A review by anatrnd
Marionette by Antonia Rachel Ward

dark fast-paced

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

2.0

This is a short story set in Paris that tells us about Cece and George. Cece Dulac is an exotic dancer, who agrees to become the main attraction at an erotic séance. George Dashwood, an aspiring artist, comes to Paris to study painting and make some new creations. But once he arrives his friend Bastian takes him to the theatre and introduces him to Cece. George falls in love with Cece and wants to save her from this life, but Cece is controlled by the spirit now.

This was a really short read, yet I was still bored while reading this. The atmosphere is amazing in this story, you can feel Paris. But everything else... There were not enough interactions between Cece and George. I felt like only George likes Cece and I'm not sure if that was the author's intention. Also, I don't really think that sex was mostly consensual in this book since women couldn't control their bodies once the spirits entered them. That was a huge no for me and that's why I literally forced myself to finish this short story.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this arc in exchange for an honest review.