Loved it, it was a page-turner for me.

Interesting plot. Kept me engaged and I liked the characters. One of the better books I've read this year.

Very interesting look at a poor woman in 18th century England.

I picked this up during a trip to the library where I forced myself to choose books almost at random, and I am glad I did. Taut with suspense, fine historical detail, and characters who don't have to be stereotypically swashbuckling or spirited to make you root for them.

Fantastic historical fiction book. It's been a while since I read it, but I remember everything about this story.

Easy read. Surprisingly good as I'd not heard of it. It did have a little too much "How hot it is, how cold it is, how tired I am..." but otherwise I enjoyed it.

.... This book was very 'meh'

I picked this up at the library, and checked it out as the description piqued my interest.

Story of a naive girl who gets pregnant, flees home before anyone can notice and goes to London where she very luckily is handed the opportunity to become an apprentice of a pyrotechnic. Sounded like it had some good promise.

I have to say it was a boring read. It had the potential of being a lot more than what it was, as far as the story line goes and even in the romance that was slightly simmering there.

The story was completely anti-climactic and the ending was *YAWN*

Sad to say that although I am glad I finished another book, I feel almost like I've just wasted the last week or so reading it.

Sad. Bears.

- CJ

I really liked this book, not just the characters and their relationships but the background on the making of fireworks. The ending what a bit convoluted and ill-fitting, which is why it knocked off a star, but otherwise I really liked it.

I bought this from an op-shop for $2. I got way more than my money's worth out of it! Although at times this novel is slow-moving, it's always interesting and the ending packs an emotional punch. I recommend this one.

Too much detail for too little purpose, despite a compelling story.