonist. Her preference for flowers over people is endearing in theory, but as a whole, I didn't find myself feeling much for her during ups or downs. The supporting characters, however, I thoroughly enjoyed, particularly Opal's sister. I'd almost like to see an offshoot in her POV. I also liked the inclusion of prosthetics, which given the time, was largely the element of fantasy here.
Having previously read Wrong Place, Right Time by this author, I had no doubt that the writing itself would be good. The flow of the book is fantastic and everything came together nicely in the end making for a satisfying read from start to finish.
As I mentioned, the book also includes illustrations which I found to be a charming addition. Who says grown-up books can't have pictures? It was such a nice touch, especially given it was both written and illustrated by E.B. Roshan.
A huge thanks to the author for sending me a free digital ARC of the book to read and review!
Though the plot does focus heavily on the book's mystery (stolen orchids, tigers, etc.), it is also a largely character-driven story. Admittedly, I didn't find myself latching onto Opal as the protagonist. Her preference for flowers over people is endearing in theory, but as a whole, I didn't find myself feeling much for her during ups or downs. The supporting characters, however, I thoroughly enjoyed, particularly Opal's sister. I'd almost like to see an offshoot in her POV. I also liked the inclusion of prosthetics, which given the time, was largely the element of fantasy here.
Having previously read Wrong Place, Right Time by this author, I had no doubt that the writing itself would be good. The flow of the book is fantastic and everything came together nicely in the end making for a satisfying read from start to finish.
As I mentioned, the book also includes illustrations which I found to be a charming addition. Who says grown-up books can't have pictures? It was such a nice touch, especially given it was both written and illustrated by E.B. Roshan.
A huge thanks to the author for sending me a free digital ARC of the book to read and review!
March 5, 2023
While I read my share of murder mysteries, I find murderless mysteries to be a refreshing change of pace, as this story was for me. I'm guessing the matter of prosthetics and the presence of an airship are what makes the setting an alternative Edwardian England, though to me, the read pretty much just felt like a standard historical cozy.
By that I mean a mysterious read with a clever and quirky kind of style. The illustrations are quirky as well and added an endearing quality to the characters and the overall flavor for me. But what I probably find the most remarkable is that I enjoyed the story so much even with its rather unlikable heroine.
Through much of the book, I was thinking that in large part, Opal's got more tolerance and compassion for plants than for people, and it's evident that she has some sort of psychological condition. Yet, it also seems evident that she and those who care about her don't know or understand what that condition may be. It's an unfortunate reality that many people with various conditions have and do go through life undiagnosed and misunderstood.
Seeing Opal's shortcoming and struggle in the area of human relationships, and getting glimpses of how that struggle affects her heart, gave me a different appreciation for her character, even without my fully understanding her. (Because that's how life is with real people sometimes.) Her struggle also made the ending in regard to her rather Sense-and-Sensibility-esque relationship with her sister such a picture of grace at work, along with the conclusion Opal eventually reaches about people. A conclusion helped along by the meaningful perspective of a certain foreign character.
Beyond the technical details of the mystery, the story of human connections between flawed people is what I loved most about this novella. A truly satisfying read for me.
I received an advance reading copy of this book for an honest review.
By that I mean a mysterious read with a clever and quirky kind of style. The illustrations are quirky as well and added an endearing quality to the characters and the overall flavor for me. But what I probably find the most remarkable is that I enjoyed the story so much even with its rather unlikable heroine.
Through much of the book, I was thinking that in large part, Opal's got more tolerance and compassion for plants than for people, and it's evident that she has some sort of psychological condition. Yet, it also seems evident that she and those who care about her don't know or understand what that condition may be. It's an unfortunate reality that many people with various conditions have and do go through life undiagnosed and misunderstood.
Seeing Opal's shortcoming and struggle in the area of human relationships, and getting glimpses of how that struggle affects her heart, gave me a different appreciation for her character, even without my fully understanding her. (Because that's how life is with real people sometimes.) Her struggle also made the ending in regard to her rather Sense-and-Sensibility-esque relationship with her sister such a picture of grace at work, along with the conclusion Opal eventually reaches about people. A conclusion helped along by the meaningful perspective of a certain foreign character.
Beyond the technical details of the mystery, the story of human connections between flawed people is what I loved most about this novella. A truly satisfying read for me.
I received an advance reading copy of this book for an honest review.
August 30, 2023
This was incredibly written. I truly felt like I was reading an old story yet at the same time it was a lot easier to read and understand than a real old story. Regarding that element, I enjoyed it thoroughly.
However, I couldn't stand the protagonist, Opal, that much. Though it is realistic, at least for me, that one would get irritated by small things, get physical pain by loud sounds, and becoming overwhelmed while in other people's presences, to me Opal almost felt like she was intolerant of everyone and was controlling them as much as she can. While part of this was addressed as her character arc comes to its end, and she starts to learn to not control people and care for those outside of her sister, I still feel like there's a lot to be desired with her character growth. Maybe because the story is so short is why I feel so dissatisfied. She has so many flaws and I'm unsure if she is aware all of them and if she plans to change those as well as the main flaw highlighted in the story. Overall, it was unpleasant to be her POV a lot of the time. She was so unlikable. There wasn't anything that I liked about her until the last few chapters. Even then, I was still annoyed by her. It was also hard to feel compassionate whenever she was suffering mentally or physically since she was so judgmental toward others, especially in those moments. I only felt sorry for her when her sister had acted worse than her.
