A Conventicle of Magpies by L.M.R. Clarke

Feb 08, 2021 Montzalee Wittmann rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, favorite-series-1st-book

A Conventicle of Magpies
(The Bloodskill Duology Book 1)
by LMR Clarke
BooksGoSocial Publishers
I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read the book! What a delicious delight!
This is such a lot to unpack I don't know where to start! It's in an alternate Victorian era but racism is very much alive to the point of thriving uncontrolled! Sexist ideas are present but probably the same as it was back in Victorian times which was bad enough!
There are Skilled and Unskilled people. Skil ...more

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Feb 11, 2021 Shirin Tondkar rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: my-best-fantasy, netgalley

A Conventicle of Magpies by L.M.R. Clarke, the first book in The Bloodskill Duology set in the town of Stamchester, this world where people categorized by their blood and the Avanish enslaved the Saosuíasei.
"If its war, its war the Avanish have brought on themselves, they have only themselves to blame."

A Conventicle of Magpies is a group of women run by mama Magpie. They have hired to do something that cops don't do for the Saosuíasei. Most folks engaged the services for one reason, to take back ...more

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Feb 10, 2021 Athena (OneReadingNurse) rated it liked it

FML i just spent a half hour typing out a discourse on why authors shouldn't feel forced to write all kinds of liberal progressive content into their books, on top of the review, and the app crashed.

The point was that when the author feels forced, it feels forced to the reader, and ends up being better just left out. I really don't care if a handful of very loud people criticise books for not including certain reps, if it's not naturally written in and integral to the plot, just leave it out bec ...more

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Feb 05, 2021 Nen & Jen rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc, fantasy

I didn’t really know what to expect going into this one, as I’ve never read Clarke’s previous novels, so I won’t deny that it was this amazing cover that caught my eye! And I’m glad it did. A Conventicle of Magpies had a little bit of everything: a dynamic plot, diverse characters, and a solid chunk of social commentary to touch on topics of oppression and discrimination—a combination you don’t always find in a YA book.

Stamchester itself was an interesting setting and was described as a kind of I didn’t really know what to expect going into this one, as I’ve never read Clarke’s previous novels, so I won’t deny that it was this amazing cover that caught my eye! And I’m glad it did. A Conventicle of Magpies had a little bit of everything: a dynamic plot, diverse characters, and a solid chunk of social commentary to touch on topics of oppression and discrimination—a combination you don’t always find in a YA book.

Stamchester itself was an interesting setting and was described as a kind of fictional Victorian city made up of Avanish suburbs and Saosuíasei slums—a divide that fuels the main conflict throughout the text. But this certainly isn’t the only conflict. Much of the appeal for this story lies in its fast-paced plot. Each chapter feels like a new challenge that keeps you curious and flipping through those pages. For those who prefer a single central conflict, that’s not what you’re going to get in this book. Between Billy Drainer, the Avanish, and the main character’s own personal struggles, you’re in for a ride!

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: characters always make or break a story for me, and Rook was pretty solid. She was a strong and well-rounded female protagonist—a realistic mix of fantasy hero and flawed human—with a talent for using the magic known as Bloodskill. As part of a criminal organisation (The Conventical) known for protecting the Saosuíasei women of Stamchester, Rook managed to be both fierce and compassionate. I really enjoyed reading things from her perspective and seeing how she interacted with those around her.

Speaking of those around her, there were quite a few side characters in this story as well. While they didn’t always move the plot forward, they were diverse and easy to differentiate and didn’t take away from the story at all, so this wasn’t a problem for me. I also felt that the side characters had a bigger part to play, so hopefully we’ll learn more about them in the second instalment.

Overall, this was an entertaining read with plenty of mystery to keep you going. The story raises a lot of questions—about Billy Drainer, Bloodskill, Rook’s past and even her future. Some questions are answered, and the rest I look forward to discovering in the sequel.

...more

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Feb 04, 2021 Jessica Belmont rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2021-5-star-blog-tour-reads

A Conventicle of Magpies by L.M.R. Clarke is a beautifully written, gaslamp fantasy, set in a Victorian-inspired world. It is the first in the Bloodskills Duology and I’m so excited to read the next book!

When I say fast-paced, I mean it. It started off with a bang and kept going through the whole book. I was engaged and couldn’t put this one down.

