Lila Cain is the pen name for the combination of Kate Griffin and Marcia Hutchinson. I enjoyed Kate's book Fyneshade but haven't read any of Marcia's. I'm always amazed by dual written books because is it like, do you write one chapter each? One character each? Do you each write the whole thing and then merge them together? Does one write it and the other edit? The logistics of it baffle me.

Anyone who knows me knows my general hatred of long books. 300-400 (but closer to 300) is my sweet spot. It's not that I hate books out and out, but generally I find the long books I've read very rarely warrant being that long and then I get bored. I have read a handful of long books I liked, but unfortunately I do have a tendency to go into longer books with an already negative attitude. But I tried to ignore that with this book because I like Kate's writing and I've seen some fabulous early reviews.

The 1700s is not an era I read much about. Thinking back to the historical books I've read, they tend to either be back in Shakespeare/Henry VIII time (so the 1500s), or the Victorian time (1800s), or during WW1/WW2 (1914-1945). I can't remember any books I've read set in that time, and so that was a nice difference for me as a reader.

"The novel Dickens didn't write, but should have done." - Sean Lusk
Okay, so that's some big words. I am a Dickens obsessive and quite protective over anything that links to his work, because rarely does it actually match up. But I do have to agree with Sean here. There's definitely a sense of David Copperfield or Oliver Twist about it.

It isn't an easy book to read. It shouldn't come as a surprise considering it's about characters of colour in the 1700s. They were not treated nicely and I wish I could say it's just fictional, but as we all know it is all too real. And Kate and Marcia have not sugar coated things. It is hard and harsh and raw and bloody and uncomfortable, but it's equally as important to read because of how hard it is.

There are a lot of characters - goodies and baddies, slave owners and the enslaved, friends and foes - and so I won't go into detail about them or we'll be here forever. But our main character is Daniel, with the secondary main character being his sister Pearl. Daniel is not perfect and nor does he pretend to be so. He makes mistakes, he hurts people, and he keeps too much in and pushes people away, but he's a fabulous creation. Together, they are delightful. They've been through things you wouldn't wish upon your worst enemy and yet (or maybe because of) they still have this fire within them, they're so powerful, they completely held this book in their hands and were mesmerising. I was on their journey with them and really wanted them to succeed.

Kate and Marcia have created such a sense of atmosphere - you can smell the murkiness in the air, you can put yourself into the story and it's an unpleasant place to be. But it really adds to the gravitas to the story itself.

There were bits quicker than others and slower than others (which I expected in a book of nearly 500 pages). Some bits were given a bit too much focus and others a bit less than I'd have liked, but if you take it all together then I think it's paced well for the subject matter. It feels like the authors want to make the reader feel uncomfortable, wants us to realise the plight of these characters and really immerse ourselves with them. And if you make it go too fast then we end up not caring about them. But by adding slower elements, it allows us to get to know them and what they've been through, and then this strengthens the whole thing.

It's not full of twists and turns like a thriller is, but there are definitely revelations that I didn't see coming, things that kept me on my toes, which was a nice surprise.

Has this converted me to the way of long books? No, I don't think it has. They're just not for me. However, this book was very much for me. It warranted being that long but I never felt lost. It had to be that long to fit all its heart into and I think shortening it would have been to its detriment.

A wonderfully immersive read and one I would heartily recommend
The serious themes blend nicely with the evocative writing and 3d characters. I felt angry and frustrated on their behalf
What wonderful scene setting too. I felt I learned about that time period and the struggles people faced.
Recommended!

"Freedom is a genie – once the bottle is unstoppered it can never be forced back."

I loved reading this the writing was so atmospheric I felt like I was in the Maze with the characters. The sights and the smells all in front of me it was incredibly rich in detail. From the underbelly of London to the streets up above this is a tale of love and overcoming oppression.

While I wish we had a little more of Pearl, Daniel was a strong character. There were a few twists that I didn't see coming it added a lot more to an already incredible book.

This is a solid 5-star read and one I will continue to recommend for a long time.

