The Naturalist Society

The Naturalist Society, Book 1

De: Carrie Vaughn

Narrado por: Caitlin Davies

In this magical tale of self-discovery from New York Times bestselling author Carrie Vaughn, a young widow taps into the power that will change the world—if the man’s world she lives in doesn’t destroy her and her newfound friends first.

In the summer of 1880, the death of Beth Stanley’s husband puts her life’s work in jeopardy. The magic of Arcane Taxonomy dictates that every natural thing in the world, from weather to animals, can be labeled, and doing so grants the practitioner some of that subject’s unique power. But only men are permitted to train in this philosophy. Losing her husband means that Beth loses the name they put on her work—and any influence she might have wielded.

Brandon West and Anton Torrance are campaigning for their expedition to the South Pole, a mission that some believe could make a taxonomist all-powerful by tapping into the earth’s magnetic forces. Their late friend Harry Stanley’s knowledge and connections would have been instrumental, but when they attempt to take custody of his work, they find that it was never his at all.

Tied together by this secret and its implications, Beth, Bran, and Anton must find a way for Beth to use her talent for the good of the world, before she’s discovered by those who would lay claim to her rare potential—and her very freedom.

©2024 by Carrie Vaughn, LLC. (P)2024 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Vaughn spins a moving tale about the hardships that women faced in the late 19th century, while also introducing an inventive magic system that hinges on the pursuit of knowledge. The result is an adept and provocative feminist fantasy.” —Publishers Weekly

“Vaughn’s historical fantasy captures both the science and the magic of the natural world, as well as 19th-century sexism. With a unique magic system and engrossing character arcs, this novel will speak to fantasy and lit fic readers alike.” —Library Journal (starred review)

“Vaughn's prose is captivating and the story begins slowly, almost meditatively, echoing Beth's own grief and solitude while building a compelling magical system…perfect for anyone who enjoyed the science and magic parts of the His Dark Materials series and longs for more.” —Booklist (starred review)

engrossing

one could tell so much love and research went into this book
such a unique story line . I enjoyed it immensely!

Going against the grain

That’s what I like the most about the book the characters didn’t always do what was expected of them.

Interesting Story, I Enjoyed

I liked this book very much. The story was interesting, characters likable, world building unique. I felt this story started a bit slow, but as soon as Beth followed Brandon and Anton the story picked up and became engaging and captivating. I was unable to put it down until the end. Narrator did a good job with telling this story but I thought her male voices were just ok. Overall this was a very enjoyable listening experience. This was a new to me author and i am looking forward to reading more of her books.

Unique story

I appreciated the unique storyline and the bits I learned about birds along the way. It was effortless.

not what I expected

I appreciate the author's tackling of issues like sexism, racism, and homophobia woven into the story. The magic was a little light - more theory and discussion than actual or exciting use of it. I don't mind romance, but the romance was not at all what I expected. I also do not enjoy this narrator. She has odd enunciation and a halting way of speaking that takes me out of the flow of the story.

Love and Nature

I loved this story about human resilience and Nature that surround us and we are part of and how life is not perfect and how you should always be yourself not matter what and always remember how to be human and that you belong and form part of the web of humanity. Enjoy!

What a unique parallel world

I absolutely loved this book! It was so easy to suspend disbelief with the way Vaughn tangled myth and history. The love story is amazing- both the love between characters and the love of nature that pervades the entire book. This is one of those books that leaves me yearning for more of the character’s stories and more stories within the world created by the author. My imagination is taking me so many directions I wish I could read.

Surprisingly Steamy

Loved the story of an intelligent and determined woman facing the challenges of 1880s culture and the sprinkling of magic woven in- surprised it was so steamy in parts! Unexpected but it gave the story much more depth!

Would not have usually picked this up

I would not have usually picked this up, but for the excellent reviews in the 52BookClub Facebook Group. So well written and conceived that it was hard to remember it's not a true story and that "Arcane Taxonomy" was made up and fits the magical realism genre. Beth Stanley is perfect in this sort of Steampunk meets the 21st century tale of living life on one's own terms.

Loved it

The narrator’s voice really brought the story together for me. I found myself enjoying the story much more with the different voices she put on throughout the narration. I enjoyed it!