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The Square of Sevens
An orphaned fortune teller in 18th-century England searches for answers about her long-dead mother and uncovers shocking secrets in this immersive and atmospheric saga perfect for fans of Sarah Waters and Sarah Perry.
Cornwall, 1730: A young girl known only as Red travels with her father making a living predicting fortunes using the ancient Cornish method of the Square of Sevens. Shortly before he dies, her father entrusts Red’s care to a gentleman scholar, along with a document containing the secret of the Square of Sevens technique.
Raised as a lady amidst the Georgian splendor of Bath, Red’s fortune-telling delights in high society. But she cannot ignore the questions that gnaw at her soul: who was her mother? How did she die? And who are the mysterious enemies her father was always terrified would find him?
The pursuit of these mysteries takes her from Cornwall and Bath to London and Devon, from the rough ribaldry of the Bartholomew Fair to the grand houses of two of the most powerful families in England. And while Red’s quest brings her the possibility of great reward, it also leads to grave danger.
Laura Shepherd-Robinson, has written a dazzling and Dickensian story of mystery and intrigue, with audacious twists and turns.
Cornwall, 1730: A young girl known only as Red travels with her father making a living predicting fortunes using the ancient Cornish method of the Square of Sevens. Shortly before he dies, her father entrusts Red’s care to a gentleman scholar, along with a document containing the secret of the Square of Sevens technique.
Raised as a lady amidst the Georgian splendor of Bath, Red’s fortune-telling delights in high society. But she cannot ignore the questions that gnaw at her soul: who was her mother? How did she die? And who are the mysterious enemies her father was always terrified would find him?
The pursuit of these mysteries takes her from Cornwall and Bath to London and Devon, from the rough ribaldry of the Bartholomew Fair to the grand houses of two of the most powerful families in England. And while Red’s quest brings her the possibility of great reward, it also leads to grave danger.
Laura Shepherd-Robinson, has written a dazzling and Dickensian story of mystery and intrigue, with audacious twists and turns.
528 pages, Hardcover
First published June 22, 2023
About the author
Laura Shepherd-Robinson
5 books731 followersLaura Shepherd-Robinson was born in Bristol in 1976. She has a BSc in Politics from the University of Bristol and an MSc in Political Theory from the London School of Economics. Laura worked in politics for nearly twenty years before re-entering normal life to complete an MA in Creative Writing at City University. She lives in London with her husband, Adrian.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,153 reviews
December 8, 2023
Our protagonist, Red, spent the first seven years of her life on the run with her father, evading the eyes of those who, according to her father, intend to harm them. Red’s father, who goes by the name of George the Tenth of Kernow, is a "cunning-man" who comes from a long line of pellars. Using an ancient method of card reading that has been passed down through generations, father and daughter make their living telling fortunes using the Square of the Sevens method. Red is a gifted fortune teller. She never knew her mother, having lost her when she was a baby, and her father hadn’t shared much about her with Red. After her father dies, seven-year-old Red is left in the care of an antiquarian from Bath to whom he also entrusts the manuscript detailing the unique Square of Sevens technique. However, she remains curious about her parents, a quest that is discouraged by her guardian. Red spends the next ten years in Bath until her fortunes change after the demise of her guardian. She runs away from Bath and the clutches of her guardian’s shady nephew and tries to support herself, telling fortunes – a risky venture after the passing of The Witchcraft Act of 1735, which could result in imprisonment. She follows the clues of her mother’s family history from her father’s documents which lead her to London and Devon amid two feuding but influential families who would rather their secrets stay buried but also wouldn’t hesitate to use Red as a pawn to further their own motives. Will Red discover the truth about her family connections and finally find out why she spent her early childhood on the run with her father? Will she be able to see through the lies, deceit and manipulation?
Set in Georgian England, The Square of Sevens by Laura Shepherd-Robinson is a cleverly plotted work of historical fiction with an intriguing mystery at its core. I loved the Gothic vibes and the atmospheric setting and how cartomancy is incorporated into the narrative structure. Each chapter begins with a card and its interpretation, which, if studied together, predicts the possible outcomes for the relevant plot point /person concerned. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and loved the large cast of characters, each of whom had a significant part to play in Red’s quest – both her friends and allies as well as the villainous and shady people she encounters. She doesn’t always make the wisest of choices, but one wouldn’t expect a sheltered teenager to be worldly wise and exercise caution in her dealings with others. Red’s character development was on point in keeping with her age, naiveté and life experiences. The author excels in depicting the contrasting worlds of London’s fair folk and affluent society.
I would have given this novel a higher rating had the story been shorter and a tad more tightly woven. The pace slows down considerably in some segments and dragged around the halfway mark. Though a few of the revelations were not completely unpredictable, I loved the ending and thought that the final twist was well executed.
The author has penned a fascinating historical note where she discusses the era, her inspiration for this story and much more. This is my first time reading this author and I intend to explore more of her work.
Many thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the digital review copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
Set in Georgian England, The Square of Sevens by Laura Shepherd-Robinson is a cleverly plotted work of historical fiction with an intriguing mystery at its core. I loved the Gothic vibes and the atmospheric setting and how cartomancy is incorporated into the narrative structure. Each chapter begins with a card and its interpretation, which, if studied together, predicts the possible outcomes for the relevant plot point /person concerned. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and loved the large cast of characters, each of whom had a significant part to play in Red’s quest – both her friends and allies as well as the villainous and shady people she encounters. She doesn’t always make the wisest of choices, but one wouldn’t expect a sheltered teenager to be worldly wise and exercise caution in her dealings with others. Red’s character development was on point in keeping with her age, naiveté and life experiences. The author excels in depicting the contrasting worlds of London’s fair folk and affluent society.
