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betty gives the shadow of water by jacquelyn benson five out of five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ms benson can WRITE. this is the second book of the london charismatics series. the stakes ratchet up as the group of charismatics (people with special powers) work together to prevent a disaster that would kill millions in the heart of london. this is all set right before england enters world war i.
betty recommends this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy novels in a historical setting with diverse characters.
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popcorn gives the fire in the glass by jacquelyn benson five out of five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
this book is pitched as the x-men in a pre-WWI london setting. popcorn has never seen x-men so he is unsure if this is accurate. HOWEVER, if you are looking for slow burn romance with a strong mystery plot and featuring a diverse group of people with special powers coming together to take down eugenics, this is the book for you.
jacquelyn benson is quickly becoming one of popcorn’s favorite authors. popcorn cannot wait to pick up the sequel.
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Jun 9, 2025
clara gives bridge of ash by jacquelyn benson five out of five stars
everything jacquelyn benson writes is an automatic five stars but bridge of ash might be clara’s favorite so far in the london charismatics series. this book is set in the same universe as the author’s raiders of the arcana series and the easter eggs tying the two worlds together were perfect!!!
this is book number 3 in the series and really expanded on the idea of “charismatics” aka people with extraordinary powers. the new charismatic power described was soooo interesting (no spoilers though). it also features a locked room mystery set during christmastime! sooo good.
clara’s favorite part of the book was definitely the way the relationship between the main character lily and her fiancé (!!!) lord strangford was explored and tested.
clara’s only gripe was that this was the shortest book in the series so far and she wanted more!!!
Jul 7, 2025
popcorn gives the knight and the moth by rachel gillig 5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
rachel has done it again! a gothic, atmospheric fantasy novel with a compelling and unique magic system.
popcorn’s favorite character was THE GARGOYLE. we need more books with a zany side character who says the most out of pocket things.
popcorn can’t wait to read book 2 of this duology.
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Jun 3, 2025
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