Bridgerton fans and YA readers, this book is ideal for you.
Cleo, who is the MC, is given a talent in exchange for something wicked.
This is a world of talents, and this immediately creates tension.
Cleo has her own familial struggles too.
Here is the breakdown of my thoughts:
1. The mood, the opera references and the setting are cool.
2. The overall system did not appeal to me due to having many questions about the logic of it, but this is subjective and it might be appealing to others.
3. Unfortunately, the MC does not display much agency and its her POV.
4. 5 stars for the inclusive representation.
6. Some good themes.
7. The romance subplots did not get to me much.
8. The writing is mostly engaging.

The book was quite interesting. I liked that I encountered enough elements that reminded me of the Phantom from the opera and all the suspense hidden behind society. The worldbuilding was exceptional and the author has a special style of conquering the readers. Another special aspect was the love triangle. I really didn't expect something like that and it made me even more curious. The ending was the cherry on top of the cake, that kept me breathless. Thank You Netgalley for the chance of reading this book.

A unique, electric, fantasy romance. I loved Cleo and the various twists and turns with the plot. It is very reminiscent of Dangerous Liaisons, with a magical heart. Dahlia was so captivating and interesting and Nuriel was so noble. I hope to read more from this universe, because I greatly enjoyed it.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

The Kiss of the Nightingale was a surprisingly fun, fast-paced historical fantasy! I enjoyed the magical elements and thought it was an interesting play on the standard magic system.

I really liked Cleo as a main character and the queer twist was unexpected joy! The romance between Cleo and Dahlia kept me hooked and I always enjoy the drama of a good love triangle! I do wish we could have had more from the romance and been able to develop a deeper connection to the main love interests. I feel like that was a missing link, but I still liked the wider cast of characters and seeing Cleo navigate this new world.

The resolution was very quick and wasn’t as intense as I would have wanted. However, it still had a satisfying conclusion. Overall, I feel this story didn’t quite reach its full potential, but I still enjoyed this quick and easy read!

The plot;

Cleo lives a seemingly lonely and struggled life. Bound to her sister who is painfully unwell whilst struggling to afford food and medicine, she will do almost anything to find a way to cure her. When an attempted theft goes sour, Cleo is thrown into a world of Opera and power. Learning to navigate a lie whilst singing for people all over, she must decide whether love or wealth is more important.

Essentially, certain families have gems in the form of jewellery that allows the wearer to possess power which they can use to their benefit. I loved that!! It seems so original and really gave a magical element.

I didn’t love Cleo, I found her quite boring and timid with a lot of self doubt.

I wanted to love this ARC and truly, I did love the first few chapters but I wasn’t excited by the ending. I suppose it was the cover and blurb that truly enticed me and I don’t mind the odd YA from time to time either.

3.75 ⭐

“The Kiss of the Nightingale” is a ya fantasy romance standalone written by Adi Denner. An intriguing and dark book, embellished with bewitching, elegant and evocative prose. A novel that captivated me from the very premise (and also because of the gorgeous cover!) and in the end I enjoyed it a lot.

The story takes place in the seemingly glittering town of Lutèce, an alternative version of 19th-century Paris. A place dominated by the possession of magical gems, which bestow on their owners enchanted talents that include a huge variety of skills, such as sewing, singing, cooking, and more. These gems are passed from one generation to the next by the families who possess them, through blood magic, and are of enormous value since no new gems have been discovered in years. Those who possess a gem belong to the aristocracy, while those who do not possess them are called Talentless and destined for a more difficult life. I found this world building, the concept of gems and talents extremely interesting! Sure, I felt numerous gaps in the explanations, some things left me puzzled, but overall I found it really intriguing! The luxurious atmosphere between masquerade balls, opera performances, lavish estates and much more, won me over with its vivid and detailed descriptions!

The narration proceeds fast and briskly, amid deceptions, subterfuges, lies, secrets, manipulations, alliances, betrayals, attempted thefts, and much more. A captivating story that absorbed me completely, without moments of boredom or heaviness. I admit that I sensed several convenient situations, various plot holes and a general haste, besides having guessed the various plot twists in advance. In the end, however, it entertained me very much, so I am happy. 

