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4.14 AVERAGE
4.14 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Ok so if you like center stage, and 80s vibes, and The Russian from Sex and the City (yes I'm showing my age), with elements of KGB, Bulshoi ballerina's turned defectors, maybe espionage, the AIDs epidemic (because it's the 80s and it centers around the gay community), and tension out the wazoo, this is the book for you.
Honestly I didn't even know if it was going to be a romance for like the first half but I was so hooked.
Also...80s lesbians...yes please!
Honestly I didn't even know if it was going to be a romance for like the first half but I was so hooked.
Also...80s lesbians...yes please!
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Such a powerful story! The book delves into the intense romance between two ballerinas while capturing the chilling reality of a time filled with fear and the harsh control of the Soviet regime. Katarina is portrayed as a cold, almost untouchable “ice queen,” seemingly detached, yet treated as nothing more than a puppet in the hands of the Soviet system. Despite her icy exterior, she slowly opens up and falls deeply in love with Juliette, whose innocence and passion bring a beautiful contrast to the story. Juliette is charmingly naive, a little oblivious to the dangers surrounding them.
The book touches on the harsh issues of the time, such as homophobia, the AIDS crisis (labeled the “gay plague”), and the freedom that Paris represented—and still represents—as a place to truly be yourself. All of this is woven into a story of two ballerinas performing Black Swan, one of ballet’s most iconic pieces.
Reading this reminded me of my younger sister’s love for ballet. Her passion has made me more familiar with this world—I’ve even watched Don Quixote and Black Swan performances with her—and it’s such a beautiful, intense art form. But fair warning, if you don’t know much about ballet, you might find yourself looking up a few terms along the way.
This story’s blend of love, art, and the struggle for freedom makes it deeply moving. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants a story as haunting as it is beautiful.
The book touches on the harsh issues of the time, such as homophobia, the AIDS crisis (labeled the “gay plague”), and the freedom that Paris represented—and still represents—as a place to truly be yourself. All of this is woven into a story of two ballerinas performing Black Swan, one of ballet’s most iconic pieces.
Reading this reminded me of my younger sister’s love for ballet. Her passion has made me more familiar with this world—I’ve even watched Don Quixote and Black Swan performances with her—and it’s such a beautiful, intense art form. But fair warning, if you don’t know much about ballet, you might find yourself looking up a few terms along the way.
This story’s blend of love, art, and the struggle for freedom makes it deeply moving. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants a story as haunting as it is beautiful.
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I don't even know how pissed off I am right now
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
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:
Complicated
Juliette Lucian-Sorel is the reigning Princess of Paris in the ballet world. When the Empress of Moscow, Katarina Vyatka, arrives in Paris Juliette world it’s turned upside down (so many times). Juliette is left trying to figure out what is real and how her heart will survive.
The descriptive imagery, the character development, the twists and turns all had me speed reading to find out what happens next. Now that I know, it’s an immediate reread with new eyes!
The descriptive imagery, the character development, the twists and turns all had me speed reading to find out what happens next. Now that I know, it’s an immediate reread with new eyes!
Content Warnings
Minor: Forced institutionalization, Death of parent
Such A Book!
Complexity, intrigue, betrayals, love, even destiny, all wrapped up in a wonderfully Miles McKay book. Her writing shines, as always. Her character development is complete and thorough. Juliette and Katarina go through so much and discover how cruel the world can be.
I can’t say much more for fear of spoilers, but this was an excellent novel.
Complexity, intrigue, betrayals, love, even destiny, all wrapped up in a wonderfully Miles McKay book. Her writing shines, as always. Her character development is complete and thorough. Juliette and Katarina go through so much and discover how cruel the world can be.
I can’t say much more for fear of spoilers, but this was an excellent novel.
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:
Complicated