I need to make a mental note that "lush prose" means the author sloshes words together like a poet on payday.

This book was so tedious it took me almost a month to finish. It probably should have ended up as a dnf, but I really wanted the book to do SOMETHING so I was trying to give it a chance. 85% of the book is meandering descriptions of everything and even though I broke the reading up over a long period of time, I still managed to noticed how many times the word scream was used with no actual screaming happening. It was more along the lines of (to paraphrase) "she felt a scream ripping up her inside," or "it was dark like a silent scream" (whatever the actual fuck that means.)

Speaking of whatever that means, I would say that about 80% of the literary devices she uses SOUND beautiful lyrically, but don't stand up under closer scrutiny. It made the work read like poetry that your bestie wrote in college and you tell her it's great because you love her and support her, but you really don't get what the hell the poetry is about. That. That was what reading this whole book felt like.

****SPOILERS BELOW****

And then you get to the end and all of a sudden Wees looks at what she has written and goes, "oh no, i forgot that books need plots. i better make some stuff happen." What we end up with is a whole lot of plot that doesn't make any sense. Death and Sleep are brothers, but Sleep is mad at Death for taking the woman he loved. So they make a bet that if Death can fall in love with a mortal and convince her to give up her life to marry him that Death doesn't have to give Sleep's lady back. If the mortal girl doesn't agree to marry him, then Death dies. Um... Anyway. Sleep doesn't want to play fair because he sees that the mortal girl, Grace Dragotta, comes to the conclusion that she loves Death and will give up her life to be with him. So Sleep basically shows her a lie and she tells Death that she will never marry him. And he dies. And then the dead broad comes back to life and Grace realizes she messed up because now living dead girl is wearing Death's crown. So then there's like this big, dramatic moment where Grace plays her violin and puts Sleep to Sleep because the violin was buried with its owner and is special with magic powers. Then Grace takes the crown and goes and becomes the new Death. Or something. Not really, she just dances in the land of the dead to convince lost spirits to go to Noctem, the glowing city of death.

While there is some context in the book and obviously some foreshadowing, I don't think I would recommend this book to anyone. Mostly because I didn't really find it engaging in any way. The plot is almost nonexistent, the characters fall flat and aren't very sympathetic, literary analysis is nearly impossible because of the first two reasons, and literary elements (while creative) mostly make no sense.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was BEAUTIFUL. It wasn't adventure or plot twists, but just a poetic fairy tale. Fans of The Starless Sea or The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue would enjoy this book.

I wanted to like this book. The concept was amazing and I loved the ending. However, it was difficult to follow and took me quite a while to get into. I loved the connection to Greek mythology. It's hard to give a review without spoilers. I wanted so much more for this book.

Thank you Random House - Ballantine for an advanced e-copy of this book.

Haunting, beautiful and poetic this book immerses the reader into a world of wonder and ballet. The story focuses on young ballerina, Grace who finds herself the benefactor of a patron. One who invites the dancer to live in his mansion with the only request being she dances with him at midnight. While reading, I definitely got Phantom of The Opera meets Beauty and The Beast vibes. Two stories I absolutely love so I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

You can’t help but to feel like you are part of the story as the descriptions are so detailed and vivid. The characters and setting come to life. Being a dancer myself, I felt very connected to Grace and could just imagine myself dancing as she would.

This is sure to be a crowd pleaser!

Nocturne is a beautifully told, gothic not-quite-fairy tale following orphaned ballerina Grace Dragotta as she longs to make principle of her dance company and is suddenly elevated to her dream role by a mysterious benefactor who is not what he seems.

Although I’d heard in recommendations that this was reminiscent of Phantom of the Opera I don’t feel that’s the case at all, despite the presence of a ballet company and a mysterious benefactor that commissioned his own ballet at the end. It definitely felt like it took a bit of inspiration from Beauty and the Beast, had a fleeting mention of Hades/Persephone, and then was mixed with the dark vibe of Black Swan towards the end. It didn’t take a clear direction, but there seemed to be so many threads to this that it couldn’t stand concisely as it’s own cohesive thing either.

Nocturne to me read more overall more YA, despite it being the authors first foray into adult fantasy. At times the flowery language outshined the plot, and the middle lagged for me as Grace begins to unpack what her benefactor is and what he wants. I felt confused at points, and I think a lack of characterization is why I felt things unraveled a bit abruptly. Without spoiling it, that lack of development for a certain pair of main “villains” is probably why I could not feel invested and couldn’t grip onto the real story happening here.