I am obsessed with the world building. Gaslamp fantasy is just such a unique genre and this author created such beautiful imagery. I need more world bu ...more

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Feb 20, 2021 Holly rated it liked it

Shelves: arc, ebook

I'm extremely conflicted about what to rate this book, so I went for a safe three, for now.

I got strong Six of Crows vibes from the start of this book. Gangs, one even being called the Magpies (remind you of the crows anyone), a formidable prison, magic powers...it's all there. It's no secret that I love SoC, so I was fully expecting to love this one too. Also the description sounded amazing.

At first, I found the story a little confusing. There's a lot going on, and so it can be hard to keep tra ...more

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Feb 17, 2021 Raynee rated it really liked it

Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Jan 26, 2021 Susanna rated it really liked it

A Conventicle of Magpies is the first book in the Bloodskill duology by L.M.R. Clarke. It’s set in an industrial town of Stamchester in a unique world with factories, early automobiles, and even some telephones, but also magic called bloodskill that is available for all. The world is referred to as Victorian in the book description, but it’s not steampunk/gaslight punk—or very Victorian in general. Edwardian, maybe, if one absolutely has to utilise period descriptions from our world. I received A Conventicle of Magpies is the first book in the Bloodskill duology by L.M.R. Clarke. It’s set in an industrial town of Stamchester in a unique world with factories, early automobiles, and even some telephones, but also magic called bloodskill that is available for all. The world is referred to as Victorian in the book description, but it’s not steampunk/gaslight punk—or very Victorian in general. Edwardian, maybe, if one absolutely has to utilise period descriptions from our world. I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Stamchester is a hotspot of political tension. It has belonged to one set of people conquered by the Avanish, who have then brought in a different set of people, the Saosuíasei, to live there as cheap labour while they plunder the original country of the Saosuíasei. For some reason that isn’t given a very good explanation for, other than prejudice, the Avanish have now decided to empty Stamchester of the Saosuíasei, with violence if necessary.

Rook is a young Saosuíasei woman living in the slums where her people have been banished. She belongs to a gang of women led by Mama Magpie who steal to protect the Saosuíasei women. When the Avanish begin to move against the Saosuíasei, the women team up with another gang, Jaguars, to try to save their people.

The book took a while to get going, or decide what the story it wanted to tell was. Rook has a lot going on in her life. She has lost an older sister and father, and has to take care of her ten siblings practically alone. A serial killer haunts the slums, emptying the victims of blood to use it in blood magic—a storyline that never really moved the plot and seemed superfluous despite the importance of blood to all magic users. A childhood friend has chosen to side with the enemy, much to the sorrow of Rook and her adoptive sister Kestrel, another gang member. It isn’t until the gangs unite against the Avanish that the story finds a direction that holds until the end.

Rook is an interesting character who always tries to do the right thing despite the enormous pressure she is constantly under from every direction. She’s good with bloodskill and stealing, but not overly superior. She comes across as a bit aloof though, and apart from Kestrel, she doesn’t really connect with any of the side characters. And neither does the reader.

Side characters were the main weakness of the story. There were simply too many of them, and the focus never stayed in them long enough for the reader to form an attachment. At the beginning of the book there were one set of people with Rook, in the middle there was another, and then again a new set, none of which were properly introduced to the reader. They simply appear, do their part in that section of the plot, and then disappear.

The character most ill served by this was Kestrel, Rook’s stalwart companion and the main side character. She was clearly meant to give the book LBQT+ status, but she turned out to be a mere token. She’s a biological male presenting as a woman, but her main concern seemed to be her looks, and her only role was to save Rook from scrapes. I found it especially disappointing that she was pushed aside when the plot required infiltration to a women’s prison. The excuse was that she would have to strip, but that didn’t even happen to the women who eventually participated, publicly anyway.

It’s an author’s job to put their characters in difficult situations, and then extradite them whilst staying true to their characteristics, not push them aside when they become incovenient for the story. There would’ve been plenty of ways to include Kestrel, but she wasn’t. So, instead of being inclusive, the message here is that she isn’t good enough as she is to have agency or a proper role, even as a side character in a make-believe world. I hope this is done better in the next book.

