I was so hoping I'd gel with this more than with Mortal Follies, but alas. Despite the stunningly gorgeous cover and the always amusing Miss Bickle, this fell flat for me. I really can't stand Robin Goodfellow's as narrator. He's annoying and I hated his constant snide commentary that was forever pulling me away from the characters and plot. I also couldn't stand how stiff and stilted everyone is. I didn't care about any of the characters and as I was reading I kept thinking how I wished it was over.

I'll try the next from Alexis Hall because I love their other works, but I'll pass on any more in this series.

*Thanks to Del Rey for providing an early copy for review.

In Confounding Oaths, Alexis Hall has created an enchanting twist on the typical Regency romance and infused the narrative with a unique voice. John, Orestes and Mary are wonderful protagonists that give a vivid insight into the classism and racism of eighteenth century England but do it with so much panache that it is a delight to read.
One of the things I love the best is the voice of the novel, utilizing the voice of Robin Goodfellow to drive the narrative and point out the flaws of society. It also allows the reader to follow all the interesting characters around and get a better vision of what the fey are up to in this magical story.
I really enjoyed that we got the classical regency romance but with an LGBTQ twist to the story but infused with magic and a realistic look at society. I loved the twists and turns in fairy magic and the theme of embracing your true self, being there for your family whether biological or found and how love makes us better people.
If you love atypical romances, fairy magic, and a story that pokes fun at society, this is a delightful and enchanting twist on regency romances. The characters are charming, heroic, and dashing. The narrative is uniquely voiced and I loved every minute of the story.

I’ve been a big fan of Alexis Hall’s books for years. I especially enjoyed his historical fantasy Mortal Follies, so I was thrilled to see that he had written a sequel. Protagonist John appeared as a secondary character in the first book, but you don’t necessarily have to read the first book in order to understand this one.

As was the case with the first book, Puck– yes, that Puck– returns as narrator. The conceit is that he has fallen out of favor with Oberon and he is recounting fantastic tales to an audience comprised of we the readers.

While a great deal happens over the course of the novel, it can be summed up in one sentence: the characters get mixed up with magic with unexpected outcomes and they must work together to set things right.

Ostensibly, John is the protagonist, but our intrepid narrator focuses on anyone and anything that catches his notice, sometimes even flitting between two events happening at the same time, so readers receive a much fuller picture than had this story unfolded from a fixed perspective narrator or even dual points of view. Our narrator is even gracious enough to provide commentary on the proceedings. The characters are well rounded and versatile.

There is a romance of sorts between John and the handsome Captain James, but I don’t know that I would characterize this as a romance novel because the romance is not the focus of the plot. Once again, we return to an alternate Regency England where the faerie world often bleeds into the real world. You have to be careful of what you wish for and never trust a faerie.

I would absolutely recommend Confounding Oaths. This is a rollicking adventure with a great narrator. Hall blends issues of race and class and injustice into a tale of a curse that needs to be reversed. I am hoping that this is not the last time we experience this fascinating alternate world because I can’t get enough of it!

I received a digital ARC of this book from Ballantine/NetGalley.

The ever delightful Puck is back again for another tale of 1815's London. This time, the focus of the story is on the previous heroine's best friend's cousins, the lower-upper-class Caesars. When sixteen year old Mary finds herself in no one's favor in her first season, she makes a wish upon a star. She never expected her wish would be heard by a fairy, not to mention granted, with severe consequence. Miss Ceasar's pampered and aloof older brother, with social problems of his own, must save her. With absolutely no real world skills, he relies on the aid of a low-born army captain and his friends, a ragtag group of infantrymen who spend most of their days in a slum of a bar. Together, this hodgepodge group must find their way to save a young lady from the perils of the fairy court

I unfortunately did not enjoy this book nearly as much as I did the first. Maybe because it was similar enough in that entitled youth of the ton must use their wits to get themselves out of magical integments. Maybe because I found the Ceasars all rather exhaustingly petty. I do understand that the most important thing for a young lady in the Regency era was to find a man who would not only be kind of polite to her but also be able to support her and her family, and the best way to do so was to be comely. Maybe it's because I relied too much on the visuals of the Bridgerton series, but I did not find these characters as intriguing as they are meant to be. In fact, my favorite character was the flighty cousin Miss Bickle; I would be absolutely delighted to read a 1000-page novel of her life and adventures to come from either her own point of view or Puck's narration.

