In Evelyn Shine's The Librarian's Gargoyle: A Cozy Sapphic Monster Romantasy, Parisian librarian Viola navigates arranged marriage proposals and mysterious magical attacks, all while desperately trying to save her beloved library. Her confidante? Boudicca, a seemingly inanimate gargoyle. But when Boudicca is tasked with appearing human, a unique connection blossoms between the two women. This turn-of-the-century Parisian tale blends cozy romance with thrilling monster encounters. Viola's quest for self-discovery intertwines with Boudicca's unexpected emotional awakening, creating a captivating story of empowerment, magic, and the thrilling embrace of one's true potential. Prepare for a heartwarming sapphic romance filled with fantastical elements and strong female leads.
Review The Librarian's Gargoyle
Oh my goodness, I absolutely adored The Librarian's Gargoyle! From the moment I saw that gorgeous cover – seriously, it's captivating – I knew I had to read this sapphic monster romantasy. And let me tell you, it lived up to every expectation and then some!
The setting alone is pure magic; turn-of-the-century Paris is brought to life with such vivid detail that I felt like I was right there, climbing rooftops with Viola in my slippers (though maybe I'd opt for more practical footwear!). Viola herself is a fantastic protagonist – a strong, independent librarian who moonlights as a parkourist? Yes, please! She's witty, resourceful, and utterly charming, and her internal struggles with her family and her desire for a life beyond the expected were completely relatable.
And Boudicca? Swoon. This soulful gargoyle, struggling with her newly awakened humanity and feelings she never thought possible, is just as captivating as Viola. Their slow-burn romance is beautifully done; the chemistry between them crackles off the page, and the way their relationship develops feels both genuine and incredibly satisfying. There's a delightful tension in their interactions, a careful dance between stone and flesh, that really adds to the charm. The supporting characters are also fantastic; Iggy and Boudicca's siblings were wonderfully quirky and added a layer of delightful chaos to the story. I especially wanted to know more about them – their stories could easily be their own books!
The plot itself is cleverly interwoven with the romance. The mystery surrounding the magical shades keeps you guessing, and the overarching plotline – there's so much more to the Stone Awakenings series than this first installment! – is intriguing enough to leave you desperate for the next book (seriously, I'm counting down the days!). While the story is definitely heartwarming and cozy, it doesn't shy away from tackling heavier themes of family expectations, societal pressures, and self-discovery. It manages to balance all these elements seamlessly. There’s a little bit of angst, but it’s mostly overshadowed by the overwhelming sweetness and the joy of watching Viola and Boudicca find their happily ever after (or at least, the beginning of it!).
One of the things I appreciated most is that the author doesn't fall into the trap of making the historical setting feel overly romanticized. There are some aspects of the time period that are rightfully criticized, and it’s handled maturely. While some characters’ actions are undeniably problematic, they're not excused, adding a layer of realism to the story without detracting from the overall cozy feel. It's a perfect blend of fantasy escapism and thoughtful commentary.
In short, The Librarian's Gargoyle is a must-read for anyone who enjoys sapphic romances, monster romances, cozy mysteries, or just a well-written story with compelling characters and a heartwarming plot. It's a delightful blend of all these elements, leaving me completely charmed and desperately craving more from this enchanting world and its captivating characters. Five stars, absolutely!
Information
- Dimensions: 5 x 0.64 x 8 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 254
- Publication date: 2024
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