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A review by reading_historical_romance
Shadows of Perl by J. Elle
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
5.0
The House of Marionne series is absolutely and completely underrated! Confession: I now own two copies of this book because I wanted the signed Goldberg SE, and I must have the US first printing naked hardcover on my shelf!
J Elle has a unique writing style in that she unspools plot threads from various characters' POVs and not necessarily in order. This has a similar effect to the "unreliable narrator" form of storytelling. The reader is forced to be comfortable with a sense of confusion and suspense throughout the narrative, trusting that in the end, everything that the author has thrown into the wind will make sense. For me as a reader, I enjoy being immersed in the world-building, knowing that I am viewing the storyline through a prism and that the payoff is going to bring everything into sharp relief.
There is a huge twist right in Chapter 1 that made me jump up and down. It is fantastic, and gives Yagrin's story completely unexpected stakes. I love the partnership that he formed with Quell, and that they were both on the run from Jordan at the same time. I also loved spending so much time at Hartsboro and Dlaminaugh Estate, and getting to know the other heiresses, Nore and Adola. We also get the chance to see Jordan advance further into the Dragun brotherhood, as well as learn his and Yagrin's backstories. There is a lot happening in this second book and sometimes it can get overwhelming, but like the first book, everything comes together beautifully and with an action-packed climax.
Also like the first book, I will enjoy it even more when I re-read it because I will be able to see the end from the beginning and catch all the clues and foreshadowing that I missed the first run through.
It is just such a fun YA read.
J Elle has a unique writing style in that she unspools plot threads from various characters' POVs and not necessarily in order. This has a similar effect to the "unreliable narrator" form of storytelling. The reader is forced to be comfortable with a sense of confusion and suspense throughout the narrative, trusting that in the end, everything that the author has thrown into the wind will make sense. For me as a reader, I enjoy being immersed in the world-building, knowing that I am viewing the storyline through a prism and that the payoff is going to bring everything into sharp relief.
There is a huge twist right in Chapter 1 that made me jump up and down. It is fantastic, and gives Yagrin's story completely unexpected stakes. I love the partnership that he formed with Quell, and that they were both on the run from Jordan at the same time. I also loved spending so much time at Hartsboro and Dlaminaugh Estate, and getting to know the other heiresses, Nore and Adola. We also get the chance to see Jordan advance further into the Dragun brotherhood, as well as learn his and Yagrin's backstories. There is a lot happening in this second book and sometimes it can get overwhelming, but like the first book, everything comes together beautifully and with an action-packed climax.
Also like the first book, I will enjoy it even more when I re-read it because I will be able to see the end from the beginning and catch all the clues and foreshadowing that I missed the first run through.
It is just such a fun YA read.