Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Saunders
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Absorbing tale of teen unraveling her lineage and magic.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
When HOUSE OF MARIONNE begins, 17-year-old Quell and her mother have been living as fugitives for many years, since her mother discovered she possesses a dangerous type of magic. After barely escaping an assassin, Quell takes refuge at the estate where her grandmother trains debutantes into a different occult system. Will her grandmother be able to help Quell tame her magic and keep her safe, or is something much bigger at play at the House of Marionne?
Is It Any Good?
The premise is intriguing, but the execution is sometimes confusing. House of Marionne by J. Elle takes place in one realistic world, an elite boarding school in New Orleans, inside a magical world where heads grow tiaras and masks, and some people are blessed and cursed with magical powers they need to hide. Some readers will enjoy being absorbed into the complicated universe the author creates. But at times, the story feels weighed down by these elements of the world. There's a number of details that don't pay off with a meaning. Still, the satisfying ending and enchanting setting will leave fantasy lovers wanting the next installment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about values and legacy. What are some important values or ideals your family shares? How have those been transmitted from your ancestors? How does curiosity help characters in House of Marionne discover their unspoken family values?
Discuss the theme of independence in House of Marionne. What decisions should authority figures make for others? When is rebellion justified? What are some effective and respectful ways to communicate disagreement with people in authority?
In fantasy books, authors use "world-building" to help readers immerse themselves in the story. They provide descriptions to explain how the rules of their setting differ from reality. Can you find some examples of world-building in House of Marionne?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures
- Character Strengths : Communication , Curiosity , Empathy , Humility
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Razorbill
- Publication date : August 31, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 17
- Number of pages : 432
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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