The Muse is whimsical and wonderful. Lauren Blakely has once again upped her game with a story that warmed my heart so perfectly, I honestly did not want it to end. It is a delightfully engaging book that combines a deep appreciation of fine art for two unique souls with the burgeoning love they simply can't ignore. I was taken on a magical ride through the streets and art museums of Paris and beyond as Julien and Clio work together to save various masterpieces like only they can. And I never wanted it to stop.
Oh my goodness. I am completely head over heels for this story! As Julien finds himself as a 'special' kind of art aficionado, the journey he takes that is full of extraordinary kind of revelations is one that is both wildly mysterious and extremely exciting. His life is turned on its ear as late-night excursions after his intern job at Musée d'Orsay, provide a feast for his senses, watching paintings from the greatest artists suddenly come alive. But only for him. I was in awe at what he witnessed and loved that his sincere appreciation is what ultimately made him worthy of such rare occurrences.
My own love for fine art and Greek mythology was bursting as Clio and her sister Muses are at the center of all the whys of this book. I devoured all this new knowledge of these mystical beings and their importance to the world. With secondary characters in Remy and Rafe, Sophie and Simon, this fantastical tale blends a bit of otherworldly with the so-called real world beautifully. Everyone plays their part perfectly and gives Julien the support and help in order to fulfill his destiny as a true 'chosen one'.
Overall, though, it's the utterly charming love between Julien and Clio that has the most lasting effect. It's that all-consuming kind of love that even Renoir himself can't erase. With a bit of kismet and luck on their side, these two embarked on a caper as I've never read before, falling in love one triumph at a time. And then I was rewarded even further with an incredibly moving conclusion that brought me to tears. You cannot get much better than that.
This book delivers that feel-good ambiance Lauren Blakely is known for. Only this time it leaps to yet another level of excellence that is captivating and brilliant.
The Muse, if you haven't as yet guessed, is a must-read story like no other and deserves no less than 5 huge stars!!!
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Reviews with images
Obsessive Internship
Prologue opens up to one month prior to the start of our storyline. As our noble artist, Julien, and his friend Simon head out on a Friday night in Paris to start working on a fresh chapter in his life after being dumped by "Jenny from Pittsburgh".On his way home he finds himself at the Musee d'Orsay, where he's an intern, wandering the galleries late at night. Where upon he sites a ballerina pirouetting around a room...Not just any dancer, one that looks eerily like she had just danced her way right out of a Degas painting..Present day finds our Julien taking in this new found "art" every evening obsessively. He is surrounded by paintings that leave their frames to traipse throughout the gallery every evening. The paintings come alive, full fleshed, warm, and feeling as if they are fully alive from cats and peaches to dancers and everything in between. But only at night.'Woman Wandering in the Irises', the coveted Renoir, lost for more than 100 years is coming to the museum. Lost since 1885 after it's first and only exhibition. Hearsay, scandal, facts, and rumors as to the subject, the woman, within. Ravenous Clio, with secretive knowledge to destroy and fix with her love of art.From hearing the whispering moments of muses to snuffing out the flame in Jesus' hand and watching bloated protusions... Everything is coming to life in such a way the Julien is unsure if art is losing its mind, maybe even dying, or is he. The edge between life art art blurring.I have always enjoyed the historical part of art, having studied it through not only my youth, but advanced classes as well through my years. The content, storyline and plot, is extremely unique from the readers standpoint. Easy to become immersed in the happenings at the Musee as they unfold around Julien and Clio. Smartly written, quirky yet likable main and sub-characters. Overall a very intriguing and delightful read!
Top reviews from other countries
Angie (L)
A light hearted mystical love story
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 19, 2021
