☆☆☆☆.5 stars
introduction:
I received an Advanced Reading Copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.Well, April was not a good month for me in terms of reading. There wasn't much that was grabbing my interest, and I ended up finishing half as many books as March. I was starting to get into a slump, and then I began reading "Dangerous Remedy".
summary:
Camille, a revolutionary's daughter, leads a band of outcasts – a runaway girl, a deserter, an aristocrat in hiding. As the Battalion des Morts they cheat death, saving those about to meet a bloody end at the blade of Madame La Guillotine. But their latest rescue is not what she seems. The girl's no aristocrat, but her dark and disturbing powers means both the Royalists and the Revolutionaries want her. But who and what is she?
In a fast and furious story full of the glamour and excesses, intrigue and deception of these dangerous days, no one can be trusted, everyone is to be feared. As Camille learns the truth, she's forced to choose between loyalty to those she loves and the future.
In a fast and furious story full of the glamour and excesses, intrigue and deception of these dangerous days, no one can be trusted, everyone is to be feared. As Camille learns the truth, she's forced to choose between loyalty to those she loves and the future.
review:
I don't know how this book isn't being talked about more! A strong, dynamic squad of characters, heists, LGBT and POC rep, and on top of that it is set during the French Revolution!
I really liked the characters, they were not overdone, and not caricatures which often happens when a book surrounds a large cast of characters. They were complex in their relationships with one another and quite realistic. I really liked Camille and Ada's difficult friendship and romance, from completely different backgrounds, they were so similar and so different from one another at the same time. I really look forward to how they grow in the next book.
I really enjoyed the plot twists and the flaws to their plans, that were really well handled, better than "Six of Crows" which people often try to compare it to. In my opinion, I thought this book was stronger and it doesn't really seem fair that they are compared, because in many ways "Dangerous Remedy" is so completely different from "Six of Crows". I thought the characters were far more realistic. The only parallels you can draw between each of the books, are the "squad" and the heists, that's where the similarities end.
I loved learning more about the history of the French Revolution, which is probably one of my favourite historical events that has happened in Europe. So granted, I loved the setting and the historical context this book had. I also really liked the integration of perspectives of people who've come over from the French colonies, I felt like it certainly added to the scope of the narrative.
The prose was crisp, but not overly simple. It was accessible, and easy to follow while also having a lovely balance of more flowery language mixed in. It never distracts or takes away from the pacing either, which I have to say was very strong. This story was really well-balanced in many ways, but I have to say I think was most-impressed by the pacing. It was constantly moving forward, even as we had time to sit around with the characters and get to know them better, there was always something happening big or small, there was never really a dull moment. From a debut author, this balance was extraordinarily impressive.
The only thing that stops me from giving this a 5-star review, is just that I felt like I wish I had gotten to know some of the other members of the "battalion des morts", or the story's squad, just a bit better. I really wish there had been flashbacks of their childhood and the things that helped developed their characters into who they are when the story begins. I feel that would have made me a bit more connected to the characters. Which isn't to say that I wasn't connected to the characters, I think they all have very good bones. I would just like to see more growth in the next book. I really hope this book ends up getting three or four books, because I really like the direction this book took at the very end.
While people compare it "Six of Crows", I would say this book is more "Frankenstein" meets "The Diviners".
Overall, a debut novel that exceeded all of my expectations. Kat Dunn is an author to watch.
I would like add that "Dangerous Remedy" was due to be out today in print, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, unfortunately print publication had to be delayed until August, I believe. Today, 7 May 2020, still remains it's book-birthday, as it is being released as an e-book. Please, if you can afford to treat yourself today, please consider purchasing an e-book copy of "Dangerous Remedy". These are difficult times for everyone, and creators and artists are certainly struggling. During this time, debut authors especially are finding it difficult to find a voice. If you do give "Dangerous Remedy" a go, let me know what you thought. I really hope you enjoy it.
Note: The copy of "Dangerous Remedy" in my photo is the exclusive Illumicrate edition, found in their April "Squad Goals" box.
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