Review copy was received from NetGalley, Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The League of Gentlewomen Witches by India Holton Narrator: Elizabeth Knowelden
Series: Dangerous Damsels #2
Published by Berkley, Penguin Audio on March 15, 2022
Genres: Fantasy Romance
Length: 10 hours, 31 minutes
Format: Audiobook, eARC
Source: NetGalley, Publisher
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Miss Charlotte Pettifer belongs to a secret league of women skilled in the subtle arts. That is to say—although it must never be said—witchcraft. The League of Gentlewomen Witches strives to improve the world in small ways. Using magic, they tidy, correct, and manipulate according to their notions of what is proper, entirely unlike those reprobates in the Wisteria Society.
When the long lost amulet of Black Beryl is discovered, it is up to Charlotte, as the future leader of the League, to make sure the powerful talisman does not fall into the wrong hands. Therefore, it is most unfortunate when she crosses paths with Alex O'Riley, a pirate who is no Mr. Darcy. With all the world scrambling after the amulet, Alex and Charlotte join forces to steal it together. If only they could keep their pickpocketing hands to themselves! If Alex's not careful, he might just steal something else—such as Charlotte's heart.
The covers in this Dangerous Damsels series are just gorgeous. The covers, plus magic of strong women in a historical setting drew me to read them. Without being too spoilery, the first story The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels is about pirates. The women are generally more successful and talented, but there are men pirates. Pirates are feared by the public, so they are left alone. The books are romances.
In The League of Gentlewomen Witches, we move on to witches. Pirates and witches don’t think well of one another. In fact, they have a long standing feud. Pirates fly houses or other buildings and use weapons for fights. Witches also have weapons and chant Latin spells to affect things in a telekinesis sort of way. But they both tend to do more aggrandizing than actual fighting. They also both incredible thieves and pickpockets. Witches deny they are, because witches captured by the police are burned. So witches tend to have a circumspect exterior.
Charlotte is the prophesied leader to be of the witches. She has done everything properly and fallen in line with the current leader of the witches, her aunt Judith’s ways. But then her ancestor’s amulet is found and displayed at the British Museum. All witches and pirates work to steal it for its power, especially Charlotte. The pirates from the last book and their friend, Alex included. Her mother is happily married and not so bothered by the politics. She tried to convince Charlotte they should invite Alex to a dinner.
“Our guests would be most entertained by his looks — I mean, his books — I mean he seemed an educated man, judging by his — er — broad shoulders. He must have carried many encyclopedias over the years to make him so muscled. You yourself like reading and thinking. Surely you would enjoy having a conversation with him?”
When the amulet is stolen, and everyone gives chase, Charlotte jumps aboard Alex’s cottage as it flies off in pursuit of the pirate house of the thief. Alex O’Riley is an Irish pirate, wealthy and handsome. His childhood experience has told him all witches are evil and really he can’t trust women in general, so he should never marry. Alex and Charlotte go on a merry hunt and adventure to retrieve the amulet.
I found the things the characters said to each other often ridiculous and humorous. Overall, the plot was a little boring, because initially we just had the prim activities of Charlotte from her point of view. It was much more fun once the pirates and their shenanigans joined the main story. The bickering of Alex and Charlotte, along with their dedicated attraction was fun while the actual growth they experienced as they came to care for each other was heartwarming. The dialogue did have some extremely clever passages with references to Austen characters and other literature.
Narration:
The narrator for the series is one familiar to me, and also narrated the first book. I thought the voices for the male and female characters were appropriate, however I found it difficult at times to differentiate between the different females and males. I slowed my listening down a bit to be able to absorb all the details, to 1.25x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
Giveaway:
Enter for a chance to win a new print copy of The League of Gentlewomen Witches by India Holton. (US only)
About India Holton
India resides in New Zealand, where she’s enjoyed the typical Kiwi lifestyle of wandering around forests, living barefoot on islands, and messing about in boats.
Now she lives in a cottage near the sea, writing books about unconventional women and charming rogues.Think slow burn romance with literal explosions.
India’s writing is fuelled by tea, buttered scones, and thunderstorms.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 22-COYER
I read the first book but it was just too silly for me, so I passed on this one.
That’s why I rated the plot lower. It’s all ego and bluster and cute dialogue which can be entertaining but not much for serious plot.
I love the concept of this one. And you’re right – that is a fabulous cover. Thank you for a lovely review:)).
It was entertaining but not realistic or purposeful.
I read this and enjoyed it a bit more than you did, but I can see your point, it’s sometimes silly.
I enjoyed it and the dialogue was very clever. It just didn’t have much of a point / plot. Assigning ratings is hard as there are objective and subjective factors.
I have not read any books by this author yet.
I think she is a newer author. I didn’t know of her before this series.
This sounds like a wonderful read. And I definitely agree about that cover!! Gorgeous!
yes I was attracted by the cover but the dialogue is brilliant.
I skipped this series originally because of mood, but I think they look fun and the covers are cute and whimsical.
I think they are a lot of fun and the dialogue is incredible. They are a bit ridiculous plot wise though.
How fun! And I LOVE that title
They certainly are fun!
Pirates and Witches! I have got to read these books. 😀
I was drawn to the pirates and witches also.
I’ve read the two books in this series and enjoyed them!
They certainly are fun.
Nice review. I really enjoyed this one tremendously. So much fun and keeping with my sense of humor. I read the first and audio the second and preferred the audio better. I hope there will be more adventures!
They do have a lot of humor with the clever dialogue. I listened to both so I would say I prefer the audio also.
I like the idea of pirates and witches but I am not a fan of boring. I may pick up the first book at some point just to see if it works for me.
I enjoy the concept and the dialogue and even the adventures but it’s a bit ridiculous plot-wise. But you may find it so fun and the dialogue so brilliant it is entertaining for you.
Love the cover and the premise. This sounds like a fun read for when I need something light and a bit different. I’ll keep the first book in mind! I don’t mind a book on the sillier side if I’m prepared for it.
It is really fun and the dialogue is extremely clever. The plot just seemed a bit dubious. I enjoyed the books and the covers are gorgeous.
I read the first book in this series and loved it. Good to see you liked this one pretty well. Looking forward to giving this one a read too 😉
It was incredibly clever dialogue and fun.
Glad you ultimately enjoyed this one, Anne💜 Great review!
It was fun but seemed a bit ridiculous.
This sounds like so much fun! Can you read it without having read the first book?
I think you could but I wouldn’t for a few reasons. IMO the first book is even better (pirates!) and you’d miss out on the world-building and knowing a lot more about some of the characters in this book.
Thank you; that’s helpful to know!
You are right about the covers being so gorgeous! They attracted me even though it’s not really the type of books I read. I’ll probably skip too based on your review. So thanks for the great and helpful review!
These are such a combination of wildly clever dialogue and ridiculous plots.