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The Evie Chester Files #4
Pride and Pestilence
Rich man, poor man, freeman, or slave. When red fever comes calling, no one is safe.
Captain Ezra Burton brings a ship load of problems to Bristelle and seeks Godwyn Bethwood’s help to soothe the way. If he thought he had problems when he docked, it soon gets worse. Godwyn is dead and now he must deal with his sister and the indomitable Evie Chester.
Burton’s problems seep out on to the streets of the city. Sickness and infection spread unchecked whilst the medics and city men don’t even think there is a problem. Evie and Hesta know better. They cannot ignore the danger and must act to overcome the perils that threaten to overwhelm the city.
When the city is overwhelmed and all feels lost, more extreme magical measures are needed to save them. It takes a summoner, a killer, a healer and a cleanser to attempt what no one has ever tried before. Yet there is a price to pay for this immense outflow of power. Which one of them will pay the price?
Captain Ezra Burton brings a ship load of problems to Bristelle and seeks Godwyn Bethwood’s help to soothe the way. If he thought he had problems when he docked, it soon gets worse. Godwyn is dead and now he must deal with his sister and the indomitable Evie Chester.
Burton’s problems seep out on to the streets of the city. Sickness and infection spread unchecked whilst the medics and city men don’t even think there is a problem. Evie and Hesta know better. They cannot ignore the danger and must act to overcome the perils that threaten to overwhelm the city.
When the city is overwhelmed and all feels lost, more extreme magical measures are needed to save them. It takes a summoner, a killer, a healer and a cleanser to attempt what no one has ever tried before. Yet there is a price to pay for this immense outflow of power. Which one of them will pay the price?
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2022
6 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Nita Round
28 books88 followersNita Round is a British author who creates vibrant and unique new worlds as quirky as she is. She takes inspiration from her studies of history and blends together ‘what was’ and creates fantastical worlds, ‘what could be’.
Monsters, heroines, magic, and the strange are all woven into tales of hope and courage. Where women battle evil, something with nothing more than a stout heart, and no matter the odds, ultimately prevail.
If you want to know more about new books, then subscribe to Nita's reader's list. Free short story Dark Mission available via website, and exclusive to newsletter.
https://www.nitaround.com
Monsters, heroines, magic, and the strange are all woven into tales of hope and courage. Where women battle evil, something with nothing more than a stout heart, and no matter the odds, ultimately prevail.
If you want to know more about new books, then subscribe to Nita's reader's list. Free short story Dark Mission available via website, and exclusive to newsletter.
https://www.nitaround.com
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 8, 2022
4.00 Stars. I can’t believe this is already the 4th book in Evie’s series. I’m a huge fan of the steampunk world that Round has created in her Towers of the Earth series, and this series is a fun spinoff featuring some of the secondary characters. This world is so vast and well imagined, and I just love getting to read multiple series about it. I do prefer the Tower series over this one, but if I go too long without an Evie fix, I’ll miss this series and I always look forward to it.
This series has a heavy Victorian feel with a medium steampunk vibe, whereas Round’s Towers series has a heavier fantasy/steampunk feel. While these books are a spinoff you can absolutely read this series without reading the Towers series but I would highly recommend reading this Evie series in order. Each book has an adventure/mystery to solve, but the mains story continues and Evie, Hesta, and the other characters show major growth throughout the series so you would not want to miss that.
Speaking of growth, while I don’t want to give too much away, this was a big book when it comes to Evie’s relationship. Round made us wait a long time for any romance to get moving in her Towers series so I’m glad she didn’t torture us that long in this series:) There is also a big change that comes into Evie’s life, and I’m excited to see what else is still to come because of the change, but you have to read the book to find out more.
TLDR: This is a good steampunk fantasy series that is a spinoff of Round’s Tower series. You don’t have to read the Tower series first to enjoy these but I highly recommend reading these in order so the series is the most enjoyable and makes the most sense. Evie, really grows in this book and it makes me excited to see what she might get up to in the next one. This series and the Tower series are currently available on Kindle Unlimited.