This is a mystery, but honestly it felt like more of a subplot than the main plot. The mystery didn't happened until almost halfway through the story. And even then, it wasn't much of a mystery. The more it unraveled, the more it felt insignificant as a mystery. There was just so much space given for setting it up and it ended up being basically nothing after a few chapters. If things had happened slightly different from the way they were, then there wouldn't be a mystery at all.
I don't want to use that word, but I have to say that I was at first uncomfortable reading Opal's thoughts about Mr Shallang, who is Indian. After the first impression and meeting though, her thoughts felt more respectful in her curiosity and he was treated like anyone else, while still being conscious of their differences in appearance and culture, but not in a weird way like the beginning. (One side character is truly racist, though he's meant to be mostly an awful person and he's also old too.)
I do like how the settings is historical with old-fashioned advanced technology wove in here and there so naturally. It felt like steampunk worldbuilding, but without the gears and steam. Metal artificial arm that doesn't function properly as an arm, airships and electric carriages are features in this world that feel close to reality but also fantasy at the same time.
I kind of touched on the ending in the other sections, but the main thing I want to mention here is how Gem, Opal's sister, ruined the ending for me.
(Also I'm confused who the target audience is for this story. I'm assuming MG because of the pictures throughout it, but also the characters are adult characters dealing with adult problems. And the writing style feels very mature. Nothing was inappropriate for MG readers, but I'm not sure how many would be interested in this story. Maybe it was meant for all ages? A story that the whole family can enjoy together?)
Overall, I don't think it was a bad novella, it just didn't fulfilled what I expected from this sort of story. Some parts I enjoyed, others I didn't at all. And I think this does show a lot of promise for this author. If I ever come across any more of their books, I believe that I would pick those up.
However, I couldn't stand the protagonist, Opal, that much. Though it is realistic, at least for me, that one would get irritated by small things, get physical pain by loud sounds, and becoming overwhelmed while in other people's presences, to me Opal almost felt like she was intolerant of everyone and was controlling them as much as she can. While part of this was addressed as her character arc comes to its end, and she starts to learn to not control people and care for those outside of her sister, I still feel like there's a lot to be desired with her character growth. Maybe because the story is so short is why I feel so dissatisfied. She has so many flaws and I'm unsure if she is aware all of them and if she plans to change those as well as the main flaw highlighted in the story. Overall, it was unpleasant to be her POV a lot of the time. She was so unlikable. There wasn't anything that I liked about her until the last few chapters. Even then, I was still annoyed by her. It was also hard to feel compassionate whenever she was suffering mentally or physically since she was so judgmental toward others, especially in those moments. I only felt sorry for her when her sister had acted worse than her.
This is a mystery, but honestly it felt like more of a subplot than the main plot. The mystery didn't happened until almost halfway through the story. And even then, it wasn't much of a mystery. The more it unraveled, the more it felt insignificant as a mystery. There was just so much space given for setting it up and it ended up being basically nothing after a few chapters. If things had happened slightly different from the way they were, then there wouldn't be a mystery at all.
I don't want to use that word, but I have to say that I was at first uncomfortable reading Opal's thoughts about Mr Shallang, who is Indian. After the first impression and meeting though, her thoughts felt more respectful in her curiosity and he was treated like anyone else, while still being conscious of their differences in appearance and culture, but not in a weird way like the beginning. (One side character is truly racist, though he's meant to be mostly an awful person and he's also old too.)
I do like how the settings is historical with old-fashioned advanced technology wove in here and there so naturally. It felt like steampunk worldbuilding, but without the gears and steam. Metal artificial arm that doesn't function properly as an arm, airships and electric carriages are features in this world that feel close to reality but also fantasy at the same time.
I kind of touched on the ending in the other sections, but the main thing I want to mention here is how Gem, Opal's sister, ruined the ending for me.
(Also I'm confused who the target audience is for this story. I'm assuming MG because of the pictures throughout it, but also the characters are adult characters dealing with adult problems. And the writing style feels very mature. Nothing was inappropriate for MG readers, but I'm not sure how many would be interested in this story. Maybe it was meant for all ages? A story that the whole family can enjoy together?)
Overall, I don't think it was a bad novella, it just didn't fulfilled what I expected from this sort of story. Some parts I enjoyed, others I didn't at all. And I think this does show a lot of promise for this author. If I ever come across any more of their books, I believe that I would pick those up.
July 8, 2023
Fans of Edwardian -esque/light Steampunk will probably love this books. It was a miss for me, but I think most will find it enjoyable!
I found most of the characters irritating. I’m full southerner and British culture tends to annoy me 😆 and I’m not a fan of gaslighting little sisters 😅
The steampunk elements were so light they tended to throw me off, but I think most steampunk lovers will find it delightful, and those looking to get into the genre will find it a nice soft start!
The writing was well done, and I am interested to read more from this author. I just don’t think this genre was a good fit for me.
If you would like more details, please message me!
*I received this book from the author for promotional purposes. All thoughts are my own!*
I found most of the characters irritating. I’m full southerner and British culture tends to annoy me 😆 and I’m not a fan of gaslighting little sisters 😅
The steampunk elements were so light they tended to throw me off, but I think most steampunk lovers will find it delightful, and those looking to get into the genre will find it a nice soft start!
The writing was well done, and I am interested to read more from this author. I just don’t think this genre was a good fit for me.
If you would like more details, please message me!
