What a glorious sensation to be swept up by a book after just a couple of pages! The prologue of Rocaille is now up there in my short list of favourite prologues.

After that, the story didn't disappoint. It has the markers of classic fantasy (pre-industrial society ruled by a monarchy, thieves and cutthroats, magic) but all these elements are exquisitely crafted and do not extend into endless world-building or an overly complicated plot, which I really appreciate.

One of our main character is Gésill, who has the slight disadvantage of being dead. As the King of Rocaille, he was just murdered and is being resurrected. After which he is whisked away and start plotting his return.

I loved the magic system in this book, partly because it's entirely tied to the land the characters live in and to the world-building in general.

I also absolutely adored the writing style. Pauline Sidre has a knack for picking the right words and weaving beautiful, melodious sentences with them.