The Basics 
 A somewhat confusing book that has been described by some as slow, but if you like historical and aren't a purist, this book is for you, especially if you were a 39 clues or Infinity ring fan in your younger years before the former went cash-cow on us. It's not for everyone but I enjoyed the world of this book, even if the characters weren't the best. 
 Trope Check 
 *semi-instalove (thankfully a subplot) 
 *sort-of star-crossed lovers 
 *time travel 
 *evil society trying to control time 
 *villain monologue 
 *death of loved one as opening 
 *character judging racism and sexism of historical period on modern standards 
 *flowery language from the mouths of foreign characters (from Equal of the Sun I get that sometimes it is right, but only to a certain extent) 
 *MC says "I only went to church for a wedding/funeral" 
 (view spoiler)[*characters make out during a critical period in the plot (hide spoiler)] 
 Full rant/rave 
 I didn't really connect with either of the characters, but I loved the world of this book. Some people complain it was slow, but I drank in all the lovely historical details and got carried away. However, there were a few things that made me take away one star from this rating. First of all, it was confusing at times, especially the beginning. Also, I just found it way too sappy when they had time for romance. 
 She'd walked only a short distance along the starboard side on the quarterdeck, and was standing at the rail.... If not for her pose... she could have been one of the great monsters' statues brought to life. 
 And, in a thousand ways, she was just as entirely out of his reach 
 This scene wasn't a main problem. For me, the thing was that their romance just seemed thrown on. First a little spark, and then the start talking about making out (view spoiler)[ until they finally do. If the sky had opened up just then, Etta didn't think she'd feel the storm at all - not when she was caught so deeply in this. (hide spoiler)] 
 The one character I did like initially was Sophia. I thought she and Etta would have some complex frenemyship like Veronica and Heather McNamara in Heathers the musical, but sadly it did not turn out that way and I thought that was stupid. Anyhow.... 
 Overall, it was pretty good, even if it didn't live up to the hype and if you like an immersive historical/adventure read, even if it takes time to warm up, you should try this one. (not to mention unintentional Hamilton references XD)