*I received this book from the author for promotional purposes. All thoughts are my own!*
January 20, 2026
In a parallel Edwardian England, two sisters with contrasting personalities live on their inherited estate. Opal keeps her late father’s dream alive as she continues his work raising orchids and other exotic plants, while Gem wishes to find her one true love and live happily ever after. After an invitation to tea at their neighbor’s house, the girls meet Leonidas, brother of Gem's secret fiancée, Hector. A man of mystery with a metal arm, Leonidas recounts his travels in Assam, which would have ended much differently if not for the intervention of one man. Personalities collide as the true mystery begins, with the fate of honor, friendships, and Opal’s beloved orchids hanging in the balance.
I haven’t read any cozy mysteries before, and I can’t think of a better introduction than “Orchidelerium” by E.B. Roshan. Set in Edwardian England with slight steampunk overtones, this narrative is deep and highly engaging without becoming heavy. The descriptions are so vivid it feels almost as if the author traveled in time. About two thirds of the way through the book, I was so engrossed by the excellent vocabulary and rich setting that I quite forgot it was a new, modern title.
However, as incredible as the setting is, characterization is where this book truly shines. Opal is an excellent portrayal of an autistic heroine, and I deeply identified with her in so many ways. Although the book never explicitly states that Opal is on the spectrum, as an autistic reader, I could clearly see and understand her unique way of processing the world around her. Opal is highly intelligent and can be a bit stiff, stims when she gets nervous, and is ready to infodump about her chosen special interest (orchids) to whomever will listen…and those who won’t. I loved how naturally Opal is written, showing her meltdowns, attempts at masking, and inability to understand why people so often shun the truth. It made me happy to see someone like myself on these pages as Opal tries to find understanding in a world where she doesn’t quite fit in, giving a voice to the hidden struggles many autistic females face on a daily basis.
Gem is in many ways Opal’s opposite: free-spirited, outgoing, and carefree. She also cares much more what people think of her, which causes tension between her and Opal. I liked how these two very different sisters grow to understand each other better over the course of the book. Sisters are known to fight during the best of times, and the story shows how this natural tension can be complicated when one sibling is neurodiverse while the other is neurotypical.
The story takes a lot of twists and turns before coming to an optimistic conclusion. The only complaint I have is that I wish the epilogue was a little bit longer! With blood and mention of an animal attack, this delightful cozy mystery is suitable for ages 13 and up. An enthralling Edwardian escapade that’ll leave you feeling like you’ve traveled back in time, this excellent tale earns five out of five stars for its memorable characters and incredibly vibrant setting.
I received a free review copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I haven’t read any cozy mysteries before, and I can’t think of a better introduction than “Orchidelerium” by E.B. Roshan. Set in Edwardian England with slight steampunk overtones, this narrative is deep and highly engaging without becoming heavy. The descriptions are so vivid it feels almost as if the author traveled in time. About two thirds of the way through the book, I was so engrossed by the excellent vocabulary and rich setting that I quite forgot it was a new, modern title.
However, as incredible as the setting is, characterization is where this book truly shines. Opal is an excellent portrayal of an autistic heroine, and I deeply identified with her in so many ways. Although the book never explicitly states that Opal is on the spectrum, as an autistic reader, I could clearly see and understand her unique way of processing the world around her. Opal is highly intelligent and can be a bit stiff, stims when she gets nervous, and is ready to infodump about her chosen special interest (orchids) to whomever will listen…and those who won’t. I loved how naturally Opal is written, showing her meltdowns, attempts at masking, and inability to understand why people so often shun the truth. It made me happy to see someone like myself on these pages as Opal tries to find understanding in a world where she doesn’t quite fit in, giving a voice to the hidden struggles many autistic females face on a daily basis.
Gem is in many ways Opal’s opposite: free-spirited, outgoing, and carefree. She also cares much more what people think of her, which causes tension between her and Opal. I liked how these two very different sisters grow to understand each other better over the course of the book. Sisters are known to fight during the best of times, and the story shows how this natural tension can be complicated when one sibling is neurodiverse while the other is neurotypical.
The story takes a lot of twists and turns before coming to an optimistic conclusion. The only complaint I have is that I wish the epilogue was a little bit longer! With blood and mention of an animal attack, this delightful cozy mystery is suitable for ages 13 and up. An enthralling Edwardian escapade that’ll leave you feeling like you’ve traveled back in time, this excellent tale earns five out of five stars for its memorable characters and incredibly vibrant setting.
I received a free review copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 7, 2023
Opal and her sister were raised by their botanist father, but only Opal truly loves her work with plants. When a neighbour returns from an orchid-hunting trip in India, the sisters become embroiled in a series of conflicts with their neighbours and with one another.
This story has the language of a Regency romance but is in fact a mystery centering around the disappearance of some rare exotic orchids. Even though I wasn’t much taken with the protagonist, Opal, her relationship with her sister does go on to be revealed in quite a deep and meaningful manner. The steampunk elements (mention of electric cars and airships) do not feel like they’re integral to the plot.
An unusual story with an unusual protagonist, this could appeal to those looking for a cozy mystery set in an alternate Regency-like world, with a focus on sisterly rather than romantic love.
This story has the language of a Regency romance but is in fact a mystery centering around the disappearance of some rare exotic orchids. Even though I wasn’t much taken with the protagonist, Opal, her relationship with her sister does go on to be revealed in quite a deep and meaningful manner. The steampunk elements (mention of electric cars and airships) do not feel like they’re integral to the plot.
An unusual story with an unusual protagonist, this could appeal to those looking for a cozy mystery set in an alternate Regency-like world, with a focus on sisterly rather than romantic love.
May 20, 2023
Read my full review here: https://onreviewbysara.com/2023/05/19...
I was given this ARC as a gift from the author. My opinions and thoughts of the book are mine alone.
