Title: Everything That Burns
Author: Gita Trelease
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Publication date: February 2, 2021
Barnes and Noble | Book Depository | Bookshop.org | Goodreads | StoryGraph
Summary
In order to get her and her sister to safety, Camille gambled everything. She was willing to do whatever it took to ensure they had a secure future. But that secure future might not matter as revolution wages throughout Paris. Revolution that puts Camille herself in danger.
Camille fuels the rebellion by printing pamphlets about the girls society that live in society’s margins. As she gains success, she realizes that it might be due to a dark magic at its core. A dark magic in the house she and her sister are living in. Camille lives a dangerous life, one that might be found out at any moment. And it could cost Camille everything she loves.
Review: Everything That Burns
Thank you to Flatiron Books and NetGalley for an ARC copy of Everything That Burns to review! I loved Enchantee (which has been republished as All that Glitters) back when I read it, so I was excited to read the sequel. At first, I was afraid that I wouldn’t remember enough of the first book to get into this one, but I was pleasantly surprised! I was able to jump into this book without much difficulty.
There aren’t many historical young adult books about the French Revolution, which I think makes this series stand out. I also love the way that Trelease weaves magic into it, making the history even more engaging. What works well about this book is the layers of stories. Camille is writing a pamphlet; so, even though the book is focused on her, we get bits and pieces of other stories, too. It gives the book as a whole more complex feel, and makes it all the more enjoyable.
However, there are moments where the book gets a little bogged down with details and makes it a little slow going. There are also a lot of subplots that muddy the main plot a bit, making it unclear where the focus lies. This detracts from the story a little, but the magical world and the characters help to make up for it.
Overall, this is a strong follow up to the first book. If you’re looking to read more about the French Revolution, I definitely recommend picking up this duology!
4/5 stars