A sumptuously enchanting, historical romantasy that takes us into an opulent, Phantom of The Opera- esque world where magic, betrayal and sacrifice take centre stage. 

I loved every second of this! Adi Denner’s atmospheric prose and lush attention to detail (especially when it came to the fashion) was utterly addictive. And, combined with the intriguing, gem based magic system; created an almost cinematic experience that had me glued to my seat. 

The world-building wasn’t nearly as in depth as I would’ve liked, but I feel the characters more than made up for it in their a nuanced and depth filled portrayals. Cleodora, our morally grey protagonist and sole POV was probably my favourite as I really enjoyed her nuanced and emotional journey. 

Struggling to keep her family’s dressmaking business going (and take care of her ill  sister) leads her into the employ of the mysterious Lady Sibille (Dahlia)— who gifts her the (stolen) talent of singing in order to infiltrate the Opera, and steal the Talent of one of it’s most important Patrons. The Vicomte Lenoir.

The tragic complexity of Cleo’s circumstances and her conflicting feelings surrounding this new life really endeared me to her, especially her drive to protect her sister. But I did enjoy her more morally dubious choices, as it really highlighted how rigid class structures, inequality and widespread poverty can force literally anyone into unsavoury (or illegal) situations (in the desperate need to survive.) 

The same for several of the other characters we meet (Lirone, Dahlia, Veronique) who’s actions, though not necessarily right, did raise some interesting thoughts around morality and ethics that I hadn’t really considered before. 

I really enjoyed the emotionally intense, love triangle-esque romance we explore between Cleo, Dahlia and Nuriel (the Vicomte.) Which, like Phantom of the Opera has an underlying sense of danger, urgency (and lust) that I found incredibly intoxicating —there’s some incredible, chemistry laden scenes that romantasy fans will definitely appreciate too. But they don’t overpower the plot, so if you’re new to the genre (or aren’t as big a fan of romance) I think you’ll still enjoy it.

Overall, an immersive, magical and pacy debut that kept me on the edge of my seat  until the very last page. 

Also, a huge thank you to Emily over at Dialogue Books for the stunning proof.