Taking the deadly ambition of 1995’s Showgirls into Paris’ iconic Palais Garnier, Jamison Shea has crafted a blood soaked, (and ballerina-filled) rollercoaster of a read that I literally couldn’t put down! 

The raw, untethered emotions of our protagonist Laure were phenomenally well crafted, with her depth filled POV giving us a delicious glimpse into the cutthroat world of Ballet. 

I loved how Shea navigated the classist and discriminatory underpinnings of an industry that (predominantly) thrives on the perception of exclusivity and perfection. And delving into the injustice Laure faces at the hands of her peers: the relentless bullying and spiteful jibes aimed at their working class background and darker complexion. 

So watching Laure drive her own body to the brink of exertion, for a chance to earning a place in this world was a little heartbreaking. Especially when her hard work is constantly overlooked (with one character even remarking her presence only inspires thoughts of poverty that would ruin the company.)

Soo be prepared to hate a lot of the secondary characters, as their vitriolic demeanours and gleeful character assassinations will have you eager to see them face some sort of retribution. Even if that involves invoking a bloody (demonic) supernatural force to do so.

And boy is it bloody! Like Carrie meets The Craft levels of violence —with a vengeful and marvellously gripping plot that fans of YA Horror (or anyone who really enjoyed books like House of Hollow or Ace of Spades) should definitely consider checking out. 

Though I do suggest checking TWs beforehand, as the subject material and (gore related) content may not be to everyone’s tastes.