Essentially this is a story about love and overcoming oppression. In this gripping and breath taking, fast-paced novel, we start on a plantation with a slave revolt where impossible choices are made. We journey across the ocean from the American civil war to Regency London. But instead of a Bridgerton round of pastel satin and romantic intrigues, we are shown poverty, stench, and survival. And what people are willing to do to survive which makes grim but compelling reading. But again love is the driving force. The detailed description of smells, food, clothing and even hair make this an utterly immersive and fascinating read. I adored the historical details of London and in particular, the St.Giles Rookery. This atmospheric book kept me reading into the night, eager to see good overcome evil and hoping for justice to be done.

This has the feel of a book that's had plenty of research put in.
I almost felt myself to be in the maze at times.
So caught up was I in the setting, it took me a good while to truly get invested in the characters.
Got there in the end though, and it adds life to the book.
I could not help but cheer for Daniel and Pearl if anything good happened for them.
There's a few surprises in this book, and they're all enjoyable.
Good read.

I would have probably picked up "The Blackbirds of St Giles" by Lila Cain, based on the cover alone. The fact that one half of the writing duo behind Lila Cain is Kate Griffin, sealed the deal for me. But, sorry there is a but... I found it quite hard going. It has obviously been really well researched and is packed full of historically accurate material but I did feel as if it got in the way of the story somewhat. It is really well written and therefore that is why my rating is high but not necessarily for the story itself.

Daniel and his sister Pearl escape a sugar Plantation in Jamaica called The Salutation, during a revolt by the slaves. He leaves behind his brother Jon and his mother, in order to save Pearl.
The love of his life Adanna dies in a fire at the estate house and Daniel is heartbroken not to have been able to rescue her.

Daniel takes Pearl to the Maroons and ultimately they journey to North America where Daniel enlists under the King's army. He is well liked and promoted by Major Fitzallen after saving his life. Pearl is taken under wing by Fitzallen's wife and life for both siblings flourishes.

During the crossing to England as the British army retreats, Daniel is promised a new life by King, country and Major Fitzallen.
When they arrive in London, his dreams are dashed; and he and Pearl are thrown into poverty and squalor in the Rookery of St Giles.

Relying on the kindness of his new neighbours (the mysterious Brotherhood of the Crows) and his fists where necessary, Daniel and Pearl are forced to carve out a new life for themselves.

But adversity comes quickly in the form of the King of the Rookery, Elias; he's the cruel and evil overlord of the destitute Blackbirds of St Giles. A self described captor.

I truly enjoyed this book and give it a genuine bona fide 5 * rating.
It has a diverse range of characters and a great plot that keeps you on your toes.

Daniel is a loveable protagonist if not at times deeply frustrating. He is fiercely protective of his sister, perhaps overwhelmingly so. I wanted to give him a good shake, but there were certainly lessons for him to learn.

Secrets, lies and miscommunication rule the pages of this engaging and thought provoking novel. It's a brilliant piece of historical fiction; and I honestly think it's the most captivating book of it's genre I've read in quite some time.

There is romance and intrigue, yet at it's heart is a beautiful relationship between a brother and his sister.

Is Daniel perfect? No. Does he make mistakes? Yes, a bucket full. But what this clever writing conveys is someone human, real, with true gritty emotions around possessiveness and the need to protect those you love.
The racism and disappointments that the siblings experience are woven into this tale of violence and poverty. But with adversity comes hope for better.
This is a story of rags to riches- riches of the heart through love and friendship; found family and the respect of those in the St Giles community who come together to help and support Daniel and Pearl during their hardships.

All in all this is a well written and great debut novel for Lila Cain. I absolutely look forward to anything else she writes next and I think she's definitely one to watch.

I also want to thank Simon & Schuster UK Ltd and Netgalley for this Advanced Reader Copy. I was thrilled to receive it and was in no way disappointed at all by this fabulous novel.

I absolutely loved this book. It's the most incredibly rich historical novel with fabulous characters, evocative settings and an exciting, fast paced story.

