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These Clockwork Stars
To become beautiful, she must betray the man she loves.
When seventeen-year-old Vanille moves to a different kingdom to help care for her sick auntie, she wants to stay out of sight. Her hulking size has always made her uncomfortable meeting anyone, especially men, and her family has come to Grenn at the worst time: la Saison de l’Amour, the season of love. And it’s simply too bad that her family won’t let her keep to herself.
Frustrating Master Auclair—the town’s chocolatier—by refusing his sweets, she becomes his new target. Ambitious and perhaps slightly mad, he will stop at nothing to tempt her with the kingdom’s most decadent chocolate. But she knows that if she has even one bite, her relentless sweet tooth won’t allow her to stop... and finally achieving the daintiness she dreams of will be impossible.
But then, the promise of beauty seems tantalizingly within reach. All she has to do is steal Master Auclair’s famous chocolate recipe, which local legend says he guards carefully in his shop, among his candies and astounding clockwork inventions. But with her heart melting under his odd charms, will attaining the beauty she craves be worth giving up on love?
These Clockwork Stars is a sweet fantasy romance novel about the nature of contentment and the longing to be seen and understood.
When seventeen-year-old Vanille moves to a different kingdom to help care for her sick auntie, she wants to stay out of sight. Her hulking size has always made her uncomfortable meeting anyone, especially men, and her family has come to Grenn at the worst time: la Saison de l’Amour, the season of love. And it’s simply too bad that her family won’t let her keep to herself.
Frustrating Master Auclair—the town’s chocolatier—by refusing his sweets, she becomes his new target. Ambitious and perhaps slightly mad, he will stop at nothing to tempt her with the kingdom’s most decadent chocolate. But she knows that if she has even one bite, her relentless sweet tooth won’t allow her to stop... and finally achieving the daintiness she dreams of will be impossible.
But then, the promise of beauty seems tantalizingly within reach. All she has to do is steal Master Auclair’s famous chocolate recipe, which local legend says he guards carefully in his shop, among his candies and astounding clockwork inventions. But with her heart melting under his odd charms, will attaining the beauty she craves be worth giving up on love?
These Clockwork Stars is a sweet fantasy romance novel about the nature of contentment and the longing to be seen and understood.
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Published April 9, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 3, 2021
I read this book in one sitting. One sitting, ya’ll! I can’t remember the last time a book gripped me so hard and forced me to keep reading.
First off, Vanille’s struggle with body-image and accepting herself was incredibly relatable. As someone who once struggled with an eating disorder, I truly felt for her while also finding her choices + way of thinking relatable. And her character growth by the end of the book was just…sweet and happy and everything I ever wanted for her.
Then there’s Master Auclair. First of all, his manic Willy Wonka energy was so fun! But as the book went on, I started to see more to him along with Vanille, including how deep his feelings for her truly were. The fact that he barely noticed her physical change near the end of the book killed me in the best way!
Finally, the villain (who I won’t name here). She made sense, and the fact that Vanille actually understood her motivations and even empathized with them was perfect. As the reader, I still feel conflicted about said villain, but I think that’s the point of this character. She’s not meant to be good or evil–she’s meant to be a real person with flaws like everyone else.
All-in-all, this book was amazing! I loved the sweet romance, fantasy setting, and relatable characters. These Clockwork Stars has definitely become one of my new favorites!
(Thank you to the author for sending me an eBook ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.)
First off, Vanille’s struggle with body-image and accepting herself was incredibly relatable. As someone who once struggled with an eating disorder, I truly felt for her while also finding her choices + way of thinking relatable. And her character growth by the end of the book was just…sweet and happy and everything I ever wanted for her.
Then there’s Master Auclair. First of all, his manic Willy Wonka energy was so fun! But as the book went on, I started to see more to him along with Vanille, including how deep his feelings for her truly were. The fact that he barely noticed her physical change near the end of the book killed me in the best way!
