A disappearing curse is slowly consuming the Kingdom of Brimoire, causing everything that falls into its path to vanish…including Princess Lisette while en route to wed her fiancé, Crown Prince Lucien, heir to the doomed throne.
But although Lisette has been tainted by the curse, she hasn't fully succumbed…though an unfortunate side effect is that she's now been rendered entirely invisible. With her shy nature and painful background, her fate initially seems fortuitous, especially as it's helped her escape a life of unwanted responsibilities and a union with an indifferent husband…though even an arranged marriage is preferable to disappearing.
While her invisibility allows Lisette to uncover some of Brimoire's darkest secrets, it does make it rather difficult to fall in love—although joining forces with the deceitful prince may be the last hope for the kingdom on the brink of extinction. On her quest Lisette will not only learn more about herself, her husband-to-be, and what it means to be truly seen…but she'll discover that the true love she once thought elusive might have been in front of her the entire time.
But how can a fading princess earn the heart of a prince who doesn't even know know she's there, and all before her limited time runs out and she vanishes forever?
Camille Peters was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah where she grew up surrounded by books. As a child, she spent every spare moment reading and writing her own stories on every scrap of paper she could find. Becoming an author was always more than a childhood dream; it was a certainty.
Her love of writing grew alongside her as she took local writing classes in her teens, spent a year studying Creative Writing at the English University of Northampton, and graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in English and History. She’s now blessed to be a full-time author.
When she’s not writing she’s thinking about writing, and when’s she’s not thinking about writing she’s…alright, she’s always thinking about writing, but she can also be found reading, at the piano, playing board games with her family and friends, or taking long, bare-foot walks as she lives inside her imagination and brainstorms more tales.
Oh my goodness this book was an absolute DELIGHT to read! Camille Peters has always had a way of reminding me of tropes I'd nearly forgotten about and making me LONG to read more! This book was no exception.
Princess Lisette and Prince Lucien's marriage has been arranged for several years now. She longs for love but fears that the stoic prince only sees her as a duty. Her happily ever after feels further away than ever before. What she doesn't realize is that Prince Lucien has been in love with her for years, longing to save her from her circumstances since nearly the moment he met her. However he's afraid that if he allows his love to show she will vanish like so many of his subjects. Everything changes when the princess and her caravan vanish anyway. Prince Lucien is devastated until he discovers that she isn't completely gone merely hidden from view.
Lisette soon realizes that her body isn't the only thing to have vanished, her memories seem to be fading as well. Lucien seizes the opportunity to have the relationship he always wanted and tells her that they have been in love the entire time. Except while he seems sincere in his adoration, her memories don't seem to match this...
I absolutely ADORED Lucien and his devotion to Lisette and I related to Lisette and feeling invisible before the curse ever made this into a reality. Now that she sees the value of being seen and heard only one man can see her--her intended who is doing his best to woo her even when others begin to wonder if the prince is losing his mind. I loved the romance it was so sweet and innocent not to mention extremely creative with her invisibility and trying to defeat the curse before it's too late! So many tender moments, fun banter along with beautiful character development and growth.
If you want a romance that will melt your heart with a prince who has secretly been in love with his intended for years and is doing everything to break the curse threatening to consume her, this is the book for you!
Once again, another masterpiece from Camille Peters. I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical about how she’d write a love story when our heroine is invisible, but this far surpassed my expectations. Lisette and Lucien are adorable together, despite (or maybe especially because of) their awkward moments. One of the biggest tropes in this book is actually one of my least favorites: the miscommunication trope. However, this trope was handled BEAUTIFULLY. It felt very realistic and the way Lisette and Lucien’s relationship began as a series of misunderstandings and assumptions (and miscommunication) from the start of their engagement was true to their characters. Lisette is shy and dealing with some pretty hefty emotional trauma, whereas Lucien feels the pressure to be a perfect crown prince. Both have masks they hide behind, and ironically, those masks don’t really drop until Lisette literally becomes invisible. Even though Lucien is the only one who can see Lisette for the majority of the book, we still get interaction with other side characters, especially my favorite couple, Evelyn and Ryland. I loved seeing them again, and now I want to go back and reread their story! While this story has some heavy themes, there were plenty of funny moments too. My favorite scenes include falling through the door and when Lisette gets stuck in a wall, though the painting scene was pretty great too, in a completely different way. I also loved how the strength Lisette’s curse was affected by not only what she felt for Lucien, but how she felt about herself. There’s definitely a bit of a self love story here, and I’m all for it.
**I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own**
This book exceeded my expectations! I loved reading this so much! This is one of my new favorites by Camille Peters! I went into this intrigued and hoping to learn more about the curse but there is so much more to this beautiful story. I loved getting to know Lucien better and I loved meeting Lisette. The growth they both experience individually and then together was so well-written. I thought the progression of their relationship was so beautiful and sweet! There were some awkward but endearing moments. There is one scene I can still remember that was cute but also so funny! I was laughing out loud. I can't wait to reread that scene eventually!
This was such a sweet story. The romance was the center focus but you also get to see questions answered. I highly recommend this story! If you can, start with Facade and Decoy, they both set up the stage for this one! :) (Also I am so excited for Revert!)
This has become another favorite book from author Camille Peters!!! I adored both of the main characters in this story and loved coming to know more about them as their story unfolded. Prince Lucien and Princess Lisette are perfect for each other. Although their initial meetings (prior to this story but everything is explained throughout the book) weren't what you'd call a meet cute, their goodness and desires for friendship and love help them create a beautiful and lasting relationship. Even with some rock starts. You can read this book as a standalone but I love all of these stories that I recommend you read them in order.
There's been a curse spreading across the land and I was so excited to see the characters figure it out in this book and discovering what the key to unlocking it was. Ohhhhh it's so good!!!
Lucien is just so wonderful. Yes, he has flaws and makes mistakes but I loved how good he is to Lisette and his care and love for her. *Happy Sigh* They have to figure out what has caused her to vanish before it's too late. And I just can't say it enough of how much I just adored them together. The chemistry and spark between them was so sweetly written. You'll be hooked and not want the story to end. I read it in one sitting because I didn't want to set it down and not know what was going to happen for these two.
Very clever plot and how the characters unravel the clues and the reason behind the curse. Loved it A LOT!!!
Content: Clean. Some talk of neglect. Some talk of a mistress (not by one of the main characters). No language and nothing more than sweet kisses.
I received a copy from the author via StoryOrigin. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
"Vanish" by Camille Peters is a captivating tale that masterfully blends romance, mystery, and fantasy, set against the backdrop of a kingdom slowly disappearing due to a consuming curse. This novel is a testament to Peters' ability to create complex characters and morally grey situations, making readers ponder the nuances of right and wrong.
The story revolves around Princess Lisette, who becomes invisible due to the curse while en route to meet her fiancé, Crown Prince Lucian. Initially, her invisibility seems like a blessing in disguise, helping her escape an unwanted marriage. However, she soon realizes that even an arranged marriage is better than vanishing forever. As Lisette uncovers Brimoire's darkest secrets, she grapples with her feelings for Lucian and her quest to save the kingdom.
One of the highlights of "Vanish" is how Peters handles the miscommunication trope. The relationship between Lisette and Lucian begins with a series of misunderstandings and assumptions, true to their characters. Lisette's shyness and emotional trauma, coupled with Lucian's pressure to be a perfect prince, create a realistic and engaging dynamic. Their masks only start to drop once Lisette becomes invisible, allowing for deeper character development.
Lucian, the only one who can see Lisette for most of the book, interacts with a rich cast of side characters, including fan favorites Evelyn and Ryland. These interactions add depth to the story and provide a delightful connection to previous books.
Despite its heavy themes, "Vanish" is peppered with humor. Memorable scenes, such as Lisette falling through a door or getting stuck in a wall, add levity and charm. The strength of Lisette's curse being influenced by her feelings for Lucian and her self-esteem brings an important self-love message to the forefront.
