Tuesday 25 July 2017

Book Review: False Lights by K.J. Whittaker

Title: False Lights
Author: K.J. Whittaker
Publisher: Head of Zeus
Publication Date: 7 September 2017
Pages: 480
Format: eBook - PDF
Genre: Historical Fiction / Alternate History
Source: ARC via NetGalley



Wellington is in secret captivity in the Scilly Isles and the Cornish are threatening to join forces with France against the English. Against this tumultuous backdrop, Hester Harewood manages to escape from the French soldiers who have killed her black sea captain father. Her rescuer – Jack 'Crow' Crowlas – takes her to shelter with his aristocratic family in London.

But soon they are embroiled in a web of treachery and espionage, as plans are laid to free Wellington and lead an uprising against the French occupation. Meanwhile, Crow's younger brother throws in his lot with the Cornish rebels and threatens to bring Hester and Crow's elaborate plans crashing down, as this spellbinding story builds towards its violent and gripping endgame.
(Goodreads Synopsis)



False Lights was a highly entertaining read. I enjoyed the alternate-history plot, and the characters were all beautifully three dimensional and engaging, if a little stereotypical at times. However, that adherence to tropes was not a limiting factor in this book as the storyline kept things moving nicely along. Plus, who doesn't love a brooding, tortured hero and a plucky heroine? The multiple narrators worked well, allowing us to easily follow the drama unfolding in different locations, and the ending was satisfying on the whole; although, I found Crow's abrupt change of heart at the end of the book a little too sudden and easy, given the circumstances. If you enjoy alternate-history tales with plenty of romance and adventure, False Lights is definitely a book you'll want to add to your wishlist.

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