Cover Image: A Conventicle of Magpies

A Conventicle of Magpies

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

"A Conventicle of Magpies" by LMR Clarke is a dark and atmospheric fantasy novel that introduces readers to a world filled with oppression, magic, and a serial killer on the loose. The story revolves around Rook, an unapologetic thief, who is determined to save her family from the clutches of the ruling elite, the Avanish.

Clarke creates a rich and immersive world with a complex political and social landscape. The tension between the Saosuíasei and the Avanish is palpable, and the reader can easily empathize with Rook's plight and her desire for justice.

The presence of a blood-draining serial killer adds a thrilling and mysterious element to the plot, keeping readers engaged and eager to uncover the killer's identity. The concept of Bloodskill and its role in the story's magic system is intriguing and adds depth to the world-building.

While "A Conventicle of Magpies" has many strengths, it falls short of a higher rating due to occasional pacing issues and a somewhat convoluted plot. The complexity of the world and the multiple storylines may be challenging for some readers to follow.

In conclusion, this novel offers a unique blend of fantasy, mystery, and social commentary. While it may require some patience to fully grasp its intricacies, it is a compelling read for those who enjoy immersive fantasy worlds and dark, intricate plots.

Was this review helpful?

often times, i discover that i do not enjoy a lot of arcs. however, this was a different case. it turned out to be an exciting story that I thoroughly enjoyed. most of all, there was actually plot! which i appreciate greatly

Was this review helpful?

A fun book which would definitely appeal to readers who like to find something which sits somewhere between magical realism and high fantasy. It has definitely found it’s place in the genre.

Was this review helpful?

After I saw the cover, I knew I wanted to read this book — then I read the description and that want turned into a need.
A Victorian-esque fantasy/thriller isn’t something I read often, but is also somehow right up my alley.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

The characters were great, as was the setting, and I really loved how fast paced it was. In every chapter, something exciting happened to keep me reading — and isn’t that what we all want in a book?

My only criticism of the book is that I found the formatting unusual at times, and the inclusion of the newspapers made things a little hard to read, but other than that, it was a great story and I recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for my advanced copy. All opinions given are my own.

Was this review helpful?

There is something very weird happening with this book. It is no longer available in print, anywhere. It appears only on Audible as a Kindle book. As I do not review or even really listen to Audiobooks; therefore, at this time, I am removing it from my list.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book! The author really tried to stay true to the victorian thriller theme. the characters, the setting, and the plots all made sense and were interesting!

Was this review helpful?

Conventicle of Magpies by L.M.R. Clarke is a beautifully written, gaslamp fantasy, set in a Victorian-inspired world. It is the first in the Bloodskills Duology and I’m so excited to read the next book!

When I say fast-paced, I mean it. It started off with a bang and kept going through the whole book. I was engaged and couldn’t put this one down.

I am obsessed with the world building. Gaslamp fantasy is just such a unique genre and this author created such beautiful imagery. I need more world building like this. Absolutely wonderful.

Not only that, but the characters are absolutely compelling. Our heroine, Rook, is amazing. She is such a well rounded character. The side characters are also really great. I felt like I knew the people I was reading about.

I loved this book. I can’t wait for more. Highly recommended!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for this ARC

The book is as intriguing as the cover. Characters are fantastically written and i would recommend

Was this review helpful?

Such a great book! I enjoyed reading this one so much! I highly recommend this book. Side note: the cover!!!!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you, Netgalley, for allowing me to read an ARC of this book!

I didn't know what to expect since I had never read any of this author's previous works. Nevertheless, it was a delight to read, I loved the morally gray main character who steals to help her family. It dealt with the theme of the race well, in a way that calls out to the problem without losing sight of where the book is going and that makes it a subplot without turning it into the main issue. Still, towards the end, I was a bit confused as to why the author chose to end the book this way, but I will definitely read the second one to see where the story is now headed.
Solid 4 stars.

Was this review helpful?

This was an adventure and so much fun to read. GREAT CHARACTERS. Sometimes the secondary characters take away from the plot, but not in this book. A great story. Incredibly well written.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Was this review helpful?