A copy was given to me for an honest review.
This series has a heavy Victorian feel with a medium steampunk vibe, whereas Round’s Towers series has a heavier fantasy/steampunk feel. While these books are a spinoff you can absolutely read this series without reading the Towers series but I would highly recommend reading this Evie series in order. Each book has an adventure/mystery to solve, but the mains story continues and Evie, Hesta, and the other characters show major growth throughout the series so you would not want to miss that.
Speaking of growth, while I don’t want to give too much away, this was a big book when it comes to Evie’s relationship. Round made us wait a long time for any romance to get moving in her Towers series so I’m glad she didn’t torture us that long in this series:) There is also a big change that comes into Evie’s life, and I’m excited to see what else is still to come because of the change, but you have to read the book to find out more.
TLDR: This is a good steampunk fantasy series that is a spinoff of Round’s Tower series. You don’t have to read the Tower series first to enjoy these but I highly recommend reading these in order so the series is the most enjoyable and makes the most sense. Evie, really grows in this book and it makes me excited to see what she might get up to in the next one. This series and the Tower series are currently available on Kindle Unlimited.
A copy was given to me for an honest review.
September 9, 2022
Greedy For Evie!
SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: established couple, full-time writer, non-human character, out of your comfort zone, coming-out story, disaster, unusual job, possibly other categories
For me, "Evie 4" has been long awaited. It was well worth it! We finally get that moment we've been waiting for with the MCs. Evie is now flirty and suggestive, and both she and Hesta are so full of love and joy. That is cut short when Bristelle is hit by an unknown virus, and the women put all of their focus on it.
A new young woman, Remzi, is introduced, and not only is she gifted, but she is also from the same region as Evie. They even have similar features, and I'm looking forward to learning more about her in future cases. Another character, Philomena, is introduced, but I'm not sure if she'll be a recurring one. I like her, and I think she would be great addition as a friend and intelligent resource. Hopefully she'll be back.
The women find the source and nature of the illness, but it was already an epidemic, so they have a lot to tackle. Evie isn't familiar with the virus, and it looks and responds differently than anything she's seen or cured. It has an unknown and unnatural element to it. Evie, Hesta, Remzi, and Florie (another gifted slave from Evie's past) have to combine forces in order to eliminate the vectors carrying the disease. Hesta sings to them, and they are herded similarly to the tale of The Pied Piper so that the other three women can help eliminate them. Of course, it's not as simple as that because there are always dangers, and sometimes perils, in Evie's cases.
I loved this book, and it might be my second favorite in the series. I'm already waiting for Case Five since I'll always be greedy for more Evie. 😊
Thank you for your review.
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SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: established couple, full-time writer, non-human character, out of your comfort zone, coming-out story, disaster, unusual job, possibly other categories
For me, "Evie 4" has been long awaited. It was well worth it! We finally get that moment we've been waiting for with the MCs. Evie is now flirty and suggestive, and both she and Hesta are so full of love and joy. That is cut short when Bristelle is hit by an unknown virus, and the women put all of their focus on it.
A new young woman, Remzi, is introduced, and not only is she gifted, but she is also from the same region as Evie. They even have similar features, and I'm looking forward to learning more about her in future cases. Another character, Philomena, is introduced, but I'm not sure if she'll be a recurring one. I like her, and I think she would be great addition as a friend and intelligent resource. Hopefully she'll be back.
The women find the source and nature of the illness, but it was already an epidemic, so they have a lot to tackle. Evie isn't familiar with the virus, and it looks and responds differently than anything she's seen or cured. It has an unknown and unnatural element to it. Evie, Hesta, Remzi, and Florie (another gifted slave from Evie's past) have to combine forces in order to eliminate the vectors carrying the disease. Hesta sings to them, and they are herded similarly to the tale of The Pied Piper so that the other three women can help eliminate them. Of course, it's not as simple as that because there are always dangers, and sometimes perils, in Evie's cases.
