This is the third book following the adventures of the Athena club, and I have to say I enjoyed this one. The previous book, at over 700 pages long, felt a little too long. This one, on the other hand, was considerably shorter and I generally felt like the storyline was less meandering. However, I do feel like the pacing of the story was a bit inconsistent in places; there were quite a few spots that the narrative stalled in the extended telling of a character's backstory. Additionally, there were places in the story that were glossed over a bit too fast -- the "final showdown," for example. At this point in the series, we also have a rather extensive cast of characters, which was at times a lot to follow.

That being said, there were some very imaginative ideas at play in this volume, and I continue to enjoy the universe Theodora Goss has created here, with so many famous literary characters brought to life.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!

I have to rate this one a bit below the previous two in the series, but the series as a whole still gets an enthusiastic recommendation. There's more conflict and less camaraderie between the monstrous gentlewomen this time around, which lessens the feminist message. Even that slight disappointment doesn't change the fact I hope Ms. Goss writes more one of these days, even if it's just short stories.

Look, I'll be the first to admit that I wasn't as big of a fan of these books as I thought I'd be. I hear nothing but great things about the first 2 books, so believe me when I say I thought they were lacking. Sadly, this is the case for the 3rd book as well. The pacing is all over the place. It's slow, it's fast, it's just...awkward. While the writing style caught my interest more this time around, the pacing just ends up bringing this down for me. The story itself is actually well done, but it's weighed down with inconsistent pacing and awkward character dialogue/commentary. While the quirkiness of the character commentary was fun for me, it just doesn't hit every time. Some of the characters here are even borderline annoying, so it's a bit difficult to really immerse yourself into the story.

Honestly, this just isn't entirely for me. While I like some aspects, the way this was paced/edited just isn't for me. A shame since I do like the character dialogues most of the time.

The third book in this series was good but not quite as great as the first two. In this one the story of Alice was interesting but a lot was left unanswered but nevertheless the adventures of The Athena Club are always fun and t he characters comments within the book are always amusing.

The first novel was very atmospheric and a fun read! While this novel is not as good as the first, I still find it be very enjoyable! The novel is very fast-paced and filled with action! The novel is very well-written and has the same atmosphere as the first! The novel also expanded their world-building! I recommend this fans of Veronica Speedwell, Stalking Jack the Ripper, and Lady Sherlock! Full review to come!

The third novel in the Extraordinary Adventures of the Athena Club series. Like other works in the series this is an entertaining plot and approach that at times is dragged down by inconsistent pacing and a frustrating writing gimmick that features the characters commenting on their current feelings about the novel's narrative. There's fun to be had here, but sometimes you have to slog a bit to get to it.

I absolutely love the Athena Club series! Having been hooked by the first novel! The story is extremely fast-paced and so very enjoyable. I did feel that it may have been over-edited. Somehow, most of the scenes were a bit rushed. What normally would take fifteen pages or so.. were whittled down to a page or two. The story itself is extremely good.. I just wish that we the reader would have been given more of the story. For example, there were no scenes of traveling by automobile other than to say that they did it.. and were happy to be able to buy gas. The adventures of Alice (Lydia) were interesting.. but, again.. we weren't really given exactly what the powers were other than they came from the Earth itself. I feel bad giving a "meh" review.. but, this one.. just didn't live up to the first two books in the series.

3 out of 5 Stars.

While I'm a huge fan of this series and the author, my interest in the plotting has declined throughout the books. I"m not sure if it's the fact that there are never really stakes (since you know the characters survive because they talk to each other about the ending in the middle) but more I think it's the lack of character growth. They are generally the same characters as before, with precious few growth moments.

I would say Diana is the worst offender, since she is quite capable but honestly the most annoying. She annoys everyone and doesn't seem to have any desire to change. While that's believable, it's frustrating for readers to constantly have this character act out in the same manner three books in a row.

Overall I still really like the concept but the execution is starting to bore. No stakes, no growth, unclear why Sherlock Holmes is even in it honestly.