⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is such an
exhilarating read. It’s a dazzling and deftly plotted romp with unexpected plot
twists right till the end. Just when I thought ‘Oh, so this is how it’ll go’
it changed directions. Then again. This one defies — or straddles — genres.
The only book that I can think of that is similar in twists, setting
(historical) and complete engagement is Fingersmith by Sarah Waters. What
begins as a classic caper quickly deepens into a layered mystery of tangled
debts, dangerous pasts, and hidden agendas.
First there’s the unforgettable
duo of Cass and Leo, two grifters whose chemistry and witty banter are the
engine of the story. Cass, with her audacious confidence and theatrical flair,
is a force of nature, while Leo’s pragmatic wit and weary loyalty provide the
perfect grounding. Their goal seems simple: infiltrate a prestigious poetry
contest and con the reclusive, elegant Lady Seraphine into giving them her
generous prize. But from the moment they step onto the opulent château, nothing is as it seems.
Then there are the
impeccably poised Lady Seraphine and her enigmatic companion Isolde Reinhardt.
Lady Seraphine is a balance of glamour with vulnerability. Isolde is like an Matryoshka
nesting doll with layers that hide more layers — compellingly
enigmatic and seems to be shifting character all throughout.
The true brilliance of
this book lies in its perfect pacing and expertly crafted reveals. Just when
you think you have the measure of the characters and their game, the plot
twists elegantly, raising the stakes and deepening the emotional resonance. The
story seamlessly blends laugh-out-loud humour, genuine tension, and moments of
surprising tenderness.
The romantic
tensions—both the aching, idealized crush and the more grounded, wary
attraction—are woven beautifully into the central plot, driving the characters’
choices without ever overshadowing the thrilling narrative.
The conclusion is both
triumphant and deeply satisfying, offering a payoff that is as emotionally
resonant as it is clever. It is a testament to the author's skill that she can
deliver an ending that feels both inevitable and obvious, but at the same time it
also feels like a graceful, unexpected gift.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