I loved this book, and it might be my second favorite in the series. I'm already waiting for Case Five since I'll always be greedy for more Evie. 😊
Thank you for your review.
Edit
Delete
December 28, 2022
Book 4 is as good as the rest of the series (and the rest in this world) - Evie is involved in solving a complex plague problem that seems beyond her and all the normal supports. I love her developing relationship with Hestia and the way they connect. The world is grubby victorian steam punk but the people warm your heart. Cannot wait for #5.
September 1, 2022
The Evolution of Evie!
We see Evie coming into her own in the next Case File in the series. Her abilities as a healer are expanding, along with her innate powers. But the most important thing is the expansion of her relationship with Hesta.
Together they battle the pestilence invading Bristle. As usual the local governing body, the doctors, and the medics ignore Evie until there’s a huge loss of life. But this time Evie won’t be ignored and together with Hesta, swoops in to save the day.
Can’t recommend this highly enough.
We see Evie coming into her own in the next Case File in the series. Her abilities as a healer are expanding, along with her innate powers. But the most important thing is the expansion of her relationship with Hesta.
Together they battle the pestilence invading Bristle. As usual the local governing body, the doctors, and the medics ignore Evie until there’s a huge loss of life. But this time Evie won’t be ignored and together with Hesta, swoops in to save the day.
Can’t recommend this highly enough.
September 1, 2022
Another awesome book in the series. Evie just keeps getting better and better.
August 28, 2022
Evie’s family (of friends and accomplices) just keeps on growing. When visiting the port and dealing with one of Hesta’s brother’s business ventures, Evie comes across a plague-ridden ship. Despite it all, she manages to save the enslaved Remzi from the ship, a gifted girl who looks much like Evie. The circumstances of this ship lead to a disease that is spreading rapidly, which is what spurs Evie, Hesta, Florie and all their allies into action. I’ll end up retelling the story, so to sum up, this is a rollicking adventure but also serious, and with some bits that reminded me of pied piper stories. There’s a little something for everyone – found family, overcoming obstacles, romance, and more. I love the intelligence and determination of the characters and their allies. They do what needs to be done even in the face of scorn. What a fun and exciting read!
September 12, 2022
I hate to say it because I still eagerly anticipate the new releases in this and the related towers series but this just isn't up there with Round's earlier books. Dialogue is stilted, the plot feels forced, characters substantially over or under react to various things... It just didn't catch me like her earlier works. The same thing seems to be happening with the towers series too and I wonder if she's just trying to crank them out too quickly or stuck for ideas or something.
December 15, 2022
Another great instalment to the series. Something is wrong and rotten but Evie's gift isn't able to recognise what it is. People are getting sick but not recovering. Evie and Hesta find the pestilence leads them to the docks.
There's kissing. Sigh. And a fabulous new character. I'm enjoying this series so much even though I'm still struggling to find my reading mojo. My reviewing mojo seems to be with it, suffice to say, read this.
There's kissing. Sigh. And a fabulous new character. I'm enjoying this series so much even though I'm still struggling to find my reading mojo. My reviewing mojo seems to be with it, suffice to say, read this.
June 27, 2025
Pride and Pestilence is the fourth book in Nita Round’s Evie Chester Files, and at this stage you absolutely need the rich backstory found in the first three books for this steampunk/alternate reality. This review contains spoilers for Lost and Found (#1), Sirens and Syphons (#2) and Fur and Fangs (#3).
I’ve been looking forward to the next installment in the Evie Chester Files ever since finishing Fur and Fangs, and Pride and Pestilence did not disappoint! In the fourth book in this steampunk/alternate reality fantasy series, Evie Chester – who has grown into her own so much since her first outing – has stepped away from the medical training she pursued in Fur and Fangs due to the ignorance and intolerance of the Anglish citizens, but she hasn’t given up on wanting to help those who are sick. She is continuing to develop her medical knowledge outside of the constraints of the medical society, in addition to using her Gift – a unique power that allows her to see a person’s affliction, draw it into herself, and “purge” it.
