I was definitely a bit disappointed with this one. I thought I had found my no-fail niche with Regency Fantasy Romance, but Mortal Follies was a let down.

This book just didn't hit the mark for me. The narrator telling the story was kind of awkward for me and I just couldn't connect to the characters like I wanted to. Don't get me wrong some of the characters did have potential and parts of it did make me laugh but I think this book just wasn't for me. That doesn't mean that others won't enjoy it though. I know there are people out there that will love this book. It just wasn't for me is all.

This is a charming historical sapphic romantic fantasy. The narrator is very tongue-in-cheek British humor, which I think will vastly influence most readers' appreciation of the book.

3.5 stars

A charming, fantastical, sapphic "Bridgerton" is how I would describe "Mortal Follies."

And I liked it for what it is: a light, fluffy romance novel. But Alexis Hall doesn’t quite give it that extra bit of oomph to push it into the four-star range for me. It’s amusing and clever enough, especially with Hall’s choice of Robin Goodfellow, aka Puck, as narrator – I appreciated the witty swipes at Shakespeare – yet by the end of it all, the book feels like just another romance novel. It fails to stand out.

The structure of the story is odd, too. The blurb makes it seem that the main plotline of the romance revolves around Miss Mitchelmore being cursed and Lady Georgianna finding a way to save her, but that’s settled halfway through. So when the curse is resolved and you find you still have quite a few pages left, you can’t help but think, 'Um … now what? Why isn’t the book wrapping up?'

There’s also a sexual element to the two women’s relationship that feels out of place with the novel’s airy and whimsical tone. I won’t say much more for fear of spoilers, other than it crosses a line of respect between two consensual partners and I didn’t much care for it.

A second book has since been published – "Confounding Oaths" – but I haven’t made up my mind as to whether I’ll be coming back for another round. We’ll see if the mood ever strikes.


My sincerest appreciation to Alexis Hall, Del Rey, and NetGalley for the digital review copy. All opinions included herein are my own.

i thoroughly enjoyed this. craft-wise, i enjoyed the use of a pixie narrator and the freedom and restrictions this type of narration allowed as well as its voice. the secondary and tertiary characters were fun to read with good banter and full personalities. miss bickle's love for whimsy and magic proving to be useful was great, especially because she was used for comedic scenes so much. 

honestly, i was hoping to dislike this because i was a little put off by alexis' response to being asked to take a hp reference out of a reprint, but i ended up loving it. i loved the sapphic romance and all of the sarcasm and the magic.

thank you netgalley for an e-arc of this in exchange for an honest review, and to my friend sarah for giving me their physical copy.

A witty, enchanting historical fantasy featuring meddling fairies, cursed ladies, and swoon-worthy romance. Alexis Hall’s humor and heart come through perfectly. A magical, slow-burn delight.

I love Shakespeare so I am sure I am biased but a Puck story is just what we all needed. This is funny and nostalgic. Great choice for a library purchase.

I've loved other books by Alexis Hall, but this one just didn't work for me. It's an interesting and unique premise, but I had trouble connecting to the characters and feeling invested in their relationship or their individual arcs.

This is such a fun book that has shenanigans and faeries. I love the tone and storytelling. It’s so intriguing.

This is definitely one of the weirder books we've read lately: it's a historical sapphic romance, narrated by Puck (aka Robin Goodfellow, aka Hobgoblin), set in a world where mythological creatures, magic, and curses are real. Puck is writing this story in the present day, but he recorded it for posterity (in his mind?) in 1814. He follows Maelys, a debutante in Bath who's been afflicted by a curse, as she attempts to rectify the situation. She does so by enlisting the aid of the Duke of Annadale, more properly known as Lady Georgiana Landrake, who has a suspiciously good knowledge of curses, herself.

Mortal Follies is a total romp. Puck's narration is a major high point, as he presents the story from a detached but interested perspective (while taking every opportunity he can to malign Shakespeare). That said, perhaps because of that detached narration, we didn't feel the emotional high points of the romance as much as we could have. At times, the book felt more like an experiment in writing than like a romance. We had a ton of fun reading it, and Hall has never written a book that hasn't made us laugh out loud at least once.