My Rating: I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars! You need to read this book. Why? It is so different. Think of modern-day Victorian cosplay. Opal will give you sarcasm and humor to the max. There is romance that you need to follow and will keep you laughing until no end. This style and book is different than anything else out there. I don’t know if I would have reached for this story if it wasn’t given to me. This opened my eyes to a different genre than I thought I would read! Plus, an illustrated novel makes it that much more fun!
I was given this ARC as a gift from the author. My opinions and thoughts of the book are mine alone.
My Rating: I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars! You need to read this book. Why? It is so different. Think of modern-day Victorian cosplay. Opal will give you sarcasm and humor to the max. There is romance that you need to follow and will keep you laughing until no end. This style and book is different than anything else out there. I don’t know if I would have reached for this story if it wasn’t given to me. This opened my eyes to a different genre than I thought I would read! Plus, an illustrated novel makes it that much more fun!
August 24, 2023
This was just the most wholesome cozy historical crime story I’ve ever read. It was so well written, the illustrations were absolutely stunning and the story line was really beautiful. If you’re a plant lover and enjoy a bit of cozy crime/mystery then I definitely recommend this book it was lovely
February 15, 2023
A quick and entertaining read! The writing style is a bit dense which took some getting use to.
March 4, 2023
“I don’t know as it’s a convenience to get where you’re going so fast you have no time to enjoy the journey.”This was a tough one to get through for me. Not because I didn’t enjoy the mystery, historical aspects or the overall writing but because of one thing, the main character Opal.
Opal comes across like someone who has a social impairment, like autism. She’s unable to cope with social situations or stress and breaks down when things don’t go as she likes or expects. Her interactions with others are stilted, forced and often end in her justifying her rude and pushy behavior when it usually isn’t called for. She comes across far older than her own age, like a stern, bitter grandmother figure. Opal is unlikable as a character and hard to get into the headspace of which tends to distance the reader from the narrative in a way that’s difficult to get past. I didn’t find myself invested in any of her struggles or triumphs because her behavior towards others and thoughts were off-putting. What bothered me most though was the hint that she’s a woman of faith, in which case her behavior is even more so out of line. Yes, I get it that if she has a social impairment those behaviors are hard to control, especially knowing that those diagnoses weren’t readily understood during the time period. However, given she wouldn’t have known she had such an impairment, that behavior wouldn’t have been looked on so favorably or laughed off as a quirk as it is in the novella. Yes, her sister talks often of tolerating her behavior but the novella paints her outbursts as something realistic to have been entertained in a relative even then and I don’t think it necessarily would’ve been. Even though someone might have been loved, a brash demeanor like Opal had would’ve been frowned upon rather than accepted as her being just an upfront and cold person. If she had experienced some sort of receptive arc to her behavior I might’ve been able to brush off my annoyance at her character but by the end she still retains a haughty, know-it-all attitude in a way that puts me off liking her even a little.
Now her sister Gem is someone I could’ve read an entire novella about. She sparkled with life and interest. Her cute romance with Hector and her willingness to be badgered by a sister who doesn’t notice her quiet servitude had me paying more attention to her than to Opal. Somehow in the end she’s painted more vain and vapid than I would’ve liked but I actually enjoyed her character and the smaller space she occupied in the book.
As for the other characters, besides Hector, Gem’s prospective fiancé, none of them particularly caught my interest. The only one of any mention would be Mr. Shallang, the foreigner who ends up being a bigger player in the Orchid mystery. His reveals near the end were interesting and I liked the little bit of intrigue he brought to the novella.
The writing of the novella was still enjoyable despite some of the flaws in characterization. I did enjoy the prose and descriptiveness related to the botanical aspects of the story as I’m not much of a plant person myself so having them described in a somewhat fantastical way is more interesting. I will say though, the illustrations did not add much to the book and in ways may have detracted from it. Before I could ascertain the ages of the characters the illustrations gave me the impression they were older than their 20 some years. I would say the novella might be better off without the cartoons as the writing does a good enough job filing in the atmospheric details.
Overall this was an alright read, quick and easy to get through but I’ll admit I did not enjoy it as much as I wished I could have due to Opal being the main character. Had she not been the focus I feel I could’ve gotten into the story more. This one is definitely for those who like botany, an easy mystery and maybe won’t mind being in the headspace of a prickly character.
– I voluntarily read and reviewed an e-copy of this book I received for free from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own. –
Review on my blog: Babbling Books Blog
March 22, 2023
Spiritual Themes
Although this is not an overtly Christian work, there are multiple references to the Maker/Creator.
There’s also a brief narrative comment about the injustice of Imperialism. I think this is so important in a period piece!
Finally, there’s one line, toward the end, that was pretty cool. I’m citing it in spoiler brackets because it falls at the end, but I found that I could read it almost allegory, though I know it's a stretch because I don't really see other lines in the narrative going this way.
What I Liked
“Cozy mystery” is a genre that I haven’t really delved into, but I can see why Orchidelerium would fit into this category. I liked that the mystery revolves around a comparatively minor event (the theft of some orchids), as opposed to something harsher (like murder). The premise and inclusion of conservatists as main characters was interesting, too.
The setting was interesting. I have to admit that, at many times, I found myself scratching my head, figuratively, at the inclusion of certain inventions, airships and electrical carriages. Since my knowledge of inventions of the (Victorian) period is a bit rusty, I toggled between the idea that these inventions were, in fact, in use— and the theory that the book is set in an alternate history. Ultimately, I’d settled on the second theory, only to learn that airships were created in the 1850s (says Google). Is that Victorian? (Is the story?) Ultimately, I’m not certain, but it was fun to read about electricity and innovations, alongside mentions of corsets and petticoats.
It was just a brief part, but I was very happy that Roshan addressed the injustice of Imperialism. I also felt that this part was written well.
I enjoyed the intrigue surrounding finances and how this sowed into the mystery. It was interesting to see how financial difficulty contributed to the characters’ (apparent) motives and subsequent actions.
The sister relationship, which did not immediately grab my attention, proved to be sweet and contributed meaningfully to the plot line, as well as to the character development.
Mr. Shallang was my favorite character; I would have enjoyed seeing more of him.
Content
Although there is one part I really liked addressing injustice, there’s also a good deal of presumptuousness and believing it’s perfectly fine to deflower India of its beautiful natural resources.
Respectful Discussion
This is one of those things that could potentially be a positive or negative. The mystery felt like less of a mystery to me, with a layperson doing the investigation. The investigation felt more haphazard, to me. However, this may just be an aspect of the “cozy mystery” genre, which I haven’t really read. After all, an ordinary person isn’t going to know the most effective way to solve a mystery.
Two of the elements that drew me, the title and the tiger, were much less present in the story than I expected. The tiger was more a part of flashbacks. Although I liked the title, I had trouble making a strong connection between it and the narrative.
Concluding Remarks
Although I expected to prefer Orchidelerium to the other title (in the Shards of Sevia series) by this author, I have to admit that I had trouble getting “into” Orchidelerium. I did, however, think the botany premise and the intrigue were sweet and clean, and the sister relationship added a layer of texture to the work.
Although this is not an overtly Christian work, there are multiple references to the Maker/Creator.
There’s also a brief narrative comment about the injustice of Imperialism. I think this is so important in a period piece!
Finally, there’s one line, toward the end, that was pretty cool. I’m citing it in spoiler brackets because it falls at the end, but I found that I could read it almost allegory, though I know it's a stretch because I don't really see other lines in the narrative going this way.
What I Liked
“Cozy mystery” is a genre that I haven’t really delved into, but I can see why Orchidelerium would fit into this category. I liked that the mystery revolves around a comparatively minor event (the theft of some orchids), as opposed to something harsher (like murder). The premise and inclusion of conservatists as main characters was interesting, too.
The setting was interesting. I have to admit that, at many times, I found myself scratching my head, figuratively, at the inclusion of certain inventions, airships and electrical carriages. Since my knowledge of inventions of the (Victorian) period is a bit rusty, I toggled between the idea that these inventions were, in fact, in use— and the theory that the book is set in an alternate history. Ultimately, I’d settled on the second theory, only to learn that airships were created in the 1850s (says Google). Is that Victorian? (Is the story?) Ultimately, I’m not certain, but it was fun to read about electricity and innovations, alongside mentions of corsets and petticoats.
It was just a brief part, but I was very happy that Roshan addressed the injustice of Imperialism. I also felt that this part was written well.
I enjoyed the intrigue surrounding finances and how this sowed into the mystery. It was interesting to see how financial difficulty contributed to the characters’ (apparent) motives and subsequent actions.
The sister relationship, which did not immediately grab my attention, proved to be sweet and contributed meaningfully to the plot line, as well as to the character development.
Mr. Shallang was my favorite character; I would have enjoyed seeing more of him.
Content
Although there is one part I really liked addressing injustice, there’s also a good deal of presumptuousness and believing it’s perfectly fine to deflower India of its beautiful natural resources.
Respectful Discussion
This is one of those things that could potentially be a positive or negative. The mystery felt like less of a mystery to me, with a layperson doing the investigation. The investigation felt more haphazard, to me. However, this may just be an aspect of the “cozy mystery” genre, which I haven’t really read. After all, an ordinary person isn’t going to know the most effective way to solve a mystery.
Two of the elements that drew me, the title and the tiger, were much less present in the story than I expected. The tiger was more a part of flashbacks. Although I liked the title, I had trouble making a strong connection between it and the narrative.
Concluding Remarks
Although I expected to prefer Orchidelerium to the other title (in the Shards of Sevia series) by this author, I have to admit that I had trouble getting “into” Orchidelerium. I did, however, think the botany premise and the intrigue were sweet and clean, and the sister relationship added a layer of texture to the work.
August 10, 2025
I picked this one up some time ago but was a little hesitant to actually start it because--well, let's be honest, mostly because I've been in a massive reading slump. But I was also a bit hesitant because of some of the social commentary-type themes that are implied by the premise and in some of the reviews I've read. No, I'm not the kind of person who thinks the past was perfect and that all people and societies don't have their flaws, but I've gotten pretty tired of some of the modern attitudes that want to dunk on the past as though everything about it is flawed.
However, as I've gotten to know more of the author's work (no, I know there's still so much I haven't gotten to...) and see the kind of thought that she puts into her settings and characters, I started feeling like maybe this wasn't going to be your run-of-the-mill social commentary stories. So when I found myself looking for something short-ish to try to inch me out of the aforesaid reading slump, I thought of this one and decided to give it a try.
And I was correct! It was nothing like I was afraid it might be when I first hesitated over it. Yes, there's some social commentary and some not-particularly-flattering looks at certain ways of the past. But it doesn't shove itself in your face or beat you over the head. And it doesn't paint the people of the past (or, I guess, the alternative past in this instance) like they can all be covered over with one brush. There's nuance, and variation, and other perspectives. So very tastefully done!
