The Kiss of the Nightingale takes place in a city where there are gems that determine peoples talents. These gems are passed down through generations using blood magic. Those that are lucky enough to inherit these talents are considered elites, but those without these gems are considered talentless. Cleodora was always meant to inherit her fathers tailoring talent, but when he dies unexpectedly, his talent gem is lost with him. With a sick sister to support Cleo is desperate to find a way out of their situation. When Dahlia offers Cleo a singing talent gem, she is eager to accept. But, in exchange for accepting this gem Cleo now must work for Dahlia who expects her to steal the talent gem from Vicomte Lenoir. Cleo thinks this will be an easy task, but as time passes, she finds herself drawn to Vicomte Lenoir and begins to question her task.

This was an interesting read and I enjoyed reading about the different talents. Cleo has an adjustment period learning to use her new talent and works hard to learn her new skill all the while clinging to her past and the lost tailoring talent she would have gained from her father. While working as the new lead performer at the Opera house Cleo makes new friends as well as some enemies. Cleo has a sense of dedication to her sister that she was willing to make sacrifices and a dangerous exchange to help her. Cleo comes to rely on the people around her, but soon finds that Dahlia is not all she claims, she has people working for her everywhere and is not someone you want to disappoint or there may be consequences.

This was a quick, fast-paced read that has action, romance, and betrayal. A fun, enjoyable read.

*This review will be posted to other sites on September 17, two weeks before publication date*

4.5/5

The Kiss of the Nightingale has immaculate vibes, taking place in an alternate historical version of France full of drama and intrigue. The magic system in TKotN is very different from what I'm used to, with magic being stored in gems, granted to whoever is currently in possession of said gems. I loved how the magical aspects of the story intertwined with the conflicts and plot of the MC.

The MCs story, her worries and sacrifices, kept me thoroughly entertained. Of course, she wasn't always the best character - the most moral one - however her internal conflicts and determination to do what she thought was right came across very well.

While there definitely was a romance aspect, I wouldn't quite categorize this book as solely romantasy, as I felt that the romance wasn't necessarily a major part of the story when compared to other aspects.

I greatly enjoyed this book and would love to read more books by this author!

Thank you NetGalley and Adi Denner for the opportunity to read the ARC for this book.

The Kiss of the Nightingale is such a unique story when it comes to the world building and magic system. It takes place in what feels like France in the turn of the century. We follow the story of a young girl trying to find her place in the world after a twisted turn of events leaves her worse off than before. Trying to take care of her family she makes a deal that changes her outlook on life and brings her into the path of a man who, for lack of better phrases, likes imperfect things.

This is a Romantasy full of drama and personal challenges. There is some spice, but it is tastefully handled and not graphic.

I highly recommend this book if you like Phantom of the Opera (musical/movie). I kept getting those vibes from the story with a magic twist. I look forward to reading more books by Adi Denner.

These are my honest thoughts and feeling regarding this book.