A brilliant fantasy set in the French Revolution which is one of my favourite periods. It features Henri, who bonds with a gargoyle, and he is helped by Mirabeau who was an important person in the Revolution. I loved the story and the characters and I would give more than five stars if it was possible.

I recently read Greg Walters first book in the Alaburg series and was impressed with his fantasy building. The Gargoyles of Notre Dame is another example of his skill in building a fantasy community and filling it with amazing characters. Set during the time of unrest in France, Walters has combined the mystic of the gargoyles with the magic of the era. Another great read by an author I didn't know much about.

Great read. Very vivid. Plot held my attention. The characters were memorable and likeable. Loved the setting and time period

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

I found this book under the read now tab on NetGalley and I’m so glad I decided to download it.

The book takes place during the eve of the French Revolution and culminates in the storming of the Bastille. The author does a fantastic job of blending history and fantasy among the stunning settings of Notre-Dame, Versailles, and Paris.

Henri is a stonemason’s apprentice, who while working on the cathedral manages to interrupt an age old tradition in which the son of a nobleman is legitimized by bonding with a gargoyle. Instead, Henri is bonded with a gargoyle, which had been previously unheard of, especially as he is a member of the Third Estate. On the run for his life, he and his gargoyle flee Notre Dame, only to end up under the wing of a kind nobleman who harbors revolutionary tendencies.

Catia, a young baroness, is the daughter of a knight. Growing up in a village away from Paris, she is disillusioned when her father is murdered in front of her. She flees her home with only the clothes on her body and makes her way to Paris with the help of an older courtesan who desires to return to the court’s favor. Throughought her stay in Paris, Catia is exposed to the revolution and its ideals, and begins to believe that a change is certainly overdue.

This seems to be the first book in a series and I can’t wait to read more! I definitely recommend it for fans of historical fiction and historical fantasy.

Thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for a review.

From the very first page, The Gargoyles of Notre Dame captivated me and kept me eagerly turning the pages. The story is fast-paced and engaging, striking a perfect balance between suspense and excitement.

Greg Walters masterfully blends historical fiction with fantasy, creating an immersive world that brings Notre Dame and its mysteries to life. The prose flows beautifully, enhanced by delightful rhymes that add a unique charm to the narrative. The writing kept me at the edge of my seat, heightening the tension and intrigue.

The characters are both poignant and relatable, making it easy to connect with their struggles and triumphs. Their depth adds emotional weight to the story, making it even more compelling. The fusion of history and fantasy is seamless, making this an unforgettable read.

I highly recommend The Gargoyles of Notre Dame to fans of historical fantasy, gripping storytelling, and richly atmospheric settings.

I appreciate NetGalley and Book Whisperer for the opportunity to read this early copy!

The Gargoyles of Notre Dame by Greg Walters

Action-packed fantasy with magical elements and gargoyles that is set in Paris just before the French Revolution. I had the feeling it would make a good book for perhaps youth or young adults. The plot, pacing, setting and writing were excellent.

The two main characters are 15-year-old Catia, daughter of a noble, and 22-year-old Henri, a stonemason apprentice. The book is told from their viewpoints and flips between the two unless they are together. Nyron, the gargoyle that bonds and binds with Henri, also plays a big part in the story as he communicates with Henri in rhyme. The bond between Nyron and Henri is strong and they support one another and at times save one another’s lives.

The times are tense and much like what I imagine the time prior to the French Revolution might have been. Both main characters suffered losses, but they also grew and learned as the story progressed. I wonder if there will be a sequel.

I can see this book being made into a movie and now wonder who might be cast in the roles of Henri and Catia.

Thank you to NetGalley and Book Whisperer for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

A story with a difference, linking history with a tale of living Gargoyles. I liked the way Henri was introduced and became embroiled with a gargoyle, and also enjoyed the humour which developed between them. An exciting storyline with great characters. I would definitely like to read more.

I enjoyed this book and am sharing the review I posted to GoodReads. Big fan of historical fiction and appreciated the new spin on a familiar story with the French Revolution timeline.

I really liked the idea of "The Gargoyles of Notre Dame" but the execution fell somewhat flat for me: the characters didn't get a lot of development and the dialogue felt a lot to modern for the time the novel is set in.

