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A review by mehsi
The Court Charade by Flore Vesco
5.0
I received this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange of an honest review.
In this book we meet the delightful Serine. A girl who is a countess, though her parents have little left that really shows they are of that rank/those riches. I immediately liked Serine. I loved her attitude. Loved how, even when things go bad with her dad or how her family has little money, she keeps up her head, makes a fun tune, and tries to get along with life. Nothing gets her down.
And that is definitely wants she needs in this book when she decides to go to the palace to become a lady-in-waiting. A job that is very coveted… and that is filled with girls eager to push each other down in sneaky (or not so sneaky ways). Serine quickly becomes the favourite of the queen… but we see that life isn’t easy for her. The other girls are rich, bundled in gorgeous clothes, and sometimes weird wigs. They are elegant and stuffy. Serine is totally different. Has one dress. Likes to talk to the people lower in the castle and befriend them. Isn’t afraid to speak her mind. Is charming and sweet and kind. And see that not everyone is happy with her. Especially a girl named Crisante who is vying to become the best lady-in-waiting and will truly do all she can to get Serine out of the way. Or that one guy close to the queen who is just a piece of poop. When he tries to cosy up with Serine she rejects him and he is not accepting that.
I loved the parts where she was wandering through the castle at night after the other girls tricked her and something happened (of course Serine got the blame). I loved the stories she found, the stories she invented.
Leon was such a treasure and I loved how he helped her out at times. With words. With stories. Or just being there.
But while I loved how resilient she was, I was also sad for her. She just wants to be part of the palace and everyone is making it hard for her. Well, OK, not the people in the lower parts, but people in the higher parts? Everyone is just making it hard. And add to that a queen who isn’t taking any bull and just doesn’t believe her… it is hard.
So I was delighted when even at her lowest point she didn’t give up. Instead she turned into what we saw on the cover and I love how she was there for the king. How she made him laugh. Advised him.
Of course, chaos still ensues as Serine is taking her role very serious.
And then there is a murder plot! Oh yes!
The last part was both unexpected and wonderful and oh so chaotic and also SO SO SWEET! Perfectly fitting for the book!
I really enjoyed the art in this book. It was whimsical, fun, playful, colourful, and oodles of fun! I want more of this artist!
All in all, sorry for the long review but DANG this was a good read and I had so much fun. I was just cheering for Serine in all her roles, loved the palace, loved the murder plot, and loved all the other things around it! Recommended!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
In this book we meet the delightful Serine. A girl who is a countess, though her parents have little left that really shows they are of that rank/those riches. I immediately liked Serine. I loved her attitude. Loved how, even when things go bad with her dad or how her family has little money, she keeps up her head, makes a fun tune, and tries to get along with life. Nothing gets her down.
And that is definitely wants she needs in this book when she decides to go to the palace to become a lady-in-waiting. A job that is very coveted… and that is filled with girls eager to push each other down in sneaky (or not so sneaky ways). Serine quickly becomes the favourite of the queen… but we see that life isn’t easy for her. The other girls are rich, bundled in gorgeous clothes, and sometimes weird wigs. They are elegant and stuffy. Serine is totally different. Has one dress. Likes to talk to the people lower in the castle and befriend them. Isn’t afraid to speak her mind. Is charming and sweet and kind. And see that not everyone is happy with her. Especially a girl named Crisante who is vying to become the best lady-in-waiting and will truly do all she can to get Serine out of the way. Or that one guy close to the queen who is just a piece of poop. When he tries to cosy up with Serine she rejects him and he is not accepting that.
I loved the parts where she was wandering through the castle at night after the other girls tricked her and something happened (of course Serine got the blame). I loved the stories she found, the stories she invented.
Leon was such a treasure and I loved how he helped her out at times. With words. With stories. Or just being there.
But while I loved how resilient she was, I was also sad for her. She just wants to be part of the palace and everyone is making it hard for her. Well, OK, not the people in the lower parts, but people in the higher parts? Everyone is just making it hard. And add to that a queen who isn’t taking any bull and just doesn’t believe her… it is hard.
So I was delighted when even at her lowest point she didn’t give up. Instead she turned into what we saw on the cover and I love how she was there for the king. How she made him laugh. Advised him.
Of course, chaos still ensues as Serine is taking her role very serious.
And then there is a murder plot! Oh yes!
The last part was both unexpected and wonderful and oh so chaotic and also SO SO SWEET! Perfectly fitting for the book!
I really enjoyed the art in this book. It was whimsical, fun, playful, colourful, and oodles of fun! I want more of this artist!
All in all, sorry for the long review but DANG this was a good read and I had so much fun. I was just cheering for Serine in all her roles, loved the palace, loved the murder plot, and loved all the other things around it! Recommended!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/