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A Legacy of Blood and Bone
“A gothic gem, rich with dread, desire, and a magic system as haunting as it is original.” —April Yates, author of Ashthorne
For fans of Shannon Fay’s Innate Magic and Alix E. Harrow’s Starling House comes A LEGACY OF BLOOD AND BONE—a spellbinding debut set in an alternate Belle Époque France, brimming with intrigue, dangerous magic, and a swooning, slow-burn sapphic romance.
“Blood is life. Bones are strength. Flesh is control. Skin is death.”
Every blessed family knows this mantra, and Aubeline—gifted with blood magic and heiress to the powerful Sterraux line—is no exception.
When her father dies unexpectedly, Aubeline inherits the title of Countess. But her brother Renan soon challenges her claim, demanding the title of Count for himself—and quietly coveting guardianship of their young niece, Damarisse.
As sinister forces gather around Renan and his allies wield forbidden, deadly power, Aubeline must seek out unlikely companions to protect Damarisse, expose her brother’s true intentions, and stop a catastrophe that could unravel their world.
She never expected her greatest ally to be Damarisse’s new private teacher, Vinnie—a clairvoyant woman cursed with uncontrollable visions. Nor did she expect to fall in love with her, defying every rule of polite society and risking everything for a chance at love in a world built on blood and secrets.
For fans of Shannon Fay’s Innate Magic and Alix E. Harrow’s Starling House comes A LEGACY OF BLOOD AND BONE—a spellbinding debut set in an alternate Belle Époque France, brimming with intrigue, dangerous magic, and a swooning, slow-burn sapphic romance.
“Blood is life. Bones are strength. Flesh is control. Skin is death.”
Every blessed family knows this mantra, and Aubeline—gifted with blood magic and heiress to the powerful Sterraux line—is no exception.
When her father dies unexpectedly, Aubeline inherits the title of Countess. But her brother Renan soon challenges her claim, demanding the title of Count for himself—and quietly coveting guardianship of their young niece, Damarisse.
As sinister forces gather around Renan and his allies wield forbidden, deadly power, Aubeline must seek out unlikely companions to protect Damarisse, expose her brother’s true intentions, and stop a catastrophe that could unravel their world.
She never expected her greatest ally to be Damarisse’s new private teacher, Vinnie—a clairvoyant woman cursed with uncontrollable visions. Nor did she expect to fall in love with her, defying every rule of polite society and risking everything for a chance at love in a world built on blood and secrets.
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First published October 21, 2025
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About the author
Millie Abecassis
6 books36 followersMillie Abecassis is a French-American author of adult speculative fiction born and raised in France. She is the founder and host of #SmallPitch, a pitch event centered on independent presses, and the co-founder of the Small Spec Book Awards. Besides writing, Millie works in the biotech industry, has two cats, and loves playing video games whenever she has the time between two manuscripts.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 27, 2025
I went into this book expecting a romance-driven story, but it turned out to be quite different, with the romance as more of a subplot. That shift threw me off a bit, which might explain why I didn’t enjoy it as much as I’d hoped. At times, the story felt a bit too methodical for me, though it was still an entertaining read overall!
September 7, 2025
My husband doesn’t like tomatoes. Hates them. Loathes them. Says the texture is an eyeball exploding in his mouth. But he loves salsa. And lasagna. And spaghetti. And all things marinara. I’m often (but not always) in that camp with historical fiction. I’m frequently frustrated by the antiquated language and by the restrictive social norms and I really have to be in the right mood to go there.
Millie Abecassis is the chef who blends my tomatoes (historical fiction) into the marinara I enjoy! If you are interested in stepping into a version of 20th century France where a noble family holding ordinary jobs leads with progressive ideals about gender equality…give this a go! Nobles sitting on their laurels and spending their generational wealth? Nope, not here! Socializing only with other people from the upper crust? Heck no. We all know crust is crackly and stale! This book is a Magical Downton Abbey with heads of family who know how to throw down with us regular folks.
This is a tale of generational magic, family and the feuds for power and control that occur when other factions who are not as progressive feel the old ways slipping from their grasp. There are distinct messages that parallel the cultural clashes occurring in present times.
