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House of Marionne #2
Shadows of Perl
The dazzling romantic fantasy world ofHouse of Marionnecontinues in this dark and deadly sequel full of forbidden magic, devastating lies, and broken hearts.
A must read for fans of Stephanie Garber, Leigh Bardugo, and Alex Aster.
Unleash the darkness. Claim your power.
Quell Marionne’sexplosive final Rite of Induction to House Marionne sent shockwaves through the magical world, unearthing long buried secrets and her own deadly power. But she paid a steep price: her family and her love. Fleeing Chateau Soleil for House of Perl, for once Quell is celebrated instead of shunned. She hasfinallyfound somewhere to belong. But secrets lurk in every House, and Quell’s quest to find her mom threatens to lead her deeper into the shadows.
Assassin Jordan Wexton,second-in command of the Dragun brotherhood, must protect the source of all magic, the Sphere. Yet the biggest threat to the Sphere is Quell Marionne—the girl he loved, until she claimed the deadly, outlawedtoushana.As the Sphere cracks and war brews among the Houses, can the only way to save the world be to kill his own heart?
Now, these two lovers-turned enemies must confront their competing ambitions and conflicting loyalties. Or die. The future of magic hangs on their decision.
448 pages, Hardcover
First published September 3, 2024
150 people are currently reading
17.5k people want to read
About the author
J. Elle
13books1,449followersJ. ELLE is the New York Times bestselling author of young adult and middle-grade fantasy fiction and a 2022 NAACP Image Award Nominee for Outstanding Literary Work for Youth and Teens. Her work has been translated into three languages. The former educator credits her nomadic lifestyle and humble inner-city beginnings as inspiration for her novels. When she’s not writing, Elle can be found on the hunt for new desserts sans Chocolat, looking for literally any excuse to get dressed up, and road-tripping her way across the country with her two dogs in tow.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 294 reviews
September 11, 2024
This is the sequel to House of Marionne in the same magical action packed world.
While I really enjoyed book one, I found myself feeling a bit lost in book two. I was still intrigued and enjoyed the story but I felt like it was very slow and long. It was a lot of information and I felt disconnected from the story as if they were not from the same series at times. I can understand why people loved this book, it just didn’t do it for me like I’d hoped it would.
Thank you so much to Netgalley, J. Elle, and Penguin Group for providing this free ARC. This is my honest review! This published on September 3rd.
While I really enjoyed book one, I found myself feeling a bit lost in book two. I was still intrigued and enjoyed the story but I felt like it was very slow and long. It was a lot of information and I felt disconnected from the story as if they were not from the same series at times. I can understand why people loved this book, it just didn’t do it for me like I’d hoped it would.
Thank you so much to Netgalley, J. Elle, and Penguin Group for providing this free ARC. This is my honest review! This published on September 3rd.
July 30, 2024
I was so excited for this book because House of Marionne, the first book, was so incredible! I think I rated it 4.5 stars. But sadly this book just fell flat for me. The pace was really slow and I had a hard time feeling connected. It took me 2 weeks to read when I usually finish a book in about 3-5 days.
Positives:
� did a good job subtly referring back to book one as refreshers
� good job having the FMC and MMC miss each other throughout without it taking from the plot
� constant reminders of what the plot is
� very intricate magical and political world
� slooooooooooow burn
� cliffhanger
Negatives (for me):
� very slow pace
� moments that should have been impactful or shocking lacked emotion
� lack of emotional connection with and between MCs
� the entire book is in 1st person except Nore’s chapters are in 3rd person
This book is definitely a filler / character development / plot set up book for what will hopefully be an intense book 3.
Do I recommend it? That’s hard to say. I really enjoyed book one and kind of wish it could’ve ended there. I think I’d rather read book 3 before I recommend these books to anyone else.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Positives:
� did a good job subtly referring back to book one as refreshers
� good job having the FMC and MMC miss each other throughout without it taking from the plot
� constant reminders of what the plot is
� very intricate magical and political world
� slooooooooooow burn
� cliffhanger
Negatives (for me):
� very slow pace
� moments that should have been impactful or shocking lacked emotion
� lack of emotional connection with and between MCs
� the entire book is in 1st person except Nore’s chapters are in 3rd person
This book is definitely a filler / character development / plot set up book for what will hopefully be an intense book 3.
Do I recommend it? That’s hard to say. I really enjoyed book one and kind of wish it could’ve ended there. I think I’d rather read book 3 before I recommend these books to anyone else.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
February 16, 2024SEPTEMBER? That's too far away for my patience bro😭
October 27, 2024
4.5/5
I am so obsessed with this series and the characters, I NEEEEEED the next book immediately😫😫
I am so obsessed with this series and the characters, I NEEEEEED the next book immediately😫😫
October 4, 2024
I'm afraid this book hit the sequel slump for me. I loved book one so much, and I felt like this one was too whirlwind to keep up with. I thought all the big moments lacked depth and the reveals didn't really feel monumental. I also felt like a lot of information was added but also not enough at the same time. I liked Quell and I still felt her strong presence as a character, but she was also a little all over the place. Jordan, on the other hand, was unlikable in this installment. I found him grating and so uptight that it was annoying to read the chapters from his point of view. This is one of those books where I feel like I won't be able to remember much of the plot because of how jumpy it was. I liked Nore Ambrose, and her chapters were exciting and different. Overall, this just wasn't my favorite, but I'm curious to see how the series will end. Thank you to Penguin Teen for an e-ARC to read and review!
