The Library of Light and Shadow by M. J. Rose is the third installment in the Daughters of La Lune series. The book can be read as a stand-alone and is a pleasant mix of historical fiction, romance and fantasy. The setting is during the roaring twenties, known in France as “annees folles” or crazy years. This was a time when excess was all the rage and women were just starting to redefine their role in society.
The story is about Delphine Duplessi, a gifted young artist from France living in New York City. Delphine makes her living as a party favor drawing “shadow portraits” at high society parties. The portraits reveal the darkest secrets of those she draws. While this ability is a gift, it is also a curse. It can, and did, wreak havoc in the lives of those whose shadow portraits revealed secrets not meant to be uncovered.
When one of Delphine’s portraits results in a death, and in the ensuing aftermath her fiancé breaks their engagement, she returns to France at the urging of her family. Once in France, she attempts to come to terms with the tragedy and the reason she left France in the first place.
Delphine is devastated over the death and has sworn to never paint shadow portraits again. She leans heavily on her family as depression tries to overwhelm her and she finds she can no longer paint or ignore the feelings for Mathieu the man she loves desperately. You see, the La Lune women are all cursed to have only one true love in their lifetime and Delphine’s gift has shown her she will be the instrument of Mathieu’s death.
Delphine’s twin brother, and manager, Sebastian has been urging her to take commissions again. So when Delphine sees in a scrying that Sebastian needs her help, she reluctantly accepts the offer to draw the shadow portrait of a castle, portions of which date back to the Knights Templar, owned by a famous opera singer. The hope is that the portrait will reveal where the Book of Abraham is hidden. Upon arriving at the castle Delphine finds that fate cannot be avoided and that some secrets are best left secret.
I liked this book even though I found the plot to be predictable in places. A good story does not have to have surprises on every page. The blend of fantasy with what was happening during this time in America and Europe worked well together and was true to the period. Actually, this was one of my favorite things about the book. The author effectively captured the characters and essence of the time and the various settings to give the reader an illusion of being present in the story. In addition, the prose was refined and the pace suited the plot nicely.
The Library of Light and Shadow will appeal to various types of readers, specifically those who like historical fiction, romance and fantasy. I recommend it to those readers that, like me, enjoy a book that crosses genres.
I received a free copy from the publisher, via Net Galley, in exchange for my honest review.