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natashaleighton_'s review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Lyssa Mia Smith’s decadently lush and utterly mesmerising debut is a dazzling, show-stopping gem of a book that I literally couldn’t put down!
Inspired by Moulin Rouge, and set during the prohibition on the magical island of Charmont. Revelle follows Luxe—the star of the Revelle family’s struggling, circus-style show, who, due to prohibition (and the scarcity of alcohol) are now on the precipice of ruin.
Until the son of their biggest rival, Dewey Chronos offers to take care of the Revelle family’s financial problems—If Luxe poses as his fiancée and helps him become mayor—it’s an offer she knows she can’t refuse.
But, when a chance encounter with island newcomer Jamison leads Luxe into developing feelings she’s never felt before—things start to get complicated. And the secrets Luxe has inevitably had to keep may just threaten to destroy everything (and everyone) she cares for most…
As soon as I heard about the Moulin Rouge! style premise I knew I needed to read this and I’m soo glad to say it was even better than I expected. The writing was absolutely gorgeous and soo full of detail. With every page brimming with twists, turns and magic-based intrigue that I couldn’t get enough of.
I really enjoyed the world building which was rich in detail and soo decadently, vibrantly immersive. The setting itself did give off very Caraval meets The Great Gatsby vibes (which is a mashup I didn’t even know I needed in my life) but Moulin Rouge’s influences are what stick out to me the most. As a lifelong fan of Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 musical, it was fun to spot the little easter eggs and homages that were scattered throughout. Though of course, this is a wholly original story that brings a magic all of its own. Right down to the endearing found family-esque cast of characters.
Luxe, our protagonist, although similar in some ways to Nicole Kidman’s Satine does come across as a far more compassionate and three dimensional character, willing to sacrifice her own dreams & use her magical gifts to help the family—even at the detriment to her own health. It’s an aspect that feels out of place for Luxe to begin with but makes total sense once you delve into her life and the loss she’s endured.
I also loved exploring the complex nature of her relationships-be they the strained familial bond with her cousins Collette and Millie (whom she’s been distant with for years) or the fiercely swoon-worthy, star crossed relationship she has with love interest Jamison (who is a complete cinnamon-roll btw.)
As this is a dual POV, we do get to experience Jamison’s perspective too which I found really intriguing. As an orphan and relative newcomer to the island, Jamison is looking to find out what happened to his parents. With only a few hazy memories at hand and the feeling that he’s been to Charmont before, he embarks on a pretty emotional journey that sees him unravel some of the island’s biggest (and darkest) secrets.
There were soo many supporting characters that I loved too (particularly Collette, Roger, Trys, Millie, Trevor and Luxe’s grandmother Nana) I just wish that we’d had more time with them (and I’d absolutely love to see prequel of some kind involving Nana Revelle.)
Overall, a heart-racing and unputdownable historical fantasy that fans of Stephanie Garber will absolutely adore!
Also a huge thank you to Haper360YA for the proof.
Inspired by Moulin Rouge, and set during the prohibition on the magical island of Charmont. Revelle follows Luxe—the star of the Revelle family’s struggling, circus-style show, who, due to prohibition (and the scarcity of alcohol) are now on the precipice of ruin.
Until the son of their biggest rival, Dewey Chronos offers to take care of the Revelle family’s financial problems—If Luxe poses as his fiancée and helps him become mayor—it’s an offer she knows she can’t refuse.
But, when a chance encounter with island newcomer Jamison leads Luxe into developing feelings she’s never felt before—things start to get complicated. And the secrets Luxe has inevitably had to keep may just threaten to destroy everything (and everyone) she cares for most…
As soon as I heard about the Moulin Rouge! style premise I knew I needed to read this and I’m soo glad to say it was even better than I expected. The writing was absolutely gorgeous and soo full of detail. With every page brimming with twists, turns and magic-based intrigue that I couldn’t get enough of.
I really enjoyed the world building which was rich in detail and soo decadently, vibrantly immersive. The setting itself did give off very Caraval meets The Great Gatsby vibes (which is a mashup I didn’t even know I needed in my life) but Moulin Rouge’s influences are what stick out to me the most. As a lifelong fan of Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 musical, it was fun to spot the little easter eggs and homages that were scattered throughout. Though of course, this is a wholly original story that brings a magic all of its own. Right down to the endearing found family-esque cast of characters.
Luxe, our protagonist, although similar in some ways to Nicole Kidman’s Satine does come across as a far more compassionate and three dimensional character, willing to sacrifice her own dreams & use her magical gifts to help the family—even at the detriment to her own health. It’s an aspect that feels out of place for Luxe to begin with but makes total sense once you delve into her life and the loss she’s endured.
I also loved exploring the complex nature of her relationships-be they the strained familial bond with her cousins Collette and Millie (whom she’s been distant with for years) or the fiercely swoon-worthy, star crossed relationship she has with love interest Jamison (who is a complete cinnamon-roll btw.)
As this is a dual POV, we do get to experience Jamison’s perspective too which I found really intriguing. As an orphan and relative newcomer to the island, Jamison is looking to find out what happened to his parents. With only a few hazy memories at hand and the feeling that he’s been to Charmont before, he embarks on a pretty emotional journey that sees him unravel some of the island’s biggest (and darkest) secrets.
There were soo many supporting characters that I loved too (particularly Collette, Roger, Trys, Millie, Trevor and Luxe’s grandmother Nana) I just wish that we’d had more time with them (and I’d absolutely love to see prequel of some kind involving Nana Revelle.)
Overall, a heart-racing and unputdownable historical fantasy that fans of Stephanie Garber will absolutely adore!
Also a huge thank you to Haper360YA for the proof.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Murder, Violence, and Gun violence
Moderate: Cursing, Alcohol, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent
winnreads5's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
A breath of fresh air for a YA fantasy. The Moulin Rouge inspiration is clear but still very much it’s own story. Very romantic but also plenty of other plot and stakes which make it hard to put down. Magic system is super original- love the cost of each type of magic. You don’t need an encyclopedia or a map for this book- an entertaining read even if you don’t read a ton of fantasy.
Content Warnings
Minor: Blood, Violence, Sexism, Death, Cursing, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Gun violence, Fire/Fire injury, and Alcohol
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