#46: Mary Robinette Kowal, Without a Summer (Glamourist Histories #3)

[kareila]

In my opinion, this story is the most fleshed out and entertaining of the series so far. It manages to combine the Austen tropes of the first novel with the political intrigue of the second, as well as providing the opportunity to learn more about Vincent's family, meet Melody's future in-laws, and undertake a welcome examination of London society in a time of unrest. Particularly notable is the introduction of several characters who are victims of prejudice - a black-skinned commoner in an unfortunate profession, a half-Indian lady of quality, an Irish Catholic baron's family - and see how they are treated unfairly, not only by the villains of the piece, but by the viewpoint character, who is forced to confront her own hasty judgments and the damage they cause, even as she deals with unfair judgments from others due to her gender and profession. With at least two more Glamourist novels in the pipeline, I hope that they will continue to be so compelling.