This was fantastic. This isn't your usual sprawling fantasy, exactly, but it works well with its small setting and tight-knit, colourful cast to make something tense, exciting, and rewarding. I especially liked seeing the rebellions on either side play out, and all the pros and cons they had to weigh in order to sway the masses. And the romance was genuine and sweet, something I can rarely connect to in a standalone but I was rooting for these two dorks. ( )

Ms. Thorley takes a historical event in the history of France and overlays magic to the story. Mirabelle is duped by her mother into helping kill the king of France. In the ensuing revolution, her path joins up with Josse, one of the king's illegitimate sons. The two of them don't particularly like or trust one another but discover they are both struggling with the desire for parental approval and a genuine love for their country. Lots to like about this novel. ( )

I really like dark YA fiction. This fits that, but has the added attraction of being based on an alternate look at real people and events. Mirabelle and Josse might come from different backgrounds, but have the same demons sitting on their shoulders, whispering that neither is good enough. She deals with it by trying to be a better alchemist than her dead father, he does so by rebelling and pulling so many pranks, he's banished to the palace kitchen. Their meeting happens under dire circumstances and she is just realizing her part in a horrific act, perpetrated by her mother when they do. The story follows their relationship with a revolution raging in the background. There's gore, violence, betrayal and some utterly evil souls in this story and all of these blend to create a story I greatly enjoyed and read in one sitting. Please take time to read the author's notes after the story as they discuss the actual events that led to this story. ( )

I got a copy of this book to review through the Amazon Vine program. I really enjoyed this lush historical fantasy set in a reimagined Paris. The writing was beautifully done and the story was engaging and easy to read.

The story alternates between Mirabelle's POV (she is an alchemist) and Josse's POV (he is a bastard of the king). The majority of the story takes place after the Sun King is assassinated and Paris is in an upheaval.

There is quite a bit of action, some wonderful alchemy, politics, and a sweet romance. I was completely sucked into the story and struggled to put it down.

My only small complaint is that a portion about 3/4's of the way in is a bit slow. Both Mirabelle and Josse spend way too much time thinking in their own minds about how miserable they are in this section. If some of this had been skipped this would have been a better paced story.

Overall this is a beautiful and atmospheric historical fantasy that I really enjoyed. Pacing is a bit slow at points but the beautifully descriptive writing more than makes up for that. I would recommend to those who enjoy lush historical fantasies with a lot of politics, some action, and some romance. ( )