Sorry kids, no feet.

After reading The Accidental Empress by Allison Pataki, I had pretty well decided I had zero interest in reading anything by Pataki again. Her characters were shallow and uninspired. I decided to give her a small pass when I went and did some of my own research about Empress Elisabeth. Turns out that maybe she was just a little shallow. I still wasn't in any hurry to read any more of Pataki's work.

This book jumped out at me from the moment I saw it on the new release shelf. I was a little bummed when I saw the author but something made me read the blurb. You had me at French Revolution. There is so little written about the French Revolution (if you have good stuff, throw it my way). I think it's such a fascinating period. I'm always game to pick up something new about the period.

From the opening pages, I was hooked. The prologue set the scene brilliantly. I found myself so wrapped up in the lives of the characters that I had to stop myself from jumping to the end. Let's face it, the French Revolution was brutal. I didn't want to get too attached. 

By the end of the book, I couldn't believe this was the same author who had written any part of the Empress Elisabeth book. I'm actually hesitant to start another book. This one was such a high for me that I might need some time to come down before moving on to the next book. I delayed putting up my Christmas tree so I could finish. Maybe that's just the distraction I need. 

I'm using this book to fulfill the reading task requirement for Square 7.

Book themes for International Human Rights Day: any story revolving around the rights of others either being defended or abused.