Demimonde by Halli Starling is a gripping and atmospheric sequel in the Oracle, Tailor, Curator series, delivering a perfect blend of mystery, romance, and supernatural intrigue. Picking up where Coup de Coeur left off, this instalment deepens the stakes, unravels darker secrets, and explores the complex relationships between its characters, making it a must-read for fans of the series and newcomers alike.

The story finds Calix, Aubrey, Ethaniel, and Lawton seeking refuge in Rosehill, the ancestral home of Calix’s mother, Lily Addington. While the house is protected by powerful wards, it is also a place of haunting memories and buried secrets. As Calix grapples with his mother’s legacy and the true nature of his Oracle powers, Ethaniel is drawn to the mysterious demimonde, a realm between realms that holds a dangerous allure tied to his family’s dark history. Meanwhile, Aubrey struggles to hold the group together, battling his own demons while trying to protect those he loves from the looming threat of the Golden Order.

One of the standout features of Demimonde is its richly layered storytelling. Starling masterfully weaves together multiple plot threads, from Calix’s journey of self-discovery to Ethaniel’s fascination with the demimonde and Aubrey’s internal struggles. The tension between the characters’ personal arcs and the overarching threat of the Golden Order creates a narrative that is both intimate and epic in scope.

The characters continue to shine in this sequel, with their relationships and individual growth taking centre stage. Calix’s exploration of his mother’s past and his own identity adds emotional depth to the story, while Ethaniel’s connection to the demimonde introduces a tantalizing layer of mystery and danger. Aubrey’s role as the emotional anchor of the group is both heart-warming and heart-breaking, as he battles his own fears and insecurities to protect those he loves.

The world-building is equally impressive, with the demimonde serving as a fascinating and eerie new addition to the series’ supernatural landscape. The descriptions of Rosehill and its secrets are vivid and immersive, creating a sense of claustrophobia and intrigue that mirrors the characters’ emotional states. The Golden Order remains a formidable and enigmatic antagonist, adding a sense of urgency and danger to the narrative.

Thematically, Demimonde explores issues of identity, legacy, and the cost of power. The novel also delves into the complexities of love and loyalty, as the characters navigate their relationships and the challenges they face. These themes are woven seamlessly into the story, adding depth and resonance to the plot.

If there is a minor critique, it is that some readers may find the pacing a bit slow in places, particularly in the early chapters. However, this is a small quibble in an otherwise masterfully crafted novel.

Demimonde is a must-read for fans of supernatural romance and intricate fantasy storytelling. Halli Starling has created a sequel that deepens the stakes, expands the world, and delivers a story that is as emotionally satisfying as it is thrilling.

A gripping and atmospheric sequel, Demimonde is a brilliant second instalment in the Oracle, Tailor, Curator series that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next chapter.