I never expect I'll have to say this about an Alexis Hall book, but this did not work for me at all. The writing style is still as fun as in Mortal Follies, but it completely overshadows and distracts from the characters and the story, so much so that I could barely tell some of the characters apart and I found myself zoning out all the time. I expect there will be a sequel to this, but I'm not sure I'll read it.

Thank you to Ballantine Books for the eARC; this is my honest review.

Regency fairies is apparently my thing -- this is such a fun follow-up to the first Mortal Follies book. I also really enjoy Alexis Hall's writing.

What I liked the most:

- Robin is a great narrator to take us through the tale
- The social commentary and the take on what life would be like for a transgender person in Regency England
- You really get a sense of the characters (so you have all the information to decide whether you like them or not)

The focus here is not really on the romance, and that's okay. Overall, I enjoyed the book.

Confounding Oaths was an absolutely delightful follow up to Mortal Follies (although I don’t think you need to have read Mortal Follies to enjoy this one.) I think this series has become my go-to for historical fantasy rom-coms. As with Mortal Follies, the most entertaining part is the delightful fae narrator who is telling the story with an extra dose of commentary on the side, and I think this world has been cemented as one that I know I will delight in returning to over and over and over again.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for giving me an arc in exchange for an honest review!

Alexis Hall is an author I keep trying to like and keep not meshing with. I was really hopeful that Confounding Oaths would reel me in - I loved the premise! - but it just...didn't. I know they have an audience, but unfortunately they are just not for me.

Like the first book in this series this was quite enjoyable but I found both to be a bit more of a slog to get through than literally any other Alexis Hall book I've ever read (and I've read a lot of them!)

I really enjoyed *Confounding Oaths*, even more than *Mortal Follies*. This one focuses on Mr. Caesar, a mixed-race gentleman, and his sweet yet complicated romance with Captain Orestes James, a Black military man. The chemistry between them is subtle, but the chaos of magic gone wrong takes center stage, narrated by the witty Robin Goodfellow. The humor had me laughing out loud, especially when Robin morphs into mist, bees, and more to spy on everyone. The book's blend of magic, mischief, and commentary on beauty, privilege, and class was just brilliant.

The story kicks off when Miss Caesar wishes to be beautiful and ends up turning into a literal glass statue. The wild ride that follows, as her family tries to break the curse, is both hilarious and touching. I loved how it explored themes like class differences, self-worth, and not taking loved ones for granted, all while maintaining a sharp wit throughout. Definitely one of those books where you get a good mix of laughter and deeper reflections.

I liked this one more than the first book. It took me a little to get into, mainly due to the POV being the narrator telling the sorry and not one of the main characters. I love the mix of fantasy and the regency era. Mr. Caesar and Captain James have my heart.

Adorable, whimsical, and absurd in the best ways—Confounding Oaths is an excellent second installment in the Mortal Follies series. Our story follows John Caesar (who we met in the first book and I would highly recommend reading that one first)—a lawyer trying to help his sister Mary on the marriage market. As the child of an interracial couple, John feels the weight of responsibility on his shoulders to ensure their family’s future success. Mary—who knows she visibly stands out in a way that is “undesirable” to most suitors—desperately wants someone to like her for who she is. When Mary makes an unwise deal with a fairy godmother that turns her (literally) to glass, John turns to the mysterious (and handsome) Captain Orestes James for help. As John, the Captain, and their misfit band of friends and comrades work together to find a way to unravel the fairy’s bargain for Mary, John finds himself increasingly drawn to the Captain whom he knows he should stay far away from. In typical Alexis Hall fashion, chaos ensues.

❤️ What I loved: More than Mortal Follies, this book felt like more of an ensemble book which I thoroughly enjoyed. I find that Alexis Hall is so artful in the ways he balances humor and sincerity—something that many others struggle to do and a skill that really makes this book shine. Our friendly and “Puck-ish” (wink) narrator was delightfully devilish as usual.

💔 What I didn’t love: This isn’t so much an issue for me, but I think some might be disappointed in the main romantic relationship in this book in that it is somewhat secondary to the overall plot.

I will continue to pick up all of Alexis Hall’s fabulous books, and I look forward to what I hope will be a 3rd installment in the Mortal Follies universe!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 (4.5-5)

Acknowledgments & Disclaimers
✨ Thank you to NetGalley, Alexis Hall, and Random House Publishing/Ballentine/Del Rey, for providing an ARC and the opportunity to share an honest review of this book.
✨ All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
✨ My reviews and ratings strive to evaluate books within their own age-demographic and genre.