Our dear narrator was just as entertaining as before, making me literally laugh out loud at some points and highlighting many lines to share with my friends. Alexis
Hall clearly struck gold with his character
Unfortunately, the second book just fell a little flat. I rate this book three and a half stars comma mostly because I kept getting so bored in the story telling and none of the climax seemed to be as heart pounding as intended.

📖 Genre: Fantasy Romance
✨ Stars: 4/5
✨ Spice: 3/5

✨ Review:
Confounding Oaths by Alexis Hall is a delightful blend of humor, romance, and a touch of mystery that fans of the author will thoroughly enjoy. Set in Hall's signature world of the Mortal Follies series where witty banter meets deep emotional connections, this novel delivers on many fronts and I greatly enjoyed reading it! It is a half step out of my comfort zone, but isn't that what finding new books is for?

This book is perfect for readers who enjoy romantic comedies with a bit of an edge. Fans of Hall’s previous works, especially those who appreciate his combination of wit, romance, and character-driven stories, will find this book a satisfying read. It’s also a great pick for those who enjoy LGBTQ+ romances, as Hall continues to explore themes of identity, love, and acceptance in a nuanced way.

While the plot might feel somewhat predictable to seasoned romance readers, the journey is what makes this book stand out. Hall’s dialogue sparkles with wit, and the chemistry between the characters is phenomenal. The occasional dips in pacing are easily forgiven, thanks to the strong emotional beats and character interactions. Overall, "Confounding Oaths" is a charming, heartfelt read that’s well worth picking up, particularly for fans of well-crafted romantic fiction.

I feel like I am not sophisticated enough to understand what is going on in this book. It went over my head. I'm sorry but I am not the right audience. DNF. Thank you to netgalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

Just go read this book! Go read it! I plan on writing a Full Review when I can get my wits around this absolutely bonkers mythical magical absurd poignant world! Just a few tidbits until then, "debating the various careers open to unwed women in the year of some people's lord 1815", "No ethical consumerism under colonialism?" "that bas**rd from Statford", "elf...Santa or Keebler".

Ok, I'm ready. How do you review/summarize a story with truly the worse unreliable narrator scribbling to get himself back in his Master's good graces, lessons in all the gods and goddesses, such a dislike for England's most famous wordsmith ("fu**er Bill"), amazing found family, kin family learning to be better, a wicked godmother, pain, sorrow, what is beauty, a mirror on the true ton vs HR's normal dukes on every corner with all their teeth and no diseases. Our MC's, John Caesar, mixed race, eldest son, grandson of an earl and Orestes James, black, decorated military with the most amazing group of friends/soldiers, the Irregulars come together to try to fix Mary's (eldest sister) wish that has gone awry. Yes, there is romance, it's more sensual than sexy, taking a back seat to their journey through ballrooms, parlors, Holy Land, the Other, dueling fields, Thames docks. The great thing about Robin as our narrator, we get everyone's story as he zips around time and places in such fun shapes and beings. While this is the second installment in the Mortal Follies series, Alexis does a fabulous job bringing the reader in all the various storylines from the first. I totally have to go read the first now. Again be warned there is pain, blood, true sorrow when the gods require a blood sacrifice to right wrongs. So in between all the laughter, frantic which myth does that come from, there are tears.

To wrap this up, I have to bring up the true heart and soul of this world, Miss Bickle. How can you not love someone is overlooked so often but is the one who sees all so hopefully, the opposite of our narrator. "Because I am a foolish girl who prefers to choose hope." Or "Reality often disappoints one." And for every romance reader "Cordial-Acquiantances-to-Intimate-Relations, Antagonistic-Acquintances-to-Intimate-Relations." Come on, is that not the best! Alexis allows her to speak her mind and heart, love her! I'm so hoping A. gives Miss Bickle her story, but I can't decide who, The Ambassador or Sal, ooh, or both. Please, my dear Alexis, give us more!

