Heather’s Bookshelf: Amalina and the Palace of Pleasure (Episode 2 in The Count at Play & Slaughter Series)
Author: CL Holmes
Released: 05/10/23
Genre: Dark Fantasy
“Somewhere in the night, Amalina’s anger turned to inspiration. She leapt from her bed with a positive energy, her toes flexing and curling. The answer to all her challenges had come at once—and though she didn’t remember her dream which accomplished this miracle, she suspected it featured Lucinda’s head and that the girl’s gore-sodden lips had told her something.”
“Amalina and the Palace of Pleasure” is Episode 2 in The Count at Play & Slaughter Series. Find my review of Episode 1 (Amalina and the Secrets of the Wailing Castle here. This book picks up right where the first left off, but reviewed as a standalone book with references to the original when applicable.
Amalina is returning to the Count’s castle alongside Genadie. She’s caught between a rock and a hard place- not wanting to help the Count, but also hoping to not further endanger her village or her father. She tries to straddle the line by accommodating the Count’s wishes as much as she can. This includes helping run the household, gaining favor with those the Count deems worthy, and befriending a princess he takes interest in.
Meanwhile, the neighbors are not exactly unseeing…or altogether “normal”. There’s a group forming to bring down the count including a local commander who approaches Amalina for her help. Will she be able to keep her loved ones and the princess safe or will the Count gain the upper hand, yet again?
Trigger Warning: violence, death, murder
Overall, I enjoyed this story. Amalina is a truly endearing protagonist. She’s hopeful, optimistic in the face of evil, and protective of those she loves. The story is told mostly through her POV, which provides insight into her emotions, desires, and fears. Her relationships in the story are also sweet and important to the plot as it develops throughout the tale. I especially liked the parts with Genadie, who also adds a bit of comic relief to the tale. The pacing was hit or miss, but the world building was well done and I could picture many of scenes along the way as if I were watching a movie instead of just listening to a tale. This story also spent more time developing the count (though he again wasn’t in the story very much, still). He was simultaneously more human and more terrifying in this tale than the original. Amalina also developed quite a bit from the original. Instead of being a scared little girl in a hopeless situations, she appeared much more self assured and motivated. She also self reflected on her actions and about how those around her affected those actions. The ending was a little open ended, but it felt like a good spot to finish episode 2 with the assumption that episode 3 will be along the way. I hope Amalina continues to grow and that we see more of the count in future episodes.
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
I split platforms of PDF and Audible for this review and absolutely loved the narrator! Great voices, accents, and acting.
OVERALL REVIEW:
An endearing protagonist highlights this tale about a vampire vs villagers. Hit or miss pacing and not enough time with the count pulled it down a bit.
Want to learn more about the author?
Check out my interview with CL Holmes
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Find it for purchase here, Audible or Kindle Unlimited
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