The Kiss of the Nightingale by Adi Denner. Vivid world, heists, and love triangle.

I rated this 3 stars.

The Kiss of the Nightingale is a standalone book that has a vivid world. Cleodora is given a singing talent by the Queen of the underworld in the city for helping take others talents. Talents are stored in jewels that can be passed from one generation to the next.

I felt as though Cleo was underdeveloped and plain as a MC for most of the book. It’s as if everything developed around her as you read but she stayed flat till the end of the book. So with that I wasn’t able to connect with her. I think more could have been done with this book, more to be desired, still unanswered questions.

Thank you, NetGalley and Random House Publishing Canada for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

I absolutely loved this book! I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Each chapter made me more curious and helped me appreciate different aspects of the story.
The main character is the oldest daughter who is trying to protect her younger sister in a strict and divided society.
The bi panic is real.
I enjoyed every character, even the ones I didn't like.
The magic in the story is interesting and was explained clearly, making it easy to understand. The author clearly did a lot of research and wrote with great enthusiasm. The plot was exciting and well thought out, with no gaps or predictable moments.
I would definitely read this book again to catch details I missed the first time.

I enjoyed The Kiss of the Nightingale from start to finish, devouring it in less than 48 hours. Heart racing along with Cleodora’s, I anxiously awaited every decision she made and its consequences. I enjoyed stepping into the life of the elite with her as well as exploring the romance. Denner’s writing kept me enthralled from start to finish

**I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley and the publishers**

Why is this book so amazing? From the captivating story to the richly developed world and unique magical system, it all unfolds like a movie in my mind. Also the cover just looks so pretty. (I judge books by their covers—sorry 😅.) ‘The Kiss of the Nightingale‘ follows Cleodora, who is facing many hardships. She's considered talentless and is burdened with an ailing sister. In her desperate attempt to save her sister, Cleodora is hired to steal a magical gem from a man of prestigious background. While I'm not usually a fan of love triangles, this one stood out due to its sapphic elements. I highly recommend this book


Thank you author, NetGalley, Penguin Random House Canada for the ARC

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Beware of possible spoilers.

More like a 2.5 star rating.

This book isn't bad; it just left a lot to be desired. When reading this, I couldn't help but pick up plot holes and wonder how the story could be changed to flow a little easier.

Firstly, the concept is incredibly interesting. That's what really grabbed my attention in the description. The ability to pass talent down through generations, allowing it to grow over a series of people, is just so fascinating to me. Even the idea that it has to be put into a gem, which can be so easily stolen or lost.

Unfortunately, this leaves a lot of questions for me. The gems are limited. They've essentially run out, from what I gather. So why are there not more people attempting to steal them? We're told that some were stolen in a group once before, but then...that's it? You're telling me that no one else attempted it after that? Especially if people are so desperate to get their hands on a talent?

And all this brings us to our main characters who, unfortunately, I struggled to connect with. Her want of having a talent and being loved would have been far more interesting if she didn't feel so...vain?

She missed out the chance of gaining her father's talent and her sick little sister has their mother's talent. Their family own a fashion shop, but without their father's sewing ability, they have no way to make the designs the little sister comes up with. Except...the main character CAN sew? She just doesn't view it as good as her father's talent. Even though she has his book on how exactly he makes these gowns? And she carries it around with her everywhere, especially to places she knows she shouldn't take it? If she had no ability for sewing at all, I could understand the struggle. But at this point I don't understand why she doesn't just do it herself, or hire someone to help them out. I know they talk about the fact that they have no money, but then they go on to talk about how the sister's designs are absolutely gorgeous and would sell for a fortune. They just have to sell one dress and they have enough to pay a worker, essentially.

I felt like there were almost too many characters. Most of whom never really get much of a story themselves. At one point, I wondered if the little sister was needed at all. Especially when the main character forgot about her multiple times...

The love triangle felt a little strained. Her relationship with the main antagonist sometimes felt too forced and the relationship she has with the man she's supposed to be stealing from is often overshadowed by other aspects of the plot.

I will say that I absolutely adored Lirone and he was the main reason I kept going with this. He has to be protected at all costs. I also did find the concept of the talents very unique and would have loved to see that be expanded more.