The book ends when the war with the Avanish finally begins. I find it difficult to imagine how the Saosuíasei will save the day against the far superior enemy who have almost destroyed them already. But, despite the issues I had with this book, I’m definitely going to find out how the story ends. ...more

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Jan 29, 2021 Clara rated it really liked it

Overall: 4/5
Characters: 4.5/5
Plot and Theme: 4/5
Writing and Setting: 4.5/5
Vibes: 5/5
Gist of my review: A really good start to a new series! It set up a new world quite well, creating solid dynamics between characters and skillfully building up the conflict. I’m really looking forward to reading the rest of the series!

*Content Warning: Death, Suicide, Murder, Incarceration*

Summary:
The Saosuíasei people have been repressed by the Avanish for decades. As the conflict between them reaches its clima ...more

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Feb 03, 2021 Brandy Michelle Michelle rated it really liked it · review of another edition

A Conventicle of Magpies by LMR Clarke is a Victorian mystery adventure that leaves the reader wanting more.
The tale follows Rook, a girl who lives an alternative lifestyle as a pickpocket and much more. She belongs to a Conventicle of Magpies thieving group to help provide for her sick mother and sisters at home. The city is being hunted by a serial killer, draining his victims of their blood because, in this world, blood is a valuable commodity. No one is safe from the killer, not even Magpie’ ...more

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Feb 02, 2021 Alexander Keane rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy

Disclaimer: I received a review copy of the book

Rook works as a thief with the titular Conventicle of Magpies to help take care of her mother and sisters after the death of her father. In her work, she must contend with a serial killer and the Avanish rulers of Stamchester who look down upon the Saosuiasei who live in the Shambles. But when the Avanish accelerate their plans for Stamchester, will Rook be able to protect herself, let alone those she cares about?

Clarke writes an interesting world ...more

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Feb 09, 2021 S marked it as dropped

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I was looking forward to this one, I'm incredibly weak when it comes to beautiful covers and after reading the synopsis, I assumed that it's a clear new amazing ARC to read. Well, let's say that it didn't deliver what I wanted out of it, as selfish as that sounds, dropped at 50%.

I have received this book in exchange of an honest review, thank you to Netgalley and Books Go Social for the opportunity.

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To begin, I'm going to say that this is one of the most interesting magic sys ...more

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Jan 30, 2021 Brooke rated it liked it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. First of all, I wanted to thank NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in return for an honest and unbiased review.

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- “How can anyone hate us just for who we are?”

“People hate what they don’t understand, and what they think is lesser than themselves”

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I was really hooked by the concept of this book. It’s set in a Victorian-esque era and follows Rook, a strong, resourceful and intuitive Sasouíasei woman. Rook has to deal with a lot, she’s struggling with grief and pain but finds ...more

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Feb 10, 2021 Tricia Varosky rated it really liked it

As a whole, this story captured my attention from the get go. Coming off of a pretty serious months long reading slump, this was the perfect story for me to pick up. The characters are gripping, the world is fascinating, the premise is unique, and the problems almost tangible. I dove right into the story and didn’t want to put it down as soon as I’d started. I can’t wait to continue on in this world as soon as more exists. If that’s not a fantastic end to a reading slump, I don’t know what is.

Th As a whole, this story captured my attention from the get go. Coming off of a pretty serious months long reading slump, this was the perfect story for me to pick up. The characters are gripping, the world is fascinating, the premise is unique, and the problems almost tangible. I dove right into the story and didn’t want to put it down as soon as I’d started. I can’t wait to continue on in this world as soon as more exists. If that’s not a fantastic end to a reading slump, I don’t know what is.

This story is such an interesting concept. I adore learning more about the Bloodskills and the way different people are able to harness the powers. It’s extremely clever to use blood typing the way they did in this story. It helps make the story seem more real, more plausible even though magic doesn’t exist that way in the real world. Adding blood sickness to the lore of this world is a really clever touch, something that gives the story even more depth.

Rook herself is such an enjoyable main character to read about. Being the top of her field, it’s easy to see the skill through which she does things. Yet she’s by no means perfect. She’s got a tempter to her that’s enjoyable to read about. (Okay, enjoyable might not be right right word for it. I don’t think you’re supposed to “enjoy” someone having a temper…) Of course, she’s pretty good at keeping this temper in check when she needs to. But it’s always there, just below the surface.