And now that I'm through with the whole "was afraid I wouldn't like because, but ended up not being what I was afraid of" for other potential readers who may have the same reservations I did, a few notes on some other aspects I particularly enjoyed...
The characters were sweet and endearing. Well, endearing might be a bit much for Opal, but interesting definitely fits. Also believable. Opal is a bit of an oddball in her world and could certainly use a few lessons on the relative values of people and plants, but for all that, her heart's in the right place when you dig deep enough. Leonidas, on the other hand, was possibly my favorite, and I just loved so much about his character--not the least the way he appreciated Opal just the way she was. :) I liked both Gem and Hector and enjoyed digging beneath the surface to find out what made them tick. I thought I had guessed the...shall we say culprit?...at one point, but no, that guess would have been quite cliche, and I loved that it didn't end up that way. However, I won't say much about certain other people in order not to spoil too much for the rest of you. Also loved the light steampunk elements and the way that the characters' attitudes and opinions stayed mostly grounded in the relevant time period, even with mechanical arms and airships thrown in. (Though tbh, I've seen much worse portrayals of historical periods without the addition of airships...)
The only thing that I didn't quite get were certain aspects of the ending--it all wrapped up so fast, and I don't think I followed all of the connections in Opal's head, so although I understood in general what was happening, I don't think I quite tied off all the individual threads. But mysteries aren't usually my forte, so that could easily also just be me. Overall, I enjoyed this one very much and will be looking forward even more eagerly to reading more of the author's work!
However, as I've gotten to know more of the author's work (no, I know there's still so much I haven't gotten to...) and see the kind of thought that she puts into her settings and characters, I started feeling like maybe this wasn't going to be your run-of-the-mill social commentary stories. So when I found myself looking for something short-ish to try to inch me out of the aforesaid reading slump, I thought of this one and decided to give it a try.
And I was correct! It was nothing like I was afraid it might be when I first hesitated over it. Yes, there's some social commentary and some not-particularly-flattering looks at certain ways of the past. But it doesn't shove itself in your face or beat you over the head. And it doesn't paint the people of the past (or, I guess, the alternative past in this instance) like they can all be covered over with one brush. There's nuance, and variation, and other perspectives. So very tastefully done!
And now that I'm through with the whole "was afraid I wouldn't like because, but ended up not being what I was afraid of" for other potential readers who may have the same reservations I did, a few notes on some other aspects I particularly enjoyed...
The characters were sweet and endearing. Well, endearing might be a bit much for Opal, but interesting definitely fits. Also believable. Opal is a bit of an oddball in her world and could certainly use a few lessons on the relative values of people and plants, but for all that, her heart's in the right place when you dig deep enough. Leonidas, on the other hand, was possibly my favorite, and I just loved so much about his character--not the least the way he appreciated Opal just the way she was. :) I liked both Gem and Hector and enjoyed digging beneath the surface to find out what made them tick. I thought I had guessed the...shall we say culprit?...at one point, but no, that guess would have been quite cliche, and I loved that it didn't end up that way. However, I won't say much about certain other people in order not to spoil too much for the rest of you. Also loved the light steampunk elements and the way that the characters' attitudes and opinions stayed mostly grounded in the relevant time period, even with mechanical arms and airships thrown in. (Though tbh, I've seen much worse portrayals of historical periods without the addition of airships...)
The only thing that I didn't quite get were certain aspects of the ending--it all wrapped up so fast, and I don't think I followed all of the connections in Opal's head, so although I understood in general what was happening, I don't think I quite tied off all the individual threads. But mysteries aren't usually my forte, so that could easily also just be me. Overall, I enjoyed this one very much and will be looking forward even more eagerly to reading more of the author's work!
March 3, 2023
Orchidelirium was a fast paced, and entertaining read that was truly unlike anything I'd ever read before. Set in an alternative Edwardian England, it's a uniquely developed mystery that included quirky illustrations, fanciful orchids, tiger attacks, and steampunk elements that illustrate this is no normal Edwardian novel.
The characters are a hoot, and while it took me a little while to connect with the main character, Opal, she definitely grew on me, and I respected how she'd worked her hardest to continue her beloved father's dream of owning an orchid conservatory. She also goes above and beyond to give her younger sister the best life she possibly could, and seeing how motivated she was by her love for her family definitely helped me sympathize with the way she reacted to certain situations.
The mystery set up is unique, and while certain parts may have been a little predictable, I was overall impressed with how the story came together in the end, and kept me glued to each page.
E.B. Roshan has a wonderful way of making her prose flow effortlessly from page to page, and I loved how smooth the entire writing style was. I was also extremely impressed that she did her own illustrations, as they fit perfectly with the story itself, and added another fun element.
Overall, I really did enjoy this one, and I loved that it ended up being nothing like what I was expecting. The only negative I had is that I would have liked a bit more of the elements to be included that made it stand out as an alternative world England, but I did really enjoy the components that were included nonetheless.
Final Rating: 4/5.
I wholeheartedly enjoyed this one, and I'd definitely recommend it for anyone who is a fan of clean mysteries, especially those set in alternative worlds.
Thanks so much to E.B. Roshan for allowing me to advance read and review this one!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.
The characters are a hoot, and while it took me a little while to connect with the main character, Opal, she definitely grew on me, and I respected how she'd worked her hardest to continue her beloved father's dream of owning an orchid conservatory. She also goes above and beyond to give her younger sister the best life she possibly could, and seeing how motivated she was by her love for her family definitely helped me sympathize with the way she reacted to certain situations.
The mystery set up is unique, and while certain parts may have been a little predictable, I was overall impressed with how the story came together in the end, and kept me glued to each page.
