India Holton has given us the second installment of the Dangerous Damsels series with The League of Gentlewomen Witches. The first foray into the secret female societies of Victorian England set a high bar for me. For the most part, I’d say that our second trip met the challenge. Continue reading to get my take on this clever and hilarious sequel.
Summary
Miss Charlotte Pettifer belongs to a secret league of women skilled in the subtle arts. That is to say—although it must never be said—witchcraft. The League of Gentlewomen Witches strives to improve the world in small ways. Using magic, they tidy, correct, and manipulate according to their notions of what is proper, entirely unlike those reprobates in the Wisteria Society.
When the long lost amulet of Black Beryl is discovered, it is up to Charlotte, as the future leader of the League, to make sure the powerful talisman does not fall into the wrong hands. Therefore, it is most unfortunate when she crosses paths with Alex O’Riley, a pirate who is no Mr. Darcy. With all the world scrambling after the amulet, Alex and Charlotte join forces to steal it together. If only they could keep their pickpocketing hands to themselves! If Alex’s not careful, he might just steal something else—such as Charlotte’s heart.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
The League of Gentlewomen Witches continues with the incredible wit, satirical awareness, and fast pace of The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels. I enjoyed that not only do we have a new pair of possible (aka definite) romantic partners but also the new group that Holton introduces, the League of Gentlewomen Witches.
A la Wisteria Society, our main female protagonist, Charlotte Pettifer, is referencing her world, events, and her choices through the consideration of Jane Austen’s protagonists. Basically “What would Miss Eliza Bennet do?” This was something I thought was clever from Wisteria with Cecilia and Emilie Bronte. While I appreciated this with Charlotte, sometimes it happens a bit too much. Don’t get me wrong, I love Jane Austen.
I loved the typical battling with words said and those typically unsaid and insinuated that Holton includes in this series. It is over the top in the most delightful way. The writing is incredibly clever and really helps to build the characters of The League of Gentlewomen Witches. Holton uses different writing devices that I do not commonly see in novels that just make the writing so interesting and convincing that the characters are telling the story.
Characters
Again, Holton’s characters are great, especially the side characters, like Bixby, the butler. They are all absurd and so tongue in cheek, which just adds to the wittiness of the series. Many characters from Wisteria return and Holton introduces a handful of new characters, such as our protagonists Charlotte and Alex. I appreciated the introduction of a whole new group of people. It brings another ridiculous intersociety faux feud between the witches and the pirates.
Plot
One aspect I was not as excited about, which is what leads me to prefer Wisteria over the League, is the plot. It is still very fast-paced, but the actual conflict itself is not very compelling. Also, the only hint at danger is practically ignored and shuffled to the side. Regardless, it is a romance novel, so the vehicle with which we get the romance is not always the most important thing. I personally would have liked more development of the conflict and the quest for the artifact itself.
Overall
I am happy that I was able to continue adventuring with the Dangerous Damsels in The League of Gentlewomen Witches. The characters, dialogue, and writing, in general, are comical, absurd, and satirical. While the plot needed a bit more for me, I still love reading this series and hope that there is more to come! Please do read this series if you want to read a series that is light, clever, and absolutely bonkers.
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I don’t read a lot of this type of story, magical adult romance? But sadly judging by the cover, I want to read it. Lol! Your review makes me think I might have to give it a chance if I get time.