I enjoyed learning more about the behind-the-scenes of professional ballet. For me, the politics of the situation (like every other workplace!) became tiring, and the main character's whining was grating. I wanted to enjoy this book but just didn't enjoy the characters.

I love a good story set in the world of dance. CITY OF NIGHT BIRDS is a thoroughly engrossing read from start to finish. From the beginning we sympathize with Natalia who was once celebrated as a successful ballerina and now, after a tragic accident, struggles with alcohol and drug addiction. But wait! This is a second chance story and a beautiful one at that. After two year away from the dance arena, she has another opportunity to reprise her starring role -- and we are cheering for her along the way. Cinematic and engaging, this is a great character-driven read with plenty of drama and tension!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy; all opinions in this review are entirely my own.

A renowned prima ballerina, wounded in body and spirit, seeks to make a comeback while reflecting on her rise to stardom, 1st person POV. I loved this book. The prose and imagery were lovely and the characters were multi dimensional and textured. She created great tension with the reader, anticipating Natalia’s demise from her lofty heights, but not wanting it to happen. The ballet depictions were very authentic. I’m sure this has already been optioned as it would make a great movie or series. So few good, adult ballet novels and films. Thank you NetGalley, Ecco and especially Juhea Kim for giving me the privilege of reading this moving story.

Natalia Leonova was once a celebrated prima ballerina, heralded as one of the best of her generation. Then she was involved in a terrible accident and was forced to stop dancing. Now she uses alcohol and drugs to escape her life, but after two years away from the world of dance she returns with a chance to dance again in her signature role.

With he return she faces Alexander, the love of her life and Dmitri, a dark genius from her past. It is Dmitri who is offering he the opportunity to take the stage again; she must decide whether she wants to re-enter that world.

I’m a sucker for books set in the cutthroat world of ballet, even though my own career ended at about age seven. This was a bit about ballet, a bit of a love story, some coming of age, a bit of a family story so there was a lot going on for one book.

Plus, it is difficult to read any story about Russia right now. One can handle historical fiction, but some of this takes place in present day, presumably. Russia’s invasion of Crimea is a plot point but there is only a small mention of its invasion of Ukraine. In the final chapter of the book there is a statement “after the war is over” with no other indicator and that made me very uncomfortable, and, honestly, colored my feelings about the book.