This was unfortunately a DNF at 19% for me. Adi Denner is clearly talented at world building and descriptive language as I felt myself transported to her version of Belle Epoche France. However, while I enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of gowns and locations I felt that it was taking too long for anything to happen plot wise which is why I chose not to continue with the book.

Well written with unique magic system. I noted a lot of Phantom of the Opera references and I believe they were well done. The story really focuses on learning to love yourself and embrace your own unique talents. A little darker than expected but in a good way! It took me a little bit of time to get into it but the last half of the book flowed very nicely. I found this to be a very interesting read!

First off, the cover of this book is hands down, one of the most beautiful that I have seen!

Are you into Love Triangles no problem, How about historical fiction with an interesting magic system? High stakes and organized crime.....CHECK!

This book gave very seductive, regency, Bridgerton vibes. It had a slow start for me and I almost DNF'd it, BOY I WOULD HAVE MISSED OUT IF I HAD! This book grabbed me and wouldn't let go.

The world-building, the magic system, oh my goodness. I felt like I was in the dress shop with Cleodora, and could see the beautiful Lutece Opera balls. I was pulled into this story with all of my senses, this is the kind of book that you look for in a 5-star read in my opinion.

I will be purchasing a physical copy of this book. I believe that holding the book in my hand and reading it will only heighten the experience. The Kiss Of The Nightingale is an experience! This is my first time reading from Adi Denner, it will not be my last!

GO OUT AND GET THIS BOOK!!

Thank you Netgalley, Penguin Random House Canada | Tundra Books, and Adi Denner for the ARC of this beautiful book. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

The Kiss of the Nightingale by Adi Denner isa fantastic romantasy novel set in an alternative historical Paris, The Kiss of the Nightingale weaves together the seduction of Bridgerton and the magic of Leigh Bardugo's Shadow and Bone series.

The writing kept my attention from start to finish.
I thought the world-building was fantastic and really intriguing.
Hooked from the beginning. Intrigued and surprised!
Thought I had some points figured out that had me utterly surprised.

Thank You NetGalley and Tundra Books for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

In The Kiss of the Nightingale, Adi Denner has created an opulent world of theater and magic. Rare gems bestow Talents, which beget power and riches. When we meet Cleodora she has lost both her parents, her sister is gravely ill and they are struggling to make ends meet. And so Cleo makes a dangerous deal to save her sister. She will have to lie. She will have to steal. But the ends justify the means, don't they? 

YA Romantasy, a love triangle, organized crime, high stakes, classicism, friends and foes, this book has a lot to offer!

The book is dripping with creativity. I truly loved the setting, the magic system and even the setup of how Cleo ends up working for Dahlia. But the book dragged on for me. I spent a week trying to make it through the first 60%. I grew frustrated with Cleo's choices. And so, the enthusiasm I had from the strong start waned at some point. For that reason, I landed at 3 stars.

Well written story of a FMC who will do anything for her sister and an irresistible proposal . Dangerous and alluring heist-style historical fantasy in a society with a unique magic system, a target, and a seductress with FMF love triangle. I loved the ornate beauty of the world and the time.
The question is: Did she find a savior or sell her soul to the devil?

The Kiss of the Nightingale by Adi Denner is very much a teen novel, but with a cool magic system and intriguing plot. This one gets 3⭐️ from me.

Cleo is a taylor, and has trained for it all her life - but when she was set to inherit her father's magical Talent for tailoring, he died before passing it to her. As a Talentless, she struggles to keep her family business afloat and treat her sister's illness - so one day she desperately follows a wealthy lady home and attempts to rob her. Cleo is caught - but not by the owner of the gem she didn't realise was a rare opera singing Talent, but by a mysterious character she knows as Dahlia. Dahlia gives Cleo a chance to save her sister - all she has to do is pretend to be the new inheritor of the singing Talent, and use her position to help steal the Talents of the rich. Cleo has to learn to use her new Talent, keep her origins hidden, and try to steal the intriguing Vicomte's Talent - and the clock is ticking.

There were elements of this book I really, really liked. The magic system of magical Talent stored in gems that could be passed between people using blood - this was incredibly cool and very imaginative, and had a lot to say then about inherited positions in society and expectations versus passions. The action also proceeded fairly quickly, and the pace stayed fairly quick throughout which helped keep attention well.

However, I found Cleo as a character quite difficult to root for, which did affect my enjoyment. She is constantly lamenting her situation, and getting frustrated or angry with other people, but doesn't actually try very hard. Even on of the minor characters comments on it. She feels very spoiled, even though we know she's not - maybe it's just bitterness? Either way hard to root for.

Cleo is also pretty immature, which might fly better with a teen audience - but I did notice that all of her character development and decision making stems from other characters around her, rather than her gaining her own agency. All in all, not my favourite protagonist.

The opera theatre setting is really vibrant, and as someone who likes the opera I enjoyed that aspect a lot. It was just a shame Cleo knew so little and didn't seem to absorb much of her lessons in music - but I appreciate this was forced on her. But either more time spent here, or more time spent on her love of tailoring was needed to show where her true interests really lay.

Cleo's relationship with Dahlia was really toxic, and gave me the ick. Now obviously she's an antagonist, and I have some other theories that seemed to be supported by the text as to what was going on there, but Cleo's really intense physical desire for her and emotional draw that overrode her other wants was disturbing. I think this was painted negatively enough, but I didn't enjoy reading it.

The Vicomte in contrasted started as a really interesting character and I could see the dnamic Denner was going for - but he seemed to switch and become much flatter of a character with unclear motivations later in the story.

Overall, this is a quick paced story with a cool premise and vibrant setting, let down a bit by the characterisation - but one a teen might enjoy purely for the plot and setting.

This book is for you if like French/Italian culture, opera, deception and magic, and enjoyed City of Masks by Mary Hoffman, House of Beating Wings by Olivia Wildenstein, or The Phantom of the Opera.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher (Penguin Random House Canada) for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review - the current release date at the time of writing is TODAY, 1st October 2024.

4/5 Stars
It took some time for it to build up but wow did it pick up. I really loved the magic jewelry concept, I find it so unique and well done. I also fine it very nice and refreshing to read a YA romantasy with characters that aren't 15, but still not spice focused.
This is an enjoyable, bisexual love triangle, fantasy, with good characters and decent pacing.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a little slow to start. HOWEVER. I felt the plot was interesting and kept me on my toes. There was a lot of twist I didn’t see coming. I felt the love triangle in a way was interesting and was definitely rooting for a certain pair of green eyes. 😉 I really loved the ending as well and I thought it had a good message behind it all. I thought the magic aspect was interesting and definitely put a different take on it. Overall I really enjoyed the book! I can’t thank Netgalley enough for allowing me to read this as an Arc.

eARC Review: The Kiss of the Nightingale by Adi Denner 🎭

I’m not sure if this was meant to be a book that was supposed to have large amounts of Phantom of the Opera (never watched the musical nor read the book) elements or not, but it felt like it had the idea of it while reading. I honestly found myself sadly bored here and there by the plot and rather frustrated with the characters at times that it really accumulated into an odd reading experience. 🫤

The story is set in a fantasy 1890’s Paris where people are able to control Talents: gems that have been fed blood to keep specific traits or abilities of people that can then be passed on to others. I wish we could’ve gotten a little more background on whether or not specific Talents have special gems assigned to them or not and how one goes bout identifying what Talent a person has. 💎

The story follows Cleodora who is a modiste that is desperate for money to save her sick sister. Her introduction was well done at the beginnng but towards the middle part, she just kind of petered off in character development. Cleo just assumes the Talent she is given will magically make her a perfect opera singer while doing no work at all and that kind of annoyed me since she’s supposed to use that as a flawless front to her given mission. I also didn’t particularly enjoy the relationship she has with her sister. At first, Anaella seems to be used as an excuse and moral compass for Cleo, but at the same time Anaella fails to see what her sister has suffered through in the first place and expects all to go back to normal. 😐

The love interests are also rather odd. Dahlia is presented as a femme fatale like figure with a hidden emotional side, but Cleo fails time and time again to realize that she’s been manipulated into loving her. Also, it’s never really explained what Dahlia’s Talent is in the first place: manipulation, seduction, stealth. . . Which is it?? 🫨

And Nufiel comes off as an ass for a good portion of the book but then suddenly has a change of heart? It felt rather abrupt this change of character for him and I’m also confused as to why he refuses to use his mathematical Talent for the side gig he deeply loves. 😕

All in all, it just left me with a really confused feeling the entire read because the concept was there, but the execution of it just left me feeling like it could’ve been done better.

Thank you goes out to Tundra Books and NetGalley for accepting my request to read this in exchange for an honest review. I wish I had a better time with it. 😔

Publication date: October 1

Overall: 2.5/5 ⭐️

first off the cover is beautiful i got bridgerton phantom of the opera vibes and im sooo here for it.
the story itself is beautifully written and i really liked cleodora 🩵

The unique magic system is what piqued my interest when I read the description for this book on NetGalley. The idea that gems can be imbued with magic that will heighten different types of talents in people, then be passed down through generations. It was something I've never heard of!

Although I was in love with the idea of Talents, it quickly took a backseat to Cleo and her story. To be a girl that wants to do everything to help set up her and her sister for a better life. But to then experience the reality of hard decisions. I did not expect to be so consumed by Cleo’s feelings.

I started this book wanting to hold and protect Cleo, to give her advice to make better decisions going forward. Then I turned into a proud parent as she lays everything on the line to fix her story and change the narrative for others. The ending was a beautiful way to experience the closing out of Cleo’s story.