In general, I adore reading about outlaws, thieves, etc. Being someone who always tries to follow the rules and the laws of society, it’s a great escape for me to slip into a life like this. I wish I had the bravery and conviction that Rook has in everything she does. I wish I had the tenacity to go out and do what needs to be done… even when there’s a serial killer on the loose.

The political unrest that’s in this series is a very loud undertone throughout everyone’s actions and decisions. It’s clear just how deep the hatred lies on both sides. Heck, it’s even clear in the ways that Billy Drainer selects his victims. While political reads aren’t necessarily my favourite, this story covers the politics behind slavery and racism in a way that helps drive the story forward. It doesn’t detract anything from the actions of the characters – instead it enhances them. It’s sickening the fact that parallels can be made between A Conventicle of Magpies and the world around us, but to me that just helped make this story even more powerful.

If you’re looking for a fun, fast paced Steampunk story, you can’t go wrong by picking up A Conventicle of Magpies. ...more

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Feb 19, 2021 Emily Jane rated it really liked it

Let me start by saying the cover of this book is absolutely gorgeous, it was one of the main reasons why I decided to request this book as it caught my eye straight away!

On the whole, A Conventicle of Magpies was an excellent read and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey that we were taken on throughout this book.

From the start I loved the vibe of this book, there is a very Victorian/Jack the Ripper kind of feel throughout the first chapters which grabbed my attention. And all credit to the author Let me start by saying the cover of this book is absolutely gorgeous, it was one of the main reasons why I decided to request this book as it caught my eye straight away!

On the whole, A Conventicle of Magpies was an excellent read and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey that we were taken on throughout this book.

From the start I loved the vibe of this book, there is a very Victorian/Jack the Ripper kind of feel throughout the first chapters which grabbed my attention. And all credit to the author as they kept this theme going throughout the whole book, which definitely kept me hooked onto this one.

I found A Conventicle of Magpies to be really easy to read, and that is in no way a criticism! It just flowed so well through the plot and before I knew it I was halfway through the book, I was so desperate to find out what would happen next that I just kept on turning the pages.

Whilst the idea of two sides being opposed to each other and one trying to remove the other from society isn't the most original plot, the way the author wrote made us feel like it was a brand new trope. The introduction of the authors own groups (the Saosuíasei and Avanish) only helped that feel.

And with the introduction of Rook's sister being missing, Billy Drainer our Jack the Ripper-esque serial killer and the bloodskill aspect (discussed further below) this book was not short of other interesting layers to elevate the story to a higher level.

I would like to praise LMR Clarke for the bloodskill aspect within this book. I've seen a lot of magic/fantasy ideas as to how people gain their skills but never through bloodwork, so that was a nice new introduction.

I have to say though my favourite part of this book was the Magpies, the way this book was very female led, and how strong and supportive they were of each other and the Saosuíasei people around them. It's nice to see some female representation!

This isn't to say that the Jaguar and every other character in this book wasn't excellently written, it's just that, for me, Rook stole the show.

The ending of this book was absolutely excellent too, it rounded the story off perfectly but also left it open for later books to be written. And I, for one, will be picking up the next book in the series when it's written. ...more

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Feb 13, 2021 Danica Henry rated it it was ok

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I hate rating books poorly, so I usually just don't rate a book if I didn't love it. But I got this one from Netgalley, and I promised my honest opinion.

The hardest thing about this particular book is how hard I was rooting for it. I wanted it to be good. But there were a lot of problems here.

Bloodskill, or "skilling", is a huge part of the world building, but almost no time is devoted to explaining what it is or how it works. So it just feels like a cheat. The internal logical framework just I hate rating books poorly, so I usually just don't rate a book if I didn't love it. But I got this one from Netgalley, and I promised my honest opinion.

The hardest thing about this particular book is how hard I was rooting for it. I wanted it to be good. But there were a lot of problems here.

Bloodskill, or "skilling", is a huge part of the world building, but almost no time is devoted to explaining what it is or how it works. So it just feels like a cheat. The internal logical framework just isn't there. The heroine gets in an impossible situation so she "skills" her way out of it by giving herself an on-the-go blood transfusion. Lots of books find devices to explain physiology and technology that doesn't exist in our world in a way that makes it feel authentic to a fictional universe. But this book didn't do that for me.

