Book Review: Ten Thousand Stitches by Olivia Atwater

★★★

I returned to the high society of Regency-era England as well as the magical realm of Faerie in Atwater's second book in the Regency Faerie Tales series, and I have to say, it was a very pleasant read.

I often listened to it on my morning walks along the Bosque, and this book in particular felt perfect for reading outside since it mentions so much greenery, forests, and the natural world. It definitely added to the experience.

Like the previous book, Ten Thousand Stitches was cute and comfortable, although I didn't care much for the romantic trope. Actually, I don't really know if there even was one? Or maybe I'm just not familiar with it?

Also, if you're picking up the audiobook version, be prepared for what they did to the main male lead's voice. When he was first introduced, I genuinely thought he was an old man, and for the rest of the book I could not un-imagine him as such.

Speaking of the male lead, and going back to that trope I mentioned, the relationship was kind of like...baby meets woman? I don't know if that makes any sense.

The main female character seemed so much more talented, intelligent, and capable compared to this kind of dumb faerie. Maybe he's supposed to come across that way because he isn't human and doesn't understand much about human society, but the dynamic just didn't work for me.

I would almost compare it to grumpy x sunshine or black cat x golden retriever, but neither of those feels quite right. More like stupid x intelligent?

That's not to say there weren't some genuinely cute moments. There were also brief appearances from characters in the first book, which I enjoyed. You don't necessarily need to read the first book to understand this one since the stories are mostly separate, but there are subtle nods and connections for readers who have.

More Than Just a Romance

Aside from the romance, I liked the plot quite a bit. Now that I've finished the second book, I can see stronger themes beginning to emerge across the Regency Faerie Tales series.

Some are fairly obvious, particularly its commentary on capitalism, class, and the treatment of the working class. But Ten Thousand Stitches specifically seems interested in change and growth, emotions, empathy, and what people can accomplish when they actually work together.

Like I said, these books are cute and comfortable on the surface, but underneath all the magic and romance, Atwater does explore some more complicated ideas. I think that's becoming one of my favorite things about the series.

I will be continuing my journey through the Regency Faerie Tales, so I'll update you when I make my way through the rest!