May 13, 2024
4.25/5
Mysterious, roller coaster of events. It brings in 2 new povs which is amazing I love a good multi POV book. The events in this book aren't as gripping as book one but it seems to be a building up and laying a foundation for an exciting 3rd book! Quell and Jordan and how book 1 ended leave you wanting more in book 2 and it brings the tension needed for their relationship. I did get a bit bored because it is a lot more information about the houses and the people. But overall loved this book and recommend this series.
Thank you NetGalley and Razorbill for the opportunity to read this e-arc.
Mysterious, roller coaster of events. It brings in 2 new povs which is amazing I love a good multi POV book. The events in this book aren't as gripping as book one but it seems to be a building up and laying a foundation for an exciting 3rd book! Quell and Jordan and how book 1 ended leave you wanting more in book 2 and it brings the tension needed for their relationship. I did get a bit bored because it is a lot more information about the houses and the people. But overall loved this book and recommend this series.
Thank you NetGalley and Razorbill for the opportunity to read this e-arc.
July 22, 2024
With absolutely no spoilers�..We find Quell on the run again/hiding after she completed her final rite, and finds solace in the oddest place. However, secrets lurk in every house and Quell’s quest to find her mom threatens to lead her deeper into the shadows. As the spheres future is unknown a war brews among the houses and lovers-turned enemies must confront their competing ambitions and conflicting loyalties.
Can’t trust ANYONE in this damn book! This was a wild ride. Idk what the author put in here but I ATE IT UP. I LOVED the multi-POV throughout. This book is packed with MORE twists and turns, betrayals and I was at the edge of my seat most of the book. Jaw dropped SEVERAL times while reading. There was a lot more action and Dragun related politics and how much influence magic and power have over the actions of the head mistresses. A lot more political intrigue and more details that I felt were lacking in the first book. More character development, more world building and just more descriptions in general. Jordan really took the front seat on this one with his character ARC. The third POV was a really nice touch! The TENSION I could cut with a knife between our lovers-turned enemies. The cliffhanger……then the book ENDED!…I checked several times to make sure I was at the very end.
Chapter 20 was beautifully crafted.
Im thirsty for book 3�..book 2 hasn’t been published yet�..help.
Thank you Penguin Teen & NetGalley for the eARC.
Can’t trust ANYONE in this damn book! This was a wild ride. Idk what the author put in here but I ATE IT UP. I LOVED the multi-POV throughout. This book is packed with MORE twists and turns, betrayals and I was at the edge of my seat most of the book. Jaw dropped SEVERAL times while reading. There was a lot more action and Dragun related politics and how much influence magic and power have over the actions of the head mistresses. A lot more political intrigue and more details that I felt were lacking in the first book. More character development, more world building and just more descriptions in general. Jordan really took the front seat on this one with his character ARC. The third POV was a really nice touch! The TENSION I could cut with a knife between our lovers-turned enemies. The cliffhanger……then the book ENDED!…I checked several times to make sure I was at the very end.
Chapter 20 was beautifully crafted.
Im thirsty for book 3�..book 2 hasn’t been published yet�..help.
Thank you Penguin Teen & NetGalley for the eARC.
February 22, 2025
I found the finale of the House of Marionne enemies to lovers fantasy duology (I think it's just a two book series?) a bit disappointing. At times tediously long and slow-paced but the second half did speed up and get more suspenseful. Secrets are revealed, big moves are made and things end on a bit of a cliffhanger. My favorite character was Noor with her quippy no holds barred, tell it like it is nature and her lower limb amputation rep. The audiobook was really well done with a full cast of great narrators and if you're going to read this big YA romantasy that's definitely the way I'd suggest to go.
April 26, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
This is a great sequel to the first book, and boy, does it end on a cliffhanager to make you beg for the next one again!
I LOVED House of Marrione, and Shadows of Peril was no letdown. This story picks up where the first book left off, following Quell and Jordan as they navigate their own missions at odd with each other. I loved that while this book could have felt very much like filler for the third book, Quell actually did a ton of traveling and finding out new things (trying not to give spoilers sorry) and the story was highly engaging the whole time. Likewise, Jordan was doing his own missions that would lead him to eventually cross paths with Quell again towards the end. I also loved that while the author could have made both MCs dispair and complain about their failed relationship, there was a very appropriate and manageable amount of emotion about it that fit appropriately with the story and didn't overshadow what was happening.
The ARC does need editing as expected, but I plan to just re-read it again when it comes out so I get the full experience. Also, I found it confusing to remember who Nore was and what her story was, and it was distracting to read her perspective in this book. I highly recommend refreshing your memory on her story if you need to prior to reading this just to make things fully flow.
Overall, I love this series so much and look forward to re-reading the finished book!!!
This is a great sequel to the first book, and boy, does it end on a cliffhanager to make you beg for the next one again!
I LOVED House of Marrione, and Shadows of Peril was no letdown. This story picks up where the first book left off, following Quell and Jordan as they navigate their own missions at odd with each other. I loved that while this book could have felt very much like filler for the third book, Quell actually did a ton of traveling and finding out new things (trying not to give spoilers sorry) and the story was highly engaging the whole time. Likewise, Jordan was doing his own missions that would lead him to eventually cross paths with Quell again towards the end. I also loved that while the author could have made both MCs dispair and complain about their failed relationship, there was a very appropriate and manageable amount of emotion about it that fit appropriately with the story and didn't overshadow what was happening.