I would have given this novel a higher rating had the story been shorter and a tad more tightly woven. The pace slows down considerably in some segments and dragged around the halfway mark. Though a few of the revelations were not completely unpredictable, I loved the ending and thought that the final twist was well executed.
The author has penned a fascinating historical note where she discusses the era, her inspiration for this story and much more. This is my first time reading this author and I intend to explore more of her work.
Many thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the digital review copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
August 24, 2023
Holy. Shit. The plottwist went so hard I couldn’t sleep for like 4 hours after this 🥲
August 24, 2023
I was intrigued with the beginning of this book. A young girl whose mother died during childbirth who tells fortunes and desperately wants to know more about her mother who was disowned when she married Red's father. Prior to her father's death, Red and her father supported themselves by telling fortunes using The Square of Sevens. They are constantly on the move as her father feels that they are in danger. When it is clear he is not going to survive his illness, Red's father asks Mr. Antrobus, a gentleman, to take Red in and raise her.
Red continues to tell fortunes during her life with Mr. Antrobus, while still hoping and trying to learn more about her mother, her mother's family, and her mother's past.
This was a meaty book. Initially I was glued to the pages and interested in learning why Red's father kept them moving and never settling down. But soon this book began to feel slow and very, very long. I have no problem with long books. One of my favorite books is over 1,000 pages but it never felt long. I felt every single page of this book. This book is dubbed a "Dickensian story of mystery and intrigue..." I enjoy Dickens book and only felt the length in one of his books (Bleak House). Can you tell I did not care for how long the book felt. It also felt slow as well and slow, and I do not get along very well.
The chapter titles are very clever as they depict the Square of Sevens but that was not enough to fully win me over. I did enjoy the twists and turns that came along the way. Red experiences a lot in this book. Red is an interesting character. She was raised in a time where she had little choices and opportunity yet found her way and made opportunities for herself. She was strong, inquisitive, and intent on finding the truth no matter what. This book has a lot going on and I usually enjoy Gothic tales, but this is one that never fully won me over.
This book was well written and well thought out.
Most reviewers are enjoying this book much more than I did so please read their reviews as well. We can't love them all.
Thank you to Atria Books and Edelweiss who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Red continues to tell fortunes during her life with Mr. Antrobus, while still hoping and trying to learn more about her mother, her mother's family, and her mother's past.
This was a meaty book. Initially I was glued to the pages and interested in learning why Red's father kept them moving and never settling down. But soon this book began to feel slow and very, very long. I have no problem with long books. One of my favorite books is over 1,000 pages but it never felt long. I felt every single page of this book. This book is dubbed a "Dickensian story of mystery and intrigue..." I enjoy Dickens book and only felt the length in one of his books (Bleak House). Can you tell I did not care for how long the book felt. It also felt slow as well and slow, and I do not get along very well.
The chapter titles are very clever as they depict the Square of Sevens but that was not enough to fully win me over. I did enjoy the twists and turns that came along the way. Red experiences a lot in this book. Red is an interesting character. She was raised in a time where she had little choices and opportunity yet found her way and made opportunities for herself. She was strong, inquisitive, and intent on finding the truth no matter what. This book has a lot going on and I usually enjoy Gothic tales, but this is one that never fully won me over.
This book was well written and well thought out.
Most reviewers are enjoying this book much more than I did so please read their reviews as well. We can't love them all.
Thank you to Atria Books and Edelweiss who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
June 26, 2023
In her historical note, Laura Shepherd-Robinson states that she wanted to write ‘something mythical and magical, a sweeping Dickensian story with a twist’ and, boy, has she succeeded. The author takes us on a endlessly inventive and enthralling journey that in its story of disputed inheritance, suspicious deaths and familial intrigue has echoes of Charles Dickens, Wilkie Collins and Robert Louis Stevenson but never feels derivative.
The book is peopled with fascinating supporting characters, notably Lazarus Darke whose name could surely have come from a Dickens novel. And I couldn’t help thinking of Dickens’s Bleak House when it comes to the long-running legal case, in this instance between two powerful families connected by blood but divided by past events, that forms much of the backdrop to the book.
Any attempt to summarise the twists and turns of the plot would be doomed to failure and risk giving away some of the many surprises awaiting the reader, so I’m not even going to try. Safe to say, the dividing line between truth and illusion is gossamer thin and you shouldn’t necessarily believe what you see or hear.
Our heroine, Red, is the epitome of relentless determination, pursuing her goal with ingenuity and, at times, a careless regard for her own safety. She’s also not averse to a little manipulation when she believes it will serve her purpose. Let’s face it, in this book she’s not alone when it comes to that.
I loved the way the author integrated the Square of Sevens itself into the book, with each chapter bearing an illustration of a card whose accompanying interpretation may give clues to the events about to unfold.
At over 500 pages The Square of Sevens is a chunky book but it moves along at pace with a constant sense there is a surprise around the next corner. There invariably is. Some of them are positively audacious. In fact, I can imagine the author thinking, gotcha!
