The Gargoyles of Notre Dame

by Greg Walters

History meets Fantasy in Revolutionary France!

Paris, 1789. The soaring spires of Notre Dame conceal more than prayer and piety. Within the cathedral lies the secret of the gargoyles, mystical creatures bound by ancient magic to the aristocracy. For centuries, these stone sentinels have ensured the power of the nobility and kept the oppressed powerless.

When Henri, a 22-year-old stonemason apprentice, accidentally forges a sacred bond with one of these creatures, he shatters a tradition meant to protect only the upper class. Betrayed by the gargoyles and hunted as a traitor, Henri flees into a city teetering on the edge of revolution.

As word of his forbidden connection spreads, hope ignites among the oppressed. To the people, Henri becomes more than a fugitive. He is a symbol, proof that the chains of oppression can be broken. With cries of “Liberty! Equality! Fraternity!” rising in the streets, Henri faces an impossible choice.

Will he hide from the chaos or risk everything to lead a rebellion that could reshape France forever?

Perfect for fans of The Gilded Wolves and The Night Circus, The Gargoyles of Notre Dame is an exhilarating tale of magic, rebellion, and the courage to defy destiny.



Early readers are getting immersed in this fantastical version of the French Revolution!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "A brilliant fantasy set in the French Revolution which is one of my favourite periods. It features Henri, who bonds with a gargoyle, and he is helped by Mirabeau who was an important person in the Revolution. I loved the story and the characters and I would give more than five stars if it was possible." –Netgalley Review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "The book takes place during the eve of the French Revolution and culminates in the storming of the Bastille. The author does a fantastic job of blending history and fantasy among the stunning settings of Notre-Dame, Versailles, and Paris ... This seems to be the first book in a series and I can’t wait to read more! I definitely recommend it for fans of historical fiction and historical fantasy." –Netgalley Review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "Such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much ... Will definitely read more books by this author in the future." –Netgalley Review

Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Fiction

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 19, 2025

About the author

Since graduating with degrees in history and political science 20 years ago, Greg Walters has dealt with historical material almost daily as a history teacher. So it was only a matter of time before he combined this passion with his passion for fantasy. The result is "Demon Summoner: Apprentice," a deeply researched historical novel, with a fair dash of fantasy and humor, just as readers have come to expect from Greg Walters.

Greg Walters lives together with his wife, his two small daughters, and a cheeky, red-blond Labrador. He is currently working on more stories that will transport his readers into exciting adventures and strange worlds full of fantasy and history.

More about the author: greg-walters.com

Reviews

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Gorgoyles Of Notre Dame by Greg Walters, this really was a good book about Henry, who on the day he becomes a master Stone mason a jealous colleague throws him off the top of Notre Dame and he winds up in a room where a gargoyle is ready for bonding and when he sees Henry he thinks Henry is his man. in a world we’re only the very rich get bonded to a gorgoyle, Henry gets mistaken to be someone he is not. He even attends a dance for the upper crust where he meets and falls in super like with Katia. When word gets out a lowly tradesmen has a bonded gargoyle Henry becomes the man of the hour or at least he supposed to. For the most part he sits up in the dark room with Marion,the gargoyle. Where he hides out because men are hunting him. can Henry get his life back or will he finally be ready to fight for what he wants. This would’ve been a much better book had the gargoyle not rhymed everything he said because some of the things that that it said sounded out of the box and ridiculous. not to mention every time I would be super into the book the gargoyle would rhyme something and just seem like I was reading a cartoon despite all that I still found the story really good but wanted the sci-fi to be without its cartoon aspects. I still really liked the story though I especially loved Katya and Henry and love them together wish that would be another story without the rhyming but with those two characters. #NetGalley, #BookWhisperer, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #GregWalters, #TheGargoylesOfNotreDame,

[Lara R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gargoyles of Notre Dame is an absolutely captivating mix of historical fiction and fantasy, set against the turbulent backdrop of the French Revolution. Greg Walters brings Paris in 1789 vividly to life, with Notre Dame and its gargoyles at the heart of a story that blends magic, rebellion, and forbidden bonds.

I was hooked right from the start with Henri, the stonemason apprentice who accidentally bonds with a gargoyle—an act that is supposed to be reserved for nobility and instantly makes him a target. His connection with Nyron, the rhyming and surprisingly charming gargoyle, gave the story both depth and moments of levity. I also really enjoyed Catia’s arc—her tragic circumstances, her strength, and the way she and Henri find each other in the middle of all the chaos made me fully invested in their journey.

The mix of action, atmosphere, and character development kept me turning the pages, and I loved how the novel balanced the sweeping drama of revolution with the intimate, magical relationship between humans and gargoyles. Walters captures both the brutality and the hope of the era beautifully.

If you enjoy historical fantasy with heart, tension, and a fresh magical twist, this one is a must-read.

[Vansa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the conceit of this book-fantasy set during the French Revolution sounded very interesting, and the book did not disappoint. I liked the historical characters whose viewpoints you get: not the usual suspects, but Mirabeau, Camille Desmoulins among others. The protagonists are very interesting and I like how the protagonist without magical powers has as much agency as the one who does and isn't a damsel in distress ( except for one scene, but that's ok). The constant threat of sexual violence that Catia faces made me uneasy but it's never used for shock value or just to showcase the male protagonist's powers. While some of the language lands a bit clunkily, with characters saying 'Whatever, the plot is so compelling that it keeps you reading. Also, if you think about it, people have been saying variations of "Whatever", or words to express that-we just don't really know how historical people spoke, so I'm inclined to forgive that when the book is as genuinely interesting as this one . Can definitely recommend, for readers aged 15 and up.

[Manuel Welm · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first page, The Gargoyles of Notre Dame captivated me and kept me eagerly turning the pages. The story is fast-paced and engaging, striking a perfect balance between suspense and excitement.

Greg Walters masterfully blends historical fiction with fantasy, creating an immersive world that brings Notre Dame and its mysteries to life. The prose flows beautifully, enhanced by delightful rhymes that add a unique charm to the narrative. The writing kept me at the edge of my seat, heightening the tension and intrigue.

The characters are both poignant and relatable, making it easy to connect with their struggles and triumphs. Their depth adds emotional weight to the story, making it even more compelling. The fusion of history and fantasy is seamless, making this an unforgettable read.

I highly recommend The Gargoyles of Notre Dame to fans of historical fantasy, gripping storytelling, and richly atmospheric settings.

I appreciate NetGalley and Book Whisperer for the opportunity to read this early copy!

[Richard Derus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5* of five

The Publisher Says: History meets Fantasy in Revolutionary France!

Paris, 1789. The soaring spires of Notre Dame conceal more than prayer and piety. Within the cathedral lies the secret of the gargoyles, mystical creatures bound by ancient magic to the aristocracy. For centuries, these stone sentinels have ensured the power of the nobility and kept the oppressed powerless.

When Henri, a 22-year-old stonemason apprentice, accidentally forges a sacred bond with one of these creatures, he shatters a tradition meant to protect only the upper class. Betrayed by the gargoyles and hunted as a traitor, Henri flees into a city teetering on the edge of revolution.

As word of his forbidden connection spreads, hope ignites among the oppressed. To the people, Henri becomes more than a fugitive. He is a symbol, proof that the chains of oppression can be broken. With cries of “Liberty! Equality! Fraternity!” rising in the streets, Henri faces an impossible choice.

Will he hide from the chaos or risk everything to lead a rebellion that could reshape France forever?

Perfect for fans of The Gilded Wolves and The Night Circus, The Gargoyles of Notre Dame is an exhilarating tale of magic, rebellion, and the courage to defy destiny.

I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.

My Review: The French Revolution plus sentient gargoyles. Sign me up.

Now, don't go gettin' all logical; this is a fantasy. It assumes that, for some reason never even lightly touched on, the French Revolution takes place as it did in our time despite aristos and royalty all having actual, sentient gargoyles in their service (Louis XVI has six of 'em!). Not as some odd innovation; not as a revolution in itself; but as an established way of marking them out as having rank.

Nothing about this makes one whit of sense, but it's cool, so run with it. Be prepared to stop, though, after a gangbusters start we begin to meander a bit. The "romance" between an adult man and a teenaged girl is squicky. Yes, that's my twenty-first century acculturation speaking. I live now, so I use now's ideas to judge things made now, and you may be sure that very much shows in the character voices. If this was a survivor of 1825 or even 1925, written about their past, that somehow reached me for the first time now, I'd be of a different opinion. It is not that. I'm squicked.

I found the gargoyles speaking in poetry a whole lot less irritating than I expected to. I screamed with rage only once! Who knows, maybe I'm finally old enough to "get" poetry. (I'm not.)

The entire exercise is, I believe, meant to be New Adult reading. I think the pacing is off for that reading segment; starting with action at full speed leads to an expectation of it staying there in less-experienced readers. It's too bad; this could easily be a good series if some detail tweaks were done.

Me, I'll stop at one. Not a bad one, so why risk leaving with a poorer opinion than my present overall positive one?

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The French Revolution began in 1789. The Gargoyles of Notre Dame retells this story in a slightly altered reality where gargoyles exist as living creatures who bond for life with male members of the French aristocracy. They can fly and fight in a manner that recalls Anne McCaffrey's fictional dragons of Pern. The gargoyles are feared and hated by most common people as symbols of the ruling classes who tax their so-called inferiors into ruin. King Louis XVI is an entitled fool, driving his country into debt to support his lavish lifestyle. As the divinely appointed ruler, he is bonded to six gargoyles.
Henri is an apprentice stonemason who dreams of working on the great cathedral of Notre Dame. Just as he is about to become a journeyman, the vicious act of a jealous rival forces him into a situation where he bonds with a gargoyle., Nyron. He must leave Notre Dame and his family home to escape the murderous rage of the young nobleman who was supposed to bond with Nyron. He ends up in Versailles when the National Assembly meets in an effort to address the inequalities of French society.
Catia is the only child of an elderly knight whose fortunes decayed when his beloved wife died and his equally beloved gargoyle died defending her. Although she has been raised as a lady, Catia is a tomboy who is most comfortable playing with the local tenant farmers. When a tax collector arrests her best friend's father, the community blames Catia's family. They kill her father and burn her home. She barely escapes with her life. The only hope she has is to seek refuge with her father's old friend, the Count of Mirabeau. Unbeknownst to Catia, Mirabeau, along with a few others like Dr. Guillotin and the Marquis de Lafayette, are revolutionaries who support the lower classes against the clergy and the nobility.
The Gargoyles of Notre Dame is an entertaining and original novel of historical fantasy. While it has the vibe of a young adult book, some of the language and details are a bit inappropriate for that readership.
I found myself caught up in this story, particularly in the relationship between Henri and Nyron.. Catia was a bit less interesting to me as she lacked self-awareness and came across as affected.
One thing that detracted from my enjoyment was the too frequent use of French words and phrases, many of which were not translated. This seemed arbitrary and unnecessary, as it is quite clear the book is set in France and the characters are all speaking nothing but French. There are also some strange anachronisms, like people asking each if they are "okay." The writing, while evocative, lacked subtlety.
I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I would like to thank NetGalley and the author for allowing me free access to an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Emi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Publishing date: 19.03.2025 (DD/MM/YYYY)
Thank you to NetGalley and Book Whisperer for the ARC. My opinions are my own.

TLDR: Imagine a dragon fantasy, but switch out the dragons for gargoyles and set the setting in France. That is this book ... 2 stars

Our main character is a mason, our second character is a noble. Their lives is very suddenly and violently uprooted and now they have become very important characters in the overall plot of the book. Queue some romance, talking with your sentient gargoyle companion, and lots of violence.

