The Sphere commands my attention. Its tiny specks—names—etched on its surface seem to gleam angrily. Blackened matter crashes against its glassy surface, ferocious and thrashing as if it intends to claw its way out. I bite down knowingly. That's how my toushana feels."
HOUSE OF MARIONNE was one of my most-anticipated reads of the summer, and I was thrilled when I found the first few chapters riveting. While I ultimately enjoyed the book, I walked away wanting more from it.
There were a couple of scenes at the beginning of the book that were dark and action-packed, but after that, it seemed like the Order was on the outskirts of the story rather than a central plot point. Also, I felt that it read more middle grade than young adult. There is absolutely nothing wrong with middle grade, and based upon some of the violence, the I feel that the book is appropriately marketed. My biggest issue was the lack of depth to the characters. Quell's motivations for wanting to succeed at Chateau Soleil were clear, but I felt as though she was written in a manner that made her feel more like a pawn on a chessboard than a heroine in YA novel.
This is not to say that the book was without merit. I appreciated the commentary on privilege and the way that it's used. I also loved the opulent world of ballgowns and glittering tiaras. I will definitely be checking out the next installment in the series because of that ending, and I'm hoping that there will be a deeper dive into the Order, the magic system, and Quell as a whole. Thank you again to Penguin Teen and BookishFirst for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review!
HOUSE OF MARIONNE was one of my most-anticipated reads of the summer, and I was thrilled when I found the first few chapters riveting. While I ultimately enjoyed the book, I walked away wanting more from it.
There were a couple of scenes at the beginning of the book that were dark and action-packed, but after that, it seemed like the Order was on the outskirts of the story rather than a central plot point. Also, I felt that it read more middle grade than young adult. There is absolutely nothing wrong with middle grade, and based upon some of the violence, the I feel that the book is appropriately marketed. My biggest issue was the lack of depth to the characters. Quell's motivations for wanting to succeed at Chateau Soleil were clear, but I felt as though she was written in a manner that made her feel more like a pawn on a chessboard than a heroine in YA novel.
This is not to say that the book was without merit. I appreciated the commentary on privilege and the way that it's used. I also loved the opulent world of ballgowns and glittering tiaras. I will definitely be checking out the next installment in the series because of that ending, and I'm hoping that there will be a deeper dive into the Order, the magic system, and Quell as a whole. Thank you again to Penguin Teen and BookishFirst for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review!