Laura Shepherd-Robinson’s previous two books, Blood & Sugar and Daughters of Night, were great but this is definitely her best yet. The Square of Sevens is a rip-roaring romp of a historical novel that will keep you turning the pages.
The book is peopled with fascinating supporting characters, notably Lazarus Darke whose name could surely have come from a Dickens novel. And I couldn’t help thinking of Dickens’s Bleak House when it comes to the long-running legal case, in this instance between two powerful families connected by blood but divided by past events, that forms much of the backdrop to the book.
Any attempt to summarise the twists and turns of the plot would be doomed to failure and risk giving away some of the many surprises awaiting the reader, so I’m not even going to try. Safe to say, the dividing line between truth and illusion is gossamer thin and you shouldn’t necessarily believe what you see or hear.
Our heroine, Red, is the epitome of relentless determination, pursuing her goal with ingenuity and, at times, a careless regard for her own safety. She’s also not averse to a little manipulation when she believes it will serve her purpose. Let’s face it, in this book she’s not alone when it comes to that.
I loved the way the author integrated the Square of Sevens itself into the book, with each chapter bearing an illustration of a card whose accompanying interpretation may give clues to the events about to unfold.
At over 500 pages The Square of Sevens is a chunky book but it moves along at pace with a constant sense there is a surprise around the next corner. There invariably is. Some of them are positively audacious. In fact, I can imagine the author thinking, gotcha!
Laura Shepherd-Robinson’s previous two books, Blood & Sugar and Daughters of Night, were great but this is definitely her best yet. The Square of Sevens is a rip-roaring romp of a historical novel that will keep you turning the pages.
September 22, 2023
I'm going to be honest, the best aspects of this particular book are the cover, the quirky illustrations of Bath and the fact the story was set in Bath. Apart from that, this book was difficult to like, and, putting it lightly, my heart is most definitely dissatisfied.
As usual, this book was purchased unexpectedly in a boutique bookshop on one of my trips. As I walked in, it was there sitting there looking all pretty in its mouthwatering hardback special edition form. What could one do?
I was enthusiastic about it until I started reading it and I just knew we weren't going to get along. I love that it is set in Bath, as that place is one of my favourite cities to spend time in, and obviously one of those reasons is because of the closeness with Jane Austen. This will sound terrible, but I couldn't picture Laura Shepherd-Robinson's characters swanning about in Bath. I'm a way, the story didn't belong there.
The book was terribly long, with use of words that didn't fit the dialogue. There was a lack of suspense or emotion and no build-up which led to a yawn inducing experience, hence why it took me longer than usual to finish.
I am in no doubt disappointed with this somewhat flat read, and a bit irritated with myself for spending nearly £20 on it, but then, there is that cover to gaze at...
As usual, this book was purchased unexpectedly in a boutique bookshop on one of my trips. As I walked in, it was there sitting there looking all pretty in its mouthwatering hardback special edition form. What could one do?
I was enthusiastic about it until I started reading it and I just knew we weren't going to get along. I love that it is set in Bath, as that place is one of my favourite cities to spend time in, and obviously one of those reasons is because of the closeness with Jane Austen. This will sound terrible, but I couldn't picture Laura Shepherd-Robinson's characters swanning about in Bath. I'm a way, the story didn't belong there.
The book was terribly long, with use of words that didn't fit the dialogue. There was a lack of suspense or emotion and no build-up which led to a yawn inducing experience, hence why it took me longer than usual to finish.
I am in no doubt disappointed with this somewhat flat read, and a bit irritated with myself for spending nearly £20 on it, but then, there is that cover to gaze at...
June 26, 2024
A wonderful historical adventure, packed full of twists and turns, complex characters and fantastic moments. I loved this so much; it was simply huge fun. A good one for fans of Sarah Waters, Wilkie Collins and Charles Dickens.
December 5, 2023
The Square of Sevens tries very hard to be Fingersmith, but it falls short on every level.
I try not to let marketing influence me too much, but when my favorite author is invoked, please forgive me for fixating on that a bit. Claiming that a book is "perfect for fans of Sarah Waters" sets up very high, perhaps impossible, expectations. I wish it was a surprise that the story, writing, historical immersion, atmosphere, and characters don't come anywhere near Waters level, but it's not. The comparison really does this book a disservice, because on its own, this is a perfectly serviceable bit of historical frippery if you're reading solely for plot, and in fact, with some edits probably would've made a better YA novel than an adult historical.
It does some Fingersmith sleight of hand, but the reveals come very late in a book that feels far too long for its content, and it's not nearly clever enough to justify the somewhat exhausting lead-up and the unnecessarily convoluted (in that it does not add as much to the story as it seems to think the reader wants) structure of painstakingly matching chapter content to playing cards, which here are used in divination. I also had trouble feeling immersed in Georgian society as well; aside from a few nice details such as when she's making fake coins on the streets, the historical elements felt somewhat generic and glossed over.
Anyway, I listened to all 20 hours even though I could tell after 3 major deaths that the book wasn't going to hit the intricacy of plotting, depth of character and themes, or emotional impact of a Sarah Waters book. A missed opportunity, because while it feels historical lite for adults, reworked a little, this could've been a much stronger cozy historical mystery or book for young adults.
