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Paragon
Not yet published
Expected 27 Nov 26All Percy Paragon wants is to be seen for who she truly is-not as a living fairytale cursed with love at first sight.
But when she boards a midnight streetcar bound for a forbidden fae world, she collides with Obsidian Glimmery, a conductor bound to dangerous Blood Magic.
As fae immigrants begin to mysteriously vanish, the two must risk their secrets, their power, and the fragile trust growing between them before a world that profits from magic lets it disappear for good.
But when she boards a midnight streetcar bound for a forbidden fae world, she collides with Obsidian Glimmery, a conductor bound to dangerous Blood Magic.
As fae immigrants begin to mysteriously vanish, the two must risk their secrets, their power, and the fragile trust growing between them before a world that profits from magic lets it disappear for good.
ebook
Expected publication November 27, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 15, 2026
Paragon is a historical fiction book with magical elements set in Gilded Age Minnesota. Percy is a fae woman trying to live an ordinary life in a world plagued by discrimination against magical people.
Percy meets Obsidian, another fae, on a streetcar, and they fall in love while Obsidian helps Percy learn more about her magic. The setting and worldbuilding are magical and immersive, and while it can be somewhat confusing, it offers an enjoyable escape. The character development and romance are well-written, making the book well worth reading.
I would recommend this book, especially if you like fairy tale inspired stories and historical fiction.
Pre-read:
My ARC request got accepted! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC!
Publishing date: 26 November 2026
Percy meets Obsidian, another fae, on a streetcar, and they fall in love while Obsidian helps Percy learn more about her magic. The setting and worldbuilding are magical and immersive, and while it can be somewhat confusing, it offers an enjoyable escape. The character development and romance are well-written, making the book well worth reading.
I would recommend this book, especially if you like fairy tale inspired stories and historical fiction.
Pre-read:
My ARC request got accepted! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC!
Publishing date: 26 November 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Reader Review. This book was phenomenal, it was well written, the plot line unique and developed. The pace wasnt too slow but not quite a fast burn, engaging enough to keep you turning the pages.
The setting of the historical midwest where we find out protagonists felt so well researched. The train cars, and the fashions, the expectations just beautiful. And the magic systems, although known in other works of fantasy, felt fresh and alive in this book.
I really hope there is a sequel because I am not ready to leave this world yet.
The setting of the historical midwest where we find out protagonists felt so well researched. The train cars, and the fashions, the expectations just beautiful. And the magic systems, although known in other works of fantasy, felt fresh and alive in this book.
I really hope there is a sequel because I am not ready to leave this world yet.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There was a lot about this book that I enjoyed, most especially its unique premise of the “love at first sight” curse and the gilded age historical setting.
I was fully invested in Percy and Obsidian’s relationship, and loved how meeting her helped him to come into his magic and begin to understand who he really was. Not just the youngest, and powerless, son but someone who ended up saving everyone around him.
And watching Percy start to realise her own strength, and that finally someone could love her for who she was voluntarily rather than because they were forced into it was very empowering.
I did struggle sometimes with the flow of the story however, the timeline seemed slightly muddled at times with sudden and unexplained leaps which made it difficult to follow. And certain parts of the worldbuilding and relationships were presented rather than described and explained which also contributed to my occasional confusion,
And, although I have tried not to let them affect my rating, there were also several editing and grammar issues which made reading difficult at times.
Overall however, this story and presumably the book or books still to come show a lot of promise, and I will be looking out for the next chapter.
I was fully invested in Percy and Obsidian’s relationship, and loved how meeting her helped him to come into his magic and begin to understand who he really was. Not just the youngest, and powerless, son but someone who ended up saving everyone around him.
And watching Percy start to realise her own strength, and that finally someone could love her for who she was voluntarily rather than because they were forced into it was very empowering.
I did struggle sometimes with the flow of the story however, the timeline seemed slightly muddled at times with sudden and unexplained leaps which made it difficult to follow. And certain parts of the worldbuilding and relationships were presented rather than described and explained which also contributed to my occasional confusion,
And, although I have tried not to let them affect my rating, there were also several editing and grammar issues which made reading difficult at times.
Overall however, this story and presumably the book or books still to come show a lot of promise, and I will be looking out for the next chapter.
