by Stephanie Burgis
Genres: Historical Fiction, Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
In 1814, the Congress of Vienna has just begun. Diplomats battle over a new map of Europe, actors vie for a chance at glory, and aristocrats and royals from across the continent come together to celebrate the downfall of Napoleon…among them Lady Caroline Wyndham, a wealthy English widow. But Caroline has a secret: she was born Karolina Vogl, daughter of a radical Viennese printer. When her father was arrested by the secret police, Caroline’s childhood was stolen from her by dark alchemy.
Under a new name and nationality, she returns to Vienna determined to save her father even if she has to resort to the same alchemy that nearly broke her before. But she isn’t expecting to meet her father’s old apprentice, Michael Steinhüller, now a charming con man in the middle of his riskiest scheme ever.
The sinister forces that shattered Caroline’s childhood still rule Vienna behind a glittering façade of balls and salons, Michael’s plan is fraught with danger, and both of their disguises are more fragile than they realize. What price will they pay to the darkness if either of them is to survive?
Congress of Secrets by Stephanie Burgis is an adult historical fiction fantasy that takes the reader to the Congress of Vienna in 1814 and weaves three storylines that intertwine delivering suspense, intrigue, and dark magic.
The year is 1814 and all the aristocrats and royals from across the continent have converged on Vienne for the Congress of Vienna to celebrate the downfall of Napoleon. It is a celebration but also a week of high politicking as each diplomat hopes to control again or be granted lands within the new map of Europe.
Caroline Wyndham, a wealthy English widow, is among the guests and hopes to gain the Emperor’s ear. Caroline is not at all who she seems, although she plays the role to perfection. She was born, Karolina Vogl. Her father was a Viennese printer arrested by the secret police when Caroline was but a child. Dark magic robbed Caroline of her youth and so much more. Caroline has returned to the place of her childhood nightmares to save her father.
Michael Steinhuller escaped Vienna as a young man; in fact, he was an apprentice for Karolina’s father. He fled the night Caroline’s world fell apart, and has spent his time adrift as a con man. He has returned to carry out the greatest scheme of his life posing as Prince Kalishnikoff of Kenova. The risks are high, but the rewards for this scheme are plentiful.
Both characters are well-developed and driven to succeed in their tasks, but complications, danger, and evil forces wreak havoc placing them both in danger. Interference, blackmail, and promises from others kept me flipping the pages. Their plan and the plot twisted left and right creating an excellent sense of both urgency and doom.
Neither has spoken, so when they bump into each other, both are shocked. We briefly learn of their past shared history. Caroline has been angry with Michael thinking he abandoned her. Things are complicated, but the two aid each other or should I say Caroline tolerates him. I liked the chemistry between them, and we do get a very subtle romance, but the dangerous games they are both playing take center stage.
Despite all the jubilation and hopes of obtaining title, lands and favor there is also a great darkness. A powerful dark magic still rules Vienna, putting both Michael and Caroline in great danger. I enjoyed the thread on alchemy, and Burgis slowly weaves it into the story. The author builds the story on Caroline’s fears as she unearths and reveals the evil.
There are two additional points of views those of Emperor Francis, a man greedy for power. He is forever plotting and those of Peter, a young theatrical director. He is taking his production house to Vienna and ends up in great peril after helping Michael gain entry to the city. Both of these added interest notched up the danger and slowly weaved back into the tale centering on the evil that hides behind the glitter and masks in Vienna.
Congress of Secrets was a suspenseful tale with bits of actual history woven into the story from events and historical characters to the study and practice of alchemy in the 1800’s. These added a believability to the story and grounded the quest Carolina was on and made Michael’s scheme seem plausible. I loved her rendition of Emperor Francis and those of Count Pergen. The Count of Pergen was a sinister man in European history. His role in the Congress of Secrets will send shivers down your spine.
Whether you love clever plots, quests, dark magic or political intrigue, there is something for everyone in this engaging tale. Vivid, unique characters and a dash of romance only added to this brilliant tale.
