Wit and Sin

My review is cross-posted from Joyfully Reviewed: http://www.joyfullyreviewed.com/reviews/RRs/Jan09RR/oppulenceatmidnight.RM.html

King Gaspar is determined to rid the people of his kingdom of their superstitious beliefs. To this end, Gaspar decides to throw an extravagant ball that lasts three days leading up to the end of October to take his subjects’ minds off of ghosts and onto seeing Crown Prince Neville married.

Amidst the opulence of the nighttime affairs, Sylvain, the king’s younger son, meets the mysterious Roslyn. Roslyn is everything Sylvain desires – strong, handsome, and somewhat otherworldly. As Sylvain begins to fall for his newfound love, it becomes apparent that things are not at all right in his father’s kingdom. When Sylvain discovers the truth, will he be the one to pay the price for his father’s actions?

I must begin by saying that Opulence at Midnight is quite unlike anything I have read in a very long time. It’s both lovely and haunting, and while the story didn’t leave me with a smile on my face, I was nonetheless left fully satisfied and have not been able to put the tale out of my mind since. I’m afraid not much can be said about Opulence at Midnight without giving away the entire story. I found the book to be intriguing, taking twists and turns that were hinted at, but nonetheless I wasn’t sure it would take. Renee Manley is an author I have not read before but who I am definitely going to be on the lookout for from now on. For a change of pace that is sure to engage, I can recommend no better than Opulence at Midnight. It’s sensual, evocative, and I was completely enthralled from beginning to end.