I was really excited for this book, but maybe it wasn’t just for me. I loved the premise of this book- boarding schools, forbidden dark magic, everything that I love, but I was left disappointed. It was a little too slow and left unanswered questions. Hopefully the second book will be better?

Thank you netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

I liked House of Marionne when I really wanted to love it. There were just too many different things I had problems with that prevented me from doing so.

Starting of with what I did like, the Characters: Quell is a likeable character. She interacted with the world with very relatable emotions such as fear and self-doubt. She was also more naive than I would've expected as the daughter of a mother who is always on the run, however, watching her grow into herself was satisfying to read.

I also loved Jordan, especially his sweet toothe. He had such a crusty exterior in the beginning, but as he warmed up to Quell we got to see his adorable side. I love that he always has a bag of candies that he carries around.

A fun fact about this book is it's told from a dual POV. While we follow the story mainly from Quell's first person narrative, there are also a few chapters in third person from the assasin who's trying to find her. Yagrin's chapters were the most interesting to read about and they gave the book an added layer of complexity. I also thought the Grandmom was a very complex and interesting character.

The romance development was sweet. My favorite scene is in the middle of the book involving a certain waltz, and the last thing I really enjoyed was the ending. It was explosive and exciting.

The things I struggled with this book was how difficult it was to connect with the story. There are several early DNF reviews and now I understand why. I had to push myself to finish this book because I just couldn't get into it. The magic system didn't make sense and I couldn't explain it if I tried. The magical crisis in the book was supposed to add tension and a sense of urgency but it felt so inconsequential because Quell was entirely disconnected from it. The subjects and classes didn't make sense either. Even the dialogue was hard to follow sometimes because the tags weren't consistent and I couldn't tell who was saying what.

There were also a couple of glaring plotholes in the book that I hope will be resolved in book 2.

While I didn't love this book like I wanted to, I'll probably still continue on with the sequel.

E-arc provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Content: a handful of minor profanities and names of deity, kissing

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for sending me a copy of this book!

This was very much a YA fantasy, in that it reminded me of the selection—I really liked it when I was 14 but now it doesn’t really work for me. This book had a lot of fun elements and ideas, but ultimately they lacked cohesion and a real plot. Each time something “big” would happen, there was zero buildup and there was zero resolution. Someone is dead? Oh okay. My “grandmom” who my mom ran away from when I was a child is a little intense and makes me scared? Oh it’s fine. She means well. I wanted to be like my 5th grade teacher and write “use connecting sentences” (also “vary sentence structure”) in the margins of the book because it was just so chaotic and disjointed.

The lack of resolution bothered me more than the lack of buildup, though, particularly at the end. Without spoiling, we get a very dramatic scene from the main character and then a 2-second villain monologue, before our heroine reunites with her friend and goes off to find herself. THEN we get a final chapter from a different character that changes so much of what readers thought they knew AND honestly seems to contradict a bunch of pretty well established rules from earlier in the book.

However, my greatest displeasure with this book, is probably the love interest that feels like a Frankenstein’s monster of tropes and cliches. He’s the “I know better than you”, “I’m doing this to protect you”, “alpha-hole” in training that I truly despise. He’s only 17 but he’s going to be the heir to the scariest guy around and yet he’s terrified of his dad and carefully toes the line. Just no.

Overall, I do think this could have been really good, because the plot is interesting and the writing is decent. I hope some of this got addressed for the finished version, but I don’t know.

Dnf at 21%

Thank you to netgalley and publishers for the e-arc!

This book was just kind of confusing to me? Like it just plopped you in the middle of the story and expected you to know what things were. The main character was kind of annoying but that’s just my personal opinion. I can’t really put my finger on why I just did not vibe with this book but I guess it just wasn’t for me <3

Quell and her mother are constantly on the run from city to city. Her mother doesn’t want her found as Quell has powerful magic coursing through her veins. There’s an assassin on their tail, so she decides to become a debutante for the magical society called the Order. She will learn to keep her forbidden magic and bay and learn the proper ways to use it. But the Order is hiding something much more; there’s some who will kill for wealth.

