This is billed as Sci Fi but I can see a lot of other readers interested in picking it up, too. The prose is overall lovely and evocative.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC.

4/5 stars
Recommended if you like: fantasy, Hades and Persephone, ballet, magic, curses, fairytales

Big thanks to Netgalley, Del Ray, and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book has aspects of several different fairytales/myths rolled up into one beautiful package. There's Hades and Persephone, Death and the Maiden, and Beauty and the Beast. The book was a bit predictable, though I feel like that's my adage for a lot of books. There was a good mix of things I was able to guess and things that surprised me. The ending did surprise me, and I thought the way Wees wrote it was very interesting.

The book does have a lot of descriptions and purple prose, but I liked it. I enjoyed the descriptions and found they helped emphasize certain strange and magical instances throughout the book. It also serves to indicate when something Isn't Right, because there will be gaps in the description (such as the trip to/from Master La Rosa's house).

Grace is someone who's faced a lot of loss in her life. The ballet and her best friend, Emilia, are her only solaces. Grace is an interesting character because she simultaneously has so much fight in her but also a desire to just give in to the magic surrounding her at Master La Rosa's house. I will say this: whatever she decides, she throws herself wholeheartedly into it. There were some moments when she did something that made me go really, but overall she was good at sorting through her thoughts and coming to a conclusion that would meet her needs and wants.

Emilia is only a side character but she's such a good friend. She's excited over Grace's accomplishments and supports her through her journey in this book. No matter how crazy things seem, she's more than willing to reach out a hand to help her friend. She seems like a solid person to have on your side, and I'm glad that she was continually there for Grace.

Master La Rosa is somewhat of a mysterious figure even after Grace begins living with him. His role is pretty obvious from that point on, but I don't really feel like we get to know him even as Grace feels like she does. There's also the situation with how he acted in the private box vs. how he acts in virtually every other scene after that. I think it would've been better had he been developed into a more well-rounded character. As it stands, I sort of get the appeal, but don't really feel that connection. I liked the magic in the book. The other world, where Noctem is located, is interesting. I liked the take on death and spirits, and the 'monsters' had an interesting connection.

This is a little nitpicky of me, but some of the ballet stuff was a little off. For one thing, Firebird was first performed in the US in 1916, not in the 1930s. Second, Grace at one point mentions she dances 12 (I think, maybe 10) performances of Firebird and used 7 pointe shoes...except full solo/prima performances usually wear out pointe shoes, and that's today. In Grace's time, pointe shoes were less sturdy, so she really should've gone through at least a dozen pairs, if not more during the show's running. There were some other things that I noticed, but the timeline and pointe shoe thing particularly stood out.

I think the ending is satisfying as well. It isn't a traditional HEA, but I think it fits. It also really reinforces that Grace's decision is her own and not her being wrapped up in love or lust or whatever.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and think Grace's story is interesting. I liked the ending both because it's satisfying and because I think it matches well with a lot of ballet endings, which kind of fits the theme.

Quick summary: "Nocturne" is a lyrical, well-researched historical fantasy featuring an orphaned ballerina who struggles to fulfill her dream and figure out the competing interests of people around her. I'm rating it 3/5 stars for the well-researched historical elements and abstract prose.

Full review: Alyssa Wees has a unique writing style that many readers will love. The prose is very lyrical and descriptive, which may appeal to a wide audience. Unfortunately, the tedious descriptions and abstract analogies made it difficult for me to become immersed in the story.

Part of the problem was that the main character lacked direction. Grace doesn't show much agency for the better part of the story. As a character-driven reader, I found it hard to connect with such a passive, self-centered main character. Grace had a lonely childhood and struggled to fit in with the cutthroat atmosphere of the Near North Ballet company, but a traumatic past doesn't excuse her self-destructive thoughts and cruel actions at the end of the story. I wish the readers got to see more of Grace's friend, Emilia, as that was the character I connected with and rooted for.