E.B. Roshan has a wonderful way of making her prose flow effortlessly from page to page, and I loved how smooth the entire writing style was. I was also extremely impressed that she did her own illustrations, as they fit perfectly with the story itself, and added another fun element.
Overall, I really did enjoy this one, and I loved that it ended up being nothing like what I was expecting. The only negative I had is that I would have liked a bit more of the elements to be included that made it stand out as an alternative world England, but I did really enjoy the components that were included nonetheless.
Final Rating: 4/5.
I wholeheartedly enjoyed this one, and I'd definitely recommend it for anyone who is a fan of clean mysteries, especially those set in alternative worlds.
Thanks so much to E.B. Roshan for allowing me to advance read and review this one!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.
March 15, 2023
I found E.B Roshan’s novella, Orchidelirium to be such an enjoyable read mainly because of its exploration and growth of human relationships, specifically that of the main protagonist, Opal and her younger sister, Throughout the book the beauty of flowers and plants are prevelant and besides Gem are what Opal loves most. Several scenes in this book are beautifully painted, in parts of the story, one cannot read this book without visualizing a verdant indoor tropical paradise, complete with lovebirds! As well having mystery, this novel has a touch of science fiction and an Edwardian set world.
It is through a mystery involving the theft of some of these plants that Opal gains an understanding of Gem that she did not have before, helping to strengthen their bond, and like a flower, it begins to bloom. With the remembered guidance of the sisters' beloved father, who died and the practical words of the longtime household butler, Opal learns to release her hold on Gem. Gem in turn gains a new respect for Opal. The two sisters are not the only ones we see what really are lovely relationships are like and how they connect with others outside of themselves. Opal finds she needs to be more open-minded and accept others for who they are.
This tale is also about two brothers of a neighboring household, Leonidas and Hector Ardmore, two brothers who are loyal and true to each other. There is friendship between Leondas and it is through his story we are told how a friendship that is almost beyond description has developed between him and a foreigner, Pradyur Shallang. This story also has a bit of romance and an uncle of Hector and Leonidas’ that is rather hard to negotiate with, that all characters encounter and manage in their own ways. This uncle seems to undergo a change himself, but that could just be my interpretation.
The mystery of this story is not how the characters meet but does create the tension necessary for the relationships between these five characters to form or deepen. E.B. Roshan navigates the complexities of achieving this very well and finishes her story in a unhurried and statisfying way.
It is through a mystery involving the theft of some of these plants that Opal gains an understanding of Gem that she did not have before, helping to strengthen their bond, and like a flower, it begins to bloom. With the remembered guidance of the sisters' beloved father, who died and the practical words of the longtime household butler, Opal learns to release her hold on Gem. Gem in turn gains a new respect for Opal. The two sisters are not the only ones we see what really are lovely relationships are like and how they connect with others outside of themselves. Opal finds she needs to be more open-minded and accept others for who they are.
This tale is also about two brothers of a neighboring household, Leonidas and Hector Ardmore, two brothers who are loyal and true to each other. There is friendship between Leondas and it is through his story we are told how a friendship that is almost beyond description has developed between him and a foreigner, Pradyur Shallang. This story also has a bit of romance and an uncle of Hector and Leonidas’ that is rather hard to negotiate with, that all characters encounter and manage in their own ways. This uncle seems to undergo a change himself, but that could just be my interpretation.
The mystery of this story is not how the characters meet but does create the tension necessary for the relationships between these five characters to form or deepen. E.B. Roshan navigates the complexities of achieving this very well and finishes her story in a unhurried and statisfying way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2023
This was a huge step outside my typical genres, but the author offered a complimentary copy and I was happy to give it a chance! And while it’s still not my preferred kind of story, I thought it was very cute, and worth the read!
First, the illustrations were a very fun addition to this little story (novella-length). They broke up the text well, and gave the story a middle-grade feel. Even the plot’s main mystery seemed to be on a smaller scale, something that younger readers could enjoy. That said, the characters’ dialogue wasn’t child-like. The setting was meant to be a Steampunk alternative to Victorian England, and the dialogue reflected that era, being older and more flowery.
The characters made for a fun cast of characters, with realistic sibling relationships, a couple of well-written antagonists, and a lot of dry wit and bits of humor from the protagonist. I had a tough time telling all of the characters apart at first, but figured them out pretty quickly. Even the bits of romance were short and sweet. In such a short story, the Steampunk elements of the worldbuilding didn’t show too much, but the setting worked and was easy to follow along with anyway. All in all, this was a quick, quirky, and entertaining read!
I would recommend this to middle grade readers (of any age!) that enjoy short, illustrated, and historical reads with a fun cast of characters and a unique mystery plot.
CW: some characters smoke, theft, but I can't think of anything else that would be considered tricky. It was very clean!
First, the illustrations were a very fun addition to this little story (novella-length). They broke up the text well, and gave the story a middle-grade feel. Even the plot’s main mystery seemed to be on a smaller scale, something that younger readers could enjoy. That said, the characters’ dialogue wasn’t child-like. The setting was meant to be a Steampunk alternative to Victorian England, and the dialogue reflected that era, being older and more flowery.
The characters made for a fun cast of characters, with realistic sibling relationships, a couple of well-written antagonists, and a lot of dry wit and bits of humor from the protagonist. I had a tough time telling all of the characters apart at first, but figured them out pretty quickly. Even the bits of romance were short and sweet. In such a short story, the Steampunk elements of the worldbuilding didn’t show too much, but the setting worked and was easy to follow along with anyway. All in all, this was a quick, quirky, and entertaining read!
