I never truly understood the word spellbinding until I read this story. The plot was woven so tight that it’s twists and turns just flowed into a beautiful tapestry of mystery, magic and erotica. ~ Afrodyt, Guilty Pleasures
Description:
Possession. Power. Passion. New York Times bestselling novelist M. J. Rose creates her most provocative and magical spellbinder yet in this gothic novel set against the lavish spectacle of 1890s Belle Époque Paris.
Sandrine Salome flees New York for her grandmother’s Paris mansion to escape her dangerous husband, but what she finds there is even more menacing. The house, famous for its lavish art collection and elegant salons, is mysteriously closed up. Although her grandmother insists it’s dangerous for Sandrine to visit, she defies her and meets Julien Duplessi, a mesmerizing young architect. Together they explore the hidden night world of Paris, the forbidden occult underground and Sandrine’s deepest desires.
Among the bohemians and the demi-monde, Sandrine discovers her erotic nature as a lover and painter. Then darker influences threaten—her cold and cruel husband is tracking her down and something sinister is taking hold, changing Sandrine, altering her. She’s become possessed by La Lune: A witch, a legend, and a sixteenth-century courtesan, who opens up her life to a darkness that may become a gift or a curse.
This is Sandrine’s “wild night of the soul,” her odyssey in the magnificent city of Paris, of art, love, and witchery.
This book is set in 19th century Paris and when I first read the description I was concerned that it would be too heavy, that maybe an antiquated vernacular would distract from the story, which has sometimes been my experience with historical novels. I’m so glad to report that this story is written in a tone and voice that is appropriate for the time period but also relatable for modern times. It is also absolutely magical.
Sandrine Salome has fled to Paris from New York after the tragic death of her father. She leaves behind a loveless marriage to go live with her grandmother who happens to be a famed courtesan who lives in the family home, an opulent mansion called Maison de la Lune. The mansion is rich with history and mystery but also has dark energies that can be felt.
Julian Duplessi is an architect who gets caught up in the supernatural web surrounding Sandrine. He’s a pragmatist and doesn’t believe in all the hocus locus that seems to be all the rage with his peers in Paris. Even though he is betrothed to another, be is drawn to Sandrine and carries on an elicit affair with her, which also seems to be a trend of that culture.
The author weaves a spell around me from the very beginning raising more questions than answers about the history of Sandrine’s family and the secret her Grand-mere is keeping from her. I never truly understood the word spellbinding until I read this story. The plot was woven so tight that it’s twists and turns just flowed into a beautiful tapestry of mystery, magic and erotica.
M.J. Rose really did her research and this story has an air of authenticity to it that has the effect of making it extra creepy in some spots. Because I personally have an interest in mystical and esoteric knowledge, I rather enjoyed those elements. I would, however, caution those that do not share those same interests to take a pass on this story.
4.5 stars
Sounds pretty good…Thanks for sharing your thoughts Afrodyt