Finally, the villain (who I won’t name here). She made sense, and the fact that Vanille actually understood her motivations and even empathized with them was perfect. As the reader, I still feel conflicted about said villain, but I think that’s the point of this character. She’s not meant to be good or evil–she’s meant to be a real person with flaws like everyone else.
All-in-all, this book was amazing! I loved the sweet romance, fantasy setting, and relatable characters. These Clockwork Stars has definitely become one of my new favorites!
(Thank you to the author for sending me an eBook ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.)
April 9, 2021
*Disclaimer: I received a free ARC of this book for my honest review.
I really enjoyed this novella. I finished it in just a few hours. It was such a sweet story I was gripped from the beginning.
The main character Vanille struggles with body image issues. She is a plus size woman in a world where small and petite is considered beautiful. I am not tall, but the other aspects of the body image struggle I can relate too. The inner struggle she has throughout the book is well executed. The love interest is not abusive, and this is a welcome change. Auclair, the love interest, is a chocolaterie who also likes machines. Since the story is told in first person, from Vanille’s point of view we do not get a look into Auclair’s thoughts, but he is shown to be eccentric, intelligent, and deep. There are two love stories in this book, one where Vanille and Auclair have to find their happy ever after, and one where Vanille has to figure out how to be happy with herself and her new town. I loved this sweet fast paced novella and look forward to more stories from this author.
Note: This is a novella so compared to a novel it is faster paced, and there is not as much filler. This is a perfect story for a cozy day when you want a little fun and relaxation.
I really enjoyed this novella. I finished it in just a few hours. It was such a sweet story I was gripped from the beginning.
The main character Vanille struggles with body image issues. She is a plus size woman in a world where small and petite is considered beautiful. I am not tall, but the other aspects of the body image struggle I can relate too. The inner struggle she has throughout the book is well executed. The love interest is not abusive, and this is a welcome change. Auclair, the love interest, is a chocolaterie who also likes machines. Since the story is told in first person, from Vanille’s point of view we do not get a look into Auclair’s thoughts, but he is shown to be eccentric, intelligent, and deep. There are two love stories in this book, one where Vanille and Auclair have to find their happy ever after, and one where Vanille has to figure out how to be happy with herself and her new town. I loved this sweet fast paced novella and look forward to more stories from this author.
Note: This is a novella so compared to a novel it is faster paced, and there is not as much filler. This is a perfect story for a cozy day when you want a little fun and relaxation.
February 6, 2023
What a cute story! It was short and sweet, filled with declicious, chocolatey concoctions and characters you can't help but love. I enjoyed the small introduction of magic in this world and the sweet message of learning to love yourself. Definitely an enjoyable read.
April 18, 2021
Misty Malkasian's debut novel, These Clockwork Stars, is a no-brainer 5 star read for me!
Misty describes These Clockwork Stars as a sweet YA Fantasy Romance, and she definitely hits the nail on the head with the content within her book.
Set in the late 1800s, Vanille is a seventeen-year-old girl who, along with her parents, moves to a different Kingdom to help care for her ailing aunt. Her cousin, Noisette, is very excited to introduce Vanille to the Kingdom of Grenn and she's just in time, because the Kingdom is preparing for a huge celebration! La Saison de l'Amour (the Season of Love).
Though Noisette is head over heels for this festival, Vanille finds herself feeling increasingly more uncomfortable as the minutes tick on. She is not like other girls. Dainty and feminine are not words that anyone would use to describe her. Vanille is a large girl. Tall, broad shoulders, large hands, etc (she definitely takes after her father!). She feels extremely uncomfortable in her surroundings in the Kingdom of Grenn, and doesn't want anything to do with celebrating the Season of Love.
Enter Master Auclair, who is a young, handsome chocolatier (who has caught Noisette's eye). He notices Vanille and immediately chooses her to be his next victim: a taste-tester. He thinks that Vanille's size would attribute her to knowing her sweets and being able to assist him in perfecting his craft. What he doesn't expect is for Vanille to decline his every attempt to have her eat his chocolate, something that has never happened before! Vanille doesn't want to eat the chocolate, because she hopes to someday become one of the beautiful, dainty women that she sees throughout the streets of all kingdoms, and knows that if she eats even one chocolate, she won't be able to stop.