I try not to let marketing influence me too much, but when my favorite author is invoked, please forgive me for fixating on that a bit. Claiming that a book is "perfect for fans of Sarah Waters" sets up very high, perhaps impossible, expectations. I wish it was a surprise that the story, writing, historical immersion, atmosphere, and characters don't come anywhere near Waters level, but it's not. The comparison really does this book a disservice, because on its own, this is a perfectly serviceable bit of historical frippery if you're reading solely for plot, and in fact, with some edits probably would've made a better YA novel than an adult historical.
It does some Fingersmith sleight of hand, but the reveals come very late in a book that feels far too long for its content, and it's not nearly clever enough to justify the somewhat exhausting lead-up and the unnecessarily convoluted (in that it does not add as much to the story as it seems to think the reader wants) structure of painstakingly matching chapter content to playing cards, which here are used in divination. I also had trouble feeling immersed in Georgian society as well; aside from a few nice details such as when she's making fake coins on the streets, the historical elements felt somewhat generic and glossed over.
Anyway, I listened to all 20 hours even though I could tell after 3 major deaths that the book wasn't going to hit the intricacy of plotting, depth of character and themes, or emotional impact of a Sarah Waters book. A missed opportunity, because while it feels historical lite for adults, reworked a little, this could've been a much stronger cozy historical mystery or book for young adults.
Shelved as 'dnf'
May 4, 2024A decent first 50 pages were followed by a further 200 pages of boredom. I'm glad I decided to quit at that point as the ending, I later found, is just ridiculous.
March 2, 2023
I loved this book! This author can do no wrong as far as I’ve read. With an intricate plot and a wide range of characters, all untrustworthy, the context of the story is very evocative of time and place. Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.
January 5, 2024
I was utterly gob-smacked when I reached the final chapters of this outstandingly clever novel!
And once again I cannot say a single word about this incredibly well written plot without revealing massive spoilers.
My advice: just keep your wits about you and try to remember as many details as you possibly can, so that you can fully appreciate that sensational ending! Take notes even!!!
Laura Shepherd-Robinson rivals Dickens for managing to introduce so many characters and still manage to tell a coherent, enthralling story. From rags to riches indeed... or so everyone in this story seems to aspire to...
At first I was attracted to this book because of the theme of cartomancy. I dabble (very amateurishly, I assure you!) in the study of tarot cards. The Square of Sevens method is an incredibly complex layout of cards that defied my limited comprehension, so I just went with the various interpretations of each reading throughout this incredible story.
I will readily admit that I was totally ENTHRALLED! I had read an excerpt of this novel several weeks ago on my Libby Ap and, to my great frustration, had to wait several excruciating weeks to get a copy of it from the library.... and it was well worth the wait!
As the story unfolds, we are told that Red (aka Rachel) - being a precocious child - was able to read fortunes using the Square of Sevens method taught to her by her father, an itinerant "Cunning Man" - aka Cornish Gypsy.
.... And AGAIN I have to stop here because so many spoilers will fall from my lips if I go any further!
This book was almost impossible to put down. Many is the time I would find that I had been reading non-stop well into the night and then into the wee hours of the morning!
This story is ADDICTIVE, so make sure you have a good block of time to devote to this incredible tale of the occult, avarice, seduction, treachery and even murder! (Don't worry, by saying this, I didn't reveal any spoilers that are not already contained in the blurb!)
And don't worry that this is set in the 1700s. I haven't read historical fiction in ages, but this story had a contemporary vibe.
So what are you waiting for?!!! Go get your hands on this book and READ IT! Highly, highly recommended: you wont regret a minute of the time you spent on this novel, and I also recommend that you hold on to your jaw at the very end - it will drop so low with shock. I was literally gasping: I did not see that ending coming!!! 5 out of 5 well deserved stars!
And once again I cannot say a single word about this incredibly well written plot without revealing massive spoilers.
My advice: just keep your wits about you and try to remember as many details as you possibly can, so that you can fully appreciate that sensational ending! Take notes even!!!
Laura Shepherd-Robinson rivals Dickens for managing to introduce so many characters and still manage to tell a coherent, enthralling story. From rags to riches indeed... or so everyone in this story seems to aspire to...
At first I was attracted to this book because of the theme of cartomancy. I dabble (very amateurishly, I assure you!) in the study of tarot cards. The Square of Sevens method is an incredibly complex layout of cards that defied my limited comprehension, so I just went with the various interpretations of each reading throughout this incredible story.
I will readily admit that I was totally ENTHRALLED! I had read an excerpt of this novel several weeks ago on my Libby Ap and, to my great frustration, had to wait several excruciating weeks to get a copy of it from the library.... and it was well worth the wait!
As the story unfolds, we are told that Red (aka Rachel) - being a precocious child - was able to read fortunes using the Square of Sevens method taught to her by her father, an itinerant "Cunning Man" - aka Cornish Gypsy.
.... And AGAIN I have to stop here because so many spoilers will fall from my lips if I go any further!
This book was almost impossible to put down. Many is the time I would find that I had been reading non-stop well into the night and then into the wee hours of the morning!
This story is ADDICTIVE, so make sure you have a good block of time to devote to this incredible tale of the occult, avarice, seduction, treachery and even murder! (Don't worry, by saying this, I didn't reveal any spoilers that are not already contained in the blurb!)