Having grown up in a family surrounded by music, which included a mother who sang opera, it's always funny to read a book focused on music and have the first song they listen to or learn be Clair de Lune. Without fail, almost every time. It made me smile when it popped up.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read an advanced copy!

The Kiss of The Nightingale is a magical novel, full of a glittering 19th century Paris with a dark illicit underworld. The world is so immersive and descriptive, and it definitely gave Caraval vibes (description wise). I'm mostly sure this is a Phantom of the Opera retelling, and I adored it so much, despite a few flaws.

I loved how "Talents" are coveted gems. The main character, desperate for a talent, strikes a deal, but finds herself caught between Dahlia, the woman who made said deal, and Vicomte Lenoir, the man she's sent to steal a talent from. The worldbuilding is perfect, yet also dark and seductive.

The reason I (sadly) had to bump this down to a 4⭐️ was because of the lack of character depth. I couldn't relate enough with any of the characters, and this eventually lead to the crumble of the romance. The love triangle between Dahlia and Vicomte Lenoir inevitably suffered, and it felt like there was no "true" attraction between the characters, just immediate desire.

Otherwise, you should definitely read this if you like:
✅️ Debut Authors
✅️ Sweeping and magical worldbuilding
✅️ 19th century Paris
✅️ Caraval and (even though I haven't seen it) Bridgerton vibes
✅️ Phantom of the Opera retellings
✅️ Perfected magic systems
✅️ Upper YA fantasy
✅️ Suspense, mystery, and dark haunts

You're in luck. Definitely give this a read. Personally, I will be reading more of this author in the future. For a debut novel, this is great, despite flaws :D

✧*̥˚ 4 Stars *̥˚✧

3.5 ⭐️

had fun with this one— read it in one sitting and never once felt bored. It was an easy read.

the magic system of magical “talents” being passed down through jewels was a very interesting concept! I can’t recall a similar magic system like this one, so points for it being unique! my only “complaint” per se is I wished this was further expanded on, the magic system behind it felt a bit ambiguous and would have loved to see it fleshed out more.

the main plot of Cleo meeting Dahlia and her life transforming felt a bit rushed in the beginning, but the execution of the book felt very lush and romantic. It definitely had “phantom of the opera” vibes.

thank you Penguin Teen Canada and netgalley for this eArc in exchange for an honest review.

I think one of my favorite things about this was the setting. Late 19th century France, where the world was so fleshed out and I felt I could walk down the alleyways and speak with the characters themselves. I really had fun reading this. It wasn’t revolutionary by any means, but I don’t think it meant to be. It was fun and exciting, fast paced and carefully researched and crafted. Exactly what I needed.

The Kiss of the Nightingale by Adi Denner is a beautifully written tale that intertwines romance with historical intrigue. Denner’s evocative prose and richly drawn characters create a captivating and immersive experience. The novel's engaging plot and emotional depth make it a memorable read for fans of historical fiction.

The Kiss of the Nightingale
Author: Adi Denner
⭐️ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

First off, a big thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to have an ARC for this book.

The Good, The Bad and The Yes Please:

I was thrilled to have a refreshingly different era for the story to be set in, with it being based in historical, albeit magical 1890s Paris instead of the more medieval style fantasy books that have been my go to lately and with a phantom of the opera feel I was a sucker immediately.

It’s a quick read, and a nice break from some of the longer series that definitely take up most of my reading space.

The magic concept is unique and intriguing and my interest was definitely peaked, although I did find myself wishing for more on the background and information of how it all worked then what we are given as readers and I absolutely would have read something more in depth. I enjoyed the descriptions of the ballrooms, the dancing and the abundance of different gowns and outfits.

Overall it was a refreshing change of pace for myself to go back to reading a more historical set book while holding onto the fantasy aspect and I think the author did a good job in bringing me into the Opera World of magical 1890s France. And Although I didn’t fall for the love interest right off the bat, that doesn’t mean you won’t - I can be rather picky.

The book world is flooded with “romantasy” novels, but I have to give the author credit for finding a unique take on special powers in her debut novel. The further I got into this book, the faster I read.

“The Kiss of the Nightingale” weaves together the atmosphere of “Phantom of the Opera” with the YA readability of “Red Queen” by Victoria Aveyard. The novel follows Cleodora Finley, whose father has died before passing along his magically enhanced “Talent” which would allow Cleo to provide for her and her sickly sister. Cleo is offered a deal at her lowest to gain another Talent and have her sister cured, but she must become an undercover thief in the midst of essentially fantasy France’s high society. A black and white assignment quickly devolves into shades of morally gray.