This one was just...fine. I usually love this author's books, but there seems to be a big difference between the modern ones and the ones set in a historical fiction past. Plotlines and characters are still interesting, but it fell flat after reading Boyfriend Material and its sequel.

I read this book as an E – arc.
This one just was not as successful for me. The spice like blazed up, hot and heavy right in the beginning. And then just kinda ehh.. The book had a lot of different plots and seemed a little all over the place. Like the writing on this one was more disjointed? Not as fluid and put together as mortal follies.. I think the fade to black romance thing was just not my thing as well.
The book did have some good humor. And I appreciated the wit.
However, overall, I don’t think it’s a book I would pick up and read again.

Owing to a love match between the youngest daughter of an earl and a freedman, Mr. and Mrs. Caesar are as respectable as circumstance allows, but are still often relegated to the lower echelons of society. Classism being what it is in the early nineteenth century, it falls to their son John to foray into what ballrooms will have such a gentleman and act as chaperone to his two younger sisters. It is not a role John relishes, nor do his sisters appreciate his participation, but it is the done thing when John most closely represents something like social connection through his mother’s estranged relations. Being out and about also allows John to make the acquaintance of one Captain Orestes James, a soldier with whom John finds himself fascinated.

Orestes feels drawn to John like no other man he’s had before. When a fairy strikes John’s family and turns one of his sisters into living glass, Orestes feels compelled to help. With him comes a motley crew of soldiers who may not care a fig for the Caesars, but would do anything for their captain…within reason. That limit is tested when the fairy magic running amok with the Caesar family has Orestes and his crew crashing balls, chasing cults, and charging into the fairy world, all to save a fop who may or may not see Orestes for who he truly is.

Confounding Oaths is a historical fantasy from author Alexis Hall. It’s part of the Mortal Follies series and takes place soon after the events of the first book, Mortal Follies. I do not think readers need to have read the first story to enjoy this one, though those main characters are supporting characters here. I jumped in starting with Confounding Oaths and had no problems following the threads.

Before I jump into my main critique of the story, I do want to mention that I really enjoyed the “casting.” When I first signed up to review this book, the blurb at the time started with something along the lines of “gentle reader,” which appealed to me as someone who just binged all three seasons of a certain Netflix show. There are clear themes of class and race that impact the characters and their prospects–the sister wishing to be beautiful by society’s standards is a testament to that. Similarly, class issues are represented not only in terms of marriage prospects for the sisters, but also for John, as he contemplates what he’s asking of Orestes’ found family (to risk their lives) versus what John is willing to repay them (not risking his life in kind). When these themes played across the page, I was engaged with the story.

That said, the entire story is told through an unnamed narrator (well, the final line is the narrator’s signature “R”) who is a magical being and a self-styled chronicler from Oberon’s fairy court. This narrator takes on innocuous shapes like mists, spiders, and birds to conceal themself in order to observe and report on what the characters are doing. They observe John, Orestes, and everything in real time and report it; this is what forms the words on the pages of this book. To be perfectly blunt, I disliked it intensely. I felt as though half the words on the page were commentary from this narrator directly to the reader about the world of fairies versus the world of mortals. Plus, the narrator is inconsequential to the actual story for the vast majority of the book…meaning I didn’t give a fig about who this narrator was and had less and less patience for this narrative style. It seemed like half the words on the page were in service of this narrator rather than any character development or plot building. For example:

I have, I think, already told you that my kind rarely watches mortals sleep (at least no from outside their dreams), since unconscious you are dull unless we are doing the supernatural equivalent of drawing a phallus on your foreheads with a magic marker. (This, you might recall, was essentially the plot of my best publicised escapade, albeit one for which I received no credit.)

But I went to check on Mr. Caesar anyway, because it seemed likely to me that he would be stirring soon.

And my timing, as ever, was flawless. You may think it vulgar, reader, that I keep reminding you of my own perfection, but your sensibilities mean little to me and I am extremely skilled at what I do.