I will say it did not end how I first thought, but I love how it wrapped up (and because of this I think Grace’s love and command over the violin was so much more tangible than her dancing). Although not fantasy and more akin to historical fiction, I feel like some of the strongest writing and characterization happens in the first third while we’re learning about Grace’s struggles and backstory. Also, side note, I wish we had more time with Emilia’s character who was the real mvp throughout.

I give this 3.5 stars because I just couldn’t get fully transported into her story and it took a while to get through. Thank you to NetGalley & Random House for the ARC.

This is not my usual type of story but I was invited to read it. Figured it was worth stepping out of my comfort zone once in a while.

I wasn’t entirely into it at points but not because it was bad; I just wasn’t feeling particularly magical. It lost me a couple times but I think overall, it’s a fun an unusual fairytale.

And by the end, I wanted to see how it would turn out. I think the ending is the strongest part of the story. I don’t want to give anything away but I think it’s a good ending for a modern fairytale. There are no damsels here.

If you’re looking for a magical, ballet adventure, this story is for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for providing me with an ARC of this book. The release date is set for February 2023.

This novel follows a ballerina as she ascends in the ranks of her ballet group while also catching the attention of a rich patron. To say much more of the plot would be to spoil the heart of this story, so I’ll leave it there.

I found the language beautifully poetic, the imagery engrossing, and our main character Grace sympathetic. I was never quite sure where the story was heading, constantly surprised by the twists and turns. It’s The Black Swan meets Beauty and the Beast, lovely and tragic and beautiful and terrifying all at once.

If I have any complaints about this book it would be that it felt like a huge shift in tone and genre at about the 40% mark. It was jarring at first, but I quickly shifted my own expectations (that is, I abandoned them entirely) and continued on with an open mind. I was rewarded with a captivating story that I had not been expecting.

A haunting, lyrical, dark fantasy about love, desire, and loss, Nocturne hypnotized me from the very first page.

The story follows Grace Dragotta, a young woman on the verge of achieving all she thinks she desires when her patron, Master La Rosa, takes her into his care with one request, to dance with him every Sunday midnight. Grace soon learns there is much more to the Master and finds herself with a choice between eternity amongst the family and friends she lost, and pursuing the desires she knows await her out in the world.

This was beautifully atmospheric, however the romance fell flat for me. Grace goes from caged prisoner to instantly loving the Master despite any sort of deeper connection. This was billed as an adult fantasy novel, but I think this novel is better suited for YA readers due to the immaturity of the romantic relationship.

Overall, I was entranced by Nocturne’s originality, and loved the inclusion of different fairytales and mythology like the Russian story of the Firebird, and of course the story about brothers Death and Sleep.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I was initially very excited to read Nocturne. It is described as a 1930s Chicago fantasy about a prima ballerina, which reminded me of a dark fairytale retelling of Phantom of the Opera (one of my favorite stories of all time). Unlike some reviewers, I loved the writing style, and thought that the lyrical prose perfectly complemented the story’s unique premise. Unfortunately, although it is beautifully written, the plot is difficult to follow and underwhelming. All of the side characters are one-dimensional, and I could never figure out why the dark and mysterious patron (SPOILER: Death himself?) was obsessed with the protagonist, Grace, at all. It quickly became a cheesy and unfulfilling Beauty and the Beast retelling, without the charm, banter, or genuine romantic connection that makes the original story beloved. I am still struggling to figure out what exactly the purpose of the plot was (even after finishing the book, I still don’t know).

I received Nocturne from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Magical, enchanting, haunting, dark and atmospheric. Hades and Persephone meets Phantom of the Opera meets Beauty and the Beast. Poetic and lyrical prose, reads like a dark fairy tale and lingers in your mind like a haunting lullaby.

This story swept me away and made me forget I was even reading. I would look forward to this dark dreamy world and it quickly became a comfort read. It’s one of my favorite reads of 2022 (even though it’s not out yet) and it has my whole heart. It’s a book I know I will re-read.

This story explores loss, tragedy, friendship, romance, love and death. Of course, I loved the romance, but what’s even more intriguing is the way in which this book is ultimately about finding one’s power, purpose and sense of belonging.

