The Mimicking of Known Successes

Jupiter-based researcher Pleiti is roped into solving a mystery when ex-girlfriend, Mossa, unexpectedly needs her help.

I enjoyed the world-building, but the characters and plot weren't really my thing. It was a little too cosy, and the romance felt bland. The use of somewhat unusual (or archaic) words added to the world-building when uttered by the characters, but I found it annoying when characters “expostulated” or “said precipitously” etc. All in all, it was fine, but I doubt I'll read the sequels.

Imaginative setting with a steampunky feel to it. I liked all the travelling around on railcars. It's quite a page turner. But the characters felt a little distant despite the first-person perspective. Perhaps a tad too short. I'd love to read another story set in the same world, though.

Here's a book that doesn't have an over-complicated plot full of twists you can't believe in. Rather, the world-building is smart and to the point, it has just enough explanations and backstory, and you're never bored.

This was fine— this flavor of sapphic is not the kind I swoon for, but it was nevertheless a nice puzzle in a delightfully bizarre setting

I love the world Malka Older created and the two main characters are wonderful. But I would have liked the story to be longer. The resolution felt very rushed.