There were several twists in this story, and I commend the author's attempts to keep readers on their toes. However, I don't think the plot twists were executed to the extent they could have been. Two, in particular, were pretty obvious, and I found it somewhat unrealistic that Grace didn't figure them out. Additionally, the ending was somewhat confusing, and I had trouble determining what was real, fantastical, and part of a dream (which is pretty ironic, given the content in the climax).

I can tell the author is very passionate about ballet, and her enthusiasm shines from the pages. I definitely learned a lot about ballet and have a newfound appreciation for dancers! Additionally, this story took place in the 1930s, and I loved the lush historical setting. Several historical details were woven into the plot, and I thought the author did a great job researching the time period.

Before I list my concluding thoughts, I want to mention that this book deals with heavy topics of death, grief, manipulation, and poverty. Readers sensitive to these topics should take notice before starting this story.

Concluding thoughts: "Nocturne" is a unique, fantastical take on ballet, violins, grief, death, and sleep. While I didn't connect with the main character or the lyrical prose, the historical setting and interesting plot place this story at 3/5 stars. I'd recommend it to readers who enjoy historical fantasy, ballet, and deep, metaphorical stories.

Thank you to NetGalley, Alyssa Wees, and Del Rey for this advanced reader’s copy. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

this book was so beautifully written and I fall in love with this book. the author's ability to capture characters emotions is just awesome. I've never ever read a book like this. highly recommend.

Book: Nocturne

Author: Alyssa Wees

Rating: 4 Out of 5 Stars



I would like to thank the publisher, Del Rey Books, for sending me an ARC.



Okay, so this is another one that I went into knowing nothing about. It kind of reminded me a lot of Phanton of the Opera, but with dancing. We follow Grace in 1930s Chicago. She is a dancer in a company that is down on its luck. She gets this patron, who starts to sponsor the company. No one knows for sure who he is. He takes a deep interest in her. The further she gets into this, the more she comes to realize that things are not what they seem. Her world takes a dark turn as she starts to see that death really does play a factor in our everyday lives.



I found the writing to be very beautiful. It is highly descriptive and leans into this. If you do not like over the top writing, then this is not going to be the book for you. The writing pulled me in and made me feel as if I was experiencing the events and emotions right along with the characters. It gave me all of the feels. Now, I will admit that there were times that I found the writing to be a bit too much. There were times that I felt like it did slow the story down and pull me out of the story. However, there were times that I found it to be very enjoyable.



The characters were well developed and highly developed. It takes time to build this relationship. However, I found the rewards outweighed the doubts. By letting us follow the characters around on their day to day lives, it gives us a reason to care about them deeply whenever things start to happen. The complex nature does, at times, make it kind of difficult to see what side they are actually on. I guess that this is what makes them feel real. Human, after all, are very complex beings.



The overall plot is very dark. The atmosphere allows you to paint this darkness. You are in the theater with the characters, going through the streets, and taken to another world. The world that the author has created is not a nice place. Again, the writing does an amazing job at capturing this. You are there with the characters going through everything.



Overall, I did enjoy this one.



This book comes out on February 23, 2023.



Youtube: https://youtu.be/xf-NEb7xtnM

I really loved this book! The way it was written was so beautiful and the story was intriguing. At no point was I bored. I read the whole book in one sitting. The main character, Grace, served as a strong female character. She didn’t need anyone to save her! In the end, she saved not only herself but also Noctem too! Though, I am sad that Master la Rosa had to die in the process. I feel that his relationship with Grace could’ve flourished if he had lived. Nevertheless, this was an enjoyable book to read.

I was interested in reading this tale because I grew up in the Chicagoland area and am usually drawn to historical fiction/fantasy that takes place here.

Grace is a ballerina who is chosen by an unseen patron to be the prima in her dance company. What seems an odd choice for an untrained dancer proves correct when she is essentially sold to her benefactor who in turn is actually Death itself.

