17 Apr 2023

Review: REVELLE by Lyssa Mia Smith

REVELLE

Author: Lyssa Mia Smith

Series: N/A
Source: Indigo
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Publication Date: February 14, 2023

Overall Rating:
Diversity Rating:
Representation: lesbian side characters, mixed race side characters

Summary:

Inspired by Moulin Rouge! and set on an island in a magical version of Prohibition-era New York, Revelle is a breathtaking YA stand-alone fantasy full of dazzling magic, romance, and mystery from debut author Lyssa Mia Smith.

On the island of Charmant, magic flows like bootlegged champagne, and fantasies can be bought for the price of a gemstone.

Luxe Revelle, star of her family’s fantastical show, knows the splendor is just an illusion. With Prohibition threatening their livelihood, her family struggles to make a living, watering down champagne and patching holes in their sequined costumes. So when the son of Charmant’s wealthiest family makes her an offer—everything the Revelles need to stay in business, in exchange for posing as his girl and helping him become mayor—she can’t refuse.

The moment Jamison Port sets foot in Charmant, he can’t shake the feeling of familiarity. An orphan with as few memories as gemstones, he’s desperate to learn what happened to his parents. But as he delves into the island’s secrets, he risks angering the wrong person and discovering a truth that just might break his heart.

When Luxe and Jamison accidentally meet, the sparks that fly are more than her magical enchantments. But keeping secrets from powerful people is a dangerous game . . . one that could destroy them both.

Purchase:

Amazon | Chapters

Content Warning: Alcohol, Manipulation, Deception, Magical Manipulation, Death, Gun Use, Fire, Pain Depictions, Discussions around Racism

While this gave me a mixture of Caraval and Moulin Rouge vibes, I really enjoyed this novel! I loved the magical depictions, the setting, and the lushness of the world that Smith created. I connected with the characters immediately and loved the shenanigans, magic aspect, and the way that it resolved.

I loved the mystery element that highlighted the behind the scenes and the charm of learning about different elements as the story went on. I thought it was so well done and kept me guessing the whole time.

I laughed, I cried, I gasped. I genuinely had a good time reading this book!! And the cover is gorgeous on top of that.

In my opinion, this is what I wanted Caraval to be - a magical world with characters I could actually stand to be around and stakes high enough that made sense to me.