The ARC does need editing as expected, but I plan to just re-read it again when it comes out so I get the full experience. Also, I found it confusing to remember who Nore was and what her story was, and it was distracting to read her perspective in this book. I highly recommend refreshing your memory on her story if you need to prior to reading this just to make things fully flow.
Overall, I love this series so much and look forward to re-reading the finished book!!!
September 26, 2024
Oh J. Elle, the gem that you are....I wanted to kill for the cliffhanger that this book decided to leave us on. Like 💀💀
August 28, 2024
✨Book Review�
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5)
Format: eBook
I find that usually sequels aren’t as good or well thought out as the first book in a series, but Elle has outdone herself with this sequel. I enjoyed it even more than the first book.
Our story begins where the first book ends: Quell is on the run with Yagrin/Octos to train her dark magic and find her missing mother. Jordan is now officially a Dragun and is striving to become the Dragonheart. Meanwhile, the House of Marionne is crumbling down with its darkest secrets exposed. Time is also running out as the magical Sphere is cracking, risking the destruction of all magic. Readers will be taken on an adventure where our protagonists� loyalty to their duty or to those they love will be put to the test.
Highlights:
⭐️ POV chapters from several characters. The big highlight for me was reading from Jordan’s POV. In the first book, I felt his character was lacking and we had little to no background information. In this sequel, readers finally gain insight into his emotions, history, and thoughts.
⭐️ Quell. My favorite character. Similar to my point in my previous review of the first book, I love her strong determination, fiery will, and her love for her family and friends.
⭐️ The twists and ending. Elle is one of the few authors who leaves me speechless with her twists. From the first chapter to the last, I never saw what she had planned coming.
⭐️ The ambiance of the world.
⭐️ The world-building was definitely better this time around (or I understood it more because I read the appendix in the back of the book first).
Pitfalls:
� Jordan. This is more of a personal opinion and doesn’t detract from the book. I just don’t like him. I think he is naive and oblivious to what is right in front of him, as well as a hypocrite. Quell can and should do better. End of rant.
� I’m still confused about family lines. I think a family tree for the heirs of each house would clear up some confusion. Jordan’s father is Beaulah’s brother, but Jordan’s last name is Wexton, not Perl?
� What happened to Quell’s mom? I feel like this was glossed over and only briefly explained for the sake of the situation’s dynamics.
Thank you, NetGalley and Penguin Group Penguin Young Readers Group, for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5)
Format: eBook
I find that usually sequels aren’t as good or well thought out as the first book in a series, but Elle has outdone herself with this sequel. I enjoyed it even more than the first book.
Our story begins where the first book ends: Quell is on the run with Yagrin/Octos to train her dark magic and find her missing mother. Jordan is now officially a Dragun and is striving to become the Dragonheart. Meanwhile, the House of Marionne is crumbling down with its darkest secrets exposed. Time is also running out as the magical Sphere is cracking, risking the destruction of all magic. Readers will be taken on an adventure where our protagonists� loyalty to their duty or to those they love will be put to the test.
Highlights:
⭐️ POV chapters from several characters. The big highlight for me was reading from Jordan’s POV. In the first book, I felt his character was lacking and we had little to no background information. In this sequel, readers finally gain insight into his emotions, history, and thoughts.
⭐️ Quell. My favorite character. Similar to my point in my previous review of the first book, I love her strong determination, fiery will, and her love for her family and friends.
⭐️ The twists and ending. Elle is one of the few authors who leaves me speechless with her twists. From the first chapter to the last, I never saw what she had planned coming.
⭐️ The ambiance of the world.
⭐️ The world-building was definitely better this time around (or I understood it more because I read the appendix in the back of the book first).
Pitfalls:
� Jordan. This is more of a personal opinion and doesn’t detract from the book. I just don’t like him. I think he is naive and oblivious to what is right in front of him, as well as a hypocrite. Quell can and should do better. End of rant.
� I’m still confused about family lines. I think a family tree for the heirs of each house would clear up some confusion. Jordan’s father is Beaulah’s brother, but Jordan’s last name is Wexton, not Perl?
� What happened to Quell’s mom? I feel like this was glossed over and only briefly explained for the sake of the situation’s dynamics.
Thank you, NetGalley and Penguin Group Penguin Young Readers Group, for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review!
August 30, 2024
4.5 rounded up
👑 QOTD: if you could design your own diadem, what would you want it to look like?
A: I want mine to be black metal, with all the possible colors of gems. 🌈
Shadows of Perl picks up right where House of Marionne left off.
📖 The plot is great. There's one big surprise that had me 😱, along with some nice twists and turns.
👥� The characters are well developed and nuanced, with more character enrichment coming in this book. The cast is diverse in all ways, including a wheelchair user. I couldn't love this aspect any more.
✍️ The prose is smooth and the dialogue reads as natural.
🗺 World building was mostly on book 1, with J. Elle adding additional info where relevant in this book. I think this was masterfully done.
🔮 Magic was further expanded upon from book 1.
⏳️ I found the pace to be too slow for my liking. This is really the main thing I didn't love about the book. The first chapter is great, but then it felt too slow for me, til the very end.
💞 The enemies-to-lovers, lovers-to-enemies slow burn is fun and well done. The slow burn in this one is so well done.
I love the way Elle works twists into her novels - they don't feel contrived or forced. I love that she built up so much tension and longing between the FMC and MMC into a delicious slow burn. I love the way the author has most of the POVs in first person, but one in third. I think it greatly helps the reader to differentiate POVS. I love the study in standing up for what's right, even when it's hard (especially when it's hard).
I feel a bit confused and unsure about familial ties - who's related to whom and how. A diagram or family tree would be quite helpful, I think. This may be a personal thing, as I'm not good at envisioning things of this nature.
It ends in a pretty big cliffhanger that has me excited for Book 3.
If you enjoy YA romantasy, give this trilogy a shot. It's a fun, interesting read. If you enjoy books like: The Selection or Fourth Wing or these authors: Stephanie Garber, Alex Aster, or Leigh Bardugo - you should add this gem 💎 to your TBR.
Thank you to @authorjelle @PenguinTeen
@netgalley for the opportunity to read this eARC. I'm choosing to leave this unbiased review.
👑 QOTD: if you could design your own diadem, what would you want it to look like?
A: I want mine to be black metal, with all the possible colors of gems. 🌈
Shadows of Perl picks up right where House of Marionne left off.
📖 The plot is great. There's one big surprise that had me 😱, along with some nice twists and turns.
👥� The characters are well developed and nuanced, with more character enrichment coming in this book. The cast is diverse in all ways, including a wheelchair user. I couldn't love this aspect any more.
✍️ The prose is smooth and the dialogue reads as natural.
🗺 World building was mostly on book 1, with J. Elle adding additional info where relevant in this book. I think this was masterfully done.
🔮 Magic was further expanded upon from book 1.
⏳️ I found the pace to be too slow for my liking. This is really the main thing I didn't love about the book. The first chapter is great, but then it felt too slow for me, til the very end.
💞 The enemies-to-lovers, lovers-to-enemies slow burn is fun and well done. The slow burn in this one is so well done.
I love the way Elle works twists into her novels - they don't feel contrived or forced. I love that she built up so much tension and longing between the FMC and MMC into a delicious slow burn. I love the way the author has most of the POVs in first person, but one in third. I think it greatly helps the reader to differentiate POVS. I love the study in standing up for what's right, even when it's hard (especially when it's hard).
I feel a bit confused and unsure about familial ties - who's related to whom and how. A diagram or family tree would be quite helpful, I think. This may be a personal thing, as I'm not good at envisioning things of this nature.
It ends in a pretty big cliffhanger that has me excited for Book 3.
If you enjoy YA romantasy, give this trilogy a shot. It's a fun, interesting read. If you enjoy books like: The Selection or Fourth Wing or these authors: Stephanie Garber, Alex Aster, or Leigh Bardugo - you should add this gem 💎 to your TBR.
Thank you to @authorjelle @PenguinTeen
@netgalley for the opportunity to read this eARC. I'm choosing to leave this unbiased review.
May 8, 2024
Thank you to NetGallery, Penguin/Razorbill, and the author for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
I was once again swept away into the dazzling world of the Houses of the Order hidden within the modern world in this YA romantic fantasy sequel filled with magic, betrayal, and secrets. The story continues with 3 POVs that flowed effortlessly. There are two intersecting storylines that merge beautifully at the end of this book into a heart-pounding battle and a jaw-dropping ending leaving me highly anticipating the final book of this planned trilogy!
The highlight of this sequel for me was the character arcs for Quell and Jordan. They both mature so much throughout this book and start making decisions for who they are and want to be as a person instead of who others and their respective Houses think they need to be. Quell is a force to be reckoned with when she knows what she wants, and I enjoyed watching her allow herself to be both vulnerable and fierce. Jordan’s inner battle between his duty and his heart was something we can all relate to and was portrayed flawlessly. The little flashbacks we get helped to understand why he made certain decisions even though I was screaming at him in my head!
I was on the edge of my seat between the mysteries revealed, House secrets uncovered, the race to find the Sphere (source of all magic), the battles within and among the Houses, and the tension between Jordan and Quell. I enjoyed so many of the side characters (Yagrin, Nore, Adola) and loved all the twists and turns the plot took along the way. I’m excited for the final book to come and would recommend this series for my YA fantasy romance readers!
**I highly suggest re-reading the ending (possibly even skimming all of Part 5) and the Appendix of House of Marionne before starting this one if it’s been awhile since reading, otherwise I think the beginning will be slightly confusing. There are good recaps throughout the first few chapters, but I think without a quick refresh the beginning could seem more confusing and not pull the reader into the story as quickly.
I was once again swept away into the dazzling world of the Houses of the Order hidden within the modern world in this YA romantic fantasy sequel filled with magic, betrayal, and secrets. The story continues with 3 POVs that flowed effortlessly. There are two intersecting storylines that merge beautifully at the end of this book into a heart-pounding battle and a jaw-dropping ending leaving me highly anticipating the final book of this planned trilogy!
The highlight of this sequel for me was the character arcs for Quell and Jordan. They both mature so much throughout this book and start making decisions for who they are and want to be as a person instead of who others and their respective Houses think they need to be. Quell is a force to be reckoned with when she knows what she wants, and I enjoyed watching her allow herself to be both vulnerable and fierce. Jordan’s inner battle between his duty and his heart was something we can all relate to and was portrayed flawlessly. The little flashbacks we get helped to understand why he made certain decisions even though I was screaming at him in my head!
I was on the edge of my seat between the mysteries revealed, House secrets uncovered, the race to find the Sphere (source of all magic), the battles within and among the Houses, and the tension between Jordan and Quell. I enjoyed so many of the side characters (Yagrin, Nore, Adola) and loved all the twists and turns the plot took along the way. I’m excited for the final book to come and would recommend this series for my YA fantasy romance readers!
