A review by janereads10
Nocturne by Alyssa Wees

dark reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.0

From the beginning of the book, the author paints a dark atmosphere that matches the underlying theme of mortality and the afterlife. As I read through, it felt like a black-and-white movie playing through my head. I can certainly see elements from Phantom of the Opera, Beauty and the Beast, and Hades and Persephone stories, but this book is not just a retelling or combination of those. I found it quite sad because the romantic plot didn't quite work out. 

The author used the third person point of view through the eyes of Grace, the main character. I could sense the environment and the scene's atmosphere, but I got easily distracted when Grace dwelled on the past. The sudden shift of timeline made me lose my focus instead of staying engaged with the event currently taking place. It interrupted the story's natural flow. 

I had some respect for Grace due to her resilience despite the sorrows in her life. I would have definitely liked to know more about Master La Rosa, the assumed Beast/Patron/Death.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Del Rey Books for the ARC of Nocturne in exchange for my honest review.