I loved the premise of this book. A fairy following people to gain a story she can sell in order for her to thrive in the modern world (aka pay rent and such). She follows a poor woman, Miss Maelys Mitchelmore, who seems to have been cursed. Through some unfortunate events as a damsel in destress, along with facing old ruthless gods, she finds herself fancying the Duke of Annadale who saves her multiple times.

This was cute but sadly forgettable. It had its moments but overall, I just found it ok. I began to lose interest after the halfway point when we discover who has cursed Michelmore. The rest after was lacking and somewhat felt unnecessary. I wanted to really enjoy this b/c the beginning was truly so much fun!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC.

I could not get into this book no matter how hard I tried. I recently tried reading again and it was still a DNF for me. This book may be for someone, just not for me!

Do you love Bridgerton? Regency-era in general? Well, good news, this is the book for you! While I wanted something a little more robust, it is only the first book in a connected series. I was hoping for something closer to A Marvelous Light, but this leaned heavily fae and did not hit for me.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

Alexis Hall has a gift for writing stories that feel both timeless and fresh, and Mortal Follies is no exception. This novel is a playful, Regency-inspired romp filled with Hall’s signature wit and charming characters. The narration is unique, the humor is sharp, and the central romance is engaging. However, while I enjoyed the writing, the pacing felt uneven at times, and the mythical elements didn’t fully work for me. I don’t typically love fantasy in my romance, and I struggled to stay invested in some of the more magical plot points.

That said, Hall’s prose is as delightful as ever, and fans of historical fantasy romance will likely adore this one. While it wasn’t my favorite of his books, I still found plenty to enjoy.

Sapphic historical fiction romantasy? SIGN ME UP! Sadly this missed the mark for me in several ways. I love the intent and the vibe but the execution and pacing were off. Part of me loves the style/tone (is it Shakespeare meets Austen?) but it leaves something missing and drags in the latter half. Also trigger warning for animal sacrifice.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy! I just couldn't get in the mood for this one, but I do love this author!

What a fun concept that spans two genres I really love: HistRom and Romantasy! It was a cute and cozy sapphic love story that I wanted to love, but ended up only liking. The pacing and storyline were both a bit off for me.

This is a sapphic book from the non-binary self-described "genderqueer writer of kissing books," Alexis Hall. It's a regency romance, featuring a damsel in distress and the rakish Duke of Annadale, who might just have murdered her family to get the family fortune. What Maelys dosen't need is a curse complicating the already exhausting whirlwind of balls, lunches, outings, and politics of a debutante's first social season.

In "Mortal Follies," Alexis Hall crafts a captivating tale that seamlessly blends elements of fantasy, romance, and humor. Set in a lively world where magic and mischief coexist, the novel invites readers on an enchanting journey filled with intriguing characters and surprising plot twists.

The narrative follows a spirited protagonist who inadvertently becomes entangled in a series of fantastical events. Hall's writing is both lively and witty, featuring sharp dialogue and clever insights that engage readers from the outset. His skill in creating vivid imagery brings the magical setting to life, allowing readers to immerse themselves fully in the story.

A notable strength of "Mortal Follies" is its rich character development. The characters are delightfully quirky and relatable, each grappling with their own unique challenges and aspirations. Hall adeptly captures the complexities of human emotions, weaving themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery throughout the narrative. The relationships between characters are dynamic and heartfelt, adding depth to the whimsical storyline.

The pacing of the novel is expertly managed, balancing moments of lightheartedness with deeper emotional undertones. Hall's talent for humor is evident, providing comic relief amidst the magical chaos. The plot is filled with unexpected twists that keep readers guessing, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the book.

Hall also delves into themes of identity and acceptance, encouraging readers to reflect on their own desires and the importance of embracing one's true self. As the protagonist navigates their journey, these themes resonate on a deeper level.

"Mortal Follies" is a captivating and enchanting read that showcases Alexis Hall's unique blend of humor, heart, and magic. It offers a delightful escape into a world where anything is possible, and love often finds a way to flourish amidst the chaos. Whether you're a fan of fantasy or simply seeking a charming story filled with laughter and warmth, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression. Hall has once again demonstrated his prowess as a storyteller, and "Mortal Follies" stands as a testament to his creativity and wit.

Thank you NetGalley, Alexis Hall, and Del Rey for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Sadly, I didn’t finish it, so I won’t be writing a full review. With what I did read, I thought that the writing style was gorgeous, and I definitely think that other readers would enjoy it more.