This was an interesting read. I had quite mixed feelings about it, honestly, but overall I liked it. It's kind of a clash of various genres in my opinion, and is a little different to what I'd usually go for. The plot is kind of complicated to describe but it involves a group of girls called the Conventicle of Magpies, an equivalent male group called The Shadow of Jaguars, and a longstanding feud between the Avanish people and the native Saosuiasei. The main character, a Magpie who goes by the name of Rook, is also trying to figure out who the mysterious murderer is that's going around and killing Saosuiasei people, known as Billy Drainer. Oh, and some people have magical abilities, too, including Rook. Magic burns through blood, so some people even inject blood for extra power.
Inequality is a big theme throughout, and a horrific Avanish plan is uncovered exploiting the Saosuiasei for their blood. Rook has to go undercover, and a group of Magpies even breaks into the high-security prison where the worst criminals are kept. I'm probably not doing any of this justice, but hopefully you get the gist of some of the story.
Something particularly good about this is Rook's best friend, a woman going by the name of Kestrel. She's actually transgender, which would have been rather uncommon during the time period the book is set in. Rook is really protective of her, and the whole Conventicle of Magpies is wonderfully accepting. Her character was great in so many ways; she's tall and large, but she giggles about boys and wears heels and makeup all the time (which Rook could never understand doing).
Another character of interest is a boy called Pit, who Rook was very close with. He's half Avanish, and when he decided to work for the Avanish police (or the 'Filth') Rook pretty much cut all ties with him. Rook has to decide whether she can trust him anymore, or if he is truly one of them.
My main criticism of this book was that the dialogue seemed rather clunky and awkward, and the book was just a little slow going at times for me. But it was unique and interesting and I still enjoyed reading it. There are some very poignant themes, there's action, there's mystery, and there's emotion. 4 stars!

Was this review helpful?

A Conventicle of Magpies by L.M. R. Clarke is a Victorian fantasy adventure. The book is set in Stamchester, a city similar to Birmingham, England.

Rook is a thief who steals to help support her family. Her father abandoned the family several years ago so Rook stepped up to help her mother. She joined a gang called The Conventicle of Magpies. The gang has become sort of like an adopted family of mostly honorable criminals. Everyone has bird names – Magpie, Pigeon, etc.

In Stamchester, the Saosuíasei, are fighting a class war against the ruling elite, the Avanish. There is also a serial killer, Billy Drainer, that looks extremely familiar to Rook. She thinks that he is Saosuíasei and possibly her father.

Billy Drainer could be compared to Jack the Ripper. However, I think that he has an almost reasonable reason for killing. I don’t think he is killing out of hate or because he wants to hurt anyone. It’s more like the victims have something that he needs in the same way that a vampire needs bloood.

Rook takes a job as a housemaid in order to spy on the happenings are the governor’s house. She ends up also assisting with a prison break. During the prison break, she discovers some information about her missing sister. The powers that be are very interested in the sister’s blood. Rook has to get to the rest of her family before something happens to them.

If you like historical fiction with some steampunk nuances, I think that you will enjoy A Conventicle of Magpies.

If you have a fear of birds (ornithophobia), don’t worry because there aren’t any real birds out for blood. However, if you have fear of theft (Kleptophobia), beware because people will steal your valuables and maybe your blood.

Was this review helpful?

3.5 stars

Despite the world setting being sad and dangerous (because of the racist crimes and poor conditions), it was immersive, especially the folklore. The magic system isn’t anything new but it was done well and I love how limiting it could be. People are divided into Skilled and Unskilled with Skilled people needing to use blood to be able to enhance some of their physical abilities so blood is in high demand to the point that the government are farming for it. And who are they taking the blood from? The lower class (who they have invaded and stole their lands then forced them to be slaves) of course! So most of the story revolves on the main character and the group she’s in to reclaim back their freedom and to stop the oppressors on hurting their people further.

However, I don’t think I'm the only one who hates it when the author tells us that the main character is the best out of everyone in the bunch but then all we see is her messing up, getting caught and having a hard time defending herself at times. She says Bloodskilling (magic system) is her talent but we don’t see much convincing evidence during battle scenes. Moreover, she's always angry and wanting to slap people left and right but never doing it of course. My other issue is that the book could be a bit repetitive, had some minor inconsistencies here and there plus the action scenes are short and summarized (besides the last portion).

Overall, the setting reminds me of old London and Billy Drainer of Jack the ripper and I really liked that. The last portion was full of intriguing reveals and action that I do plan on reading the next book.

Trigger warning: homophobia (one of the side characters is trans and often get homophobic comments or stares). Racism and classicism of course.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Author LMR Clarke (https://lmrclarke.wordpress.com) published the novel “A Conventicle of Magpies: A victorian fantasy adventure” in 2021. This is the first book in the author’s ‘Bloodskill Duology’. The author has published four novels.

