When Penguin Teen announced #HouseOfMarionneReadAlong, I decided to partake in it. Still, the most challenging aspect was trying to pace myself and not read ahead in J. Elle’s gorgeous novel. Y’all know I’m a cover buyer, and I got a two-for-one with the stunning dust jacket of HOUSE OF MARIONNE and its exquisite hardback book - both of which stood up to the story inside. Quell reluctantly deciding to induct herself into a debutante society of magical social elites to keep her forbidden magic hidden is not the type of book you want to pace yourself with! 

I’m always a fan of fashion descriptions done well in books, so if you are like me, you will love this book. It’s gorgeous dresses, beautiful masks and crowns, and fantastic hair, all mixed with a magic system unlike any other. I think that is why I liked it so much: the clothing was woven into the magic system. J. Elle has written a very cool magic system, and the more I learned and every twist, the more fascinated I became. 

I split my time between reading and listening to the book. Shout out to André Santana and Kate Simses, who were excellent narrators who brought the characters to life! 

I’m really happy I participated in the read-along. It was a perfect summer fantasy book. I highly recommend HOUSE OF MARIONNE to anyone who loves fashion, fantasy, and magic, with lots of twists along the way!