This is secret societies with magic all around. This was part fantasy with a dash of mystery. There’s also a family secret element to it that has you wonder who can you really trust. The plot and characters were unique and interesting but it does give you almost a hangover where you’re left wanting something more; wonder if that’s part of the build up for the next book. I just wish there was more build to the background of how this society was formed or the magic came about.

This is one of those books where you either love it or didn’t. It does take some time to build on you, but all in all I really liked the concept the author was trying to convey.

I really was excited to read this ARC. First of all, Stephanie Garber enjoyed it. So, that's when I knew I had to read it. This book is if Harry Potter and Shadow and Bone had a Debutante child. I freaking love it. Forbidden magic, forbidden romance, mentor/mentee romance, dark academia, with even darker more sinister secrets. I am excited to see where the next book goes, because, there is a bit of a cliffhanger with a lot more to be explained! OK, A bit of a cliffhanger is an understatement. It left me guffawing in disbelief. I cannot wait for the next book, and I can officially say that I am a J. Elle fan! I did find myself getting a bit annoyed with Quell at times, but her character growth remedied that for me. I hope that J. Elle really flushes out this underground society a bit more in books to come. She's given us a taste for what it is, but it has still left me saying: I need more! From the way that this first book is written, I have a feeling that will be the case.Overall, a solid start to the series! I am eager to see how the twists will turn, and how our heroine will navigate this world, and the powers inside of her.

I’m afraid this one didn’t work for me. Because of the issues, I was surprised to learn it wasn’t a debut.

One was the language: there are many infelicities and words just used incorrectly (e.g., “fleur” usually used instead of the meant “fleur-de-lis/lys”; “fleur” just means “flower” in French while a fleur-de-lis is a symbol associated with the French monarchy”).

The other was the lack of sufficient explanation for many significant aspects of the book; all the telling instead of showing made these aspects unbelievable. Quell has been on the run with her mom for most of her life because her magic is bad; why does Quell not ask more questions about her mom’s life before they were on the run, about her dad, about why her magic is bad? Why does Quell so quickly and unrealistically forget all of her mother’s warnings when she sees the rich trappings of her grandmother’s school? Why is Quell a magical savant when she’s had no prior exposure to magic? Why is Latin and being a debutante important parts of being magical and how does Quell unrealistically become fluent in both the language and social graces? Quell’s relationships with her roommate and mentor are also thinly portrayed.

This had an interesting premise but I’m afraid the execution didn’t deliver for me.

Quell has been on the run most of her life and all she knows is that she has a form of magic that could get her and her mom killed. But when she and her mom get separated one night and Quell isn't sure where to go, she ends up at the magic academy her estranged grandmother runs. Suddenly, Quell is thrust into a world of magic, intrigue and danger and she isn't sure who she can trust or what is really going on.

I didn't realize this was book one in a trilogy when I requested it but I'm so glad to know that we aren't done with this world yet. Never mind the cliffhanger ending that had me screaming, I need more of these characters and the secrets they all hold. I thought the magic system was really interesting and I'd love to see a prequel about how all the houses were formed. The romance part fell flat for me but everything else was great. I can't wait for the second book!

Glitz, glamour, and secret societies weave together in this new lush fantasy about hidden identities, deadly magic, and the blood in your veins as one girl races to conceal her darkest secret against those who seek her demise.

Overall, I loved the concept of an academic society setting mixed with the dazzling allure of debutantes, crowns, and jewels and the intrigue of forbidden magic. Right from the beginning, the story itself is very fast-paced, keeping you on your toes in suspense with what is going to happen at every turn, what’s lurking beneath the shadows, and who is an ally or enemy.