The mystery of the curse is intriguing and keeps readers hooked until the very end. Peters expertly weaves twists and turns that make the story hard to put down. Lisette's emotional journey is heart-wrenching, and Lucian's determination to do the right thing despite his mistakes makes him a relatable and endearing character.
Overall, "Vanish" is a beautifully written story that offers a fresh take on fairy tale retellings. Peters' skillful portrayal of flawed characters, coupled with a compelling plot and rich world-building, makes this book a must-read. Fans of romance, fantasy, and intricate character development will find themselves falling in love with this enchanting tale.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone (though you may want to read at least Facade first as you get to know a bit more about the curse & Lucien’s brother’s story)
– this is told from Lisette & Lucien’s points of view
– it is mentioned that a character is an illegitimate child & is only used as a pawn by their parent (the parent doesn’t really care for them at all & was neglectful)
Review:
I loved this addition to The Royal Chronicles series! I wasn’t really sure what I thought about Lucien at first from getting to know about him a bit in Facade, but I fell for his character as soon as I saw him crack over to loss of Lisette and found out it wasn’t just because the curse took a last hope. I loved that he truly fell for her and wanted to know more about her both before & after the curse. I loved that he wanted to make the most of their situation, but was also very respectful of Lisette’s boundaries/boundaries they hadn’t actually crossed (like hand holding) before she was cursed without getting consent from her end. I loved that Lisette wanted to believe the happily ever after in love that Lucien was painting for them & trying to create, even when doubt caused her to think it wasn’t true before or in the moment.
I am so excited to see that we’ll be getting another book in this series & I’m very curious what is going to happen in it based on the summary and having gotten to know Lisette’s brother towards the end of this book (which is the love interest of the next one!).
Summary:
Princess Lisette once hoped to be in a loving marriage, but now that she’s on her way to get married to her betrothed (Crown Prince Lucien) she no longer holds such hope. And when the curse on her betrothed’s lands takes her, Lisette almost looks forward to it. But something changes when the disappearing curse hits Lisette compared to all the other times it has taken victims. This time, Lisette is able to be somewhat present at times and can disappear from view other times. But the only one that can see her is Prince Lucien. And it seems her memories have disappeared when she did beyond a few recent details…
Crown Prince Lucien tries to be the perfect prince and hide all that he feels to give his people confidence in their leader. But when his betrothed, Princess Lisette, is taken by his kingdom’s curse, the facade begins to break. Despite all appearances, he fell for Lisette and never wanted anything to happen to her. He thought that by acting indifferent the curse and any other enemies of the crown would overlook her, but he was sorely mistaken. When Lisette seemingly appears out of nowhere though still in the midst of the curse, Lucien is relieved that she’s not truly lost. And when he discovers that she’s lost her memories, Lucien makes the hasty decision to make the most out of a second chance & tells her that they are madly in love…
I REALLY wanted to love this. I wanted to read about a vanished invisible princess strong enough that she's going to save a kingdom even though no one can see her... what the princess actually is is so painfully shut that she literally disappears every time she doubts herself, which is a lot. A LOT. So the prince lots to her and tells her that they are in love, even though he's so painfully shy and stoic that they've never actually even TOUCHED each other in three years. Apparently her father is so shitty that she'd never been shown a bit of love in her whole life ever. He even seems a delegation to be like 'oh you lost our princess, we won't invade if you cede half your land' which made me think her dad is the whole reason for the curse in the first place (which it turns out that he is). So then she starts believing in the prince and appearing... except when she thinks she is worthless, which is often. So she panics and vanishes repeatedly. Then her brother shows up and is like 'well I had to come, your welfare was a stake' except he never cared all the rest of her life about her welfare so why bother now? It goes on and on about her feelings and how she can't trust anyone and chapters of how shy she is and how much fear she has.
However, the book redeems itself a bit in the last 25% and especially how they lift the curse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Although I have read several of Camille Peters books, this is my first time reading a book in her Royal Chronicles series. Vanish was an incredible introduction to the series, with relatable main characters who hid their vulnerabilities beneath their roles and masks. The plot of the story was very original, with plot turns and twists that were unexpected. I enjoyed seeing Lucien and Lisette's romance grow as they struggled through lies and expectations. The ending of the book also didn't disappoint and had good, relevant morals that I'm sure many people can agree with and learn from. I loved watching Lisette grow from someone who was shy and hid all her vulnerabilities to someone who was able to share all her secrets with Lucien while also not completely changing her personality. Even after everything that happened, she doesn't completely lose her shyness and that's what makes her endearing and relatable because that shyness is still a part of her. Lucien was also an enjoyable and relatable character. He hides all his fears and insecurities behind a mask and his role as the Crown Prince. I loved watching his relationship with his brother and sister-in-law grow from where he only wanted to use Evelyn's magic for his kingdom to where he grew to like and know Evelyn as a person and not her magic. Lucien's relationship with his brother was also incredibly sweet because no matter how much Lucien tried to use Evelyn and how much Lucien tried to shove Ryland away, Ryland was always there for Lucien and was always willing to help. Overall, this was a great book with amazing plot twists, characters and relationships. The writing is also really well done with lots of detailed descriptions in a way that makes it intriguing and leaves me wanting to read on. I finished this book in an hour, never putting it down once. It was a really great book and I definitely recommend it to everyone!
A beautiful story of learning not to let insecurity rule your relationships.
I've been looking forward to this story since we first met Lucien in Façade. It was a nice change of pace to have this story focused solely in the characters' internal emotional struggles compared to the two previous books.
Lisette was very relatable to me. Her insecurities coloured her interactions with others, leaving her believing others didn't want to be around her. This initially stopped her from trying to build relationships and keep her walls up, but through truly seeing Lucien and learning about his own struggles, she was able to understand that people may have their own struggles going on but it doesn't mean they don't care for her. It was wonderful seeing her gradually learn to not let her insecurities seal her voice and instead, keep trying to reach out to others.
At his core, Lucien is a very caring person - he loves his people and Lisette and will do anything to free them from the vanishing curse. This caused him to loose his way initially as we saw in Façade and trying to start a relationship on a lie. But through his journey and gaining a better understanding of Lisette's point of view during their first courtship, he comes to realise that trying to be the perfect prince and keeping a mask up is what actually pushes people away. He gradually learns that it's alright to ask for help and be vulnerable with the people he loves.
It was interesting to learn more about Thorndale and its rulers after the mentions of this dark kingdom in previous books. Prince Castiel was especially intriguing with where his loyalties lie - I'm looking forward to reading his story.
WARNING: My biggest complaint about this book was that is sucked me in so completely that everything else in the real world vanished!!
IT. WAS. AMAZING.
Only Camille Peters could craft a book where the main character is INVISIBLE and still manages to have a beautiful romance! From the first chapter when Lisette vanishes, I had to continually pick my jaw up from off the floor. I couldn't figure out how Lisette and Lucien could EVER have a relationship when he can't see or hear her, doesn't even know she is there, and she can't touch anything.
I loved having Lisette's POV when she was able to watch Lucien without him realizing it so that she knows his true feelings, but I was also SO glad that this was dual POV because I loved Lucien's determination to win Lisette over even though he had ruined things in the past.
Then, all throughout the book, I had no idea how Peters was going to solve the vanishing curse! (context with no spoilers: a disappearing curse is slowly consuming all of the citizens of Brimore, and no one knows why or how to stop it) I was scratching my head all up until the end when I finally went OOOOOHHHHH I get it and that is brilliant.
My favorite scene was easily the stuck in the wall bit. I laughed out loud and that moment will live rent free in my head forever now. Although their first kiss was magical 😍 and I loved seeing Lisette speak up for herself.
I always love Camille Peters' stories about overcoming curses, because the creativity in the plot blows me away, and I love seeing how the characters can overcome the most daunting trials!
This book has such a wonderful reminder of the worth of an individual, and the way the curse breaks just illustrates that so beautifully! I could not be more satisfied with how their kingdom is restored! I love how Lucien becomes vanished in the end, willingly submitting himself to the curse to save his Kingdom.