Indeed so flawless was my timing that I arrived outside Mr. Caesar’s bed chamber exactly in time to witness the approach of Captain James, and passed through it in my shape of mists and shadows jut in time to witness Mr. Caesar, who somehow made even his nightshirt look immaculate, stirring with the ill grace of an earl’s grandson asked to rise earlier than he is accustomed.

For me, this narrative only served to obfuscate the story I thought I was being told…namely about John and Orestes and their struggle to save John’s sister from a bad wish she made to a fairy.

The story very much missed the mark for me, but readers who enjoy creative storytelling or disassociated narrative perspective (perhaps something Shakespearian given how often the narrator disparages Shakespeare, or a little like The Great Gatsby) may find this a fun way to absorb a story.

This is fine. I scanned the description before requesting this and didn't see anything that indicated that it's part of a series with Mortal Follies-- it didn't have the series indicator in goodreads at the time, either. It's immediately clear, sadly, that the narrator is the same character as in the first book. Disappointing, as I was looking for something new from this author to take that bad taste out of my mouth.

I decided to press on, because I was interested in the human characters. I skipped/skimmed the narrator as much as possible-- he doesn't add anything to the story for me, and detracts from it heavily.

Readers should start with the first book in the series, for a better understanding of the universe. While some characters overlap, it's not crucial to remember every detail about this, though: this book reintroduces or reminds as necessary.

I will stay away from the rest of this series like the plague, and I'm sad to be leery of whatever else I see from this author in the future. eARC from NetGalley.

“Confounding Oaths,” by Alexis Hall

This was an interesting gender bender retell of pride and prejudice with m/m relationship. I did like the book, but I was a bit disappointed that it was so insta love right away when the book was a retelling of pride and prejudice which is an enemy to lover’s type book. What I did like about the book is that it was M/M which was a good difference to the original and I liked that it was through the viewpoint of a transgender person during 1815, both add extra complications to the romance and lifestyle during the time period. 3 out of 5 stars.

Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.

"Confounding Oaths" was a fantastic easy read that grabbed me from the start. The world-building was impressive, and the characters were well-drawn and engaging. (I particularly enjoyed Mary most of all). The plot was full of unexpected twists and turns that kept me hooked, blending political intrigue with magical elements seamlessly. If you enjoy historical fantasy with depth and excitement, this book is definitely worth picking up! :)

I’ll preface this by saying, the narrator definitely was insulting me because I haven’t read Mortal Follies yet. But I absolutely loved this book. I also loved the very unique narrative voice and device of being limited on what was seen because the narrator had to choose who they were following around and reporting the events that were happening. It made the story very entertaining. There was a lot of fun moments in this story and I love that this had the whimsy of a fantasy story mixed with the flirting and dancing of a regency romance all wrapped up in a strange world full of faeries and wishes.

Thank you to @delreybooks and @netgalley for my copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing this eARC.

The second installment in Hall's Mortal Follies, Confounding Oaths sees us reunited with our mischievous narrator, Puck, as he follows a new pair of lovers who come together to try to undo a curse.

Mortal Follies was a fun romp, and Confounding Oaths felt exactly on par with what I was hoping for with a return to this world. I loved the characters, and I found the plot -- though often times so crazy as to be unbelievable -- to be quite entertaining. There was a lot going on here, so much that you could even argue romance wasn't the main point, but in all I thought that this was a decently fun read that will have me continuing to pick up Hall's books in the future any time I need an enjoyable and satisfying read.

Rounding up. This is a tough one to review. I enjoyed Mortal Follies: the regency setting, the cheeky fae narration, the queer representation, and the magical intrigue. This book contains all of those elements as well, but it felt a bit directionless at times. It felt like there was more filler, and many of the problems and obstacles felt like they dragged down the plot's movement too much for me.

If I hadn't received this book through NetGalley (because of which I felt more pressed to see it through to the end), and if Alexis Hall wasn't one of my favorite romance writers, I don't think I would have finished it. I feel bad admitting that, because I hate to give a less-than-fully-supportive review to one of my favorites. But if I'm being honest, this book did not live up to my expectations.

