Not quite what I was expecting but in a refreshing way. I loved the setting of Paris and the beautiful, elaborate descriptions of Versailles. The beginning felt very much like the set up for a fairy tale- two sisters and their layabout brother relying on scraps of magic to help them get through life.

Hot air balloons were an interesting part of the plot which is what made it stand out from similar books to me. Such a vibrant, unusual combination of magic and double lives, and secrecy made for an intriguing read.

One of my only issues was the way time seemed to flow in irregular ways. I was never quite sure whether we were months, weeks, or days ahead of the previous chapter which for me made me unsure of how i should feel about certain characters. Were they best friends or had they met just recently?

Also though this would be an older YA but I'd say this is suitable for younger YA readers as well!