September 7, 2026
ARC Review
Paragon is a really interesting take on Sleeping Beauty, set in Gilded Age Saint Paul and building a world divided between the Tame and Wild. There is a lot of world building, and I actually really enjoyed falling into it. My advice would be not to overthink every new piece of information and just let the world develop around you. That said, there are a lot of characters introduced, particularly through the middle, and I definitely had moments of wondering who the hell everyone was.
Percy was probably the character I changed my mind about most. At first, I found her naivety a little frustrating. We’re so used to romantasy giving us these incredibly strong, independent FMCs that Percy initially felt a bit lacking in comparison. But the further I got, the more I realised that she actually fits this story perfectly. Her innocence, restraint and sense of propriety make sense within the Gilded Age setting. I really liked that the historical influence wasn’t simply an aesthetic; it actually shaped the characters and how they behaved.
I also really enjoyed Percy and Obsidian together. The slow burn and yearning were really well structured, and their relationship was given time to develop rather than being rushed. Obsidian’s position as the black sheep of his family also gave his character another layer that I really enjoyed.
The introduction of the Bloodletter POV was another highlight. It was sinister, unsettling and disconcerting, and every time we dropped into that perspective the atmosphere of the book shifted completely. It brought a much darker element into a world that can otherwise feel quite whimsical.
The middle was probably the weakest part for me. The number of characters alongside all the different pieces of world building became a little overwhelming, but as the cast thinned back out, the story really picked up again. By the end, the different threads came together nicely and I particularly enjoyed the darker, more tragic direction it took.
I don’t know whether Paragon is intended to continue, but I really hope it does. For me, this feels like a book that would work particularly well as the beginning of a series rather than as a standalone. It spends a lot of time establishing its world, its divisions and its characters, and by the end I felt like there was still so much more of that world worth exploring.
It wasn’t perfect, and I think the middle could have been tighter, but I became much more invested as it went on and finished genuinely wanting more.
Paragon is a really interesting take on Sleeping Beauty, set in Gilded Age Saint Paul and building a world divided between the Tame and Wild. There is a lot of world building, and I actually really enjoyed falling into it. My advice would be not to overthink every new piece of information and just let the world develop around you. That said, there are a lot of characters introduced, particularly through the middle, and I definitely had moments of wondering who the hell everyone was.
Percy was probably the character I changed my mind about most. At first, I found her naivety a little frustrating. We’re so used to romantasy giving us these incredibly strong, independent FMCs that Percy initially felt a bit lacking in comparison. But the further I got, the more I realised that she actually fits this story perfectly. Her innocence, restraint and sense of propriety make sense within the Gilded Age setting. I really liked that the historical influence wasn’t simply an aesthetic; it actually shaped the characters and how they behaved.
I also really enjoyed Percy and Obsidian together. The slow burn and yearning were really well structured, and their relationship was given time to develop rather than being rushed. Obsidian’s position as the black sheep of his family also gave his character another layer that I really enjoyed.
The introduction of the Bloodletter POV was another highlight. It was sinister, unsettling and disconcerting, and every time we dropped into that perspective the atmosphere of the book shifted completely. It brought a much darker element into a world that can otherwise feel quite whimsical.
The middle was probably the weakest part for me. The number of characters alongside all the different pieces of world building became a little overwhelming, but as the cast thinned back out, the story really picked up again. By the end, the different threads came together nicely and I particularly enjoyed the darker, more tragic direction it took.
I don’t know whether Paragon is intended to continue, but I really hope it does. For me, this feels like a book that would work particularly well as the beginning of a series rather than as a standalone. It spends a lot of time establishing its world, its divisions and its characters, and by the end I felt like there was still so much more of that world worth exploring.
It wasn’t perfect, and I think the middle could have been tighter, but I became much more invested as it went on and finished genuinely wanting more.
Review of advance copy
Historical fiction isn't my normal reading choice, but set against the atmospheric backdrop of Gilded Age Minnesota, Kate Goodwin’s Paragon delivers a mesmerizing fusion of historical drama and enchanting folklore.
The narrative follows Percy, a fae woman trying to live an ordinary life in a world plagued by discrimination against magical people, whose path crosses with another fae named Obsidian on a streetcar.
What follows is a carefully paced, beautifully structured slow-burn romance anchored in rich period authenticity.
Goodwin successfully avoids treating the historical era as a mere aesthetic overlay, grounding the narrative in the strict social constraints of the period through Percy’s innate propriety, restraint, and innocence.
While her early naivety might initially test readers accustomed to standard romantasy heroines, her innocence ultimately fits the story perfectly. Paired with Obsidian—whose complications as the black sheep of his family add genuine depth—their romance develops organically without rushing the emotional beats.
The novel does demand patience, particularly through a crowded midsection where the sheer volume of world-building and secondary characters can temporarily test the reader.
Letting go of the need to catalog every piece of lore immediately and simply surrendering to the history makes the experience much more rewarding.
Furthermore, dropping into the Bloodletter's sinister, unsettling POV shifts the atmosphere completely, bringing a much darker element into a world that can otherwise feel quite whimsical.
By the time the story takes its darker, more gripping turns toward the climax, the different threads come together nicely. Blending the feel of a period mystery with rich folklore, Paragon feels tailor-made to continue as a series, leaving so much of its fascinating world unexplored.
The characters are fully fleshed out and have a unique charm about them, and watching the story unfold was pure magic. I would recommend this book, especially if you like fairy tale inspired stories and historical fiction.
The narrative follows Percy, a fae woman trying to live an ordinary life in a world plagued by discrimination against magical people, whose path crosses with another fae named Obsidian on a streetcar.
What follows is a carefully paced, beautifully structured slow-burn romance anchored in rich period authenticity.
Goodwin successfully avoids treating the historical era as a mere aesthetic overlay, grounding the narrative in the strict social constraints of the period through Percy’s innate propriety, restraint, and innocence.
While her early naivety might initially test readers accustomed to standard romantasy heroines, her innocence ultimately fits the story perfectly. Paired with Obsidian—whose complications as the black sheep of his family add genuine depth—their romance develops organically without rushing the emotional beats.
The novel does demand patience, particularly through a crowded midsection where the sheer volume of world-building and secondary characters can temporarily test the reader.
Letting go of the need to catalog every piece of lore immediately and simply surrendering to the history makes the experience much more rewarding.
Furthermore, dropping into the Bloodletter's sinister, unsettling POV shifts the atmosphere completely, bringing a much darker element into a world that can otherwise feel quite whimsical.
By the time the story takes its darker, more gripping turns toward the climax, the different threads come together nicely. Blending the feel of a period mystery with rich folklore, Paragon feels tailor-made to continue as a series, leaving so much of its fascinating world unexplored.
The characters are fully fleshed out and have a unique charm about them, and watching the story unfold was pure magic. I would recommend this book, especially if you like fairy tale inspired stories and historical fiction.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Emrae Publishing for the ARC!
"One ride on the Owl Car, and everything about her world was wild." HOLY RAVIOLI, Y'ALL.
Persephone Paragon is a blessed mortal with 6 magical gifts and one very unfortunate curse. As the daughter of a local railroad mogul, she's been protected and sheltered her entire life as soon as her family realizes what she's capable of. The curse is love at first sight, and it turns anyone that looks her directly in the eye into an absolute mental, obsessive mess. But as soon as she takes a ride on a magical, midnight street-car and meets one of the Glimmery magicians, the path to ridding herself of the curse takes a very interesting, sharp turn.
Paragon is a historical fantasy set in the Gilded Age of St. Paul Minnesota, and is probably one of the more unique settings I've read through in quite some time. With a blend of elemental magic, curses, and magical creatures of all kinds, the world building that Kate has created in Paragon is truly imaginative in the best way. This is a debut novel which absolutely blows my mind. The twists, turns, and through-line's that build this story are truly addictive to read. There are some things that I think affected the pacing or the dialogue at times, and the story does slow down a bit towards the middle of the book. However, the last 30% of this book I feel greatly make up for any misgivings that I had halfway through.
All-in-all, Paragon is a debut novel that I truly believe will be the start of a glorious path for author Kate Goodwin! I'm so impressed and cannot wait for the next installment. Obsidian 4evr <3
"One ride on the Owl Car, and everything about her world was wild." HOLY RAVIOLI, Y'ALL.
Persephone Paragon is a blessed mortal with 6 magical gifts and one very unfortunate curse. As the daughter of a local railroad mogul, she's been protected and sheltered her entire life as soon as her family realizes what she's capable of. The curse is love at first sight, and it turns anyone that looks her directly in the eye into an absolute mental, obsessive mess. But as soon as she takes a ride on a magical, midnight street-car and meets one of the Glimmery magicians, the path to ridding herself of the curse takes a very interesting, sharp turn.
