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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
adventurous
hopeful
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
dark
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
Started off very interesting and very marie antoinette 2006. Writing is beautiful, but found myself cringing cuz I wasn’t a big fan of the pet names exchanged occasionally between the two mc’s that reminded me all too well of the wattpad days.. like the *cough* “princess”— maybe it won’t be a problem for others.
I would have loved for more of the story to have taken place in the Theatre, and see more about Odile’s career as an actress.. the opening scene with her in the change room felt pointless?
I didn’t feel too sucked into the world described in the book, it felt so focused on Aime’s family (but also not because those character’s are not really looked into) and Odile’s naivety.
The second half of the book feels scrambled and the build up to the end felt slow and boring to me, it was difficult to finish the book.
The writing was pretty and I learned a few words from this book, so I would possibly like to read other A.B Poranek books in the future.
I would have loved for more of the story to have taken place in the Theatre, and see more about Odile’s career as an actress.. the opening scene with her in the change room felt pointless?
I didn’t feel too sucked into the world described in the book, it felt so focused on Aime’s family (but also not because those character’s are not really looked into) and Odile’s naivety.
The second half of the book feels scrambled and the build up to the end felt slow and boring to me, it was difficult to finish the book.
The writing was pretty and I learned a few words from this book, so I would possibly like to read other A.B Poranek books in the future.
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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:
Yes
I loved this so so much! After struggling with an indecisisive DNF, I needed something to catch me before I could fall into a slump, and this book was exactly what I needed. I became completely and utterly obsessed with this, devouring it faster than I've devoured a book in a while (I read this in 3 days, with 100+ pages every day 😅) and I adored every page.
The first thing I want to say is this book is just gorgeous. In every way. I adored A.B. Poranek's prose in Where the Dark Stands (WTDSS) still, and I'm very glad to report that the same vivid, darkly whimsical, lusciousness carried over into this book too. I quickly found myself fully immersed in this world of theatrics and dark intrigue, politics and royalty, mysterious sorcerers and magical plots. I really enjoyed the magic system and how it was carefully interwoven with the worldbuilding, history, and mythology, as well as providing intriguing motivation for our main character - Odile - and the wider plot. The plot had me hooked, a mix of magical heist plot, murder mystery, sweet romance and friendships, and self-discovery, with a wonderful dose of tragedy and betrayal.
I also absolutely adored the characterisation, and thought the main cast was absolutely phenomenal. I fell in love with them all so fast. I loved Odile for her scheming, and her slow, but moving, journey to unlearning cruelty and allowing herself to be loved and cared for, and I thought she was excellent as a protagonist. I loved Marie for her wit, Aimé for his kind earnestness and anxious relatability, and Damien for his strength and protectiveness. Together, they all made such a wonderful and lovable crew. Whilst I do think the villains were a bit obvious, I can't really fault that as this is a retelling, so of course - if you're familiar with the story of Swan Lake - then you'll know who the villains are likely to be, and I found their backstories and motivations intriguing, and liked how the twists kept turning before they at last unravelled.
This was so nearly a 5⭐️ read, but then the ending just felt a little bit off to me. It's going to be hard to put my thoughts into words whilst avoiding spoilers, but I think this will make sense to anyone who has read the book (and I do absolutely still recommend this book, as this issue didn't take away from my overall enjoyment). It just felt like something was missing from the ending. As the end of the novel drew near, it suddenly felt as if this wasn't going to be a standalone, and that a sequel was going to be needed (which I wouldn't have minded at all). And then, everything was resolved off page between the final chapter and the epilogue. Whilst I do still really like the overall ending and think it fits, I would've either liked to have seen the resolution between the final chapter and epilogue in a sequel, of have had the ending more open ended, bittersweet, yet hopeful, like WTDSS. I would've also have liked to see a little bit more of Aimé and Damien's relationship and a more conclusion for them, but that is a more minor wish.
Overall though, I absolutely loved this book. It was darkly whimsical and hopeful and romantic, and awoke in me again the little girl who loved classic Barbie movies (especially Swan Lake!), danced ballet and felt most at home watching something in the theatre or ensconced in fairytales. I really do recommend this book and I absolutely cannot wait to see what A.B. Poranek does next!