**I highly suggest re-reading the ending (possibly even skimming all of Part 5) and the Appendix of House of Marionne before starting this one if it’s been awhile since reading, otherwise I think the beginning will be slightly confusing. There are good recaps throughout the first few chapters, but I think without a quick refresh the beginning could seem more confusing and not pull the reader into the story as quickly.
September 2, 2024
Shadows of Perl by J. Elle continues the thrilling saga from House of Marionne, emerging you back into a richly crafted fantasy world. As Quell searches for her mother while on the run, she faces a shifting magical landscape and a complicated relationship with Jordan. This installment deepens the lore and heightens the stakes, but also presents some challenges.
Highlights:
� World is more defined and expanded, especially around the Houses and magical elements.
� Characters are nuanced with a diverse cast, including a wheelchair user.
� The magic system is more defined and developed from the first book.
Critiques:
� Pace is slow in the middle, with significant developments only toward the end.
� Complexity: Some plot elements were confusing and hard to follow.
� I wish Quell showed more emotion, I felt like she was limited to anger and vengeance.
Overall, Shadows of Perl is an engaging continuation with rich world building and a more defined magic system. I do feel like it suffers a bit from second book syndrome with issues like pacing and plot complexity. But, it effectively lays the groundwork for the next installment in the series.
Thank you to Penguin Teen for providing me with a review copy. All opinions are my own and unbiased. 💖
Highlights:
� World is more defined and expanded, especially around the Houses and magical elements.
� Characters are nuanced with a diverse cast, including a wheelchair user.
� The magic system is more defined and developed from the first book.
Critiques:
� Pace is slow in the middle, with significant developments only toward the end.
� Complexity: Some plot elements were confusing and hard to follow.
� I wish Quell showed more emotion, I felt like she was limited to anger and vengeance.
Overall, Shadows of Perl is an engaging continuation with rich world building and a more defined magic system. I do feel like it suffers a bit from second book syndrome with issues like pacing and plot complexity. But, it effectively lays the groundwork for the next installment in the series.
Thank you to Penguin Teen for providing me with a review copy. All opinions are my own and unbiased. 💖
October 24, 2024
Did someone say Magic!?
This book is everything you'd want from a YA Fantasy!
Quell is on the run again. Jordan is hunting her down.
Quell finally lands in a place where toushana/dark magic is not only safe but ENCOURAGED!
But why does it seem too good to be true?
Jordan's eyes are FINALLY opening to the atrocities his leadership is creating. Now he has to make a choice between what he believes is right and duty...
Yagrin has been captured and has nothing left... Or so he thought... can he make peace with his brother?
Nore is different.. She knows this... but she's doing everything within her power to change her fate.
LOVE LOVE LOVE the twists and turns of book two in the House of Marionne series!!
I'm BEGGING for book three!
I NEED MORE!
5/5
The adventure continues!!
This book is everything you'd want from a YA Fantasy!
Quell is on the run again. Jordan is hunting her down.
Quell finally lands in a place where toushana/dark magic is not only safe but ENCOURAGED!
But why does it seem too good to be true?
Jordan's eyes are FINALLY opening to the atrocities his leadership is creating. Now he has to make a choice between what he believes is right and duty...
Yagrin has been captured and has nothing left... Or so he thought... can he make peace with his brother?
Nore is different.. She knows this... but she's doing everything within her power to change her fate.
LOVE LOVE LOVE the twists and turns of book two in the House of Marionne series!!
I'm BEGGING for book three!
I NEED MORE!
5/5
The adventure continues!!
October 30, 2024
how dare you leave me on a cliff hanger like that 😭😭
September 15, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this arc! Here are my thoughts.
I absolutely devoured this book! I was a little confused with House of Marionne but this book, House of Perl, cleared so many things up that I want to reread these two books all over again! The twists and turns in this book were so good!!! And the only thing I was confused about was WHO COULD I TRUST???? This ya series is fun and exciting! Especially as you get closer to the end of the books and you are literally trying your read as fast as you can because so much is happening! I absolutely need the third book! And I’m excited for my 14 year old daughter to read this as well!
I absolutely devoured this book! I was a little confused with House of Marionne but this book, House of Perl, cleared so many things up that I want to reread these two books all over again! The twists and turns in this book were so good!!! And the only thing I was confused about was WHO COULD I TRUST???? This ya series is fun and exciting! Especially as you get closer to the end of the books and you are literally trying your read as fast as you can because so much is happening! I absolutely need the third book! And I’m excited for my 14 year old daughter to read this as well!
October 22, 2024
The ending had me SCREAMING!!! Cannot wait for the third!!
September 26, 2024
Review: Shadows of Perl by J. Elle
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Shadows of Perl, the sequel to House of Marionne, was a fantastic read that pulled me in from the very first page. J. Elle’s world-building was top-tier, and the rich detail in this book made the magical realms feel so vivid and alive. The character development was one of the highlights for me. Both Quell and Jordan undergo such meaningful growth, coming to terms with their true identities and powers in ways that felt genuine and raw. Watching their journeys unfold was incredibly satisfying.
J. Elle’s writing was beautiful and gripping throughout the story. The emotional depth she brings to her characters is matched only by the suspense and tension she builds, especially with that cliffhanger! I have a bit of anxiety now waiting for the third book—I’m dying to know what will happen next. I’m also rooting hard for Quell and Jordan, and I hope we get to see their relationship develop even further. Their chemistry is undeniable, and I need more of them!
