Audiobook Review: The Library of Light and Shadow by M.J. Rose

Series: Daughters of La Lune #3
Unabridged
Published: July 18, 17
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Narrator: Sherry Baines
Length: 13 hrs. 17 min.
Source: Hoopla/Library

In the wake of a dark and brutal World War, the glitz and glamour of 1925 Manhattan shine like a beacon for the high society set, which is desperate to keep their gaze firmly fixed to the future. But Delphine Duplessi sees more than most. At a time in her career when she could easily be unknown and penniless, like so many of her classmates from L’École de Beaux Arts, in America she has gained notoriety for her stunning “shadow portraits” that frequently expose her subjects’ most scandalous secrets—for better or for worse. Most nights Delphine doesn’t mind that her gift has become mere entertainment—a party trick—for the fashionable crowd. Though her ancestor La Lune, the legendary sixteenth-century courtesan and—like Delphine—a witch, might have thought differently.

Then, on a snowy night in February, in a penthouse high above Fifth Avenue, Delphine’s mystical talent leads to a tragedy between two brothers. Horrified, she renounces her gift.

Devastated and disconsolate, Delphine returns to her old life in the south of France where Picasso, Matisse, and the Fitzgeralds are summering. There, Delphine is thrust into recapturing the past. First by her charismatic twin brother and business manager Sebastian in his attempts to cajole her back to work and into co-dependence, then by the world famous opera singer Emma Calvé, who is obsessed with the centuries-old Book of Abraham, written by the fourteenth-century alchemist Nicolas Flamel. And finally by her ex-lover Mathieu, who is determined to lure her back into his arms, unaware of the danger that had led Delphine to flee Paris for New York five years before.

My thoughts:

I read the other 2 books in the series (reviews HERE) but for some reason I missed this one. Luckily my library had this book available so I decided that now was the time to dive back into this world. I was glad I did and this one was filled with legendary artists and lots of color to temper the darkness within the tale.

The side story of Nicolas Flamel mentioned in the blurb was just a way of getting Delphine back into her own story, one she couldn't run from no matter how she tried, but it felt more important. Unfortunately it wasn't a part of Delphine's journey and that saddened me. Perhaps we will get that story next?

Without revealing too much I think those who enjoy romance with a bit of magic will enjoy this story. The romance isn't without tragedy and a bit of drama but all of it is well placed and designed for our couple (especially Delphine) to learn and be ready for the next phase of their lives.

The narration by Sherry Baines was good but there was little separation between characters and her females all sounded roughly the same. It did not hinder my enjoyment of the book but I thought I'd mention it.

I give the book 4 stars. It is a good addition to the series and I hope we get more as I enjoy following this family though their trials and finding true love.

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