I absolutely LOVE when real History and fantasy literature collide resulting in a very good reading piece. This book, the first one of a trilogy, Is a good example of an historical fantasy series.

Since I'm a huge fan of Gargoyles, gothic architecture and Notre Dame, this book's cover and title immediately captivated me.

Henri and Catia's stories are similar and yet different: the boy is a low class stonemason that's finally living his dream but, due to some envious boy's horrible actions, becomes a wanted criminal on the run; Catia's a noblewoman by birth but her family lost money, power and influence, and in a single day her entire world shatters before her eyes and she runs away looking for a way to survive.

I loved the setting of the story: it surely is charming to see the French Revolution touched by a gleam of magic and fantasy. I loved the idea of Notre Dame's Gargoyles being animated creature with a lifetime bond with one human each. Nyron, Henri's Gargoyle, is probably my favourite character; he's hilarious (he only talks in rhymes and I would love to see this book translated in my language only to read his rhymes in italian), clever, loyal and adorable.

One of the things I liked more about this book is the message that the story conveys: not all nobles were bad people (Count of Mirabeau is one great example) and not all the lower class' people were good. Everyone has their own reasons and their own way of thinking, their point of view based on their personal experiences.

Another interesting character is Mademoiselle de Morphy; I don't like her, but at the same time I also don't despise her. She's trying her best to gain power and influence to have a better life since she's not a noblewoman by birth.

I also liked the fact that this book is divided in three parts and each one of them takes her title from the famous French motto "Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité".

“The Gargoyles of Note Dame” by Greg Walters is a history/fantasy book. Gargoyles are real - meaning protectorate animals - who help those of the king, first, and second estates. This book follows two stories - Henri, a stonemason apprentice, and Catia, the daughter of an aristocrat. The lead-up to the French Revolution is explored - taxes paid only by the poor, corrupt law enforcers, the voice of the Third Estate being ignored - so that could be interesting for those with little or limited knowledge of the problems France (in this case focused on Paris) that came to a head during the reign of Louis XVI. I’m not really a fan of fantasy, but I understood how the gargoyles could become protectorate creates, though it really gave me “Fourth Wing” vibes (but with gargoyles instead of dragons). I found the pacing to be a bit all over the place and, to be honest, found myself skimming some sections for this reason. I believe this book is the first in a new series by this author, but as I’m not really into fantasy, I wouldn’t be continuing with this series. However, if the French Revolution is your jam - and/or if you like to read fantasy, this could be something you’d enjoy.

TY to NetGalley for the digital arc
A serious disappointment. I believe the author was trying to capitalize on the Iron Flame/ dragon mythology here and failed . Potential for a fantastical reimagining of the French Revolution BUT… the language was way too NOW and you always knew where the main characters would end up….(“cute” boy meets girl….seriously we’re talking about the French Revolution). Obviously the author envisions a series but the ending was just nonsense.

This was a really imaginative story, and I think the historical setting around it was well done. I will say the pacing wasn't super consistent.

A brilliant fantasy set in the French Revolution which is one of my favourite periods. It features Henri, who bonds with a gargoyle, and he is helped by Mirabeau who was an important person in the Revolution. I loved the story and the characters and I would give more than five stars if it was possible.

I recently read Greg Walters first book in the Alaburg series and was impressed with his fantasy building. The Gargoyles of Notre Dame is another example of his skill in building a fantasy community and filling it with amazing characters. Set during the time of unrest in France, Walters has combined the mystic of the gargoyles with the magic of the era. Another great read by an author I didn't know much about.

Great read. Very vivid. Plot held my attention. The characters were memorable and likeable. Loved the setting and time period