The Conjurer by Luanne G. Smith
(The Vine Witch #3)
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Fantasy, Historical Fiction
Sidra didn’t murder her husband. Yet even a jinni can’t wish away a wrongful imprisonment. Determined to prove her innocence, she returns to her adopted home—a French village renowned for its perfume witches—with her friends Elena and Yvette by her side. Here is where Sidra’s true destiny awaits, but danger also lurks in the village’s narrow lanes.
On her trail is Jamra, another jinni, who’s after more than revenge for the murder of his brother. He also seeks vengeance for the indignities inflicted on jinn by mortals over the centuries. When he learns of an ancient relic capable of unleashing chaos on the world, and that the weapon is in the hands of his murderous sister-in-law, he vows to destroy Sidra to get it.
Relying on a sisterhood of magic, a mysteriously faithful dog, and a second-rate sorcerer, Sidra defends herself using the village’s greatest asset: its perfume. It’s as beguiling a lure as it is a formidable shield. But is it enough for Sidra to protect herself and those she loves from powers yet to be released?
The series so far:
I received a free copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I love Smith’s writing style, it has an almost lyrical feel to it and it’s so smooth and lovely to read. I feel like it really fits the time period setting as well (early 20th century). The whole series has a fairytale quality to it as well that I love and I think this is my favourite of the trilogy. The story has some Romeo & Juliet themes, but is definitely it’s own unique story, with twists of fate, vengeful Jinnis, and three powerful women brought together by circumstance and magic. If you’ve read the others in the series, this is Sidra’s story, but of course features Elena and Yvette as well. Sidra is a great character, forced to confront the love and heartbreak of her past. The three women are so different, and it was great getting to know them all throughout this series.
There are definitely twists, and Sidra’s story is revealed slowly throughout the book, with a very climactic, and somewhat unexpected, ending. There may have been a couple of predictable things, but I just loved every minute of reading this. There isn’t a lot of action, but there is magic, secrets and dire consequences if the three friends can’t find a way to stop Jamra.
The descriptions of everything in this book are so vivid and evocative, especially about the perfumes, which features heavily in the plot. This book just pulled me in and wouldn’t let go, and with this series complete, I can’t wait to see what Smith writes next!
If you like historical fiction, I can’t recommend this series enough! Even if you don’t read a lot of fantasy, it is so easy to slip into this world.
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