Mortal Follies

Mortal Follies is the first book in a new fantasy historical romance series written by Alexis Hall. Released 6th June 2023 by Penguin Random House on their Del Rey imprint, it's 416 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

This is a slow moving romantic historical fantasy with a F/F lead. It's well written, and the historical (alternate timeline) background seems to be well researched and believable. It moves ponderously in places, and overall the pacing is on the very slow side, especially in the second half of the book. It's also in first person narrative from the PoV of a literal Puckish sprite, à la Midsummer Night's Dream whose constant asides and direct asides to the reader get to be a bit much in places. 

Normally Regency fantasy romance is a no-fail winner. This one is a mixed blessing due to side-plot lines which go nowhere, lack of world building, annoying narrator, and glacial pace (especially in the second half).

The author is clearly, undeniably, talented and knows his craft; it shines through the writing. The execution and/or possibly a less-than-ruthless editing process in this particular volume led to a less-than-stellar end product. 

Three stars. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.