I think this might actually be my favorite of the Glamourist Histories, and part of me's sad to see that this is the last book... but what a point to go out on.

Vincent's father has passed and because his older brothers are dead and crippled respectively, Vincent and Jane must travel to Antigua to investigate the updated will there. But of course, there are twists and they remain on the island far longer than they want to (frankly, if they Vincents had their way they would've left on day one, but alas.)

Mary Robinette Kowal's commitment to research shows with how fleshed out the Antiguans are and with passing references to contemporary events, as well as the dialect of slaves from different parts of Africa.

Once again, I found her treatment of pregnancy, childbirth, and the anxiety from Jane's previous miscarriage well-crafted- maybe I'm reading the wrong genres, but I don't see such a careful, thoughtful treatment of the topic that often. ( )

I've mostly enjoyed this series of novels. A couple of them were very fun and all have been fascinating glimpses into this period of history (knowing full well that the magic changes things up a bit). The big draw that this episode has for me are the intrigues and details about plantation life when slavery was still quite active. The author does a good job of balancing the fine line between historical accuracy and modern sensibilities.

I did knock off a couple of stars. The first one has more to do with me than the book: I'm not in the target audience for the book. This volume swung the pendulum far into the Romance (with a capital R to the 10th power) genre and I cringed at every breathy breath, silently clenched muscle, faint, archaic euphemism and throat clearing.

The second star gets knocked off for the audio performance. While Mary does her usual excellent job. The other actors, while bringing in the island accents that were needed, always seemed insert too ... many ... pauses ... in ... unnecessary ... places. I had to put the Audible player into 1.25x playback mode to avoid losing my sanity.

If you've followed the adventures of Jane and Vincent thus far, you will want to read this closing volume of the series. Otherwise, read one of the other stories (I recommend [b:Glamour in Glass|12160890|Glamour in Glass (Glamourist Histories, #2)|Mary Robinette Kowal|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1316282715s/12160890.jpg|17131945] or [b:Valour and Vanity|12987423|Valour and Vanity (Glamourist Histories, #4)|Mary Robinette Kowal|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388795753s/12987423.jpg|18147165]). ( )

Vincent's father has died. Vincent & Jane must go to Antigua to look into his affairs. Things get complicated as they delve into the accounts and the realities of slavery. A look into a side of the Regency world not often talked about! ( )

"Are you going to listen to my idea, or would you prefer to panic on your own?" ( )

I cannot even express how much I love this book. It continues a story that I've really enjoyed, with characters I really like, in a universe and a magical system that really intrigues me, but Kowal is one of those marvellous writers of genre fiction that doesn't flinch for a moment in tackling hard questions or using her story to find a greater truth. This one takes on Vincent's difficult family head-on, and explores the toxicity of bullying, the role of women, the difficulties with conception and childbirth, racial inequality and the detructive forces of colonialism. Oh, and magic in a Jane Austen like, refined setting. Fantastic. ( )