Grace is a passionate and determined main character, despite her struggles and all the darkness she’s seen. Her backstory is compelling. I loved the 1930s Chicago setting and the way in which ballet played such a significant role in the story. Wees trained as a ballerina for years and it shows in the way she so beautifully describes it and brings it to life. (In fact, because of this book, I’m planning to see a ballet in Chicago in the near future). I also adored Grace’s best friend Emilia. Their friendship was really sweet and such an important component in the story.

I found myself wanting more from this book in the best way. I was sad it was over and I wanted to know what happens next. What does Grace’s life look like after? That’s all I can say without spoilers. I’m fairly certain this is a standalone novel, but it definitely could be continued and built upon. I miss this world and think about this book often.

This is marketed as adult fantasy, but I feel it’s perfectly fine for mature YA readers as well. It didn’t feel too heavy and the romance didn’t get steamy in a way that would be inappropriate for younger readers.

If you enjoy dark dreamy fairy tales with a strong female main character, lyrical prose, the story of Hades and Persephone, Phantom of the Opera and Beauty and the Beast, this is the book for you!!

Thank you Netgalley and Del Rey Books for the opportunity to read and review this gem!! Thank you Alyssa Wees for writing one of my new favorites and giving me a new comfort read!!

In this haunting, evocative fantasy set in 1930s Chicago, a talented ballerina finds herself torn between her dreams and her desires when she’s pursued by a secretive patron who may be more than he seems.

“An enchanting and lyrical fever dream bursting with dazzling prose and dark romance, Nocturne enthralled me.”—Erin A. Craig, New York Times bestselling author of House of Salt and Sorrows

Growing up in Chicago’s Little Sicily in the years following the Great War, Grace Dragotta has always wanted to be a ballerina, ever since she first peered through the windows of the Near North Ballet company. So when Grace is orphaned, she chooses the ballet as her home, imagining herself forever ensconced in a transcendent world of light and beauty so different from her poor, immigrant upbringing.

Years later, with the Great Depression in full swing, Grace has become the company’s new prima ballerina—though achieving her long-held dream is not the triumph she once envisioned. Time and familiarity have tarnished that shining vision, and her new position means the loss of her best friend in the world. Then she attracts the attention of the enigmatic Master La Rosa as her personal patron and realizes the world is not as small or constricted as she had come to fear.

Who is her mysterious patron, and what does he want from her? As Grace begins to unlock the Master’s secrets, she discovers that there is beauty in darkness as well as light, finds that true friendship cannot be broken by time or distance, and realizes there may be another way entirely to achieve the transcendence she has always sought.

Nocturne
by Alyssa Wees
Pub Date: 21 Feb 2023

48% and I just CAN’T. I don’t know if it’s the ostentatious writing or the lack of prose. Or both to be honest. The more I read the worse it seems to get. This one just isn’t for me, and I HATE to DNF a book after I’ve gotten 20% or more in.

I received an advance copy via NetGalley.

<i>Nocturne</i> is a mood more than anything. Set in Depression-era Chicago, it follows Grace Dragotta, a young ballerina left orphaned. Ballet is her life, and when she makes prima ballerina, she's thrilled--then disturbed when she finds out she did so at the behest of a new sponsor for the company, the Master. He quickly orders that she live in his mystical estate in Hyde Park, where she must dance for him each week (in case it was unclear, this is not a healthy relationship) and she eventually finds out who and what he is.

The book is very gothic and descriptive. Some will find it overwrought and purple, but it is effective in creating an atmospheric piece. The story clearly draws from Phantom of the Opera, Beauty and the Beast, and Hades and Persephone. The biggest problem I had is that it doesn't recreate those into something innovative. The plot is incredibly transparent from early on. The Master himself never feels realized to me, either. I never understood why she was truly special--the sorrows in her life were nothing unusual, sadly--and Stockholm Syndrome seemed like the biggest reason she fell for him. Grace herself does little of her own volition until the end.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

I wanted to love this and it wasn't bad. But, while I found the story compelling, the prose was way too overdone. It was superfluous and gave off more tell than show vibes, to me personally. Which is just my opinion and you may love that! I would definitely encourage you to check it out. This one just fell short for me and was too hard to get into.

In this haunting, lyrical fantasy set in 1930s Chicago, a talented ballerina finds herself torn between her dreams and her desires when she's pursued by a secretive patron who may be more than he seems.

Growing up in Chicago’s Little Sicily in the years following the Great War, Grace Dragotta has always wanted to be a ballerina, ever since she first peered through the windows of the Near North Ballet Company. So when Grace is orphaned, she chooses the ballet as her home, imagining herself forever ensconced in a transcendent world of light and beauty so different from her poor, immigrant upbringing.