When an unexpected encounter with a stranger (in a dark alley, no less!) offers Vanille the chance to become the beauty she has always wanted to be, she is forced to befriend Master Auclair in order to steal his chocolate recipe. A magic potion that, when consumed, will transform her to her desired size is the prize for the exchange of the recipe.
What happens next? You'll have to read These Clockwork Stars to find out!
I was never one to gravitate towards a story that is set in any other period than the 20th or 21st centuries, but after reading These Clockwork Stars, I now find myself wanting more, more, more! Misty provides a beautiful flourish to her work that makes you wish it will never end.
Misty describes These Clockwork Stars as a sweet YA Fantasy Romance, and she definitely hits the nail on the head with the content within her book.
Set in the late 1800s, Vanille is a seventeen-year-old girl who, along with her parents, moves to a different Kingdom to help care for her ailing aunt. Her cousin, Noisette, is very excited to introduce Vanille to the Kingdom of Grenn and she's just in time, because the Kingdom is preparing for a huge celebration! La Saison de l'Amour (the Season of Love).
Though Noisette is head over heels for this festival, Vanille finds herself feeling increasingly more uncomfortable as the minutes tick on. She is not like other girls. Dainty and feminine are not words that anyone would use to describe her. Vanille is a large girl. Tall, broad shoulders, large hands, etc (she definitely takes after her father!). She feels extremely uncomfortable in her surroundings in the Kingdom of Grenn, and doesn't want anything to do with celebrating the Season of Love.
Enter Master Auclair, who is a young, handsome chocolatier (who has caught Noisette's eye). He notices Vanille and immediately chooses her to be his next victim: a taste-tester. He thinks that Vanille's size would attribute her to knowing her sweets and being able to assist him in perfecting his craft. What he doesn't expect is for Vanille to decline his every attempt to have her eat his chocolate, something that has never happened before! Vanille doesn't want to eat the chocolate, because she hopes to someday become one of the beautiful, dainty women that she sees throughout the streets of all kingdoms, and knows that if she eats even one chocolate, she won't be able to stop.
When an unexpected encounter with a stranger (in a dark alley, no less!) offers Vanille the chance to become the beauty she has always wanted to be, she is forced to befriend Master Auclair in order to steal his chocolate recipe. A magic potion that, when consumed, will transform her to her desired size is the prize for the exchange of the recipe.
What happens next? You'll have to read These Clockwork Stars to find out!
I was never one to gravitate towards a story that is set in any other period than the 20th or 21st centuries, but after reading These Clockwork Stars, I now find myself wanting more, more, more! Misty provides a beautiful flourish to her work that makes you wish it will never end.
April 9, 2021
A stunning debut!
From start to finish, this book was captivating and I found myself swept into the story as if I were a fly on the wall. These Clockwork Stars touches the issues I have never experienced myself, but I felt and understood Vanille's struggle with her body image. I have so much respect and admiration for the author's approach.
Misty Malkasian's These Clockwork Stars is a stunning sweet YA fantasy, delivering exactly what is promised. This book is high on my recommendation list.
*Disclaimer: I did receive a complimentary copy of this book from the author for review and I purchased my own copy because I loved Vanille so much!
From start to finish, this book was captivating and I found myself swept into the story as if I were a fly on the wall. These Clockwork Stars touches the issues I have never experienced myself, but I felt and understood Vanille's struggle with her body image. I have so much respect and admiration for the author's approach.
Misty Malkasian's These Clockwork Stars is a stunning sweet YA fantasy, delivering exactly what is promised. This book is high on my recommendation list.
*Disclaimer: I did receive a complimentary copy of this book from the author for review and I purchased my own copy because I loved Vanille so much!
April 9, 2021
This book was so much fun...I loved it...It was completely enthralling. The authors imagination and detailing were amazing. "Ogress of Blackmud" I'm dying 😂🤓
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2022
*Changed my rating from four stars to five because I can't stop thinking about this story!*
I was intrigued by the idea of this book since the first time I heard about it, and I was so excited to read it that I jumped into it as soon as I could when I’d gotten my copy.
