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The Phantom of Notre Dame #0.5
The Psalm of Ashen Silk
I go for my son.
A lie, whispered to God and myself every Friday as I lead Quasimodo from the sanctuary of Notre Dame to the sin of the street faire. I go for his smile, for his enjoyment. More lies.
I go for her: The Embermage.
She is temptation. She is forbidden. She is sin—yet one I cannot resist. Her fire calls to a darkness deep within me, stirring feelings and urges that must remain buried. For months, I've watched from the safety of the crowd: to look, but to never, ever touch.
Until one night, when I get far too close. She perceives me, beckons to me... then touches me, leaving her scarf as a favor of the occasion. I should discard it, surrender it to my priest at my next confession, or Hell, even burn it. But I don't.
I allow her name to fester on my lips, a wretched, sinful psalm, and desire one thing above all else, even my God's
The night she'll scream my name, not His.
The Psalm of Ashen Silk is the prequel novella to a series of sapphic retellings of The Hunchback of Notre Dame , The Phantom of Notre Dame series: where Hunchback collides with The Phantom of the Opera in the streets of gothic Paris. These LGBT+ dark fantasy romances are as steamy as they are twisted, and are intended for a mature adult audience.
Please while Claude and Esmeralda remain the main characters of every book, they will add partners of various genders to their consensually polyamorous relationship over the course of the series.
A lie, whispered to God and myself every Friday as I lead Quasimodo from the sanctuary of Notre Dame to the sin of the street faire. I go for his smile, for his enjoyment. More lies.
I go for her: The Embermage.
She is temptation. She is forbidden. She is sin—yet one I cannot resist. Her fire calls to a darkness deep within me, stirring feelings and urges that must remain buried. For months, I've watched from the safety of the crowd: to look, but to never, ever touch.
Until one night, when I get far too close. She perceives me, beckons to me... then touches me, leaving her scarf as a favor of the occasion. I should discard it, surrender it to my priest at my next confession, or Hell, even burn it. But I don't.
I allow her name to fester on my lips, a wretched, sinful psalm, and desire one thing above all else, even my God's
The night she'll scream my name, not His.
The Psalm of Ashen Silk is the prequel novella to a series of sapphic retellings of The Hunchback of Notre Dame , The Phantom of Notre Dame series: where Hunchback collides with The Phantom of the Opera in the streets of gothic Paris. These LGBT+ dark fantasy romances are as steamy as they are twisted, and are intended for a mature adult audience.
Please while Claude and Esmeralda remain the main characters of every book, they will add partners of various genders to their consensually polyamorous relationship over the course of the series.
- GenresRomance
148 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2025
5 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
R.L. Davennor
17 books332 followersRaelynn Davennor writes fantasy romance and fairytale retellings—usually of the darker variety—and is the author of the Curses of Never and The Phantom of Notre Dame series, both of which became viral BookTok hits.
She is known for her diverse and morally complex characters, as well as her ability to craft heart-wrenching plots that explore heavy themes. While she is a firm believer that light cannot be fully appreciated without first traveling through heaps of darkness, Raelynn always ensures that her characters find their well-deserved happily ever afters—especially the LGBT+ ones.
When not obsessing over her latest idea, she enjoys pampering her menagerie of pets and pretending she isn’t an adult.
She is known for her diverse and morally complex characters, as well as her ability to craft heart-wrenching plots that explore heavy themes. While she is a firm believer that light cannot be fully appreciated without first traveling through heaps of darkness, Raelynn always ensures that her characters find their well-deserved happily ever afters—especially the LGBT+ ones.
When not obsessing over her latest idea, she enjoys pampering her menagerie of pets and pretending she isn’t an adult.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
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November 27, 2025The audiobook is coming out soon. It's very important that you listen to the audiobook (if you're an audiobook reader anyways). It adds so much to the atmosphere of the book, the narrators add such a deep layer to it.
You can either start with this book or Hells of Notre Dame. This acts as a fantastic entry point for the series, but if you've already
You can either start with this book or Hells of Notre Dame. This acts as a fantastic entry point for the series, but if you've already
October 2, 2025
I never imagined that Claude and Esmeralda could have been involved but this presents an entirely different side to that film I knew and loved as a child. The story presents a unique side to what could have been going on behind Quasi’s desire to leave Notre Dame and in my opinion, maybe even the possible motivation. Who knew Claude Frollo could have been someone different than the Frollo we knew and who knew he could be someone entirely different to Quasi? While this was the prequel to the first book, I feel like I am ready to dive into the story! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 30, 2025
Thank you to the author for Sharon an ARC of this novella with me!!!!
“I, too, wished to so brazenly defy authority. To dress and speak and love who I pleased. To exist without apology”
If you know anything about me, you know that I LOVED the Hells of Notre Dame and when the opportunity came to read the beginning of Claude and Esmeralda’s story, I simply couldn’t let it pass !!! It was as beautiful getting back into this world as I remembered. I was enchanted. I was drawn to its magical lyricism like a moth to a flame. Esmeralda even more captivating and Claude … I’m never sure how to dissect their feelings. But truth be told: they are not mine to understand. Nevertheless, they are as complicated and as simple as being human can be. And I love reading about every piece of their soul. I think I need a reread of Hells after this !!!
“I, too, wished to so brazenly defy authority. To dress and speak and love who I pleased. To exist without apology”
If you know anything about me, you know that I LOVED the Hells of Notre Dame and when the opportunity came to read the beginning of Claude and Esmeralda’s story, I simply couldn’t let it pass !!! It was as beautiful getting back into this world as I remembered. I was enchanted. I was drawn to its magical lyricism like a moth to a flame. Esmeralda even more captivating and Claude … I’m never sure how to dissect their feelings. But truth be told: they are not mine to understand. Nevertheless, they are as complicated and as simple as being human can be. And I love reading about every piece of their soul. I think I need a reread of Hells after this !!!
October 25, 2025
This Prequel Novella, for The Phantom of Notre Dame Series by R.L. Ravennor was well written, captivating, emotional and drew me in to Claude & Esmeralda’s story. While I am not usually a big fan of fairytale retellings, this sapphic spin on the classic Hunchback of Notre Dame, with a Phantom of the Opera spin, is one I cannot wait to continue. Since fairytale retellings are not my usual genre choice, I will not be reviewing in comparison to the original story but reviewing this work on its own as a dark romance and dark romantasy. The setting, atmosphere and character descriptions were wonderfully done without being drawn out or overelaborated. I always love a dual-POV story because it allows me to know the characters on a deeper level and appreciate where each of them has come from before their paths cross. This story achieved that for me, but most notably – the transition points between chapters added to the tension, intrigue and anticipation. Both Claude and Esmeralda’s chapters have their own unique voice and it makes connecting and feeling for them effortless. It was hard to put this book down “between” chapters like I normally would because each chapter flows so well into the next even with POV changes. I wanted to know what was going to happen next. Definitely pick this book up if you love dark forbidden romance, elemental magic, LGBTQIA+ normative worlds, journeys of retribution, self-discovery, yearning and internal conflict.
Some of my favorite quotes:
- “I, too, wished to so brazenly defy authority. To dress and speak and love who I pleased. To exist without apology.”
- “I saw holy men handle relics with less reverence than she gave her own body.”
- “For a cathartic, freeing moment, I knew the warmth of light. The dark, familiar as it was, would never again be enough."
Some of my favorite quotes:
- “I, too, wished to so brazenly defy authority. To dress and speak and love who I pleased. To exist without apology.”
- “I saw holy men handle relics with less reverence than she gave her own body.”
- “For a cathartic, freeing moment, I knew the warmth of light. The dark, familiar as it was, would never again be enough."
January 9, 2026
This was not quite what I was expecting, and I didn’t enjoy it as much as the Hells of Notre Dame. I love Esme, and found her chapters easy to read, Claude’s chapters were hard to read, mainly because they are really a bit cruel. I’m not a fan of violent intimate scenes, so I was uncomfortable reading this part and it made me dislike their character more, I’m not sure if that is the desired effect by the author.
Although not my thing, this was beautifully written and I would love to read a non spicy fantasy book by this author. The gender dysphoria was handled well and I love the moment Claude says; “I was not a man, not a woman, not a parent by blood, nor a pious soul by nature. I was myself-and that self was unacceptable”
This is very hard hitting with the current issues we of the LGBTQIA+ community are facing worldwide. We’re just fighting to exist and live as our true selves and love who we love and it will never be good enough. I am not trans or non binary so can’t assume what they are going through, I can only imagine. But as a lesbian, married and trying to raise a kid, the prospect of laws being changed all around the world so our marriage and parental rights are in question scares the hell outta me.
I received an ARC from Booksirens and the author and this my honest review
Although not my thing, this was beautifully written and I would love to read a non spicy fantasy book by this author. The gender dysphoria was handled well and I love the moment Claude says; “I was not a man, not a woman, not a parent by blood, nor a pious soul by nature. I was myself-and that self was unacceptable”
This is very hard hitting with the current issues we of the LGBTQIA+ community are facing worldwide. We’re just fighting to exist and live as our true selves and love who we love and it will never be good enough. I am not trans or non binary so can’t assume what they are going through, I can only imagine. But as a lesbian, married and trying to raise a kid, the prospect of laws being changed all around the world so our marriage and parental rights are in question scares the hell outta me.
I received an ARC from Booksirens and the author and this my honest review
October 2, 2025
"I, too, wished to so brazenly defy authority. To dress and speak and love who I pleased. To exist without apology"
The Psalm of Ashen Silk is a perfect beginning to Claude and Esmerelda's story. I was pulled back into the gothic streets of Paris, and given the most exquisite, heart wrenching yearning that only left me wanting more. I absolutely could have eaten through this novel in a day, but I took my time and savored it.
I loved being back with these characters, in this world. It was wonderful getting to be back in both Claude and Esmerelda's heads through the dual perspective. Claude's church trauma and masking is so damn relatable. I appreciated getting more of the side characters as well. The world is so vivid in its descriptions.
I was thrilled to receive an ARC for free, and all opinions are my own. I need to go back and re-read Hells of Notre Dame to prepare for the sequel, and I'm hoping we'll get a pretty hardback to match my copy of Hells.
The Psalm of Ashen Silk is a perfect beginning to Claude and Esmerelda's story. I was pulled back into the gothic streets of Paris, and given the most exquisite, heart wrenching yearning that only left me wanting more. I absolutely could have eaten through this novel in a day, but I took my time and savored it.
I loved being back with these characters, in this world. It was wonderful getting to be back in both Claude and Esmerelda's heads through the dual perspective. Claude's church trauma and masking is so damn relatable. I appreciated getting more of the side characters as well. The world is so vivid in its descriptions.
I was thrilled to receive an ARC for free, and all opinions are my own. I need to go back and re-read Hells of Notre Dame to prepare for the sequel, and I'm hoping we'll get a pretty hardback to match my copy of Hells.
October 17, 2025
Thank you to BookSirens and R. L. Davennor for the chance to read the eARC of The Psalm of Ashen Silk this was a story of forbidden love and intense yearning.
This was a story telling I have not yet gotten to read - a fantastical tale in the world of the Notre Dame story. It has dark, slightly gothic undertones which I love! It was also new for me experiencing a story through a non-binary POV. As someone who is cis-gender, to me, I feel the story was told very well. And, despite not being able to fully understand Claude’s life experience, I could empathize.
The prologue is very character-driven. However, the world is a little bit confusing. I struggled to understand the power structure of the society with the guards, the church, the mages, and the laypeople. Maybe this is fleshed out more in the following book(s).
I finished this prequel with plenty of questions that I hope to answer in The Hells of Notre Dame! Thank you again for this copy, I enjoyed it!
This was a story telling I have not yet gotten to read - a fantastical tale in the world of the Notre Dame story. It has dark, slightly gothic undertones which I love! It was also new for me experiencing a story through a non-binary POV. As someone who is cis-gender, to me, I feel the story was told very well. And, despite not being able to fully understand Claude’s life experience, I could empathize.
The prologue is very character-driven. However, the world is a little bit confusing. I struggled to understand the power structure of the society with the guards, the church, the mages, and the laypeople. Maybe this is fleshed out more in the following book(s).
I finished this prequel with plenty of questions that I hope to answer in The Hells of Notre Dame! Thank you again for this copy, I enjoyed it!
September 28, 2025
✨️ I received this as an ARC ✨️
Lovers of slow burn and yearning, be summoned! This is for you. It's achingly exquisite, and it absolutely 🔥smolders🔥 on the page.
This is a prequel, and reads beautifully after the first book in the series, The Hells of Notre Dame.
In this book, we get more of Claude's struggle between their religious faith and their desires, and more of Esmeralda's struggle against the oppression of the church over the mages. We also get the deep, complex yearning between the two of them, which is sin and salvation, redemption and ruin, woven together and symbolized by a silk scarf.
There's some foreshadowing woven in, for a big reveal that comes at the end of Hells, if you're reading closely, too.
This is one that's going to linger like a kiss of smoke. Brilliantly done.
Lovers of slow burn and yearning, be summoned! This is for you. It's achingly exquisite, and it absolutely 🔥smolders🔥 on the page.
This is a prequel, and reads beautifully after the first book in the series, The Hells of Notre Dame.
In this book, we get more of Claude's struggle between their religious faith and their desires, and more of Esmeralda's struggle against the oppression of the church over the mages. We also get the deep, complex yearning between the two of them, which is sin and salvation, redemption and ruin, woven together and symbolized by a silk scarf.
There's some foreshadowing woven in, for a big reveal that comes at the end of Hells, if you're reading closely, too.
This is one that's going to linger like a kiss of smoke. Brilliantly done.
November 22, 2025
I have been seeing this book for a while, so I was really excited when I found the ARC for it on here!
It was definitely interesting, especially the take on the Notre Dame tale. It's not following who I thought it was, but I'm also not disappointed. All the characters are interesting people and obviously have their issues, some of which I can relate to. Also, the magic, we haven't seen much of it yet, but I"m intrigued, but moreso by the politics of being magical and being part of the church.
I'm excited to see where this story goes.
I will say, I was kinda expecting the two characters to have a bit more time together than they did. But I guess this book is just about their meeting and we see them together more in the coming books.
Also, I haven't seen many retellings of the Notre Dame tale, so this series really intrigued me and I"m excited to continue.
It was definitely interesting, especially the take on the Notre Dame tale. It's not following who I thought it was, but I'm also not disappointed. All the characters are interesting people and obviously have their issues, some of which I can relate to. Also, the magic, we haven't seen much of it yet, but I"m intrigued, but moreso by the politics of being magical and being part of the church.
I'm excited to see where this story goes.
I will say, I was kinda expecting the two characters to have a bit more time together than they did. But I guess this book is just about their meeting and we see them together more in the coming books.
Also, I haven't seen many retellings of the Notre Dame tale, so this series really intrigued me and I"m excited to continue.
January 11, 2026
4 stars. This was good! I really liked the writing and the atmosphere was fantastic and vivid. Claude and Esmeralda are both very intriguing and different characters and I liked how they danced around each other here. That definitely kept me intrigued and I liked both characters a lot. I’m glad that I read this prequel before reading book one because this was a really good introduction into the world and characters. It was dark, sexy, and addicting. I will for sure be getting to book one sometime soon.
Spice:❤️🔥 /❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Content Warning:
Spice:❤️🔥 /❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Content Warning:
October 16, 2025
Stunning! That’s one word I would describe this novella as. It was heartbreakingly beautiful. There was so much emotion and turmoil packed into this short book. I absolutely loved it! It’s one of those books that will be stuck in my mind for a long time. I will be reading the next book as soon as possible.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 3, 2025
A stunningly harrowing prequel to Hells of Notre Dame.
There is pining beyond measure, angst and fear that is well know from Hells, but is brought to a whole new light with digging deep into Esmeralda’s POV.
I loved getting deeper into Claude’s head and their dance with duty versus desire.
Always looking forward to more from this author.
There is pining beyond measure, angst and fear that is well know from Hells, but is brought to a whole new light with digging deep into Esmeralda’s POV.
I loved getting deeper into Claude’s head and their dance with duty versus desire.
Always looking forward to more from this author.
October 10, 2025
A very interesting start to a series. The characters are interesting and well written. I am excited to read the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 14, 2026
The beginning of Claude and Esmerelda's love story. Set in Gothic Paris, Claude trapped by the church and Esmerelda a mage performer, both unable to stay away & the beginning of the scarf hand off.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 16, 2025
As always Rae has created a beautiful story for Claude and Esmeralda. LOVED this story and looking forward to the next book in The Phantom of Notre Dame!!!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews