BHG

Unsure but going to give the sequel a try

Revisado: 11-09-20

Very much a cliff hanger ending!!! I find this a frustrating modern technique used just to get us to spend more for stories. However, the story on it's own is interesting and well performed if a bit angsty for my preferences.

I enjoyed the subtle display of the many ways women have of reacting to the contradictory and every evolving societal expectations pushed upon us and internal pressures that must balance or desires to them. The primary character is a strong, intelligent woman who has every appearance of an entitled life full of opportunities. This volume is basically just the story of how every opportunity really isn't one, or as the societal manners ingrained in her (as well as as quite a bit of learned helplessness) keep her from taking the ones that are and dealing with the consequences.

The main character is on the lowest rungs of "royalty" and therefore neither royal nor common. I think the author made her best friend half black in order to mirror the rejection she faces from being neither white or black enough to fit in anywhere.

I bring all this up to make it clear that this isn't a book meant to be a fluffy read, but does have deeper layers to it. Disappointingly the cliffhanger leave us at everyone's worst point without the redemption to get us to forgive the human weakness that has brought them there.

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extremely original

Revisado: 06-30-17

The most original P&P variation that still feels like it could be Darcy and Elizabeth. So well researched.

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Lovely story

Revisado: 03-30-17

In essentials this story is a, "What if Elizabeth eaves dropped on everyone?" lol.
Elizabeth overhears several things that allow her to get to know Darcy sooner. The real draw of the story, however, is in the subtle changes to characters and relationships woven through this reimagining. Because of this I won't go into more detail, as it would definitely ruin the surprises of the story, but so you have an idea of what type of variation you are getting: There are some passionate scenes but nothing very explicit. Also it is very centered on D&E; the use of other characters and relationships are used to drive their story not as filler or side line plots.
(I did listen to it at 1.15x speed as the narrator was rather a ponderous reader, but none of the voices bothered me)

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Enjoyable but flawed

Revisado: 02-28-17

(vague spoilers ahead) I actually really enjoyed the little world glimpsed in this book. The Edge refers to the overlap of two alternate versions of earth. Our world, the Broken, and a version in which magic exists, the Weird. However, I find it a little frustrating how little about the Weird we actually find out. It's strange how much the "Edgers" know about our earth, but so little about the Weird. I found this to be one overarching flaw to the story.
As pointed out in another review this is a romance, however one sex scene does not "chic porn" make. The romance plot actually runs parallel to the fantasy plot line. I think this is an interesting approach, however not amazingly well executed in this case. Rather than the book cohesively progressing, both plots were separately advanced and had very little effect on oneanother. The book felt like two separate stories being told together.
Essentially this story is a wonderful idea, however it winds up reflecting it's setting. Is it a Fantasy novel? Yes, but it's got enough romance in it to annoy non romance readers and you aren't going to learn much about the most interesting part. Is it a romance? Yes, but the romance is back-burnered for large sections. The story rides the edge of genres like it does the edge of world's.
I you like both fantasy and romance, and what I said above doesn't turn you away, then you are in for an interesting story with strong, caring, and selfless characters.

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Well thought out Variation

Revisado: 01-27-17

A few small changes to the time line and the addition of Richard at a different point in the story ripples through the story. Characters feel very consistent and I loved Charlotte it this!

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A good Variation

Revisado: 01-07-17

Lizzie's refusal of Colin's happens before Charles Bingley let's netherfeild. in this way Elizabeth meets Mr Darcy at Rosings not the neighborhood Assembly. Characters are true to the original and the story is sweet. This was a very enjoyable P&P variation read well by the narrator.

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Maidens and Matrons

Revisado: 12-21-16

The story was very sweet, if much more long winded than necessary. I understand that the author wanted to recreate the series of misunderstandings that were the original, but every thing seemed drawn out. That being said there were some great scenes. I loved Lizzy's worries over being rude.
My major gripe is the voices of the "matrons." Mrs Bennett, lady Catherine, and Lady Matlock. they are way too nasal and read way to fast.
Am I glad I bought this? Yes

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Interesting

Revisado: 10-03-16

This what if seems to be based on the premise of, "What if the political events going on in England and the time of P&P affected the story?" I was sceptical on reading the books description if I was going to enjoy it as much as Abigail Reynolds other novels. The summary reads like an action adventure story (or science fiction if you aren't familiar with the origin of the word Ludite). If that is what you are hoping for, then this might disappoint. I however was released and entertained to listen to the various reactions of an aristocratic family dropped in the middle of the lower classes rebellion. I took off a little because, for me, a book must be outstanding to get 5 stars and also for some recording hiccups. overall I'm glad I spent the credit and the time.

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Fourth time or so I've gone back to listen

Revisado: 04-27-16

I truly enjoy this series and find something new to like about it each time. Especially, now, as a member of the military. The interaction of the soldiers and [insert salty swear word] duty that you put up with with nothing more than a grimace/grin and a joke.
I'm a long time fan of Butcher's writing, his characters, and his ingenious and often darkly comedic plots, which come back upon themselves before you can realize it.

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50 First Proposals

Revisado: 01-02-16

No there aren't really 50, but I wouldn't want to spoil the real number. The concept really is P&P meets 50 First Dates, though. Mr. Darcy plagued with "memory problems" cannot remember his disastrous proposal in Kent yet finds himself continually waking in that annoying parson's home injured and under the care of the one woman he has determined he must propose to. It is Elizabeth's perspective we share though as she must decide where the balance is to be struck between propriety and the care of a man she finds to be continually changing. Or is it simply her understanding of the man that changes.?
The story populated by a variety of new characters that the author invented to fill the plot device of Mr. Darcy's injury and having the setting in Kent, where many original characters are not present. This is one of my criticisms of the story. characters like Charlotte and Anne DeBurg are all but absent and most of our time is spent with very likable, but new, faces. It keeps this variation on fresh ground compared to others, however, it also seems like the easy way out. As opposed to reinventing long standing characters in a unique way.
Lady Catherine's story got just such a treatment and I found myself never quite sure who she was or what her real motives were until the end. In conclusion, I found this variation much more worth my Credit than other P&P variations I've bought on a whim and much better presented than some. I would recommend this to those followers of JAFF.

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