DuPassé has something of a bad reputation, as does its owner. Lucien is mysterious, distant, and quietly feared. Some say people disappear after working at his antique shop. Others say worse. Lucien says nothing. He's lived too long to care what people think, or so he tells himself.
One day, Gabriel walks through his door. Golden-haired, pure-hearted, and disarmingly sincere, Gabriel is everything Lucien is not. When Lucien offers him a job, it isn't out of need-it's something closer to desperation.
Gabriel accepts. And in the shadows of DuPassé, among relics that whisper of darker times, he will discover that some secrets are kept for good reason. In 1920s Paris, where the line between the living and the damned grows thin, Gabriel must choose: flee while he still can, or stay and face whatever lurks behind Lucien's carefully guarded silence.
Some doors once opened, can never be closed again.
Review :
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ - A real page turner
When I say this is one of the best vampire books I've read in a long time, I'm not exaggerating! Interview with The Vampire meets Underworld meets French political influence. Lucien, the owner of an antiques store, ends up on the wrong side of those who control the city. Not the ones at the front of newspapers, the ones that lurk in the shadows, pulling the strings. He meets Gabriel who starts working for him, except just by association, Gabriel now ends up in danger. Children are going missing in the city and Gabriel wants to stop it, whilst Lucien knows how to stop it.
There were two massive plot twists in this that I didn't see coming at all!! I loved the glimpse in to Lucien's backstory and there were many underlying themes I identified with... whether that be family members or social influences, there was lots to resonate with. Thank you @adatewithkirk for sending this - a story to remember and please please please write a second book! Everyone needs to go read this - it's on Amazon both paperback and Kindle!
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ - A must read for fans of gothic literature like Oscar Wilde
"This is a gothic tale with a fantasy twist set in 1920's Paris. The characters are well developed and the "main" character Lucien's personality is explored even on a psychological level. It explores the themes of "good" and "evil" without having the usual "Hero" and "Villain" trope. It is well written with witty dialogue and beautiful imagery that you can picture clearly. Also, easily digestible "fantasy" element for me who does not usually read fantasy books. 10/10".
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ - Captivating story, lovable characters!
"The story got me hooked from the first page! Impressive storytelling, wonderful character development and all of it set in a dark and gothic Paris. There are some unexpected moments of shock, some kindness and tenderness between the characters and some wit and humour to be found in this debut novel!
Can't wait for the next book!!"
