Shades of Milk and Honey (Glamourist Histories #1) by Mary Robinette Kowal
Tor Books, 2010
Fantasy (Historical Romance); 306 pgs
Source: I purchased this book for my own reading pleasure.
Source: I purchased this book for my own reading pleasure.
Shades of Milk and Honey was an enjoyable light fantasy romance. Influenced by Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Mary Robinette Kowal’s Shades of Milk and Honey bears some similarities to it, but ultimately is very different from the classic novel.
The novel is set in Dorchester, among the society, where everyone has a reputation to maintain and the roles of women and men are quite formal and proper. There is the overbearing mother and rather laid back father, both of whom want to find good husbands for their daughters. Jane is rather plain in appearance while her younger sister, Melody, is a great beauty. Unlike her sister, however, Jane has a strong talent with glamour, the magical ability to weave illusions of sorts. Jane expects she will live her life as a spinster, and most of the focus is on her sister, who is sure to catch a good husband. As it happens, the person Melody has her eyes set on, is the very person Jane favors for herself. Only, she knows the likelihood of that match is next to nil. Why would anyone choose Jane over her sister, after all?
A mysterious artist, a soldier and childhood friend, and the sister of their neighbor, all come to town for separate reasons, but will all play a part in the events that follow. Reputations are at stake, secrets are discovered and hearts are sure to be broken. Jane and her sister’s relationship is put to the test, at the risk of ruining it altogether.
Jane is clearly a reasonable woman, even if insecure about her own talents. She’s really quite gifted in magic and underestimates herself. This only endeared her to me more, however. I admit I was not as taken with her sister Melody, who came across as spoiled and selfish. To be fair, however, as the story progresses, the reader gains insight into Melody's behavior and thought process. Both she and Jane are not the same women at the end of the book that they are at the beginning.
While a quiet novel at first, this one takes an interesting turn towards the end as the climax builds and comes to a head. It wasn't what I expected, but then it was fitting when all was said and done. It made sense.
Many thanks to the person who recommended I read Shades of Milk and Honey! Even my husband has expressed an interest in giving this one a try.
You can learn more about Mary Robinette Kowal and her books on her website. She can also be found on Twitter and Facebook.
The novel is set in Dorchester, among the society, where everyone has a reputation to maintain and the roles of women and men are quite formal and proper. There is the overbearing mother and rather laid back father, both of whom want to find good husbands for their daughters. Jane is rather plain in appearance while her younger sister, Melody, is a great beauty. Unlike her sister, however, Jane has a strong talent with glamour, the magical ability to weave illusions of sorts. Jane expects she will live her life as a spinster, and most of the focus is on her sister, who is sure to catch a good husband. As it happens, the person Melody has her eyes set on, is the very person Jane favors for herself. Only, she knows the likelihood of that match is next to nil. Why would anyone choose Jane over her sister, after all?
A mysterious artist, a soldier and childhood friend, and the sister of their neighbor, all come to town for separate reasons, but will all play a part in the events that follow. Reputations are at stake, secrets are discovered and hearts are sure to be broken. Jane and her sister’s relationship is put to the test, at the risk of ruining it altogether.
Jane is clearly a reasonable woman, even if insecure about her own talents. She’s really quite gifted in magic and underestimates herself. This only endeared her to me more, however. I admit I was not as taken with her sister Melody, who came across as spoiled and selfish. To be fair, however, as the story progresses, the reader gains insight into Melody's behavior and thought process. Both she and Jane are not the same women at the end of the book that they are at the beginning.
While a quiet novel at first, this one takes an interesting turn towards the end as the climax builds and comes to a head. It wasn't what I expected, but then it was fitting when all was said and done. It made sense.
Many thanks to the person who recommended I read Shades of Milk and Honey! Even my husband has expressed an interest in giving this one a try.
You can learn more about Mary Robinette Kowal and her books on her website. She can also be found on Twitter and Facebook.
© 2017, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
This sounds so good! My library doesn't have this book but they have a two of her other books so I may go check those out first!
ReplyDeleteEustacia - I enjoyed it! I ended up having to buy a used copy because my library didn't have it either.
DeleteI know a lot of people who would love this book.
ReplyDeleteKathy - It's light and fun. Perfect for a summer read. :-)
DeleteI don't read enough in this genre. I always enjoy it when I do, though. This book sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteChristy - I enjoyed this one. It was different from the usual fantasy or paranormal romance I gravitate towards, and so made a nice change of pace.
DeleteSounds like a perfect example of magical realism, only historical! It sounds good, but I almost never allow time for adult fiction *sigh*
ReplyDeleteDonna Marie - Yes, it was a nice blend of both. I enjoyed it. :-)
DeleteI liked this one, too! :)
ReplyDeleteLark - I am glad I got the chance to read it!
DeleteI really need to read the last book of this series! It's been too long. Maybe I'll need a reread of the previous books...
ReplyDeleteNikki - I do want to read further in the series. I enjoyed this one.
DeleteThis does sound good, I like it when I can't figure out how something will end.
ReplyDeleteI so often am able to figure out the ending that it's a nice surprise when I can't.
DeleteI like it when characters develop over the course of the book. That said, I just read a book last month that had a somewhat similar sounding ending (it came as a surprise, but it did make sense) that wasn't one of my faves because one of the characters had a seemingly abrupt personality change. I'm glad you liked this one and thanks for the review!
ReplyDelete~Litha Nelle
Litha Nelle - I like it when a character grows over the course of a book too. That's too bad about the book you had just finished where the character had an abrupt personality change. That can pull me out of a book just as abruptly.
DeleteThis one has been on my radar but I haven't really paid enough attention to it. I really think I would enjoy it so I'm really glad to see this review! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteKatherine - I wouldn't have picked this one up had it not been recommended, I don't think. I am glad it was though. It was a fun read. :-)
DeleteI couldn't get through P&P but I like the sound of this one. Maybe just a bit of fantasy really adds to the appeal for me. Glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteCarole - You might like this one better. Pride and Prejudice takes some getting used to the way it is written.
DeleteThis sounds like a fun read and isn't that a lovely cover? Really makes you think of Jane Austen novels.
ReplyDeleteIliana - I like the cover too. The e-book cover is more modern and YA looking, but the above cover (the older one) is the one I have for my print copy.
DeleteIt does sound like a fun read! A little formal Regency romance and magic--that makes a great mix.
ReplyDeleteJenclair - I thought so!
DeleteInteresting. I love different takes on Pride & Prejudice (who doesn't?). I'll have to check this one out.
ReplyDeleteStacy - It shares some similarities, but is definitely different. I enjoyed it.
Delete