Reviews

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was originally interested in this book because the cover is so beautiful. Then the fact it’s about a black ballerina I had to read it. This story follows Laure Mesny. Laure is a black ballerina who is striving to be the best and be a part of the Paris Ballet Company. She is number one in her class. There are several rumors about how the top dancers get there. Drinking blood or taking her from other dancers to get to the top. Laure’s desperation to get to the top has her lured to the Paris catacombs where she makes a deal with a demon.

I was in my own world for a few hours as I was wrapped up in the world of this book. It gives spotlight to real issues within the ballet community racism and cutthroat behavior. Crab in the bucket behavior. The world building was elite. Jamison Shea does a great job of introducing the main character as well of the secondary characters that make you want to know more about them while not allowing them to take away from the story. I really enjoyed.

Thank you Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

mfrisk's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This is the spectacular making of an anti-heroine and it has atmosphere, drama, intrigue, and a dash of romance. I think the only thing that makes the story suffer is the slow pacing.

luisaoropeza83's review against another edition

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challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

rg1026's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

sierraburrell's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I didn’t realize I liked horror until I read this book. Maybe it’s because it feels like horror that’s very much real. Like a lot of it is real life with some fantasy making its way in. I really enjoyed this book and the narration was excellent. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.

Content Warnings

chantaal's review against another edition

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3.0

the line between "feels like a fever dream on purpose" and "feels like a fever dream because what the hell is even going on" was way too thin for my taste.

melaneeterry's review against another edition

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challenging dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.0

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