A Thousand Perfect Things by Kay Kenyon

A Thousand Perfect Things by Kay Kenyon, pub. Aug. 2013, 292 pg.

Rating: 5/5 stars

I have always been a huge fan of both historical fiction and fantasy, so when I picked up A Thousand Perfect Things by Kay Kenyon and realized it combines my two favorite genres, I couldn't wait to keep reading.

Astoria Harding is not considered a normal young lady by the standards of society in 1857 Londinium, Anglica. Instead of wishing for a husband, she spends her time learning about the natural sciences from her Grandpapa and longing to make a scientific discovery that would get her inducted to the Royal Society. When her family has to move to Bharata (a land full of magic and mysticism), Tori undertakes her Grandpapa’s legacy to find
a magical giant, golden lotus that is rumored to exist there. Little does she know, Bharati forces as well as the Anglican government also want to find the lotus, and both sides will do whatever it takes to ensure they find it first.

This book was right up my alley for a number of reasons, the first of which is Tori herself. She is funny and clever and stubborn and someone it was really easy for me to relate to. Even though the book takes place almost 200 years ago in fictional versions of London and India, Tori has many of the same dreams and insecurities of girls today. She strives for intelligence and discovery when the norm was for girls her age to strive for the richest husband. She’s also incredibly sassy and full of attitude in a society where everyone was expected to be polite and well-behaved. She’s a rule-breaker and a dreamer and a thinker and a great role model.

A Thousand Perfect Things also had a great blend of history and fantasy. I love reading books about Victorian England and high society, both of which you get in this book. You also get magic, mythical beasts and other supernatural beings and events. The combination creates an intricate and fascinating world that is full of magic and fantasy and at the same time seems like it really could have existed. Kenyon does a great job of weaving historical accuracy and imagination to create an amazing book.

There is also a wonderful, slow-burn romance woven throughout the length of the book. READ THE FULL REVIEW AT THE DAILY QUIRK!