Congress of Secrets by Stephanie Burgis was filled with suspense, intrigue and a dark sinister magic Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
kara-karina
So the only thing connecting this book and Masques and Shadows is the historical era? I was hoping it would be a sequel 🙂 but I’m sure it would still be a great read!
kimbacaffeinate
I did not read the first, but think this is standalone.
Francene
I’ve really enjoyed Stephanie Burgis’s books for middle schoolers. I very interested in reading her new novels for adults. Thanks for the intriguing review and the giveaway.
kimbacaffeinate
Good luck Francene. I am glad to hear her middle grade books are good.
verushka
Dark magic and political intrigue and a historical setting sound pretty good to me 🙂 I like Caroline, she seems like such a strong character.
kimbacaffeinate
She impressed me.
blodeuedd
i like the the sound of this one
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you decide to try it Linda.
Lily B
wow it has a lot going on, I love when authors take actual history and weave it into their stories, adds so much depth.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, any bits of real history always make it all the more interesting.
Angela
That cover is gorgeous. I need to get back into historical fiction and this one sounds so unique.
kimbacaffeinate
I just said that to myself, I enjoy them and need to weave them into my pile more.
Lorna
Sounds like it was a good one for you. I really like the cover too. Not fond of con men as a main male character or a criminal for that matter 🙂 But I am glad you enjoyed it!
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah, I feel the same. but I do find them fascinating.
The Bibliophile Babe
Oooh! This normally is not my think (fantasy + historical), but I want to try it!
kimbacaffeinate
Yay, I hope you do.
Debbie Haupt
It sound fabulous and thanks for the chance to win!
kimbacaffeinate
Good luck Debbie, I think you would enjoy this.
Lampshade Reader
Great review! Sounds like a great read and I love that cover! Thanks for the giveaway 🙂 ~Aleen
kimbacaffeinate
Good luck Aileen. I love the cover too
Braine
You got me at Vienna. There’s not a lot of books like this set in Vienna and that alone is a big draw for me. Thanks, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
Right, that is exactly what got me Braine
Rowena
Hmm, this isn’t normally cup of tea but you wrote a great review for it because I’m adding it to my wishlist anyway. Thanks Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
*snort* Always good to try new different genres.
Christy LoveOfBooks
It certainly sounds interesting!
kimbacaffeinate
It was, not sure this is your type of read though.
Tyler H. Jolley
What a great cover. Thanks for the giveaway, Kimba.
kimbacaffeinate
Thank you Tyler.
Mary Kirkland
While not my usual type of read it does sound interesting.
kimbacaffeinate
I had fun with this Mary, and like the time period
Danielle Nolan
I love that Carlone and Michael are unaware of one another’s plan until the run into each other. I am not sure how strong the magical element is with this title, but the mystery and historical fiction aspects sound very promising. This is a great review! Going to enter
kimbacaffeinate
It is present, but more character driven
Sophia Rose
Yum! Historical fantasies are great and this one sounds even better with that mystery element.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, I think this is one you would enjoy Sophia
Melissa
Wow, sounds like there is so much going on here!
kimbacaffeinate
There was, but it was well crafted.
sherry fundin
Fabulous cover and your review makes me want it even more. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Glad to hear it Sherry 🙂
Katherine
This sounds so good! I love the setting and the premise and I love how fully fleshed out the characters sound. Plus that cover! Adding to my TBR.
kimbacaffeinate
The cover is gorgeous 🙂
kindlemom1
I’m so glad you read and liked this too Kim, it was kind of a fun and different read.
kimbacaffeinate
It really was Ali.
Lisa
Not something I would normally pick up, but I have to admit, you definitely have me intrigued. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Glad I could share with you Lisa.
RO
I totally love this cover, and the book sounds really fun and unique.
kimbacaffeinate
I love the cover too Ro. Not that we should judge a book by its cover, but it does make me read the synopsis and get hooked.