I obtained a evaluation copy from the writer. This doesn’t have an effect on the contents of my evaluation and all opinions are my very own.

The Palace of Illusions by Rowenna Miller

Mogsy’s Ranking: 4 of 5 stars

Style: Fantasy

Collection: Stand Alone

Writer: Redhook (June 10, 2025)

Size: 480 pages

Creator Info: Web site | Twitter

Heading into The Palace of Illusions, I really didn’t notice it was impressed by The Nutcracker, which made discovering these connections alongside the way in which much more of a pleasant shock. A free reimagining it might be, nevertheless it did draw upon the spirit and imagery of the traditional ballet whereas forging its personal method, and I actually loved the course Rowenna Miller took with the plot.

The story follows Clara Ironwood, a gifted clockworker who has traveled to Paris from her native Wisconsin to help in establishing the Palace of Illusions for the 1900 World’s Truthful. Recent from her apprenticeship beneath her beloved godfather, a legendary clockworker himself, Clara is decided to forge her personal path, particularly as her choice to depart dwelling triggered a rift between them. Slightly than dwell on regrets, nevertheless, she immerses herself in her work on the Palace of Phantasm’s complicated home of mirrors that are designed to showcase the marvels of electrical energy.

Then in the future, all the things adjustments when she receives a mysterious reward from her godfather: a nutcracker which holds the important thing to a complete new world beneath town. Swiftly, Clara finds herself plunged into this hidden realm, known as the “anderwelt,” an alternate model of Paris brimming with marvel and creation. Right here, something you think about can come to life—statues that transfer, homes fabricated from sweet, clockwork ballerinas that twirl and leap. However the extra Clara explores this fantastical actuality, including her personal mark to it in some situations, the extra she will get the sense that not all the things is as good because it appears. Alongside the way in which, she meets a bunch of unusual and morally ambiguous characters—some who’re allies, others who’re hiding harmful motives. Clara isn’t certain who she will belief, however she should determine the thriller of the 2 Parises earlier than the magic binding them can unravel.

I cherished how Miller spends a substantial amount of time going into the ins-and-outs of the anderwelt, and in some locations, it’s magical realism at its most interesting. However though this deep exploration will be fascinating, admittedly it may additionally sluggish the story down. As our protagonist turns into more and more obsessive about the enchanted model of town, her efforts to uncover its origins can typically come on the expense of momentum. That mentioned, what retains the plot partaking and the reader turning the pages is the character’s private development in addition to her significant relationships because the novel unfolds.

From the beginning, Clara’s sharp thoughts and analytical nature are entrance and middle. Approaching each problem with logic and willpower, satisfied that with sufficient time and testing that any drawback will be solved, she will come throughout a bit of distant and chilly, having little curiosity in something outdoors of her work. Granted, a part of that additionally stems from her feeling that she has one thing to show, as one of many few ladies in her area. Regardless of this chip on her shoulder although, she stays typically congenial, even when she harbors some lingering resentment towards her godfather for turning his again on her. However as soon as Clara enters the anderwelt, the transformation begins. There, she is ready to put aside her rational mindset for not less than a second, permitting herself to marvel on the wondrous sights and sounds round her. She turns into extra open, extra emotionally weak, and much more approachable—lastly letting others in, and studying to simply accept assist alongside the way in which.

Then there may be the unimaginable duality of the worlds that the writer has created. The anderwelt is virtually bursting with vibrant imagery and all method of not possible creatures, a lot in order that the folks in the actual world virtually really feel muted by comparability. However talking of the characters, some of the compelling figures is one who doesn’t even characteristic a lot within the guide in any respect: Clara’s godfather. But his presence is strongly felt all through, particularly within the whimsical tales he spins, that are recalled and scattered throughout the narrative like little fairy story breadcrumbs. The historic setting provides one other layer of richness, with Miller’s gorgeously imagined turn-of-the-century Paris providing a captivating backdrop. The Nutcracker inspiration is on full show, and I feel there’s a lot that followers will take pleasure in.

All advised, I actually preferred the course Rowenna Miller took with the idea, mixing magic, engineering, and historical past into one thing that felt recent. Extremely really useful for traditional fairy story lovers or readers who can respect a retelling that’s each down-to-earth and dares to be totally different.