Once I started reading, I didn’t want to stop. Of course I had to, but I cleared my schedule the best I could and was able to finish it in three or four sittings. The story drew me in and didn’t let me go until the last page, and has stayed with me even after that.
This story was endearing and fun and such a unique idea. It reminded me a lot of an odd combination of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, North and South, and Shrek.
The world the author created was intriguing, and the writing was vivid. There were also so many moments, conversations, or descriptions that left me smiling and even laughing out loud. And there were so many twists and turns that I had no idea what to expect next. The content was clean too, which is always a must for me.
The ending was so sweet and was the perfect bow on top that the story needed.
The characters were fantastic too.
Vanille was a sweet and compelling character. Her struggles and fears were so realistic and I really connected with her. She was such a layered and flawed heroine and I enjoyed following her on her journey, through every up and down.
Auclair was a charming hero, and a humorous and fascinating character. I could definitely see what Vanille liked about him.
The two together were great, with their unusual and interesting dynamic, their shared passions for creating things, their interactions (each serious, funny, and romantic), and their love for each other that looked beneath the surface.
The side characters were just as well written. The antagonist(s) were perfectly hateable, and the whole family was great, with Aunt Vivienne being my favorite.
The only things I came away not liking about the story was that there wasn’t enough page time spent between Vanille and Auclair, and how quickly things nearing the end occurred. Everything happened so quickly and I felt like there were a few things left unresolved, but they were things that could easily be overlooked.
Overall, I loved this book a lot and look forward to reading more from this author!
I was intrigued by the idea of this book since the first time I heard about it, and I was so excited to read it that I jumped into it as soon as I could when I’d gotten my copy.
Once I started reading, I didn’t want to stop. Of course I had to, but I cleared my schedule the best I could and was able to finish it in three or four sittings. The story drew me in and didn’t let me go until the last page, and has stayed with me even after that.
This story was endearing and fun and such a unique idea. It reminded me a lot of an odd combination of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, North and South, and Shrek.
The world the author created was intriguing, and the writing was vivid. There were also so many moments, conversations, or descriptions that left me smiling and even laughing out loud. And there were so many twists and turns that I had no idea what to expect next. The content was clean too, which is always a must for me.
The ending was so sweet and was the perfect bow on top that the story needed.
The characters were fantastic too.
Vanille was a sweet and compelling character. Her struggles and fears were so realistic and I really connected with her. She was such a layered and flawed heroine and I enjoyed following her on her journey, through every up and down.
Auclair was a charming hero, and a humorous and fascinating character. I could definitely see what Vanille liked about him.
The two together were great, with their unusual and interesting dynamic, their shared passions for creating things, their interactions (each serious, funny, and romantic), and their love for each other that looked beneath the surface.
The side characters were just as well written. The antagonist(s) were perfectly hateable, and the whole family was great, with Aunt Vivienne being my favorite.
The only things I came away not liking about the story was that there wasn’t enough page time spent between Vanille and Auclair, and how quickly things nearing the end occurred. Everything happened so quickly and I felt like there were a few things left unresolved, but they were things that could easily be overlooked.
Overall, I loved this book a lot and look forward to reading more from this author!
June 11, 2022
I enjoyed the 'willy wonka' crazy love interest vibes to this book. I was a bit frustrated by the cover art not representing the main character as described, but I see a newer cover has since replaced the original.
The formatting & editing are well done. My main struggle with this book was all of the fatphobia. The descriptions were harsh i.e. 'hulking' and other such terms. The bullying was out of hand. And I found it triggering as a plus-size woman to go on this journey with the main character. I'm sure it wouldn't be as triggering for others, and I'm not sure if the author has been on this journey herself, but it wasn't a great read for me because of how harsh it was, despite a happy ending.
