T.E. W. (terez93) reviewed The Strange Case of the Alchemist's Daughter (Extraordinary Adventures of the Athena Club, Bk 1) on + 323 more book reviews
What happens when you mix up a plethora of Victorian classic characters, seen through the experiences of their offspring? Well, you get this curious, indeed, "monster mash-up," which is capable, at least. It can certainly be read without an extensive knowledge of the background of the multiple Gothic horror classics referenced herein, but it would greatly enhance the experience if you have at least a rudimentary familiarity with them.
Making an appearance, in no particular order, are Mary, daughter of Mr. Jekyll, Diana, long-lost daughter of alter-ego Mr. Hyde, then Sherlock Holmes, Beatrice Rappiccini (the most curious entrant here), Catherine Moreau, a selection from the pantheon of Dracula characters, Mary Shelley, and a litany of others, all set against the backdrop of some "Jack-the-Ripper-type" murders.
The premise is at least interesting, but, as other reviewers have noted, the actual plot and character development seem to be little more than afterthought. The focus is weaving all these lackluster figures into a cohesive story, which stretches dubious credulity at best. It would have definitely been preferable for the author to have chosen to focus on a few, rather than spending much time and ink attempting to cram in as many as possible. I get that the theme is "monsters," but you still don't need all of them in a single novel to make thing interesting.
Overall, this is a capable read, and an interesting spin on much-beloved nineteenth-century novels, but it's difficult to follow so many twists and turns, for so many characters, who have a very rich history and pedigree all their own, little of which is articulated here. That was perhaps my greatest lament: the lack of depth of highly complex characters. That, and the interludes of the various protagonists, who squabble among each other in the text as some type of theatrical aside, which was just downright annoying.
Making an appearance, in no particular order, are Mary, daughter of Mr. Jekyll, Diana, long-lost daughter of alter-ego Mr. Hyde, then Sherlock Holmes, Beatrice Rappiccini (the most curious entrant here), Catherine Moreau, a selection from the pantheon of Dracula characters, Mary Shelley, and a litany of others, all set against the backdrop of some "Jack-the-Ripper-type" murders.
The premise is at least interesting, but, as other reviewers have noted, the actual plot and character development seem to be little more than afterthought. The focus is weaving all these lackluster figures into a cohesive story, which stretches dubious credulity at best. It would have definitely been preferable for the author to have chosen to focus on a few, rather than spending much time and ink attempting to cram in as many as possible. I get that the theme is "monsters," but you still don't need all of them in a single novel to make thing interesting.
Overall, this is a capable read, and an interesting spin on much-beloved nineteenth-century novels, but it's difficult to follow so many twists and turns, for so many characters, who have a very rich history and pedigree all their own, little of which is articulated here. That was perhaps my greatest lament: the lack of depth of highly complex characters. That, and the interludes of the various protagonists, who squabble among each other in the text as some type of theatrical aside, which was just downright annoying.
SUSAN S. (susieqmillsacoustics) -
Such fun reading! Mary Jekyll begins investigating the truth of her father's death when she was a child after her mother (who she has cared for in her insanity for years) passes away and she discovers documents that lead her to question everything. The characters we meet along the way include Holmes, Watson, the daughters of Moreau, Hyde,Rappacini and Frankenstein. There are plenty of other characters readers will know, as well. I was hesitant at first since the story is being told by Catherine Moreau with interjections by Mary and the others frequently but as we come to know these characters and they come together, it becomes endearing. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
