**Disclaimer: I was given a free e-book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher.**
Title Disenchanted
Author Brianna Sugalski
Release Date March 10, 2020
Description from Amazon
A Breton princess at the peak of the French Renaissance, Lilac lives prisoner in her parents’ castle after a wicked secret is revealed on the eve of her tenth birthday soirée. Years later, her coronation ceremony looms, and between the riotous townsfolk and scheming nobleman bent on snatching the throne, Lilac prepares for the worst… Until a mysterious letter arrives from The Witch of Lupine Grotto, detailing a curious offer to cure her darkness forever.
Lilac begrudgingly trades her coronet for a cloak and ventures into the forest Brocéliande in pursuit of the impious enchantress at the edge of town. With only the protection of an inherited dagger—and unsolicited help of the gregarious stranger who inserts himself on her quest—she must traverse Brocèliande and return in time to claim her rightful position as sovereign monarch.
This is the story of a cursed princess,
A crestfallen killer,
The town that wants them to burn,
And the witch that can save them both.
Initial Thoughts
I saw that Parliament Press was looking for ARC readers for their Spring / Summer titles so I decided to apply. Disenchanted was one of the choices and it sounded right up my alley. I’m so glad I was chosen.
Some Things I Liked
- History mixed with fantasy. I loved that English and French history were woven into the fantasy setting and storyline. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and I always like to see the interesting ways authors bend history to fit with the magical or fictional elements of their stories.
- Bastion. Can I please have a spin-off just about Garin’s broody brother? He was easily my favorite side character and I’d love to see more of him. He’s a total pain and wants to murder everyone who isn’t a vampire (and some who are vampires), but he’s fiercely loyal to Garin and I want him to be featured again in future sequels.
- Big themes. In addition to loving historical references in fantasy books, I also love to see big issues featured in unique ways. I thought the way the author used the various Darkling species and their mistreatment by humans was a well executed metaphor for issues we see in society today.
- The romance. I liked it a lot. I thought the slow burn was well done as well as the fact that it wasn’t so slow that I abandoned the ship (yes, that happens to me sometimes. I totally give up on the main couple because everything is moving too slowly.) But, fear not, this didn’t happen here. I’m 100% on board with Lilac and Garin.
Series Value
I liked the conclusion we got in Disenchanted. However, I think there is a lot more the author could do with this world. There are many unanswered questions as well as many characters with unclear motivations. I’d love to revisit this world in the form of sequels and spin-off stories.
Final Thoughts
I really enjoyed this book. I’m glad I stumbled upon this review opportunity from the publisher and this is a series I’d definitely continue with.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐️️
Recommendations for Further Reading
- The Will and the Wilds by Charlie Holmberg – if you liked the romance between Lilac and Garin as well as the setting, try this January 2020 release.
- Of Glass and Glamour by Chanda Hahn – again, if you enjoyed the romance and the interspecies politics, try this series by Chanda Hahn (this is the second book in the series, but it is the most similar).
- The Beautiful by Renée Ahdieh – if you liked the historical vampire vibes in Disenchanted, try this book by Renée Ahdieh, the sequel is coming out later this year.
Books Over Everything 