Shades of Milk and Honey (Glamourist Histories, 1)

The concise description of this book would be "Jane Austen, with magic." But it is so much more than that. I personally found it much more readable than Austen. Some reviewers have complained that the writing is too simplistic, and perhaps this would be the case for some Austen devotees. But for the rest of us, the plot moves faster and we are able to keep on reading without page after page of boring details. The magic element of the book is such a natural part of the world that it really doesn't seem like a fantasy novel. It adds interest and a fun new twist , without seeming forced. I could hardly put this book down. Usually when this happens, it's because the author ends chapters with cliffhangers-- a practice I find aggravating and manipulative. But with this book, I couldn't put it down because I was enjoying myself so much: I had entered this wonderful, magical world and I didn't want to leave it. Not everyone will love this book as much as I did. If you must have fantasy with elves and orcs, you won't find them here. If you expect a perfect imitation of Austen, you'll be disappointed. What you'll find is a book that is light-hearted, funny, whimsical, romantic, charming, and also one that still keeps you guessing until the end. And there's even a bit of action, just to keep you on your toes. It is just lovely. I'm anxious for the next one.

At twenty-eight, Jane Ellsworth is aware that she's unlikely to marry. Although she has far more wit than most, exquisite taste, conducts herself with the utmost propriety, and is quite accomplished in all of the skills desirous in a young lady -- music, art, conversation, and the like -- as well as having far more natural talent in the arts of glamour (magic, not being tarty) than most people of either sex, she goes unnoticed. She is always eclipsed by her sister Melody -- who is lacking in all of Jane's positive qualities, including (and maybe especially) the ever-important propriety. Jane knows that Melody's physical beauty and outgoing nature will always outshine her own plain features and reserved behavior, and it hasn't ever been particularly bothersome... until recently. Now that they've both developed a regard for the same man, Jane finds herself... more easily irritated with her younger sister, and less inclined to make allowances for Melody's often difficult behavior. Shades of Milk and Honey, in a word? YES. I loved this book. It won't be for everyone -- the fantasy element will be much too quiet for some tastes, I'm sure, and the Threats to the Family Honor plotline mentioned in the flap copy was so minor that I didn't even mention it in my synopsis. It's a mostly quiet book about a mostly quiet heroine, about manners, creating art, a difficult sisterly relationship and unexpectedly (for Jane, at least) about finding love. I've tried to avoid comparisons to Jane Austen because, even with the Era and the Trying to Find a Husband and the Manners, it doesn't feel like an Austen. It certainly isn't a book I would just hand to Austen fans willy-nilly. And anyway, peoples' habit of comparing every single novel set in the Regency era to Jane Austen is as annoying as peoples' habit of comparing every male coming-of-age story with Catcher in the Rye. All that said, she is there. The personalities of the characters are comfortably familiar -- Jane usually attempts to hide her inner Lizzie Bennet behind a Jane Bennet-like countenance, while Melody exhibits a combination of Marianne Dashwood/Lydia Bennet positive/negative versions of passion and impetuousness; it's very easy to draw parallels between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and Mr. and Mrs. Ellsworth; and Mr. Vincent is a rumpled artist version of Mr. Darcy. But, while I enjoyed the similarities, I could easily imagine those same similarities turning some readers right off. While it was a pretty sure bet that I'd love this one (I do love the Regencies), and while I loved the love story -- both love stories, really, even when I was, like Jane, ultimately disappointed by the behavior of one of the participants -- it was the push/pull/love/frustration/protective/jealous relationship between Jane and Melody that I really loved about the book. While I was firmly in Jane's corner at all times, I felt for Melody, even when she was acting (for lack of a better word) like a jerk. Her inse

Shades of Milk and Honey is a *fiendishly* civilized fantasy - at turns smooth and serious, light and witty - with a retro-flair that places it solidly in the intelligent homage category, and not trendy parody; but it's the author's grasp and melding of real history with an imaginative magic system really sets this book apart from many of its shelfmates. Two thumbs up, I say - and I can't wait to see what Kowal releases next.

I really enjoyed this book. It reads like a traditional regency, but with a lovely twist. I enjoyed a setting away from London and I enjoyed the gentle flow of this book. If you like hot steamy sex scenes, alpha males, and blue-stockings run amuck--pass on, this is not the book for you. But if you're a fan of Austen or Heyer, this one will tickle your fancy. I especially enjoyed how delicate the magic was. In so much speculative fiction, magic is about power and pain, but here it's an enhancement to life, an art. Very pleasant and involving read. Four stars from me.

The novel opens with Mr. Ellsworth considering the marriage prospects of his two daughters. Melody is beautiful enough to pose no concern, but unfortunately Jane, the elder, is rather plain looking. He reassures himself that Jane's talent with the womanly arts should be sufficient to attract a suitor. The womanly arts here include music, painting, and working glamour -- a kind of illusory magic used primarily for art and entertainment. Pretty enough, but considered essentially useless. Suitable as a women's pursuit in this Regency-era setting. The rest of the novel is told from Jane's point of view, as she deals with her family, various neighbors, suitors (mostly after her pretty sister), and a brooding new glamourist hired by a nearby noblewoman. Of course, not all proceeds smoothly. Jane's determination, kindness, quick wits, and skill with glamour save the day more than once. The prose is incredibly smooth, a delight to read. The characters are all distinct and memorable, with Jane Ellsworth herself the most likable. The setting is perfectly drawn and enjoyable. The plot moves at a good pace and is engaging throughout with a satisfying conclusion. Suitable to its premise, the story is not especially complex, and does not deal with world-shattering issues, though both hearts and lives are frequently at stake. Overall, highly recommended.