However, it was difficult for me to place what was exactly happening within the story, how the magic system worked and functioned (even though it was so interesting and aesthetically very pleasing), and how our main character fit into everything. And at times, the story did read a little on the younger side for me than I was expecting.

If you’re looking for a new read that’s full of romantic allure and a mix of classic YA fantasy elements, definitely keep this book in mind.

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.*

What’s it about?
Quell is on the run with her mom because she has dark, forbidden magic. If she’s caught, she will be killed. But when someone finally tracks her down, she flees to the only place she might be safe: Her grandmother’s house.

Or so she thinks. It turns out her grandmother is the headmistress at a boarding school for magic wielders, and she sees Quell’a arrival as an opportunity to finally train her heir.

In order to survive, Quell will have to hide her dark magic from everyone and try to master light magic. It’s all the more difficult because she must pass trials for school, and keep it away from her mentor… a boy with green eyes and secrets who she’s beginning to fall for.

My thoughts?

Overall this is an interesting and fun book. I loved that it was set in New Orleans, and thought the way that magic physically manifests as a mask or diadem was pretty neat.

The story did run a bit slow for me though, and I wanted the plot to pick up the pace a little. There are some magical elements I still don’t understand. For instance, what is this sphere that’s central to the story, and how do they know it’s cracking when they don’t know where it is?

The ending was solid with a great twist though!

World building and characters were interesting, but the character development was a little bit lacking and it did feel like a lot of the book was setting up for a sequel.

Elle absolutely delivered with House of Marionne. This book is exciting, adventure-packed, romantic, suspenseful, and so much fun! I really enjoyed reading this novel and believe this is an outstanding new piece by J. Elle. Lovers of fantasy and YA should hop on this instantly because I have a feeling it’s going to BLOW UP! This is the start of a really REALLY good series.

thank you to netgalley for a free arc of this book!
3.75 stars!
an enjoyable introduction to a new magical world that follows 17 year old Quell who has spent her entire life on the run to hide her dark magic until the mysterious Order finally catches up to her. Seeking refuge she finds her Grandmother, headmistress of a magical school, and enters into a new magical high society full of ball gowns and betrayal.

i enjoyed this book! yes there were some pacing issues and some parts seemed to drag a little bit but over all this book was fun. i'm interested to see what happens in the rest of the series. i think the market is so saturated with fae stories that having a story based on magic and academia was quite refreshing

A big thanks to NetGalley and Penguin for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book had me at ballgowns and betrayal, but lost me at the writing style.

House of Marionne by J. Elle is a YA fantasy novel that follows 17 year-old Quell who has lived her entire life on the run due to a secret magic she must never use nor ever tell anyone about. But one day someone does, and she is forced to become a member of a debutante society of magical social elites called the Order that she never knew existed. If she can pass their three rites of membership, mastering their proper form of magic, she’ll be able to secretly bury her forbidden magic forever. But becoming the perfect debutante is a lot harder than Quell imagined, especially when there’s more than tutoring happening with Jordan, her brooding mentor and— assassin in training. When Quell uncovers the deadly lengths the Order will go to defend its wealth and power, she’s forced to choose: embrace the dark magic she’s been running from her entire life or risk losing everything, and everyone, she’s grown to love.

I REALLY wanted to love this book. But I just couldn't do it. And the main reason is the writing style. It was choppy and confusing, and I could have sworn the character were jumping across the page willy-nilly. Maybe one day I'll try this book again, but I don't see that happening anytime soon.

“Perhaps the only way to truly be free.
Is to stop fighting against who I really am.”

This book is now my number one all time favorite read. 5/5!

The world building is absolutely incredible. The author did an amazing job. I felt like I was in the story. This book is captivating and threw me into a whole new world I didn’t know I needed.

You ever read a book or see a movie and you think wow I’d love to live a life as magical as that? Well I have and this book is one of them.

I didn’t want the story to end. I feel as if I could read it forever.

