OHS Library Grade: B+

Book Details from NoveList Plus –

Genre: Fantasy mysteries; Historical fantasy; Multiple perspectives

Storyline: World-building

Writing Style: Compelling; Lush

Tone: Atmospheric; Thought-provoking

Min/Max Grade level: 7 – 12

Set in 19th Century Denmark, main character Marit is raised within an orphanage. Here she weaves magic throughout her creations as a seamstress; but this magic can be very dangerous. Merit learns to hide her abilities and use it to help her close friend, and talented dancer, Eve. When Eve is adopted by the wealthy and well-known ballerina, Helene Vestergaard, Marit leaves the orphanage to follow Eve in a life of servitude. Marit soon learns that magic runs rampant through other servants at the Vestergaard household, allowing her to look more deeply into the mysteries surrounding her fathers death and other circumstances of her childhood. 

Splinters of Scarlet by Emily Bain Murphy, is great for fans of classic fairy tales. Because I experienced this novel through its audiobook version, the multiple perspectives threw me off at times; I think the story would have been easier to follow had I read the text. Fans of fantasy will have fun with the elements of magic throughout the setting and world building.