4.0 (15 ratings)

The Starlight Menagerie

Name: The Starlight Menagerie
Rating: 4 (15 reviews)
Author: Elaine DeBohun
ISBN: B0G1HNWLDM

by Elaine DeBohun

ghosts

About this book

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Troilo Visconti, a poetic doctor from Zürich, travels to the Austrian springs of Bad Ischl to observe a Habsburg archduchess suffering from a case of hysteria. There, on the edge of a pond nestled firmly within the Salzkammergut mountains, he meets Philippa, a tantalizing young woman who bears a striking resemblance to his late wife.

The serpent-infested grounds and wallpapered ruby halls of the empress' tea house breed desire and secrecy, but the closer he grows to Philippa, the more Troilo is confronted by the ghost of his memory and the ethics of his treatment. Because he, too, is harboring a secret.

He has waited 500 years to find her again.

Publication Date: May 25, 2026
ASIN: B0G1HNWLDM

Reader Reviews

A breathtaking story!

January 12, 2026

Some stories affect me so profoundly that it's hard to express words for a review, but I will try. The Starlight Menagerie was a cross between a fever dream and a dreamy sigh. I was absolutely fascinated by Troilo's story, the lore, and all the characters in between. It's one of those books that stay with you long after the final page. )

An enchanting tale, written in the lyrical quality of the classics

January 24, 2026

The lore states they were brought together by fate, but their love was doomed from the start. An enchanting tale, written in the lyrical quality of the classics, that is whimsical while quietly drawing the reader into its spell. It’s the perfect blend of historical fiction and fantasy romance. )

An enchanting read ✨

February 20, 2026

I absolutely loved the folklore and imagery detailed throughout The Starlight Menagerie. The author weaves mystery and magic in each chapter. The theme of connection between souls across lifetimes was truly enchanting. )

If a book were a painting

November 19, 2025

If a book were a painting. Reading The Starlight Menagerie was like stepping into a waking dream, feet bare in the soft grass and hem of a delicate white cotton nightdress flecked with early-morning dew. The imagery of this book is truly beautiful, and I could see it in my mind's eye like scenes in a film, making it a transportive experience. This story is such a unique weaving of threads, involving Balkan dragon lore, which I had never heard of until now, and which was fascinating to learn...

AMAZING!

December 26, 2025

Historical Fantasy perfectly blended with Romantasy, 'The Starlight Menagerie; is simply a work of art. DeBohun, the author, surely took her time with this story, the characters and the world they live in. These loveable characters had me awake late at night, drawing me further into the story one word at a time, with an internal struggle of not wanting the story to end. I am so happy to have been considered for an advanced copy and this is my honest review. I would love to revisit this story in...