Paragon is a historical fantasy set in the Gilded Age of St. Paul Minnesota, and is probably one of the more unique settings I've read through in quite some time. With a blend of elemental magic, curses, and magical creatures of all kinds, the world building that Kate has created in Paragon is truly imaginative in the best way. This is a debut novel which absolutely blows my mind. The twists, turns, and through-line's that build this story are truly addictive to read. There are some things that I think affected the pacing or the dialogue at times, and the story does slow down a bit towards the middle of the book. However, the last 30% of this book I feel greatly make up for any misgivings that I had halfway through.
All-in-all, Paragon is a debut novel that I truly believe will be the start of a glorious path for author Kate Goodwin! I'm so impressed and cannot wait for the next installment. Obsidian 4evr <3
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️3.75.
🫑 kisses only.
⚠️ blood drinking, de@th on page.
📚 I'm hoping this continues into a series.
👱♀️🧑🔧🧛🧚♀️ multi POV.
The setting of this book was unique and enthralling. I loved the historical influence and imagery. The street cars, the carnival-esque atmosphere of Wildwood, the opulent estates of the Gilded Age. It was all very enchanting. I would have liked more time in and descriptions of Wildwood. We really get shorted on the whimsy and lore of the fairyland.
Percy's character was perfectly attuned to the time period and societal hierarchy. She occasionally comes off as aloof but her internal thoughts show us a girl who is willing to challenge the staus quo. I enjoyed seeing her character develop.
Obsidian was a complex character as well. I loved his devil-may-care attitude. I wish we would have gotten more of his home/family life. I think that would have really deepend his character. He's a bit reckless and mischievous.
Reasons for knocking off 1.25 stars:
I got lost more than once. There were abrupt shifts in the story and I often thought that I was missing information. I needed more description in the Wildwood scenes as well as the Sanitorium. A couple major events happen in the Sanitorium but they happened so quickly. I asked myself how certain events unfolded or where the characters were at in the scene, because it wasn't clear.
I really hope this is the first book in a series because I loved the setting and we need a tidy ending.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC! These opinions are my own and I was not compensated in any way.
🫑 kisses only.
⚠️ blood drinking, de@th on page.
📚 I'm hoping this continues into a series.
👱♀️🧑🔧🧛🧚♀️ multi POV.
The setting of this book was unique and enthralling. I loved the historical influence and imagery. The street cars, the carnival-esque atmosphere of Wildwood, the opulent estates of the Gilded Age. It was all very enchanting. I would have liked more time in and descriptions of Wildwood. We really get shorted on the whimsy and lore of the fairyland.
Percy's character was perfectly attuned to the time period and societal hierarchy. She occasionally comes off as aloof but her internal thoughts show us a girl who is willing to challenge the staus quo. I enjoyed seeing her character develop.
Obsidian was a complex character as well. I loved his devil-may-care attitude. I wish we would have gotten more of his home/family life. I think that would have really deepend his character. He's a bit reckless and mischievous.
Reasons for knocking off 1.25 stars:
I got lost more than once. There were abrupt shifts in the story and I often thought that I was missing information. I needed more description in the Wildwood scenes as well as the Sanitorium. A couple major events happen in the Sanitorium but they happened so quickly. I asked myself how certain events unfolded or where the characters were at in the scene, because it wasn't clear.
I really hope this is the first book in a series because I loved the setting and we need a tidy ending.
Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC! These opinions are my own and I was not compensated in any way.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author and Emrae Publishing for the chance to read this ARC!
Historical fantasy fans that love traditional fairy elements (similar to the Cruel Prince)—this is the book for you! From the interesting world building and magic structure to the character arcs and romance, this book was such a fun read. As a history nerd, I was hooked from the very beginning!
We follow Percy (Persephone) and Sid (Obsidian) in their adventures on and off the Owl Car, an enchanted streetcar in St. Paul during the Gilded Age. It was such a fun concept and different than the typical New York or London/England settings of similar stories.
I absolutely loved the author’s prose and beautiful flowery language throughout as it was in keeping with the times and not trying to force more modern vernacular into a story with a historical setting. I also loved the traditional “fairy” elements like bargains, the different types of fairies and where they’re from (assuming in the book they immigrated to Minnesota which is so cool), and elemental magic (with a cost).