There are moments of beauty, though. The descriptive writing is lovely, and the dialogue (especially in scenes with Miss Bickle, whom I absolutely adore) is clever and witty. I wouldn't recommend to avoid this one, but I also wouldn't prioritize it.

I didn’t love Mr. Caesar in Mortal Follies but I was still happy for the chance to get to know him as the main character Confounding Oaths. Unfortunately I’m still not his biggest fan, but even he openly admits to being a shit, so perhaps I have the right idea.

Mr. Caesar isn’t the only carryover from Mortal Follies. Several characters from the first book make an appearance, including my favorite: Miss Bickle. She’s just as ridiculous as ever, with the added bonus of having become an author of Jane Austen fanfic. Alexis Hall—excuse me, the fairy hobgoblin narrator—seems to only tell queer stories, which I both love and respect, but it really is a shame that Miss Bickle is decidedly straigh because I’d really love to be told a story in which she is the main character. Fingers crossed she’s a part of the queer community in some way after all!

As for the story, I liked that it wasn’t strictly about Mr. Caesar saving his sister Mary, but also about Mary herself. She has a full-fledged character arc that is extremely relatable and reads a bit like a fairytale. Meanwhile, unlike Mortal Follies, Mr. Caesar’s romantic relationship with the captain isn’t front and center as much as it is in the background. Saving Mary is more important and all the crazy magical hijinks are distracting. I think it works for this book because I really liked Mary and for me personally, the romance between Mr. Caesar and Captain James wasn’t as captivating as the romance in the first book.

And so, my favorite hobgoblin narrator once again did a fantastic job of observing a great story, being 100% reliable, and making me laugh. I truly can’t believe Oberon hasn’t forgiven him yet, but I’m selfishly glad because he all but promised he has more stories for us and if he were to return to Oberon’s court, he would no longer have need to publish any more books.

Confounding Oaths could probably be read as a standalone, but there are enough characters from and callbacks to Mortal Follies that I highly suggest reading it first. It’s also a fantastic book, so it’s worth it!.

Enter our cast of characters- a “mysterious” narrator, the Caesar family, and Captain Orestes James and his crew of Irregulars. On one chance night when the Caesar children attend a ball in pursuit a suitable marriages, Captain James comes to John Caesar’s rescue after defending his sister Mary from a major. One night, Mary wishes upon a star and a fairie comes to grant her one wish- literally. Now John Caesar, Captain James and his crew must transverse the mortal and non-mortal realms to put everything back to rights.

Upon requesting this book from Netgalley, I was unaware that this was a second book in a series. Luckily, this book can be read without having read the first and only chance upon a few moments that lack context for the situation. Since I had never read the first book and the synopsis of this story, the narration was quite a surprise. Since it is not everyone’s cup of tea, I will mention that this is third person omniscient and as the reader are being told a story through a mysterious narrator that is never named. All I can say is you better brush up on your Shakespearean reading.

While I didn’t love the narration style at times, it certainly was different and created a sense of being a fly on the wall rather than right in the action. However, this style does leave you less invested in what happens to the characters compared to first person style narration. With first person, you are only experiencing the world through one person at a time while you know the actions and thoughts of the characters, you are just being told them rather than feeling them.

The magical realism aspect was probably the best part of this book. The fantastical nature of the fairies and gods who played a part in the story leaves me wanting a whole book just about the world rather than the mortals that played a starring role.

Overall, while this isn’t a top book for me, at least it did something different and that counts for a lot when there are hundreds of books publishing the exact same storyline just with different names and locations over and over again. If you are looking for something unique, then this is for you.

#netgalley #confoundingoaths #randomhouse

“Confounding Oaths” is Alexis Hall’s slice of messy heaven, a good reflection of humanity’s foibles. It is a cultural commentary within a romance, within a swashbuckling tale of mortals who cross with one another, the fae, and the Gods. Never-the-less, the novel offers realistic insight into early 1800 societal pressures upon an otherwise loving family. For lesser authors, the complexities would have confused, rather than illuminated.