I have a very hard time getting into the groove of the narrator voice in this series. I felt similarly in Mortal Follies. I love the romance plots, but the structure is difficult for me to connect to.

I was so hoping I'd gel with this more than with Mortal Follies, but alas. Despite the stunningly gorgeous cover and the always amusing Miss Bickle, this fell flat for me. I really can't stand Robin Goodfellow's as narrator. He's annoying and I hated his constant snide commentary that was forever pulling me away from the characters and plot. I also couldn't stand how stiff and stilted everyone is. I didn't care about any of the characters and as I was reading I kept thinking how I wished it was over.

I'll try the next from Alexis Hall because I love their other works, but I'll pass on any more in this series.

*Thanks to Del Rey for providing an early copy for review.

In Confounding Oaths, Alexis Hall has created an enchanting twist on the typical Regency romance and infused the narrative with a unique voice. John, Orestes and Mary are wonderful protagonists that give a vivid insight into the classism and racism of eighteenth century England but do it with so much panache that it is a delight to read.
One of the things I love the best is the voice of the novel, utilizing the voice of Robin Goodfellow to drive the narrative and point out the flaws of society. It also allows the reader to follow all the interesting characters around and get a better vision of what the fey are up to in this magical story.
I really enjoyed that we got the classical regency romance but with an LGBTQ twist to the story but infused with magic and a realistic look at society. I loved the twists and turns in fairy magic and the theme of embracing your true self, being there for your family whether biological or found and how love makes us better people.
If you love atypical romances, fairy magic, and a story that pokes fun at society, this is a delightful and enchanting twist on regency romances. The characters are charming, heroic, and dashing. The narrative is uniquely voiced and I loved every minute of the story.

I’ve been a big fan of Alexis Hall’s books for years. I especially enjoyed his historical fantasy Mortal Follies, so I was thrilled to see that he had written a sequel. Protagonist John appeared as a secondary character in the first book, but you don’t necessarily have to read the first book in order to understand this one.

As was the case with the first book, Puck– yes, that Puck– returns as narrator. The conceit is that he has fallen out of favor with Oberon and he is recounting fantastic tales to an audience comprised of we the readers.

While a great deal happens over the course of the novel, it can be summed up in one sentence: the characters get mixed up with magic with unexpected outcomes and they must work together to set things right.

Ostensibly, John is the protagonist, but our intrepid narrator focuses on anyone and anything that catches his notice, sometimes even flitting between two events happening at the same time, so readers receive a much fuller picture than had this story unfolded from a fixed perspective narrator or even dual points of view. Our narrator is even gracious enough to provide commentary on the proceedings. The characters are well rounded and versatile.

There is a romance of sorts between John and the handsome Captain James, but I don’t know that I would characterize this as a romance novel because the romance is not the focus of the plot. Once again, we return to an alternate Regency England where the faerie world often bleeds into the real world. You have to be careful of what you wish for and never trust a faerie.

I would absolutely recommend Confounding Oaths. This is a rollicking adventure with a great narrator. Hall blends issues of race and class and injustice into a tale of a curse that needs to be reversed. I am hoping that this is not the last time we experience this fascinating alternate world because I can’t get enough of it!

I received a digital ARC of this book from Ballantine/NetGalley.

The ever delightful Puck is back again for another tale of 1815's London. This time, the focus of the story is on the previous heroine's best friend's cousins, the lower-upper-class Caesars. When sixteen year old Mary finds herself in no one's favor in her first season, she makes a wish upon a star. She never expected her wish would be heard by a fairy, not to mention granted, with severe consequence. Miss Ceasar's pampered and aloof older brother, with social problems of his own, must save her. With absolutely no real world skills, he relies on the aid of a low-born army captain and his friends, a ragtag group of infantrymen who spend most of their days in a slum of a bar. Together, this hodgepodge group must find their way to save a young lady from the perils of the fairy court

I unfortunately did not enjoy this book nearly as much as I did the first. Maybe because it was similar enough in that entitled youth of the ton must use their wits to get themselves out of magical integments. Maybe because I found the Ceasars all rather exhaustingly petty. I do understand that the most important thing for a young lady in the Regency era was to find a man who would not only be kind of polite to her but also be able to support her and her family, and the best way to do so was to be comely. Maybe it's because I relied too much on the visuals of the Bridgerton series, but I did not find these characters as intriguing as they are meant to be. In fact, my favorite character was the flighty cousin Miss Bickle; I would be absolutely delighted to read a 1000-page novel of her life and adventures to come from either her own point of view or Puck's narration.