And don't worry that this is set in the 1700s. I haven't read historical fiction in ages, but this story had a contemporary vibe.
So what are you waiting for?!!! Go get your hands on this book and READ IT! Highly, highly recommended: you wont regret a minute of the time you spent on this novel, and I also recommend that you hold on to your jaw at the very end - it will drop so low with shock. I was literally gasping: I did not see that ending coming!!! 5 out of 5 well deserved stars!
September 4, 2023
Wow, the beginning of this book really hooked me. The main character is really inspiring as she didn't come from much but trudged on through and made her way in the world. She's determined and inspiring. However, the reason for 3 stars is because this book was long. I don't mean the number of pages. Nor do I mean it's a "slow burn". I feel like it just kept dragging. There wasn't enough interesting things to keep my interest constantly around halfway, I was over it. It does has some good twists and turns but the moments in between lacked and dragged on for me. I really wanted to love this, and at the beginning I was so gripped. However, it just slowly become less interesting. The ending was good but didn't make up for the lacking 50% of the book. Please check this one out for yourself, because what may lack for me might be amazing to you. We all have different preferences. It has good reviews, so I'm not sure why I'm the one that isn't that thrilled with it.
I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
September 6, 2023
WOW. Just wow. This book is exceptional!
Full review to follow, once I've found the words...
---
I had the absolute privilege to read an early copy of this stunning new novel from one of my all-time favourite authors. To say this was my most anticipated release of the summer would be an understatement. I have loved everything Laura Shepherd-Robinson has written to date, and I’ll continue to pick up absolutely everything she writes. I couldn’t love her writing and her stories more.
This novel takes a different tone from her previous two books; set between Georgian Bath, London and Devon, this is a story of fortune-telling, Cartomancy, truth and deception. This is the tale of a young girl named Red, who travels the roads of Cornwall from town to town with her ‘cunning man’ father, telling fortunes to pay their way. Red’s life changes dramatically when she meets Mr Antrobus, who, as her guardian and caretaker, means a move to Bath and a life as a Lady. But burning at her core is a desperate need to know who she really is, where she came from, who her mother was and her family’s history. Together with Red we set out to discover her past.
Both setting and plot are so richly detailed you will truly feel like you are there, but will you brave having your own fortune told?
Absolutely glorious from start to finish, this is a spectacular novel and I can’t recommend it enough.
Full review to follow, once I've found the words...
---
I had the absolute privilege to read an early copy of this stunning new novel from one of my all-time favourite authors. To say this was my most anticipated release of the summer would be an understatement. I have loved everything Laura Shepherd-Robinson has written to date, and I’ll continue to pick up absolutely everything she writes. I couldn’t love her writing and her stories more.
This novel takes a different tone from her previous two books; set between Georgian Bath, London and Devon, this is a story of fortune-telling, Cartomancy, truth and deception. This is the tale of a young girl named Red, who travels the roads of Cornwall from town to town with her ‘cunning man’ father, telling fortunes to pay their way. Red’s life changes dramatically when she meets Mr Antrobus, who, as her guardian and caretaker, means a move to Bath and a life as a Lady. But burning at her core is a desperate need to know who she really is, where she came from, who her mother was and her family’s history. Together with Red we set out to discover her past.
Both setting and plot are so richly detailed you will truly feel like you are there, but will you brave having your own fortune told?
Absolutely glorious from start to finish, this is a spectacular novel and I can’t recommend it enough.
January 24, 2024
3 Stars
It took me forever to finish this one. Excellent writing, but for some reason, the story just didn't grab me.
It took me forever to finish this one. Excellent writing, but for some reason, the story just didn't grab me.
July 24, 2023
I wanted to like this book so much more than I did. I actually loved the writing, the plot, the characters - all of it. But the overly excessive details ruined the suspense I thought the read needed. Every time I was really invested in the drama and suspense of the story line the writing would pull me out with just too many words. I think at least 100 pages could be lobbed off and the story would pack a serious punch of dramatic page turning suspense. Because the story is an excellent one. It's full of intrigue, mystery, wonderful characters, and twists and turns right up to the very last page. Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for allowing me to read an advanced copy and provide my honest opinion.
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October 27, 2023Laura Shepherd-Robinson has made a deserved name for herself writing historical thrillers, but The Square of Sevens is a larger beast than that. While still a novel led by mystery and intrigue, it is less of a thriller and more of an historical drama set in the Bath and London of the 1730s and ’40s.
Our protagonist is a girl named Red, who grew up travelling the roads of England with her father, performing cartomancy using the pseudo-mythical art known as the square of sevens. She never knew her mother, and early in the novel her father dies, but not before urging a kindly and wealthy man to take his daughter in.
This man, Antrobus, raises Red as “Rachel” in a life of comfort, until her life becomes unravelled when she turns sixteen. As she searches for the truth about her parents — specifically who her mother might have been — Red is soon forced to flee to London.
My full thoughts: https://booksandbao.com/best-historic...
Our protagonist is a girl named Red, who grew up travelling the roads of England with her father, performing cartomancy using the pseudo-mythical art known as the square of sevens. She never knew her mother, and early in the novel her father dies, but not before urging a kindly and wealthy man to take his daughter in.
This man, Antrobus, raises Red as “Rachel” in a life of comfort, until her life becomes unravelled when she turns sixteen. As she searches for the truth about her parents — specifically who her mother might have been — Red is soon forced to flee to London.
