If this book had a soundtrack, I feel like it would be the prologue music from Beauty and the Beast… its gothic and mysterious and so fun to get lost in.

I mentioned previously that her writing has a lyrical quality to it. This is the 3rd book I’ve read of hers, and the way she writes makes the story feel like its jumping off the pages. Her writing style fits so well with the time period she writes… I can’t imagine it working quite as well in an era other than Victorian. I also don't read many books written in first person, and I really liked it because it feels like reading a journal.

While there definitely is romance in the plot, I don't think it could be considered the main plot. I rather liked it, because it allowed you to really see the heart of the characters (and the story) without the distraction of "in your face" romance and swooning.

It was a little bit hard to follow at times, which is why it took me so long to read it, because I really had to slow down and focus on the story. Sometimes books with winding plots like this one had get confusing and if I had sped through I would have no idea what was going on. Additionally I think a few characters were unnecessary to the plot, but on the other hand it was nice to have a little bit of diversity of thought within the story (that doesn't really make sense but hopefully if you've read the book you know what I mean!