Daniel and his family are slaves in Jamaica, but when their sugar plantation burns to the ground, Daniel takes his younger sister and runs for safety. Joining the British army, he resolves to earn his freedom and at the beginning of the novel he is on his way to England with a friend and sponsor who promises him a good life. But things don't go the way he expected and he finds himself having to fend for himself, protect his younger sister, and rely on the kindness of strangers in an unwelcoming city.

Daniel has a fierce independence and his fire shines through every encounter, showing his own physical, emotional and mental strength, but also his weaknesses. He is fabulously real, honourable, frustrating and hot headed. Pearl, his sister, is kind hearted but also has her own determination, and I love how she fights for her own independence in spite of all the obstacles she faces.

Standing behind Daniel and Pearl is a fabulous cast of characters, all vividly painted and real with different strengths and rich personal histories. I loved the sense of community, their protectiveness of those they stand beside, and their willingness to fight for their idealism.

Much of the story is set underground in a labyrinth of tunnels, as well as in crowded pubs and dimly lit streets. Danger lurks around every corner, but there is also a sense of security in the tight-knit community, that gives a feeling of home in spite of the squalor. All of these contrast with the enormous wealth that comes through in flashes as we see the homes of the rich, where there is always a strict hierarchy with the privileged standing over those they see as powerlessness.

On top of all this character and setting, sits a fabulously exciting story with drama, conflict and romance. We go from slums to Society gatherings and the sumptuous residence of gang leaders. There are secrets and betrayals set against deep loyalty. There is so much going on and I can't wait to read the sequel to find out what happens next.

Thanks to @netgalley for the advanced digital copy of The Blackbirds of St Giles 🩶

It's 1782 and Daniel and his sister, Pearl, have escaped a life on the sugar plantation in Jamaica. Thanks to his well connected friend in the British Army, they find themselves on their way to England with a bright future and freedom ahead.

But not everyone is as kind to them there - Daniel and Pearl are cruelly tricked and end up in the backend of St Giles, barely surviving in a dangerous and dirty world. There's a group there who call themselves The Brotherhood and they intend to set their people free from tyranny but they need Daniel's help to succeed...

I love a good historical fiction book so obviously I jumped at the chance to read this one. Plus the cover was gorgeous, the story intriguing.

The writing in this was incredibly vivid, portraying a dark side of the London underground that we don't get to see much of but contrasting to the world above inhabited by the gentry. It's hard not to root for Daniel and Pearl, ever optimistic that their fate can be changed. But God was it hard to read about their hardships and knock backs.

An important part of History to learn about for sure, this was an eye opening and engaging book where light triumphs darkness.

The Blackbirds of St Giles is out on 30th January 2025!

From beginning to end, this book had me completely in its thrall. It has been a while since I have read a book that was this gripping. It is written by literary duo Kate Griffin and Marcia Hutchinson, under the name Lila Cain.

This book follows Daniel who now, in the year 1782, arrives in London with his sister Pearl. After having escaped slavery at a sugar plantation in Jamaica, he fought for the British monarchy in the US war of independence. As a result he was given his freedom, and, from a dear friend and his military superior, a large inheritance.

However, the life that Daniel was promised was cruelly pulled out from under his feet and, he and Pearl are forced to survive in London with nothing to their name. They live under the vicious Elias, the so-called “king of the rookery”. However, Daniel manages to find loyalties and friends, who all, like him seek a better life, and as such, seek to free themselves from the despotic rule of the tyrannical Elias.

I truly found myself unable to put this book down, and when I was forced to (as I unfortunately found cooking while reading to be a particular challenge), I found I could think about little else (also inconvenient as I am currently trying to apply for a masters degree). I swallowed this book in three days. I was moved by it - it made me cry at times, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The history attached to this novel is fascinating but deeply harrowing. However, in reading the book, I found myself desperately interested to find out more about St. Giles and the gangs that ruled it during this era.

I particularly loved the end of the novel; while there was resolution, the authors chose not to answer every single question, which was something that I particularly appreciated.

Many thanks to Simon & Schuster and to Netgalley for the free digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.