The characters are perhaps the element that convinced me the least. I don't know, with the exception of Cleodora, the main character, they seemed a bit superficial, a bit detached, and this prevented me from fully bonding with them. The romance as a result suffered negatively and the love triangle didn't help. Basically, I'm not a fan of the love triangle, at least not unless it's really well developed, and in this case, unfortunately didn't satisfy me.

All in all, “The Kiss of the Nightingale” is a ya romantasy that, despite its flaws, I enjoyed a lot!

Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Overall I really liked this book. You get into the fast paced story very quick and all the plot twists and drama basically force you to not put the book away because all we really need is answers haha. The romance was done quite well and enemies to lovers is one of my favourite plots out there so it was a win! I wish it was a bit spicier but that's really just personal preference.

This book is classy and gives such a Bridgerton vibe. I really liked the unique magic system and how easy it was to get into. The characters are likeable and their challenges drive the story. It has so many interesting twists to the story that it keeps you reading and I am hoping that it is the start of a series! There were a few formatting issues with the kindle download, sentences were shifted down to the next line in the middle of a sentence but those are hopefully easy fixes which didn't detract from the story. I would have prefered a spicer scene to round out the enemies to lovers trope, but I will be recommending this book! 4.5 stars.

Oh my goodness. Have I found the new book of my heart? This had everything I love, all combined in one beautifully written book. I found this absolutely captivating from start to finish and had such a hard time putting it down - one morning, I nearly missed my train stop because I was so engrossed in the story! The Kiss of the Nightingale has the most delicious drama, yearning, and scheming. And a bisexual love triangle? An unexpected and so very welcome treat to this bi reviewer. The Kiss of the Nightingale made me nostalgic for my days studying classical voice - it reminded me of the most fun parts of opera. Cannot recommend this book enough - a far more detailed review is in the works for my blog. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in advance!

The Kiss of the Nightingale at Ali Denner
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 10 October 2024

Set in a city where gems bestow unique talents upon their owners through generations of blood magic, "The Kiss of the Nightingale" follows Cleodora's journey. Destined to inherit her father's tailoring talent, tragedy strikes when he unexpectedly passes away, taking his talent gem with him. With a sick sister to care for, Cleo is desperate for a solution. When offered a singing talent gem by Dahlia, she eagerly accepts, unaware of the strings attached. Tasked with stealing a talent gem from Vicomte Lenoir, Cleo's mission becomes complicated as she grows closer to him, questioning her allegiance to Dahlia.

This captivating tale explores Cleo's adjustment to her newfound talent while navigating the complex dynamics of the Opera house. As she forms new alliances and grapples with her loyalty to her sister, Cleo discovers the true extent of Dahlia's influence and the risks involved in defying her.

With its blend of action, romance, and betrayal, "The Kiss of the Nightingale" is a quick, thrilling read that immerses readers in a world of magic and intrigue.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Dialogue Books, and the author, Ali Denner, for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest and fair review.

Title: The Kiss of the Nightingale by Adi Denner

Release Date: October, 10th, 2024


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars

In "The Kiss of the Nightingale," set in an alternative historical Paris in 1890, Talents are prized gems bestowing extraordinary abilities. Cleodora dreams of inheriting her father's Tailoring Talent but is left with a struggling dress shop and a sick sister when he dies. Lady Dahlia offers Cleodora a Singing Talent, but she must steal an Elite Talent from the Lenoir family in return. As Cleodora becomes the city's nightingale, she finds herself torn between Dahlia and the enigmatic Vicomte Lenoir, risking everything for freedom and love.

"The Kiss of the Nightingale" takes readers on a captivating journey filled with romance, magic, and intrigue.

Cleo, embarks on a compelling adventure as she navigates her newfound Talent while confronting her past and familial obligations.

With its fast-paced plot brimming with action, romance, and betrayal, this story kept me hooked until the very end. The vibrant setting, especially the enchanting opera house scenes, immerses readers in the world of the story, while the meticulously crafted magic system enhances the alternate historical backdrop of France.

Music and fashion elements add depth to the narrative, reflecting the author's passion and attention to detail.

"The Kiss of the Nightingale" offers an enchanting and immersive reading experience that will captivate fans of fantasy and romance.


Thank you to The Publisher Dialogue Books | Renegade Books ,The Author Adi Denner & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.