Revelle by Lyssa Mia Smith

Revelle

by Lyssa Mia Smith

Inspired by Moulin Rouge! and set on an island in a magical version of Prohibition-era New York, Revelle is a breathtaking YA stand-alone fantasy full of dazzling magic, romance, and mystery from debut author Lyssa Mia Smith.

On the island of Charmant, magic flows like bootlegged champagne, and fantasies can be bought for the price of a gemstone.

Luxe Revelle, star of her family’s fantastical show, knows the splendor is just an illusion. With Prohibition threatening their livelihood, her family struggles to make a living, watering down champagne and patching holes in their sequined costumes. So when the son of Charmant’s wealthiest family makes her an offer—everything the Revelles need to stay in business, in exchange for posing as his girl and helping him become mayor—she can’t refuse.

The moment Jamison Port sets foot in Charmant, he can’t shake the feeling of familiarity. An orphan with as few memories as gemstones, he’s desperate to learn what happened to his parents. But as he delves into the island’s secrets, he risks angering the wrong person and discovering a truth that just might break his heart.

When Luxe and Jamison accidentally meet, the sparks that fly are more than her magical enchantments. But keeping secrets from powerful people is a dangerous game . . . one that could destroy them both.

Reviewed by Quirky Cat on

3 of 5 stars

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Book Summary:

Prohibition has done less to stop the flow of alcohol, making it harder for desperate businesses to get their hands on it. That's a concern for the Revelles because this magical family needs a steady flow of alcohol to keep their show alive. What good is entertainment without some social lubricant?

Thankfully, Luxe Revelle is in a position to help turn the table for her family. All she has to do is pose as the lover of a rich boy. In exchange, her family will get everything they need and possibly more.

My Review:

Full disclosure: I have not seen Moulin Rouge, and thus many of the direct comparisons go over my head/are underappreciated.

Truthfully, I'm not sure I would have picked up Revelle on my own. So I'm grateful to OwlCrate for forcing me to try it! Honestly, I found this book to be okay. It didn't blow my mind, but it didn't disappoint me. I probably would have enjoyed it more had I been a fan of the inspiration.

I did love the magical elements and the setting. The two work together oddly well, though I wish we could have delved into it just a little bit more. I felt like the romantic plot quickly stole the show (pun not intended, but appreciated). I don't have any problem with romance, especially not in a fantasy setting, but I would have liked a chance to know more about the world and the magical system before that all went down.

Highlights:
Roaring 20s
Time Travel
Forbidden Romance
Moulin Rouge with magic

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 3 July, 2023: Finished reading
  • 3 July, 2023: Reviewed