annieb123's Review of Mortal Follies (Mortal Follies)

by Alexis Hall

A young noblewoman must pair up with an alleged witch to ward off a curse in this irresistible sapphic romance from the bestselling author of Boyfriend Material.

“Fresh and delightful . . . All the interpersonal drama of Jane Austen meets all the complex treachery of Greek mythology.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

A KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

It is the year 1814, and life for a young lady of good breeding has many difficulties. There are balls to attend, fashions to follow, marriages to consider, and, of course, the tiny complication of existing in a world swarming with fairy spirits, interfering deities, and actual straight-up sorcerers.

Miss Maelys Mitchelmore finds her entry into high society hindered by an irritating curse. It begins innocuously enough with her dress slowly unmaking itself over the course of an evening at a high-profile ball, a scandal she narrowly manages to escape.

However, as the curse progresses to more fatal proportions, Miss Mitchelmore must seek out aid, even if that means mixing with undesirable company. And there are few less desirable than Lady Georgiana Landrake—a brooding, alluring young woman sardonically nicknamed “the Duke of Annadale”—who may or may not have murdered her own father and brothers to inherit their fortune. If one is to believe the gossip, she might be some kind of malign enchantress. Then again, a malign enchantress might be exactly what Miss Mitchelmore needs.

With the Duke’s help, Miss Mitchelmore delves into a world of angry gods and vindictive magic, keen to unmask the perpetrator of these otherworldly attacks. But Miss Mitchelmore’s reputation is not the only thing at risk in spending time with her new ally. For the reputed witch has her own secrets that may prove dangerous to Miss Mitchelmore’s heart—not to mention her life.

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Mortal Follies is the first book in a new fantasy historical romance series written by Alexis Hall. Released 6th June 2023 by Penguin Random House on their Del Rey imprint, it's 416 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

This is a slow moving romantic historical fantasy with a F/F lead. It's well written, and the historical (alternate timeline) background seems to be well researched and believable. It moves ponderously in places, and overall the pacing is on the very slow side, especially in the second half of the book. It's also in first person narrative from the PoV of a literal Puck ish sprite, à la Midsummer Night's Dream whose constant asides and direct asides to the reader get to be a bit much in places.

Normally Regency fantasy romance is a no-fail winner. This one is a mixed blessing due to side-plot lines which go nowhere, lack of world building, annoying narrator, and glacial pace (especially in the second half).

The author is clearly, undeniably, talented and knows his craft; it shines through the writing. The execution and/or possibly a less-than-ruthless editing process in this particular volume led to a less-than-stellar end product.

Three stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Reading updates

29 October, 2023: Started reading

29 October, 2023: Finished reading

29 October, 2023: Reviewed