Why Does European Travel For The Monstrous Gentlewoman Have Mixed Reviews?

European Travel for the Monstrous Gentlewoman', the second book in The Extraordinary Adventures of the Athena Club series by Theodora Goss, is a fascinating blend of Gothic horror, adventure, and feminist reimaginings of classic literary monsters. But it’s no surprise that it’s polarizing—some readers adore its playful subversion of tropes, while others find its pacing uneven or its tone inconsistent. Personally, I think the mixed reactions come down to a few key things.

First, the book’s structure leans heavily into episodic adventures, almost like a series of interconnected short stories rather than a tightly plotted novel. If you loved the first book’s more focused narrative, this shift might feel jarring. The characters hop from one European locale to another, encountering new mysteries and figures from classic literature, which can make the story feel meandering at times. I didn’mind it—it gave me major 'road trip with monsters' vibes—but I totally get why some readers wanted a stronger throughline.

Another point of contention is the humor. Goss has a very particular, almost tongue-in-cheek style, with plenty of meta commentary and fourth-wall-breaking asides from the characters. It’s charming if you’re on board, but if you prefer your Gothic fiction deadly serious, the constant wit might undercut the atmosphere. I laughed out loud at some of the exchanges, especially between Mary Jekyll and Beatrice Rappaccini, but I’ve seen reviews where people felt it undermined the stakes.

Lastly, the book’s feminist themes are both its biggest strength and a source of divide. Some readers adore how Goss reclaims female 'monsters' from their original narratives (like Justine Frankenstein or Catherine Moreau), giving them agency and depth. Others feel the messaging can be heavy-handed at times, with characters overtly discussing their oppression in ways that might pull them out of the story. For me, it worked—but I’m a sucker for stories that wear their hearts on their sleeves.

At the end of the day, I think whether you love or bounce off this book depends entirely on what you want from it. If you’re here for a rollicking, self-aware romp with classic horror icons, it’s a delight. If you’re craving something more streamlined or somber, it might not hit the mark. Either way, it’s a ride worth taking—just maybe not for everyone.

I wonder how much of the divide is between people who read the first book recently versus those who read it years ago. There's a lot of recap and re-introduction woven in, which is helpful but can also make the beginning feel slow for someone who just finished book one. Conversely, if it's been a while, you might miss some nuances of the character dynamics. It's a sequel that doesn't stand alone at all. Your immersion is dependent on your memory of and attachment to the first book's events. If that attachment is strong, you'll happily go on this longer, slower journey. If your memory is fuzzy or your attachment was mild, the sequel's pacing problems will feel magnified because you're not as invested in the starting point.

For a book with 'Monstrous Gentlewoman' in the title, I expected... well, more monstrosity? More Gothic horror? The first book had those visceral body horror elements from Jekyll and Hyde and Frankenstein. This one feels more like a historical detective romp with a found family. The 'monstrous' aspect is more societal than physical or supernatural for much of the story. The horror comes from the real-world cruelty of the villains, not from something uncanny. That genre shift might disappoint readers who were drawn in by the Promethean, alchemical horror of the first installment. It's still there in the backstory of the characters, but the present-tense adventure leans more toward intrigue and pursuit. If your favorite part was the creepy, laboratory aesthetic, this sequel might feel like it softened its edges to accommodate the travelogue format.