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.

This book is told in the perspective of a narrator fae. The book is funny and I'm really enjoying it. It's also gorgeous on the cover!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher.

I usually absolutely love books by this author but for some reason this sadly fell flat for me. I didn’t enjoy it as much and couldn’t really get into the story like I would have wanted to.

Alexis Hall has been hit or miss for me. I usually enjoy the quirky characters and plotlines, but this one didn't quite work for me. I can see why it would for others and I will still read Hall's contemporary books.

Utterly charming and delightful, completely lives up to the promise of that premise. Hall always brings it but this was really special.

Another comical and queer romp through history with Alexis Hall. Hall's unique voice comes through as clearly as ever, and the characters are as lovable as any in their numerous other universes. This book already has a sequel published (sorry for the late feedback!) and like all of Hall's works, comes with a little extra ingredient in the writing that makes it impossible to put down. Is it magic? Drugs? Or just a mortal folly? Dive in and find out!

Absolutely fantastic read! Magical and wonderful, I completely devoured it!I would recommend to my fantasy lover out there.

My first Alexis Hall book and I was not disappointed. While the book started off with lots of exciting moments, I had a hard time connecting to Maelys. The connection between Georgiana and Maelys also felt awkward to me. However, the more I read, the more I found myself laughing and smiling. I prefer historical romances, but I found it was best to just roll with the story. One thing I’ve learned this year is that I really like stories narrated by a third person. This book is narrated by a cheeky otherworldly creature/spirit. I found their little asides and observations hilarious.

I really hope there is a sequel companion novel following Maelys’ best friend, Lizzie. She was by far my favorite character of the book! Her search to pound (😆) would be full of adventure and wild detours.

To start, I will say this one took me a while! Once I actually sat down with it and let myself sink into the fantasy of this world, it was beyond enjoyable. Alexis Hall has always had a way with words, and this book was no different. Maelys and Georgiana took over my heart, and I adored the progression of their relationship. It felt quite realistic, which contrasted nicely with all the magic in the story.

Fantasy will probably never be the *easiest* for me, but I’m glad I gave this one the time and attention it deserves. Can’t wait for the next one!

This was such a delightful read! I really enjoyed the queer regency vibes and it was just so fun to read.

Mortal Follies by Alexis Hall boasts an absolutely stunning cover that immediately draws the eye with its vibrant colors and intricate details. It was definitely the highlight for me and the reason I picked up the book. However, I struggled to connect with the story itself. The narrative felt cluttered and rambling, making it difficult for me to find a smooth reading rhythm. As a result, I decided to DNF after 35%. Although the book didn’t hit the mark for me this time, I hope to revisit it in the future to see if my perspective changes. For now, it wasn’t quite the read I was hoping for