Starting off with characters, they had good bones. But, they felt wholly underdeveloped by the end of the book. Not only did they feel underdeveloped, but they also felt younger than they were. Not sure how the author did it, but I was certain the main characters were maybe 12 or 14 at most. While one of those guesses were correct (The FMC), the main character is 22 ... Just in general, their actions did not reflect their true (not my perceived) age.

The pacing here is a little wonky. The start is really strong and quick and puts you in the action and drama ... and then we are shopping. Really inconsistent and slightly jarring.

Story is your typical "chosen one", but I am using this term a little loosely since we are missing a few threads to the overall tapestry. The beats are the same as a typical chosen one story.

On to a few more gripes:
- The use of french mid-dialogue was unnecessary. If your story is set in France, we will assume they speak french, no need to add the cutesy little words while they speak
- The dialogue is too modern and slangy considering the setting and circumstances of the book
- Making the gargoyles speak in riddles gave me a headache, either make them speak semi-normally or not at all

My one really really positive aspect of this book is that the author clearly knows his history. Excellent execution there

Intended audience has to be the fantasy / romantasy with dragons kind of fans. Age group is a little more blurry. While this book is somewhat clearly marketed towards New Adult or even Adult, the writing ... Feels YA? Hard to describe, but it feels slightly juvenile.

All in all, this book had a great concept and I was really looking forward to reading it. Sadly, I was ultimately let down. Giving this 2 stars

[Elis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVE when real History and fantasy literature collide resulting in a very good reading piece. This book, the first one of a trilogy, Is a good example of an historical fantasy series.

Since I'm a huge fan of Gargoyles, gothic architecture and Notre Dame, this book's cover and title immediately captivated me.

Henri and Catia's stories are similar and yet different: the boy is a low class stonemason that's finally living his dream but, due to some envious boy's horrible actions, becomes a wanted criminal on the run; Catia's a noblewoman by birth but her family lost money, power and influence, and in a single day her entire world shatters before her eyes and she runs away looking for a way to survive.

I loved the setting of the story: it surely is charming to see the French Revolution touched by a gleam of magic and fantasy. I loved the idea of Notre Dame's Gargoyles being animated creature with a lifetime bond with one human each. Nyron, Henri's Gargoyle, is probably my favourite character; he's hilarious (he only talks in rhymes and I would love to see this book translated in my language only to read his rhymes in italian), clever, loyal and adorable.

One of the things I liked more about this book is the message that the story conveys: not all nobles were bad people (Count of Mirabeau is one great example) and not all the lower class' people were good. Everyone has their own reasons and their own way of thinking, their point of view based on their personal experiences.

Another interesting character is Mademoiselle de Morphy; I don't like her, but at the same time I also don't despise her. She's trying her best to gain power and influence to have a better life since she's not a noblewoman by birth.

I also liked the fact that this book is divided in three parts and each one of them takes her title from the famous French motto "Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité".

[Kristen’s Literary Lair · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book under the read now tab on NetGalley and I’m so glad I decided to download it.

The book takes place during the eve of the French Revolution and culminates in the storming of the Bastille. The author does a fantastic job of blending history and fantasy among the stunning settings of Notre-Dame, Versailles, and Paris.

Henri is a stonemason’s apprentice, who while working on the cathedral manages to interrupt an age old tradition in which the son of a nobleman is legitimized by bonding with a gargoyle. Instead, Henri is bonded with a gargoyle, which had been previously unheard of, especially as he is a member of the Third Estate. On the run for his life, he and his gargoyle flee Notre Dame, only to end up under the wing of a kind nobleman who harbors revolutionary tendencies.

Catia, a young baroness, is the daughter of a knight. Growing up in a village away from Paris, she is disillusioned when her father is murdered in front of her. She flees her home with only the clothes on her body and makes her way to Paris with the help of an older courtesan who desires to return to the court’s favor. Throughought her stay in Paris, Catia is exposed to the revolution and its ideals, and begins to believe that a change is certainly overdue.

This seems to be the first book in a series and I can’t wait to read more! I definitely recommend it for fans of historical fiction and historical fantasy.

Thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for a review.

[Patricia Puckett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a free digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I had to do a double take when I realized, after finishing the book, that the main character was twenty-two. By the end, I had myself convinced he was fifteen. Meanwhile, the love interest is only fifteen! I get that this is historical fiction... but it was written for modern audiences. Also, the writing is very juvenile. I was honestly thinking that this was supposed to be on the younger end of YA, only to realize that this was maybe supposed to be New Adult or Adult. The concept is an interesting one, and it was why I chose to read it. But the characters are very flat. (Not to mention the amount of times Catia's lack of boobs is mentioned as being that as well). I don't mind a chosen one trope if done right... but this one was not. Henri makes decisions all too quickly. It really seems like he'll go whichever way the wind blows. And Catia feels as if she's being built up to hate the Third Estate only for her to join up with the Count and Henri seemingly out of nowhere. There's a very good idea in here somewhere... but this feels like a bare-bones first draft, not a piece about to be published (or published, as it were, at the time of this review).

[Firetruckmama · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.

“The Gargoyles of Note Dame” by Greg Walters is a history/fantasy book. Gargoyles are real - meaning protectorate animals - who help those of the king, first, and second estates. This book follows two stories - Henri, a stonemason apprentice, and Catia, the daughter of an aristocrat. The lead-up to the French Revolution is explored - taxes paid only by the poor, corrupt law enforcers, the voice of the Third Estate being ignored - so that could be interesting for those with little or limited knowledge of the problems France (in this case focused on Paris) that came to a head during the reign of Louis XVI. I’m not really a fan of fantasy, but I understood how the gargoyles could become protectorate creates, though it really gave me “Fourth Wing” vibes (but with gargoyles instead of dragons). I found the pacing to be a bit all over the place and, to be honest, found myself skimming some sections for this reason. I believe this book is the first in a new series by this author, but as I’m not really into fantasy, I wouldn’t be continuing with this series. However, if the French Revolution is your jam - and/or if you like to read fantasy, this could be something you’d enjoy.

[Gillian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thx to netgalley for this eARC!

After an accidental bonding, a peasant stone mason (Henri) is stuck to Nyron the gargoyle, and becomes part of the 'stone oppressors' , considering that the gargoyles normally only bond the nobility.
Catia's status goes the other way, from being born into nobility to having her entire life destroyed in a single day and having to run for her life. Combine this with the troubles during the French Revolution(s, which is explained in a great way after the story) and a few enjoyable side characters, and you have yourself a solid story about class warfare. IMO it's also a great commentary to today's politics in more than one country, with lots of parallels. The humor is not bad, and Nyron is a treasure. The rhyming is adorable.

Despite being solid, there are also a few points that made it a not-so-great read for me. For starters it was a very predictable story, including the character arcs. The language was also too modern for my taste. Lastly the pacing. Being completely immersed into the story and then getting a POV slice of life chapter about shopping is NOT a nice change of pace, au contraire.

I finished it, instead of DNF'ing, so it was at least good enough for that, but tbh I won't be reading the rest of the trilogy.

[Jen (the.wanderingword) · Rating 3 out of 5]

​"The Gargoyles of Notre Dame" by Greg Walters seamlessly intertwines historical events with elements of fantasy, offering a fresh perspective on the eve of the French Revolution. The novel is set against iconic backdrops such as Notre-Dame, Versailles, and Paris--it will definitely transport its readers to the heart of France. Personally, I am a fantasy reader trying to venture into history or other genres, and this book was definitely a fit!

It was historical - but not dry. The characters truly make it - particularly Catia, a young baroness whose life is upended following her father's murder. Her flight to Paris, aided by a seasoned courtesan seeking to reclaim her status, exposes Catia to the burgeoning revolutionary ideals. Through her eyes, readers witness the transformative power of these principles and the personal awakenings they inspire.​

This author excels in blending history with fantasy. The depiction of the gargoyles as mystical entities bound by ancient magic adds depth to the narrative. The author's meticulous research is evident, painting a vivid picture of 18th-century France that does not feel as though one is reading a history lesson.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to venture across genres into historical literature!

