I really enjoyed this book! I wasn’t clear on what to expect going in, but I was pleasantly surprised about a lot of things that were right up my alley - but they won’t be for everyone.

First off, though, the plot setup wasn’t exactly the most compelling to me overall. It kind of read like a video game: escort the [special thing] to [special place], encountering increasingly difficult and sinister enemies along the way; once you get to [special place] there will presumably be a big boss fight where you may die or may save the world; you meet some potential allies along the way that might help you, depending on how you interact with them, and special objects/weapons that can help your quest.

What saved the plot for me was that the monsters and enemies we met were truly, truly some of the most unique, creepy and terrifying ones I’ve read about in quite a while. I genuinely got the creeps and shivers reading about some of them, which basically never happens!

The other great thing about the setup is that I really enjoyed pretty much all the prominent characters - they’re complex, human, uncertain and flawed in ways feel very real but at the same time they stay interesting to read about.

The found family aspect was really nice to read in such a grim, bleak setting. The moments of joy are not only very needed, but some of the best parts of the book. Whether it’s the main group teasing each other or taking the time to dance and sing with near strangers, those little scenes ground us again in the humanity and connection that still exists in this world despite how horrible everything is.

I also felt like this book is basically a perfect example of historical fantasy, in that you do feel super grounded in the real-world setting and extremely accurate depiction of the world around the characters. I posted this in the forum, but I used to live off one of the streets in Paris featured here, and I really felt like I was back there, despite it being set nearly 700 years before me.

The attitudes, beliefs, superstitions and mindsets were surprisingly accurate and of the period - meaning that yes, misogyny, xenophobia and homophobia are givens for the world, but they’re worked in realistically and not egregiously, and they’re challenged along the way, as well. This is not a book where the characters have anachronistic belief systems that fortuitously correspond to our own to make them more relatable.

I’m also a former historian of French history, and a lot of the little historical Easter eggs were delightful. Again, I wrote about this in the forum, but Buehlman is able to incorporate actual fringe religious beliefs - most obviously flagellants, but also the theology and eschatology of the Cathars/Albigensians - to structure both the overarching plot and a lot of the details of the monsters and world building.

Finally, the ending was chef’s kiss absolutely perfect. It wrapped up everything in a way that felt satisfying, not cheap, and deeply earned. The themes of forgiveness, second chances, grace, loyalty and love come through strongly without being cheesy.

What kept this from a better rating? As mentioned above, I wasn’t in love with the plot, overall. Additionally, some of the middle section felt a little bit like an episodic “monster of the week” structure that got a bit draggy.

This book was a 4 for me, but I had to bump it to 4.5 for the excellent use of historical context and using real, accurate history flawlessly into a story with strong fantasy elements.

✨I HIGHLY suggest searching out trigger warnings for this one if you’re a sensitive reader. The horror is real, as are the historical attitudes.✨

I really, really want to like Rachel Harrison, but both of the books I've read from her just hasn't hit. Play Nice has an interesting premise and I did like that it centers on a group of characters dealing with strained friendships and underlying tension, but it didn’t fully click for me. The writing is casual and easy to read, with Harrison’s usual mix of dark humour and unease, but the emotional bits of it didn’t land as strongly as I expected. The characters had potential, but I had a hard time really connecting with them or feeling invested in their dynamics. Everything just felt a bit flat overall, and I never quite got pulled into the story the way I wanted to. It’s not a bad read, just one that I didn’t fully vibe with. I am willing to keep trying her books, however.

Navola is a book that, even as i write this review weeks after finishing, i still have mixed feelings about. i agree with some of the more critical reviews, yet can't bring myself to rate it lower than 4 stars. it's certainly a novel that appeals to specific audiences. the book is described as a literary fantasy but if you go into this with high expectations for fantasy, you're going to be pretty disappointed. the fantastical element lies in the dragon eye/relic, which appears only a handful of times but plays a curious role regarding the protagonist's fate. that said, Navola feels more like a historical novel that tentatively dips into fantasy. if you love political intrigue and don't mind slow-burn novels, i think you'll enjoy this.

Navola takes place in a world inspired by the Italian Renaissance and follows Davico di Regulai, the only son and heir of the most influential banking family in the city of Navola. his father, Devonaci, quietly controls the city from behind a curtain and treats life like an elaborate game of chess. Davico feels as if he doesn't fit the sophisticated image of a di Regulai at all and has dreams of becoming a physician, valuing a philosophical connection to nature, and living a much simpler and honest life. he's like a lamb among wolves, much too innocent and soft-hearted for the scheming and cunning minds of those around him. despite Davico's dreams of a different life, his father and family allies expect him to learn the politics of the business and master the trade's art of deceit and manipulation.

through the eyes of Davico, the reader is exposed to the intricacies of life in Navola. starting in his childhood years and following him into early adulthood, it's easy to glean Davico's sheltered upbringing away from the harsh and twisted politics of society, and readers will see him struggle to adapt as his time to inherit approaches. i love coming-of-age tales but i couldn't connect with Davico for much of the story. it wasn't that i disliked him—i just felt largely indifferent to his character, his motivations and personality falling flat. i think his naivety and reluctance to rise to his situation disappointed me in a way that Bacigalupi likely did not intend, especially considering how he's surrounded by a cast of unsavoury characters that insinuate the constant threats and dangers about. one review i read had pointed out that Davico's weaker pov highlights the dangerous intrigue of such characters, which i definitely see, but i found his pov too sheltered in a way that made me not care enough about him as the protagonist. about 75% of the book is spent in this slow and formative phase of Davico's life as he navigates the shadows of Navola; however, the last quarter takes a genuinely dark turn and completely throws Davico into the deep end, ultimately testing his strength and resolve and the inherent goodness of his nature. the events that occur are shocking and just like Davico, i was not prepared at all for the cruelties faced. as awful as it sounds, they made Davico's character a lot more compelling in my eyes as it forced him to acknowledge just how twisted the world really is.

this is a book that rewards readers in the end as long as they have the patience to reach it. thankfully, Bacigalupi's elegant prose and immersive world-building made it easy and i found myself drawn to the story even if nothing of note was happening (which essentially describes the majority of this book, crazy i know). much depth and detail went into constructing Navola in order to make the world feel all the more real, including its own Italianesque vocabulary. i also highly enjoyed the side characters and find it no surprise that my favourite ended up being the di Regulai's stilettotore or family dagger man/assassin.

overall, Navola was an interesting one. it's dense and descriptive and lacks plot for the majority of the book, but it still worked for me. the last quarter really blew me away. i only wish that Davico had been a stronger protagonist throughout, but the way Navola ended leads me to believe that this is, hopefully, the start to a brilliant character arc and series.