This is intended to be a duology which explains some of the loose ends. But as a standalone novel it has no payoff. Pit isn't worth Rook's time, but she suddenly forgives him, and we don't have any reason to believe he's pulling one over on her, although I think that would make him more interesting. Rook has three different encounters with a notorious serial killer and some kind of big reveal is hinted at, but nothing is actually revealed. I hope when the second book brings the story to a conclusion, the characters will feel more complex. Because characters seemed to be strictly in their good guy/bad guy boxes, except Pit who flipped unceremoniously from a bad guy to a good guy.

The dialogue is stilted. Sometimes phrases are used repetitively in a way that is probably how people actually talk, but isn't how we want our fictional characters to talk. For example, 75% of the way through the book Rook steals a motorcar and there are three lines of dialogue in a row that call it "this thing". Then she calls it a car and makes me cringe.

One star because I really wanted to like it. The plot and setting had potential.

One star because Rook and Kestrel's friendship was lovely, and there wasn't any love triangle strong armed into it, thank goodness. ...more

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Feb 03, 2021 Meigan rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical, young-or-new-adult, fantasy, magic-or-witchcraft-or-summoning, received-for-review, lgbtqia

A CONVENTICLE OF MAGPIES embodies everything that I love in historical fantasy — a dark and gritty world that’s fraught with danger, thieves and various criminal groups, a seedy city reminiscent of Whitechapel, and so much more. But what sets LMR Clarke’s historical fantasy apart from all the rest is her inclusive story that not only has a trans character that’s a very prominent side character, her story also explores various important themes such as prejudice and oppression. Simply put, this is ...more

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Feb 13, 2021 Corinne Anderson rated it really liked it

This novel was a fun take on dystopian segregation. I loved the creation of the Conventicle and that it was a female powered organization. Rook was a determined heroine; and I enjoyed her as a character, but I felt like she wasn't as flawed as she could have been. The novel had a lot going on; and I almost wish it was a little longer so that we could build the enemy a bit more.

So we have a few issues happening right off the bat, Billy the Drainer is on a murdering rampage, the drive by the Gove ...more

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Feb 01, 2021 gwendalyn _books_ rated it really liked it

This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers.

A Conventicle of Magpies is the first installment in the Bloodskill duology by L.M.R. Clarke.

Set in an alternative Victorian-inspir This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers.

A Conventicle of Magpies is the first installment in the Bloodskill duology by L.M.R. Clarke.

Set in an alternative Victorian-inspired version of a industrial city, Stamchester

The Saosuíasei people’s land has been plundered and the people have been forced into hard labor by the Avanish. The Avanish government now moves to eradicate the Sasssymen, which have become a burden. The areas were they live are set to be purged.

This tale follows Rook, an accomplished thief relying on her wits. Her people are the Saosuíasei, living in the areas that will be exterminated. She belongs to a clever and notorious gang the Conventicle of Magpies. As the storyline unfolds and progresses they must over come obstacles and join forces to fight against the opposition factions that seek to annihilate them. Along with with incredible odd stacked up against them, there is something horrific hunting streets, and draining the blood of Saosuíasei.

What fast paced, adventurous, gaslamp fantasy! The story immediately takes off from the very beginning. I was completely engaged and followed as our heroine faces trials and tribulations. There are some great side characters that should be noted.
The world building was easy to follow along with, and I enjoyed immensely. This book had me hooked from start to finish – I literally couldn’t put it down. The plot is so unique and absorbing. The authors narration was propulsive, and it was easy to become immersed within the book pages.

I was taken by atmospheric, imagery and found the the book to be, riveting and intensely entertaining!

Thanks to the author for allowing me to read this captivating book
I am excited to see how the series progresses and the characters develop. ...more

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Feb 14, 2021 Claudia rated it liked it

Shelves: fantasy

I had the opportunity to receive a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I will preface this by saying that the book was OK. This is the first book I have read from this author and that it is well-written, but it really did not capture my attention. The premise was intriguing: a girl trying to survive in a dystopian society, rebel groups that use "bloodskill", the sharpening and enhancement of ones abilities brought about by blood, and a battle that ...more

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Feb 14, 2021 Claudia rated it liked it · review of another edition

I had the opportunity to receive a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I will preface this by saying that the book was OK. This is the first book I have read from this author and that it is well-written, but it really did not capture my attention. The premise was intriguing: a girl trying to survive in a dystopian society, rebel groups that use "bloodskill", the sharpening and enhancement of ones abilities brought about by blood, and a battle that ...more

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Feb 06, 2021 bookish tanna rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

"People hate what they don't understand and what they think is lesser than themselves. The Avanish have always thought of us as less than them, right back from when they marched onto our islands and took what they wanted. They didn't ask. They didn't think to ask..."