[Cathy Geha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Gargoyles of Notre Dame by Greg Walters

Action-packed fantasy with magical elements and gargoyles that is set in Paris just before the French Revolution. I had the feeling it would make a good book for perhaps youth or young adults. The plot, pacing, setting and writing were excellent.

The two main characters are 15-year-old Catia, daughter of a noble, and 22-year-old Henri, a stonemason apprentice. The book is told from their viewpoints and flips between the two unless they are together. Nyron, the gargoyle that bonds and binds with Henri, also plays a big part in the story as he communicates with Henri in rhyme. The bond between Nyron and Henri is strong and they support one another and at times save one another’s lives.

The times are tense and much like what I imagine the time prior to the French Revolution might have been. Both main characters suffered losses, but they also grew and learned as the story progressed. I wonder if there will be a sequel.

I can see this book being made into a movie and now wonder who might be cast in the roles of Henri and Catia.

Thank you to NetGalley and Book Whisperer for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

[Bertha Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gargoyles of Notre Dame is a novel set in Paris during the early days of the French Revolution. It features Catia, a young Baroness who grew up overprotected and witnesses her father's assassination. We also have Henri, a young stonemason working on the renovation of Notre Dame who accidentally forms a bond with one of the Cathedral's gargoyles, an act only permitted to the nobility.
After a series of adventures and misadventures, with thrilling action scenes and aerial chases, we reach a truncated ending that left me completely lost... that is, the book ends on a huge and disappointing cliffhanger.
The story was actually promising, and although at first the main characters are presented as complete simpletons and ignorant, little by little they endear themselves to us. But, please, a cliffhanger? I think authors should be required to include a warning in their books if they plan to end them like that.
Slow, at times boring, but with a beautiful cover
I thank the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
The opinion I have expressed above is based solely on what I think and feel about this book.

[Julie Walton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read this as an ARC. As a history nerd and fantasy lover, this book was right up my street!! The way that Greg Walters made me feel like I was standing in the streets of Paris in 1789 was phenomenal. And somehow the fact that Gargoyles were flying around didn’t distract from the revolution happening, it made sense.
Nyron, Henri’s Gargoyle is the cutest character, a complete cinnamon roll.
Follow Henri and Catia’s journey to becoming key figures in the French Revolution.
If I were to be picky the creatures featured in the book aren’t gargoyles but grotesques.
Also the relationship between Henri and Catia, would feel icky through a present day eye, with him being 22 and clearly in love with Catia (15). But it is important to see it through the eye of society in 1780s France.

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read and review this title!

I think it’s been determined 2025 is the year of the gargoyle, and I am SO happy to see them coming back with a vengeance. And man, are the gargoyles in this title vengeful!!

I'm a sucker for historical fantasy, especially when it’s taking place in the streets of Paris. That being said, mostly due to the dialogue, this book lacked an authenticity to fully place me in the moment and in the book. I did however love the characters, and I loved exploring the dynamic relationship between gargoyle and human.

Layering the story throughout the revolution was bold, and I wish the author had taken more time to explore the class differences, as it was interesting to how it mirrored actual fact.

Overall this was an enjoyable read - I don’t know that I’ll continue the series, but I’m happy I read this one!

[Drakoulis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fantasy tweak of living gargoyles in a historical fiction story set during the breakout of the French Revolution is a really compelling idea for a story, and compelling the book was!

The bond of young stonemason Henri and his gargoyle Nyron is front and center in this story, alongside Henri and Catia's experienced when all hell breaks loose in France: Henri is hunted by the nobility and Catia by the commoners, as huge forces clash in France and the line between revolution and blind violence is about to be trampled.

The historical background of the story is its main weapon, and the crumbs we get on the gargoyles' lore are very interesting. The characters on the other side (especially Catia) could use a bit more depth.

