Review - Our Hideous Progeny by C.E. McGill

 

 

 Title: Our Hideous Progeny

Author: C.E McGill

Pages: 378

 Publisher: Transworld Digital

Release Date: 9th May 2023

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

 Mary is the great-niece of Victor Frankenstein. She knows her great uncle disappeared in mysterious circumstances in the Arctic but she doesn't know why or how...

The 1850s is a time of discovery and London is ablaze with the latest scientific theories and debates, especially when a spectacular new exhibition of dinosaur sculptures opens at the Crystal Palace. Mary, with a sharp mind and a sharper tongue, is keen to make her name in this world of science, alongside her geologist husband Henry, but without wealth and connections, their options are limited.

But when Mary discovers some old family papers that allude to the shocking truth behind her great-uncle's past, she thinks she may have found the key to securing their future... Their quest takes them to the wilds of Scotland, to Henry's intriguing but reclusive sister Maisie, and to a deadly chase with a rival who is out to steal their secret...

 

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My Review:

 *I received an eARC of this book in an exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Random House UK and NetGalley*

Mary Sutherland and her husband, Henry, share a love of paleontology and dream of becoming celebrated experts in the field.

The couple are down on their luck, but then Mary discovers hidden letters from a great uncle called Victor Frankenstein that detail an experiment where Victor successfully brought a creature to life.

Mary and Henry decide to make a creature of their own.

The premise of this book intrigued me, although I have never read Frankenstein, and was interested to see what direction the author went in.

Mary was a likeable and relatable protagonist. With the novel being set in the 1800s, there weren't many women in the scientific community, but Mary was determined that her work should be recognised and praised too.

I didn't like Henry very much, but I liked his sister, Maisie, who I felt sorry for.

The plot was interesting for the most part, but I felt that the book could have perhaps been a bit shorter as not much really happened, and I did lose interest once or twice.

I wasn't very invested in what happened.

The writing style was easy to follow, but not one of my favourites. However, it did suit the book.

I'm a little disappointed that I didn't enjoy this more.

Overall, this was a mixed read.

 

 

Review - Terciel and Elinor (Abhorsen, #6) by Garth Nix

 

 

 Title: Terciel and Elinor (Abhorsen, #6)

Author: Garth Nix

Pages: 379

Publisher: Hot Key Books

Release Date: 2nd November 2021

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

 Garth Nix returns to the Old Kingdom for the never-before-told love story of Sabriel’s parents, Tericel and Elinor, and the charter magic that brought them together—and threatened to tear them apart. A long-awaited prequel to a classic fantasy series.

In the Old Kingdom, a land of ancient and often terrible magics, eighteen year-old orphan Terciel learns the art of necromancy from his great-aunt Tizanael. But not to raise the Dead, rather to lay them to rest. He is the Abhorsen-in-Waiting, and Tizanael is the Abhorsen, the latest in a long line of people whose task it is to make sure the Dead do not return to Life.

Across the Wall in Ancelstierre, a steam-age country where magic usually does not work, nineteen year-old Elinor lives a secluded life. Her only friends an old governess and an even older groom who was once a famous circus performer. Her mother is a tyrant, who is feared by all despite her sickness and impending death . . . but perhaps there is even more to fear from that.

Elinor does not know she is deeply connected to the Old Kingdom, nor that magic can sometimes come across the Wall, until a plot by an ancient enemy of the Abhorsens brings Terciel and Tizanael to Ancelstierre. In a single day of fire and death and loss, Elinor finds herself set on a path which will take her into the Old Kingdom, into Terciel’s life, and will embroil her in the struggle of the Abhorsens against the Dead who will not stay dead.

 

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My Review:

*I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Bonnier Books and NetGalley*

 

 

Terciel is being trained by his great aunt Tizanael to be the next Abhorsen - an unusual kind of necromancer who banishes the Dead back where there belong, instead of raising them.

The Abhorsens are well-known in the Old Kingdom, where magic is all around.

However, on the other side of the Wall in Ancelstierre, there is no magic, and the Old Kingdom is not talked about.

Elinor lives in Ancelstierre, and knows nothing of magic until her quiet life is shattered and her world turned upside down.

When Elinor and Terciel's paths cross, Elinor learns of her connection to the Old Kingdom and starts on a journey that is full of danger.

As a long-time fan of this book series, I was excited when I found out there was a new instalment that was a prequel and featured Sabriel's parents.

I found both Terciel and Elinor to be likeable and relatable protagonists. Both of them had been through hard times.

Tizanael and Mirelle were both supporting characters I liked, and I would have liked to have found out more about.

I enjoyed returning to the setting of the Old Kingdom, with the Abhorsen's House.

The plot was enjoyable and held my attention throughout. I enjoyed reading Elinor's journey as she discovered more about herself and her family history.

It's been a long time since I've read a book in this series, so I'm sure I must have missed some Easter eggs, but after reading this I am definitely planning to re-read the other books in this series soon.

The writing style was easy to follow, and I felt this a worthy addition to the series.

I very much enjoyed returning to the world of the Old Kingdom, and would recommend it to long-time fans as well as new readers.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read.