i was super intrigued by the description of the book specifically “bridgerton meets the da vinci code” but unfortunately i didn’t find that the book delivered what was promised

it took me a while to get into and felt the characters were somewhat underdeveloped that i never formed super great attachments to anyone or cared about the romance

there are a lot of different elements, twists and moving parts to keep people interested it just didn’t quite click for me but may work for another reader

thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC

Unfortunately, this book was a huge miss for me. When I read "Bridgerton meets The Da Vinci Code" I was sold. I though I was going to devour this book in a single sitting just like it happened with the aforementioned titles. While the book did have elements of Bridgerton (the time setting) and of the Da Vinci Code (the "mystery" aspect), it did feel more like a wannabe copy of both. What got to me the most was how uninteresting the mystery was: I really struggled to understand what the main puzzle piece was, as all the elements came to me in such random ways that I unconsciously brushed them aside as some minor info. It was all delivered very quickly, both the clues and the solutions, and I really didn't have time to grasp the impact they should have had on the story. At the end, when everything came together, when the villain was exposed and the conspiracy was unraveled, I literally felt nothing.
Another disappointing aspect was the romance: both characters were very underdeveloped, so it comes as no surprise, really, that the chemistry between them was nonexistent. Other than a few fancy words here and there, and a very brief and subtle flirting, I couldn't be convinced.
Last but not least...the epilogue. It aimed to do something and did absolutely nothing. I was so happy I had finally finished the book that I just couldn't care less.
Overall this book felt like reading a first draft. with no actual planning nor editing. I read the author is mostly a YA and children author and you could definitely tell. I strongly believe that in both genres she rocks it, but when it comes to adult fiction not so much.

Dora Fitz-Pennington, an actress and Dr Jacob Sandys, a cynical army doctor, try and solve the clues left by her murdered half-brother with members of both the Illuminati and notorious Hellfire club on their tail. If they are to work together, they need to build a relationship and use their different skills to evade those who are searching for the secrets held by Dora's brothers. I felt this story was well plotted, with engaging characters and a good balance of description to bring scenes to life. I was rooting for Dora and Jacob and will look out for more works by this author. Thanks to the publishers for an advance review copy.

A pacy and intriguing mystery and a romance between characters with great chemistry add up to make this a very fun read. I especially loved Dora’s character, a woman who knew her own mind and was quick to speak out against injustice. Hopefully this is the start of a long running series.

A good plot line, with twists and characters you can champion for. The novel had a good pace and strong narrative voice.

This book was so interesting. The main characters are uniquely trying to solve a murder that has taken place, and the bonds they form are incredible. The writing of this book was exquisite and I really enjoyed the action in this book. I was hanging on to every last word. Thank you HarperCollins UK for sending me an ARC of this book.

The Persephone Code was a fun read from start to finish. I enjoyed the plot and the developing relationship between the two main characters. There were a few twists along the way to hold the reader's interest and I thought the story was such that it would make a great limited TV series. All up it was a delightful and well-written book and I would definite pick up more works by this author in the future. I am giving it 4 stars.

I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Persephone Code sounded like a type of book that I would enjoy but I had a few issues with it. I did not like that the book had a big political focus instead of a supernatural plot, which I was thinking it would have. I also thought the story was a little slow paced which took away from the suspense, which was featured the most at the beginning of the book. I didn't feel there was any chemistry between the two main characters and the ending was a bit of a let down.

Overall I was hoping for more, but I am sure many other readers will enjoy it nonetheless.

—Thank you so much to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the chance to review an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was so much fun. I loved the bridgerton vibes, add a lil action and a mystery and viola!
I love the cover so much as well as the first line in the synopsis lol.

The Persephone Code is simply delicious! Two very different individuals come together in the most unlikely of circumstances to solve a murder!

Dora is the illegitimate sibling of Anthony Pennington, the warden of the Hellfire Club who is murdered in the most heinous way. Dora sets out on a mission to find his killer, through the mire of debauchery, opium dens and the worship of the occult. These things rarely stand alone and, joined by Dr Jacob Sandy (Sandy) along the way, Dora must decode the clues and crack the conspiracy between the Hellfire Club and the ever mysterious illuminati!

This book is absolutely glorious in its execution and in the midst of a lot of Regency retellings, it stands out due to its high-octane plot, a la contemporary action mystery thrillers, but authentic to the sensibilities of a bygone era. There is a wry wit throughout which balances beautifully with the dark themes and typical genility of the time

I really enjoyed The Persephone Code and Goldings narrative kept me hooked start to finish. This was a book to be savoured and I had to limit myself so that I would not devour it it one weekend, it is that good

Defo potential for a rollicking new crime fighting duo!

Thank you to Netgalley, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and the author Julia Golding for this rip-roaring historical Mystery ARC. My Review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

I think the line 'Bridgerton meets The Da Vinci Code' really is an apt description for this book. It's hard to do historical fiction in a way that's both entertaining and accurate (in dialogue particularly) but I really felt The Persephone Code delivered on that front. The world was immersive and both main characters were interesting and complex.
I did struggle with the pacing. Some parts, such as the journeying, felt slow and little repetitive, and others were a great speed that was twisting and intriguing. After the halfway point, I couldn't put it down, but before that I almost quit reading. Glad I didn't!

The Persephone Code is the first historical adult novel by Julia Golding.

The book centers around Jacob and Dora, put together by an unexpected circumstance. We will follow them in their twisted journey to solve the murder of Dora's half brother.

The book is well written, the plot is twisted and leaves you waiting with bated breath to discover all the events that lead to the murder.

The characters are quite likable, Dora is strong and witty, Jacob honest but struggling with addiction.

The end hints that there is more to come, I for one hope so.

Thanks to the author and the publisher for providing me with an ARC.

Dora and Jacob made a great painting for this adventure... and what an adventure it was!
Plenty to keep you busy, the guns came out at the drop of a hat, and the conspiracies were everywhere.
Add to that it was fairly amusing too.
Ticks a lot of boxes!

"The Persephone Code" is a historical mystery novel written by Julia Golding.

What a compelling read! I found it a captivating, dynamic and enthralling book that kept me glued to the pages from beginning to end. I was fascinated by the dark and atmospheric setting, the intriguing and intricate story, and above all by Dora and Jacob, the two protagonists, well portrayed and with excellent chemistry. I admit that I spotted the various plot twists in advance, but that didn't stop me from fully appreciating the novel!

Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the character of Dora, and the story was so good that I couldn't put it down until I had finished the novel, which I originally requested because It concerned the Hellfire Club, and I wanted to know more about it. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for giving me a copy of the book.

I gonna start thanking NetGalley , HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and the author for the access to this arc.
My favourite part of the book where the characters Dora and Dr Sandys ln the POV they investigate the murder of Dora's brother. Is a very solid book and I did enjoy the building of the story, the plot and they way the author tell this story. I complete enjoyed the narrator work too and I think is a book I would be buying when it came out because I want it be part of my collection.

One More Chapter offered me the opportunity to read the upcoming release 'The Persephone Code' by Julia Golding. And when I read the book blurb I was instantly intrigued:
historical fiction
secret societies
mysterious murders
what more could I ask for?
Our story commences in 1812 with a gruesome murder and the pace moves quickly onward, without letting up for a moment. The victim of this murder is one, Antony Pennington and Dr Jacob Sandys, is tasked with the unpleasant role of breaking the news to Pennington's half-sister Dora. It's not long before Jacob and Dora find themselves in the middle of a bizarre conspiracy, with threats coming from all sides as they endeavour to find Antony's last message to his sister.
This is a roller-coaster ride with plenty of twists and a great pairing in our two protagonists - I can definitely see them working together in the future.

I received a free e-arc of this book through Netgalley. The story starts off a bit Indiana Jones, but then becomes more reminiscent of National Treasure. I enjoyed the dynamic between Dora and Jacob. This book is fulled with adventure, puzzles, and danger. I found it very compelling and wanted to keep reading. I hope there will be more adventures with Dora and Jacob in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this amazing book!

Best murder mystery I have read so far!

This book is absolutely fantastic!!! I am so very, very excited. I found this author and can not recommend this book highly enough!

I was so caught up in reading it that I missed lunch, and it was past time to start dinner. Only the rumbling of my stomach made me put it down for a quick meal, after which I resumed my reading.

Highly, highly recommend!

*Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, One More Chapter for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review*

This book was so good, I couldn't put it down. I instantly loved Dora and Dr Sandys who are teaming up to investigate the murder of Dora's brother. The world building was pretty good too and I seriously couldn't put it down.