It’s rare to come across a book this unique, and based on the somewhat split reviews it seems this is a book one either loves or hates. I could not get enough of it. I am especially glad I picked up the audiobook, as the narration by Elizabeth Knowelden was a spectacular performance. She fully embodied the very off beat tone of this book and I think greatly enhanced the text. I am really looking forward to listening to the next two books in this series. I’m also very much hoping someone scoops up the rights and makes a TV series of this extremely entertaining tale. 

I think India Holton managed both to write an homage to Victorian era novels, while also satirizing them to great effect. The fantasy elements are quirky and unexpected at every turn, and her voice is consistently witty. Tonally, this felt very similar to Our Flag Means Death, but of course this one more focused on women (always a plus in my book). Overall, a complete delight of a read.