After the previous books, what more is there to say? Even though there is quite some action at the end, these books still come closest to the feeling of dignity and tranquility (if only on the outside sometimes) I get from Jane Austen's books. How everyone is so preoccupied with decorum and propriety comes through, even when Jane and Vincent actually work for a living and when on occasion, Jane dons trousers for a good cause. Clearly, such a thing would never happen in a Jane Austen novel, and the general level of excitement is a good deal higher in Without a summer as well (No riots, imprisonment and public trials in Austen's work!). Still, the general atmosphere remains very Austen-like, and even though it may not have been appropriate for Austen's work, I think it is no bad thing to have the heroine be a bit more active in Kowal's. In addition, even if society of that time would not approve of everything that Jane (the character) does, I'm glad that her husband does not inhibit her in any way.
Another pleasant surprise in this novel is Jane's sister, Melody. In the first novel, she came across as silly and at times a bit spiteful. It was therefore no great loss to me when she hardly appeared in the second novel. In this third one, she plays a more significant role, and as it turns out, she has grown a lot. I can understand why Jane would overlook this at so many occasions: when you have accepted a certain view of someone, you start seeing that view and you interpret everything in light of it. In essence, you stop really seeing someone, and that is what happened with Jane, I think. Since in the past she has had to act as Melody's mother in lieu of her real one, it is perhaps not so surprising that she has failed to notice that Melody has grown up, as many parents do. Melody has become a very nice person, sensible, smart, and with great courage and love. It seems to me that Mrs. Kowal paints her characters in a more positive light than Mrs. Austen did. The easily influenced sister has become sensible, the father is not as indulgent as a Mr. Bennet, and even the mother is not as idiotic as Mrs. Bennet.

I'm quite curious to see what other stories Mrs. Kowal will come up with. These books are starting to become instant-buys for me..

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I've been enjoying these Glamourist stories, but this one didn't quite do it for me. The writing is still top-notch. The characters, their conflicts, and the world they inhabit are well-rounded and true feeling. This one just lacked enough story to really pull me in.

Mostly, the problem is probably my own. I'm not really in the target audience for stories that revolve around the crises of society, love and marriage. There's a lot of that to endure when all you want is to get to the 'good parts' of intrigue and global cooling.

It turns out the true cause of the 'year without a summer' is only briefly touched on in the book. I wanted there to be more of that. And more debate and conflict about it. Instead, the unseasonably cool weather is widely blamed on the coldmongers with only token protestations by those who know better.

Those who go in for this sort of thing will certainly enjoy it. As for me, give me something more like the previous volume, [b:Glamour in Glass|12160890|Glamour in Glass (Glamourist Histories, #2)|Mary Robinette Kowal|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1316282715s/12160890.jpg|17131945]. ( )

The adventures of Jane and Vincent continue, but this time in London! There are parties and balls and most importantly political intrigue! The last book in my re-read before I start the books I haven't read. ( )

Better than the first in the series. The magic felt in the first book like it could be replaced with art and there'd be no changes. It's definitely a deeper part of the world here. Also it's nice to see a main character allowed to make significant, but believable mistakes, and take steps to make it right again. ( )

The Glamourist Histories continue with strength. Another excellently told story with a delightful regency voice. What I love about these books is that they are so firmly seated in the domestic sphere, but then Jane and Vincent slowly get drawn into dangerous intrigue without quite realizing what path they are treading. I love learning so much about the period through these books (great author notes!) and I am amazed at the moments when I'm on the edge of my seat(arrested for treason?!? what!) Very nerve-wracking and completely delicious.

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