A review by novelyjaded
Nocturne by Alyssa Wees

3.0

I have mixed feelings about this book. It took me a few chapters to find the fantasy aspects of the book which was ok. But then I felt things were being hurried along. And the ending left me wanting a little more.

I thought the overall concept was unique. I got some Beauty and the Beast vibes, some Hades/Persephone mythology vibes, and even some dark Pan’s Labyrinth vibes. I was all for that. I also like the battle of two non corporal concepts being represented in an art form like dance. Sleep and Death vying for the heart of a mortal. And prima ballerina Grace being drawn in.

I definitely felt loose ends in this book. References are made to things not being over but it’s only hints and vague statements. If this is the beginning of a new series then that changes my opinion. If this is a standalone book, then I still feel more disappointed than I thought I would.

The book feels young adult fantasy or new adult fantasy rather than a truly fantasy novel. I could also see this as a mythical retelling of a legend about death. I think the glimmers of similarities between this and other stories might be what left me feeling like something was missing.