Years later, with the Great Depression in full swing, Grace has become the company's new prima ballerina—though achieving her long-held dream is not the triumph she once envisioned. Time and familiarity have tarnished that shining vision, and her new position means the loss of her best friend in the world. Then she attracts the attention of the enigmatic Master La Rosa as her personal patron, and realizes the world is not as small or constricted as she had come to fear.

Who is her mysterious patron, and what does he want from her? As Grace begins to unlock the Master's secrets, she discovers that there is beauty in darkness as well as light, finds that true friendship cannot be broken by time or distance, and realizes there may be another way entirely to achieve the transcendence she has always sought.

------------
I wasn't sure what to expect, but this was a magical, beautiful read.

I DNF’d this one at about 20%. The synopsis was interesting and the writing is lovely but the plot/pace was slow and I was bored, just couldn’t get into the book. The chapters are long and this just wasn’t the book for me right now. I might come back to it later, but for right now I’m moving on.

One of the finest Gothic retellings I’ve ever read, bringing a new take on the Phantom of the Opera. The sweeping, dreamy world of 1930s Chicago hides horrors in its shadows.

Grace, an orphan, experienced a lot of suffering and death before she wins a place in a ballet school. Now, she’s striving to become prima and dance all the best parts, while the school struggles to find a patron. But when Grace gets chosen prima and finds a mysterious patron, she feels more dread than joy. Master De La Rosa drops hints that he’s been watching her for longer than she can imagine, and he wants all of her, not just the parts Grace is willing to give. The lyrical, nightmarish prose draws the reader - and Grace - into a world filled with all kinds of monsters. Grace will have to decide how hard she’s willing to fight to live.

I loved Grace's friendship with Emilia, the retiring prima donna. Both girls - isolated because of their differences - have a fierce friendship. Emilia tries desperately to reach and save Grace, even as her own wedding approaches.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance review copy of book in exchange for an honest review.

A struggling ballet dancer in Depression-era Chicago becomes entangled with a mysterious patron who might be much more than he seems. This book was clearly the product of a lot of influences, Phantom of the Opera and Eastern European folktales most prominently., but it had enough of its own magic to separate it from them and be entertaining in its own right. Though the story took a while to build in the beginning, by the end I was frantically reading through the last chapters in order to see how it would resolve. The relationships of the main characters were suitably developed, and Grace was an engaging protagonist, although there were several moments where I figured the twists out before she did and was disappointed it took her so long to catch up. And even though it broke my heart, the ending was perfectly fitting for this dark little fairytale. An entrancing, bittersweet novel.

As life-long dancer, I was pulled in by the ballerina concept. Add onto that Chicago (one of my favorite cities) AND the Great Depression, SOLD!

However, it just didn't live up to my expectations. It had such good promise, but felt like a weak The Phantom of the Opera.

It was a fine read, but one I'm glad I didn't pay for.

A ballerina during the Great Depression, growing up in Chicago’s Little Sicily, who is an orphan finally finds herself achieving her dreams of success as well as earning a patron.... but not all is as it seems. The more she tries to find out who her patron is and who her ballet mistress sold her off to the more she delves into the mysterious world of the Master. Grace Dragotta is promoted to prima ballerina by a wealthy benefactor who promises to keep the Ballet running in exchange for Grace. She will move into his home, wear what he tells her, eats what he tells her, and dance the waltz with him every Sunday at midnight. She is taken to his mansion and soon finds herself navigating a handsome beast and the mysterious world he inhabits... she soon finds Noctem and the spirits there. Her master turns out to be Death himself and he only wants her to marry him and stay dancing with him forever... but he isn’t telling her all there is and someone else is after her as well. This was a retelling of Beauty and the Beast as well as Hades and Persephone... but just lacking in actual substance or plot. The atmosphere was great, the book leans heavily into building an atmosphere and a certain vibe... but other than that, the actual plot felt disjointed and meh. Unfortunately the only thing the book really had was atmosphere and that’s so disappointing considering how the premise could be so interesting. It goes heavy on the descriptions and floweryness of things but the story itself felt slow and like you could skim it and still get the entire story by the end. Wile this one didn’t work for me definitely give it a go if you are looking for a gothic read with ballerinas and a touch of beauty and the beast retelling.

*Thanks Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Del Rey for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*