I also want to shout out the audiobook—like the first in the series, it was incredible. The narration brought the world and characters to life in a way that truly enhanced the experience for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Teen for providing me with an ARC of this book. If you’re a fan of rich world-building, complex characters, and stories that keep you on edge, I highly recommend Shadows of Perl.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Shadows of Perl, the sequel to House of Marionne, was a fantastic read that pulled me in from the very first page. J. Elle’s world-building was top-tier, and the rich detail in this book made the magical realms feel so vivid and alive. The character development was one of the highlights for me. Both Quell and Jordan undergo such meaningful growth, coming to terms with their true identities and powers in ways that felt genuine and raw. Watching their journeys unfold was incredibly satisfying.
J. Elle’s writing was beautiful and gripping throughout the story. The emotional depth she brings to her characters is matched only by the suspense and tension she builds, especially with that cliffhanger! I have a bit of anxiety now waiting for the third book—I’m dying to know what will happen next. I’m also rooting hard for Quell and Jordan, and I hope we get to see their relationship develop even further. Their chemistry is undeniable, and I need more of them!
I also want to shout out the audiobook—like the first in the series, it was incredible. The narration brought the world and characters to life in a way that truly enhanced the experience for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Teen for providing me with an ARC of this book. If you’re a fan of rich world-building, complex characters, and stories that keep you on edge, I highly recommend Shadows of Perl.
January 9, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for this advanced copy in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
I have been dying to read this ever since I finished House of Marionne, and it did not disappoint. Shadows of Perl picks up where the last one left off, Quell is on the run with Yagrin (who is disguised as Octos and just so happens to be Jordan’s brother) after choosing to defy the Order and bond with her dark magic, toushana. Jordan has to deal with his conflicting emotions, his love for both Quell and his brother warring with his sense of duty. The absolutely best surprise ever, this book has three POVs, Quell, Jordan, and Nore-- the heir to the House of Ambrose.
Alright, now to my thoughts� I really enjoyed this book. The extra POVs were amazing, they allowed the story to grow and made the book even more enjoyable than the first. Quell, Jordan, and Nore were more fleshed out in this book, and reading each of them deal with their own troubles and mature in their own ways was great. While I loved seeing these three, I’m reallllyyyy hoping Yagrin gets his own POV in the next book, I mean come on, this guy deserves it. That aside, I loved what the author did with the characters.
I was actually surprised at how entertaining this book was. The middle book of a trilogy has a tendency to be a build-up for the big conflict in the third book, and while there was definitely some of that, the book had a story that drew me in. The author did a great job of expanding and explaining more of the world than the first book. While I loved the first book, I had some serious questions about the Houses and the magic system but this book answered a lot of those questions, and I felt like I understood the world a lot better after finishing it.
Okay, before I spoil anything with my rambling I will end with my final thoughts…love love loved it and I absolutely cannot wait for the final installment.
I have been dying to read this ever since I finished House of Marionne, and it did not disappoint. Shadows of Perl picks up where the last one left off, Quell is on the run with Yagrin (who is disguised as Octos and just so happens to be Jordan’s brother) after choosing to defy the Order and bond with her dark magic, toushana. Jordan has to deal with his conflicting emotions, his love for both Quell and his brother warring with his sense of duty. The absolutely best surprise ever, this book has three POVs, Quell, Jordan, and Nore-- the heir to the House of Ambrose.
Alright, now to my thoughts� I really enjoyed this book. The extra POVs were amazing, they allowed the story to grow and made the book even more enjoyable than the first. Quell, Jordan, and Nore were more fleshed out in this book, and reading each of them deal with their own troubles and mature in their own ways was great. While I loved seeing these three, I’m reallllyyyy hoping Yagrin gets his own POV in the next book, I mean come on, this guy deserves it. That aside, I loved what the author did with the characters.
I was actually surprised at how entertaining this book was. The middle book of a trilogy has a tendency to be a build-up for the big conflict in the third book, and while there was definitely some of that, the book had a story that drew me in. The author did a great job of expanding and explaining more of the world than the first book. While I loved the first book, I had some serious questions about the Houses and the magic system but this book answered a lot of those questions, and I felt like I understood the world a lot better after finishing it.
Okay, before I spoil anything with my rambling I will end with my final thoughts…love love loved it and I absolutely cannot wait for the final installment.
September 21, 2024
The House of Marionne series is absolutely and completely underrated! Confession: I now own two copies of this book because I wanted the signed Goldberg SE, and I must have the US first printing naked hardcover on my shelf!
J Elle has a unique writing style in that she unspools plot threads from various characters' POVs and not necessarily in order. This has a similar effect to the "unreliable narrator" form of storytelling. The reader is forced to be comfortable with a sense of confusion and suspense throughout the narrative, trusting that in the end, everything that the author has thrown into the wind will make sense. For me as a reader, I enjoy being immersed in the world-building, knowing that I am viewing the storyline through a prism and that the payoff is going to bring everything into sharp relief.
There is a huge twist right in Chapter 1 that made me jump up and down. It is fantastic, and gives Yagrin's story completely unexpected stakes. I love the partnership that he formed with Quell, and that they were both on the run from Jordan at the same time. I also loved spending so much time at Hartsboro and Dlaminaugh Estate, and getting to know the other heiresses, Nore and Adola. We also get the chance to see Jordan advance further into the Dragun brotherhood, as well as learn his and Yagrin's backstories. There is a lot happening in this second book and sometimes it can get overwhelming, but like the first book, everything comes together beautifully and with an action-packed climax.
