Nocturne

Nocturne

Alyssa Wees

Enjoyment: Quality: Characters: Plot:

In this gorgeous and haunting fantasy set in 1930s Chicago, a talented ballerina finds herself torn between her dreams and her desires when she's pursued by a secretive patron who may be more than he seems. "A mix of dreamlike fairytale and enchanting historical fantasy, Nocturne has a real flavour of Phantom of the Opera. Add in a touch of Beauty and the Beast and this is the perfect escape from reality." “Culturefly” Grace has always wanted to be a ballerina, ever since she first peered through the windows of the Near North Ballet company. The elegance of the dance seemed transcendent to an immigrant child of the working poor, and so, when she is orphaned, it is to the ballet that she flees. Years later, Grace is on the verge of becoming the company's new prima ballerina - though she is beginning to realise that achieving her long-held dream may not be the triumph she once envisioned. Then Grace attracts the attention of the enigmatic Master La Rosa, and realises that the world may not be as small or constricted as she had come to fear. But who is her mysterious patron, and what does he want from her? As Grace begins to unlock the Master's secrets, she discovers that there may be another way entirely to achieve the transcendence she has always sought.


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  • Sadkay
    Mar 27, 2025
    Enjoyment: Quality: Characters: Plot:

    2.5/5

    So the author is very talented. Wees understands the power of words and rhythms and imagery. The story overall just didn't connect for me. I loved the beginning, it felt like Phantom of the Opera. This quickly devolves into more Beauty and the Beast or Hades and Persephone. I lost interest and contemplated not finishing the book multiple times.

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  • cecee
    Feb 12, 2025
    Enjoyment: Quality: Characters: Plot:

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