I enjoyed reading about the unique magic systems. There were some truly inventive powers and the way the powers were used and thwarted was cool! The romance elements are prominent, slow and sweet. Low on spice, strong on empowerment and relationship! While the author gives these women safe harbor to explore their attraction, she embeds this aspect of the story within the broader societal realities of turn-of-the-century France, exploring the creative tactics that were/are employed to carve out space for oneself when society doesn’t approve.
With this newly formed romantic relationship, and so many cool characters/powers on the page to further explore, I found myself thinking….series potential?
Ultimately, this is a quick, uplifting read for fans of historical fantasy. Heck, even if historical fiction is your tomato, this book may still be the secret sauce. Give this one a try!
Millie Abecassis is the chef who blends my tomatoes (historical fiction) into the marinara I enjoy! If you are interested in stepping into a version of 20th century France where a noble family holding ordinary jobs leads with progressive ideals about gender equality…give this a go! Nobles sitting on their laurels and spending their generational wealth? Nope, not here! Socializing only with other people from the upper crust? Heck no. We all know crust is crackly and stale! This book is a Magical Downton Abbey with heads of family who know how to throw down with us regular folks.
This is a tale of generational magic, family and the feuds for power and control that occur when other factions who are not as progressive feel the old ways slipping from their grasp. There are distinct messages that parallel the cultural clashes occurring in present times.
I enjoyed reading about the unique magic systems. There were some truly inventive powers and the way the powers were used and thwarted was cool! The romance elements are prominent, slow and sweet. Low on spice, strong on empowerment and relationship! While the author gives these women safe harbor to explore their attraction, she embeds this aspect of the story within the broader societal realities of turn-of-the-century France, exploring the creative tactics that were/are employed to carve out space for oneself when society doesn’t approve.
With this newly formed romantic relationship, and so many cool characters/powers on the page to further explore, I found myself thinking….series potential?
Ultimately, this is a quick, uplifting read for fans of historical fantasy. Heck, even if historical fiction is your tomato, this book may still be the secret sauce. Give this one a try!
September 4, 2025
*I received a free copy of the book as an ARC, but all thoughts and opinions are my own*
A genuinely fantastic romp through turn-of-the-century France with the added mix of supernatural powers and fluffy sapphic romance! The dedication to this story is immensely obvious and you can’t help but fall into the world as you travel through early 20th century France, the descriptions of places is especially detailed, I am impressed by Abecassis’ knowledge.
The world itself is colourful and exciting, I’ve read a lot of fantasy but this was a magic system that was so new and refreshing to me. I find myself almost hoping there will be a book two, despite the tidy ending, because so much happened, I feel like we didn’t get to flesh out the magic systems and lore as much as I wanted to. I would LOVE for prequel works on Sainte Reanne and the Chambault’s.
While I would have loved to see our two main characters interact more, I feel their interactions also suited the writing style, which was fast paced and enticing.
This is a story that sticks with you and is impossible to put down, you’re curious what’s going to happen every step of the way and at almost no point could I predict what would happen next.
A genuinely fantastic romp through turn-of-the-century France with the added mix of supernatural powers and fluffy sapphic romance! The dedication to this story is immensely obvious and you can’t help but fall into the world as you travel through early 20th century France, the descriptions of places is especially detailed, I am impressed by Abecassis’ knowledge.
The world itself is colourful and exciting, I’ve read a lot of fantasy but this was a magic system that was so new and refreshing to me. I find myself almost hoping there will be a book two, despite the tidy ending, because so much happened, I feel like we didn’t get to flesh out the magic systems and lore as much as I wanted to. I would LOVE for prequel works on Sainte Reanne and the Chambault’s.
While I would have loved to see our two main characters interact more, I feel their interactions also suited the writing style, which was fast paced and enticing.
This is a story that sticks with you and is impossible to put down, you’re curious what’s going to happen every step of the way and at almost no point could I predict what would happen next.
October 25, 2025
The best stories surprise you along the way and let you get to know the characters as you would if they were real. This one did both.
It kept me guessing at who the villain(s) were and what their true plans were. Every time I thought I knew there was a bit of twist. A fun read with interesting dynamics and the right amount of conflict. I wouldn’t mind a second book about this group of characters.
I received a free copy of this book from the author.
It kept me guessing at who the villain(s) were and what their true plans were. Every time I thought I knew there was a bit of twist. A fun read with interesting dynamics and the right amount of conflict. I wouldn’t mind a second book about this group of characters.
I received a free copy of this book from the author.
September 26, 2025
I am extremely grateful to have received an ARC of this book. Thank you Millie.
This book was a lovely mix of slow burn romance, yearning, action, fluff, and supernatural powers. The characters were well fleshed out, the magic system was fresh, and the writing style was easy to read through. This was overall a very enjoyable read.
I'd love to possibly see a sequel, but even if that doesn't happen I'm glad to have read this book. Definitely would recommend!
This book was a lovely mix of slow burn romance, yearning, action, fluff, and supernatural powers. The characters were well fleshed out, the magic system was fresh, and the writing style was easy to read through. This was overall a very enjoyable read.
I'd love to possibly see a sequel, but even if that doesn't happen I'm glad to have read this book. Definitely would recommend!
December 17, 2025
AMAZINGGGG, I was genuinely INTO this book, like whenever I wasn’t reading it I was always thinking about it and what I think would happen next and how much I love the characters, trying to guess the twists (I kinda did and kinda didn’t, I’d say I got about 70% of it)
I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did, I was expecting a casual 4 star read, an easy quick read, but DAMN it was EVERYTHING. The Drama, The Tension, The Vibes!! I think reading a book with similar vibes before definitely helped me get into the right zone and headspace, but I don’t think I needed help with the mood, because it was ALL over this book, the vibes were set so quickly and it was just beautiful. The scenes were SET, the mood was ESTABLISHED, it truly was just chefs kiss from the very beginning. What I do really really want is a second book, probably focused on one of the other main families, but also so we get to see more Aubeline, Vinnie and Damarisse just being domestic and no huge drama family, I wish we got more romance between Aubeline and Vinnie, they were SO cute and they really were the slowest burn, but it wasn’t a frustrating slow burn? At least for me. The slow burn felt right, it felt real, especially since it was both so new to both of them, especially Aubeline, and it’s not like they had a lot of free time to even think about it. Also I do have to say that I LOVE the name Aubeline, it’s SO pretty, it sounds old days princess vibes.
The storyline was Action Packed, in a good way, it didn’t feel forced, or like one drama over so here’s another, it just flowed. The story was Busy, but it didn’t feel like too much, it was perfect. I loved it SO much, the entire time. I LOVED IT.
I also loved all the families and how in such a short space of time they had on page, I felt like theit characters were fully developed, they all had their own personalities and relationships that I understood and came across well. I loved the Monthenots, especially the Duke, he seemed really nice and respectful, he seems like one of those family leaders who doesn’t stand for any messing around but can also have a laugh, a decent guy.
The magic system was easy for me to understand, it made sense and I really enjoyed learning about it throughout the book.
The entire book was thrilling, but the last 5-6 chapters? OOOOH SO GOOD, the perspective changes were perfectmy timed, I was on the edge of my seat the ENTIRE time, it was just like boom boom boom, SO GOOD.
All in all, I REALLY enjoyed this book, it truly was THRILLING. Thank you as Always 🤍
I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did, I was expecting a casual 4 star read, an easy quick read, but DAMN it was EVERYTHING. The Drama, The Tension, The Vibes!! I think reading a book with similar vibes before definitely helped me get into the right zone and headspace, but I don’t think I needed help with the mood, because it was ALL over this book, the vibes were set so quickly and it was just beautiful. The scenes were SET, the mood was ESTABLISHED, it truly was just chefs kiss from the very beginning. What I do really really want is a second book, probably focused on one of the other main families, but also so we get to see more Aubeline, Vinnie and Damarisse just being domestic and no huge drama family, I wish we got more romance between Aubeline and Vinnie, they were SO cute and they really were the slowest burn, but it wasn’t a frustrating slow burn? At least for me. The slow burn felt right, it felt real, especially since it was both so new to both of them, especially Aubeline, and it’s not like they had a lot of free time to even think about it. Also I do have to say that I LOVE the name Aubeline, it’s SO pretty, it sounds old days princess vibes.
The storyline was Action Packed, in a good way, it didn’t feel forced, or like one drama over so here’s another, it just flowed. The story was Busy, but it didn’t feel like too much, it was perfect. I loved it SO much, the entire time. I LOVED IT.
I also loved all the families and how in such a short space of time they had on page, I felt like theit characters were fully developed, they all had their own personalities and relationships that I understood and came across well. I loved the Monthenots, especially the Duke, he seemed really nice and respectful, he seems like one of those family leaders who doesn’t stand for any messing around but can also have a laugh, a decent guy.
The magic system was easy for me to understand, it made sense and I really enjoyed learning about it throughout the book.
The entire book was thrilling, but the last 5-6 chapters? OOOOH SO GOOD, the perspective changes were perfectmy timed, I was on the edge of my seat the ENTIRE time, it was just like boom boom boom, SO GOOD.
All in all, I REALLY enjoyed this book, it truly was THRILLING. Thank you as Always 🤍
September 8, 2025
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC so that I can give an honest review.
I did like this book, it took me a while to really get into it as I felt that the expose of the magic and family was a little heavy handed and could have been dealt with differently. That being said, the rest of the book flowed really well! I liked all of the tension and plotting as it kept me on edge until the end. The concept of blood skin and bone magic was interesting and the setting of early 20th century France was a good choice and I could picture the atmosphere and architecture really well (although I did struggle to accept a woman named Vinnie in 1910s France- this put me off a little). I liked the glamour and family dynamics of the comtess and her family, and the queer love story. However, I felt the romance could have done with a little more work as they seemed to fall in love quite quickly and I was left unsure as to why! Overall, I did enjoy this book and I would like to see more from this author in the future!
I did like this book, it took me a while to really get into it as I felt that the expose of the magic and family was a little heavy handed and could have been dealt with differently. That being said, the rest of the book flowed really well! I liked all of the tension and plotting as it kept me on edge until the end. The concept of blood skin and bone magic was interesting and the setting of early 20th century France was a good choice and I could picture the atmosphere and architecture really well (although I did struggle to accept a woman named Vinnie in 1910s France- this put me off a little). I liked the glamour and family dynamics of the comtess and her family, and the queer love story. However, I felt the romance could have done with a little more work as they seemed to fall in love quite quickly and I was left unsure as to why! Overall, I did enjoy this book and I would like to see more from this author in the future!
October 27, 2025
This book was given to me as an ARC! Thank you so much Millie!
This book was so good!! Historical fantasy, magic, and a sapphic romance? Yes, please!!!
Vinnie was an absolute cutie, and Aubeline was a baddass (which checks out because so is Damarisse!). I loved the characters in this novel and this air of mystery around everything going on! I was obsessed!!!
Vinnie Anneton has just received a job offer as a private teacher for Damarisse de Sterraux by the beautiful Aubeline de Sterraux. As she reads over the very lengthy contract, however, she notices it's a little weird... and why does she have to take an oath? Does it have to do with her secret clairvoyance?
Aubeline de Sterraux has enough on her plate with hiring a new private teacher for her niece, swearing her in and her father passing away. However, when she now has to take on a bigger responsibility in the family and an enraged brother to boot, it's all starting to get overwhelming.
Things come to a head, though, and Aubeline isn't sure how much she nor Vinnie can endure. The family is spiraling, secrets are being revealed, and kidnapping has transpired. Can both women resolve all of these problems while also dealing with their internal struggle of falling in love?
This book was so good!! Historical fantasy, magic, and a sapphic romance? Yes, please!!!
Vinnie was an absolute cutie, and Aubeline was a baddass (which checks out because so is Damarisse!). I loved the characters in this novel and this air of mystery around everything going on! I was obsessed!!!
Vinnie Anneton has just received a job offer as a private teacher for Damarisse de Sterraux by the beautiful Aubeline de Sterraux. As she reads over the very lengthy contract, however, she notices it's a little weird... and why does she have to take an oath? Does it have to do with her secret clairvoyance?
Aubeline de Sterraux has enough on her plate with hiring a new private teacher for her niece, swearing her in and her father passing away. However, when she now has to take on a bigger responsibility in the family and an enraged brother to boot, it's all starting to get overwhelming.
Things come to a head, though, and Aubeline isn't sure how much she nor Vinnie can endure. The family is spiraling, secrets are being revealed, and kidnapping has transpired. Can both women resolve all of these problems while also dealing with their internal struggle of falling in love?
November 20, 2025
I will start by saying that Millie Abecassis is an incredibly talented writer. Each of her books are unique, beautifully articulated and packed full of incredible, strong, women.
This book took me a bit longer to get into than her other books, however. I definitely enjoyed the intense family drama, familial politics and exploration of feminism in the historical fantasy setting of this book. I was hoping to become much more connected to the relationship between the 2 main characters but the romance ended up being more of a subplot than the focus and this made me feel a lack of emotional connection to the romance between the characters.
The history of the families was incredibly interesting and I was really drawn into the family feuds.
The last 100 pages were very exciting and had me on the edge of my seat. Everything became so intense and twisted and I couldn't put the book down without finishing it.
As always I absolutely love the writing style of this author and cannot wait to read future books!
This book took me a bit longer to get into than her other books, however. I definitely enjoyed the intense family drama, familial politics and exploration of feminism in the historical fantasy setting of this book. I was hoping to become much more connected to the relationship between the 2 main characters but the romance ended up being more of a subplot than the focus and this made me feel a lack of emotional connection to the romance between the characters.
The history of the families was incredibly interesting and I was really drawn into the family feuds.
The last 100 pages were very exciting and had me on the edge of my seat. Everything became so intense and twisted and I couldn't put the book down without finishing it.
As always I absolutely love the writing style of this author and cannot wait to read future books!
November 23, 2025
The book had an amazing storytelling with a magic system (or a blessing) that sounded new to me as I have never encountered this type yet.
The family drama was not that intense but a realistic one too - the jealousy, the entitlement, and the audacity of some of the characters here were effectively irritating. And, the romance was not the novel's focus but it was written as wholesome and beautiful as it could be.
It might have took me longer to get into the book but, in the end, I have enjoyed the family politics and the feminism representation in this kind of historical fiction. I looove to read more of Millie's books! Recommended ✨️
The family drama was not that intense but a realistic one too - the jealousy, the entitlement, and the audacity of some of the characters here were effectively irritating. And, the romance was not the novel's focus but it was written as wholesome and beautiful as it could be.
It might have took me longer to get into the book but, in the end, I have enjoyed the family politics and the feminism representation in this kind of historical fiction. I looove to read more of Millie's books! Recommended ✨️
October 8, 2025
Thanks to the author for an ARC copy of this for review!
If you want slow burn sapphic romance with an interesting magic system then this might be a book for you. I really liked the magic system in this book and I'd love to find out more about it because I feel like there is so much you could do with it.
Writing wise I do think this book struggles a little at first but sticking with it really paid off. Not everyone will feel the same but I did feel like the exposition at the beginning felt like a little too much and was a bit off putting. The opportunity to weave it into the story a bit more was there since Vinnie is learning about the magic and the noble families fairly early in the novel so I feel like finding more out at the same time as her would have felt more natural and helped the flow of the beginning section a lot more. Having said that later in the novel this definitely gets better and the work flows really well so if you start this and aren't 100% sure I definitely recommend giving it a little longer to find its feet.
Plot wise it was really interesting to read about family with magic abilities where the main conflict of the story was not actually all about just the magic but more about the succession of the family after the patriarchs death with the magic worked in. Even without the magic you would have been left with an interesting political/family drama that would be worth the read.
I hope this author writes a sequel because I'm interested to learn more about the magic system and to hopefully see a bit more of the romance between Vinnie and Aubeline!
If you want slow burn sapphic romance with an interesting magic system then this might be a book for you. I really liked the magic system in this book and I'd love to find out more about it because I feel like there is so much you could do with it.
Writing wise I do think this book struggles a little at first but sticking with it really paid off. Not everyone will feel the same but I did feel like the exposition at the beginning felt like a little too much and was a bit off putting. The opportunity to weave it into the story a bit more was there since Vinnie is learning about the magic and the noble families fairly early in the novel so I feel like finding more out at the same time as her would have felt more natural and helped the flow of the beginning section a lot more. Having said that later in the novel this definitely gets better and the work flows really well so if you start this and aren't 100% sure I definitely recommend giving it a little longer to find its feet.
Plot wise it was really interesting to read about family with magic abilities where the main conflict of the story was not actually all about just the magic but more about the succession of the family after the patriarchs death with the magic worked in. Even without the magic you would have been left with an interesting political/family drama that would be worth the read.
I hope this author writes a sequel because I'm interested to learn more about the magic system and to hopefully see a bit more of the romance between Vinnie and Aubeline!
October 9, 2025
A Legacy of Blood and Bone is a fantasy novel set in an alternate Belle Époque France, where noble families have special talents that give them power over people and objects, but come at a great cost.
The story follows two women - the ambitious young teacher, Vinnie, who arrives to the ancient seat of the Sterraux family as a governess to Damarisse, the youngest member of the family, and Vinnie's employer Aubeline - heiress to the Sterraux line and their blood magic. Before Vinnie has time to adjust to her role, the old Count de Sterraux dies, leaving his title and his estate to Aubeline. But her brother Renan challenges her claim, and it soon becomes clear that he will stop at nothing to get the title. If Vinnie - who has a secret talent herself - doesn't help Aubeline, Renan will destroy the family and bring back dark magic into the world.
The story takes some time to get going - there is quite a bit of maneuvering while Vinnie gets introduced to the family history and their powers, and her attraction to Aubeline develops, but once Renan introduces his nefarious schemes, the story gets fast and tense. The setting is immersive, seamlessly blending the turn-of-the-century France, with its old traditions and Catholic faith with new progressive ideas and magical powers. Magic plays the key part and it never feels jarring, or like an afterthought. The characters are three-dimensional and it's easy to root for them, especially Vinnie, who is an outsider of an inferior social class, but who never fails to be competent and brave. As a matter of fact, there are no incompetent or inert women in this story, not even the 12-year-old Damarisse, and this makes me like it very much.
The story follows two women - the ambitious young teacher, Vinnie, who arrives to the ancient seat of the Sterraux family as a governess to Damarisse, the youngest member of the family, and Vinnie's employer Aubeline - heiress to the Sterraux line and their blood magic. Before Vinnie has time to adjust to her role, the old Count de Sterraux dies, leaving his title and his estate to Aubeline. But her brother Renan challenges her claim, and it soon becomes clear that he will stop at nothing to get the title. If Vinnie - who has a secret talent herself - doesn't help Aubeline, Renan will destroy the family and bring back dark magic into the world.
The story takes some time to get going - there is quite a bit of maneuvering while Vinnie gets introduced to the family history and their powers, and her attraction to Aubeline develops, but once Renan introduces his nefarious schemes, the story gets fast and tense. The setting is immersive, seamlessly blending the turn-of-the-century France, with its old traditions and Catholic faith with new progressive ideas and magical powers. Magic plays the key part and it never feels jarring, or like an afterthought. The characters are three-dimensional and it's easy to root for them, especially Vinnie, who is an outsider of an inferior social class, but who never fails to be competent and brave. As a matter of fact, there are no incompetent or inert women in this story, not even the 12-year-old Damarisse, and this makes me like it very much.
September 29, 2025
First and foremost, thank you so much to the author for sharing a copy of the ARC. This book was an absolute pleasure to read.
A Legacy of Blood & Bone is dark but soft, like a macabre whisper over tea time in posh parlors. The historical setting felt so real, (and so very authentically French) and made the supernatural elements hit that much harder with such a lush and realistic backdrop.
I couldn’t help but fall in love with its trio of bright heroines. Aubeline is compassionate, strong, and so unironically virtuous. Vinnie is vulnerable but driven and hopelessly optimistic. Watching Damarisse's transformation from young damsel to master of her own destiny was infinitely satisfying, second only to how deliciously despicable the antagonists are. (I love a villain that is so fun to hate)
However, the star of this show has got to be the lore. I could read a whole separate book just detailing the family histories and their gruesome magic. I was desperate for every crumb of backstory.
Finally, the subtle undercurrent of a budding, forbidden love story was simply icing on the cake.
This is a cozy gothic with mystery and feeling- perfectly timed for a fall read.
I’ve heard rumors of a possible sequel (which I welcome, this universe needs to give up more of its spooky secrets) but rest assured this is a complete tale that stands on its own.
A Legacy of Blood & Bone is dark but soft, like a macabre whisper over tea time in posh parlors. The historical setting felt so real, (and so very authentically French) and made the supernatural elements hit that much harder with such a lush and realistic backdrop.
I couldn’t help but fall in love with its trio of bright heroines. Aubeline is compassionate, strong, and so unironically virtuous. Vinnie is vulnerable but driven and hopelessly optimistic. Watching Damarisse's transformation from young damsel to master of her own destiny was infinitely satisfying, second only to how deliciously despicable the antagonists are. (I love a villain that is so fun to hate)
However, the star of this show has got to be the lore. I could read a whole separate book just detailing the family histories and their gruesome magic. I was desperate for every crumb of backstory.
Finally, the subtle undercurrent of a budding, forbidden love story was simply icing on the cake.
This is a cozy gothic with mystery and feeling- perfectly timed for a fall read.
I’ve heard rumors of a possible sequel (which I welcome, this universe needs to give up more of its spooky secrets) but rest assured this is a complete tale that stands on its own.
September 8, 2025
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for this review. Thanks!
Solid and very readable. I enjoyed the historical setting and the main plot of the succession crisis. Abecassis crafts an interesting magic system with lots of room for additional entries; I like the way the blood magic interacts seamlessly with Catholicism, I found that refreshing. Exposition was sometimes repetitive: Aubeline would explain something in her narration in one chapter only for Vinnie to be explicitly told about it a chapter or so later. I also found the romance a bit rushed, things seemed to fall into place very seamlessly and I like some seams in my romance subplots. That said, I enjoyed the book and particularly the characters' names. They're sometimes odd, but always pretty.
Solid and very readable. I enjoyed the historical setting and the main plot of the succession crisis. Abecassis crafts an interesting magic system with lots of room for additional entries; I like the way the blood magic interacts seamlessly with Catholicism, I found that refreshing. Exposition was sometimes repetitive: Aubeline would explain something in her narration in one chapter only for Vinnie to be explicitly told about it a chapter or so later. I also found the romance a bit rushed, things seemed to fall into place very seamlessly and I like some seams in my romance subplots. That said, I enjoyed the book and particularly the characters' names. They're sometimes odd, but always pretty.
October 12, 2025
take that charles
January 10, 2026
An elegant, dark, gothic tale of blood magic and family curses.
October 26, 2025
I liked this novel. It was something different and original, with some creative and intriguing worldbuilding. I liked the characters, even the ones I disliked, and enjoyed reading this novel. The plot, and the “twists”, were fairly obvious (I found) but this was well written enough that I did not find that to be a problem at all, and I was still turning pages wanting to know the specifics of how things were going to go down. If you like novels set in this era, with women pushing the boundaries of society, then you will probably like this novel.
There is just enough French that if you don’t speak it you might be slightly confused. Thankfully there is a nice glossary that explains terms at the back (which I DIDN’T know about till the end, ugh).
There were problems with this novel, but I am having a hard time putting my finger on what they were and regardless it wasn’t enough to take away from the enjoyable experience. I loved all the elements of this novel, but I think the ratios might have been a little off, if that makes sense? There was a lot of magic in this book, and it was important, but it wasn’t actually used that much. Under-utilized I think. There was a lot more time spent on revealing the magic than using it. There were a lot of directions this novel could have gone in, and I think the author chose some of the less interesting plot points to spend the majority of the page count on. It might be a personal preference, because in essence I am complaining that the novel didn’t do what I wanted it to, hah! All that said, it was still a great novel.
I don't know if I am giving this 4 or 5 stars.
My takeaway is that I hope that this is the first in a series and that there are sequels coming. I will absolutely read them. The author has set up a beautiful and rich world and we have hardly scratched the surface of seeing what could happen in it.
Thank you to the author for providing a free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.
There is just enough French that if you don’t speak it you might be slightly confused. Thankfully there is a nice glossary that explains terms at the back (which I DIDN’T know about till the end, ugh).
There were problems with this novel, but I am having a hard time putting my finger on what they were and regardless it wasn’t enough to take away from the enjoyable experience. I loved all the elements of this novel, but I think the ratios might have been a little off, if that makes sense? There was a lot of magic in this book, and it was important, but it wasn’t actually used that much. Under-utilized I think. There was a lot more time spent on revealing the magic than using it. There were a lot of directions this novel could have gone in, and I think the author chose some of the less interesting plot points to spend the majority of the page count on. It might be a personal preference, because in essence I am complaining that the novel didn’t do what I wanted it to, hah! All that said, it was still a great novel.
I don't know if I am giving this 4 or 5 stars.
My takeaway is that I hope that this is the first in a series and that there are sequels coming. I will absolutely read them. The author has set up a beautiful and rich world and we have hardly scratched the surface of seeing what could happen in it.
Thank you to the author for providing a free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.
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