My full thoughts: https://booksandbao.com/best-historic...
August 3, 2023
With thanks to Gullivers Bookshop for the advanced reader copy.
Rating: 3.5
The Square of Sevens is about a girl who travels with her fortune teller father as a child, but who after unexpected events ends up being raised as a lady in Bath. Many aspects of her past are unknown and as she searches for answers she gets caught up in mysteries surrounding her father's fortune teller skill and an influential family in society.
The book's storyline is really original. It had a unique premise and the plot progressed in a way I wasn't expecting. It was interesting meeting characters from both genteel and lower societies and how the character navigated both. I also liked that the main character knew her own mind and drove her own destiny.
What let down the characters and the plot was the pacing of the book and lack of development in some aspects. There was a lot included in the book but they weren't all given enough dedication for them to have meaningful impact on the reader. There were also times when the plot slowed significantly. As a reader I could see there was so much potential and I was sad the execution just wasn't quite refined enough.
Overall I still recommend reading the book for the excellent world it paints, unique story line and variety of characters.
Rating: 3.5
The Square of Sevens is about a girl who travels with her fortune teller father as a child, but who after unexpected events ends up being raised as a lady in Bath. Many aspects of her past are unknown and as she searches for answers she gets caught up in mysteries surrounding her father's fortune teller skill and an influential family in society.
The book's storyline is really original. It had a unique premise and the plot progressed in a way I wasn't expecting. It was interesting meeting characters from both genteel and lower societies and how the character navigated both. I also liked that the main character knew her own mind and drove her own destiny.
What let down the characters and the plot was the pacing of the book and lack of development in some aspects. There was a lot included in the book but they weren't all given enough dedication for them to have meaningful impact on the reader. There were also times when the plot slowed significantly. As a reader I could see there was so much potential and I was sad the execution just wasn't quite refined enough.
Overall I still recommend reading the book for the excellent world it paints, unique story line and variety of characters.
November 15, 2023
I realized, I’m drawn to card reading plots though I’ve never done it IRL.
Add a magic system + judicial issues + family drama, and the book tends to make my TBR shortlist.
Now, I did have some pacing issues in the 2nd & 3rd quarter- and the audiobook definitely helped- but holy smokes- stick with it because the 4th quarter makes up for it.
I think the formatting was intriguing- though I would have loved clearer flashback call outs.
3.75/5 Rounded Up because I’m curious to read more Shepherd-Robinson.
I’m glad this book made my #nohypeNovember list. 👍
Add a magic system + judicial issues + family drama, and the book tends to make my TBR shortlist.
Now, I did have some pacing issues in the 2nd & 3rd quarter- and the audiobook definitely helped- but holy smokes- stick with it because the 4th quarter makes up for it.
I think the formatting was intriguing- though I would have loved clearer flashback call outs.
3.75/5 Rounded Up because I’m curious to read more Shepherd-Robinson.
I’m glad this book made my #nohypeNovember list. 👍
December 2, 2023
This was INCREDIBLE and you should all go out and read it immediately! 🥰
Expect:
Georgian vibes
Fortune telling
Mystery galore
Twists and turns
Courtroom drama
Lots of intrigue
Heroes and villains (mainly villains!)
Laura Shepherd-Robinson is a master of storytelling and this was a blast from start to finish.
Expect:
Georgian vibes
Fortune telling
Mystery galore
Twists and turns
Courtroom drama
Lots of intrigue
Heroes and villains (mainly villains!)
Laura Shepherd-Robinson is a master of storytelling and this was a blast from start to finish.
December 3, 2023
First third: three stars
Second third: four stars
Third third: 6 stars- didn’t see it coming
Second third: four stars
Third third: 6 stars- didn’t see it coming
August 22, 2023
The Square of Sevens is an intricately plotted book but I felt it was both too long and too slow. I think it would have benefitted from being shorter in length. The story involves a complicated inheritance and dueling families locked in a legal battle. There is a large cast of characters but the relationships between them didn’t have as much depth as I would have liked. I felt that Red and Lazarus were the most fleshed out characters.
In terms of the mystery, there’s a fair amount of twists and subterfuge. You can never really trust what you’re being told. I also liked the cartomancy elements since it was something I was unfamiliar with. I’m not sure if I loved the way things ended but it certainly surprised me. Overall, an interesting read at times but it is not a favorite.
In terms of the mystery, there’s a fair amount of twists and subterfuge. You can never really trust what you’re being told. I also liked the cartomancy elements since it was something I was unfamiliar with. I’m not sure if I loved the way things ended but it certainly surprised me. Overall, an interesting read at times but it is not a favorite.
October 17, 2023
I finished it before book club!
In 1700s England, a young girl who tells fortunes works to learn the truth about her mother and discovers her history is something entirely different than she thought. With their estate at stake, the very wealthy De Lacy family will do anything to keep their money and their secrets safe. The closer Red gets to the truth, the more dangerous it becomes.
I struggled at the beginning and then was surprised to discover the book was a mystery/thriller when people started dropping dead early. Although I thought the characters were hard to track, I was impressed by the strategic layout of the book. It kept me constantly guessing, unsure of who to trust, and I thought the ending was perfectly satisfactory.