Pick this up if you’re a fan of the show the Gilded Age but wish it had a bit more magic!
Historical fantasy fans that love traditional fairy elements (similar to the Cruel Prince)—this is the book for you! From the interesting world building and magic structure to the character arcs and romance, this book was such a fun read. As a history nerd, I was hooked from the very beginning!
We follow Percy (Persephone) and Sid (Obsidian) in their adventures on and off the Owl Car, an enchanted streetcar in St. Paul during the Gilded Age. It was such a fun concept and different than the typical New York or London/England settings of similar stories.
I absolutely loved the author’s prose and beautiful flowery language throughout as it was in keeping with the times and not trying to force more modern vernacular into a story with a historical setting. I also loved the traditional “fairy” elements like bargains, the different types of fairies and where they’re from (assuming in the book they immigrated to Minnesota which is so cool), and elemental magic (with a cost).
Pick this up if you’re a fan of the show the Gilded Age but wish it had a bit more magic!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
DNF at 34%
I think this may work for folks who are particularly interested in history-inspired fantasy. However, this did not work for me.
The author begins with a several page author’s note on history elements at the very beginning of the novel, which instantly killed the momentum for me. If your book is written well, I should not need to do background history reading before starting.
The plot is somewhat interesting, but takes a while to pick up. The main reason I eventually set this down was the world-building aspect. Though I think this could be an interesting world to read about, it was at times over-explained or under-explained, which sometimes made it drag or hard to follow. There are also only so many times I want to see the words “anyfae” and “everyfae” before they just seem stilted and awkward.
I also found the main characters to have little chemistry, and inconsistent characterization. Overall, this was just not a compelling read for me, but I think the lush atmosphere may work for someone else.
Thank you to Kate Goodwin, the publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.
I think this may work for folks who are particularly interested in history-inspired fantasy. However, this did not work for me.
The author begins with a several page author’s note on history elements at the very beginning of the novel, which instantly killed the momentum for me. If your book is written well, I should not need to do background history reading before starting.
The plot is somewhat interesting, but takes a while to pick up. The main reason I eventually set this down was the world-building aspect. Though I think this could be an interesting world to read about, it was at times over-explained or under-explained, which sometimes made it drag or hard to follow. There are also only so many times I want to see the words “anyfae” and “everyfae” before they just seem stilted and awkward.
I also found the main characters to have little chemistry, and inconsistent characterization. Overall, this was just not a compelling read for me, but I think the lush atmosphere may work for someone else.
Thank you to Kate Goodwin, the publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.
August 28, 2026
Thank you Kate Goodwin and Emrae Publishing for allowing me to preview this book early.
After talking with the author on IG, I really wanted to love this book. As a Midwesterner, the book is set in areas I’ve been to many times.
The book is essentially a love story of two seemingly different species of people. Percy, a mortal, with seven first year gifts from the anyfae. The seventh is that one look from her into someone’s eye’s the fall hopelessly in love with her to the point of obsession. Sounds more like a curse to Percy as well as anyone who looks into her eyes. Obsidian is Wild Folk and the conductor of the magical Owl Car. He thinks he had no magic because he’s not like his brothers who were forged with magical powers. He rescues Percy from one of her obsessed suitors.
I was into it the first few chapters. Then I wanted to go deeper into the main characters. I started not to see why they were acting certain ways. It was like narration took over and there were so many details I got lost.
I kept moving forward in the book. The last third got back to how the beginning started out. I felt for the characters and was invested in them. If I hadn’t gotten lost in the middle this would have been a four or five star read. I’d read a second book of this is a series.
After talking with the author on IG, I really wanted to love this book. As a Midwesterner, the book is set in areas I’ve been to many times.
The book is essentially a love story of two seemingly different species of people. Percy, a mortal, with seven first year gifts from the anyfae. The seventh is that one look from her into someone’s eye’s the fall hopelessly in love with her to the point of obsession. Sounds more like a curse to Percy as well as anyone who looks into her eyes. Obsidian is Wild Folk and the conductor of the magical Owl Car. He thinks he had no magic because he’s not like his brothers who were forged with magical powers. He rescues Percy from one of her obsessed suitors.
