Review: Revelle by Lyssa Mia Smith

*I received an advance reading copy of this book from HarperCollins Canada in exchange for an honest review.

Revelle

by Lyssa Mia Smith

February 14, 2023

Goodreads 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.

Review

Revelle really surprised me. I expected to enjoy the story but I ended up loving the characters. They were an excellent bunch and very much made the story for me.

Revelle made my heart pound. The unique jewel magic brought thrills like no other. I was eager to learn how it worked. The central mystery was twisty and suspenseful. I was surprised time and time again. Every moment in Revelle was intense. I was in awe of the characters as sacrifices were made to avert one crisis after another.

Luxe's love for her big family was unparalleled. They were everything to her. While Luxe had a falling out with her cousins it was obvious they never stopped caring for one another. They stood together. Luxe and Jamison's love story paled in comparison. I never got the sense they shared enough with each other to develop such strong feelings. A lot of their time together felt insta-lovey.

I adored the friendship between Jamison, Roger and Trysta. Not only did they look out for one another, they stuck together through thick and thin. These three, unrelated and very different people, is friendship goal.

Full of passion and dangers, Revelle thoroughly enchanted me. The island of Charmant may not be a friendly place but it's a world I'd love to visit just to witness the magic first hand ;)

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not affected in any way. Any quotes included in my review were taken from the copy I received.