The first thing I want to say is this book is just gorgeous. In every way. I adored A.B. Poranek's prose in Where the Dark Stands (WTDSS) still, and I'm very glad to report that the same vivid, darkly whimsical, lusciousness carried over into this book too. I quickly found myself fully immersed in this world of theatrics and dark intrigue, politics and royalty, mysterious sorcerers and magical plots. I really enjoyed the magic system and how it was carefully interwoven with the worldbuilding, history, and mythology, as well as providing intriguing motivation for our main character - Odile - and the wider plot. The plot had me hooked, a mix of magical heist plot, murder mystery, sweet romance and friendships, and self-discovery, with a wonderful dose of tragedy and betrayal.
I also absolutely adored the characterisation, and thought the main cast was absolutely phenomenal. I fell in love with them all so fast. I loved Odile for her scheming, and her slow, but moving, journey to unlearning cruelty and allowing herself to be loved and cared for, and I thought she was excellent as a protagonist. I loved Marie for her wit, Aimé for his kind earnestness and anxious relatability, and Damien for his strength and protectiveness. Together, they all made such a wonderful and lovable crew. Whilst I do think the villains were a bit obvious, I can't really fault that as this is a retelling, so of course - if you're familiar with the story of Swan Lake - then you'll know who the villains are likely to be, and I found their backstories and motivations intriguing, and liked how the twists kept turning before they at last unravelled.
This was so nearly a 5⭐️ read, but then the ending just felt a little bit off to me. It's going to be hard to put my thoughts into words whilst avoiding spoilers, but I think this will make sense to anyone who has read the book (and I do absolutely still recommend this book, as this issue didn't take away from my overall enjoyment). It just felt like something was missing from the ending. As the end of the novel drew near, it suddenly felt as if this wasn't going to be a standalone, and that a sequel was going to be needed (which I wouldn't have minded at all). And then, everything was resolved off page between the final chapter and the epilogue. Whilst I do still really like the overall ending and think it fits, I would've either liked to have seen the resolution between the final chapter and epilogue in a sequel, of have had the ending more open ended, bittersweet, yet hopeful, like WTDSS. I would've also have liked to see a little bit more of Aimé and Damien's relationship and a more conclusion for them, but that is a more minor wish.
Overall though, I absolutely loved this book. It was darkly whimsical and hopeful and romantic, and awoke in me again the little girl who loved classic Barbie movies (especially Swan Lake!), danced ballet and felt most at home watching something in the theatre or ensconced in fairytales. I really do recommend this book and I absolutely cannot wait to see what A.B. Poranek does next!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse
Moderate: Death of parent
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
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
A wonderfully moody and queer retelling of Swan Lake!
I picked it up because the cover is stunning, and then the summary had me putting it right in my basket, and it was definitely the right choice!
The atmosphere reminds me of Rachel Gillig's One Dark Window, with its isolated, haunting, and claustrophobic vibes. The characters are vibrant and sharp, and the plot is fun and interesting. Didn't quite make it to five stars because it didn't blow my mind, but it was good read and one that I'll be keeping on my shelves. I love Marie and Odile, and Aimé really grew on me.
I tend to prefer slightly longer endings to wrap things up, but it didn't feel too abrupt or anything.
All in all, a great book.
I picked it up because the cover is stunning, and then the summary had me putting it right in my basket, and it was definitely the right choice!
The atmosphere reminds me of Rachel Gillig's One Dark Window, with its isolated, haunting, and claustrophobic vibes. The characters are vibrant and sharp, and the plot is fun and interesting. Didn't quite make it to five stars because it didn't blow my mind, but it was good read and one that I'll be keeping on my shelves. I love Marie and Odile, and Aimé really grew on me.
I tend to prefer slightly longer endings to wrap things up, but it didn't feel too abrupt or anything.
All in all, a great book.
Tender and ravenous in equal measure, this romantic retelling offers a glittering homage to its source material while bringing its shadows into the light. A story worthy of a standing ovation.
<b>Disclaimer: the author is a friend and I was gifted an ARC. All opinions are my own.</b>
CW: violence, abusive parent, blood and gore, gun violence, fantasy prejudice/bigotry, death of father, death of mother (past), grief, illness (past), drowning, self harm, imprisonment, claustrophobia
<b>Disclaimer: the author is a friend and I was gifted an ARC. All opinions are my own.</b>
CW: violence, abusive parent, blood and gore, gun violence, fantasy prejudice/bigotry, death of father, death of mother (past), grief, illness (past), drowning, self harm, imprisonment, claustrophobia