In the beginning of the book, I felt like I could predict how it would all play out. The more I read however, the more I enjoyed seeing the characters’ personalities play out. Sometimes I wanted to yell at the characters to make different decisions, but that did not detract from my captivation with them. Each character has their motives, and I enjoyed peeling back the layers with each page. Whether you like them or hate them, Denner succeeds in bringing realistic characters to life in an opulent fantasy world.

In short, will this novel revolutionize literature? No, but it promises to be a fun ride that’s a little different in a market flooded with books of YA special power protagonists. A little fantasy. A little romance. A little bit of fun heist. Would I recommend the book? Yes.

Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so wonderful and unique! I absolutely love the idea of Talents and it being imbued into gemstones. To which the Talents are the main plot of this book. With Cleo not having any Talent of her own due to her father dying unexpectedly. she seeks to find some purpose in her life and provide for her and her sister. This causes her to don a mask of deception to society to create connections and steal Talents to keep this life full of richness and safeness for her and her sister. But along the way she doubts herself. I enjoy her questioning herself along the way if becoming a thief is the right way to keep up this wonderful life she had created, but even with the questions, there wasn't any other way for her to keep such life. It isn't until her own sister, Anaella, truly questioned Cleo that she finally hesitates on following Lady Sibille's order. It took a while until Cleo comes to the realization, but I am glad to see the Cleo didn't turn instantly into a criminal over the time period. You can see how much she still love fashion despite not having her father's talent. Just having her father's book around her makes her reminiscence her life back with her father and wishing she had his Talent. In addition, whenever she's around outfits from Josephine, there's the designer part of her thinking of ways to improve the design.

I absolutely love all the characters in this book. They are so well written and there is so much depth to them. It isn't solely focused on the main character. She makes many connections on the way and when she uses such connections throughout the book, it doesn't feel out of the blue. There was one relationship I particularly hated and didn't truly understand, but I believe it was due to their Talent that made Cleo fall in love and pleased them so quickly. I really wished to see more interactions between her and Nuriel, but I think this book did a great job of making the reader believe that there will be so much more to their relationship in the future.

Overall, the plot was magnificent and every chapter it made me want to read more. It may not always end with a cliffhanger, but there was always the urge to find out how far Cleo was willing to go to achieve the goal of making a perfect life for her and her sister. Plus, the allure of being around other characters was always enticing.

This book had so many layers to its story it was hard to not love it. At its surface it was a very Phantom of the Opera-esque fantasy. Once you peeled back it's layers there was romance, heartache, mystery, and so very many twists. Such a great book!

I feel really torn about this book.

There were parts that I really enjoyed such as the setting in an almost historic Paris-esque city, the concept of Talents being imbued in jewels that can be passed down (and a brief look into what happens when there are more children then there are talents, and the jewel mines have run dry).
I’ve never been to an opera but the story made me feel as if I should go, it seems like such magic. It also did a great job getting across the in depth knowledge Cleo has of fashion and dressmaking she’s been learning since birth.
I also really enjoyed some of the secondary characters who were charming in their imperfection and ability to overcome their circumstances.

Unfortunately there were also parts that didn’t resonate with me.
Some of the characters felt a little one note and I wish we could have learned more about but instead they flitted in and out of the story (Anaella, Dahlia, Pauline, Madame to name a few). I also really did not like Dahlia at all, I would be interested if others did?
There were also some pretty serious scenes that had little to no consequences, and an ending that in some ways tied things up except for one frustrating gaping hole (perhaps leaving way for a sequel?)

In the end, as I said at the beginning I’m torn. A really interesting concept and plot that I wish had gone more in depth regarding its characters and some of the plot lines.

Thank you NetGalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Kiss of the Nightingale was a story I was initially very excited about from reading the synopsis when applying for the ARC. Unfortunately, this one fell flat for me. The magic system that Adi created is unique and one that I would have loved to dive deeper into, but that's one of the flaws for me. There isn't enough world-building depth for my preferences and I felt like the pacing was a bit off as the book went on.

I also was not sold on the characters' relationships as they developed. I felt like we got forced into this love triangle, but neither relationship felt like it was genuine or even made sense. I love a well written love triangle, however this one really disappointed me in the end. Which was even more disappointing because I'm always looking out for more sapphic romances and I am sad that this won't be making my list of favorites. I think there will be people who enjoy this story, but I am not one of them.

Thank you to Adi Denner and Penguin Random House Canada for the ARC.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for granting me an access to this book!
I feel conflicted with this one. On one part - I liked the parallel with the phantom of the opera.
On the other - I did feel like the MC was a bit… incompetent and thus made the plot unimaginable.
The pacing of this book was a bit off in between chapters.
The relationships between the characters felt very bland.
Overall, this book had an interesting premise but needs editing/working through the execution.

Will Cleodora do anything to obtain a Talent to save her sister's life? She finds out the hard way that fame and prestige aren't the only avenues to save someone's life. It's possible to go down a more morally satisfying path to make that happen. I really enjoyed the premise of this book, I felt that it was very unique. I have to say the only thing that I didn't enjoy was the intro of the sapphic romance between Dahlia and Cleo. I felt that it was contrived and not really necessary for the whole of the book. Overall, great book. I gave it 4 stars.

What a wonderfully written book. The magic system is simply spectaular and the characters are regal and elegant. I found the story to be incredibly enchanting and what enthralled by the story from start to finish.

The Kiss of the Nighingale was a solid debut by Adi Denner. The story takes place in an alternative Paris, Lutèce, that I longed Denner to share more of as a fan of visiting the real version of a city with equal parts morbid grit and glamour.

The main character, Cleodora, finds herself in a seemingly impossible situation of struggling to care for her ill sister without a stable income. This is not due to her actual capabilities, but to the biases and perceptions held by the society of Lutèce who consider people without a "talent" less capable at their trade. The "talents," are a unique magic system (although the backstory of how they city finds itself in a position of new magic holders gaining their abilities only due to "heritage" was lacking). Cleodora was in line to inherit a tailoring talent from her father, but, due to tragedy, did not. However, she "stumbles" into a situation in which she makes a deal with an enticing woman to receive a "talent" of her own, a singing talent, so long as she works to steal talents from others in the city. Her target is a man she finds entrancing but entitled and infuriating. So, of course, she accepts. What follows is a saga in which Cleodora struggles with her new identity, the lies she weaves to protect herself and her sister, and the tension between herself and both the dangerous woman she must steal for and the surprising and attractive man she must steal a "talent" from. It is not her fate alone on the line -- every choice matters.

The parts of the book where changes would elevate the story are some of the character development and pacing.

I did not fully connect with the FMC, but I could picture her beautifully through Denner's prose. This lack of connection, for me, is a result of being tossed into the story without enough time to buy-in to the dire situation Cleodora finds herself in at the start of the book and without needed backstory about the magic system of "talents" and how alternative 18th-century Paris the story takes place in did or did not change during her and her family's lives. That said, I understood her actions for most of the book. Some of the characterizations/actions of secondary characters also caused me to pause and be ripped from the world Denner created in order to rationalize their actions. For example, a main secondary character described as a "child" behaves far too adult like for me to believe the accomplishments, strength, and rather eloquent language ascribed to them. It was jarring to read these actions and struggle to rationalize how/why this character was a -child-.

Pacing, For the most part, I was able to stay engaged with the story (the above character-related aspects non-withstanding). However, the world building setting the foundation for the plot felt somewhat underdeveloped and I started to struggle with what felt like a drawn out plot climax at ~68%.

All said, I did enjoy this book and would recommend to fans of lush and sometimes lustful YA romatancies with the right amount of "spice."

3.75 rounded up :)

P.S. I hope that someone else figured out what really happened with her dad and the alcohol in his system. I think it was a both are true situation but it was fuzzy for me and I focused more on this part of the book than the actual ending (which I enjoyed, but would have loved to have been drawn out a bit more/any major ramifications for changes in the city discussed ... besides the new tailor).

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

Unfortunately this was a big nope for me. The premise was super cool specifically the unique magic system but even that wasn’t really developed as well as it could have been. And the rest of the book was just a miss. The heroine spends most of the book being an idiot, and the plot has so many holes it may as well be Swiss cheese. Cool Parisian vibes I guess but not enough here at all to keep me engaged.