I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of violence. The story is set in a ‘universe’ where those with ’skills’ can ‘burn’ their own blood to enhance those skills. The novel has been categorized as a ‘dark Victorian thriller’. In our timeline, it would be set in the late 19th century. The primary character is 21-year old Rébh Artur, commonly known as simply Rook. She is a member of the Conventicle of Magpies and is an accomplished thief. That is in part because she can enhance many of her skills. She steals what she needs to keep herself, her mother, and her sisters alive. The Conventicle also takes on commissions. These are mostly to right wrongs against the Saosuíasei people. Her people.

The Avanish run the city of Stamchester. They are wealthy and middle-class who have virtually enslaved the Saosuíasei. The Saosuíasei live on the squalid and dangerous side of the river in the area known as the Shambles. That is where Rook and her family live.

The situation is beginning to change and not for the better. A serial killer is haunting Stamchester and one of his victims was a friend. The killer drains all the valuable blood from his victims. The Avanish controlled police are doing little to protect the Saosuíasei. The governor of Stamchester, Kel Dreidchain, would like to clear the Shambles. Replacing the Saosuíasei with more living space for the Avanish. The death of any Saosuíasei is of little consequence to him.

This all leaves Rook with the challenge of keeping her family safe. She is often out at night when the serial killer is about and must stay clear of his clutches. She must also avoid the raids upon the Shambles by the Governor’s men. When one of the Magpies is imprisoned Rook must take action. She joins with the resistance group Shadow of the Jaguar to free her.

I enjoyed the 6.5+ hours I spent reading this 231-page fantasy novel. The plot of this novel is like many fantasies. What is different is blood being the fuel for those with magical abilities. I am looking forward to the next book I like the chosen cover art. I give this novel a 4 out of 5.

You can access more of my book reviews on my Blog ( https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/).

My book reviews are also published on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/31181778-john-purvis).

Was this review helpful?

Gorgeous cover with a beautiful story inside! I've never thought will enjoy this book and yet I enjoy it!
Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for the eARC
-------------------------------------------------
What would you do to save your loved ones from slavery and a blood-draining serial killer?

Rook is an unapologetic thief, determined to do anything to ensure her mother and siblings survive the squalid and dangerous streets of Stamchester.

Rook slips, like a shadow, in and out of the homes of the ruling elite, the Avanish, and steals what she needs. She feels no regret, afterall, the Avanish have enslaved her people, the Saosuíasei, and worse, have now determined the Saosuíasei to be disposable and worthy of nothing other than death.

However, Rook is not the only shadowy figure in Stamchester. And far more deadly one haunts the filthy streets, striking fear into Avanish and Saosuíasei alike. A serial killer who drains every ounce of blood from his victims, and satisfies the elite's demand for blood to burn in the magical art of Bloodskill and enhance their own natural, and sometimes unnatural, abilities.

How can Rook outfox the serial killer and raise her people from the ashes left by the Avanish oppression?

A dark Victorian thriller. Perfect for fans of Charlie N. Holmberg's cozy mystery Spellbreaker and Susanna Clarke's enchanting and magical world of Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell.

Was this review helpful?

This novel was a fun take on dystopian segregation. I loved the creation of the Conventicle and that it was a female powered organization. Rook was a determined heroine; and I enjoyed her as a character, but I felt like she wasn't as flawed as she could have been. The novel had a lot going on; and I almost wish it was a little longer so that we could build the enemy a bit more.

So we have a few issues happening right off the bat, Billy the Drainer is on a murdering rampage, the drive by the Governor to wipe out their entire community, and then a bit later we have a missing sister, a rescue mission, and potential experimentation and collection of blood. Lots going on!

Was this review helpful?

First off, it was a bit weird with the blood factor thingy, but it was also an interesting and intriguing story, where survival not only depends on the strong but the cunning, the wise, and a lot of blood magic. Rook and Kestrel were the saving grace for their family and would let nothing and no one, stop them from protecting them.

Was this review helpful?

This book was special. It had everything that a reader needed in a fantastical novel, but at times it was a little predictable. I loved the characters, and I loved the heist plot line.

Was this review helpful?

Cracking book. Really got into this. Interesting story, good characters. I'll be keeping an eye out for book 2.

Was this review helpful?