The formatting & editing are well done. My main struggle with this book was all of the fatphobia. The descriptions were harsh i.e. 'hulking' and other such terms. The bullying was out of hand. And I found it triggering as a plus-size woman to go on this journey with the main character. I'm sure it wouldn't be as triggering for others, and I'm not sure if the author has been on this journey herself, but it wasn't a great read for me because of how harsh it was, despite a happy ending.
May 3, 2021
This was such a short, sweet and fun read. I loved the author's writing style and also was able to relate to the main character on so many levels. It tackles body image issues and being dissatisfied with the way we look and trying to change that in order to fit into the society. I liked the overall message of seeing yourself as beautiful the way you are and not trying to look like others. I liked the romance between Vanille and Severin but I wish there were more interactions between the two of them throughout the book. The end was very sweet and I'd recommend this book.
October 12, 2023
This book is a telling of a young woman’s journey learning her self worth. It was a a wonderful read. I truly enjoyed reading the building of the relationship Vanille has with herself and others. To learn to see herself as others do. That she is beautiful just the way she is. The love story is an absolute bonus. I loved it! Highly recommend this book
April 6, 2021
I. Love. This. Novella. I had the honor to be a critique partner and an ARC reader and I loved the draft both times. This is such a sweet story with elements of fairytales that made me nostalgic! It was just magical.
June 13, 2021
*** I want to thank the author for providing me with a copy of the book for the purpose or this review. ***
These Clockwork Stars is a very sweet, often funny, fantasy romance about a young woman who feels out of place due to her physical appearance, and of how much she is willing to sacrifice to be more conventionally beautiful.
We all have experienced rejection in one form or another. Common women who do not fit their society’s standards of beauty have an especially difficult time as they enter adulthood and begin to experience and yearn for romantic love. This is an experience that can warp the very way they see the world and how they think others see them.
Such is the case of Vanille, our 17-year-old protagonist, who’s just moved with her parents into a new town in a different country to care for her sick aunt and her home. She’s just said goodbye to all her friends and left the only place she knew, where women her size were also more common.
Vanille is determined to not settle for this new situation, however. She would feel especially exposed in a place where no other woman looks like her, and having already experienced rejection from both men and women back home, refuses to go out and be seen.
But when she’s finally dragged into town by her too enthusiastic cousin, she quickly ends up being tempted and tortured by the prospects of love, sweets, and the town’s most esteemed chocolatier, who happens to be young, intriguing (though not a la Lord Byron), and handsome to boot. ;)
And, yeah. Things get increasingly complicated from here. 😉
***
So here are some of my highlights:
- This is a quick read, not only for its length, but also because it’s well paced. And even though there’s some French here and there due to the setting (a fictional version of Victorian age France where magic and fantastic creatures could exist), it’s very accessible language.
- I found the theme topics of beauty, self-image, and making the best of difficult circumstances, relatable and well done in this novel. I also could relate to that feeling of being and looking like the odd one out in a strange land and different culture.
- I also liked the interactions between Vanille and family, and all of them were of value to the MC’s growth and in establishing the main theme. Auntie wisdom 🙌 FTW!
- Speaking of character growth, I found Vanille’s change throughout the story believable. We could see how she doubted even her most questionable decisions. And despite her worst flaws, we could still see her strengths and more redeemable traits shine through, like her capacity to trust and forgive others.
- Loved every moment of Vanille geeking out about shoes! ☺️ I could feel her excitement.
- Auclair! 💕There were times when he seemed very self-absorbed to me, because he didn’t seem to notice Vanille struggling. Still, I loved him as a person and only wish we had had more time with him. Oh, and it was cool to see how he was inspired by Willy Wonka. Now, I’ll be forever curious about how much older than Vanille he was.
- Vanille silently admiring Auclair’s perfect imperfections and sense of style. 💗
- Edouard and Gilles 🤺🤺
- This book felt too short! I needed more time in this world and with these characters because I was so invested. I’m still curious about Auclair’s shop, his inventions, the bird, etc. Also needed more Vanille x Auclair moments, in my opinion, even though I really enjoyed all the ones we had. Could I ask for a sequel, lol? I wouldn’t mind something about Vanille and her shoe making, and about a certain relationship evolving.
