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The Starlight Menagerie
The year is 1900. Troilo Visconti, a poetic doctor from Zurich, travels to the Austrian springs of Bad Ischl to observe a Habsburg archduchess suffering from a case of hysteria. There, on the edge of a lake nestled firmly within the Salzkammergut mountains, he meet Philippa, a tantalizing young woman who bears a striking resemblance to hit late wife. The serpent-infested grounds and wallpapered ruby halls of the empress' tea house breed desire and secrecy, but the closer he grows to the cunning Philippa, the more Visconti is confronted by the ghost of his memory and the ethics of his treatment. Because he, too, is harboring a secret.
He has waited 500 years to find her again.
He has waited 500 years to find her again.
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Published November 8, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 6, 2025
"He is the warmth of my shadow. If to love him is wrong, let it be my sin."
♡♡♡♡
The Starlight Menagerie by Elaine DeBohun is a historical fantasy romance that honestly feels like stepping into a dream. It’s a little tangled at times—there are a lot of storylines and people to keep track of—and I do think the pacing and flow could use a bit more breathing room so certain scenes land the way I believe they’re meant to. But there’s just something so poetic and quietly stunning about DeBohun’s writing that makes it hard to put down.
I also really loved the inclusion and exploration of real historical figures—like, what do you mean Byron, the Shelleys, and Keats make a surprise appearance??? How delightful. Archduchess Erzsi (my favorite side character), too, was such a bright spot in the story; she’s written with the perfect mix of wit, charm, and youthful impulsiveness that feels true to her seventeen years.
But what really enchanted me was the world itself: the legends of zmajevi, rusalki, and threads of Slavic folklore that pulse through every page. The mythology feels rich and grounded, but still full of wonder. It’s rare to find a book that balances history and myth so gracefully.
The whole concept and the writing itself are genuinely beautiful. There’s a kind of soft, lingering magic in this story, and I'm so thankful the author trusted me with it!
amor vincit omnia ♡
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♡♡♡♡
The Starlight Menagerie by Elaine DeBohun is a historical fantasy romance that honestly feels like stepping into a dream. It’s a little tangled at times—there are a lot of storylines and people to keep track of—and I do think the pacing and flow could use a bit more breathing room so certain scenes land the way I believe they’re meant to. But there’s just something so poetic and quietly stunning about DeBohun’s writing that makes it hard to put down.
I also really loved the inclusion and exploration of real historical figures—like, what do you mean Byron, the Shelleys, and Keats make a surprise appearance??? How delightful. Archduchess Erzsi (my favorite side character), too, was such a bright spot in the story; she’s written with the perfect mix of wit, charm, and youthful impulsiveness that feels true to her seventeen years.
But what really enchanted me was the world itself: the legends of zmajevi, rusalki, and threads of Slavic folklore that pulse through every page. The mythology feels rich and grounded, but still full of wonder. It’s rare to find a book that balances history and myth so gracefully.
The whole concept and the writing itself are genuinely beautiful. There’s a kind of soft, lingering magic in this story, and I'm so thankful the author trusted me with it!
amor vincit omnia ♡
Website | Bookstagram | BookTok
October 18, 2025
This book is GORGEOUS. Such a refreshing change of pace from so many other books I’ve read recently. It’s a historical romantasy set in 1400-1900s Europe with reincarnation, dragons, telepathy, poetry, and a doctor on a centuries long quest to reunite with his love. The writing is beautiful and the story left me contemplating. Can’t wait for more people to read this so I’ll have someone to talk about it with!
September 30, 2025
I like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me an early read at this.
Elaine's writing is lovely. I don't know how else to describe it. I had read All the Yellow Posies and the characters and the level of grief / solace floored me in that. So seeing her write a historical fantasy, well, I was ready.
Take note: this is how you write a love story about two souls finding one another again. He a dragon who was doomed to a human form for ages, she a soul that reincarnates as a Dutchess and relation to Elisabeth aus Austria. LOVE IT. As an Elisabeth fan (respectful fan to the historical figure? dunno how to call oneself) that level of history added to our female lead is perfect.
The characters that surround them find their way through the past to the present of the story, and you wonder if they are doomed to experience the same motions as before. The added level of the investigator(s) recollecting the information and wrapping it up in the end gives it a very Brothers Grimm going meta.
The one-star less probably given to the plot, since it's pretty straightforward and nothing else is going on in it. Those who are looking for something meatier and or with more agency won't find it here. The story is short and contained at the lodge.
All in all: read this for a love story that has fantasy, fate, and historical nods.
Elaine's writing is lovely. I don't know how else to describe it. I had read All the Yellow Posies and the characters and the level of grief / solace floored me in that. So seeing her write a historical fantasy, well, I was ready.
Take note: this is how you write a love story about two souls finding one another again. He a dragon who was doomed to a human form for ages, she a soul that reincarnates as a Dutchess and relation to Elisabeth aus Austria. LOVE IT. As an Elisabeth fan (respectful fan to the historical figure? dunno how to call oneself) that level of history added to our female lead is perfect.
The characters that surround them find their way through the past to the present of the story, and you wonder if they are doomed to experience the same motions as before. The added level of the investigator(s) recollecting the information and wrapping it up in the end gives it a very Brothers Grimm going meta.
The one-star less probably given to the plot, since it's pretty straightforward and nothing else is going on in it. Those who are looking for something meatier and or with more agency won't find it here. The story is short and contained at the lodge.
All in all: read this for a love story that has fantasy, fate, and historical nods.
January 24, 2026
The lore states they were brought together by fate, but their love was doomed from the start.
An enchanting tale, written in the lyrical quality of the classics, that is whimsical while quietly drawing the reader into its spell. It’s the perfect blend of historical fiction and fantasy romance.
An enchanting tale, written in the lyrical quality of the classics, that is whimsical while quietly drawing the reader into its spell. It’s the perfect blend of historical fiction and fantasy romance.
October 28, 2025
We start hot in The Starlight Menagerie, with a murder and our main couple gone. This story truly is a love letter to the author herself. The personal use of her ancestral mythology, with our MMC Troilo being a zmajevi, a celestial serpent from the heavens. our FMC philippa, on the other hand, has been diagnosed with bouts of hysteria. We quickly come to find that she is Troilo’s wife in her past life, and he has waited since her death to find her again. But this time, he is now her doctor.
🐉 Troilo: Most of this book is in his pov, though we do randomly jump around to other characters and their thoughts as well. You get to know him from 1433 and 1900, and while he lives more than a handful of full lives in between that time, his base character stays true. His love and devotion for Costanza/Philippa shines throughout this book and was a major highlight for me.
💫 Philippa: I really enjoyed our FMC’s character, where she is sassy and flirtatious and loves her cousin dearly. Give her all the cream puffs she wants!! Her character has moments where she angers quickly, but I feel that makes her all the more relatable throughout the story.
✂️ Erzsi: Philippa’s cousin, who is shown to be more of a sister and best friend. At first I wasn’t sure of her character. Come to find, she’s only 17!! And what a character she turns out to be. If there is to be a second book, it HAS to be about her!! I need more, she deserves so much, and I will always love her (and Blitz 🐶)
📝 An extra note on the writing and structure of the book. We get 2 chapters (beautifully covered with art) from Costanza’s pov back in 1433. I thought it was the perfect amount of backstory. The chapters were blocked well to coincide with the timeline and didn’t feel like I was jumping back and forth between 1433 and 1900 (pre and post murder) every chapter and getting confused. I thought this was clever and made it much easier to follow the story and allow the mystery to unravel!
Overall, The Starlight Menagerie was a brilliant book. It truly delivered in what it promised, which was a reincarnation romantasy with Balkan dragon lore, Victorian and Medieval timelines, a doctor/patient relationship, and a relationship that embodies “I have crossed oceans of time to find you.” YESYESYES!!!
‼️‼️Spoilers ahead‼️‼️
The one thing to note for me was that nearing the end, the plot twist started to become a little obvious to me. Maybe because I was always aware that there would be one (the dedication is for the plot twist) but I don’t think that figuring out the story took away my enjoyability. If anything, it just made me love Erzsi even more and I started to chant her name in victory.
🤎 Thank you Elaine for the chance to read this ARC (I received book 25 out of 40!) All honest thoughts and opinions are my own.
🐉 Troilo: Most of this book is in his pov, though we do randomly jump around to other characters and their thoughts as well. You get to know him from 1433 and 1900, and while he lives more than a handful of full lives in between that time, his base character stays true. His love and devotion for Costanza/Philippa shines throughout this book and was a major highlight for me.
💫 Philippa: I really enjoyed our FMC’s character, where she is sassy and flirtatious and loves her cousin dearly. Give her all the cream puffs she wants!! Her character has moments where she angers quickly, but I feel that makes her all the more relatable throughout the story.