I was into it the first few chapters. Then I wanted to go deeper into the main characters. I started not to see why they were acting certain ways. It was like narration took over and there were so many details I got lost.
I kept moving forward in the book. The last third got back to how the beginning started out. I felt for the characters and was invested in them. If I hadn’t gotten lost in the middle this would have been a four or five star read. I’d read a second book of this is a series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the opportunity to read an ARC of Paragon.
This book was filled with whimsy, intrigue, suspense, magic, and romance. Elemental magic, forged magicians, fairy godmothers, curses and blessings, Seelie vs. Unseelie, bargains…The FMC, Percy Paragon, received an extra “gift” from the fairy godmothers. She is on a mission to reverse that “gift.” Her journey between mortal and fairy lands is a wild one with lots of unruly characters (especially, one hunky conductor).
The Minnesota setting during The Gilded Age was fascinating and unique. The Sleeping Beauty element was a surprise. I loved the newspaper snippets throughout. Added a lot to the overall story.
I landed on 3 stars because this story was so unique and whimsical, but…I struggled to keep up with the twists and turns and magical elements. I found myself saying “what?” and “huh?” in confusion throughout.
Perhaps I’ll get the answers I seek in book two.
This book was filled with whimsy, intrigue, suspense, magic, and romance. Elemental magic, forged magicians, fairy godmothers, curses and blessings, Seelie vs. Unseelie, bargains…The FMC, Percy Paragon, received an extra “gift” from the fairy godmothers. She is on a mission to reverse that “gift.” Her journey between mortal and fairy lands is a wild one with lots of unruly characters (especially, one hunky conductor).
The Minnesota setting during The Gilded Age was fascinating and unique. The Sleeping Beauty element was a surprise. I loved the newspaper snippets throughout. Added a lot to the overall story.
I landed on 3 stars because this story was so unique and whimsical, but…I struggled to keep up with the twists and turns and magical elements. I found myself saying “what?” and “huh?” in confusion throughout.
Perhaps I’ll get the answers I seek in book two.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
2.5/5
Sorry.
This seemed like such a fun historical and fantastical read, but it really didn't work for me. It really felt like it was trying too hard.
The writing just felt so awkward and the dialogue felt so forced and elementary.
I did appreciate the Connemara references (I have been riding a Connemara pony since 2012 and I love him).
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
The cover also really caught my eye.
Sorry.
This seemed like such a fun historical and fantastical read, but it really didn't work for me. It really felt like it was trying too hard.
The writing just felt so awkward and the dialogue felt so forced and elementary.
I did appreciate the Connemara references (I have been riding a Connemara pony since 2012 and I love him).
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
The cover also really caught my eye.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC review
The novel is historical in its nature and has lush world building/atmosphere , which is something I always appreciate in stories. I actually found myself to be more interested in learning about the magic system than the romance, but that aspect was very well done too. The only thing I kind of struggled with was inconsistency with the way things were told. (too much over explanation vs very little of it).
But overall, I’d deffo recommend it!!
The novel is historical in its nature and has lush world building/atmosphere , which is something I always appreciate in stories. I actually found myself to be more interested in learning about the magic system than the romance, but that aspect was very well done too. The only thing I kind of struggled with was inconsistency with the way things were told. (too much over explanation vs very little of it).
But overall, I’d deffo recommend it!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love the intro and the world building. Clearly the author put in effort.
What i could not get into which i see as a very personal problem is the authors prose.
They really like those punchy short sentences.
Ex not x. Not y. But z.
B
I just dont like it. Its not for me im sorry and if its not for you this book isnt going to turn you on to it.
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
Thank you netgalley and the publisher. All opinions on this arc are my own.
What i could not get into which i see as a very personal problem is the authors prose.
They really like those punchy short sentences.
Ex not x. Not y. But z.
B
I just dont like it. Its not for me im sorry and if its not for you this book isnt going to turn you on to it.
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
Thank you netgalley and the publisher. All opinions on this arc are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The most magical, whimsical, gasp worthy book to exist!
The plot twists are incredible!
Percy and Obsidian’s story is a tale as old as time. Or is it?
They have a love like no other because their love isn’t the norm. The turmoil, what if’s and speed bumps along the way we’re done with utter perfection! A must read!
I want to be where the wild folk are ✨
The plot twists are incredible!
Percy and Obsidian’s story is a tale as old as time. Or is it?
