Ahoy there me mateys! This year be crazy so this is only book three in me Ports for Plunder – 20 Books in 2020 list. Lots of reviews talk about The Twist. I was spoiled by other Goodreads reviews back when I put together the 20 in 2020 list. I decided to read it anyway and then so much time had passed that I kinda forgot about it. But I don’t know how it could have surprised anyone because it a) occurs early on in the book; and b) is so blatantly obvious in the hints that by the time it officially is explained, it is hardly shocking (well maybe for the people who missed the word “magic” in the blurb and thought they were getting a straight historical fiction). Spoilers abound below for this so read the rest at yer own peril . . .
Or not at yer peril because this book was rather long and boring and the VAMPIRES didn’t help. Boring, boring vampires. I did think the beginning set-up for the novel was interesting enough even if the Gothic flair was hardly unique. I enjoyed the homosexual relationship between the main character and his housemate even if the housemate was a jerk. I was interested in seeing how the vampire club was going to play out. Sadly as it turned out.
The problem was that after the rather straightforward trajectory of the beginning in terms of character development, world building, and plot, the author switches into a stilted history of the club. This takes the form of diary entries and begins the POV shifts that impede flow. Interesting ideas and characters are hinted at but long interludes of backstory take the focus. The Twist happens, the plot gets sillier and more convoluted, and a romance begins to be hinted at.
I basically grew weary of the rambling and found it harder and harder to pick the book back up. I also be weary of thinking about this book any further so I shall stop here. Abandoned ship and glad of it. Arrrr!
Goodreads had this to say about the novel:
An astonishing debut, a novel of epic scope and suspense that conjures up all the magic and menace of Victorian London
London, 1892: James Norbury, a shy would-be poet newly down from Oxford, finds lodging with a charming young aristocrat. Through this new friendship, he is introduced to the drawing-rooms of high society, and finds love in an unexpected quarter. Then, suddenly, he vanishes without a trace. Unnerved, his sister, Charlotte, sets out from their crumbling country estate determined to find him. In the sinister, labyrinthine city that greets her, she uncovers a secret world at the margins populated by unforgettable characters: a female rope walker turned vigilante, a street urchin with a deadly secret, and the chilling “Doctor Knife.” But the answer to her brother’s disappearance ultimately lies within the doors of one of the country’s preeminent and mysterious institutions: The Aegolius Club, whose members include the most ambitious, and most dangerous, men in England.
In her first novel, Lauren Owen has created a fantastical world that is both beguiling and terrifying. The Quick will establish her as one of fiction’s most dazzling talents.
To visit the author’s Goodreads page go to:
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Previous Reviews for Me 20 in 2020 Books
the westing game – Ellen Raskin (Captain’s Log – YA)
the ugly princess – Henderson Smith (Walk the Plank – YA Fantasy)
Ugh. I hate it when I figure out the twist SUPER early. I find things boring from that point on, typically. Wah wah. Sounds like you did, too. Do you think you’ll try Owen’s books again in the future, or are you just done?
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Much sympathy. I did finish The Quick and found much to admire (not least for breaking Gothic / vampire conventions by featuring women who weren’t victims and introducing working class characters and vampires), but my word it was s l o o o w and the structure was very disjointed. Much potential, little delight in the execution, sadly.
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I didn’t mention it in me review but I did enjoy the female characterizations and ADORED the working class folks. I loved the tiny vampire girl but she couldn’t save the book. I wish it would have focused on them and not the old boring vampires upset that the world is evolving. I did admire the pieces just not the whole. Thanks for reading!
x The Captain
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Thank you for a thoroughly entertaining read, Cap – a shame the book wasn’t as enjoyable a read as our review…
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Ah well. This year has been weird and I am reading things outside of the “normal.” I like to try new things and can’t always blame the writers when their books are not for me. This book did have problems though that couldn’t be overcome.
x The Captain
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Yes – that is always an issue when reading outside our comfort zone… Especially when you encounter a book with some significant flaws, anyway.
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Aww man. That sucks it didn’t work out.
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It happens. Thanks for visiting.
x The Captain
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Boring vampires seems an oxymoron, but apparently this author managed what looked like an impossible feat…
Better luck next time, Captain! 🙂
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I know it’s crazy! I read a book that had boring unicorns once. It hurt me noggin too.
x The Captain
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Yikes. Sounds like things only got worse every minute! Great honest review, Captain! 😀
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Thanks matey!
x The Captain
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Better early than getting to the end and walking of the plank yeself arrrgh
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Too true!
x The Captain
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I do enjoy reading your reviews. Stay safe.
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Thanks matey. Ye be safe too.
x The Captain
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