⭐⭐⭐⭐
Set in an imagined 19th century French kingdom of
Alpennia, this is a thoroughly engrossing read. A little bit of Downton Abbey with a whole lot more
magic and a whole lot more lesbian couples, the world it creates completely
captures the reader.
Roz, a young laundry maid is fired from her job for indulging
in ‘indecent acts’ with another girl, Nan. Thrown out sans her belongings and
sans a character reference, Roz is still resilient and finds temporary shelter
with Dominique, a dressmaker. Laws do not allow Dominique to give Roz an
apprenticeship but she gives her food, shelter and keeps her busy. Celeste,
Dominique’s daughter is around the same age as Roz and helps her mother, though
Celeste’s true love and calling lies in charms. She struggles to learn more
about her passion but knows she is bound by necessity to remain in dressmaking.
Dominique finds Roz a place in Margerit Sovitre’s house and many worlds
intersect because of this humble placement.
The word and world building of the book is excellent. All the
main characters of the book are in their teens and by turns naïve, strong,
vulnerable and always carrying with them the invincibility of age as they
navigate the world. Interestingly, the book has a lot of inclusivity including
a trans/intersex character, gay characters and multiple people of different
races. This is not strictly a romance, though the feeling of bubbling romance
is pervasive. Roz is clueless and rather foolish – so much so that she actually
manages to get the object of her affection imprisoned by her unthinking idiocy.
Celeste is a really strong character. The other supporting characters are also
very likeable. But it is really the writing, the story and the world imagined
that engage the reader utterly and completely.
This is a great fantasy book to pick.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