Also like the first book, I will enjoy it even more when I re-read it because I will be able to see the end from the beginning and catch all the clues and foreshadowing that I missed the first run through.
It is just such a fun YA read.
J Elle has a unique writing style in that she unspools plot threads from various characters' POVs and not necessarily in order. This has a similar effect to the "unreliable narrator" form of storytelling. The reader is forced to be comfortable with a sense of confusion and suspense throughout the narrative, trusting that in the end, everything that the author has thrown into the wind will make sense. For me as a reader, I enjoy being immersed in the world-building, knowing that I am viewing the storyline through a prism and that the payoff is going to bring everything into sharp relief.
There is a huge twist right in Chapter 1 that made me jump up and down. It is fantastic, and gives Yagrin's story completely unexpected stakes. I love the partnership that he formed with Quell, and that they were both on the run from Jordan at the same time. I also loved spending so much time at Hartsboro and Dlaminaugh Estate, and getting to know the other heiresses, Nore and Adola. We also get the chance to see Jordan advance further into the Dragun brotherhood, as well as learn his and Yagrin's backstories. There is a lot happening in this second book and sometimes it can get overwhelming, but like the first book, everything comes together beautifully and with an action-packed climax.
Also like the first book, I will enjoy it even more when I re-read it because I will be able to see the end from the beginning and catch all the clues and foreshadowing that I missed the first run through.
It is just such a fun YA read.
April 24, 2024
It has been almost an entire year since I read House of Marionne so I have been very anxiously awaiting this sequel and it did not disappoint!
I loveeeeee that we get multi-POV throughout this. There is a surprise reveal/twist related to HOM literally in the prologue and I was shook. We get alot more Dragun- related politics and action and get to see their innerworkings as well as finding out a lot more about just how deceptive the leaders of each House is. You are really shown in this book just how much influence magic and power and status have over the actions of these houses and the head mistresses. They all do some super shady to downright deplorable things to get what they want. Quell is bloodthirsty and out for revenge after a revelation and I was HERE FOR IT. The tension between her and Jordan throughout invoked a lot of emotions and made you that much more invested in both of their outcomes. Honestly my jaw dropped numerous times in the book but especially in the last 15-20%. The last page has me wondering how the heck I am supposed to wait another year to see how everything plays out and the conclusion.
I loveeeeee that we get multi-POV throughout this. There is a surprise reveal/twist related to HOM literally in the prologue and I was shook. We get alot more Dragun- related politics and action and get to see their innerworkings as well as finding out a lot more about just how deceptive the leaders of each House is. You are really shown in this book just how much influence magic and power and status have over the actions of these houses and the head mistresses. They all do some super shady to downright deplorable things to get what they want. Quell is bloodthirsty and out for revenge after a revelation and I was HERE FOR IT. The tension between her and Jordan throughout invoked a lot of emotions and made you that much more invested in both of their outcomes. Honestly my jaw dropped numerous times in the book but especially in the last 15-20%. The last page has me wondering how the heck I am supposed to wait another year to see how everything plays out and the conclusion.
September 29, 2024
I need book three!! What a wild ride! The twists, tension, heartbreak...Just, wow.
August 18, 2024
2.5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley, Razorbill, and Penguin Young Readers Group for this advanced copy. You can pick up Shadows of Perl on September 3, 2024.
I dove into this one right after House of Marionne, expecting to be swept up into the world right away. I don't know if it's because I switched from audio to ebook reading, but for some reason, the world and magic were harder to follow in this book. I struggled to keep track of the various characters, and while I appreciated seeing events through new perspectives, the POV changes didn't propel the story forward as much as I would've liked. Even when we switched back to Quell, I found myself unmotivated to pick the book up and stay invested.
I ended up skimming the last two-thirds of the book, and while the ending was definitely more exciting, I once again struggled to care about what happened to any of the characters. I'm afraid this one was a miss for me.
I dove into this one right after House of Marionne, expecting to be swept up into the world right away. I don't know if it's because I switched from audio to ebook reading, but for some reason, the world and magic were harder to follow in this book. I struggled to keep track of the various characters, and while I appreciated seeing events through new perspectives, the POV changes didn't propel the story forward as much as I would've liked. Even when we switched back to Quell, I found myself unmotivated to pick the book up and stay invested.
I ended up skimming the last two-thirds of the book, and while the ending was definitely more exciting, I once again struggled to care about what happened to any of the characters. I'm afraid this one was a miss for me.
July 20, 2024
3 🌟
Thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was the 2nd installment in the series, and maybe my expectations were a bit high, but it fell a little short for me.
Shadows of Perl was centered around Quell still searching relentlessly for her mother while also assisting Jordan with trying to find and save the sphere from bleeding out.
There were a few twists along the way. In the first installment we thought that red & yagrin died, but in this second installment we come to realize that both are alive and well. Red is actually nore ambrose.
The themes that struck me as most prevalent were about unity, forgiveness, standing up for what is right and holding people accountable for their actions, seeing others as mortal just like you.
Thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was the 2nd installment in the series, and maybe my expectations were a bit high, but it fell a little short for me.
Shadows of Perl was centered around Quell still searching relentlessly for her mother while also assisting Jordan with trying to find and save the sphere from bleeding out.
There were a few twists along the way. In the first installment we thought that red & yagrin died, but in this second installment we come to realize that both are alive and well. Red is actually nore ambrose.
The themes that struck me as most prevalent were about unity, forgiveness, standing up for what is right and holding people accountable for their actions, seeing others as mortal just like you.
