ARC Review: The Book of Peril – Melissa McShane

As the custodian of the oracular bookstore Abernathy’s, Helena has faced any number of challenges in learning her new role. But when the store begins giving out false prophecies, Helena comes up against her greatest challenge yet: how can she fix Abernathy’s when she doesn’t truly know how it works?

Armed only with a few special talents and her desire to protect her magical charge, and with the assistance of her best friend Viv, her reluctant assistant Judy, and the enigmatic and handsome Malcolm Campbell, Helena must navigate the treacherous depths of the magical world, where secret enemies lurk behind illusions capable of fooling even the most powerful of magical entities. Helena is the only one who can see past those illusions, but will her abilities prove strong enough to save the oracle?

As usual, I enjoy looking at the cover of a novel before discussing the story’s content. This is what catches our eye first after all. I noticed that the red curtains from the top of the first novel are present in this book as well. The woman, I assume Helena, looks very different in this image. Her hair is shorter and a different color. She looks more comfortable though, which would be true now that she has settled into her position. I love that books still surround the image.

Now, I reviewed the first book in this series, The Book of Secrets, a while ago. I was browsing NetGalley-because you know my TBR pile is huge but I always want more-and saw that there was a sequel. I knew that I had to give the second book a chance. I needed to know what happened next. So, here we are.

I want to begin by saying although the first book lacked a sense of urgency at points, this one does not. This novel is not cram-packed with action but it does not bore you either. I think much of this is because we do not need time in the second novel to get to know characters and the world of magic.

“I can’t be fooled, and neither will you if you see through my eyes.”

Once again, Melissa has pulled me into this wonderful magical world. I really love that we see so many more interactions between some of the characters here. We see the relationships between Helena and her friends continue to grow and transform. Though, not all are pleasant. Someone wants to harm Helena and the Oracle. I really liked the friendship between Judy and Helena. I began despising Chet until I learned what really was occurring. Then I felt pity for him.

The story was paced well, leaving me turning page after page craving more. I really enjoyed how the reader only knew as much as Helena. This pulls us in deeper, making us more invested in the story. The plot was compelling, evenly displacing intense action scenes with more calm dialogue. This was nice, I did not feel as I was always reading at a high adrenaline level, it allowed me to come to rest before once again having danger erupt.

“I had more coffee than I usually did, hoping it would make up for my deficiencies, and stumbled downstairs wishing it was Sunday and I could go back to sleep.”

I did drink more coffee than usual staying up to finish this book, but I did not wish to go to sleep. I was enthralled by this magical tale. I did enjoy that the action scenes were not as anticlimactic as the first book. The ending leaves it open for yet another novel which makes me really excited. I was impressed by Helena’s decision in the end. It was a tough one, but the right one. She has grown a lot as a person since the first novel. I am officially invested in Helena and her story. I need to know if she will be alright, how will she continue to grow and learn about the Oracle?

If you enjoy a mysterious fantasy novel that is filled with magic and danger, this might be a good choice for you.

Have you read this novel? Does it sound like something you would enjoy? Have you read other stories by this author?  Let me know what you think below.