In 1700s England, a young girl who tells fortunes works to learn the truth about her mother and discovers her history is something entirely different than she thought. With their estate at stake, the very wealthy De Lacy family will do anything to keep their money and their secrets safe. The closer Red gets to the truth, the more dangerous it becomes.
I struggled at the beginning and then was surprised to discover the book was a mystery/thriller when people started dropping dead early. Although I thought the characters were hard to track, I was impressed by the strategic layout of the book. It kept me constantly guessing, unsure of who to trust, and I thought the ending was perfectly satisfactory.
January 14, 2024
I loved this! Intricate and painstaking, as if for every word a dozen were sifted through to choose the perfect one. Red was a highly enjoyable main character to follow, and the mysteries along the way were engaging and kept me turning the pages so quickly I was done with the bulk of this read within a day. The characters were entertaining, if unlikeable for the most part, and the ending was absolutely perfect. I can’t recommend enough, especially as a first historical mystery type book for a fantasy reader.
January 4, 2024
I got a quarter of the way in. So many nasty characters in this, and the good ones being killed off. I’m just not interested in slogging through with this, the mystery aspect isn’t pulling me in bc all the good ppl are gone and it’s just too grim.
July 8, 2023
It took me over 6 long, laborious, bum numbing weeks to read this book and in the end, I wish I hadn’t bothered.
It was not worth the effort.
It was not worth the effort.
November 24, 2023
This book just didn't do it for me could of been alot shorter though
March 6, 2023
Laura Shepherd-Robinson’s books are getting better and better! This one will be on my books of the year list in December, without a doubt.
A standalone novel set in the first half of the 18th century, The Square of Sevens is the story of Red, the daughter of a Cornish fortune teller or ‘cunning-man’. Red can’t remember her mother and has spent the first seven years of her life moving from village to village with her father, telling fortunes using an ancient method of cartomancy known as the Square of Sevens. They need to keep on the move, her father says, to avoid being caught by enemies who wish them harm.
Life changes abruptly for Red when her father dies of a sudden illness and she becomes the ward of a respectable gentleman, Mr Antrobus. Going to live with him in his elegant home in Bath, Red finds herself thrust into society for the first time. Raised by Mr Antrobus and his kindly housekeeper, she settles into her new life while entertaining the people of Bath by reading their cards for them. It’s through her gift for card-reading that Red crosses paths with the wealthy De Lacy family, whom she believes hold the key to the secrets of her own past. And so a sequence of events are set in motion that take Red from Bath to London’s Bartholomew Fair and a grand house in Devon in search of answers.
It’s not really possible for me to say much more about the story without spoiling it, but if I tell you it includes family secrets, disputed inheritances, stolen documents, and lots of surprising twists and turns you’ll get the idea! It’s very entertaining, with the feel of a Charles Dickens novel at times, and I was often reminded of Charles Palliser’s The Quincunx (another great Dickensian novel with an inheritance at the heart of the plot).
I found Red a very engaging narrator; I initially had a lot of sympathy for her, as she struggles to uncover the secrets of her family background and find her place in the world, while others around her try to prevent her from learning the truth at all costs. However, I soon discovered that Red can be just as ruthless herself and is not above doing some plotting and scheming of her own in order to get what she wants. As she tells us at one point in the novel, If you’d wanted a saint, then you should have read a different book. There are plenty of other interesting and memorable characters to get to know – I was particularly intrigued by Lazarus Darke – and what makes the book so fascinating to read is that we can never be quite sure who can be trusted and who can’t.
The ‘Square of Sevens’ method of card reading was described in an 1897 book by Edward Irenaeus Stevenson and Shepherd-Robinson incorporates it throughout the novel. Red tells the fortunes of many of the characters she meets and the fortune-telling theme is carried further with each chapter heading including a picture of a playing card and an interpretation of that card’s meaning. Reading the author’s note at the end of the book, a lot of thought went into choosing the correct card for each chapter and I feel a bit guilty that I didn’t always pick up on the significance of that choice.
If you’ve read and enjoyed Laura Shepherd-Robinson’s two previous novels, the Georgian mysteries Blood and Sugar and Daughters of Night, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this book too – I think it’s even better. If you’re yet to try any of her books then this would be a great place to start!
A standalone novel set in the first half of the 18th century, The Square of Sevens is the story of Red, the daughter of a Cornish fortune teller or ‘cunning-man’. Red can’t remember her mother and has spent the first seven years of her life moving from village to village with her father, telling fortunes using an ancient method of cartomancy known as the Square of Sevens. They need to keep on the move, her father says, to avoid being caught by enemies who wish them harm.
Life changes abruptly for Red when her father dies of a sudden illness and she becomes the ward of a respectable gentleman, Mr Antrobus. Going to live with him in his elegant home in Bath, Red finds herself thrust into society for the first time. Raised by Mr Antrobus and his kindly housekeeper, she settles into her new life while entertaining the people of Bath by reading their cards for them. It’s through her gift for card-reading that Red crosses paths with the wealthy De Lacy family, whom she believes hold the key to the secrets of her own past. And so a sequence of events are set in motion that take Red from Bath to London’s Bartholomew Fair and a grand house in Devon in search of answers.
It’s not really possible for me to say much more about the story without spoiling it, but if I tell you it includes family secrets, disputed inheritances, stolen documents, and lots of surprising twists and turns you’ll get the idea! It’s very entertaining, with the feel of a Charles Dickens novel at times, and I was often reminded of Charles Palliser’s The Quincunx (another great Dickensian novel with an inheritance at the heart of the plot).
