Envy (Luxe #3)

Anna Godbersen’s Luxe series is a tough nut to crack, in more ways than one. All at once, the story of the Holland girls and their scheming peers is utterly ridiculous and yet bewilderingly addicting. However, I think that with the third installment in the series, Envy, Godbersen’s work took on a positive quality it hadn’t possessed in her previous books.

For one thing, while Envy is still full of secrets and gossip and betrayal, I felt that, for the most part, all the drama llama-ness was a bit more understated. I definitely wasn’t rolling my eyes in the way I did while reading Rumors, and I wasn’t bored as I was with The Luxe. Of course, I think this book’s plot was very over the top, but maybe a bit less so than its predecessors.

But even though I thought I saw improvement, this type of novel will never be my favorite. Any story that requires at least 20% of its content to deal with descriptions of clothing and shoes is not one for me.

As always, my biggest complaint with Anna Godbersen’s writing is her awful, two-dimensional characters. In some ways, I think Envy was even worse than The Luxe. Elizabeth, who for the most part remains the central figure, connecting all the other characters to each other, is an undeniable Mary Sue. She has no personality to speak of, and I really fail to see how she, as the supposed backbone of the series, managed to get such a large grouping of sycophantic satellites to orbit around her. Certainly, if I met Elizabeth Holland in real life, I doubt she would be nearly as well-liked as she is in Anna Godbersen’s imagination.

At the same time, I still think that Anna Godbersen has a massive amount of talent, even if I don’t like what she does with it. Her prose is very strong and effective. And Envy, like Rumors, was not at all predictible. As a seasoned reader, believe me when I say it’s hard to find a book that can surprise me, and Envy manged to do just that.

Overall, Envy is a decent book. A definite guilty pleasure on my part, but not one that I’d be too embarrassed to admit liking. Yet while Envy was probably the best in this series so far, it’s hardly a book I’d want to spend money on. Not while there are other, better books available at the bookstore.

Reader reviewed by Adriana

The third installment of the Luxe series proves to be just as good as Rumors, if not better. This time around Elizabeth is still very sad over the tragic loss of Will, but society expects her to once again venture out into the throngs of candidates for an advantageous union. Diana on the other hand is very let down over Henry's marriage to Penelope, and he also feels regretful and frustrated. Penelope feels his frustration and begins to scheme on how to keep him away from Diana and all to herself. Carolina (or Lina) finds herself ever escalating the rungs of society with the help of her wealthy patron. Then the group, along with other "blue bloods" travel together to Florida to escape the cold of New York. Of course drama ensues, and in the end we find one girl faking a pregnancy, another with no need to fake, and several young heirs on their way to fight a brave battle in the war. The themes get slightly more mature, so 14 and over is recommended for teen readers. I started this series feeling a little underwhelmed by Luxe, but I've come to be looking forward to the final installment of the series. The author's writing is exceptional and once again her details paint a vivid picture in my mind of all the sumptuous gowns, hairstyles, and riches of the turn of the century New York elite.

Reader reviewed by Holly

This is the third book in the Luxe series and it follows the lives of teenagers during the 1800's in Manhattan. This book has everything from history to  romance to scandal to betrayl.There is so many awesome plots I can't even begin to describe them. But if you are in the mood for a rich read. This is the book for you! Awesome!

Reader reviewed by AyeCaptain Reviews

You haven't seen scandal and secrets until you've glimped Manhattan, early 1900's. At the very heart of it are Holland sisters Elizabeth and Diane, their previous servant Carolina Broad, and the newly married Mrs. Penelope Schoonmaker. Since Elizabeth's devastating return home, and Penelope's marriage to heart-throb Henry Schoonmaker, the scandal has only worsened.

Because we all know Henry only married Penelope for one reason, and that his heart lies elsewhere.

And of course, there's Carolina's tentative resources.

But another socialite has a secret she doesn't even know about yet...

Three cheers for the Godbersen's third book in the scintillating Luxe series. But before you get too excited, can I share about my headache? Because all the secrets and misconceptions and everything get a LITTLE annoying. And honestly, if people could just keep their pants on things would be a whole lot easier.

But then there wouldn't be a series now would there? *guffaw*

These books are only for a certain group of people that will love them. I don't love Godbersen's writing, and the constant descriptions of all the beautiful people get a little old (I GET IT. ELIZABETH and DIANA and PENELOPE and CAROLINA are pwetty! I get it. I really, really get it.). But I think if you skip past that, there's a pretty well developed plot behind it all.

My favorite part? The ending.

It's just as spectacular as the ending for Rumors, which wasn't heartwarming, but DEFINITELY unexpected. The same for Envy.

So I liked it, and I'll read the next book (called Splendor incase you haven't heard), but.. eh. It's only for those who like historical scandal. Unfortunately, I happen to be one of those.

Rating: 4 Stars

Clean?: Sexuality, some language

Length: 405 Pages

Most like: Bewitching Season (except this is fantasy...)

Reprinted from my blog, http://ayecaptain.blogspot.com

Reader reviewed by stephanie