Page Count: 513
Published on: June 27, 2017
Published by: Katherine Tegen Books
Genre(s): Historical, YA, LGBTQIA+, Romance, Action/Adventure
Source: Hardback - personally purchased
Source: Hardback - personally purchased
Age Rating: 15+
TW: child abuse, alcoholism, abelism, racism
TW: child abuse, alcoholism, abelism, racism
My Rating: 3 stars
Goodreads synopsis:
Henry “Monty” Montague was born and bred to be a gentleman, but he was never one to be tamed. The finest boarding schools in England and the constant disapproval of his father haven’t been able to curb any of his roguish passions—not for gambling halls, late nights spent with a bottle of spirits, or waking up in the arms of women or men.
But as Monty embarks on his Grand Tour of Europe, his quest for a life filled with pleasure and vice is in danger of coming to an end. Not only does his father expect him to take over the family’s estate upon his return, but Monty is also nursing an impossible crush on his best friend and traveling companion, Percy.
Still it isn’t in Monty’s nature to give up. Even with his younger sister, Felicity, in tow, he vows to make this yearlong escapade one last hedonistic hurrah and flirt with Percy from Paris to Rome. But when one of Monty’s reckless decisions turns their trip abroad into a harrowing manhunt that spans across Europe, it calls into question everything he knows, including his relationship with the boy he adores.
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Hey, guys!
While rereading this review, I felt like I had more to say. Here is a new and improved version of my review. I've kept some of my points, but I feel like my review makes more logical sense. I hope you enjoy!
While rereading this review, I felt like I had more to say. Here is a new and improved version of my review. I've kept some of my points, but I feel like my review makes more logical sense. I hope you enjoy!
A few months ago (I know. I'm slacking.), I picked up The Gentleman's Guide To Vice & Virtue and I thought it was pretty good. I really enjoyed the characters and their characterization, but the plot just kind of lacked for me. I really enjoyed the diversity and historical elements to this story, but I really did not like the alchemy aspect of this book. It just didn't do anything for me.
The characters in this book were fairly well fleshed out. I really loved how their relationships developed throughout the book. Felicity and Monty are such siblings. I absolutely adored their relationship. They had such a modern relationship. I think that their sort of relationship is still very relevant today. I love how they learned to understand each other. It was really beautiful. I'm excited to see how their relationship develops in Felicity's book. Monty, alone, really annoyed me at first...however, it wasn't an angry annoyed feeling. I really loved how much of a turd he was. I saw such amazing potential for his character. I was excited to see if he'd accept himself and love himself. I really rooted for his relationship with Percy to flourish. Percy is such a perfect little cinnamon roll. I loved his character so much. I really loved how these three bonded and interacted with each other. They kept each other grounded and their banter and interactions were so fun to read.
Monty was such a fun main character. I loved how sassy and flawed he was. His flaws really enhanced his character progression and growth. Not only that, but his narration style was so freaking great. I loved his sassy inner monologue and his rambunctious personality. His character might not be for everyone, but I loved him.
Monty's sister, Felicity, is a new favorite character. I loved how driven she was to pursue her own education. I can't wait to see what her character does next in book 2. She's such a boss. Felicity also shows some great growth by the end of the book. I love how she ended up interacting with Monty. I love their sibling dynamic; it's so genuine and real. Her friendship with Percy was freaking adorable too.
Percy is so freaking wonderful. He is such a cinnamon roll. I love his relationship with Monty. I was rooting for them the whole book. They're so oblivious of each other, it's kind of hilarious. I just love them a lot. I can't say much without spoiling the story.
Though these characters were so well thought out, the plot of this book really fell flat for me. It had the potential to be awesome, but I was kind of bored. I put this book down in the middle of March, picked it back up for a day in early May, and finished it in a day in mid-June. It's a fast read, but if you're not totally into the story, it will drag.
The alchemy aspect of this book really slowed down my progress. I just didn't like that aspect of the plot. I guess I just really wanted a character-heavy story. I mean, I really wanted a solid story, but I also just wanted more of Monty, Felicity, and Percy. I love them.
I honestly think that this is a personal issue with me rather than the book. For the last few years, I've had a really complicated love-hate relationship with historical fiction. Even if I love the characters, I end up disliking a historical book somehow. They just bore me and drag for me. If you love historical fiction and fantastic and diverse characters, you'll love this book. It just wasn't for me right now. I'm sure I'd love it once I get back into historical fiction.
The diversity in this book is fantastic. There is biracial representation, gay/bisexual representation, and there is a character who has to overcome the discrimination of an 18th-century viewpoint of epilepsy. It was just fantastically done. I do recommend. Though historical fiction isn't necessarily for me, it's definitely for someone else.
The alchemy aspect of this book really slowed down my progress. I just didn't like that aspect of the plot. I guess I just really wanted a character-heavy story. I mean, I really wanted a solid story, but I also just wanted more of Monty, Felicity, and Percy. I love them.
I honestly think that this is a personal issue with me rather than the book. For the last few years, I've had a really complicated love-hate relationship with historical fiction. Even if I love the characters, I end up disliking a historical book somehow. They just bore me and drag for me. If you love historical fiction and fantastic and diverse characters, you'll love this book. It just wasn't for me right now. I'm sure I'd love it once I get back into historical fiction.
The diversity in this book is fantastic. There is biracial representation, gay/bisexual representation, and there is a character who has to overcome the discrimination of an 18th-century viewpoint of epilepsy. It was just fantastically done. I do recommend. Though historical fiction isn't necessarily for me, it's definitely for someone else.
Overall, this book was just okay (for me). I know that other people adore this book, so I'm not going to say that it isn't good. It just wasn't for me. I'm not overly into historical fiction, but I did like this book. I will be reading The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy because I really enjoyed Felicity's character. I cannot wait to read more about her.
Other Historical Fiction YA That I Love
Other Historical Fiction YA That I Love
- The Bloody Jack series by L.A. Meyer
- Copper Sun by Sharon M. Draper
- The Prince & the Dressmaker by Jen Wang
I hope you enjoyed this review! Happy reading!
Olivia
~Liv the Book Nerd~
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