The Kiss of the Nightingale - by Adi Denner

About the Book

"1890, Lutáece. In this city, Talents are everything: precious gems that gift unrivalled skills to their owners. The most coveted, Elite Talents, are claimed by the aristocracy, passed through generations by blood magic. Cleodora dreamed of inheriting her father's Tailoring Talent, but when he died, the magic died with him. Now she's left with empty promises, a dress shop she can't keep afloat, and her bed-ridden younger sister. But everything changes when she meets the dark-eyed Lady Dahlia Sibille. Dahlia offers Cleodora a Singing Talent -- a chance to save her beloved sister and rewrite her own fate. From the first instant, Cleodora is bewitched. . . there's just one catch: she needs to steal an Elite Talent from the prestigious Lenoir family."--

Book Synopsis

A stolen magical gem transforms an orphan's destiny . . . a stunning and completely unputdownable romantasy novel set in an alternative historical Paris, The Kiss of the Nightingale weaves together the seduction of Bridgerton and the magic of Leigh Bardugo's Shadow and Bone series.

1890, Lutèce: In this city, Talents are everything: precious gems that gift unrivalled skills to their owners. The most coveted, Elite Talents, are claimed by the aristocracy, passed through generations by blood magic.

Cleodora dreamed of inheriting her father's Tailoring Talent, but when he died, the magic died with him. Now she's left with empty promises, a dress shop she can't keep afloat, and her bed-ridden younger sister.

But everything changes when she meets the dark-eyed Lady Dahlia Sibille. Dahlia offers Cleodora a Singing Talent -- a chance to save her beloved sister and rewrite her own fate. From the first instant, Cleodora is bewitched. . . there's just one catch: she needs to steal an Elite Talent from the prestigious Lenoir family.

As Lutèce's nightingale, Cleodora is the star of the opera's galas and balls, worlds away from the darkness and dust of home. But the handsome yet infuriating Vicomte Lenoir is nothing like she expected.

Soon, the Vicomte's teasing smiles win her over, even as Dahlia's seductive whispers linger in her ears. Torn between Dahlia, who gave her everything, and the Vicomte, who holds the price of her freedom, is Cleodora in danger of losing it all? Or can she prove that magic isn't the only gift that counts?

Review Quotes

"The original magic system and captivating setting are accompanied by a fast-paced narrative as the story engages with narrative as the story engages with themes of class and art." --Kirkus Reviews

"For teens interested in titles that blur the line between YA and new adult, this is an entertaining romance that starts as cotton candy and ends with the satisfying chew of a macaron." --School Library Journal

"A lush fantasy infused with swooning romance and twisty turns, as enrapturing as it is fresh." --Booklist

"Lush and imaginative, Denner's The Kiss of the Nightingale will sweep you into an alternate Paris. A sumptuous mixture of magic, music, and love, the story is woven with vulnerable yet strong characters that will touch your heart. Rich prose and sparkling worldbuilding make this book a treasure!" --Elizabeth Helen, author of the Beasts of the Briar series

About the Author

ADI DENNER was only 13 years old when the enchanted notes of the opera La Traviata by Verdi stole her heart. She is now a professionally trained opera singer with a specialization in contemporary operas. But having too much creative energy to be contained to a single discipline, Adi also discovered painting, sculpting, wood carving, knitting, theatre, 3D art, and her burning love for writing. Her books are heavily inspired by her constant aspiration to intertwine her passions and her firm belief that art is magic.