I would recommend this to middle grade readers (of any age!) that enjoy short, illustrated, and historical reads with a fun cast of characters and a unique mystery plot.
CW: some characters smoke, theft, but I can't think of anything else that would be considered tricky. It was very clean!
February 27, 2023
Orchidelirium is a quick, entertaining read with quirky characters that are sure to make you chuckle and a dash of mystery to keep you turning pages.
While I struggled to get inside Opal’s head at first, my admiration for her grew as the story progressed. I could relate to her struggles as an older sister (being one myself), and I loved the sister dynamic between Opal and Gem. I enjoyed watching the sisters work through their struggles of communication and learn how to love and care for each other better.
The unique premise of exotic orchids and orchid hunters drew me right in. There was just enough detail to make the world come alive with realism, without weighing down the story. However, I didn’t realize this was an alternate Edwardian world until the mention of the airship. Honestly, the story would have worked just fine in a traditional Edwardian setting as the alternate setting didn’t really add much to the story.
The prose flowed smoothly and cleanly. Occasionally, the dialogue felt a little stilted, but I appreciated that the author tried to match it to the historical time period.
While the story was fairly predictable with few surprises, the masterful character interactions kept me engaged all the way through!
Favorite quote:
“God placed no price tag upon beauty. . . . So who are we to decree that only the wealthy may enjoy it?”
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
While I struggled to get inside Opal’s head at first, my admiration for her grew as the story progressed. I could relate to her struggles as an older sister (being one myself), and I loved the sister dynamic between Opal and Gem. I enjoyed watching the sisters work through their struggles of communication and learn how to love and care for each other better.
The unique premise of exotic orchids and orchid hunters drew me right in. There was just enough detail to make the world come alive with realism, without weighing down the story. However, I didn’t realize this was an alternate Edwardian world until the mention of the airship. Honestly, the story would have worked just fine in a traditional Edwardian setting as the alternate setting didn’t really add much to the story.
The prose flowed smoothly and cleanly. Occasionally, the dialogue felt a little stilted, but I appreciated that the author tried to match it to the historical time period.
While the story was fairly predictable with few surprises, the masterful character interactions kept me engaged all the way through!
Favorite quote:
“God placed no price tag upon beauty. . . . So who are we to decree that only the wealthy may enjoy it?”
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 5, 2023
Orchidelirium is a novella set in an alternative Edwardian England, where such things as electric carriages and airships abound. However, although the technological devices/vehicles are quite advanced it still has the flavour of a period novel. The illustrations helped me to picture the story better and I loved the descriptions of the orchids and the glasshouses filled with exotic plants.
The characters are unusual. Opal and her sister Gem have a very close relationship, where Opal relies heavily on Gem for emotional and social support. Opal is the main character and she struck me as quite eccentric. She isn't afraid to speak her mind which was quite disconcerting at times as she's evidently a lady, and a young one at that, and would therefore have been expected to behave in a certain manner.
Opal has the air of someone who is more interested in the botanical side of life than human relationships, and her relationship with her sister is quite fraught at times. However, Opal grows and changes as the story progresses, although she retains her prickly manner.
A unique, well-written story, with an intriguing mystery which kept me turning the pages. I could imagine some of the characters in an Agatha Christie novel. So, if you enjoy stories with an unusual premise and a cozy, historical feel, do pick up this book!
The characters are unusual. Opal and her sister Gem have a very close relationship, where Opal relies heavily on Gem for emotional and social support. Opal is the main character and she struck me as quite eccentric. She isn't afraid to speak her mind which was quite disconcerting at times as she's evidently a lady, and a young one at that, and would therefore have been expected to behave in a certain manner.
Opal has the air of someone who is more interested in the botanical side of life than human relationships, and her relationship with her sister is quite fraught at times. However, Opal grows and changes as the story progresses, although she retains her prickly manner.
A unique, well-written story, with an intriguing mystery which kept me turning the pages. I could imagine some of the characters in an Agatha Christie novel. So, if you enjoy stories with an unusual premise and a cozy, historical feel, do pick up this book!
March 31, 2023
3.5 stars
Orchidelirium is an Edwardian-inspired fantasy/steampunk cozy mystery novella about Opal Morris, an avid orchid collector, along with her sister Gem and their neighbors, Leonidas and Hector Ardmore. This is likely just me, but the plot seemed hard to follow (I probably wasn’t paying enough attention) and the characters didn’t intrigue me at first. However, as the story progressed, I liked them more and more. Additionally, I would have enjoyed more fantasy elements than just the artificial arm and the mention of a few airships to differentiate this from an ordinary Edwardian-set story. However, I liked the author's prose, which seemed perfect for the time period and not at all modern. If you like exotic plants and/or short cozy mysteries, you should read Orchidelirium.
I would like to thank the author for giving me a free ARC to honestly review.
Orchidelirium is an Edwardian-inspired fantasy/steampunk cozy mystery novella about Opal Morris, an avid orchid collector, along with her sister Gem and their neighbors, Leonidas and Hector Ardmore. This is likely just me, but the plot seemed hard to follow (I probably wasn’t paying enough attention) and the characters didn’t intrigue me at first. However, as the story progressed, I liked them more and more. Additionally, I would have enjoyed more fantasy elements than just the artificial arm and the mention of a few airships to differentiate this from an ordinary Edwardian-set story. However, I liked the author's prose, which seemed perfect for the time period and not at all modern. If you like exotic plants and/or short cozy mysteries, you should read Orchidelirium.
I would like to thank the author for giving me a free ARC to honestly review.
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