This had a lot of potential but didn’t quite get there for me. The plot and the magic system were pretty good, loved the boarding school aspect. But the characters were a little bland and fell flat for me. A little more work on them would have bumped my rating up

This book sounds amazing. Debutantes and magic and secrets with a touch of romance. However I was confused for a good chunk of the book. The beginning jumped in too quickly where it took some time to figure it out and then the ending also left me confused. I will still probably read the second book to see if I can get a better understanding.

Overall I really liked this book! The storyline was unique and kept me wanting to read more. The only two things that I found were not consistent with how the character was built up were 1) her allowing herself to be absent from her mom for so long without questioning it more 2) the development of the male lead didn’t play out as well as I thought he should have in the end. These were minor though, and I really enjoyed the book overall! Loved the twist at the end as well!!

This book has been on my TBR for a while and I’m kinda mad I just got to it. The magic system is different which I loved. I love the dark academia/Harry Potteresque vibes this gave. I will definitely be continuing the series and recommending it in my back to school reads!

"Some things deserve to be destroyed."

High society meets dark academia in this captivating tale of a young woman with dangerous magic forced to hide in plain sight. An enemies-to-lovers romance, a cast of intriguing characters, and a shocking, twist-filled ending kept me hooked. Though the YA style isn't my usual preference, it worked surprisingly well here. The magic system, while initially confusing, draws inspiration from various sources and ultimately adds to the story's depth. I can't wait to see what's next for this protagonist!

Loved loved loved this one as it put me in the mind of a updated Harry Potter (who I love) so this was a breath of fresh air

What an amazing story! For those who enjoyed The Selection, Harry Potter series and books like them, this is the novel for you. Young men and women from magic families or who develop magic attend schools to either develop their abilities or not. Every page shares new challenges. Five stars to a most excellent novel…I can’t wait to read the 2nd novel in the series!

Words cannot express how much I love this book down. Following Quell on her journey into figuring out her magic after being on the run was so interesting. There are so many layers to this story with uncovering the dark secrets behind the order. The story kept a steady pace and had me anticipating each chapter. The slow romance build between Quell and Jordan to have it ripped away at the end had me in shambles. The ending was crazy and I did not see it coming. I can’t read book 2 fast enough!

This has a gorgeous cover and I enjoyed the author's Wings of Ebony series, but sadly this book just didn't work for me.

The plot progression was really slow and confusing. The writing would alternate between enjoyable and cringe.

Mostly I felt confused by the magic & world building and only at the very end were things explained, which still felt like a let down for me.

Thank you, Netgalley for the ARC!

Very interesting! Like the vibe, the story and the worldbuilding. Perfect for back to Schoole and
spooky season.

Thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group! 

3/5 ⭐️

For the majority of her life, Quell and her mother have been hiding from assassins who are attempting to assassinate her because of her dark power. Quell returns to the world she left behind to be with her estranged grandma in an attempt to keep safe. Within the magical realm, being a member of high society entails rigorous coursework, customs, and skill development. Quell honed her craft while attempting to discover what was concealed behind the walls and appease her evil magic.

The magic system was fascinating. The concept of using diadems to highlight someone's ability and competence was amazing. It was really unique. The educational lessons brought back pleasant memories of Harry Potter. It seemed like a lot of consideration had gone into the background and workings of the magic.

Quell was a fascinating figure. I had the impression that the timid, modest lady wasn't actually her. I wasn't particularly fond of the brief instances in which she appeared weak because she looked to be rather strong and sharp—it might have been the writing though, as it started to bother me. There also seemed to be a lot of supporting characters, some of whom I lost track of. I wasn't clear why Yagrin's POV was necessary. When the plot finally came together, I was particularly appreciative of his chapters. I'm really curious to see what happens next!

All things considered, this is a great book for readers who appreciate sophisticated magic, dark academia, enemies to lovers, and high society!

House of Marionne is a magical and complex tale. Quell has been on the run for years with her mother. When Quell is separated from her mom, she decides to run to her estranged grandmother. It turns out Quell’s grandmother is a Headmistress at a school for magic and she is thrilled to discover Quell. Soon Quell is enrolled in magic classes, charm classes, and everything in between. As she gets to know the school, Quell soon learns that many dark secrets stalk the halls…

I enjoyed House of Marionne! It is a book that has detailed world-building, which at times felt like a lot to take in. Quell is a classic heroine who is determined to reunite with her mother and control her magic. I liked how Quell explored her mentorship with Jordan, especially as it grew into something more.

Quell has always been told a specific story about her magic and I enjoyed how Quell learned to challenge those assumptions. The idea of the diadems was so creative and well-done. One of my favorite parts was the twist at the end, which sets up for an intriguing sequel. I’m looking forward to reading Shadows of Perl (book 2).

Readers who enjoy enemies-to-lovers, complex magic, and magical academies should check out House of Marionne.

Thank you to J. Elle, Razorbill, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For publisher: My review will be posted on Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon, Storygraph, and Barnes & Noble etc.

This book was AMAZING! I loved the storyline, the characters were well done! I can’t wait to read more of this series! I would highly recommend this book to everyone!

After running and hiding all her life, she hunter start to catch on she must hide at her grandmother’s school, and train to take over one alway while harnessing her powers. I feel like this book she has every one she cares about her stab her in the back and she could trust anyone.

House of Marionne had such an interesting premise! Secret magical society, dark academia vibes, and a main character with forbidden dark magic? Sign me up!

Quell has forbidden dark magic and now that the assassins know of not only her existence but nearly caught her, she has no choice but to join her grandmother's magical school and pick a new magic to smother out the old magic. If she's successful she can reunite with her mother. If she's not, she dies. No biggie.

It just sucks that the cute boy she's falling for is one of the assassins.

There was a lot of information thrown at us, and at times it could be overwhelming, but I think a lot of that is because it was overwhelming for Quell, since she was learning it alongside the reader.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am excited to see how it all wraps up in the sequel. I think if Shadows of Perl is a satisfying conclusion, it will definitely justify some of the weaker elements of book 1. Good thing it's out in a few months!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I was fascinated following Quell along her journey. The magic system was so unique and the characters felt so real. I especially love Abby. Quell really has to battle her own demons in this journey. The ending left me stunned. If you like magic, found family, and romantasy you will love this book.

Dark academia with magic debutante vibes. Houses are all split up with different leaders running them each from a line of magical families. Full of secrets, betrayal and some forbidden romance. Quell has to go through testing while she’s learning about her magic and part of that is getting her diadem. Having masks and diadems related to powers was such a cool new concept in a magical book. The romance felt a bit off to me but I think it will work itself out through the series! The books leaves you with questions but I’m going we get to those answers in book 2!

This was so excellent?!dark academia fantasy vibes done right. I loved the characters and the magic system are really interesting

Dark academia, secret societies, dark magic, and high fantasy meets mystery and intrigue. Overall a pretty interesting read. I don't usually gravitate towards novels where the female lead is expected to be a debutante. That whole high society thing bugs me most of the time. And, honestly, this book bugged me a little in that way as well. The plot felt confused at times, but caught my attention in other moments. Would I read a sequel? Maybe. However, I had higher hopes for this one than it managed to pay off. It was as if you crossed Bridgerton with Game of Thrones, full of tropes, and I honestly felt like the author wasn't quite sure what the book was actually supposed to be.

I really enjoyed reading House of Marionne and getting to know Quell, our main character. Her backstory and the magical elements immediately drew me in. J. Elle did a fantastic job of hooking readers from the beginning! Although there were some slower parts in the middle, which is often the case with the first book in a fantasy series, the ending was worth it. I’m eagerly looking forward to the second book!

The young adult fantasy blends dark magic, an enemies-to-lovers storyline, and a regency setting. However, it sometimes relies too heavily on info dumping instead of letting readers uncover details naturally. Despite this, Quell and Jordan’s relationship shines, highlighting the tension between duty and personal desire.

Overall, House of Marionne is a strong start to what promises to be an exciting series.