2012 another early May book: Kowal

I was able to zip through Mary Robinette Kowal's Glamour in Glass pretty quickly. It's the sequel to Shades of Milk and Honey. The first book was often referred to as Jane Austen with magic. Some simple magic can be done, but it's often considered a woman's art and is taught to high-born women as part of their skills (like painting or music). There are men practicing as well, and they seem to be the ones who get the commissions and publish the books, and come up with new techniques. The main character, Jane, is now happily married to "David Vincent", who is really Vincent-son-of-an-earl Hamilton (?) who gave up claim to the name to pursue his talent in glamour. While on a honeymoon trip to the continent, they become embroiled in Napoleon's escape from Elba.

I liked this book pretty well. The first book got rave reviews, which I thought were a bit too much. I thought it was a good book, but not fantastic. I think I liked this one better because it's moved on from the standard regency/romance tropes. The focus on Vincent and Jane's marriage and work is welcome. There's also discussion of new glamour techniques. The development of those were some of the most interesting parts of the book to me.

On its way: Flora's Fury!! Yea!