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osladek's review
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.0
I was absolutely hooked by this book in the first half and then started to lose interest in the second half. so much of the novel should be sped up and the romance needs to be a slower build in my opinion. I don’t love insta-love/lust in romance and this solidified my disdain for the trope. i wish more time was spent on the plot instead of the sex scenes although i did enjoy them, there were way too many that didn’t serve the plot in any way.
Overall a fun read just needs some possible editing to make it higher quality.
Overall a fun read just needs some possible editing to make it higher quality.
sarahfoofoo's review
5.0
I read this via daily email installments from Davin’s newsletter and thoroughly enjoyed it! Since it’s mostly told in letters and journal entries, that format worked particularly well, but I’ve also preordered the book because I enjoyed it so much. Queer romance, magical intrigue, treachery, pining, and truly delightful side characters. I eagerly await other books in the series.
katriddell's review
5.0
18/10. I would die for V and J. And Sophie. And Isabelle. And Beatrix. And Delphine. And Camille.
hamalee's review
3.5
I didn't think the letter writing format would work for me, but I enjoyed it.
The sex scenes are spicy but... actually pretty boring and distracting from the story. I skimmed a lot of them.
The sex scenes are spicy but... actually pretty boring and distracting from the story. I skimmed a lot of them.
lechepatito's review
I really enjoyed the questions of gender and liked the idea of how V and J each changed their gender presentation and others’ perceptions of it. And the concept of magic here is intriguing. But the plot was slow, the relationship pacing wasn’t working for me, and I’m not in the mood for mystery and intrigue right now, so I’m putting it down at 44%.
kpeeps111's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Really surprised by how much I enjoyed this book! I picked it out on a whim while browsing through the “romantic fantasy” section of Libby looking for something easy and fun to read. And it was both those things! After the beginning, I fully expected it to be mostly smut (not my typical cup of tea), but then to my delight a really interesting spy-thriller type plot unfolded involving mysterious magical artifacts! The setting is super fun, the magical system is interesting, the epistolary structure is delightfully engaging, and the characters were really dynamic and well rounded.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
cleo_reads's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
Uneven but compelling queer romance set in early 19th C France, with magic.
I loved the first half, even though there was a misunderstanding / falling out between the MCs that annoyed me. And then the tone shifted pretty abruptly at like 60% from flirting and sexy letter writing to dark suspense. Plus sequel bait.
Despite that, I still recommend it.
I loved the first half, even though there was a misunderstanding / falling out between the MCs that annoyed me. And then the tone shifted pretty abruptly at like 60% from flirting and sexy letter writing to dark suspense. Plus sequel bait.
Despite that, I still recommend it.
emilyredwood's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25