Despite its lyrical prose, Nocturne fell flat for me in its plot development. A patchwork quilt of elements from Phantom of the Opera, myth of Hades and Persephone, Beauty and the Beast and maybe The Red Shoe, the author doesn’t seem to be able to settle on any one retelling and as a result, the story felt incredibly disjointed. Grace was not a particularly likeable character and the ending did not make much sense given her established personality. Through much of the novel I was left confused as to how and why events were unfolding.

Fans of lyrical retellings may enjoy this one, however for me there were just one too many plot points that were beyond suspension of disbelief, even for a historical fantasy.

Thank you to NetGalley, Alyssa Wees, and Del Rey for this advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

Wow. This book is an absolute masterpiece of mythic, atmospheric storytelling and world-building. Set in Chicago circa the Great Depression era, this mysterious story captivated my imagination from first page till the very last. Alyssa Nees is past mistress of literary cadence, with each word and sentence flowing like a lightly tripping river, and although the emotion of the story can feel a bit overwrought at times, it perfectly encapsulates the romanticism, the all-encompassing emotion only found in youth and the young. This book will stay with me for a long time.

*This ARC has been kindly provided to me by Del Rey Books and NetGalley, and releases to the world on Feb 21st, 2023.

It’s Prima Ballerina + Phantom of the Opera = delivering all the thrills and the chills.

Grace is selected by the mistress to be the new prima ballerina; an unexpected boon because she is an orphan. Grace learns that she has a secret and suspicious patron. One who knows secrets from her past.

A darkly beautiful and creepy tale. Perfect for fans of BELLADONNA by Adalyn Grace and THE MIDNIGHT DANCE by Nikki Katz.

Alyssa Wees is a magical storyteller with lyrical language that had me re-reading lines because they were so well crafted. Nocturne is my favorite kind of story, a true fairy tale in concept and execution. One that left me spinning and breathless as the story swept to its conclusion.

This was a magical read. Alyssas writing is so great, I could practically feel like I was living in the story. This was an absolutely beautiful fairytale, the characters were so likable. Such a beautiful setting Chicago 1930's. I much enjoyed this book. Thank you @netgalley for the ARC

An orphaned young woman who becomes prima ballerina…a daughter taken too soon….a mysterious patron…..and a wager between Death and Sleep. This is the story in Nocturne.

By the age of 13 Grace Dragotta is an orphan. Her brother was killed by the Mafia and her mother has died from poverty and hardship. Grace takes the violin her brother bought her and makes a living of sorts playing on the streets. But Grace has dreams of becoming a ballerina like those she sees practicing at the nearby school. And one day she takes her violin and herself to the school and convinces them to take her on as a student. Life is hard but Grace is on the cusp of major success, becoming prima ballerina. Times are hard for dance companies and when this one a patron must be found or the company will fold. The mysterious Mr. La Rosa steps up, and Grace becomes the prima ballerina, setting off a chain of events that no one could have anticipated.

Mr La Rosa asks just one thing of Grace; that she live in his home and continue dancing with the ballet, and every Sunday, that she dance with him. That doesn’t seem like too much to ask to save the dance company, but Grace feels she’s been sold. As her relationship with the man also known as The Master develops Grace begins to see how she is helping lost souls through her music and her dance. But things are strange and getting stranger, and Grace finds herself the prize in a wager between two powerful mystical forces.

Nocturne is an adult fairy tale. Lyrically written and startlingly beautiful, Nocturne is a fantasy adventure not to be missed.

This was definitely a different read for me I did enjoy it though not sure if I'd read it again but I did like the story alot

Some people will probably describe this as lyrical, so if you're into that, this book may be for you. But frankly it is a description I run from when I see it in reviews, and this book is the reason why.

There are so many metaphors and similies and overwrought descriptions that you can barely find the plot. The main character Grace is the reason women used to be committed for "hysteria" if she really thinks half the thoughts the author puts in her head. A lurid imagination and propensity for self destructive acts at the very least.

Suffice it to say that I did not find her erratic behavior and macabre sense of description likable, and as an extremely character driven writer that made this book even more of a slog for me. It took me almost an entire month to read and I am not even sure why I persevered to the end, something in the story must have kept me going, however slowly.