I just LOVE how the curse was broken on an individual basis. Lucien (and Lisette's!) sweet concern for each and every member of the Kingdom was so precious, and really ties in the theme of the worth of every individual!
It was such a sweet, wonderful surprise her finding her Mom in the end! I also really enjoyed having Ryland and Evelyn in the story too, and their relationship with Lucien and Lisette. I couldn’t be be happier with how everything turned out for Lisette!
Also, while a smaller part of the story, I just love the reminder for finding hobbies, and your passion! That’s something I’ve been trying to implement into my own life. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Camille Peters is a wonderful author! This is undoubtedly one of the best books I have ever read and I loved watching Lisette and Lucien's story unfold. There were so many difficult challenges to overcome but they managed to overcome them together and the ending was completely unexpected. I loved how Camille Peters managed to create a romance between a prince and an invisible princess and there were wonderful humorous touches in the book. This story also touched on many real world truths and explored many important concepts. Definitely a must-read for anyone wanting to read clean, sweet romances with an extremely interesting plot. I can't wait for the next book in this series to come out as the blurb sounds exceedingly exciting. How will Camille Peters weave a romantic tale between a woman who knows she's about to be killed and a man who was the one who killed her in the future? Honestly, it doesn't make sense how she comes back to life several months earlier and I can't wait to see where Camille Peters takes this story.
When is a "curse" not a curse? When it turns out to be a blessing? That was certainly true for Lucien as he desperately tried to save not only his future bride, but the kingdom as a whole.
The story was a rough ride for me at times. Not in the writing, but in the themes it explored in relations to my own life experiences as we dealt with one loss after another. Issues with things like honesty and the ability to share our hearts with someone versus holding back our feelings. Perhaps wishful thinking, too, in using deception (and possibly gaslighting) to make something become true even if it is not so at the moment. Thankfully all questionable matters were pursued with noble intent, even though ideally it should not have needed to be the case.
The ending, to me, was perfect. The approach to solving the curse through essentially love (mixed with a little magic!) endeared Lucien and Lisette to their subjects as their people were also endeared to them. That is the true strength of an empire, and I have no doubt that Brimoire will be a powerful kingdom in times to come!
When I initially read the plot of this book, I was thinking how can it work to build a relationship between someone who disappears and her love interest. Yet, the author has accomplished that skillfully.
Only in the unusual and dire circumstances of a vanishing kingdom and people do Lisette and Lucien begin to bring down their walls and show what is truly in their hearts. They learn how to be honest as trust builds enough for them to not live in fear anymore. They also learn about the importance of truly being seen instead of living a life of court masks, expectations, and control.
I am curious to know what will happen next in the neighboring kingdom of Thorndale as they will no doubt be lots of fallout for that kingdom from the events in Vanish. I am excited to keep reading this series and find out about Crown Prince Castiel's story next!
‘Vanish’ is an enchanting tale filled with everything one could want from a fairytale-esque romance.
I’ll admit that before I first started reading it I was skeptical about how Camille Peters was going to develop a relationship between a prince and an invisible princess. If you also have this worry then I am here to put your fears to rest! Not only did she do it, Camille Peters did it wonderfully!
Aside from the overall wonder of the plot, I also adored all the scenes from the past scattered throughout the book. It was amazing to see the same scene from both characters points of view. (I loved how it mirrored reality in the way they always misinterpreted the actions of the other!)
In short: ‘Vanish’ was a delightful read and I highly recommend it for anyone craving romance, magic, and characters who face their fears!
Seen and remembered. This book stands along the strongest of Peters’ books. I had no idea how a romance wasn’t going to work when one of the leads was invisible, but the author makes it fit perfectly. The vanishing curse had a different conclusion than I expected, but I loved the journey and the plot twists. The two main characters are likeable, and I enjoyed reading their story. Peters excels at redemption arcs for characters that we were less than sympathetic towards in previous books. The romance progressed slowly, and they learned to communicate. I would recommend this book in a heartbeat! It will help if readers have read books 1-2 in this series, but the book can stand alone.
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Although the plot seems quite different than the first two books in the series, Vanish is by no means less lovely. Since I'm one for action, mystery, and high suspense stakes I found this book less interesting (hence the four stars) but it was still amazing. A sweet story filled with personal growth, seeing beyond the mask someone hides behind, and overcoming past traumas and insecurities, this story was one that definitely pulled at my heartstrings! The author, Camille Peters, is brilliant at building fantastical, magical stories that teach real life lessons that speak into my own experiences, feelings, and circumstances while also always making a way for her characters to find their happily ever afters!
4.75 stars. This was such a wonderful book! I always look forward to Camille Peters books! This story was so sweet and I loved the second chance romance! Her writing is always able to capture my attention from the first chapter. She also makes the most endearing characters and I always love when her other characters from previous stories show up! I thought Lisette and Lucian were very well written and I loved how both characters accepted themselves for who they are by the end of the book! The self discovery was so nice to see because this is something that many people struggle with. I can’t wait to see where Camille takes us next and I’m so excited for her next release!
An arranged marriage, especially for two royals, might not seem so bad… unless, that is, your fiancée is invisible. Vanish, book three in The Royal Chronicles, follows a kingdom with a deadly disappearing curse, and a princess who has fallen victim to it. This book had many great scenes that explored trust and the complexities that it brings to a relationship. The characters learn how to see and be seen by each other, allowing them to finally drop their defenses and gain a deep, loving relationship.
The princess who vanished! What an interesting idea for a story. Lisette is shy and feels unseen by all in her kingdom. She just wants a prince to rescue her and actually care for her. Sounds like your typical fairytale but to me it reads more fantasy than fairytale. So many details and unknown roadblocks come in between her and Lucien that it leaves the reader unable to put the book down so you can find out will they accomplish the impossible and bring her back or not?
I always wait to review until I have completed a series. Each book held me beginning to end, eager to see how everything plays our. I loved the different aspects of courtship/getting to know you, overcoming self perceived faults as well as looking past the faults of the other person to see The whole person. My disappointment is how vanished ended . There is nothing about Castiel except a few brief mentions. We left him e
I thought this book was okay. Most of the book was about Lucien trying to desperately see and build a relationship with Lisette. There was so much miscommunication between Lucien and Lisette that it became the main focus of the book. Most of the action happened at the end. The introduction to Castiel, Prince of Thorndale peaked my interest. We see a piece of him that is endearing and I can’t wait for his story.
Peters is an artist that paints words. Each book she writes is a step into another land that is transformed and the rules have changed. I cannot image the creativity that went into basing a romance on one of the characters mostly invisible, but Peters pulled it off and then some. As a reader, you follow Lisette through this horrible experience (that turns out to be a blessing) and experience every emotion she goes through. This was a wonderful novel and a wonderful experience.
It’s been a while since I picked up a book from this author, but this one, from the very first chapter, didn’t disappoint. The curse, the way it wove together with the characters’ personalities, the dimensions of the plot, the true tale of being seen and seeing others… it was exquisite.
The book “Vanish” allows fellow readers into The Royal Chronicles an in-depth look at the vanishing curse throughout the first two book installments of the series. I loved where Camille took the curse and characters. The story is a beautiful sentiment to the importance of feeling seen and works also as a reminder that your existence is important and necessary.
Another beautiful story by one of my favorite authors, Camille Peters! This story had an interesting plot twist I wasn't expecting. It reminds you it might not always be easy but the truth will set you free. I loved it and can't wait for the next book in the series.
The prince and princess both hide behind their walls. With the courtship floundering, the course waa an unexpected boon. Great story and I loved how it came together and ended. It did move a little slow, therefore, not a five star rating.
A Disappearance Curse, a princess who has always tried to be invisible, and the disaster that befalls her on the way to meet with her fiancé are the perfect start to a lovely story. There are a few surprises along the way, and I was happy with the outcome.
This book was tender and sweet. Our MMC was a lovable idiot at times. I liked the uniqueness of the invisible curse. Another great story in the series. Can’t wait for the next book. No spice, Second Chance romance, arranged betrothal to lovers, and yearning.