Never have I been so excited to have my high hopes completely surpassed. Splinters of Scarlet is a gorgeously written book, with engaging characters and a lush atmosphere, filled with so much love and mystery and atmosphere. The magic and world-building instantly stood out to me, and I think is what makes this book stand out from the rest I've read this year. I was instantly drawn to the richness of the details of the historical Denmark setting, and I fell completely in love with the characters and the way they fit into this world. To put it bluntly, I was completely dazzled by this book, and I'm not sure anything else will shine quite as brightly for me this year!

Thank you so much to Net Galley and the publisher for my early e-copy of this book!

This book enchanted me. All of the elements came together so beautifully, everything weaving together like a finely threaded tapestry to create a stunning masterpiece. The characters, the writing style, the magic, the plot, the historical details--I loved it all.

The relationships Marit has and forms in this book are so endearing. Her friendship with Liljan and eventually Brock, her sisterly bond with Eve, her love for Jakob. Emily has a knack for writing such great friendships and swoon-worthy romances, and this book is no exception. Despite the frosty setting and stakes of the story, the character dynamics warmed me right up.

I love that this book takes place a time and in a country I don't know much about and don't often read about. It piqued my interest to learn more about Denmark and its wars. The magic was the right blend of captivating and horrifying. The idea that using ones magic could also freeze their veins forever is so intriguing. I loved all of the character's abilities, even if some seemed so simple. They all come into play during the last part of the story, which was so incredible.

The writing of the story is stunning as well. I love the historical details and the descriptions of magic. It was so cool that Marit often described things based on her knowledge of fabrics and sewing, truly reinforcing how much she is steeped in her own magic. The plot of uncovering a murder mystery was great too. It captured my attention and refused to let go until the big reveal that stole my breath away.

Splinters of Scarlet is my favorite kind of story. It has characters that I root for, magic that enchants me, and a story that keeps me reading. All of the different aspects come together for a rich, magical story that you don't want to miss. I'm already contemplating when I can reread this book.

Well. I think I've found my favorite book of the year. Emily Bain Murphy stunned me with her debut, The Disappearances, so I've been so looking forward to her follow-up novel. I had high hopes for Splinters of Scarlet, and not only was I not let down, but my expectations were exceeded spectacularly. Murphy has fully earned a spot on my favorites list, and Splinters of Scarlet is a book that I needed after being let down so much this year.

This book is just absolutely beautiful. The writing, the story, the characters, all of it is stunning. There is a perfect balance of flowery and restrained prose, giving the story a charming and magical feeling. It was so easy to read, one paragraph flowing seamlessly into the next, building on itself from beginning to end. I couldn't pull myself away and was wholly engrossed the entire time I was reading. This book is such a good example of writing that is easy to read but still full of substance.

The story was so good. It gave bits of information at all the right moments, while leaving just enough mystery to keep me guessing and wanting more though to the end. The magic system fit so well, and felt fresh and unique. I loved that magic having severe consequences played such a large part in the story, as I feel like this is something I don't see enough of. It fit in so well with the setting, all of it just felt so natural while still giving that magical sense of wonder.

If the story and the world were the soul of this book, then the characters were its heart. I knew from the first page that I was going to fall in love with Marit and her story. She was a perfect lead, flawed but compelling, strong and good and heartfelt. All of the supporting characters were just as easy to love, to feel for. Throwing in occasion point-of-view chapters for the villain felt like a really good decision, and it was a great way to give the reader information while never giving too much. 

I adore this book. I just know that I'll read Splinters of Scarlet again and again, that it's a book I'll still be revisiting years from now. It's perfects for lovers of fantasy, historical, mysteries. It plays to so man tropes I love, found families, a strong magic system, protective siblings. It has thrilling twists and breathtaking imagery. There's really nothing bad I can say about this book. It will be at the top of my end of the year lists, and I can't wait for others to read it and fall just as much in love with it as I have.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from HMH Books for Young Readers through NetGalley. Thanks for providing me the opportunity to review.

