The Glamourist (The Vine Witch, #2)

by Luanne G. Smith

A spellbinding novel of bloodlines, self-discovery, and redemption by the author of the Washington Post bestseller The Vine Witch.

Abandoned as a child in turn-of-the-century Paris, Yvette Lenoir has longed to uncover the secrets of her magical heritage and tap her suppressed powers. But what brave and resourceful Yvette has done to survive the streets has made her a fugitive. With a price on her head, she clings to a memento from her past—what she believes to be a grimoire inherited from the mother she never knew. To unlock the secrets of her past, Yvette trusts in one woman to help solve the arcane riddles among its charmed pages.

Elena Boureanu is the vine witch of Château Renard, noted for its renowned wines. Even as she struggles with her own bloodline—and its poisonous threat to her future—Elena can’t ignore a friend on the run. Joined by a cunning thief, the proprietor of an enchanted-curio shop, and a bewitching black cat, Elena and Yvette are determined to decode Yvette’s mysterious keepsake. But what restless magic will be unleashed? And what are Yvette and Elena willing to risk to become the witches they were destined to be?

• ISBN10: 1542019613
• ISBN13: 9781542019613
• Publish Date: 9 June 2020
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: Amazon Publishing
• Imprint: 47North
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 286
• Language: English

Reviews

[tweetybugshouse]

I like that each book is set up as a series but focuses as well on finding the identity of each witch we encounter. In book one we meet Elena and she comes into her own as a vine witch. Toward the end of that book, we meet Yvette who comes to her rescue. The Glamourist focuses on Yvette who turns out to have a very interesting bloodline and it all tied up in a special book and maybe a Fae character or two. This series is unique and I thoroughly enjoy each and everyone i read.

[bookishzelda]

The Glamourist is a story about witches and finding your power.

The story continues over from The Vine Witch. We have Elena who is trying to hide from her heritage and Yvette who is trying toward her heritage.

I love Elena’s maturity and intelligence. I feel like she is kind of like Sherlock as the mystery of unlocking their past moves along. I definitely wouldn’t call Yvette Watson, more of the fiery sidekick that can react recklessly because she has all this energy built inside her. I really like how Yvette’s character is so different from Elena’s yet they are friends.

I really enjoy the magic system and having the aptitude for one type of magic or another. Part of Elena’s hurdle is after learning that her mother was a witch of poisons and she loves her role of a Vine witch she doesn’t want the one to taint the other. Yvette knows there is buzzing inside her but no matter how she tries she can’t find the way for it to come out. I love the bit of mystery that comes with discovering the girls roots, present and future.

There is something that really appeals to me about the writing style that I find in these books. I can’t quite put my finger on what to exactly call it. It kind of has that historical sense but a little more.

I enjoyed The Glamourist. It will be interesting to read The Conjurer and follow Sibra on her own journey.

[kimbacaffeinate]

Elena Boureanu, Vine Witch of Château Renard is struggling with her bloodline and is in the city with her fiancé John. Mother-in-laws, poisons and her own struggles don’t deter her from coming to the aid of Yvette Lenoir, as she works to unlock her magic.

Once again Smith pulled me in from the mysterious black cat to the unique proprietor of an enchanted-curio shop. Supernatural creatures, answers to Lenoir’s past and surprising support from unexpected quarters held me captive.

The secrets delighted me as did the characters. While the magic and witchcraft is familiar, Smith weaved a tale that held me captive. Her characters are vivid, well developed and enchanting. Her villain’s ominous presence and plans amped up the suspense and kept me listening.

Elena and her companions will have to use their wit and magic to save Yvette and unlock her magic. While Elena struggles with her own heritage, she is clever and her “intuition” sets her on a course to aid Lenoir. She doesn’t readily rely on others, but we see her open up as the danger mounts.

I loved the cat who comes to Lenoir’s aid and scenes in the tunnels involving them. A person from her past may be an ally or foe. You’ll have to listen to discover which.

Susannah Jones is the perfect narrator for this suspenseful tale. From characters’ voices to pacing and tone, she added another layer to this delightful tale. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer