ARC Review ✨️

☆Phenomenal Fantasy☆

This story takes place in Paris, 1789. Henri is a stonemason apprentice, and he mistakenly forges a sacred bond with one of the gargoyles.

The author had such captivating writing, and I was quickly pulled right into this book! The scenery and the fantasy made the perfect pair. The mysteries kept me on my toes throughout reading, which is always the best feeling!

This author is new to me, and I'm absolutely going to be devouring more of his writing in the near future! If you're looking for a book that perfectly captures the fantasy and historical fiction, this is the one!

A huge thank you to the author, Bookwhisperer, and Netgalley for the ARC!

Publishing date: 19.03.2025 (DD/MM/YYYY)
Thank you to NetGalley and Book Whisperer for the ARC. My opinions are my own.

TLDR: Imagine a dragon fantasy, but switch out the dragons for gargoyles and set the setting in France. That is this book ... 2 stars

Our main character is a mason, our second character is a noble. Their lives is very suddenly and violently uprooted and now they have become very important characters in the overall plot of the book. Queue some romance, talking with your sentient gargoyle companion, and lots of violence.

Starting off with characters, they had good bones. But, they felt wholly underdeveloped by the end of the book. Not only did they feel underdeveloped, but they also felt younger than they were. Not sure how the author did it, but I was certain the main characters were maybe 12 or 14 at most. While one of those guesses were correct (The FMC), the main character is 22 ... Just in general, their actions did not reflect their true (not my perceived) age.

The pacing here is a little wonky. The start is really strong and quick and puts you in the action and drama ... and then we are shopping. Really inconsistent and slightly jarring.

Story is your typical "chosen one", but I am using this term a little loosely since we are missing a few threads to the overall tapestry. The beats are the same as a typical chosen one story.

On to a few more gripes:
- The use of french mid-dialogue was unnecessary. If your story is set in France, we will assume they speak french, no need to add the cutesy little words while they speak
- The dialogue is too modern and slangy considering the setting and circumstances of the book
- Making the gargoyles speak in riddles gave me a headache, either make them speak semi-normally or not at all

My one really really positive aspect of this book is that the author clearly knows his history. Excellent execution there

Intended audience has to be the fantasy / romantasy with dragons kind of fans. Age group is a little more blurry. While this book is somewhat clearly marketed towards New Adult or even Adult, the writing ... Feels YA? Hard to describe, but it feels slightly juvenile.

All in all, this book had a great concept and I was really looking forward to reading it. Sadly, I was ultimately let down. Giving this 2 stars

A refreshing fantasy read. This book was well paced. This book was also well balanced between plot and action.

I found the idea of living gargoyles told in a historical fiction style absolutely unique and that immediately drew me in to this book.

The fantasy tweak of living gargoyles in a historical fiction story set during the breakout of the French Revolution is a really compelling idea for a story, and compelling the book was!

The bond of young stonemason Henri and his gargoyle Nyron is front and center in this story, alongside Henri and Catia's experienced when all hell breaks loose in France: Henri is hunted by the nobility and Catia by the commoners, as huge forces clash in France and the line between revolution and blind violence is about to be trampled.

The historical background of the story is its main weapon, and the crumbs we get on the gargoyles' lore are very interesting. The characters on the other side (especially Catia) could use a bit more depth.

The story is definitely thought out as a start of a series and I'm curious how it will continue!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

What can I say. Give me the next book like NOW!
The interaction between Nyron and Henri is the best part. The environment is real. You can look at a map and find the places mentioned in the book. The book feels well written and it is clear that the author knows his history.

Entertaining and fun, this is a quality historical fantasy! Thank you to NetGalley and to Book Whisperer for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Gargoyles of Notre Dame is a novel set in Paris during the early days of the French Revolution. It features Catia, a young Baroness who grew up overprotected and witnesses her father's assassination. We also have Henri, a young stonemason working on the renovation of Notre Dame who accidentally forms a bond with one of the Cathedral's gargoyles, an act only permitted to the nobility.
After a series of adventures and misadventures, with thrilling action scenes and aerial chases, we reach a truncated ending that left me completely lost... that is, the book ends on a huge and disappointing cliffhanger.
The story was actually promising, and although at first the main characters are presented as complete simpletons and ignorant, little by little they endear themselves to us. But, please, a cliffhanger? I think authors should be required to include a warning in their books if they plan to end them like that.
Slow, at times boring, but with a beautiful cover
I thank the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
The opinion I have expressed above is based solely on what I think and feel about this book.

The Gargoyles of Notre Dame is a great story. I enjoyed the characters and the relationships they built on the eve of the French Revolution. I found the relationship between the gargoyles and humans interesting, not only the bond between the rider and his gargoyle but also the special relationship between Henri, the stonemason, and potentially all the gargoyles. I am anxious to read more about the journey of the simple young stonemason as he develops his talents.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a free digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I had to do a double take when I realized, after finishing the book, that the main character was twenty-two. By the end, I had myself convinced he was fifteen. Meanwhile, the love interest <i>is</i> only fifteen! I get that this is historical fiction... but it was written for modern audiences. Also, the writing is very juvenile. I was honestly thinking that this was supposed to be on the younger end of YA, only to realize that this was maybe supposed to be New Adult or Adult. The concept is an interesting one, and it was why I chose to read it. But the characters are very flat. (Not to mention the amount of times Catia's lack of boobs is mentioned as being that as well). I don't mind a chosen one trope if done right... but this one was not. Henri makes decisions all too quickly. It really seems like he'll go whichever way the wind blows. And Catia feels as if she's being built up to hate the Third Estate only for her to join up with the Count and Henri seemingly out of nowhere. There's a very good idea in here somewhere... but this feels like a bare-bones first draft, not a piece about to be published (or published, as it were, at the time of this review).

The French Revolution began in 1789. The Gargoyles of Notre Dame retells this story in a slightly altered reality where gargoyles exist as living creatures who bond for life with male members of the French aristocracy. They can fly and fight in a manner that recalls Anne McCaffrey's fictional dragons of Pern. The gargoyles are feared and hated by most common people as symbols of the ruling classes who tax their so-called inferiors into ruin. King Louis XVI is an entitled fool, driving his country into debt to support his lavish lifestyle. As the divinely appointed ruler, he is bonded to six gargoyles.
Henri is an apprentice stonemason who dreams of working on the great cathedral of Notre Dame. Just as he is about to become a journeyman, the vicious act of a jealous rival forces him into a situation where he bonds with a gargoyle., Nyron. He must leave Notre Dame and his family home to escape the murderous rage of the young nobleman who was supposed to bond with Nyron. He ends up in Versailles when the National Assembly meets in an effort to address the inequalities of French society.
Catia is the only child of an elderly knight whose fortunes decayed when his beloved wife died and his equally beloved gargoyle died defending her. Although she has been raised as a lady, Catia is a tomboy who is most comfortable playing with the local tenant farmers. When a tax collector arrests her best friend's father, the community blames Catia's family. They kill her father and burn her home. She barely escapes with her life. The only hope she has is to seek refuge with her father's old friend, the Count of Mirabeau. Unbeknownst to Catia, Mirabeau, along with a few others like Dr. Guillotin and the Marquis de Lafayette, are revolutionaries who support the lower classes against the clergy and the nobility.
The Gargoyles of Notre Dame is an entertaining and original novel of historical fantasy. While it has the vibe of a young adult book, some of the language and details are a bit inappropriate for that readership.
I found myself caught up in this story, particularly in the relationship between Henri and Nyron.. Catia was a bit less interesting to me as she lacked self-awareness and came across as affected.
One thing that detracted from my enjoyment was the too frequent use of French words and phrases, many of which were not translated. This seemed arbitrary and unnecessary, as it is quite clear the book is set in France and the characters are all speaking nothing but French. There are also some strange anachronisms, like people asking each if they are "okay." The writing, while evocative, lacked subtlety.
I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the author for allowing me free access to an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title!

I think it’s been determined 2025 is the year of the gargoyle, and I am SO happy to see them coming back with a vengeance. And man, are the gargoyles in this title vengeful!!

I'm a sucker for historical fantasy, especially when it’s taking place in the streets of Paris. That being said, mostly due to the dialogue, this book lacked an authenticity to fully place me in the moment and in the book. I did however love the characters, and I loved exploring the dynamic relationship between gargoyle and human.

Layering the story throughout the revolution was bold, and I wish the author had taken more time to explore the class differences, as it was interesting to how it mirrored actual fact.

Overall this was an enjoyable read - I don’t know that I’ll continue the series, but I’m happy I read this one!

"The Gargoyles of Notre Dame" by Greg Walters seamlessly intertwines historical events with elements of fantasy, offering a fresh perspective on the eve of the French Revolution. The novel is set against iconic backdrops such as Notre-Dame, Versailles, and Paris--it will definitely transport its readers to the heart of France. Personally, I am a fantasy reader trying to venture into history or other genres, and this book was definitely a fit!

It was historical - but not dry. The characters truly make it - particularly Catia, a young baroness whose life is upended following her father's murder. Her flight to Paris, aided by a seasoned courtesan seeking to reclaim her status, exposes Catia to the burgeoning revolutionary ideals. Through her eyes, readers witness the transformative power of these principles and the personal awakenings they inspire.​

This author excels in blending history with fantasy. The depiction of the gargoyles as mystical entities bound by ancient magic adds depth to the narrative. The author's meticulous research is evident, painting a vivid picture of 18th-century France that does not feel as though one is reading a history lesson.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to venture across genres into historical literature!

The premise of this book is extremely creative, and there is a lot of excellent world-building and evidence of historical research. I really appreciate the creativity of bringing the gargoyle genre together with the French Revolution and positing a most unusual "inciting incident" for the revolution itself.

If possible for the next release, I would highly recommend more expert proofreading. There was a lack of consistency in the etymology of character names, with names ranging from French to German, to English and no real reason why. Also, any dialogue in French should be italicized, and French should be used extremely sparingly as we already assume they are speaking French, anyway. There are issues with clear rules about italicization in naming of the different parts of the cathedral and other terms. Finally, whether it's the editor or proofreader, someone needs to be more vigilant in correcting anachronistically modern language and phrasing, especially in dialogue.

With better proofreading and/or editing, this book would have been four stars.

Greg Walters mixes historical fiction with fantasy, bringing the story about France and Gargoyles to life. The story itself was engaging and his writing style lets you fly through the book. However there were some things that could have been left out to make the story even better in my opinion (too many translations in the beginning + the rhymes throughout the book were really not necessary) but I'm definitely intrigued enough to continue with the series.

From the very first page, The Gargoyles of Notre Dame captivated me and kept me eagerly turning the pages. The story is fast-paced and engaging, striking a perfect balance between suspense and excitement.

Greg Walters masterfully blends historical fiction with fantasy, creating an immersive world that brings Notre Dame and its mysteries to life. The prose flows beautifully, enhanced by delightful rhymes that add a unique charm to the narrative. The writing kept me at the edge of my seat, heightening the tension and intrigue.

The characters are both poignant and relatable, making it easy to connect with their struggles and triumphs. Their depth adds emotional weight to the story, making it even more compelling. The fusion of history and fantasy is seamless, making this an unforgettable read.

I highly recommend The Gargoyles of Notre Dame to fans of historical fantasy, gripping storytelling, and richly atmospheric settings.

I appreciate NetGalley and Book Whisperer for the opportunity to read this early copy!

The Gargoyles of Notre Dame by Greg Walters

Action-packed fantasy with magical elements and gargoyles that is set in Paris just before the French Revolution. I had the feeling it would make a good book for perhaps youth or young adults. The plot, pacing, setting and writing were excellent.

The two main characters are 15-year-old Catia, daughter of a noble, and 22-year-old Henri, a stonemason apprentice. The book is told from their viewpoints and flips between the two unless they are together. Nyron, the gargoyle that bonds and binds with Henri, also plays a big part in the story as he communicates with Henri in rhyme. The bond between Nyron and Henri is strong and they support one another and at times save one another’s lives.

The times are tense and much like what I imagine the time prior to the French Revolution might have been. Both main characters suffered losses, but they also grew and learned as the story progressed. I wonder if there will be a sequel.

I can see this book being made into a movie and now wonder who might be cast in the roles of Henri and Catia.

Thank you to NetGalley and Book Whisperer for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

I really liked the idea of "The Gargoyles of Notre Dame" but the execution fell somewhat flat for me: the characters didn't get a lot of development and the dialogue felt a lot to modern for the time the novel is set in.

A story with a difference, linking history with a tale of living Gargoyles. I liked the way Henri was introduced and became embroiled with a gargoyle, and also enjoyed the humour which developed between them. An exciting storyline with great characters. I would definitely like to read more.

I enjoyed this book and am sharing the review I posted to GoodReads. Big fan of historical fiction and appreciated the new spin on a familiar story with the French Revolution timeline.