Our dear narrator was just as entertaining as before, making me literally laugh out loud at some points and highlighting many lines to share with my friends. Alexis
Hall clearly struck gold with his character
Unfortunately, the second book just fell a little flat. I rate this book three and a half stars comma mostly because I kept getting so bored in the story telling and none of the climax seemed to be as heart pounding as intended.

📖 Genre: Fantasy Romance
✨ Stars: 4/5
✨ Spice: 3/5

✨ Review:
Confounding Oaths by Alexis Hall is a delightful blend of humor, romance, and a touch of mystery that fans of the author will thoroughly enjoy. Set in Hall's signature world of the Mortal Follies series where witty banter meets deep emotional connections, this novel delivers on many fronts and I greatly enjoyed reading it! It is a half step out of my comfort zone, but isn't that what finding new books is for?

This book is perfect for readers who enjoy romantic comedies with a bit of an edge. Fans of Hall’s previous works, especially those who appreciate his combination of wit, romance, and character-driven stories, will find this book a satisfying read. It’s also a great pick for those who enjoy LGBTQ+ romances, as Hall continues to explore themes of identity, love, and acceptance in a nuanced way.

While the plot might feel somewhat predictable to seasoned romance readers, the journey is what makes this book stand out. Hall’s dialogue sparkles with wit, and the chemistry between the characters is phenomenal. The occasional dips in pacing are easily forgiven, thanks to the strong emotional beats and character interactions. Overall, "Confounding Oaths" is a charming, heartfelt read that’s well worth picking up, particularly for fans of well-crafted romantic fiction.

I feel like I am not sophisticated enough to understand what is going on in this book. It went over my head. I'm sorry but I am not the right audience. DNF. Thank you to netgalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

Just go read this book! Go read it! I plan on writing a Full Review when I can get my wits around this absolutely bonkers mythical magical absurd poignant world! Just a few tidbits until then, "debating the various careers open to unwed women in the year of some people's lord 1815", "No ethical consumerism under colonialism?" "that bas**rd from Statford", "elf...Santa or Keebler".

Ok, I'm ready. How do you review/summarize a story with truly the worse unreliable narrator scribbling to get himself back in his Master's good graces, lessons in all the gods and goddesses, such a dislike for England's most famous wordsmith ("fu**er Bill"), amazing found family, kin family learning to be better, a wicked godmother, pain, sorrow, what is beauty, a mirror on the true ton vs HR's normal dukes on every corner with all their teeth and no diseases. Our MC's, John Caesar, mixed race, eldest son, grandson of an earl and Orestes James, black, decorated military with the most amazing group of friends/soldiers, the Irregulars come together to try to fix Mary's (eldest sister) wish that has gone awry. Yes, there is romance, it's more sensual than sexy, taking a back seat to their journey through ballrooms, parlors, Holy Land, the Other, dueling fields, Thames docks. The great thing about Robin as our narrator, we get everyone's story as he zips around time and places in such fun shapes and beings. While this is the second installment in the Mortal Follies series, Alexis does a fabulous job bringing the reader in all the various storylines from the first. I totally have to go read the first now. Again be warned there is pain, blood, true sorrow when the gods require a blood sacrifice to right wrongs. So in between all the laughter, frantic which myth does that come from, there are tears.

To wrap this up, I have to bring up the true heart and soul of this world, Miss Bickle. How can you not love someone is overlooked so often but is the one who sees all so hopefully, the opposite of our narrator. "Because I am a foolish girl who prefers to choose hope." Or "Reality often disappoints one." And for every romance reader "Cordial-Acquiantances-to-Intimate-Relations, Antagonistic-Acquintances-to-Intimate-Relations." Come on, is that not the best! Alexis allows her to speak her mind and heart, love her! I'm so hoping A. gives Miss Bickle her story, but I can't decide who, The Ambassador or Sal, ooh, or both. Please, my dear Alexis, give us more!

This one was just...fine. I usually love this author's books, but there seems to be a big difference between the modern ones and the ones set in a historical fiction past. Plotlines and characters are still interesting, but it fell flat after reading Boyfriend Material and its sequel.

I read this book as an E – arc.
This one just was not as successful for me. The spice like blazed up, hot and heavy right in the beginning. And then just kinda ehh.. The book had a lot of different plots and seemed a little all over the place. Like the writing on this one was more disjointed? Not as fluid and put together as mortal follies.. I think the fade to black romance thing was just not my thing as well.
The book did have some good humor. And I appreciated the wit.
However, overall, I don’t think it’s a book I would pick up and read again.

