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thesapphicnarratives 's review for:
Reverence
by Milena McKay
reverence is my first milena mckay book, and i'm absolutely floored. this story swept me off my feet with its beautiful prose, layered characters, and intense drama set against the glittering yet ruthless world of '80s parisian ballet. it's rare to find a book that combines elegance and raw emotion so seamlessly, but reverence delivers on every front.
the story revolves around two ballerinas whose lives collide in paris. juliette lucian-sorel is the reigning princess of the palais garnier, adored by fans and envied by peers. katarina vyatka, a defector from the bolshoi, brings her brilliance and secrets into juliette's orbit. together, they navigate a storm of passion, rivalry, and survival in a world that demands nothing less than perfection.
i'll admit, i know nothing about ballet. my understanding begins and ends with "those pointy shoes look painful." but mckay's writing made the world of ballet feel vivid and alive, not just as a backdrop but as an integral part of the story. ballet is everywhere in this book, from the characters' movements to their deepest motivations, and it's done so well that i felt completely immersed.
and the drama? absolutely exquisite. it's big, bold, and borderline over-the-top, but it works. somehow, mckay balances all the angst and intrigue with sophistication, keeping it from feeling ridiculous or exhausting. the politics behind the scenes of the ballet world added so much depth to the story, creating a high-stakes atmosphere where every decision felt like it could change everything.
the heart of the book is the romance between juliette and katarina, and wow—what a romance it is. their relationship is full of tension, heartbreak, and undeniable connection. it's paced perfectly, with enough slow-burn and angst to keep me hooked while still delivering moments that made my heart ache. the chemistry between them is electric, and their journey from rivals to lovers is deeply compelling.
every character in this book feels real, raw, and layered. it's like watching a perfectly choreographed performance where every movement is intentional, every emotion sharp and clear. i could visualize everything so vividly, as if the pages were a movie screen. that's when i know i've fallen hard for a book—when the words come alive and transport me.
there's a major miscommunication toward the end that left me a little confused, especially when it involved juliette's friends. it threw me off for a moment, but not enough to tarnish the story or the romance. the emotional journey of juliette and katarina is more than a love story—it's about survival, ambition, and finding something worth holding on to in a world that demands so much.
this book broke my heart, mended it, and broke it all over again. it's a masterpiece of drama, love, and survival that i can't stop thinking about. whether you know ballet or not, reverence is an absolute must-read for anyone who loves a story that's as elegant as it is intense.
rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
the story revolves around two ballerinas whose lives collide in paris. juliette lucian-sorel is the reigning princess of the palais garnier, adored by fans and envied by peers. katarina vyatka, a defector from the bolshoi, brings her brilliance and secrets into juliette's orbit. together, they navigate a storm of passion, rivalry, and survival in a world that demands nothing less than perfection.
i'll admit, i know nothing about ballet. my understanding begins and ends with "those pointy shoes look painful." but mckay's writing made the world of ballet feel vivid and alive, not just as a backdrop but as an integral part of the story. ballet is everywhere in this book, from the characters' movements to their deepest motivations, and it's done so well that i felt completely immersed.
and the drama? absolutely exquisite. it's big, bold, and borderline over-the-top, but it works. somehow, mckay balances all the angst and intrigue with sophistication, keeping it from feeling ridiculous or exhausting. the politics behind the scenes of the ballet world added so much depth to the story, creating a high-stakes atmosphere where every decision felt like it could change everything.
the heart of the book is the romance between juliette and katarina, and wow—what a romance it is. their relationship is full of tension, heartbreak, and undeniable connection. it's paced perfectly, with enough slow-burn and angst to keep me hooked while still delivering moments that made my heart ache. the chemistry between them is electric, and their journey from rivals to lovers is deeply compelling.
every character in this book feels real, raw, and layered. it's like watching a perfectly choreographed performance where every movement is intentional, every emotion sharp and clear. i could visualize everything so vividly, as if the pages were a movie screen. that's when i know i've fallen hard for a book—when the words come alive and transport me.
there's a major miscommunication toward the end that left me a little confused, especially when it involved juliette's friends. it threw me off for a moment, but not enough to tarnish the story or the romance. the emotional journey of juliette and katarina is more than a love story—it's about survival, ambition, and finding something worth holding on to in a world that demands so much.
this book broke my heart, mended it, and broke it all over again. it's a masterpiece of drama, love, and survival that i can't stop thinking about. whether you know ballet or not, reverence is an absolute must-read for anyone who loves a story that's as elegant as it is intense.
rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