This is such a fun book that has shenanigans and faeries. I love the tone and storytelling. It’s so intriguing.

This is definitely one of the weirder books we've read lately: it's a historical sapphic romance, narrated by Puck (aka Robin Goodfellow, aka Hobgoblin), set in a world where mythological creatures, magic, and curses are real. Puck is writing this story in the present day, but he recorded it for posterity (in his mind?) in 1814. He follows Maelys, a debutante in Bath who's been afflicted by a curse, as she attempts to rectify the situation. She does so by enlisting the aid of the Duke of Annadale, more properly known as Lady Georgiana Landrake, who has a suspiciously good knowledge of curses, herself.

Mortal Follies is a total romp. Puck's narration is a major high point, as he presents the story from a detached but interested perspective (while taking every opportunity he can to malign Shakespeare). That said, perhaps because of that detached narration, we didn't feel the emotional high points of the romance as much as we could have. At times, the book felt more like an experiment in writing than like a romance. We had a ton of fun reading it, and Hall has never written a book that hasn't made us laugh out loud at least once.

I loved the premise of this book. A fairy following people to gain a story she can sell in order for her to thrive in the modern world (aka pay rent and such). She follows a poor woman, Miss Maelys Mitchelmore, who seems to have been cursed. Through some unfortunate events as a damsel in destress, along with facing old ruthless gods, she finds herself fancying the Duke of Annadale who saves her multiple times.

This was cute but sadly forgettable. It had its moments but overall, I just found it ok. I began to lose interest after the halfway point when we discover who has cursed Michelmore. The rest after was lacking and somewhat felt unnecessary. I wanted to really enjoy this b/c the beginning was truly so much fun!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC.

I could not get into this book no matter how hard I tried. I recently tried reading again and it was still a DNF for me. This book may be for someone, just not for me!

Do you love Bridgerton? Regency-era in general? Well, good news, this is the book for you! While I wanted something a little more robust, it is only the first book in a connected series. I was hoping for something closer to A Marvelous Light, but this leaned heavily fae and did not hit for me.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

Alexis Hall has a gift for writing stories that feel both timeless and fresh, and Mortal Follies is no exception. This novel is a playful, Regency-inspired romp filled with Hall’s signature wit and charming characters. The narration is unique, the humor is sharp, and the central romance is engaging. However, while I enjoyed the writing, the pacing felt uneven at times, and the mythical elements didn’t fully work for me. I don’t typically love fantasy in my romance, and I struggled to stay invested in some of the more magical plot points.

That said, Hall’s prose is as delightful as ever, and fans of historical fantasy romance will likely adore this one. While it wasn’t my favorite of his books, I still found plenty to enjoy.

Sapphic historical fiction romantasy? SIGN ME UP! Sadly this missed the mark for me in several ways. I love the intent and the vibe but the execution and pacing were off. Part of me loves the style/tone (is it Shakespeare meets Austen?) but it leaves something missing and drags in the latter half. Also trigger warning for animal sacrifice.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy! I just couldn't get in the mood for this one, but I do love this author!

What a fun concept that spans two genres I really love: HistRom and Romantasy! It was a cute and cozy sapphic love story that I wanted to love, but ended up only liking. The pacing and storyline were both a bit off for me.

This is a sapphic book from the non-binary self-described "genderqueer writer of kissing books," Alexis Hall. It's a regency romance, featuring a damsel in distress and the rakish Duke of Annadale, who might just have murdered her family to get the family fortune. What Maelys dosen't need is a curse complicating the already exhausting whirlwind of balls, lunches, outings, and politics of a debutante's first social season.

In "Mortal Follies," Alexis Hall crafts a captivating tale that seamlessly blends elements of fantasy, romance, and humor. Set in a lively world where magic and mischief coexist, the novel invites readers on an enchanting journey filled with intriguing characters and surprising plot twists.

