About the Book
-
Author:
- E.M. Castellan
Cover Story: Spacey
BFF Charm: Yay
Talky Talk: Historical Fantasy
Bonus Factors: Magic, Versailles
Relationship Status: Friends
Red alert! Under a Starlit Sky is the second book in the In the Shadow of the Sun series. If you have not read the previous book in this series (In the Shadow of the Sun), man your battle stations turn away now, as there might be spoilers in this review. If you’re caught up, however, feel free to continue below.
Cover Story: Spacey
Much like the cover of the first book in this series, this cover continues to give me “I’ve taken mushrooms and the world is sparkling” vibes. (Full disclosure: I’ve never taken mushrooms and doubt they all make the user feel like this, but go with me on this.)
The Deal:
After foiling the magical plot to undermine Louis XIV, the Sun King of France, Henriette was hoping for a little downtime to spend with her family and friends. But someone has other plans, and when spells start to go missing—and seemingly no one remembers but Henriette—she must work to figure out what’s happening and if the new plot is even more dangerous than the last.
BFF Charm: Yay
Although I really loved Henriette in the first book, in this sequel she was somewhat diminished. Her chronic illness overshadowed a lot of the action—a very realistic element—and the people around her pushed her to rest and recuperate far more than she actually needed. I sympathized with her frustration in being coddled; it wasn’t really her fault that she didn’t have as much personality in this book, but I wanted more of the feisty, unique young woman I met before.
Swoonworthy Scale: 2
Henriette spends much of this book trying to win back the attention of her notoriously flighty husband, Philippe, who revels in his ability, as a prince, to have affairs without repercussion. I feel SO bad for Henriette, who isn’t as able to have an open relationship and so has to just deal with the fact that Philippe has lovers. He loves her and she loves him, sure, but he’s so damaged that he constantly has to find affection outside of their relationship, even though Henriette is there to give 100%.
(No slight to folks with open relationships, of course, but I so strongly believe that any relationship situation should be equitable, and this one is absolutely not.)
Talky Talk: Historical Fantasy
In Under a Starlit Sky, Castellan once again crafted a great mix of historical accuracy and fictional elements to create a book that could have easily been true (sadly minus the actual magic bits). The action didn’t quite engage as well as the first book, however; there didn’t seem to be as much at stake, nor was the villain fleshed out enough to give a true sense of foreboding. I’m glad I got the chance to revisit magical 1660’s France and Henriette, but I wanted a whole lot more from the actual plot.
Bonus Factor: Magic
The magic in Under a Starlit Sky continues to impress. It’s all very showy and fleeting, and Louis uses it for his own gain—his court is continually impressed by extravagance—but there’s an inherent, well, magic about it all. I know I’d be as captivated by it as all those vapid nobles are.
Bonus Factor: Versailles
The palace at Versailles is a shining architectural star and one of the most famous historical locations in all of France. I’ve never been, but I’ve seen photos—and it does not disappoint. I loved reading about it as it was created (in this case, by magic) and grew from a simple hunting lodge. It was also fun to read about the various events that could have actually taken place there since all we modern folk know it as is a museum.
Relationship Status: Friends
I had hope in our previous meeting, Book, that this would turn into something more than just a friendly encounter. Unfortunately, the chemistry just isn’t there. You’re great, but I think we’re better off looking elsewhere for that spark.
Literary Matchmaking
For more magical historical France, try Gita Trelease’s All That Glitters (previously Enchantée).
For more courtly intrigue, but this time through the eyes of a morally grey (but no less awesome) MC, read The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller.
And if you just want to visit France for the swoon, try Steph Perkins’s Anna and the French Kiss.
FTC Full Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Feiwel & Friends, but got neither a private dance party with Tom Hiddleston nor money in exchange for this review. Under a Starlit Sky is available now.
