Review by Maia Dueck
Publisher: Tundra Books
384 pages
Hardcover, CAD $24.99, PUB October 1st, 2024
ISBN: 9781774885253
Age Range: 14 and up
Teen and Young Adult Fiction, Romance
“Oh, Cleo, you disappoint me.” She sighs as I stay silent.
At once a hollow ache fills my chest. I’m still not sure turning her down is even a real option, if I value my life. But even if it were, I’m not sure I could. I’ll never have another chance. Not to have a Talent, or to afford proper care for Anaella. Beast or not, how could I live with myself if I gave that up?
“I really hoped we could work together.” Dahlia turns to leave, gesturing for her men to pick up the ropes.
“I’ll do it.” The words are out of my mouth before I can control them.
“Oh!” She clasps her hands. “Did you hear that, boys? I’m so glad!”
My heart is beating so fast I fear it might burst through my chest. What did I just do?
Siren songs of sisterhood and seduction vie for Cleodora’s attention. Which tune will she end up singing in the end?
In Lutèce, a Parisian inspired city where romance and luxury are reserved for the Talented, those with enhanced skills or abilities channeled through jewels and items tied to their blood, Cleodora is struggling. Between caring for her ailing sister, Anaella, and managing their failing dress shop following the death of their father, Cleodora needs help. Enter Dahlia, a beautiful and mysterious stranger who promises Cleodora the life she’s always dreamed of: a Talent of her own. But there’s a catch; Cleodora must use her newfound Singing Talent to steal Talents from the elites.
To fulfill Dahlia’s conditions, Cleodora sets her sights on the arrogant, rich, influential, and impossibly handsome Vicomte Lenoir. While Cleodora is thrust into the spotlight as Lutèce’s latest opera singer, stealing from the Vicomte proves difficult as her feelings for him begin to grow. At the same time, Cleodora’s feelings for Dahlia also deepen. Torn between two worlds, and torn within herself, Cleodora’s unsure which melody will win out.
Garden parties, opera houses, masquerade balls, and dates in botanical gardens set the scene in this novel. The detailed settings ground the story and help pull the reader into an immersive high society through Cleodora’s eyes. Combined with the magical elements surrounding the Talents, the world-building is one of the most intriguing parts of this novel. I enjoyed how Denner transformed familiar high society settings and infused them with plot twists, elements of mystery, and fresh characters who get tangled up in an all-consuming love triangle.
This is definitely an action-packed story filled with a whirlwind romance and quick turns. Right when the characters reach a moment of understanding, more drama unfolds, pulling them apart or pitching Cleodora into another impossible decision. At times, I wished Cleodora would have more agency in her story, as her inner monologue showed her torn within herself, teetering between choices rather than throwing herself confidently into them. Still, she remained an engaging character and became more active towards the end. The cast of characters, particularly the female mentors, provided an engaging sense of community through their connections and conversations with Cleodora. Although in some moments I wished for more development of side characters, the love interests were both compelling in their own ways. They kept me hanging on to see how Cleodora would interact with them and wanting to see where the story would lead her.
While a deepening of character motivations or backstory would have helped audiences immerse themselves further, the ending of this story resonates with sweetness as many of the characters’ stories wrapped up neatly. I would recommend this novel to avid Bridgerton fans looking for a spin on romantic Victorian settings and stories, or general fans of fairytale romance.
Maia Dueck is an avid reader and writer currently enrolled in the Creative Writing program at UBC. Her favorite trope is probably enemies-to-lovers.
YOUNG ADULTING 