I found Red a very engaging narrator; I initially had a lot of sympathy for her, as she struggles to uncover the secrets of her family background and find her place in the world, while others around her try to prevent her from learning the truth at all costs. However, I soon discovered that Red can be just as ruthless herself and is not above doing some plotting and scheming of her own in order to get what she wants. As she tells us at one point in the novel, If you’d wanted a saint, then you should have read a different book. There are plenty of other interesting and memorable characters to get to know – I was particularly intrigued by Lazarus Darke – and what makes the book so fascinating to read is that we can never be quite sure who can be trusted and who can’t.
The ‘Square of Sevens’ method of card reading was described in an 1897 book by Edward Irenaeus Stevenson and Shepherd-Robinson incorporates it throughout the novel. Red tells the fortunes of many of the characters she meets and the fortune-telling theme is carried further with each chapter heading including a picture of a playing card and an interpretation of that card’s meaning. Reading the author’s note at the end of the book, a lot of thought went into choosing the correct card for each chapter and I feel a bit guilty that I didn’t always pick up on the significance of that choice.
If you’ve read and enjoyed Laura Shepherd-Robinson’s two previous novels, the Georgian mysteries Blood and Sugar and Daughters of Night, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this book too – I think it’s even better. If you’re yet to try any of her books then this would be a great place to start!
August 8, 2023
Thank you to Edelweiss and Atria books for an arc of this book!
When I finished this book I had to sit and think for a few minutes because WOW. I mean, I love historical fiction books, and I love mystery aspects intertwined with that as well. Think Kate Mosse! Shepherd-Robinson does an excellent job of piecing together this story, and leaving you wondering.
It is worth noting that you should read her authors note at both the beginning and the end of the book.
I loved Red's character, and I liked that we had several different people narrating this book, because you were left wondering: what was the truth?
And what was the truth? The process to get to the end of the book had me both boggled and impressed at the same time. I was never sure where we were going, or where we were coming from. Nothing was certain, there were layers upon layers of mysteries and truths in this book, and you have to really dig.
I don't want to talk too much about the plot otherwise I'm afraid I'd spoil the book! This is the book for you if you love historical fiction, murder mysteries as well as intrigue all wrapped up together!
When I finished this book I had to sit and think for a few minutes because WOW. I mean, I love historical fiction books, and I love mystery aspects intertwined with that as well. Think Kate Mosse! Shepherd-Robinson does an excellent job of piecing together this story, and leaving you wondering.
It is worth noting that you should read her authors note at both the beginning and the end of the book.
I loved Red's character, and I liked that we had several different people narrating this book, because you were left wondering: what was the truth?
And what was the truth? The process to get to the end of the book had me both boggled and impressed at the same time. I was never sure where we were going, or where we were coming from. Nothing was certain, there were layers upon layers of mysteries and truths in this book, and you have to really dig.
I don't want to talk too much about the plot otherwise I'm afraid I'd spoil the book! This is the book for you if you love historical fiction, murder mysteries as well as intrigue all wrapped up together!
April 23, 2024
A feat of historical fiction writing, probably the best I’ve read in the past decade. If I’m audibly yelling while reading, then it’s good.
The story telling is extremely well done, tightly written, and well researched. The plot twists were TWISTING and the pacing was perfect (I stayed up til 4am because I needed to find out what happened) and the large cast of characters were easy to care about (or hate, as intended). If you like a lush setting and beautifully fleshed out characters, you will probably enjoy this. I’m still thinking about the ending several hours later. Chef’s kiss.
The story telling is extremely well done, tightly written, and well researched. The plot twists were TWISTING and the pacing was perfect (I stayed up til 4am because I needed to find out what happened) and the large cast of characters were easy to care about (or hate, as intended). If you like a lush setting and beautifully fleshed out characters, you will probably enjoy this. I’m still thinking about the ending several hours later. Chef’s kiss.
May 8, 2023
5 star read, reminiscent of a good Wilkie Collins or a Dickens novel. Loved the characters and storyline. It was a long book but didn't want it to end. Highly recommend to fans of Georgian era novels. Will wThanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
August 6, 2024
3 1/2 stars. I read this for pure pleasure - a juicy, Dickensian 'poor orphan vs evil superwealthy' match-up, set in one of my favorite historical periods and places, 18th century England. Plus I was led to expect a little supernatural eerie-ness, which always piques my interest. I mostly got what I asked for: juicy characters without the Dickensian sap; an intricate and sometimes surprising plot; strong sense of time and place; solid writing (I will forgive one history lesson info dump since it only lasted half a page). The star deductions are mainly for length. Even though I was having a good time, with about 150 pages left to go I began eyeing other books on my shelves, despite a boost in momentum in the last 80 pages or so. I wish that boost had started earlier. I would call this a great example of 'standard' historical fiction (definitely no eerie element) that doesn't push any boundaries. My favorite historical fictions go a step beyond, in some way calling into question the whole enterprise of bringing history to life, all the while doing it superbly. Some examples: Nobber, Laurus, Tyll, Everyone Knows Your Mother Is a Witch, To Calais, in Ordinary Time, The King at the Edge of the World, Painter to the King.
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