I could write quite a few pages for this book but there are space limitations and, also, I'd like to give readers the chance to discover its charm.
The plot unfolds in London but in an imaginative version of the city. Among flying battleship mansions, elegant, high-society women who can handle their weapons and witty conversations, witchcraft and social sniping we follow the adventures of Miss Cecilia Bassingwaite. She is a "Lady" of the Victorian high-society but leads a kind of "double life" as she is a brilliant thief and aspires to become a member of the Wisteria Society, a secret society of lady pirates who pilot flying houses! When Ned Lightbourne, a mysterious and quite handsome is sent to "eliminate" her, the situation begins to unravel but take a surprisingly romantic turn...
This book is truly a combination of an historical fantasy romance staged in the Victorian era. It is infused with humor, elements of satire and adventure.
I would characterized it as a parody of a romantic story and a fantasy adventure, full of outrageous and hilarious scenes at times. Also, I think is as a combination of a Jane Austen novel sprinkled with the sharp and absurd British humor of the beloved Monty Python comedy troupe.
What I liked best is the Wisteria Society itself, i.e. the ladies the ladies who comprise it. They are strong, unconventional, clever and funny in their own way. At the same time they can be dangerous (and murderous), they can show their affection in a strange way (let's say) and they don't care at all about the conventions and constraints of their era although they follow its rules when they like to. That's why Cecilia is such an interesting character because she spirited and independent and is not afraid to follow her heart at the end.
Also, the writer makes a strong point regarding feminism, empowerment and the solitude of women. This last element is evident throughout the story as the reader will discover. Also, she manages to compose male characters that, even Ned Lightbourne too, exude weakness even when they try to assert themselves and show how dynamic they are. But despite the fact that sometimes they seemed ridiculous and like caricatures they managed to make me laugh and grow fond of them!
If you like charming, playful and full adventure stories with witty humor and a dash of romance and fantasy, I absolutely suggest this book.
Also, I found out that it belongs to a trilogy and I intent to read the rest of the stories.
The book has been published by https://www.penguin.com/berkley-overview/