Premise: John Caeser defends his sister Mary’s honor, and hits Mr. Bloodworth, an officer who calls Mary homely. Fellow officer Orestes James and his “irregular troops” rescue John from the retaliatory beating ordered by Mr. Bloodworth. Orestes draws Bloodworth’s anger, as well. Meanwhile Mary, jealous of pretty sister Anne’s attention and suitors, wishes for her own beauty. A fairy grants the wish, turning Mary into an exquisite glass creature. Mary may ensnare men, but is slow starts to fracture. John and Orestes, fend off attacks on all sides to save Mary’s life.

But John and Orestes are barely peerage. John’s mother Lady Mary, married a Senegalese man, thus giving up most privileges of the ton. John has taken it upon himself to find Mary and Anne decent marriages, hoping to brighten their futures. As an enlisted man who gained rank through deeds, Orestes had less status than wealthy officers who bought their commissions in that era. Plus, as gay men, both are criminals. With everything stacked against them, how can Mr. Hall pull out a victory for our protagonists?

Hall is the master of dilemma, as shown in moments when John realizes he is more “himself” with the irregulars than in his own society. “It was disquieting to realise he was surrounded by enemies of which he knew nothing, though not, perhaps, as disquieting s being with a man who wanted him to be better.” Equally, the rivalry between Mary and Anne is achingly real. Their loving parents couldn’t prepare them for the bigotry they face, and they are only safe to show rancor towards each other.

Mr. Hall’s characterizations have depth. In Orestes and his troops, we see how people would act if no one valued their lives except one another, each with a uniquely wise response, despite their brief time on page. They will soon fight Napoleon, and Orestes discusses the paradox. “In a different world you might share a drink with a Frenchman without a second thought. But still you do your part because if you don’t another man’ll have to do it for you. A man you’ve lived and marched and fought beside for a month or a year. And who might die because of you if you’re not where your meant to be.” Note Mr. Hall’s light touch illuminating life and death. Likewise there is a light touch with romance. Unlike many of Mr. Hall’s prior novels, “Confounding Oaths” is non-explicit, leaving more emphasis on John’s whole identity.

Mr. Hall contrasts human and “capricious” magical creatures, (like Robin, our unreliable hobgoblin narrator, a delightfully humorous hold-over from “Mortal Follies,” the first in the series) and man’s arbitrariness seems greater than the fae. John’s path to genuineness is more fascinating than the plot.

“Confounding Oath’s” works as a standalone. Its deeply personal romance gently weaves insightful commentary, classical themes, humor and swashbuckling into a snug rug of entertainment. My admiration for Mr. Hall remains unparalleled.

“Confounding Oaths” is the second book in the Mortal Follies historical fiction series by Alexis Hall. “Mortal Follies,” the first book, was a 5-star read for me so I had high hopes for this one, and it did not disappoint. Five stars! Read this series!

The main story focuses on John Caesar and his two sisters, Mary and Annie. It’s 1815, and the Caesar siblings aren’t fully accepted by society since their father is Black and their mother is white. James wants his sisters happy, but he also wants to pursue his own interests: trysts with the handsome Captain Orestes James. Mary (who resembles her father) enters the marriage market, but her younger sister, Annie (who resembles her mother), gets all the attention. Mary makes a wish to be beautiful so she is noticed, and a fairy grants her wish. But wishes always come with a catch. John, Captain James, and a group of ruffian soldiers band together to rescue Mary from a terrible fate.

The book is narrated by a sprite/hobgoblin/fairy who loves to collect stories. They say they’re just observing and don’t care about anyone involved, but that’s not true. They’re arrogant but secretly a softie.

I started this thinking the love story between John and Captain James would be the main story. However, I was captivated by Mary’s story and the quest to save her. Who knew a wish to be beautiful could go so wrong? That doesn’t mean John and Captain James are shortchanged though. Their growing feelings for each other are swoon worthy.

Miss Bickle, a character from the first book, returns, and I adore her. She is incredibly earnest, open to absolutely anything (especially the supernatural world and fairies), and steadfast in her love for her friends. Sometimes she seems superficial, but there’s a hidden depth there I hope is explored later in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.