Dark, unsettling horror in the world of ballet
Laure Mesny is a student at a prestigious ballet school in Paris, relentlessly pushing herself to the point of being bruised and bloody, aiming for a coveted spot as an apprentice in the Paris Ballet Company. No matter how much effort she makes, her fellow students and teachers constantly dismiss her because of her race and upbringing. Worn down by their prejudice and angry about being overlooked and powerless, she makes a bargain with a mysterious being in a bloody river deep in the catacombs.
Suddenly she has unprecedented control and influence and becomes unable to resist using her newfound power to advance her career, hurting those who stand in her way. The story follows Laure's transition from being a victim of monstrous treatment to becoming a monster herself.
This unique debut horror novel is creepy, unsettling and deliciously dark. The story explores themes of racism, privilege, nepotism, entitlement and power. The setting was atmospheric and vivid, alternating between the beautiful Palais Garnier and the gloomy depths of the Paris catacombs.
The writing skillfully weaves fantasy, horror and real-world elements creating a compelling, haunting, tense and exciting story. I could not stop reading and am thrilled to hear there will be a sequel.
Suddenly she has unprecedented control and influence and becomes unable to resist using her newfound power to advance her career, hurting those who stand in her way. The story follows Laure's transition from being a victim of monstrous treatment to becoming a monster herself.
This unique debut horror novel is creepy, unsettling and deliciously dark. The story explores themes of racism, privilege, nepotism, entitlement and power. The setting was atmospheric and vivid, alternating between the beautiful Palais Garnier and the gloomy depths of the Paris catacombs.
The writing skillfully weaves fantasy, horror and real-world elements creating a compelling, haunting, tense and exciting story. I could not stop reading and am thrilled to hear there will be a sequel.