I'm honestly so thankful I took a chance on a cool description and a gorgeous cover because as a reader I feel lighter and happier after finishing this book!

When cleodoras sister is sick she makes a deal to get a talent if she helps steal .ore talents.
I thought it was kind of a phantom of the opera retelling

The Kiss of the Nightingale is a standalone romantasy with sapphic Phantom of the Opera vibes. (3.5 stars)

Cleo didn’t inherit her sewing talent infused family jewel, leaving her and her orphaned sister penniless in a struggling dress shop. When caught attempting theft? Cleo is thrown into the underworld of a criminal mastermind. In exchange for her thieving services, Cleo will be blessed with a singing talent gem, and become a successful opera singer. But such a wonderful rags to riches story always has its consequences - will
Cleo be able to face hers?

Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley for an advanced electronic copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book gives major Bridgerton and Red Queen vibes!

Before I give my review, I’d like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this wonderful ARC!

Synopsis: Cleodora Finley, a nineteen-year-old girl trying to provide for her sickly sister, will do anything to change her life. She stumbles upon a gem that will change her life in a very unexpected way. She is caught up in a love triangle, betrayals, regrets, and homesickness.

4.7 ⭐️
This book is magnificent! It’s so magical and unique, with excellent world-building and characters. I love that Cleodora was driven to questionable morals all for the sake of Anaella. In the end, she did it to keep her sister safe and to let her thrive among the elites.

Vicomte Lenoir is my favorite character in the book. He is a very complex character who seems to only have eyes for Cleo. I only wish they had more interactions with each other. He seems perfect for her, with his talent complementing Cleo’s ability to sow. He is guaranteed to be the new favorite book boyfriend of the year!

“We are quite the pair, aren’t we?” - Vicomte Lenoir

Dahlia Sibille is a very manipulative character that had a special place in her heart for Cleodora. She was protective and showed Cleo a side of herself she never showed anyone else. She played with her heartstrings and used her against her own morals. Cleo would do anything to please Dahlia, even as far as killing for her. She would lose sense of right and wrong when she was with her. Perhaps I don’t remember, but I wonder what Dahlia’s talent was and if she used it against Cleo.

I love all the friends she made along the way, such as Madame, Lirone, Renée, and José. I always love books that include masquerades, love triangles, plot twists, and false identities. This book is perfect for any Shadow and Bone, Powerless, and Heartless fans! It’s a very fast-paced book, and is guaranteed to get you out of a book slump!

Thank you Netgalley and Tundra Books for the chance to read an advanced copy of The kiss of the Nightingale by Adi Denner. The premise and the cover is what drew me to request this book, and it didn't fail me! It is a YA fantasy romance that has Phantom of the Opera vibes and a unique magical twist of artistic talents being imbued into gems, that can be transferred to other people. This standalone novel kept me interested to the end, although I did find some of the characters a bit two dimensional.

Honestly this book in the beginning has a lot of build up. It was a little hard to get through at first but holy moly did it pick up! It was a very unique read with thr concept of magic gems and jewelry. Havent read a book like this. Wraps up quite nicely at the end. Interesting enemies to lovers to enemies to a different enemy almost to lover to enemy for raging sure, to lovers. I liked the main character after about halfway through the book, she was a bit woe is me look at how unfortunate my life is, but then it got bettet and I really liked the ending.

-Phanotom of the Opera Vibes
-Love Triangle
-Fashion
-Romance

I knew I would love this book from the moment I saw the cover. My first thought was Phantom of the Opera vibes (which I love). I truly appreciated the historical romance aspect of this book along with the attention to detail on the fashion description. The world build was easy to follow along with which I needed after some of my more recent reads. This book took me through all the emotions the character was feeling and it was easy to get sucked in and not be able to put it down. The emotional intensity of the love triangle between Cleo, Dahlia and Nuriel was chef's kiss! I felt this underlying danger and urgency while reading the book and I ate it up! I would defineately recommend reading this book!!! Thank you Adi Denner and NetGalley for allowing me to read a ARC copy of this book! I truly enjoyed it!

The Kiss of the Nightingale is an enchanting story set in 1800s France with vibes similar to Bridgerton and Phantom of the Opera. The biggest fantasy aspect of this world is the Talents which give people exceptional abilities. The main character accepts a deal to help her sister and ends up with the Talent of singing. This concept is really cool and I loved how opulent and rich the setting felt. However, nothing really happened. For most of the book, the main character is going back and forth to the singing lessons. She hardly interacts with the two love interests and when the romantic scenes happen I was questioning if I missed something because there wasn’t nearly enough build up. If this had a few more entertaining plot points and more believable romance, this would’ve been a hit for me. I didn’t hate it, but didn’t particularly love anything about it so I’m giving this a solid 3 stars.

Interesting premise. the book was a little slow moving and it took a bit to get into. but by half way through the book I was hooked finially and wanted to know the outcome. all and all I enjoyed the book and found the story and characters well written.