Review
First, a disclaimer. I've learned never to gobble one book after another by an author. It throws off my perspective as a reader, and I start to recognize passages where authors copy from themselves (Brad Thor), or a lack of progressive character development (Ms. Gentill's A Decline in Prophets). So—true confession—I read books 1 and 2 in this series back to back, and I'm sure that they would've been much better had I let time lapse between them. I own the series, so I'll spread the books out a little more in the future.
A Decline in Prophets is interesting. The story dabbles in Theosophy, and the characters are on an extended voyage while things settle down in Sydney after the escapades in book 1. Ms Gentill knows how to set a scene and a stage, and she writes in an engaging and interesting way about a place I've been, but about which I know little. She also captures the elegance and cabin distinctions on a Cunard ship very well, and I had to restrain myself from booking a cruise.
My issues with this book have to do with character development. Rowland is becoming increasingly bland and is beginning to appear weak to me, especially with regard to Edna. Edna is disinteresting because she's so ammoral and vapid, and doesn't seem to be growing out of her flaws. Let's be honest: her beauty and talent are great in her youth, but only one survives old age—if she's lucky. Two lesser characters (Milton and a fellow artist with a hypehnated name that escapes me right now) are becoming the stars of my show in Gentill's books. I hope that the author develops them into stronger characters in ensuing books of the series.
Generally recommended for lovers of historical mysteries.
A Decline in Prophets is interesting. The story dabbles in Theosophy, and the characters are on an extended voyage while things settle down in Sydney after the escapades in book 1. Ms Gentill knows how to set a scene and a stage, and she writes in an engaging and interesting way about a place I've been, but about which I know little. She also captures the elegance and cabin distinctions on a Cunard ship very well, and I had to restrain myself from booking a cruise.
My issues with this book have to do with character development. Rowland is becoming increasingly bland and is beginning to appear weak to me, especially with regard to Edna. Edna is disinteresting because she's so ammoral and vapid, and doesn't seem to be growing out of her flaws. Let's be honest: her beauty and talent are great in her youth, but only one survives old age—if she's lucky. Two lesser characters (Milton and a fellow artist with a hypehnated name that escapes me right now) are becoming the stars of my show in Gentill's books. I hope that the author develops them into stronger characters in ensuing books of the series.
Generally recommended for lovers of historical mysteries.
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