She is also becoming ever closer to Hesta Bethwood, her friend and ally, wanting to trust her and share something more intimate, but still not fully able to reconcile Hesta’s involvement in her slave past.
The city of Bristelle, unfortunately, is facing another crisis fresh off the back of the serial killer threat that gripped the city in the previous installment. A docked slave ship has brought a deadly illness to the city, and with terrifying swiftness, the city is overcome with sickness and infection. It’s a story we are uncomfortably familiar with in real life: the authorities refused to listen to Evie’s warnings, and by the time they realise the danger, it’s too late. Evie and her friends are willing to do whatever it takes to save the citizens of the city, but Evie’s powers don’t seem to work on this new illness. A new ally who joins this ragtag found family seems to offer a solution, but we all know that things can’t be that easy.
The Evie Chester Files is going from strength to strength. In this installment, we see a threat to the fictional steampunk/Victorian world that in many ways uncomfortably mimics our own COVID-19 pandemic. I could feel the fear and anxiety of the characters emanate through the pages, and I, like Evie, Hesta and their friends, could see the threat and what it would result in long before the authorities finally paid attention.
Not only is the plot itself engaging and fraught, we see some wonderful development with Evie’s and Hesta’s relationship. Without giving too much away, I’m so glad that time and patience was given to the build of their bond and relationship… but also, that I didn’t have to wait too long!
If you enjoy plot-driven steampunk/fantasy or Victorian-era alternative world books with a sapphic romance front and centre, you should absolutely check out the Evie Chester Files by Nita Round. I myself am eagerly awaiting the fifth story in the series!
I’ve been looking forward to the next installment in the Evie Chester Files ever since finishing Fur and Fangs, and Pride and Pestilence did not disappoint! In the fourth book in this steampunk/alternate reality fantasy series, Evie Chester – who has grown into her own so much since her first outing – has stepped away from the medical training she pursued in Fur and Fangs due to the ignorance and intolerance of the Anglish citizens, but she hasn’t given up on wanting to help those who are sick. She is continuing to develop her medical knowledge outside of the constraints of the medical society, in addition to using her Gift – a unique power that allows her to see a person’s affliction, draw it into herself, and “purge” it.
She is also becoming ever closer to Hesta Bethwood, her friend and ally, wanting to trust her and share something more intimate, but still not fully able to reconcile Hesta’s involvement in her slave past.
The city of Bristelle, unfortunately, is facing another crisis fresh off the back of the serial killer threat that gripped the city in the previous installment. A docked slave ship has brought a deadly illness to the city, and with terrifying swiftness, the city is overcome with sickness and infection. It’s a story we are uncomfortably familiar with in real life: the authorities refused to listen to Evie’s warnings, and by the time they realise the danger, it’s too late. Evie and her friends are willing to do whatever it takes to save the citizens of the city, but Evie’s powers don’t seem to work on this new illness. A new ally who joins this ragtag found family seems to offer a solution, but we all know that things can’t be that easy.
The Evie Chester Files is going from strength to strength. In this installment, we see a threat to the fictional steampunk/Victorian world that in many ways uncomfortably mimics our own COVID-19 pandemic. I could feel the fear and anxiety of the characters emanate through the pages, and I, like Evie, Hesta and their friends, could see the threat and what it would result in long before the authorities finally paid attention.
Not only is the plot itself engaging and fraught, we see some wonderful development with Evie’s and Hesta’s relationship. Without giving too much away, I’m so glad that time and patience was given to the build of their bond and relationship… but also, that I didn’t have to wait too long!
If you enjoy plot-driven steampunk/fantasy or Victorian-era alternative world books with a sapphic romance front and centre, you should absolutely check out the Evie Chester Files by Nita Round. I myself am eagerly awaiting the fifth story in the series!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews