Opal Before

by Anji Van Aken

Opal Before tells the story of Opal’s life before WW2 as she travels to France in search of the future she has always dreamed of, only to face the realities of war, and the cost of infatuation.

Opal Vella has always dreamed of leaving her small island home in Malta to study dance in Paris. However, upon arriving with her cousin Celine and best friend Lulu, she quickly realizes that nothing is as expected. Opal is forced to mature rapidly in order to protect herself and her companions from others' self-interest as well as the looming threat of war. A fateful injury lands her in the care of Andrei, a young Russian doctor with whom she develops a profound bond. But as the consequences of her choices begin to unfold, Opal faces the most difficult decision of her life—one that will shape her future forever. Opal Before is the thrilling second installment of the acclaimed Pier and Opal Series, that will leave you breathless and lunging for the final book in the saga.

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2025

Reviews

[Wendy Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plotline and characters are near perfect. The intricate plot is, in some ways, disturbing. A 17-year-old Maltese woman, the protagonist, is a complex young woman, who ends up with her dreams shattered. The author has created a diverse range of supporting characters, some of whom are positive and some of whom are negative. However, I did find the story slow, and, in parts, overly wordy.

[Hilary Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A haunting and Unsettling Read— but missing key answers.

Book 2 let me feeling raw. There’s a lot of emotional weight in this installment, with tensions running high and many things left unsaid. The author masterfully balances subtlety with impact, delivering a story that lingers long after the final page.

Opal, at 17, is a complicated protagonist. I try to make allowances for her youth, But her self destructive choices, especially in how they affect her younger cousin Celine, were frustrating to witness. Celine, just 15, looks up to Opal, making her vulnerability all the more heartbreaking. Her story is the one that truly stays with me.

A significant aspect of this book involves the way minors are manipulated and taken advantage of by adults. While the scenes are not explicit, the authors writing is powerful enough to invoke deep discomfort. This is something I both admire and disliked—It speaks to the books effectiveness, but it also left me with sleepless nights, unable to stop thinking about these characters.

My biggest frustration is the lack of insight into Opal’s motivations. She leaves home to see the world and pursue dance, yet her actions suggest deep self-loathing. I wanted to understand why she is the way she is, but the book never fully provided that clarity. I will say that I understand now why she didn’t trust herself in the first book.

Trigger warning: while I personally don’t feel explicit warning is necessary, as the content isn’t graphic, some readers might find certain themes distressing.

Overall, this is a well written and emotionally impactful story that earns four stars from me. It’s haunting thought provoking, and difficult to forget— but I wish it had offered more answers.

[Editors Weekly · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Opal Before' follows 17-year-old Opal as she leaves Malta for Paris to pursue ballet, encountering both the excitement of ambition and the harsh realities of life. Van Aken vividly brings Paris and the ballet world to life, conveying the pressures, loneliness, and sacrifices that accompany Opal’s dreams. Supporting characters such as Celine, Lulu, and Andrei add humor, tension, and emotional depth, enriching both the narrative and Opal’s journey.

The novel’s emotional honesty is a standout. Themes of exploitation, self-destructive choices, and the darker side of artistic pursuit are handled with care, giving the story depth without feeling gratuitous. The looming threat of World War II adds historical weight, heightening the stakes of Opal’s journey. Some passages, however, are densely detailed, which slows the pacing at times.

Opal herself is a complex and compelling protagonist. Her vulnerability, self-doubt, and opaque motivations make her relatable, even when frustrating, while her bonds with Celine and Andrei provide tender, grounding moments. Greater insight into her inner drives would have strengthened the characterisation, but her growth from innocence to resilience feels authentic and satisfying.

While the narrative slows at times and some passages are overly detailed, 'Opal Before' remains a moving and immersive coming-of-age tale. Its blend of romance, historical depth, and the challenges of pursuing a dream creates a story that is both emotionally resonant and memorable, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is an emotional prequel that follows a young girl from Malta chasing her dream of studying ballet in Paris. From the very first pages, the story highlights striking contrasts: the excitement of leaving her small island home mixed with the shock of encountering a city that is both dazzling and unforgiving. Paris is not portrayed as just the city of lights and art, but also as a place of smoke, cramped boarding school rooms, and the judgmental stares of unfamiliar peers.
What stands out most is the vivid, sensory writing and the authentic atmosphere of the ballet world. The reader can feel the pressure of strict discipline, the loneliness of being different, and the thrill of first love. Supporting characters like Lulu and Celine bring balance, adding both lighthearted humor and deeper emotional tension.
Rather than romanticizing the dream of art, the story shows how pursuing passion often involves sacrifice, hardship, and life-changing decisions. It is a coming-of-age tale that blends romance, history, and the raw challenges of ambition. Perfect for readers who enjoy stories of youth, resilience, and the bittersweet path of following one's dreams.

[Diane Avenoso · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story explains a lot. Opal becomes disillusioned and is forced to grow up at a tender age, which could destroy a weaker character but seem to fortify and deepen Opal while also creating ramparts that keep loved ones at arms length.
Descriptions of the dark under belly of ballet also create disillusionment in Opal (and this reader) as one *not in the field* doesn't experience the bloody, disfigured feet, strict competitive class hierarchy, sexism, and pain that mask the illusion presented in beautiful pink satin slippers.
Opal also learns of her aptitude for tailoring and design, which carry through to Book 3.
Everyone has a story. This one sets the stage that explains a deeply human character who is lucky in the end to find true love, understanding, and belonging.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beautiful and Heartfelt Story

Reading Opal Before pulled me right into Opal’s world as she chased her dreams in Paris. I felt her excitement, her heartbreak, and her courage as she faced the shadows of war and the trials of growing up too fast. The bond between Opal and Andrei was tender and moving, making me care deeply about what would happen to them. The author brought Paris to life while showing the dangers and choices Opal had to face. Every chapter made me want to keep turning the pages. This book is emotional, gripping, and left me eager for the next part of the series

[Alefiyah Ghadiali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lean, absorbing, and tense in all the right ways. Opal leaves Malta for dance school in Paris and slams into adult choices, a fragile bond with Andrei, and the slow approach of war. Van Aken keeps the focus tight and the stakes real. You’ll finish hungry for Book 3.