I read the german edition of this series and as far as I know it’s also been licensed in italian and french, maybe english will follow soon, therefore I decided to write this review in english, so everyone interested in the story could read it. Anyways, let me tell you, I enjoyed this first volume pretty much, nonetheless, there are some concerns for the upcoming volumes I feel the need to share. At first, I’ll focus on what I loved. I’m actually no huge Sherlock Holmes fan. I mean, I am aware of the hype for the Sherlock series starring Benedict Cumberbatch but I never watched it, and those kind of new Sherlock Holmes movies starring Robert Downey Jr. were entertaining to be watched once but no need for more. So, yeah ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Why did I pick up this series, one may wonder now. It’s easy and also this is partly what I loved about this installment: 1) I’m such a sucker for villains / antagonists / or however is willing to do more than what legal to reach their aims. 2) I’m a fan of the historic setting and the standards society sets by birth. It’s a fine fertile soil for drama. 3) The art style is gorgeous, and I might just buy all the volumes because I’ve fallen for the handsome boys on first sight without even knowing anything about them. Aside of those three aspects, I’ve been granted so much more. The first chapter which explained how the three boys grew up gave me chills. I love how the two brothers stuck together but also how their half-brother Albert took them in and how he accepted them and loved them more than his own family. It’s actually cruel of me to describe it like this, considering what Albert plotted against his father, mother and younger brother. Plus, it’s obvious he is one of the engines for all their evil doings, just as much as William is… What I’m trying to state here: I admire how those three have bonded. It’s awesome. Well, what they did in contrast took my breath away! They were so very young! This only emphasizes how incredibly inhuman and intolerable the world must have felt to them. It’s the world made by the humans and their society which made them monsters. Monsters whose actions I should disapprove strongly but whom I can understand and struggle to judge. Looking at the plot of the other two chapters, I have to say it feels more like some kind of introduction or explanation of what the Moriarty family is doing. Each chapter brings a case which they solve in their way. Actually, after finishing volume 1 I hope the other volumes will have more in store than a new case in every chapter. I am in need for an overall plot and also I wish for higher stakes, more danger and thrill. I want to see them fight and struggle… — Excuse me. This is just me, liking to see my babes suffer — For now, the crew always seemed ahead of everything and everyone and in total control of the situations and though I really enjoy such endeavor of the characters I like, I still need the thrill and action. I’ll wait what will come in volume 2 and 3 but I sincerely hope my wishes get granted. This could become so awesome! The potential is there! I can see it, I can feel it! Please, please, please!!
