Blog Tour! The Glamourist by Luanne G. Smith

Hi all! Today is my post on The Glamourist's blog tour, organized by the FFBC! View the tour schedule here, and be sure to check out my bookstagram for an amazing exclusive giveaway.

The Book and its Author

​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?

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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.

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Review

What a fun read! I read The Vine Witch a loooong time ago, so my memory is a bit blurry, but The Glamourist is a standalone sequel—new readers will easily adapt to Smith’s writing style and the magical version of Paris presented in the novel. The story picks up with Yvette and Elena learning about Yvette's magic and determining to stick together even when situations could call for betrayals all around. 

I enjoyed the fast pace of the story and constant action. This is technically an adult fantasy, but has YA crossover appeal, so I think readers everywhere will appreciate that as well. The character building is there as well, though. I didn’t find myself attached to Elena or Yvette until around 50% through, but eventually I was well invested in their adventures. 

My favorite part of the story was the magic. As you all know, I’m a sucker for a witch book, and this did not disappoint. Both complicated rituals and simpler spells are in play as the witches (mostly Elena) tried to unravel the various mysteries in the novel. 

Overall, I give The Glamourist 4/5 stars for an intriguing premise and fun cast of characters.