Laura Thalassa! She’s the genius behind this hauntingly beautiful novel. I picked it up after seeing fan art of the characters on Tumblr, and wow—her prose reads like poetry dipped in shadows. The way she writes desire and danger intertwined? Unmatched. Also, minor spoiler: That masquerade ball scene lives in my mind forever.
Laura Thalassa wrote it—and man, does she know how to twist fantasy with raw emotion! I’ve been recommending this book to friends who love enemies-to-lovers tropes because her protagonist, callie, and the Bargainer’s chemistry is electric. Thalassa has this knack for making even the most otherworldly settings feel intimate, almost like you’re walking through a dream. Her pacing? Impeccable. I devoured the whole series in a weekend and then immediately regretted not savoring it slower.
Oh, that’d be Laura Thalassa! Her 'Bargainer' series, including 'A Strange Hymn,' lives rent-free in my head. What I adore is how she crafts morally gray characters you can’t help but root for—like Des, the Bargainer, who’s equal parts terrifying and tender. The way she weaves folklore into modern paranormal romance feels fresh, too.
Side note: If you’re into audiobooks, the narration for this series is chef’s kiss. Thalassa’s vivid descriptions—especially of the otherworld—make it all so immersive. I still catch myself humming the lullaby from the book sometimes.
I was totally swept away by 'A Strange Hymn' when I first read it—the lush world-building and that intoxicating slow-burn romance had me hooked! The brilliant mind behind this gem is Laura Thalassa, who’s also known for her 'Bargainer' series. Her writing has this dark, dreamy quality that makes the supernatural feel achingly real.
I stumbled onto her work after binge-reading paranormal romances, and now I’ll grab anything she publishes. She blends fantasy and smolder so well, like a modern-day Grimm fairy tale with heart-pounding tension. If you haven’t read her other books, 'rhapsodic' (the first in this series) is a perfect Gateway into her addictive storytelling.
2025-11-18 10:05:14
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The 'A Strange Hymn' is the second book in Laura Thalassa's 'Bargainer' series, and wow, does it take you on a wild ride! The story picks up with Callie, a siren with a haunting past, and Des, the enigmatic Bargainer king, diving deeper into the fae world. The lush, dangerous beauty of the Otherworld is intoxicating, but beneath its glamor lies political intrigue and dark secrets. Callie's struggle with her trauma feels raw and real, while her chemistry with Des burns even hotter than in the first book. The way Thalassa blends fantasy, romance, and psychological depth is just chef's kiss. I couldn't put it down, especially when the Night Court’s mysteries started unraveling—those twists!
What really stuck with me was how the book explores power dynamics in relationships. Des isn’t just some swoony love interest; he’s flawed, possessive, and sometimes terrifying, yet you root for them. And Callie? She’s not your typical damsel—she fights back, even when the odds are stacked against her. If you loved the mix of steam and suspense in 'Rhapsodic', this one cranks it up to eleven. That scene with the faerie revel? Chills. Literal chills.
I picked up 'A Strange Hymn' on a whim after seeing some buzz about it online, and wow, it totally sucked me in! The way the author blends fantasy with these eerie, almost dreamlike elements is so unique. The protagonist’s journey feels deeply personal, and the world-building is lush without being overwhelming. It’s one of those books where you start reading and suddenly it’s 3 AM because you just have to know what happens next.
That said, it’s not for everyone—the pacing is deliberate, almost meandering at times, which might frustrate readers who prefer tight, action-driven plots. But if you’re into atmospheric storytelling with rich symbolism, this is a gem. I still catch myself thinking about certain scenes months later, like they’ve etched themselves into my brain.
For fans of Laura Thalassa's 'The Bargainer' series, 'A Strange Hymn' is indeed the second book, following 'Rhapsodic.' The story continues with Callie and Desmond’s journey into the fae world, deepening the lore and ramping up the tension. I remember tearing through this book in one sitting—the world-building is lush, and the stakes feel so personal. Thalassa has a way of making even the wildest fantasy elements feel grounded in raw emotion.
As for sequels, the series doesn’t stop there! 'Dark Harmony' picks up right after, and it’s a whirlwind of betrayal, magic, and breathtaking twists. The final book, 'The Fallen World,' wraps everything up with a satisfying yet bittersweet punch. If you’re hooked on the series, you’re in for a treat—each installment adds layers to the characters and their struggles. I still get chills thinking about that finale.