Scan barcode
A review by ristretto
Mortal Follies by Alexis Hall
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
5.0
Mortal Follies is a sapphic regency era romance with magic, curses, fae and old gods. We follow Miss Maelys Mitchelmore who appears to have been cursed starting with the the deterioration of her dress at a ball and then with events that soon become much more dangerous endangering her life. The Lady Georgiana Landrake, also known as the “Duke of Annadale”,comes to her rescue again and again as the curse escalates but there are rumors that she’s a witch and a murderess. Can she be trusted?
I had such a good time reading this. Maelys’ naïveté and bravery contrasted against Georgiana’s mysterious dark and brooding personality is delightful and the supporting characters are also great. Miss Bickle in particular is a whole mood and I love her! The story takes place in our world in the regency era but in which people interact with the old gods and fair folk, and magic and curses exist. Because of this it makes for interesting use real world locations like the Roman Baths in Bath and the goddess Sulis. Our narrator Robin, a hobgoblin, exhiled from Oberon’s and Titania’s court and forced to live as a mortal writer is great fun adding asides, mischief, and a different perspective from the characters we are following. (I love that the character continues even into the acknowledgments, super cute.)
All in all this is a super lovely and romantic comfort read with mystery and humor, best enjoyed in a relaxing atmosphere with some marchpane and tea.
I had such a good time reading this. Maelys’ naïveté and bravery contrasted against Georgiana’s mysterious dark and brooding personality is delightful and the supporting characters are also great. Miss Bickle in particular is a whole mood and I love her! The story takes place in our world in the regency era but in which people interact with the old gods and fair folk, and magic and curses exist. Because of this it makes for interesting use real world locations like the Roman Baths in Bath and the goddess Sulis. Our narrator Robin, a hobgoblin, exhiled from Oberon’s and Titania’s court and forced to live as a mortal writer is great fun adding asides, mischief, and a different perspective from the characters we are following. (I love that the character continues even into the acknowledgments, super cute.)
All in all this is a super lovely and romantic comfort read with mystery and humor, best enjoyed in a relaxing atmosphere with some marchpane and tea.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.