I knew I would enjoy this book when it was described as a “magical Downton Abbey”

Splinters of Scarlet takes the reader on a journey to nineteenth century Denmark filled with magic, mystery, and family love. I loved the setting and the array of characters at the Vestergaard manor; even the minor ones contributed to the story. I felt the mystery was a little slow to unravel since the answers weren't revealed until after the 85% mark. The reader is kept guessing while Marit searches for clues and connections between the Vestergaards, the mines where her father died, and the auspicious jewels found in the Vestergaard mines. If the mystery was consistent from beginning to end, and not scattered here and there, then the story would have flowed better. Despite that one flaw, I liked the characters and enjoyed the the story, especially the bond between Marit and Eve.

If you love stories about sisterhood, magic, mystery, ballet, beautiful gowns, jewels, historical settings, and romance, then this story is for you.

This book!!! Wow. I LOVED Emily's first book (The Disappearances), so I was excited to read this, and it absolutely did not disappoint!!! The unique magical system was PERFECT. The main character's magic allows her to stitch thing up, with just a glance, and the way Emily describes it is utterly enchanting. There are also other characters with magic, each one original and distinctive. The magic flooded the story with whimsy, while making the stakes intense, since the act of using magic eventually kills everyone who uses it, and it absolutely kept me turning pages.

I also loved the rich details of the historical Denmark setting, that were woven in seamlessly without bogging down the story. And as a former dance major, I loved that two of the characters were ballerinas, and the terms used to describe everything they did were perfectly accurate, and dance was described as almost its own kind of magic, which I related to so much.

I loved the themes of found family, and sacrifice, and the writing itself was always lovely without ever being too flowery, or wordy. This one makes it into my top three books that I've read so far this year, and I can't wait for everyone to get a chance to read it! I'd recommend it for fans of Romanov, Woven in Midnight, and Everless, plus anyone who loves unique magic, and found families.

Thank you so much, NetGalley, for the free ebook to review.

(I will be sharing this review on Instagram in a few days, too.)

This was a lush and well-paced fantasy. Initially drawn to it by the premise of learning about historic Denmark, I was a bit disappointed in the lack of history, but that's a small complaint of a well-developed fantasy world. Murphy manages to interweave fantasy, mystery, class relations, and the ethics behind wealth into a thoroughly entertaining story.

Splinters of Scarlet takes the reader on a journey to nineteenth century Denmark filled with magic, mystery, and family love. I loved the setting and the array of characters at the Vestergaard manor; even the minor ones contributed to the story. Like with The Disappearances, the romance was slow building and nothing like the instant love plaguing the majority of teen novels these days. I felt the mystery was a little slow to unravel since the answers weren't revealed until after the 85% mark. The reader is kept guessing while Marit searches for clues and connections between the Vestergaards, the mines where her father died, and the auspicious jewels found in the Vestergaard mines. If the mystery was consistent from beginning to end, and not scattered here and there, then the story would have flowed better. Despite that one flaw, I loved the characters and enjoyed the the story, especially the bond between Marit and Eve.

Emily Bain Murphy weaves an incredibly lush and atmospheric historical fantasy that transports the reader to 19th century Denmark. Mostly told from Marit Olsen’s point of view (there are a few chapters which are told from the POV of Phillip Vestergaard, which actually highlight the differences betwixt the two “camps” in the book), it’s a story of how far you will go for love of family, even if it means death. Touching on the politics of magic, the ethics of mining and labor, and even racial inequality, everything is tightly wound carefully for an explosive climax.

I received an e-arc of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

I don’t even know where to start. I feel like my words have left me. This book was absolutely AMAZING! Emily Bain Murphy captivated me from the very first page. I love the setting which is 19th Century Denmark. The way that Emily described everything, it felt so tangible. The imagery is so lush and vivid. The main character of the story is Marit Olsen, and I head over heels fell in love with her. I could definitely see myself being her BFF, she’s such a kindred spirit.