The story is definitely thought out as a start of a series and I'm curious how it will continue!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

[Fable · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Gargoyles of Notre Dame has an intriguing premise—gargoyles, revolution, and a young stonemason caught in a dangerous magical bond. I really wanted to get into Henri’s story, and there were flashes of excitement and potential throughout.

Unfortunately, I struggled to connect with the characters and the pacing made it hard to stay engaged. By the end, it was more of a case of forcing myself to finish the book than truly enjoying it. Still, I’m curious about some of the ideas and world-building, even if the execution didn’t fully click for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Publishers for the opportunity to read and review.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. I especially liked the bond between the man and the gargoyle - their communication, their love for each other, and how they will protect each other. The character growth for both the stone mason and the baroness was done well. I would like to find out how the gargoyles treat 'the sculptor' if there is another book in this series. The backdrop of the French Revolution was a great way to weave the story together.
Thanks to Bookfunnel and the Book Whisperer for this ARC.

[Darlene Golbitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Courtesy of The Book Whisperer and Netgalley,I received the ARC of The Gargoyles of Notre Dame by Greg Walters. Fantasy is not my usual genre but I was immediately drawn into this historical novel, set during the time of The French Revolution and King Louis XVI. The characters were captivating, and I loved the gargoyles, their abilities and loyalty.! I actually learned a lot about the complexities of this era, reinforced by the Historical Notes at the end of the book. When I travel to France, I will look at Notre Dame and it's gargoyles in a new light! Looking forward to reading Book 2.

[Denice Langley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently read Greg Walters first book in the Alaburg series and was impressed with his fantasy building. The Gargoyles of Notre Dame is another example of his skill in building a fantasy community and filling it with amazing characters. Set during the time of unrest in France, Walters has combined the mystic of the gargoyles with the magic of the era. Another great read by an author I didn't know much about.

[Beverly · Rating 1 out of 5]

TY to NetGalley for the digital arc
A serious disappointment. I believe the author was trying to capitalize on the Iron Flame/ dragon mythology here and failed . Potential for a fantastical reimagining of the French Revolution BUT… the language was way too NOW and you always knew where the main characters would end up….(“cute” boy meets girl….seriously we’re talking about the French Revolution). Obviously the author envisions a series but the ending was just nonsense.

[Eddie Joo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Gargoyles of Notre Dame was an overall great read. Magical Gargoyles, French History, and interesting Main Characters.

I think my only reservations were the pacing, at points it was going fast, and the next chapter was all about shopping. The gargoyles and the mystery behind them were the biggest hooks.

I will keep an eye out for the next book and will hopefully answer some of the questions unanswered in the first.

[✨Rachel✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a 2.75⭐️ rounded up to 3.

The premise of this story immediately grabbed my attention, gargoyles, protectors bound to a rider, set during the beginning of the French Revolution.

This is a dual POV from Henri, a stone mason and Catia a young noble.
I enjoyed Henri’s chapters however I tended to struggle with Catia’s.

While I may not have loved every chapter this was a decent, enjoyable read.

[Haley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not finish book. Stopped at 54%.
I started out by being initially very intrigued by the book. I found myself flying through chapters. And then somewhere in the middle, the pacing shifted. I was struggling to stay engaged and the dialogue was far too modern at times for the time period. I was hopeful but it ultimately fell short for me!

[Morandia · Rating 3 out of 5]

overall an interesting read. I do want to see where it goes from here. it reads like a first novel, so I expect future volumes to be better written. there were gaps in logic, implying that the reader should have known things that were not disclosed. I do like the fact the author included the actual history at the end.

[Terry M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story with a difference, linking history with a tale of living Gargoyles. I liked the way Henri was introduced and became embroiled with a gargoyle, and also enjoyed the humour which developed between them. An exciting storyline with great characters. I would definitely like to read more.

[Bevany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book. I loved the history of the book and the intrigue of the Gargoyles. clean book ya to adult appropriate with some bloody scenes for younger readers. The your characters are likeable.

[Carol Platt · Rating 1 out of 5]

Could not get into this book