Calling all fans of magic that comes with a cost, Prohibition era settings, and circus performances! Revelle is a bewitching story about sacrifice and history. Secrets which never stay buried and people who can never be ours. Keep reading this book review for my full thoughts.
Summary
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.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
Inspired by Moulin Rouge, Revelle is a story about love and sacrifice. It is infused with magic from the first page to the very last. Magical illusions meets Prohibition. If you love characters who feel the weight of the world and the family on their shoulders, you will love Luxe. I instantly felt for her, the ways she exerts her own secret magic to save her family and how she’s given up on her dreams to do it. But also, who can’t love Jamison? He’s the ultimate cinnamon roll boy who swings first and asks questions later.
For fans of time travel magic, there’s also plenty of that too! In general, the world building of Revelle is just so fascinating. It’s like this secluded island all to its own with magical bad blood and all. And everyone has their own secrets and ambitions, some that stretch for decades. Revelle is one of those books where once it clicked, it became a landslide of tension. My notes for the latter half of the book exploded exponentially as the dominoes began to fall and I fell even more in love with Revelle.
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The island is full of grief and old history. And you know the person who wants to dig up the past, always sets off an avalanche. Will they make it out alive? Revelle is about toxic relationships, obsession and love, and what we will sacrifice for our ambitions. For the chance to shine. To have it all. If you love the idea of the world and are wanting an action packed story, then pick up Revelle. Find Revelle on Goodreads, Storygraph, Amazon, Indiebound, Bookshop.org, & The Book Depository.