Title: The Lost Future of Pepperharrow
Author: Natasha Pulley
First published February 18, 2020
487 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781635573305 (ISBN10: 1635573300)
Rating: 4.31
Overview
In Natasha Pulley’s The Lost Future of Pepperharrow, Thaniel Steepleton and Keita Mori return in a new adventure that takes them to Japan. Thaniel has been given an unexpected posting to the British legation in Tokyo, where he is tasked with investigating ghostly sightings.
But as he stays with Mori, he too begins to encounter ghostly happenings. Mori, for his part, is scared of something he won’t explain.
Then he disappears. Meanwhile, Takiko Pepperharrow, an old friend of Mori’s, is investigating strange happenings in a frozen labor camp in Northern Japan.
With bizarre weather and ghosts haunting the country, Thaniel is convinced that Mori’s disappearance is linked to these events and that his friend may be in grave danger.
About the Author
Meet Natasha Pulley, a celebrated British author whose first book, The Watchmaker of Filigree Street, earned her a prestigious Betty Trask Award.
Editoral Review
In her latest novel, The Lost Future of Pepperharrow, Natasha Pulley delivers a masterful continuation to her bestselling series of historical fantasy novels. Published on February 18, 2020, this book follows the tremendous success of her previous works, The Watchmaker of Filigree Street and The Bedlam Stacks.
Set in 19th-century Japan, The Lost Future of Pepperharrow introduces readers to a world filled with magic, history, and adventure. The author takes us on a journey through Tokyo and Yokohama, where we are introduced to a whole new cast of characters, including the beloved watchmaker Keita Mori, and his friend and confidante, Thaniel Steepleton.
Soon, we discover that what seems like an ordinary day bustling with excitement and anticipation of the arrival of foreigners to Tokyo, will soon turn into a sinister cat-and-mouse game played out in the shadows of the city. Pulley’s prose is fluid and poetic, setting a captivating tone of mystery and curiosity from the very first page.
She seamlessly blends historical fact with fictional narrative, creating a world that is enchanting and believable. The characters are well-developed and relatable, each possessing their unique flaws and strengths, making the reader root for them to succeed.
While Pulley’s writing does not shy away from exploring the darker aspects of Japan’s past, it is her ability to reveal the universal truths about the human condition that is truly remarkable. Whether she is exploring themes of love, loss, grief, or redemption, the author offers a poignant and thoughtful portrayal of the human experience.
What sets The Lost Future of Pepperharrow apart from other fantasy novels is the intricate attention to detail that Pulley gives to the historical accuracy of the book. Through her meticulous research and impeccable writing, the author brings to life the rich cultural tapestry of Japan, giving readers a glimpse into the customs, traditions, and beliefs of this fascinating country.
That said, the book does have some weaknesses. Some readers may find that the pacing is a bit slow at times, and the world-building is overly intricate, making it challenging to keep up with all the details.
However, these flaws are minor, and they do not detract from the overall quality of the book. In conclusion, The Lost Future of Pepperharrow is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that will have readers glued to its pages.
It is a beautifully written book that explores themes of identity, culture, loss, and more in a poignant and meaningful way. Fans of the author’s previous works will not be disappointed, and newcomers to the genre will find themselves engrossed in this magical and mysterious world.
I highly recommend this book and give it a score of 9 out of 10.