- Now, for what I liked the least: the antagonistic women. Ugh! So mean! :( And I especially don’t like it when a man’s affections are involved in a conflict between women. Yet I accept that this does happen in the real world. I don’t know, maybe I exaggerate 😅.
✨I give this one 5/5 because it was the highlight of the weekend leading to my birthday, and left me with a pleasant feeling—and a mad craving for Ferrero Rocher. Go read it. :) ✨
***
“My stomach was empty as a night without stars.” - Vanille
These Clockwork Stars is a very sweet, often funny, fantasy romance about a young woman who feels out of place due to her physical appearance, and of how much she is willing to sacrifice to be more conventionally beautiful.
We all have experienced rejection in one form or another. Common women who do not fit their society’s standards of beauty have an especially difficult time as they enter adulthood and begin to experience and yearn for romantic love. This is an experience that can warp the very way they see the world and how they think others see them.
Such is the case of Vanille, our 17-year-old protagonist, who’s just moved with her parents into a new town in a different country to care for her sick aunt and her home. She’s just said goodbye to all her friends and left the only place she knew, where women her size were also more common.
Vanille is determined to not settle for this new situation, however. She would feel especially exposed in a place where no other woman looks like her, and having already experienced rejection from both men and women back home, refuses to go out and be seen.
But when she’s finally dragged into town by her too enthusiastic cousin, she quickly ends up being tempted and tortured by the prospects of love, sweets, and the town’s most esteemed chocolatier, who happens to be young, intriguing (though not a la Lord Byron), and handsome to boot. ;)
And, yeah. Things get increasingly complicated from here. 😉
***
So here are some of my highlights:
- This is a quick read, not only for its length, but also because it’s well paced. And even though there’s some French here and there due to the setting (a fictional version of Victorian age France where magic and fantastic creatures could exist), it’s very accessible language.
- I found the theme topics of beauty, self-image, and making the best of difficult circumstances, relatable and well done in this novel. I also could relate to that feeling of being and looking like the odd one out in a strange land and different culture.
- I also liked the interactions between Vanille and family, and all of them were of value to the MC’s growth and in establishing the main theme. Auntie wisdom 🙌 FTW!
- Speaking of character growth, I found Vanille’s change throughout the story believable. We could see how she doubted even her most questionable decisions. And despite her worst flaws, we could still see her strengths and more redeemable traits shine through, like her capacity to trust and forgive others.
- Loved every moment of Vanille geeking out about shoes! ☺️ I could feel her excitement.
- Auclair! 💕There were times when he seemed very self-absorbed to me, because he didn’t seem to notice Vanille struggling. Still, I loved him as a person and only wish we had had more time with him. Oh, and it was cool to see how he was inspired by Willy Wonka. Now, I’ll be forever curious about how much older than Vanille he was.
- Vanille silently admiring Auclair’s perfect imperfections and sense of style. 💗
- Edouard and Gilles 🤺🤺
- This book felt too short! I needed more time in this world and with these characters because I was so invested. I’m still curious about Auclair’s shop, his inventions, the bird, etc. Also needed more Vanille x Auclair moments, in my opinion, even though I really enjoyed all the ones we had. Could I ask for a sequel, lol? I wouldn’t mind something about Vanille and her shoe making, and about a certain relationship evolving.
- Now, for what I liked the least: the antagonistic women. Ugh! So mean! :( And I especially don’t like it when a man’s affections are involved in a conflict between women. Yet I accept that this does happen in the real world. I don’t know, maybe I exaggerate 😅.
✨I give this one 5/5 because it was the highlight of the weekend leading to my birthday, and left me with a pleasant feeling—and a mad craving for Ferrero Rocher. Go read it. :) ✨
***
“My stomach was empty as a night without stars.” - Vanille
May 14, 2025
As a fellow tall woman Vanille was very relatable and I loved the representation. A quick, sweet (ah like chocolate) little tale. I liked that the love interest was so unique. I found his eccentricities to really set him apart from generic male love interests.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews