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Glass and Steele #13
The Goldsmith's Conspiracy
Tensions between the artless and magicians are flaring, but India and Matt discover someone is deliberately fuelling the flames. Relentlessly pursuing his own agenda, Lord Coyle employs the former master of the Watchmaker’s Guild to make trouble and be a thorn in India’s side.
But India has the ear of the government now, and her own political influence is growing, something which pushes Lord Coyle over the edge. He plots his revenge by murdering a jeweler and casting blame onto someone very important to Matt and India. As they scramble to prove Coyle was the real killer before the accused is hanged, they learn the extent of Coyle’s influence and the true motive behind his actions.
With a problem too big to solve alone, India and Matt draw on aid from their friends. But it’s old enemies who cause the biggest crisis of all.
But India has the ear of the government now, and her own political influence is growing, something which pushes Lord Coyle over the edge. He plots his revenge by murdering a jeweler and casting blame onto someone very important to Matt and India. As they scramble to prove Coyle was the real killer before the accused is hanged, they learn the extent of Coyle’s influence and the true motive behind his actions.
With a problem too big to solve alone, India and Matt draw on aid from their friends. But it’s old enemies who cause the biggest crisis of all.
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2022
288 people are currently reading
2043 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Archer
103 books5,474 followersC.J. Archer is the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of historical mystery and historical fantasy novels including the GLASS AND STEELE series, the CLEOPATRA FOX MYSTERIES, the MINISTRY OF CURIOSITIES and THE GLASS LIBRARY series.
She has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, 2 children and Coco the black and white cat.
Subscribe to C.J.'s newsletter to be notified when she releases a new book. Join via her website: www.cjarcher.com
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She has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, 2 children and Coco the black and white cat.
Subscribe to C.J.'s newsletter to be notified when she releases a new book. Join via her website: www.cjarcher.com
You can follow her on social media to get the latest updates on her books:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CJArcherAuthorPage
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 302 reviews
April 14, 2022
I progressed this far in the series only because of the excellent audiobook narrator. Her skills make up for Ms. Archer’s lack of them.
My ratings for this book and the entire series:
Narrator Marian Hussey: 5 stars
Characters and story concept: 4 stars
Ms. Archer’s writing: 2 stars
Degree to which she fulfilled the potential that she started with: 1 star
There are so many criticisms one could make of this author. Very plot-driven instead of character-driven tales. Focus on selling more books rather than caring about their quality. Overuse of cliffhangers. Overuse of blackmail as a plot device. No sense of pacing: drawing out information about magic or romantic tension across far too many books. Narrow storytelling: barely any sensory detail, unvaried scenes/settings, and formulaic mysteries. Errors such as saying “Matt and I” when they are not the subject of the sentence and it should be “Matt and me.”
And then there is magic. Most writers sit down and think hard about how magic works in their books. Where it comes from, what its rules and mechanisms are. I would be very surprised if Archer did that. She seems to have made it all up as she went along.
This frustrating series is exactly why fan fiction exists. I enjoy the characters very much, but not the choices the author makes. I doubt that anyone who has read this far in the series will agree with me in wanting something different, but if you do, please go to fan fiction dot net, where you may read Glass and Steele stories, or post your own. Because the characters deserve better than this, and so do we readers.
My ratings for this book and the entire series:
Narrator Marian Hussey: 5 stars
Characters and story concept: 4 stars
Ms. Archer’s writing: 2 stars
Degree to which she fulfilled the potential that she started with: 1 star
There are so many criticisms one could make of this author. Very plot-driven instead of character-driven tales. Focus on selling more books rather than caring about their quality. Overuse of cliffhangers. Overuse of blackmail as a plot device. No sense of pacing: drawing out information about magic or romantic tension across far too many books. Narrow storytelling: barely any sensory detail, unvaried scenes/settings, and formulaic mysteries. Errors such as saying “Matt and I” when they are not the subject of the sentence and it should be “Matt and me.”
And then there is magic. Most writers sit down and think hard about how magic works in their books. Where it comes from, what its rules and mechanisms are. I would be very surprised if Archer did that. She seems to have made it all up as she went along.
This frustrating series is exactly why fan fiction exists. I enjoy the characters very much, but not the choices the author makes. I doubt that anyone who has read this far in the series will agree with me in wanting something different, but if you do, please go to fan fiction dot net, where you may read Glass and Steele stories, or post your own. Because the characters deserve better than this, and so do we readers.
March 18, 2022
Do not finish this while laying in bed. I've throughly soaked my pillow. This was a bittersweet series conclusion that hit me in all of the feels. This will take you on an emotional roller-coaster and at the end, you'll want to go back to the beginning to book one and experience this all over again. While my heart is filled with joy, there's a lot of sorrow as well that this phase had concluded. I'm very excited to begin the spinoff series!!
These characters quickly became family to me. Each one was unique and brilliantly fleshed out. They remained true to their inner core and witnessing the lives they forged was spectacular.
C.J. Archer writes with breathtaking insight and beautifully layered plotting. Her scenes are seamless as are her witty dialogues. There is no other author that can write quite like she can. With phenomenal world building and endearing romance, you'll want to lose hours away into any book she's written.
These characters quickly became family to me. Each one was unique and brilliantly fleshed out. They remained true to their inner core and witnessing the lives they forged was spectacular.
C.J. Archer writes with breathtaking insight and beautifully layered plotting. Her scenes are seamless as are her witty dialogues. There is no other author that can write quite like she can. With phenomenal world building and endearing romance, you'll want to lose hours away into any book she's written.
December 12, 2022
2 stars and quite frankly a waste of my time hoping for a magical fantasy get away. This book was an utter disappointment. The series started off good. But by book 7 I realized that the author was not going to build on character creation, specifically India and her magic. The history of magic, how powerful India actually is. The spells she can perform or create other than the one she regretted. The stories were nothing but a rinse and repeat with India becoming more prissy and faint. Lost was the strong character in the beginning. And not to mention hypocritical. How can she insist she’s so special not to perform her abilities for others but yet she’s entitled for the doctor to perform magic for her and Matt. I am deeply disappointed with the direction of Fabian. It felt like there was no real thought into his character after he was created and India quit practicing magic with him so the author just wrote him off. His character could have contributed to so much more. Willy was okay at first but fast became an annoyance, with her stomping around and spoiled self. Throughout the books, the tiresome subjects of racism, misogyny, gay and lesbian were written about over and over again and completely unnecessary. Women dressing and acting like men and men acting like women wearing dresses etc., all the appropriate boxes were checked. In my opinion, these subjects were nothing but page fillers and did not contribute to the essence of MAGIC. The ending was just disappointing. Now they both have watches to keep them alive? Give me a break, that was dull. I have read the newest book ‘The Librarian on Crooked Lane’. It started off really good. And quite frankly the only reason why I read this series. I wanted to know more about the MAGIC and how Gabe’s parents started. And why India was considered the most powerful magician. Well, she’s not, she’s just different. Nothing in this series or this last book proved that point. I do hope the new spin off does not follow this same path.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2022
2.5 ***
Very predictable. No surprises at all. India is her own worst enemy. So often in the series she plunged into dangerous / stupid situations without thinking. I did quite a bit of eye rolling and skimming.
I'm glad it's over.
Very predictable. No surprises at all. India is her own worst enemy. So often in the series she plunged into dangerous / stupid situations without thinking. I did quite a bit of eye rolling and skimming.
I'm glad it's over.
July 5, 2024
If I hadn't been in need of a good, long series of relatively fluffy audiobooks to accompany other activities, I wouldn't have gone past book three, but I was and I did and here we are. Alas, the final installment just solidified everything that irked me about the series.
1. It made magic transactional and tedious (it does almost nothing and doesn't last ... what is even the point!), and there were maybe half a dozen actual instances of magic being performed in the entire 13-book series!
2. The characters all started out promising, but just ended up with a rotation of 3 or 4 activities thrown in periodically to break up India's storyline. (Willie: go out carousing; shovel breakfast; lament her life. Aunt Letitia: interfere in someone's love life; disapprove of something/someone; "Harry, is that you?". Inspector Brockwell: scratch sideburns; slowly state the obvious; "Is Willie here?". And so on for each character.) By about book 7, anyone could have taken over writing them in Mad Lib fashion.
3. I won't give any spoilers, but it is sufficed to say that India absolutely does not live up to her potential as "England's most powerful magician" in any way, shape, or form.
There was so much good that could have been great, but IMO was sadly wasted.
1. It made magic transactional and tedious (it does almost nothing and doesn't last ... what is even the point!), and there were maybe half a dozen actual instances of magic being performed in the entire 13-book series!
2. The characters all started out promising, but just ended up with a rotation of 3 or 4 activities thrown in periodically to break up India's storyline. (Willie: go out carousing; shovel breakfast; lament her life. Aunt Letitia: interfere in someone's love life; disapprove of something/someone; "Harry, is that you?". Inspector Brockwell: scratch sideburns; slowly state the obvious; "Is Willie here?". And so on for each character.) By about book 7, anyone could have taken over writing them in Mad Lib fashion.
3. I won't give any spoilers, but it is sufficed to say that India absolutely does not live up to her potential as "England's most powerful magician" in any way, shape, or form.
There was so much good that could have been great, but IMO was sadly wasted.
June 9, 2022
4.5 stars
The last book in the 'Glass and Steele Series'. And it was lovely.
I waited for the last 4 books to come out before continuing this series because I've started to lose interest a little bit. The story was getting a little stale and drawn out.
But it ended in such a nice way. Not every character got their happy ever after or conclusion, but that's all right.
Their diversity and unique personalities made this series so great.
I'm glad I didn't give up on these books. They are truly enjoyable and intriguing.
I'll also give the spin-off a try because I'll miss these characters too much to not find out how their lives play out.
The last book in the 'Glass and Steele Series'. And it was lovely.
I waited for the last 4 books to come out before continuing this series because I've started to lose interest a little bit. The story was getting a little stale and drawn out.
But it ended in such a nice way. Not every character got their happy ever after or conclusion, but that's all right.
Their diversity and unique personalities made this series so great.
I'm glad I didn't give up on these books. They are truly enjoyable and intriguing.
I'll also give the spin-off a try because I'll miss these characters too much to not find out how their lives play out.
August 2, 2022
It is over. India is a bit hypocritical. She doesn't want to use her magic to extend others but doesn't respect Gabe's wishes for the same. Annoying. Lots of skimming.
June 11, 2022
I so loved this series!! Thank you C.J. for giving it a proper ending 💗
October 4, 2021
I am truly addicted to this series. I really enjoy these characters and their adventures. I anticipate reading the next one as soon as it is published in a couple months.
March 9, 2023
What can I say, this has been one of favorite series. CJ Archer and her historical fiction give me a thrill! I have loved getting to know India & Matt and will miss them!
February 9, 2024
Wonderful way to conclude the series. Lots of parallels to politics and biases today. Could be an interesting thesis academically.
August 30, 2023
An okay ending to the very entertaining Glass & Steele series. The Goldsmith’s Conspiracy focuses on the battle between magicians and the artless, and limits the appearance of several of my favorite characters. The government starts implementing India’s suggestions to bring the sides together in a harmonious society, but violence also persists. Most of the bad guys get hoisted on their own petards and eliminated, but not all.
The big climactic scene, where India is in mortal danger, disappointed me. The setup, where she was left alone after she’d been accosted in the market and the house ransacked, seemed like sheer stupidity on the part of her companions and herself. The author might have used the situation to force India to enhance her powers beyond what she’s done before. After all, she can make things fly without saying spells out loud, in an early book disabled an opponent with a mantle clock. But no, she has to wait for the boys to rescue her and save her life, while whining an interminable inner dialog.
All is mostly well in the end, I guess, but I’m still vaguely dissatisfied. Too many things happened after the climax, but none were sufficiently explored. With that said, I did enjoy the series overall.
The big climactic scene, where India is in mortal danger, disappointed me. The setup, where she was left alone after she’d been accosted in the market and the house ransacked, seemed like sheer stupidity on the part of her companions and herself. The author might have used the situation to force India to enhance her powers beyond what she’s done before. After all, she can make things fly without saying spells out loud, in an early book disabled an opponent with a mantle clock. But no, she has to wait for the boys to rescue her and save her life, while whining an interminable inner dialog.
All is mostly well in the end, I guess, but I’m still vaguely dissatisfied. Too many things happened after the climax, but none were sufficiently explored. With that said, I did enjoy the series overall.
March 11, 2024
Looking back on the series holistically, there were a lot of exciting events that result in a satisfying story arch that wraps up nicely and still leaves the characters' futures open-ended.
That being said, book-by-book, the story was incredibly formulaic and repetitive. Magician under duress; India and Matt to the rescue! Murder, intrigue, and not-so-mystery! Stressfully illegal methods were employed to help the person in need. In the end, quite a few characters had disappointingly inconclusive "character development" (more like character stasis) that didn't really get anywhere by the end of the series.
Why did I stick with it? Tbh, the books are short and easy to listen to, and I've been doing a lot of arts and crafts. These books have been more-or-less quick to hold/borrow from the library and it's easy to finish a book in a couple hours of crafting.
I won't continue with the spin-off series, but I had fun, nonetheless.
That being said, book-by-book, the story was incredibly formulaic and repetitive. Magician under duress; India and Matt to the rescue! Murder, intrigue, and not-so-mystery! Stressfully illegal methods were employed to help the person in need. In the end, quite a few characters had disappointingly inconclusive "character development" (more like character stasis) that didn't really get anywhere by the end of the series.
Why did I stick with it? Tbh, the books are short and easy to listen to, and I've been doing a lot of arts and crafts. These books have been more-or-less quick to hold/borrow from the library and it's easy to finish a book in a couple hours of crafting.
I won't continue with the spin-off series, but I had fun, nonetheless.
April 30, 2023
Cotton candy for the brain
Shallow and moderately entertaining, with no lasting impression. The writing isn’t bad, but characterization is not Archer’s strong point. India remains, at the end, unformed and without personal substance, vacillating between protofeminist and fearful subservient wife according to the needs of the plot. I was hopeful after the hype that the series was building to something… but no. As long as you expect nothing surprising (spoiler… it all ends exactly as you think it will), and can tolerate the bizarre ethical implications (triage is evil! treating disease is only ok if you don’t interfere with nature!) it’s a fine read for a lazy couple hours with nothing better to do. Three stars, especially for being well edited—often a shortfall in these days of self-publishing.
Shallow and moderately entertaining, with no lasting impression. The writing isn’t bad, but characterization is not Archer’s strong point. India remains, at the end, unformed and without personal substance, vacillating between protofeminist and fearful subservient wife according to the needs of the plot. I was hopeful after the hype that the series was building to something… but no. As long as you expect nothing surprising (spoiler… it all ends exactly as you think it will), and can tolerate the bizarre ethical implications (triage is evil! treating disease is only ok if you don’t interfere with nature!) it’s a fine read for a lazy couple hours with nothing better to do. Three stars, especially for being well edited—often a shortfall in these days of self-publishing.
March 15, 2023
4 Stars
***HOOPLA audio***
MCs: India & Matt
"Utterly surreal" was used in this book by India....which pulled me out of the scene.
"The word “surreal” didn't exist until around 1924, after a group of European poets, painters and filmmakers founded a movement they called Surrealism." - Google quote
India FINALLY realizes she needs to keep her magical watch on her person...tucked in a hidden pocket. It only took towards the end of 13 books to do what should have been common sense many books ago.
I liked that this book wrapped things up.....all endings tied of nicely. We do get a HEA.....
***HOOPLA audio***
MCs: India & Matt
"Utterly surreal" was used in this book by India....which pulled me out of the scene.
"The word “surreal” didn't exist until around 1924, after a group of European poets, painters and filmmakers founded a movement they called Surrealism." - Google quote
India FINALLY realizes she needs to keep her magical watch on her person...tucked in a hidden pocket. It only took towards the end of 13 books to do what should have been common sense many books ago.
I liked that this book wrapped things up.....all endings tied of nicely. We do get a HEA.....
September 4, 2023
Wow are the characters whiney and bratty…. Keeping in fashion with the rest of the series, though. It’s frustrating that all the characters are so irrationally petulant and outright stupid despite supposedly being grown ass adults. India’s like, “no, I gotta have my watch! I can’t use my magic on anything to defend myself or do any remotely useful shit unless it’s my comfort watch!” Jesus Christ she’s the worst person ever. I can finally put this rubbish series behind me.
March 8, 2022
What a perfect way to end one of my favorite series. This was everything I wanted and more. I can’t wait for the spin-off!
April 5, 2022
I'm so sad this is the last of the series. I loved India and Matt from the start and the riveting world Archer created. You can't go wrong with anything from this author!
May 27, 2022
Wash. Rinse. Repeat.
I did like how the author finished the series, however.
I did like how the author finished the series, however.
June 16, 2023
I THEA GEPSINO
July 29, 2025
Pretty good end to the series
July 22, 2024
4.5⭐️
I’m both elated and devastated that I’ve finished this 13 book series. I love all the characters and it’s going to be odd not hearing about their adventures and their squabbles on a daily basis.
This book ended quite nicely, nothing felt out of place and everything was tied up in a nice little bow. But knowing there’s another spinoff series is keeping me from completely falling apart into a sobbing mess.
The series was captivating the whole way through, although majority of them were 4⭐️ reads for me.
Q: Oh my gosh what do I do with my life now???
A: Start on the Glass Library series hahaha 🤪
I’m both elated and devastated that I’ve finished this 13 book series. I love all the characters and it’s going to be odd not hearing about their adventures and their squabbles on a daily basis.
This book ended quite nicely, nothing felt out of place and everything was tied up in a nice little bow. But knowing there’s another spinoff series is keeping me from completely falling apart into a sobbing mess.
The series was captivating the whole way through, although majority of them were 4⭐️ reads for me.
Q: Oh my gosh what do I do with my life now???
A: Start on the Glass Library series hahaha 🤪
February 27, 2024
This is more of a review for the series than for this sole book. Magic is not even a thing in this series. It just shows ruins of magic that is trivial and useless and no will to change that. Fabian was the only sane person there and I feel author purposely discredited him to reinforce her narrative. Shame, shame. I would be much more interested in reading about building spells, India helping and teaching craftsmen that didn't know any spells for their arts... Not this neverending "detective" work and repetitive character behaviours - I swear, they are like NPCs in video games.
Also, characters are terrible - selfish and self-centred. It's important that medical magic is secure and protected... So that Glasses can use it when we want and need it for their loved ones. And spoiler: being ready to risk Gabe's life to save themselves.
Honestly, the hypocrisy is too high throughout the whole series. As other readers said in comments here - I finished it because there was a great audiobook narrator and I needed something light to entertain me.
Shame, as the idea and initial setting of characters were very promising.
Also, characters are terrible - selfish and self-centred. It's important that medical magic is secure and protected... So that Glasses can use it when we want and need it for their loved ones. And spoiler: being ready to risk Gabe's life to save themselves.
Honestly, the hypocrisy is too high throughout the whole series. As other readers said in comments here - I finished it because there was a great audiobook narrator and I needed something light to entertain me.
Shame, as the idea and initial setting of characters were very promising.
March 26, 2025
Im so glad i finally finished this book. In the last few installments I’ve been really frustrated with some of the characters and they’re decisions so it’s not a full five stars for me. Perhaps it’s because I’ve never been in love in the way Matt and India are but I hated that they put Gabe at risk just to use his magic and I know technically she said it was just because of her unborn baby but she wasn’t even sure she was pregnant. And then when Kronos was fading she wanted Gabe to cure him too even though he had just said he didn’t even want to save her. Ugh. I did enjoy the series as a whole though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2022
such an amazing series!
While I’m so sad that this series is over, I absolutely loved every minute of it!
I adored the characters and it was so epic and thrilling and I loved India and Matt’s love story.
Ugh I could on and on about how amazing this series is, but it’d an absolute must read and I cannot wait for the next book in this world! September cannot come fast enough!
While I’m so sad that this series is over, I absolutely loved every minute of it!
I adored the characters and it was so epic and thrilling and I loved India and Matt’s love story.
Ugh I could on and on about how amazing this series is, but it’d an absolute must read and I cannot wait for the next book in this world! September cannot come fast enough!
May 25, 2022
So sad this is the last in the series!! All the characters are so lovable and you just feel a connection to them. I loved all the action of the riots and how in the end everyone teaming up against Lord Coyle was the cherry on top of Hope’s treachery. Love this author, I can’t wait until the spinoff series is out!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2023
End of an era. This series has been amazing to listen to. It was my go to when I didn't have another audiobook picked out. Now... It's done.
August 27, 2025
I have never been so READY for a series to end. What a disappointing ending to the series. All of the main characters became insufferably entitled jerks. There were multiple conversations that India had with Gabe about how he only was okay with using his magic on Matt because the decision was made by others but yet when India was on deaths door, Willie went and got Gabe off the ship and threatened to kill him if he didn’t save India. Never mind that he was ON THE RUN FROM DYING FOR A CRIME HE DID NOT COMMIT. What the hell? Not only did Gabe make his refusal to play God PERFECTLY CLEAR throughout the series, but India refused to use HER magic to help anyone but herself throughout the entire series so not only was she a huge hypocrite but really this was SUCH a cop-out of an ending. AND India and Matt didn’t seem to care at all that their entitlement could have been deadly for Gabe Siefert and Chronos. “We did the right thing” … NO, YOU DID NOT.
And Willie and Brockwell? Good god, Brockwell should have kicked Willie to the curb a long time ago for being indecisive yet incredibly jealous. Willie perfected the “situationship” long before those became a thing!
When I first started this series, I was kind of disappointed that I had read the Glass Library series first but I’m really glad I did because I wouldn’t have read it after the sheer disappointment that was the last few books of this series! And also there were only 6 books in that series so it didn’t drag on (though I would have liked 1 more book in that series) but I will say Willie is FAR more insufferable in that one (and it’s really weird that 60something year old Willie hangs out with Gabe Glass and his friends since they’re in their 20s) but I digress.
Overall I liked this series although it dragged on and there was very little character development or anything until all of the main characters developed into villains with their entitlement in the last two books. I did like how the magicians and artless banded together against Coyle at the end, and because I know what happens to Hope in the spinoff series I’m not too mad at her villainous ways in the end of this one.
And Willie and Brockwell? Good god, Brockwell should have kicked Willie to the curb a long time ago for being indecisive yet incredibly jealous. Willie perfected the “situationship” long before those became a thing!
When I first started this series, I was kind of disappointed that I had read the Glass Library series first but I’m really glad I did because I wouldn’t have read it after the sheer disappointment that was the last few books of this series! And also there were only 6 books in that series so it didn’t drag on (though I would have liked 1 more book in that series) but I will say Willie is FAR more insufferable in that one (and it’s really weird that 60something year old Willie hangs out with Gabe Glass and his friends since they’re in their 20s) but I digress.
Overall I liked this series although it dragged on and there was very little character development or anything until all of the main characters developed into villains with their entitlement in the last two books. I did like how the magicians and artless banded together against Coyle at the end, and because I know what happens to Hope in the spinoff series I’m not too mad at her villainous ways in the end of this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2025
C.J. Archer’s The Goldsmith's Conspiracy is a masterfully woven tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, earning a well-deserved 4.75 stars. This installment not only elevates the stakes but also cements the brilliance of the entire series. The tension between the artless and the magicians reaches a boiling point as India and Matt unravel a devious plot orchestrated by the ever-manipulative Lord Coyle.
Archer deftly sets the stage with a conflict that is as political as it is magical. India’s growing influence and her newfound connection with the government add a fresh layer of urgency, pushing Coyle to dangerous extremes. His calculated revenge—murdering a jeweler and framing someone dear to both India and Matt—creates a race against time that is both thrilling and emotionally charged. The inclusion of the former master of the Watchmaker’s Guild as Coyle’s instrument of chaos is a stroke of genius, injecting an extra twist into an already complex narrative.
What truly makes this book—and the series as a whole—fantastic is Archer’s ability to balance intricate plotting with well-developed characters. India and Matt are portrayed with such nuance that their determination and vulnerability resonate deeply with the reader. Even as old enemies resurface and new alliances form, the story maintains a relentless pace, ensuring that every twist and turn feels both surprising and inevitable.
While the narrative occasionally demands close attention to detail, this only enhances the rewarding experience of piecing together the clues alongside the protagonists. For fans of magical intrigue mixed with political maneuvering, The Goldsmith's Conspiracy is a must-read, leaving you eager for what the rest of the series has in store.
Archer deftly sets the stage with a conflict that is as political as it is magical. India’s growing influence and her newfound connection with the government add a fresh layer of urgency, pushing Coyle to dangerous extremes. His calculated revenge—murdering a jeweler and framing someone dear to both India and Matt—creates a race against time that is both thrilling and emotionally charged. The inclusion of the former master of the Watchmaker’s Guild as Coyle’s instrument of chaos is a stroke of genius, injecting an extra twist into an already complex narrative.
What truly makes this book—and the series as a whole—fantastic is Archer’s ability to balance intricate plotting with well-developed characters. India and Matt are portrayed with such nuance that their determination and vulnerability resonate deeply with the reader. Even as old enemies resurface and new alliances form, the story maintains a relentless pace, ensuring that every twist and turn feels both surprising and inevitable.
While the narrative occasionally demands close attention to detail, this only enhances the rewarding experience of piecing together the clues alongside the protagonists. For fans of magical intrigue mixed with political maneuvering, The Goldsmith's Conspiracy is a must-read, leaving you eager for what the rest of the series has in store.
September 11, 2022
The last book of the Glass and Steele series wherein the couple's main problems would meet their just and inevitable ends as only villains of their unscrupulous ilk richly deserve. But before that, Dr. Gabriel Seaford was imprisoned for murdering a goldsmith on trumped up charges, manufactured by Lord Coyle and executed by Abercrombie owing to Coyle's being sacked as Adviser to the Empire's Cabinet and was humiliatingly replaced by India Glass. Lots of twists and layers amid the drama and thrills plus I do not want to spoil any surprises so I am recommending this to those who would dearly love a Good and satisfactory ending for such Great Fun and Adventurous series. I would miss most of them except for the Annoying libidinous slut, Willie... too much angst and drama owing to her rollercoaster lifestyle and everybody would be sucked into the vortex, including this reader and I hated it. I would hate it again in The Librarian of Crooked Lane* because she is there (having buried two husbands, as foretold by the gypsy) guarding the one and only son and heir to the Rycroft Barony while his parents were in America on a protracted? (as yet, no ETA) visit.
*FREE download on zlibrary
*FREE download on zlibrary
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