Book Review: The Glamourist by, Luanne G. Smith

The Glamourist (The Vine Witch Series #2)
by Luanne G. Smith
Publisher: 47North
Release Date: June 9th 2020
Genre: Fantasy, Fiction

Synopsis:

A spellbinding novel of bloodlines, self-discovery, and redemption by the author of the Washington Post bestseller The Vine Witch.

Abandoned as a child in turn-of-the-century Paris, Yvette Lenoir has longed to uncover the secrets of her magical heritage and tap her suppressed powers. But what brave and resourceful Yvette has done to survive the streets has made her a fugitive. With a price on her head, she clings to a memento from her past—what she believes to be a grimoire inherited from the mother she never knew. To unlock the secrets of her past, Yvette trusts in one woman to help solve the arcane riddles among its charmed pages.

Elena Boureanu is the vine witch of Château Renard, noted for its renowned wines. Even as she struggles with her own bloodline—and its poisonous threat to her future—Elena can’t ignore a friend on the run. Joined by a cunning thief, the proprietor of an enchanted-curio shop, and a bewitching black cat, Elena and Yvette are determined to decode Yvette’s mysterious keepsake. But what restless magic will be unleashed? And what are Yvette and Elena willing to risk to become the witches they were destined to be?

Luanne G. Smith is the author of THE VINE WITCH, a fantasy novel about witches, wine, and revenge set in early 20th century France, and the forthcoming second book in the series, THE GLAMOURIST. She’s lucky enough to live in Colorado at the base of the beautiful Rocky Mountains, where she enjoys reading, gardening, hiking, a glass of wine at the end of the day, and finding the magic in everyday life.

The Glamourist is the second book in The Vine Witch series. The Vine Witch follows Elena Boureanu who is released from a curse and trying to find out what happened to her. During Elena’s story, she meets Yvette Lenoir and the two become allies. The Glamourist picks up the next leg of the story by following Yvette as she struggles to figure out who she is and where she came from.

Like The Vine Witch, I found The Glamourist to be a very enjoyable read. Set in turn-of-the-century Paris, the book combines a bit of history with a mystical, fairy tale plot line that I didn’t want to put down. Being able to see more of Elena’s story develop and to get to know Yvette more was a real treat. In fact, all the characters in The Glamourist, both old and new, are very well developed. I hope that this series continues so I can spend even more time with them.

Note: While this book is the second in The Vine Witch series, it does work as a standalone. Will you get a bit more out of it by reading The Vine Witch first? Yes, absolutely. However, if this is your first glimpse into the world of The Vine Witch, there is no need to worry. The Glamourist works well all on its own.