Mortal Follies

3.5 stars. One thing you say about Alexis Hall is that he never writes the same book twice. Some of the genres he has explored have worked for me and some haven't, but I know I'll never be bored. Mortal Follies is not going to make my list of Top 5 Alexis Hall books, but it was highly entertaining in its own way. The story is narrated by a “knavish sprite” named Robin who has been exiled from the fairy court for reasons unknown. Now that he has to deal with vile things like rent and utilities, he has reluctantly signed with a publisher to tell some of the stories he has gathered over the centuries. He chooses one set in 1814, because he has heard that readers have a fondness for the Regency era. Something about the dresses perhaps? Or the balls? Or perhaps you're all just nostalgic for the staggering social inequality? I wouldn't blame you, I found it hilarious myself. The Corn Laws, for example, were a masterpiece of comic invention; raising the price of grain so much that the people who grow it can't afford it? Genius! Of course we live in more enlightened times now. I wish I could tell you that the rest of the book is as sharply satirical as the Prologue, but unfortunately during the main story the best Robin can do is throw in a few snarky asides. The nominal MC of the novel is Miss Maelys Mitchelmore, who finds herself the victim of a curse laid upon her by an unknown source. During the first manifestation of the curse, when Miss Mitchelmore's clothing starts dissolving at a fancy ball, she is rescued by the mysterious Lady Georgiana Landrake, a reclusive, cynical woman who is rumored to have murdered her father and three brothers. Because she is the only family member left alive, she has been given the moniker “Duke of Annadale,” and is both feared and scorned. Of course Miss Mitchelmore and the Duke of Annnadale are going to fall in love, despite several curses and angry goddesses, society's distaste for Sapphic passion, and the Duke's insistence on pushing Miss Mitchelmore away for her own good. But Miss Mitchelmore develops into a strong young woman who will not be so easily gainsaid. Because everything is seen through Robin's jaded eyes, I couldn't fully engage in the relationship between the two women. We never get inside their heads or hearts, other than what they choose to share with each other. Fortunately the secondary characters shine, most notably Miss Mitchelmore's loyal, loquacious, totally oblivious BFF Miss Bickle, and Miss Mitchelmore's caring but clueless parents, who are more interested in science than society. If you view the book as a Shakespearean comedy romp (Robin claims to have given old William an excellent story but the bastard didn't even give me a co-writer credit), you will likely appreciate Mortal Follies. If you are expecting a heartfelt, emotionally wrenching story like Hall's [b:A Lady for a Duke 57007967 A Lady for a Duke Alexis Hall https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1646064290l/57007967.SY75.jpg 89199426], you will be extremely disappointed. In that case you will just have to hope that his muses point him in that direction again some day.ARC received from Net Galley in exchange for objective review.