The narrative follows a spirited protagonist who inadvertently becomes entangled in a series of fantastical events. Hall's writing is both lively and witty, featuring sharp dialogue and clever insights that engage readers from the outset. His skill in creating vivid imagery brings the magical setting to life, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in the story.

A notable strength of "Mortal Follies" is its rich character development. The characters are delightfully quirky and relatable, each grappling with their own unique challenges and aspirations. Hall adeptly captures the complexities of human emotions, weaving themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery throughout the narrative. The relationships between characters are dynamic and heartfelt, adding depth to the whimsical storyline.

The pacing of the novel is expertly managed, balancing moments of lightheartedness with deeper emotional undertones. Hall's talent for humor is evident, providing comic relief amidst the magical chaos. The plot is filled with unexpected twists that keep readers guessing, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the book.

Hall also delves into themes of identity and acceptance, encouraging readers to reflect on their own desires and the importance of embracing one's true self. As the protagonist navigates their journey, these themes resonate on a deeper level.

"Mortal Follies" is a captivating and enchanting read that showcases Alexis Hall's unique blend of humor, heart, and magic. It offers a delightful escape into a world where anything is possible, and love often finds a way to flourish amidst the chaos. Whether you're a fan of fantasy or simply seeking a charming story filled with laughter and warmth, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression. Hall has once again demonstrated his prowess as a storyteller, and "Mortal Follies" stands as a testament to his creativity and wit.

Thank you NetGalley, Alexis Hall, and Del Rey for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Sadly, I didn’t finish it, so I won’t be writing a full review. With what I did read, I thought that the writing style was gorgeous, and I definitely think that other readers would enjoy it more.

I usually love Hall’s books but I found this kind of lackluster. It was challenging to connect to the couple because the action between them is described rather than felt due to the narrator’s voice which is constant.

This did not do it for me. The concept is more exciting than the execution and the pace was off the whole time.

Mortal Follies by Alexis Hall, like other Hall books I’ve read, has a strong narrative voice, in this case an omniscient narrator who is somewhat unreliable and who also, occasionally, interferes in the plot and refers to future events. On the surface, it’s historical fantasy that seems very Regency Romance, but some characters are quirkier than they appear, the romance is Sapphic, and the fantastic element is more Classical mythology than fairy folk (though it has those, too). This was a fun book and I very much enjoyed seeing how Hall played with point of view.

*Mortal Follies* by Alexis Hall is a captivating historical romance that combines wit, charm, and intrigue. Set in Regency-era England, the story follows a spirited young woman, Delilah, who becomes entangled in a web of romance, scandal, and societal expectations. Hall’s writing is sharp and full of humor, with richly drawn characters and a plot that keeps readers engaged with twists and emotional depth. The slow-burn romance is balanced with delightful banter and a strong sense of chemistry between the leads. *Mortal Follies* is a delightful, witty read, perfect for fans of historical romance with a mix of passion and humor.

I had DNFed the book a few months ago because I wasn't in the mood for it, but I was still planning to pick it up again at some point. But now, with Alexis Hall's statement about another of his books, I know that he cares more about a transphobe's feelings, not worrying about the trans people he is harming, so I don't want to read anything by him ever again.

Alexis Hall is a master at Queer Fiction. Hall already has so many amazing titles under their belt and Mortal Follies is no exception!
If you love queer historical fantasy then you are going to love this book!

I unfortunately had to DNF. I had really high hopes for this one. I just don't think this story was for me. I was really sad to have to leave this one. Maybe this will be better at another time. I will not be posting a review since I did not finish.

While it did take me a while to get used to the unique narration style, it did end up growing on me quite a bit. Though, it had honestly felt like we had reached a potential ending for the book a few times over, except every time I checked where I was, there was still a decent chunk left to go.

This book had the perfect Bridgeron vibes. I loved the societal norms and the narrator, who made me laugh and smile on several occasions. I actually found that I enjoy this "unconventional narrator" style, and would love to read more books with this angle. The world was SO WELL DONE- the perfect blend of magic and regency-era society.