~ Kestrel, page 150

A Conventicle of Magpies follows Rook, a young warrior out to protect her people, the Saouiasei. The Saouiasei are being discriminated against and oppressed in many ways. The Avanish, who have torn down Stamcheste ...more

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Feb 03, 2021 Jaycee rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2021-books, fantasy, netgalley

Got it from Netgalley.

This was so cooooool. I requested this book because NG said it was "A dark Victorian thriller. Perfect for fans of Charlie N. Holmberg's cozy mystery Spellbreaker and Susanna Clarke's enchanting and magical world of Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell.", however after reading, I think it's also perfect for fans of The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson and Money Heist.

Mistborn has allomancers, while A Conventicle of Magpies (CoM) has Bloodskill. Both have a ruling class that is ...more

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Feb 08, 2021 Liz (Quirky Cat) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2021-reads

A Conventicle of Magpies is one of those novels that demanded my attention, right from the start. No, I take that back. It was before I even started reading it. The cover, theme, and description were enough to captivate me.

I went into this novel with a lot of high expectations, which may not have been entirely fair of me. I say that because I want you to understand just how much A Conventicle of Magpies blew me away. I was captivated, by the characters, the trials they went through, and the myst ...more

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Feb 02, 2021 Mary rated it really liked it

I received a copy of this book from the Author and R&R Book Tours, in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Conventicle of Magpies is the first book in the Bloodskill duology by L.M.R. Clarke.

This is a Gaslamp Fantasy story. Gaslamp fantasy takes the historical elements from Victorian London and has a science twist.

This story takes place in the town of Stamchester. A generation ago the Avanish have conquered this area and they brought the Saosuíasei people over t ...more

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Jan 25, 2021 Anj✨ rated it really liked it

Recommends it for: those who enjoyed Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norell

Shelves: netgalley-e-arc, fantasy-ya

***I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.***

“How can anyone hate us just for who we are?”

A Conventicle of Magpies is set in Victorian era, a world where the Avanish have enslaved the Saosuíasei. It follows the story of Rook, a Saosuíasei and a thief with proficiency to use Bloodskill. Rook has grown up in a world that hates and discriminates against her race, the Saosuíasei. She's a member of the Conventicle of Magpies, one of one of the city’s most notor ...more

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Jan 26, 2021 Mary rated it liked it

Shelves: read-in-2021, 2021-releases, netgalley

This is the story of Rook, a woman who belongs to a marginalized group in her Victorian-esque society. Seeking some form of protection in a society where she is unvalued and often targeted, she joins a street gang known as the Conventicle of Magpies. With the looming threat from the elite group as well as a serial killer stalking the slums around her, Rook must rely on her friends and use all of the skills available to her if she is going to survive and keep her friends and family safe.

There is ...more

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Feb 09, 2021 Sinead rated it it was amazing

This fantastic action adventure just zips along. I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended. ...more

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Jan 23, 2021 Melinda Shall rated it really liked it

First of all, I find the cover of this book appropriate, eye catching and clever.
I love reading books set in history and I love a good victorian fantasy/thriller. I enjoyed the writing style and thought it was more or less appropriate given the time setting. The author was also very descriptive throughout which really helped with keeping the visuals clear.
I liked Rook's character. She is tough and practiced thief in a gang of lady's, who are fighting to bring about justice to their society. Bl ...more

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Jan 22, 2021 Janet rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2021

Set in a fantasy version of a Victorian city, Rook is a member of the oppressed minority of society. She is also a member of a all female gang that works undercover to bring justice and order to the women in their society. The ruling elite wish to wipe them out and in addition there is a Jack the Ripper type character killing them off. Rook and her fellow gang members must join forces with another gang to try to help their people overcome both the serial killer and the governing class.
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