Trigger warnings for miscarriage and domestic abuse
Synopsis
For his mother's dying wish, Kester tracks down Doctor Ribero, with no other information than the name. He tracks down the name to an apparently abandoned building, and there meets a strange group of people. Kester is thrown into their world, leaving behind his family home.
Characters
This, for me, is where the book excels. For the first third, the characters seem like they are still forming, but after that they are so dimensional and quirky, I couldn't help but love them. Miss Wellbeloved was the first that I found truly formed, became a character rather than a stick figure with features. I found Kester to be a fantastic lead character; he describes himself as a coward, a "plump English academic" type, and quite enjoys food. He is even scared of doors, as discussed in the first paragraph, which did make me wonder if he was a secret member of Vox Machina. Pamela was definitely one of my favourite characters. I just wanted to give her a hug and a cup of tea.
Plots
The characters are truly wonderful, but the plot is brilliant. You really are just thrown straight into this magical world, with only a little bit of backstory and context; this is the kind of opening I love. By Chapter 6 you are fully immersed in the world and the case of the Green Lady. It is fast paced, yes, but it is very detailed and atmospheric.
There were also a few brilliantly comedic moments, done in a very British way. One character simply asks "Can we have a bit of help in here please?" despite there being a total disaster going on. It is wonderful and charming. This was just the first book in a series, and I already know this is going to be a series I will follow.
Time it took to read: one late night
Would recommend to anyone who loved Jodi Taylor's The Chronicles of St Mary's and lovers of the paranormal, comedy, and tea
Enjoyed with several crochet blankets because it was very cold.
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