✂️ Erzsi: Philippa’s cousin, who is shown to be more of a sister and best friend. At first I wasn’t sure of her character. Come to find, she’s only 17!! And what a character she turns out to be. If there is to be a second book, it HAS to be about her!! I need more, she deserves so much, and I will always love her (and Blitz 🐶)
📝 An extra note on the writing and structure of the book. We get 2 chapters (beautifully covered with art) from Costanza’s pov back in 1433. I thought it was the perfect amount of backstory. The chapters were blocked well to coincide with the timeline and didn’t feel like I was jumping back and forth between 1433 and 1900 (pre and post murder) every chapter and getting confused. I thought this was clever and made it much easier to follow the story and allow the mystery to unravel!
Overall, The Starlight Menagerie was a brilliant book. It truly delivered in what it promised, which was a reincarnation romantasy with Balkan dragon lore, Victorian and Medieval timelines, a doctor/patient relationship, and a relationship that embodies “I have crossed oceans of time to find you.” YESYESYES!!!
‼️‼️Spoilers ahead‼️‼️
The one thing to note for me was that nearing the end, the plot twist started to become a little obvious to me. Maybe because I was always aware that there would be one (the dedication is for the plot twist) but I don’t think that figuring out the story took away my enjoyability. If anything, it just made me love Erzsi even more and I started to chant her name in victory.
🤎 Thank you Elaine for the chance to read this ARC (I received book 25 out of 40!) All honest thoughts and opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2025
“Love is the chain of chains. It is the strongest bond of all.”
Elaine DeBohun’s The Starlight Menagerie comes straight from the land of tender dreams, enchanting folklore, and astral longing. Enchanting, mesmeric and dream-like, this tale is everything I want in a historical fantasy romance.
Elaine has masterfully woven together a story that forms a lush tapestry interwoven with multiple timelines that converge together in the most indelible, poetic of ways. The Starlight Menagerie follows the tale of Troilo Visconti, a zmaj, a dragon of Balkan folklore, and his re-incarnated mortal bride as their paths cross once more after centuries apart — but now, she is a soul in another body; Philippa, a Habsburg Archduchess, and Troilo, a travelling doctor prescribed with the duty of curing her hysteria.
Set during the turn of the century Austria, Elaine conjures up a time when science made attempt to understand the mystical; how the human subconscious forms a bridge to the world of spirits, the occult, and otherworldly beings.
The Starlight Menagerie is one such tale that feels like an unearthing of a vibrant slice of history and delves even deeper into the living, breathing magic that sleeps within.
The folklore of the zmaj as represented by Troilo Visconti, was painted so perfectly. You can feel the breath of magic whisper through the pages — enduring even through the passage of lifetimes, his countless journeys through the continents and his eventual rediscovery of his long lost love.
Every thread is so deliberately, deliciously placed; the rich historical setting on warp and the passionate romance between Troilo and Philippa on weft, creating such a captivating story I had to force myself to put down in order to savor every gorgeous word.
Elaine’s prose is coated in stardust, while the romance that underpins this tender tale is a flaming, burning comet that is as unforgettable as it is heart-rending. This is a tale that will not leave me anytime soon, and for any lover of history, folklore and romances that span through centuries — The Starlight Menagerie is one of the greats.
If you enjoyed Robert Egger’s Nosferatu, and German series Die Kaiserin (The Empress), then you will adore The Starlight Menagerie.
Elaine DeBohun’s The Starlight Menagerie comes straight from the land of tender dreams, enchanting folklore, and astral longing. Enchanting, mesmeric and dream-like, this tale is everything I want in a historical fantasy romance.
Elaine has masterfully woven together a story that forms a lush tapestry interwoven with multiple timelines that converge together in the most indelible, poetic of ways. The Starlight Menagerie follows the tale of Troilo Visconti, a zmaj, a dragon of Balkan folklore, and his re-incarnated mortal bride as their paths cross once more after centuries apart — but now, she is a soul in another body; Philippa, a Habsburg Archduchess, and Troilo, a travelling doctor prescribed with the duty of curing her hysteria.
Set during the turn of the century Austria, Elaine conjures up a time when science made attempt to understand the mystical; how the human subconscious forms a bridge to the world of spirits, the occult, and otherworldly beings.
The Starlight Menagerie is one such tale that feels like an unearthing of a vibrant slice of history and delves even deeper into the living, breathing magic that sleeps within.
The folklore of the zmaj as represented by Troilo Visconti, was painted so perfectly. You can feel the breath of magic whisper through the pages — enduring even through the passage of lifetimes, his countless journeys through the continents and his eventual rediscovery of his long lost love.
Every thread is so deliberately, deliciously placed; the rich historical setting on warp and the passionate romance between Troilo and Philippa on weft, creating such a captivating story I had to force myself to put down in order to savor every gorgeous word.
Elaine’s prose is coated in stardust, while the romance that underpins this tender tale is a flaming, burning comet that is as unforgettable as it is heart-rending. This is a tale that will not leave me anytime soon, and for any lover of history, folklore and romances that span through centuries — The Starlight Menagerie is one of the greats.
If you enjoyed Robert Egger’s Nosferatu, and German series Die Kaiserin (The Empress), then you will adore The Starlight Menagerie.
October 31, 2025
Thank you Elaine for letting me beta read this book and then a second time as a polished copy! All thoughts are my own.
This is hands down one of the best books I’ve ever read. I’m a big romantasy girly and Elaine really put me on historical fiction with her other books too. She is such an incredible writer with beautiful prose and atmospheric worlds. I read this entire book in one sitting. I don’t even think I blinked 🤣
This book starts off strong with a murder mystery. The story does jump in timeline here and there between 1900 present day, a couple days prior, and a fairytale like story in the 1400s. It enough to keep you turning the pages to find out more. There is also a hidden message in the ballad for you to decode.
I love that this book takes place in the early 1900s with nods to other time periods as well. The bits of real characters woven into this fictional story were really interesting and made me learn up on some of my history. I think the writing is stunning and fits the time period.
My favorite character in this book is cousin Erzsi. She is feisty and determined. She’s always looking out for Phillipa’s best interest as well. I am also a sucker for Troilo’s charm and his devotion of course.
The romance in this book takes center stage. I won’t spoil the plot, but there’s some forbidden love thrown in with a doctor/patient situation and it goes so much deeper than what you’d expect. I thought my husband loved me until I read this book…kidding, kind of.
There are poems throughout the book. Each poem was so beautiful and I cried several times reading them. The ballads and stories inside of this book come together by the end. The foreshadowing was really well done as well as the symbolism such as a falling star and snake in the grass.
Overall, this book is going to become my new personality and I can’t wait for everyone to read it. 10 out of 5 stars.
This is hands down one of the best books I’ve ever read. I’m a big romantasy girly and Elaine really put me on historical fiction with her other books too. She is such an incredible writer with beautiful prose and atmospheric worlds. I read this entire book in one sitting. I don’t even think I blinked 🤣
This book starts off strong with a murder mystery. The story does jump in timeline here and there between 1900 present day, a couple days prior, and a fairytale like story in the 1400s. It enough to keep you turning the pages to find out more. There is also a hidden message in the ballad for you to decode.
I love that this book takes place in the early 1900s with nods to other time periods as well. The bits of real characters woven into this fictional story were really interesting and made me learn up on some of my history. I think the writing is stunning and fits the time period.
My favorite character in this book is cousin Erzsi. She is feisty and determined. She’s always looking out for Phillipa’s best interest as well. I am also a sucker for Troilo’s charm and his devotion of course.
The romance in this book takes center stage. I won’t spoil the plot, but there’s some forbidden love thrown in with a doctor/patient situation and it goes so much deeper than what you’d expect. I thought my husband loved me until I read this book…kidding, kind of.
There are poems throughout the book. Each poem was so beautiful and I cried several times reading them. The ballads and stories inside of this book come together by the end. The foreshadowing was really well done as well as the symbolism such as a falling star and snake in the grass.
Overall, this book is going to become my new personality and I can’t wait for everyone to read it. 10 out of 5 stars.
November 19, 2025
If a book were a painting.
Reading The Starlight Menagerie was like stepping into a waking dream, feet bare in the soft grass and hem of a delicate white cotton nightdress flecked with early-morning dew. The imagery of this book is truly beautiful, and I could see it in my mind's eye like scenes in a film, making it a transportive experience.
This story is such a unique weaving of threads, involving Balkan dragon lore, which I had never heard of until now, and which was fascinating to learn about. This historical fantasy/romance of Troilo and Costanza/Phillipa spans centuries and explores the idea of past lives and the tangling of souls through time. Lines of verses written by Troilo are sprinkled throughout and presented as a published work titled Ballads of the Starlight Menagerie in their world, written as a gift to his lost beloved, adding to the lovely atmosphere and poetic beauty of this work.
“I speak to the storm cloud, I say–
How do you choose between
destruction and deliverance?
I ask him how he holds his sorrow
I ask him how he carries his grief.”
The question of “what if madness could be a splitting of the soul caused by trauma in a past life?” was such an interesting thought to me, and a unique way to have it manifest.
“What makes it madness, is that the person does not realize they have fallen through a puddle.”
There is a deep emptiness and yearning that both Troilo and Phillipa have felt, being separated from each other for so long, and the final desperate exhale as they find one another again, in another time, in another life.
“Your heart and mine,” he breathed, “are very old friends.”
When I think of the setting and imagery of this book, I think of the films Atonement and Bright Star. There are some pages I wouldn’t mind living in between, and can see myself revisiting them again and again in the future.
Reading The Starlight Menagerie was like stepping into a waking dream, feet bare in the soft grass and hem of a delicate white cotton nightdress flecked with early-morning dew. The imagery of this book is truly beautiful, and I could see it in my mind's eye like scenes in a film, making it a transportive experience.
This story is such a unique weaving of threads, involving Balkan dragon lore, which I had never heard of until now, and which was fascinating to learn about. This historical fantasy/romance of Troilo and Costanza/Phillipa spans centuries and explores the idea of past lives and the tangling of souls through time. Lines of verses written by Troilo are sprinkled throughout and presented as a published work titled Ballads of the Starlight Menagerie in their world, written as a gift to his lost beloved, adding to the lovely atmosphere and poetic beauty of this work.
“I speak to the storm cloud, I say–
How do you choose between
destruction and deliverance?
I ask him how he holds his sorrow
I ask him how he carries his grief.”
The question of “what if madness could be a splitting of the soul caused by trauma in a past life?” was such an interesting thought to me, and a unique way to have it manifest.
“What makes it madness, is that the person does not realize they have fallen through a puddle.”
There is a deep emptiness and yearning that both Troilo and Phillipa have felt, being separated from each other for so long, and the final desperate exhale as they find one another again, in another time, in another life.
“Your heart and mine,” he breathed, “are very old friends.”
When I think of the setting and imagery of this book, I think of the films Atonement and Bright Star. There are some pages I wouldn’t mind living in between, and can see myself revisiting them again and again in the future.
October 16, 2025
The Starlight Menagerie by Elaine DeBohun is a historical fantasy about timeless love, reincarnation, and the poetry of life.
Set during the Habsburg empire, Trolio Visconti is a doctor who must examine the archduchess Phillipa who is suffering from a strange malady. When he encounters the archduchess, he discovers that she looks exactly like his wife from long ago. As they spend time together, Trolio realizes that his connection to Philippa goes much deeper than he previously thought, centuries deep. When his own secrets and true nature begin to uncoil- myth, magic, and mystery constellate a love that has been lost in time.
I loved everything about this book. As someone with Croatian heritage, I was thrilled to be reading about a myth/folklore from my ancestral homeland. The originality of the storyline with its plot of reincarnation and eternal love was beautifully and tastefully explored. The tension and temptation between the characters juxtaposed with the aristocratic settings pulled me into its pages. The author had lovely evocative writing with luscious descriptions of places and settings that added a richness to the story. Croatian/Balkan folklore wove a poetical tale about dragons and starlight that was full of all consuming passion.
This was a very unique story that fans of historical fantasy, romantasy, and mythological retellings should read. I look forward to reading more from Elaine DeBohun.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free arc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Set during the Habsburg empire, Trolio Visconti is a doctor who must examine the archduchess Phillipa who is suffering from a strange malady. When he encounters the archduchess, he discovers that she looks exactly like his wife from long ago. As they spend time together, Trolio realizes that his connection to Philippa goes much deeper than he previously thought, centuries deep. When his own secrets and true nature begin to uncoil- myth, magic, and mystery constellate a love that has been lost in time.
I loved everything about this book. As someone with Croatian heritage, I was thrilled to be reading about a myth/folklore from my ancestral homeland. The originality of the storyline with its plot of reincarnation and eternal love was beautifully and tastefully explored. The tension and temptation between the characters juxtaposed with the aristocratic settings pulled me into its pages. The author had lovely evocative writing with luscious descriptions of places and settings that added a richness to the story. Croatian/Balkan folklore wove a poetical tale about dragons and starlight that was full of all consuming passion.
This was a very unique story that fans of historical fantasy, romantasy, and mythological retellings should read. I look forward to reading more from Elaine DeBohun.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free arc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
December 6, 2025
“Your heart and mine,” he breathed, “are very old friends.”
Troilo is a poet, a doctor, and a dragon who has waited nearly 500 years for his wife. Philippa, who was born into the family who had her killed in her previous life, is now an archduchess. Though a love story at heart, the novel follows themes of grief just as much. This was such a beautiful read. Troilo is a poet and the writing reflects it. The prose was my favorite part. It never felt overtly flowery to me and was just the perfect touch to be a historical fiction.
Erzsi stole the show for me and I adore her character. Her love for Philippa was just as prominent as Troilo’s was, and I really enjoyed that aspect. The plot was fairly straightforward and I would have given it a higher rating if it wasn’t for the misunderstandings. The switching between the times did take me out of the story a little. Whenever I would get fully invested in one story, it would switch and take me out, and once I got invested in that, the same would happen. Even so, I did like the way it was written as such because it made for the overall story coming together more satisfying. I kept having these “ohhh” moments when it all began to click.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
Troilo is a poet, a doctor, and a dragon who has waited nearly 500 years for his wife. Philippa, who was born into the family who had her killed in her previous life, is now an archduchess. Though a love story at heart, the novel follows themes of grief just as much. This was such a beautiful read. Troilo is a poet and the writing reflects it. The prose was my favorite part. It never felt overtly flowery to me and was just the perfect touch to be a historical fiction.
Erzsi stole the show for me and I adore her character. Her love for Philippa was just as prominent as Troilo’s was, and I really enjoyed that aspect. The plot was fairly straightforward and I would have given it a higher rating if it wasn’t for the misunderstandings. The switching between the times did take me out of the story a little. Whenever I would get fully invested in one story, it would switch and take me out, and once I got invested in that, the same would happen. Even so, I did like the way it was written as such because it made for the overall story coming together more satisfying. I kept having these “ohhh” moments when it all began to click.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
November 9, 2025
I honestly loved this! The premise of this book sounded absolutely refreshing when I first heard about it and boy did this book deliver! The authors prose is lush and atmospheric and it really sucks you into the world of the book.
The romance is the main plot point of the story, which is my favorite, but I also love how the story touches on other time periods! I loved that many historical figures also showed up in the story! It's kind of a nod to the real world and it made me smile.
The main characters and even the side characters were so loveable! Trolio has my whole heart. His sweet, poetic side just made me crumble and weak. Personally, I adored Erzsi!! She made me laugh with her fiesty spirit!
Overall, this was an amazing historical romance. The jumping of time line was so fun even if I was a little confused at times. I LOVED the concept of Trolio being a brag on in a human body, really peaked my interest. And, the Forbidden love between a doctor and patient? Just perfect. This was so refreshing between huge romantasy stories. I even ended up crying at the beautiful, lyrical poems sprinkled throughout. Just go read this!
The romance is the main plot point of the story, which is my favorite, but I also love how the story touches on other time periods! I loved that many historical figures also showed up in the story! It's kind of a nod to the real world and it made me smile.
The main characters and even the side characters were so loveable! Trolio has my whole heart. His sweet, poetic side just made me crumble and weak. Personally, I adored Erzsi!! She made me laugh with her fiesty spirit!
Overall, this was an amazing historical romance. The jumping of time line was so fun even if I was a little confused at times. I LOVED the concept of Trolio being a brag on in a human body, really peaked my interest. And, the Forbidden love between a doctor and patient? Just perfect. This was so refreshing between huge romantasy stories. I even ended up crying at the beautiful, lyrical poems sprinkled throughout. Just go read this!
January 23, 2026
Thank you to Chariklo Press & NetGalley for a chance to read this ARC!
GUYS I loved this! The summary caught my interest so I figured I'd enjoy it but I devoured this. The concept of this immortal man, unable to be killed but destined to centuries without his beloved wife..... reuniting with her reincarnation..... UGH! I think I was also in love with Troilo by the end
I LOVED all the little historical details, the folklore - I was just very ✨enchanted✨ by it all
I think the cover is beautiful, but I think something a bit brighter/more eye-catching is needed!
Troilo & Costanza/Phillipa's story is one that I think will stick with me for a while; I could've easily read 500 more pages of this! I feel like this would make a great TV series (and I'd LOCK in, let me tell you).
And what if I said Mellie is the true antagonist of this story BYE
GUYS I loved this! The summary caught my interest so I figured I'd enjoy it but I devoured this. The concept of this immortal man, unable to be killed but destined to centuries without his beloved wife..... reuniting with her reincarnation..... UGH! I think I was also in love with Troilo by the end
I LOVED all the little historical details, the folklore - I was just very ✨enchanted✨ by it all
I think the cover is beautiful, but I think something a bit brighter/more eye-catching is needed!
Troilo & Costanza/Phillipa's story is one that I think will stick with me for a while; I could've easily read 500 more pages of this! I feel like this would make a great TV series (and I'd LOCK in, let me tell you).
And what if I said Mellie is the true antagonist of this story BYE
November 8, 2025
“Each star is but a flower of the sky, and the night, a heavenly garden.”