Marit was born with magic. Magic flows through her blood, but if she uses it, there’s a deadly ice build-up in her veins, called the Firn. She has vowed not to use it, as it killed her sister. Marit’s father also died in the Vestergaard family’s jewel mines and she is left an orphan. In the orphanage, she meets Eve who becomes like a sister to her. I loved the relationship between Marit and Eve. Their bond is so strong, and so pure. Marit is fiercely devoted to Eve. When Eve is adopted by the very wealthy Helen Vestergaard, Marit pulls out all the stops to stay by Eve’s side. Marit also secretly wants to go with Eve to find out what happened in the mine accident that killed her father. Helene brings Marit home with her and Eve as a servant. Helene begins to tutor Eve in ballet, as Eve had shown promise at the orphanage. I loved meeting all of the characters that live in the Vestergaard home and getting to know their distinct personalities. They very much reminded me of the blurb that compares this story to Downton Abbey meets Frozen. Marit begins to develop relationships with the people that she is living and working with. A romance also evolves between a couple of the characters. As the story goes on though, Marit starts getting closer to truth of what happened in the mines, and everyone she loves is in danger. Marit soon discovers that magic may be the only thing that can save her.

If you love stories about sisterhood, magic, mystery, ballet, beautiful gowns, jewels, historical settings, and romance, then this story is for you. Please do yourself a favor and add this beautiful book to your TBR. It is available at retailers for preorder now and you can also request it from your local library.

Set in Denmark in the 1860s, Emily Bain Murphy's Splinters of Scarlet weaves together history and magic in this engrossing tale.

Marit has the magical gift of stitchery, and will do anything to help her friend Eve, who is like a sister to her. Marit has aged out of the orphanage that Eve still was living in, but goes with her when she is adopted by a rich dancer. At their new home, she finds others who also have magical abilities, but soon they figure out that they are not safe.

The Downton Abbey comparisons is what drew me to this book, as a mega fan, but they don't really kick in right at the beginning. I see where they are coming from though, since when the plot really takes off, we meet Downstairs. I can see some of my favorite Downton characters in Marit, as she cares so much for her friends and is self-sacrificing. I also at times was reminded of the manga Black Butler, and also certain scenes from Disney's animated Beauty and the Beast.

I really loved the found family aspect of the novel, and the characters are very interesting and well developed. The romance is enjoyable too, and fits in well with the main story. The world building of magical Denmark is wonderful and atmospheric. Overall, I loved this book, even if it's not quite Downton Abbey.

I recommend this to fans of historical fantasy, and think the teens in my book club will love it too. Fantastic read!

5 stars.

Thanks to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group and NetGalley for this copy, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Splinters of Scarlet's first line of the description was Enchantée meets Downton Abbey and thought yes please I need to read this ASAP. It brought the drama of Downton Abbey with the added fun of magic. Characters that you loved and rooted for and a story you couldn't put down, I especially loved the parts with Marit and Eve their relationship was so special.

I don’t usually read much fantasy, but the comp to Downton Abbey drew me in and I’m so glad I got to read this! A super engaging, beautifully written historical novel with the perfect touch of magic, Splinters of Scarlet blew me away. It made me want to travel to old timey Denmark, but I’m almost afraid the real thing would be disappointing after this book. Look forward to enthusiastically recommending this book to patrons!

This book was received as an ARC from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's Book Group in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I could not get enough of this book and the bond that Eve and Marit had for one another especially through the most difficult of times was really jaw-dropping and inspiring. Marit and Eve are orphans but are so close and are almost like sisters. When Eve gets adopted by Helen Vestergaard, the richest woman in town, Marit goes with her and stops at nothing to protect her friend even if it means using magic to help her get a job as the seamstress for the Vestergaard family. Now in the household, Marit also has another motive, her father died while working for the Vestergaards and she is determined to find out once and for all who was involved in his death and who is really in danger with the family. When Marit starts to uncover secrets she finds out that the Vestergaards connect with "accidents" involving the King of Denmark and she might be in more danger than she thought but risking her magic and even her life. I could not stop reading this book and every page, my heart dropped farther and farther and I know our YA community will love it and i can't wait for the discussions to spring at our next teen book club.

We will consider adding this title to our YA collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

#SplintersofScarlet #NetGalley
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an E-arc copy of Splinters of Scarlet by Emily Bain Murphy. It is an excellent novel that will thrill fans of historical fiction and romance/adventure.

This book was a wonderful adventure from start to finish. I loved the way magic was woven into the story and the prose was lovely.