3.5*
Are any of us ever going to turn down magical 1789 Paris? Right, didn't think so. Good news is, you don't have to! This definitely delivers on magic, Paris, and 1789! You know, in case you super like smallpox, even crappier patriarchies than now, and peeing in buckets or whatever. Onward to the stuff I liked and didn't!
The Things I Liked:
- •Again, I return to the setting, for 1789 Paris is fabulous. I feel it must be reiterated that I mean to read about and decidedly not to live in, for I like my head attached to my body and also, plumbing. But if I had a time machine I'd pop in for a hot second. The author did a great job of making the setting feel authentic- between the clothing, the conditions the sisters faced with the lack of reputable male kin, the classism, it was on point. Add to it the tense vibe of a city on the brink, and yep, nailed it.
- •Camille was a character I absolutely rooted for from the start. Look, obviously she was getting the sympathy vote to begin with. Our girl's parents are dead, her brother is a creep of the highest order, and she just wants her sister and herself to be able to get by, which doesn't seem like much to ask. She's stubborn and incredibly strong-willed, but that also translates into her working hard to get what she wants. Also I adored the romance and devoured every last scene with Camille and Lazare. The sisterly bond was also one worth noting, it was great to see the way their relationship changed and grew.
- •The magic system was enjoyable! I have said before that magic is hit-or-miss with me, but this one was a hit. I loved that the magic cost something every time it was used because honestly doesn't that seem like how it would work? And it was hard work! It wasn't just a flick of a wrist or whatever, it took a lot of dedication, which I also appreciated. Plus, it turns into quite a thought-provoking question: If the magic would cost you so much, would you still do it?
- •I just plain enjoyed the story. Sometimes that's enough!
The Things I Didn't:
- •It was a bit long, maybe longer than necessary? At times it felt like it was taking too long, which I found unfortunate, because I wanted to be immersed in this world. But I did find it lagging from time to time.
Bottom Line: 1789 Magical Paris! Go for the sisterly bond, the awesome slow-burn romance, the enchantment of magic and nobility. Leave before the guillotine gets you.