I don't read many stories about Gargoyles, but I may start. This is an exciting tale about the French revolution told from the points of view of both the upper and lower classes where both see the need for change. I enjoyed the factual background and the magical elements. I most enjoyed Nyron. Although not expressly noted that he is a youngster, his antics and means of communication were funny and added a lighter element to what is a dark and dangerous tale. I have to give thanks to Shaun Loftus of Book Whisperer for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. I was quickly swept up into the beginning of the revolution - learning some history while becoming engrossed in the magic. I can't wait for the next book in the series!

This was a love letter to Notre Dams and I loved it too! The atmosphere was just like being at the cathedral. Anything with gargoyles, I’m totally there!

I first want to say a huge thank you to Net Galley and Greg Walters to allowing me to not only receive this ARC, but to also give us such an amazing story!

I am a very big fan of historical fiction, and adding fantastical elements into the mix only heightens my adoration.

This book was a love letter to Notre Dame, and somewhat mirrored a classic which we (myself including) all know and love while being an individually strong story well written on its own!

This story kept me engaged throughout the entire plot, and while being beautifully written it also tells a compelling story full of anguish and the complexities of the French Revolution.

I cannot wait to see what else is in store!!

Love a science fiction/fantasy book with a gripping plot, and amazing likeable characters! This did not disappoint! I loved the way the plot flowed, the characters grew, and how I couldn't put this down!

Thanks to Net Galley I was able to read the book. I absolutely loved it. This story takes place during the start of the French Revolution. Keeping with this history, the gargoyles of Notre Dame play a role in the story. The main male character is a commoner who accidently bonds with a gargoyle. The main female character is a noble who wants change. Because of events, the female noble finds herself alone and on the road to Paris. The story is told from two view points. These are the views of both the main characters. I cannot wait to find out what happens after the events in this book.

I absolutely LOVE when real History and fantasy literature collide resulting in a very good reading piece. This book, the first one of a trilogy, Is a good example of an historical fantasy series.

Since I'm a huge fan of Gargoyles, gothic architecture and Notre Dame, this book's cover and title immediately captivated me.

Henri and Catia's stories are similar and yet different: the boy is a low class stonemason that's finally living his dream but, due to some envious boy's horrible actions, becomes a wanted criminal on the run; Catia's a noblewoman by birth but her family lost money, power and influence, and in a single day her entire world shatters before her eyes and she runs away looking for a way to survive.

I loved the setting of the story: it surely is charming to see the French Revolution touched by a gleam of magic and fantasy. I loved the idea of Notre Dame's Gargoyles being animated creature with a lifetime bond with one human each. Nyron, Henri's Gargoyle, is probably my favourite character; he's hilarious (he only talks in rhymes and I would love to see this book translated in my language only to read his rhymes in italian), clever, loyal and adorable.

One of the things I liked more about this book is the message that the story conveys: not all nobles were bad people (Count of Mirabeau is one great example) and not all the lower class' people were good. Everyone has their own reasons and their own way of thinking, their point of view based on their personal experiences.

Another interesting character is Mademoiselle de Morphy; I don't like her, but at the same time I also don't despise her. She's trying her best to gain power and influence to have a better life since she's not a noblewoman by birth.

I also liked the fact that this book is divided in three parts and each one of them takes her title from the famous French motto "Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité".

"The Gargoyles of Notre Dame" by Greg Walters seamlessly intertwines historical events with elements of fantasy, offering a fresh perspective on the eve of the French Revolution. The novel is set against iconic backdrops such as Notre-Dame, Versailles, and Paris--it will definitely transport its readers to the heart of France. Personally, I am a fantasy reader trying to venture into history or other genres, and this book was definitely a fit!

It was historical - but not dry. The characters truly make it - particularly Catia, a young baroness whose life is upended following her father's murder. Her flight to Paris, aided by a seasoned courtesan seeking to reclaim her status, exposes Catia to the burgeoning revolutionary ideals. Through her eyes, readers witness the transformative power of these principles and the personal awakenings they inspire.​

This author excels in blending history with fantasy. The depiction of the gargoyles as mystical entities bound by ancient magic adds depth to the narrative. The author's meticulous research is evident, painting a vivid picture of 18th-century France that does not feel as though one is reading a history lesson.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to venture across genres into historical literature!