I felt on edge the entire time I was reading this book. Needing to know what happens. If everything this girl fought so hard for would be ripped away.. and once you pick it up. You’ll be chewing on your nails, wondering what’s going to happen. I couldn’t put it down. I enjoyed it.

I want more of this beautiful world.

Thank you to NetGallery and Penguin Group for the opportunity to read and review as an ARC reader.

Okayyyyy…so this one had a lot of potential but it fell kind of short for me and I found it very “putdownable” at times. I think because the some parts dragged on unnecessarily.

What drew me to it was that it has been advertised as “Bridgerton meets Fourth Wing”. I can see how the Bridgerton vibes come into play, there were some elements as far as etiquette classes and tiaras. No to Fourth Wing. Not once did I think, “Oh yes, the Fourth Wing vibes are definitely vibing right now”.

I liked getting into the dark academia and seeing what that trope was all about. I’ll definitely pickup more books in line with the trope in the future. It was an ok book, and there will be a sequel, as it left us on a cliffhanger, and I do think I’ll read the sequel. And I’m always down for the representation of BIPOC

Let me start this review off with an anecdote. When I was twelve years old, my Tomboy mother decided to enroll me in etiquette lessons provided by my local chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha. I don’t know what she was thinking. The first lesson was posture. We were told to walk with our heads up, shoulders back, and arms by our sides. So, what did I do? I walked slouched with my hands behind my back and my head dipped to the side. After that, I was deemed unteachable. They let me sit out the rest of the class. When I got home, I told my mother never again. I didn’t have to go back after that. I wasn’t even a tomboy. I was like half tomboy, half girlie. I sat somewhere in the middle. And, that was where I wanted to stay. Get out of here with those dresses and curtsies. I didn’t want it.

With that said, House of Marionne is basically a book about a girl who goes to a finishing school that also happens to be a magic school. I have heard that it has been compared to Bridgerton. I’ve never seen the show, so I can’t compare it to that. What I can compare it to, however, is a magical teenage version of America’s Next Top Model where, instead of Tyra Banks, you have a strict and unforgiven headmistress that just happens to be your grandmother. Being shaped and modeled into how a specific society wants to see you is not my personal cup of tea, but reading about it was entertaining. I mean I used to watch Top Model every week. It was interesting hearing about the different looks, gowns, and diadems. I will say that even though I truly hate dresses, I will rock the hell out of a tiara for no reason at all. And, the tiaras described in this book were wide-ranging. The author did an excellent job of describing their features and making them unique. But, enough about clothes! What about the characters? What about the setting?

The main character of this book is Quell. Quell is a teenage girl on the run from the magical world with her mother when we first meet her. She has a gift, an ability, a curse coursing within her veins. She lives in constant fear of others finding out about it. Through the course of certain events in the first couple of chapters, Quell finds herself transported to a magical estate in New Orleans that is run by her grandmother, or Grandmom as Quell calls her. Her grandmother is ecstatic. She whips Quell into her finishing/magic school to learn both about magic and how to be a proper young lady. Quell is both excited but also dreading her new role at her grandmother’s house. For one, she was separated from her mother when transported to the school and has no idea where she is. For another, she’s constantly worried about someone finding out about her special magic. But, wouldn’t it be nice for Quell to just be able to stay in the same place and not have to move around a lot. Of course, there’s also a dude.

First, he’s unforgiving, then he’s rude. By the end of the book, however, he’s a tortured soul. Poor Jordan, he went through the ringer. Jordan, like Quell, is an amazingly complex but also naive teenager. They are both strong but have absolutely no idea how to apply that strength in the correct way. They are amazing individual characters, but together they are chaotic and destructive. Also, there is a strong enemies-to-lovers to deep strong we’ve-been-together-for-years love going on with them in this book. I have said before that I despise enemies-to-lovers. I despise it in this book. At some point, though, they become more like annoying partners-to-lovers. That I can stomach more. But, overall this relationship is toxic, and I just wish it wasn’t in the book. It’s toxic for both of them, but more so for Quell. I feel like Jordan got a lesson that he needed, but Quell only got problems.