September 10, 2024
The Shadow of Perl picks up right where House of Marionne left off. This book was even better than the first one which is saying something because usually the second book is not done as well. There were so many twist and turns presented and all the betrayals that occurred had me on the edge of my seat to the very end. I loved how this book made me go through a multitude of emotions. The end was so unexpected and left me wanting to for more. After I finished the last page I actually had to sit there and process that there was not anything else to read and I would have to wait a whole year for the next part in this story.
September 9, 2024
This book gave me all the things I didn’t know I needed to go into one YA book. There was romance, betrayal, magic, and espionage. I also felt all the feels: anger, sadness, happiness, disgust, forgiveness, sympathy, & so many others. Then she had the nerve to set it in a magical society full of ball gowns & diadems! I’m so ready for the next installment because that ending left my jaw in the floor. This is one of my 5 star reads of the year!
September 16, 2024
Aaahhh! What a wonderful second book! I love this series so dearly, and I will be waiting on the edge of my seat for the next one. I am so enamored, I read it in one day-- almost just one sitting. I cannot recommend this series highly enough!
December 10, 2024
This one did not have the same pacing or feeling that the House of Marionne did for me. I found myself bored, not loving the characters, and having issues with the pacing. Major disappointment.
October 1, 2024
Quell Marionne is back! After laying claim to her destructive magic, toushana, at the end of book one, she's now determined to reunite with her mother and get the heck out of Dodge, so to speak, with the help of Octos, the trader she trusts, and her friends, Abby and Mynick. However, she soon finds that Octos and Mynick are both hiding secrets - ones that are incompatible to her goals. So she turns to the Headmistress of the House of Perl for help. But when she flees to Hartsboro, the House of Perl estate, she finds that while no one judges her for her toushana, they on the contrary seem obsessed by it. And there are dark secrets to find in this house that almost seems to worship dark magic...
At the same time, Jordan has graduated and joined the Dragun brotherhood. He's so successful, in fact, that the current Dragunhead has chosen him as his second-in-command, the Dragunheart. But Jordan is still battling with his feelings for Quell, the girl who betrayed him. Part of him wants her dead, but part of him knows that even now, he can't hate the girl who has stolen his heart. He has to decide if love of Quell or duty to the Order will win the day.
This book was very fast-paced and action-packed compared to the first book. I did enjoy the continuation of Quell's story, and I liked the addition of Jordan as a second POV. The way they reacted to each other and around each other felt like it would be natural for two people who had a relationship that ended in spectacular fashion, but really still have feelings for each other that they can't deny, pulling at him. Most enemies to lovers (or in this case, lovers to enemies) stories suffer from this trope where they seem to have to spend the whole second book hating each other and not acknowledging that they have any feelings at all, which given how strong feelings like love can be, has never felt realistic to me. Miss Elle manages to capture that push-pull between Quell and Jordan as they go back and forth between their feelings and their goals.
Book Two expands the magical society we got to see the edges of in "House of Marionne". We get to see new Houses, learn more about Darkbearers and Draguns, and experience some surprising twists while we learn some pretty major secrets. The final battle that it all culminates with would look amazing on film, and I hope I get to see it someday.
I do feel like there were a few terms thrown in that I don't recall from the first book, and they weren't in the glossary, which made things a little confusing, and I'm not overly fond of the use of "ghosts" even though they're used sparingly. I found myself sort-of skimming any parts with them, and I'll probably do the same with book three. Other than that, I don't really have any complaints or nitpicks. I'll be looking forward to everything wrapping up in Book 3. 4 out of 5 stars. Thank you so much to Netgalley, Penguin Group, and J. Elle for the free advanced reader copy. This is a voluntary review. All thoughts and opinions are strictly my own.
At the same time, Jordan has graduated and joined the Dragun brotherhood. He's so successful, in fact, that the current Dragunhead has chosen him as his second-in-command, the Dragunheart. But Jordan is still battling with his feelings for Quell, the girl who betrayed him. Part of him wants her dead, but part of him knows that even now, he can't hate the girl who has stolen his heart. He has to decide if love of Quell or duty to the Order will win the day.
This book was very fast-paced and action-packed compared to the first book. I did enjoy the continuation of Quell's story, and I liked the addition of Jordan as a second POV. The way they reacted to each other and around each other felt like it would be natural for two people who had a relationship that ended in spectacular fashion, but really still have feelings for each other that they can't deny, pulling at him. Most enemies to lovers (or in this case, lovers to enemies) stories suffer from this trope where they seem to have to spend the whole second book hating each other and not acknowledging that they have any feelings at all, which given how strong feelings like love can be, has never felt realistic to me. Miss Elle manages to capture that push-pull between Quell and Jordan as they go back and forth between their feelings and their goals.
Book Two expands the magical society we got to see the edges of in "House of Marionne". We get to see new Houses, learn more about Darkbearers and Draguns, and experience some surprising twists while we learn some pretty major secrets. The final battle that it all culminates with would look amazing on film, and I hope I get to see it someday.
I do feel like there were a few terms thrown in that I don't recall from the first book, and they weren't in the glossary, which made things a little confusing, and I'm not overly fond of the use of "ghosts" even though they're used sparingly. I found myself sort-of skimming any parts with them, and I'll probably do the same with book three. Other than that, I don't really have any complaints or nitpicks. I'll be looking forward to everything wrapping up in Book 3. 4 out of 5 stars. Thank you so much to Netgalley, Penguin Group, and J. Elle for the free advanced reader copy. This is a voluntary review. All thoughts and opinions are strictly my own.
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