This book was so freaking good and wrecked me in the best way possible. I had forgotten how much I loved historical fiction and this was the perfect blend of historical fiction, fantasy and Slavic folklore. The integration of the Slavic dragon mythology, Zmaj, into the story was so beautifully done. This was a piece of lore that was new to me and I loved learning about it.
I’m a sucker for anything time related, reincarnation, living multiple lifetimes and this was a gorgeous romance that lasted through centuries. It had the passion and longing I loved from Atonement.
The story is told in parts, through memories and poems and also Philippa’s book. It is slowly pieced together over the time Troilo and Philippa spend together while he is treating her.
The writing is so beautiful and the inclusion of Troilo’s poems adds another layer to the lush prose and this heartbreaking tale.
“Your heart and mine are very old friends.”
This book was so freaking good and wrecked me in the best way possible. I had forgotten how much I loved historical fiction and this was the perfect blend of historical fiction, fantasy and Slavic folklore. The integration of the Slavic dragon mythology, Zmaj, into the story was so beautifully done. This was a piece of lore that was new to me and I loved learning about it.
I’m a sucker for anything time related, reincarnation, living multiple lifetimes and this was a gorgeous romance that lasted through centuries. It had the passion and longing I loved from Atonement.
The story is told in parts, through memories and poems and also Philippa’s book. It is slowly pieced together over the time Troilo and Philippa spend together while he is treating her.
The writing is so beautiful and the inclusion of Troilo’s poems adds another layer to the lush prose and this heartbreaking tale.
“Your heart and mine are very old friends.”
November 20, 2025
A beautiful starcrossed tale of destiny, grief and love that spans the centuries. The Starlight Menagerie ties all these themes together through the complex relationships between the characters and Elaine's eloquent prose. Presented as a who done it with historical references and Folklore I was instantly enthralled. Given just enough to feel as though the answers were a page away. As the tensions rose and the mystery unfurled I found myself wanting to savor every passage yet eagerly devouring each chapter at the same time. I highly recommend this book for lovers of history, royals, mysteries, the occult and lesser known folklore.
favorite quotes with no context:
"I am but your docile pet. A familiar to do your bidding."
"Your heart and mine are very old friends."
"I am the snake in the grass."
favorite quotes with no context:
"I am but your docile pet. A familiar to do your bidding."
"Your heart and mine are very old friends."
"I am the snake in the grass."
October 30, 2025
Where do I even begin? This book truly felt like a work of art. The writing is beautiful, the story is enchanting, the characters are layered, and the setting is dreamy. I really loved this!
The Starlight Menagerie is a historical Fantasy Romance about reincarnation with Balkan dragon lore woven throughout. I loved Philippa’s fiery side and Troilo’s tender, poetic side. Erzi was also one of my favorite side characters ever! It was really fun to see the parallels between Troilo and Costanza’s story and Troilo and Philippa’s. I could have continued following Troilo forever and been happy.
I can’t wait to read more by Elaine DeBohun!
Thank you NetGalley and the author for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
The Starlight Menagerie is a historical Fantasy Romance about reincarnation with Balkan dragon lore woven throughout. I loved Philippa’s fiery side and Troilo’s tender, poetic side. Erzi was also one of my favorite side characters ever! It was really fun to see the parallels between Troilo and Costanza’s story and Troilo and Philippa’s. I could have continued following Troilo forever and been happy.
I can’t wait to read more by Elaine DeBohun!
Thank you NetGalley and the author for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
November 1, 2025
Historical Fantasy perfectly blended with Romantasy, 'The Starlight Menagerie; is simply a work of art.
DeBohun, the author, surely took her time with this story, the characters and the world they live in. These loveable characters had me awake late at night, drawing me further into the story one word at a time, with an internal struggle of not wanting the story to end.
I am so happy to have been considered for an advanced copy and this is my honest review. I would love to revisit this story in the near future and I would highly recommend this story for you. It's definitely a perfect Christmas gift to a reader for the upcoming holidays!
DeBohun, the author, surely took her time with this story, the characters and the world they live in. These loveable characters had me awake late at night, drawing me further into the story one word at a time, with an internal struggle of not wanting the story to end.
I am so happy to have been considered for an advanced copy and this is my honest review. I would love to revisit this story in the near future and I would highly recommend this story for you. It's definitely a perfect Christmas gift to a reader for the upcoming holidays!
November 4, 2025
This felt like being dropped straight into a romantic gothic fever dream that I didn’t want to end.
The setting alone pulled me in — everything felt lush, eerie, and decadent. The atmosphere is so strong that it almost becomes its own character.
Troilo and Philippa’s dynamic was sharp, strange, and magnetic. The tension, the secrecy, the way memories bleed into desire — it builds slowly but it absolutely keeps a grip on you.
Moody historical fiction with a thread of obsession and mystery running through every chapter
The setting alone pulled me in — everything felt lush, eerie, and decadent. The atmosphere is so strong that it almost becomes its own character.
Troilo and Philippa’s dynamic was sharp, strange, and magnetic. The tension, the secrecy, the way memories bleed into desire — it builds slowly but it absolutely keeps a grip on you.
Moody historical fiction with a thread of obsession and mystery running through every chapter
November 13, 2025
Look at the cover. It's got this beautiful old world painting aesthetic that I love! Artist Sarah Anne Backman. My new thing is finding the cover artists and giving them a shout out. :D
Nothing like fall and books and reading the description like 'yeah, this is going to hurt so good'
A reincarnation love story with myths, history, and folklore. It's a magical read!
Nothing like fall and books and reading the description like 'yeah, this is going to hurt so good'
A reincarnation love story with myths, history, and folklore. It's a magical read!
February 9, 2026
Wow. This is a book that will stay with me for a long time. Having traveled to Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania and Germany over 3 months ago, I feel like I can vividly imagine this story, the characters and places. This was beautifully researched and thoughtfully told. May this author continue to bless us with her gift and may we all find a love like this. 🤍
February 11, 2025
*ARC read* will update my rating when the book is complete but so far I am loving the vibes and the characters story
September 28, 2025
DNF 33%. Writing style jarring and not for me, despite clear attention to detail on author’s part.
October 8, 2025
lyrical, interesting, and gorgeous book with some amazing plotting. the twists and turns were fantastic. would recommend. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
January 19, 2026
I really enjoyed this!! It took time to understand the characters and some of the back and forth, but once i got the hang of things i was hooked. A fun historical romantasy
January 20, 2026
Simply gorgeous. Past lives, folklore, reincarnation and two loves linked forever. This tickled my brain like nothing else has in such a long time.
February 4, 2026
DNF - This one is difficult, because I can tell the author worked passionately on her book, and with a lot of care. Romantasy, I think, simply is not for me. I got bored halfway through.
November 18, 2025
Beta read.
Will not rate until I read the finished book.
***UPDATE***
4.5stars
Fantastic.
I was a beta reader for this novel back in its early stages and seeing the development it's had from then to this finished product is quite satisfying.
The Starlight Menagerie (which is simply an incredible title for a book!) reads like a fever dream. One never knows quite where we're being led but the journey is filled with tension and you never feel like the author stops tugging on the thread pulling you, the reader, along.
Troilo and Philippa's interactions and relationship is written so convincingly I never had one doubt of their destiny.
Erzsi is the perfect snarky little side character and I love how she's been developed and matured up.
The folklore is the best part of this historical fantasy. I've never read anything like it before (as noted by the author that she's unaware of any other depictions in fiction.) The tale-within-a-tale is still my only complaint about this book; I was pulled from the present day story/mystery and it felt a bit jarring although I understand the reasoning behind it.
Love this author and she's officially an "auto-buy". Looking forward to her next novel.
Will not rate until I read the finished book.
***UPDATE***
4.5stars
Fantastic.
I was a beta reader for this novel back in its early stages and seeing the development it's had from then to this finished product is quite satisfying.
The Starlight Menagerie (which is simply an incredible title for a book!) reads like a fever dream. One never knows quite where we're being led but the journey is filled with tension and you never feel like the author stops tugging on the thread pulling you, the reader, along.
Troilo and Philippa's interactions and relationship is written so convincingly I never had one doubt of their destiny.
Erzsi is the perfect snarky little side character and I love how she's been developed and matured up.
The folklore is the best part of this historical fantasy. I've never read anything like it before (as noted by the author that she's unaware of any other depictions in fiction.) The tale-within-a-tale is still my only complaint about this book; I was pulled from the present day story/mystery and it felt a bit jarring although I understand the reasoning behind it.
Love this author and she's officially an "auto-buy". Looking forward to her next novel.
January 7, 2026
This story is a beautifully written historical romantasy that feels like stepping into a dream. Set across 1400–1900s Europe, it weaves reincarnation, dragons, telepathy, and Slavic folklore into a sweeping love story between a doctor and his long lost love. Though the plot can feel tangled, it pulled me in with the need to know more and unravel it. The poetic writing, rich mythology, and delightful appearances from historical figures like Byron, the Shelleys, and Keats make it hard to put down. The shifting timelines are engaging, the side characters shine especially Erzsi & the emotional moments, including the sprinkled poems, are powerful enough to move you to tears. Overall, it’s a refreshing and enchanting read.
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