This has to be one of the most original books I have read in a long time. The whole world building is fascinating. Pirates have floating ships, steared by magic, but the ships just happen to be their houses gifted with flight. Witches run the world by subtly correcting things to match their views of propriety and decency. Witches and pirates hate each other, but are seemingly the same. Witches just happen to redistribute what they steal to the poor where they can, while also funding their society. The animosity between Charlotte and Alex is so steamy. From the very beginning it is obvious they spark a fire in one another, even if at first it seems like a murderous desire. Together they are able to overcome many odds and both heal trauma and encourage each other to show who they truly are to the world. They work well together, even while resisting the pull of wanting each other. They also have a group of companions that start out meaning to end their connection; but, who end up helping it forward. The humor in this book was spectacular, I was laughing out loud to the audiobook on several occasions. I read a review that compared this novel to the Princess Bride meets Jane Austen, and that is precisely how this novel comes across. Continuous action, death defying odds, memorable characters, and tea just around every corner. Butlers who can buttle through any catastrophe and seem to know everything that is happening, all while keeping their charges in check. Mysterious spies who possess magic of their own, and somehow fit into the action. Police who are secretly witch hunters, trying their hardest to burn every witch in England. Pirates and Witches at war with one another, but in a most civilized manor (involving theft, the use of fine china as a weapon, and not eating certain offered foods as a sign of disrespect). I love how this whole novel seems to revolve around Charlotte just wanting to get away with using Alex to retrieve Beryl Black's amulet in order to head home, relax, and contemplate how she is going to use the amulet to single-handedly fix all the problems of the world. And Alex just wanting to steal it to spite her. I love the gender dynamics as well. The world is still very much male dominated in terms of it being Victorian times. But, women are pushing back, they are piratical, they are strong, they are fearsome, and they are not afraid to squash misogyny in its tracks. Highly recommend this book, and I am excited to read the first book in the series next. I figured this is the kind of series where reading the second book first might be unconventional, but fits the theme.
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