Without a Summer by Mary Robinette Kowal
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is another easy read for anyone who likes a smattering of fantasy to grace their Regency Romance, tinged with a bit of the Luddite rebellion, other peaceful demonstrations painted as rebellion and used politically, culminating in a courtroom drama.

It's fluff.

Why do I say that? Because most of the novel is focused on the snap judgements of Jane and the misunderstanding and prejudices surrounding the Irish, or from outside her personal acquaintances, the similar theme of the general downtrodden, including certain types of magic users and and the poor in general.

It doesn't hit her directly for the most part, and when it does, it's because she's finally getting a taste of the prejudice, and it is practically only then that she changes her mind and ways.

And this is supposed to be impressive? Nah, it's just lessons learned all around. Hey, everyone, stop pre-judging each other. Right? Fluff. Obvious stuff.

This is not to say it isn't a pleasant and rolling ride, because the novel definitely is. Pretty, too. Romance, fluff, interesting conversations, a steadfast man by her side, the chance to protect or eventually support her little sister; all these little things make for a light and easy read.

A pleasant way to spend an afternoon. :)

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