Owing to a love match between the youngest daughter of an earl and a freedman, Mr. and Mrs. Caesar are as respectable as circumstance allows, but are still often relegated to the lower echelons of society. Classism being what it is in the early nineteenth century, it falls to their son John to foray into what ballrooms will have such a gentleman and act as chaperone to his two younger sisters. It is not a role John relishes, nor do his sisters appreciate his participation, but it is the done thing when John most closely represents something like social connection through his mother’s estranged relations. Being out and about also allows John to make the acquaintance of one Captain Orestes James, a soldier with whom John finds himself fascinated.

Orestes feels drawn to John like no other man he’s had before. When a fairy strikes John’s family and turns one of his sisters into living glass, Orestes feels compelled to help. With him comes a motley crew of soldiers who may not care a fig for the Caesars, but would do anything for their captain…within reason. That limit is tested when the fairy magic running amok with the Caesar family has Orestes and his crew crashing balls, chasing cults, and charging into the fairy world, all to save a fop who may or may not see Orestes for who he truly is.

Confounding Oaths is a historical fantasy from author Alexis Hall. It’s part of the Mortal Follies series and takes place soon after the events of the first book, Mortal Follies. I do not think readers need to have read the first story to enjoy this one, though those main characters are supporting characters here. I jumped in starting with Confounding Oaths and had no problems following the threads.

Before I jump into my main critique of the story, I do want to mention that I really enjoyed the “casting.” When I first signed up to review this book, the blurb at the time started with something along the lines of “gentle reader,” which appealed to me as someone who just binged all three seasons of a certain Netflix show. There are clear themes of class and race that impact the characters and their prospects–the sister wishing to be beautiful by society’s standards is a testament to that. Similarly, class issues are represented not only in terms of marriage prospects for the sisters, but also for John, as he contemplates what he’s asking of Orestes’ found family (to risk their lives) versus what John is willing to repay them (not risking his life in kind). When these themes played across the page, I was engaged with the story.

That said, the entire story is told through an unnamed narrator (well, the final line is the narrator’s signature “R”) who is a magical being and a self-styled chronicler from Oberon’s fairy court. This narrator takes on innocuous shapes like mists, spiders, and birds to conceal themself in order to observe and report on what the characters are doing. They observe John, Orestes, and everything in real time and report it; this is what forms the words on the pages of this book. To be perfectly blunt, I disliked it intensely. I felt as though half the words on the page were commentary from this narrator directly to the reader about the world of fairies versus the world of mortals. Plus, the narrator is inconsequential to the actual story for the vast majority of the book…meaning I didn’t give a fig about who this narrator was and had less and less patience for this narrative style. It seemed like half the words on the page were in service of this narrator rather than any character development or plot building. For example:

I have, I think, already told you that my kind rarely watches mortals sleep (at least no from outside their dreams), since unconscious you are dull unless we are doing the supernatural equivalent of drawing a phallus on your foreheads with a magic marker. (This, you might recall, was essentially the plot of my best publicised escapade, albeit one for which I received no credit.)

But I went to check on Mr. Caesar anyway, because it seemed likely to me that he would be stirring soon.

And my timing, as ever, was flawless. You may think it vulgar, reader, that I keep reminding you of my own perfection, but your sensibilities mean little to me and I am extremely skilled at what I do.

Indeed so flawless was my timing that I arrived outside Mr. Caesar’s bed chamber exactly in time to witness the approach of Captain James, and passed through it in my shape of mists and shadows jut in time to witness Mr. Caesar, who somehow made even his nightshirt look immaculate, stirring with the ill grace of an earl’s grandson asked to rise earlier than he is accustomed.

For me, this narrative only served to obfuscate the story I thought I was being told…namely about John and Orestes and their struggle to save John’s sister from a bad wish she made to a fairy.

The story very much missed the mark for me, but readers who enjoy creative storytelling or disassociated narrative perspective (perhaps something Shakespearian given how often the narrator disparages Shakespeare, or a little like The Great Gatsby) may find this a fun way to absorb a story.

This is fine. I scanned the description before requesting this and didn't see anything that indicated that it's part of a series with Mortal Follies-- it didn't have the series indicator in goodreads at the time, either. It's immediately clear, sadly, that the narrator is the same character as in the first book. Disappointing, as I was looking for something new from this author to take that bad taste out of my mouth.

I decided to press on, because I was interested in the human characters. I skipped/skimmed the narrator as much as possible-- he doesn't add anything to the story for me, and detracts from it heavily.

Readers should start with the first book in the series, for a better understanding of the universe. While some characters overlap, it's not crucial to remember every detail about this, though: this book reintroduces or reminds as necessary.

I will stay away from the rest of this series like the plague, and I'm sad to be leery of whatever else I see from this author in the future. eARC from NetGalley.