Besides those two, there were a plethora of other characters. Most of them were side characters and came across as underdeveloped. Quell’s mom is also one of those characters. We only got to see her a handful of times in the book. She was a shadow throughout it to be honest. There were a few characters who were given more character development though. Those characters were Abby and Yagrin. Yagrin might be my favorite side character. He was a mystery throughout and a bombshell at the end. I both understood him and felt for him.

Overall, this book was very entertaining. There were some hiccups with the world-building. It could have been expanded on more. This book could also do with a better magical glossary so the reader can reference it while reading unfamiliar terms.

The way the book ended also left something to be desired. There were several plot lines that were completed and the cliffhanger was a doozy. This book better be a sequel. I have so many questions.

📚4/5📚

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group/Penguin Teen for providing an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is the kind of book that I can tell will probably be pretty popular and I probably would have loved when I was younger, but I’ve grown out of fully being able to enjoy (more in terms of book taste than age). J. Elle has crafted a pretty cool world, a mixture of debutante society and a fascinating magic system, though the reader is somewhat thrust into all of this without a full explanation of what is really happening. I thought all the characters were decently interesting and I actually decently enjoyed Quell as the protagonist, although to me the more romantic elements of the books seemed less rich than the rest of the plot. Overall, this book was interesting and I would definitely consider reading further books within the series, though it probably isn’t my top priority.

I love a good magical socialite moment, and this book certainly has that, although we don’t get as much of the socialite/debutante elements in this book. The magic system and world built around it is interesting, though I had a hard time grasping certain parts that are sort of thrust upon the reader in contrast to the parts that were thoroughly explained because Quell herself was learning about them. I don’t know if it’s because it’s the first book and we’ll learn more as this series continues, but while this is a fantasy world, I would say there’s a medium-to-low amount of worldbuilding (which might be your thing!)

As far as characters and relationships go, I thought people were fairly interesting even if I didn’t particularly connect with anyone. I don’t know if I’m just spiteful, but I didn’t feel any particular reason to root for the romance, though I’m sure that some people will greatly enjoy it. Quell is a bit frustrating at times but I can appreciate for one that she’s a Black protagonist whose struggles aren’t directly about racism, and two her more morally gray alignment than some romantasy protagonists (think Raven Queen and Apple White in Ever After High a little bit).

I’m somewhat undecided how I feel about this book within a series, and I’ll be interested to see what J. Elle does with the rest of this story. I was never fully drawn into the world and I think this is definitely a book for romantasy readers more than anything else. But I thought it was pretty well-written and worth checking out if it sounds like your cup of tea!

One of the best books I have read this year so far. I love that book soo much!!! Its such a great book I can’t stop thinking about it.

This is my top book of 2023!

There is so much I love about this book it's almost hard for me to write this review! I just want to stand in my rooftop screaming my love for this book and telling everyone to go pre-order is asap!
First, I love the MC! She feels so real and relatable! She struggles, yet she has fire and wit, and it's so fun watching her grow. I love her personality and her sass! I also love her devotion to her mom. Can we please just take a moment to appreciate a mother daughter relationship in a va book?
Next, I love the dark academia, secret society, old money vibes! The magic system is so fascinating I could not get enough of it. I loved seeing the contrast of the good vs bad magic and watching the tension build up!
We get a very good enemies to lovers romance that is not the main focus, but takes up just the right amount of time!
There's tension and intrigue!
Overall, I just adored this! The writing is brilliant! I was hooked from the first page. I loved the magical school setting! I loved the secret society.
This book is magical and I think about it every day! I need
to next book now!

Read this if you love,
Unique magic
Secret Societies
Dark Academia
Magical boarding schools
Diversity
Enemies to lovers