They have a love like no other because their love isn’t the norm. The turmoil, what if’s and speed bumps along the way we’re done with utter perfection! A must read!
I want to be where the wild folk are ✨
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sooo I've received an ARC of this book and OMG it's such an amazing debut!! The main characters are multifaceted and interesting. Percy Paragon does not have just an amazing name, she has a curse that lives inside her and kinda doesn't want her to succeed.The world building is out of this world, melting together fantasy and history brilliantly.
One of my favourite reads of the year ❤️
One of my favourite reads of the year ❤️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the publisher or author for gifting me this ARC for an exchange on a review. I really enjoyed the book and it’s beautiful. What I liked from this book is the use of elements and magic. It does feel like historical fiction as well but I enjoyed it. I definitely recommend this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Imagine a Murder mystery meets the Pixar movie Elemental but with fae in the 1920s/30,s. This was so good. The characters are fully flushed and have a unique charm about them. The story itself is captivating. And watching the story unfold was pure magic.
September 28, 2026
Thank you to the publisher for this ARC. I found this wonderfully author on TikTok and was completely intrigued by the plot. However it just didn’t live up to the hype for me. I pacing was slow and the dual POVs confused me too. Though I will look for the next book in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a fun and interesting way to explore midwestern history in the booking as of steel and rail.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Paragon has ... well, the bones and the pieces to make a really strong, really great early American AU fantasy. Unfortunately, there is a lot of of confusion when it comes to details, the part various characters play, and where exactly the story is heading.
For one thing: there is WAY too much exposition, details, and unimportant bits that are given light when others are left in the dark. I'd like more focus on the magic, this group of people who are magic supporters, and the family that our male lead is part of. We are introduced to the family and a couple times they take center stage in the text within a chapter, but other than that, not much.
The romance is building, but I really don't see their chemistry yet and that's a bit of an issue for me because normally you'd get the sense of chemistry. You get the feeling the male is a bit of a dangerous, rough around the edges romancer, but you don't really see much of that - he doesn't really interact with any other ladies and the other times you would see him alongside another woman its brief. As for her attraction, it's somewhat instant and at times akin to someone crushing on something unattainable / different, but nothing really beyond that.
The plot is there, but again, the focus on parts that shouldn't have a lot of focus bogs the story down. Like the painting / art sessions are a bit of a waste ; the travels on the train are too.
All in all, it's a kind three stars, but a firm two star read.
For one thing: there is WAY too much exposition, details, and unimportant bits that are given light when others are left in the dark. I'd like more focus on the magic, this group of people who are magic supporters, and the family that our male lead is part of. We are introduced to the family and a couple times they take center stage in the text within a chapter, but other than that, not much.
The romance is building, but I really don't see their chemistry yet and that's a bit of an issue for me because normally you'd get the sense of chemistry. You get the feeling the male is a bit of a dangerous, rough around the edges romancer, but you don't really see much of that - he doesn't really interact with any other ladies and the other times you would see him alongside another woman its brief. As for her attraction, it's somewhat instant and at times akin to someone crushing on something unattainable / different, but nothing really beyond that.
The plot is there, but again, the focus on parts that shouldn't have a lot of focus bogs the story down. Like the painting / art sessions are a bit of a waste ; the travels on the train are too.
All in all, it's a kind three stars, but a firm two star read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Kate Goodwin for the ARC of Paragon!
This book was so unique and I did really enjoy the Historical fiction/Fantasy combo of this book. I just felt that there were some parts of the book that needed more explanation and details. It just got confusing and hard to follow at some points. I also would have loved more chemistry between the FMC and the MMC. There was a build up there for a second and then it fell flat. Would I read the sequel? Yes! Do I think there should be a prequel? Also yes!! Would love more details about the magicians family, the Alders and just Wildwoods magical community itself.
I love how much thought and research the author put into the history of the Gilded Age.
This book was so unique and I did really enjoy the Historical fiction/Fantasy combo of this book. I just felt that there were some parts of the book that needed more explanation and details. It just got confusing and hard to follow at some points. I also would have loved more chemistry between the FMC and the MMC. There was a build up there for a second and then it fell flat. Would I read the sequel? Yes! Do I think there should be a prequel? Also yes!! Would love more details about the magicians family, the Alders and just Wildwoods magical community itself.
I love how much thought and research the author put into the history of the Gilded Age.
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