This followup to Coup de Couer deals with the aftermath of Lily Addington revealing her ultimate plan to come back to life, presumably to save Calix. Unfortunately, this did end up involve possessing Lawton, who, despite his mistakes, really doesn't deserve this fate. Meanwhile, Aubrey pulls on all his connections to help untie this problem, and Ethaniel deals with his heritage coming back to haunt him. All the while, the Golden Order attempts to reach through the boundaries of the manor to obtain the book and get into the Demimonde themselves.
Unfortunately, I didn't like this one as much as the first. I think that part of it was the setting: they were trapped in the manor basically the entire time, when part of what made the first one so alive was the setting, whereas this one was exclusively on the manor. It made the story feel less vibrant. Additionally, this felt almost like filler between the first and third book? It felt a little too much like nothing was happening. Like it either could have been condensed or like part of the third could have made it into this one or something. Don't get me wrong, it was very worth it, and I did enjoy it, but I am more excited than ever to get to the third book and see how all of this is resolved.

This is book 2 of the Oracle, Tailor, Curator series. Book one left us on a cliffhanger and now Calix's dead mother Lily has seemed to take up residence in Calix's old friend Lawton.

First of all Lily, MA'AM! You kept a lot of secrets from your poor child. The men do their best to untangle the mess that Lily has left while also dealing with Talbot (our old friend trapped in the book) and Ethaniel's scheming brother Vincent, whose bent on getting the book and Ethaniel.

While Calix is dealing with multiple betrayals from his mother and Lawton, Ethaniel is trying not to let his family's pull twoards dark magic overtake him all the while Aubrey is trying to help them both and keep things together while they try to discover the draw of the demimonde.

There is a lot happening in this story and a lot of twists and turns to keep up with. There were moments that I was confused as to what was going on. I really enjoy the bond that these three men have and them all working hard to protect each other. I enjoy the magical system of this world. The stakes are high in this book and it keeps going from start to finish.

And that cliffhanger at the end!!! Is book 3 ready yet?

I'm really enjoying this series and these characters and can't wait to read more.

Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Demimonde by Halli Starling is a gripping and atmospheric sequel in the Oracle, Tailor, Curator series, delivering a perfect blend of mystery, romance, and supernatural intrigue. Picking up where Coup de Coeur left off, this instalment deepens the stakes, unravels darker secrets, and explores the complex relationships between its characters, making it a must-read for fans of the series and newcomers alike.

The story finds Calix, Aubrey, Ethaniel, and Lawton seeking refuge in Rosehill, the ancestral home of Calix’s mother, Lily Addington. While the house is protected by powerful wards, it is also a place of haunting memories and buried secrets. As Calix grapples with his mother’s legacy and the true nature of his Oracle powers, Ethaniel is drawn to the mysterious demimonde, a realm between realms that holds a dangerous allure tied to his family’s dark history. Meanwhile, Aubrey struggles to hold the group together, battling his own demons while trying to protect those he loves from the looming threat of the Golden Order.

One of the standout features of Demimonde is its richly layered storytelling. Starling masterfully weaves together multiple plot threads, from Calix’s journey of self-discovery to Ethaniel’s fascination with the demimonde and Aubrey’s internal struggles. The tension between the characters’ personal arcs and the overarching threat of the Golden Order creates a narrative that is both intimate and epic in scope.

The characters continue to shine in this sequel, with their relationships and individual growth taking centre stage. Calix’s exploration of his mother’s past and his own identity adds emotional depth to the story, while Ethaniel’s connection to the demimonde introduces a tantalizing layer of mystery and danger. Aubrey’s role as the emotional anchor of the group is both heart-warming and heart-breaking, as he battles his own fears and insecurities to protect those he loves.

The world-building is equally impressive, with the demimonde serving as a fascinating and eerie new addition to the series’ supernatural landscape. The descriptions of Rosehill and its secrets are vivid and immersive, creating a sense of claustrophobia and intrigue that mirrors the characters’ emotional states. The Golden Order remains a formidable and enigmatic antagonist, adding a sense of urgency and danger to the narrative.

Thematically, Demimonde explores issues of identity, legacy, and the cost of power. The novel also delves into the complexities of love and loyalty, as the characters navigate their relationships and the challenges they face. These themes are woven seamlessly into the story, adding depth and resonance to the plot.

If there is a minor critique, it is that some readers may find the pacing a bit slow in places, particularly in the early chapters. However, this is a small quibble in an otherwise masterfully crafted novel.

Demimonde is a must-read for fans of supernatural romance and intricate fantasy storytelling. Halli Starling has created a sequel that deepens the stakes, expands the world, and delivers a story that is as emotionally satisfying as it is thrilling.

A gripping and atmospheric sequel, Demimonde is a brilliant second instalment in the Oracle, Tailor, Curator series that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next chapter.