So, recommended for overdramatic teens who are in their goth phase, but not for me.

4.5 This was a dark, haunting, atmospheric, and lyrical fantasy. It's a beauty and the beast reimagining with a little bit of Greek mythology influence and some phantom of the opera vibes. I loved it!
If the ending was slightly different, I would have given it a 5. I don't want to spoil anything.
If you like magical, atmospheric reads check this one out!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGally and Random House Publishing Group - Ballatine for the E-ARC

I thoroughly enjoyed the writing in this book. I thought the prose was beautiful and throughout the book I had to stop and write down my favorite quotes. However, I found the actually story to be dull. While I enjoyed some of the story between The Master and Grace, it was just so slow that I really found myself putting down this book to read something else. The last 20% or so really ramps up and I finally couldn't put the book down as I was racing to see how it ended. So, if you enjoy kind of a rollercoaster read where you're bored then intrigued this might be the book for you.

4/5 stars!
This book was very mystical. I love the plot of the book and the aesthetic is amazing. The book might be a longer read because it included a lot of description that sometimes got boring. Other than that, I really enjoyed this book! Thanks Alyssa Wees, Del Rey, and NetGalley for the ARC!!

Nocturne is one of those stories that has a pretty cover, an interesting synopsis but has a messy plot. Although parts of the book were written beautifully, it felt like the plot was all over the place. I’m struggling to decide, is this Beauty and the Beast? Death and the Maiden? Phantom of the Opera? Or Persephone and Hades. Because it felt like the author wanted to try to mix them all in one, and kinda did but failed at it. Although the story was nice it was just confusing? I wish Wees would’ve just stuck to one, but it felt like she wanted to do all of them. I didn’t enjoy the Masters' character, he was pretty creepy obviously expected though, but it just turned me away from their ‘love’. I also wish the ending went another way because what the hell was that? I just don’t get it. I don’t see the point in all of it and I'm truthfully confused. The start of the story was okay, but once you are at least 6 chapters in it all starts going downhill.
Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I’m unsure how to rate this one. I was SO excited for this premise: Phantom of the Opera meets Hades & Persephone in a historical setting and ballet. The execution was just odd though. I can’t even figure out if I enjoyed it or not?

The big thing to know before you read this book is the prose is SO purple-y. Like over the top. Normally I love lyrical prose and at first I was really digging it, but as the pages went on it become over the top to the point that it was tedious to read. I found myself skimming most of the pages because it was all random metaphors and deep description with little plot. If this kind of vibe is your favorite, you’ll probably love it. For me, it overshadowed any sense of plot or character development to the point I couldn’t get into the story.

Next thing is the slow moving plot. There were so many descriptions and flashbacks in the beginning that honestly the plot didn’t really kick in until 40-50% through the book. It was hard to wade through. I kept reading because I wanted the story so badly but it was frustrating. Once the plot really started, it was very repetitive. The biggest thing that frustrates me was there were no stakes. I never once felt any sense of urgency or reasoning for characters to actions. The Master was so flat I couldn’t even care what he did. I wanted to feel the sympathy and terror that you feel for the Phantom, but instead he was just kind of there.

The ending 15% of the book was the best. There was enough action to keep me engaged, but having trudged through the rest of it I wasn’t sure if the pay off was worth it. And it still felt rather lackluster.

Overall, I can’t decide if I enjoyed it. I enjoyed the premise and promise of it, but the actual execution? Not so much. I enjoyed the lyrical prose to an extent, but it was too heavy handed to be sustainably read for a whole book. I do feel like there IS any audience for this book though. Maybe folks who love a a strong literary bent to fantasy with lots of deep prose.

Thank you to netgalley for the ARC!

Nocturne by Alyssa Wees, a fascinating read. Times are hard all over and troubles abound, when the ballerina company lands a Patron. Who is this enigmatic and strange individual and what does he want with the new head ballerina?