Reviews

City of Mirth and Malice by Alexis L. Menard

kirrilis_bookish_bliss's review

Go to review page

adventurous emotional mysterious sad tense 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

I am absolutely enamored with this book and series! Like holy hell. 😍 I screamed, cried, panicked, laughed and fell in love. 

The worldbuilding and background history was perfection. 
The characters were just amazing and had so much personality.  

This is 1000% my new favorite series. It will forever live rent free in my head!

mwalsh97's review

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional funny lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I can't get enough of this world. The second book continues the established Peaky Blinders feel with the MMC being hopelessly in love with our FMC. I'm hoping the author continues to write within this universe because I can't stop thinking about it. I have no critique of this duology except I wish it was longer lol

howboutjane's review

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional tense 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

Obsessed! This duet was everything. Book two started with a bang and just kept going. The suspense, the action, the romance - I couldn't put it down! I'm so attached to these characters and loved every moment of this read! A beautiful ending to Nico and Camilla's story. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings

lilithdarling's review

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

phyxi's review

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense 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

libraryofiris's review

Go to review page

5.0

City of Mirth and Malice was everything I wanted and more! Second installment syndrome, who? 

Packed with action, I was left on the edge of my seat for most of the book, especially at the end. The stakes only get higher, and the romance only gets better. The astounding development in the characters, the magic system, and the plot come together seamlessly for a fantastic conclusion to Nicolai and Camilla’s story. 

A lot is going on in this book, but Alexis does a stunning job of not overcomplicating the plot. It’s not difficult to follow, but more than enthralling to where I could not put the book down. The magic system, as intricate as it is, is easy to understand, making it more captivating and enjoyable. 

It was endearing to see Nico and Camilla grow as individuals and as a couple. Sometimes, with enemies-to-lovers and rivals-to-lovers, I enjoy the former much more than the latter, but that wasn’t the case with Nicolai and Camilla. I loved seeing them happy together and working through their disagreements. Nico had me swooning every time he said “my wife” and “spoiled little heiress.” 

A duet was the perfect length to tell their story, but I wish we were getting more of them. I love Nicolai and Camilla too much to say goodbye. 

House of Bane and Blood, City of Mirth and Malice, welcome to my short list of favorite duets. I can’t wait for the next installment. There are certainly other characters I'm eager to read about. 

giraffeinabookstore's review

Go to review page

adventurous tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

pandachi88's review

Go to review page

adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

itsjojo's review

Go to review page

adventurous tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Maybe 3 stars? Maybe less? Idk, this book took me forever to read. Maybe it was a case of wrong book, wrong time? I just wasn’t invested. I really enjoyed the first book in the series. I think I needed more Nicholai and Milla. This book didn’t have a ton of them together and unfortunately I couldn’t bring myself to care about much else. 

inthebookhaze's review

Go to review page

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

4.0