A Dress for the Wicked by Autumn Krause is a book that I had been highly anticipating for its blend of fashion and competition. The premise is intriguing, however this one let me down. The main character is plain, and the plot and world-building feel flat. To me, this book felt very tired, and I was expecting more of a wow factor than was presented.
Title: A Dress for the WickedAuthor: Autumn Krause
Publisher: HarperTeen
Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: August 6, 2019
Rating:
Nothing much happens in the sleepy town of Shy in Avon-upon-Kynt. And for eighteen years, Emmaline Watkins has feared that her future held just that: nothing.
But when the head of the most admired fashion house in the country opens her prestigious design competition to girls from outside the stylish capital city, Emmy’s dreams seem closer than they ever have before.
As the first “country girl” to compete, Emmy knows she’ll encounter extra hurdles on her way to the top. But as she navigates the twisted world of high fashion she starts to wonder: will she be able to tailor herself to fit into this dark, corrupted race? And at what cost?
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: A Dress for the Wicked by Autumn Krause
This book tells the story of a lower-class girl who gets chosen to participate in an elite fashion competition. I have seen this recommended for fans of The Selection and Project Runway, and seeing as I adore both of these works, I figured this would be the perfect read for me. The competition aspects in the book are well done, and there is some sabotage which added a layer of mystery. As well, the descriptions of the competitors’ designs are stunning. Those with an interest in fashion might find this one interesting.
❀ Main Character isn’t Memorable
Emmaline is a good enough character, but I didn’t find her that memorable. She is seen as an underdog and an outcast by the other girls being from a different social class and works twice as hard to prove herself in the competition. Of course, I admired this trait, but that is really all there is to her in my opinion. Her character didn’t annoy me at all, but I wished there was more complexity to her besides being from the country and wanting to win.
❀ Flat and Under Developed
My issue with the book is the fact that everything about it is flat and under developed. It is The Selection meets Project Runway, and that’s all there is to it. Lower class girl is selected for a fashion competition amidst a revolution. I feel like I’ve read this story before, maybe without the fashion, and nothing really comes as a surprise. Seeing as there is also a political revolution occurring at the same time as the competition, the book feels very 2014. Speaking of this revolution, I found that the entire world of Britannia Secunda is not clear. All we know is that it is somewhere in Europe and that the politics revolve around fashion. For some reason, the government is in full control of the fashion industry, which is seemingly its only industry, and we don’t really know why. I had a hard time buying this.
❀ Interesting Premise
A Dress for the Wicked by Autumn Krause has an interesting premise, but the execution is subpar. I loved the competition aspects, but everything else including the main character and the overall plot are not memorable or all that original. I’m not sure if I would recommend this one as I wasn’t wowed by much.
About Autumn Krause
Autumn Krause is a writer in Orange County, California, where she can most often be found wearing a black lace dress and boots.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, novice New Yorker, & professional bibliophile.
I totally love that cover. It sucks the book felt like it’s something we’ve read before. It certainly seems like it. At least you enjoyed parts of it 🙂
Genesis @ Whispering Chapters recently posted…Easy and Light Banter: The Prenup by Lauren Layne
It was enjoyable, for sure! I was just hoping for a new take on the same old story. 😉
Thank you for sharing your honest review
Ahh, that’s too bad! I had such high hopes for this one!
I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this one. 🙂
Oh no! I’m so sorry to hear you were disappointed by this one. I’ve been anticipating it, it sounds like such a great read and I have to admit that I love that cover haha. Thank you so much for the enlightening review! 😀
Marie @ Drizzle & Hurricane Books recently posted…Review: How The Light Gets In, Katy Upperman
I am in love with the cover, too! I hope that you do find it enjoyable. 🙂
Thanks for the candid review. I can skip this one.
Well, I won’t be adding this one to my TBR (whew!) but I will be sending a shout out to the cover designer. That cover rocks, and I bet it is stunning in person. As always, your review is much appreciated!
That cover really is super stunning! 🙂
I’m sorry this was a disappointment for you! I was so looking forward to read it but now I’m not sure that I’ll love it either. Thanks for the honest review!
Raven @ Dreamy Addictions recently posted…Don’t Date Rosa Santos By Nina Moreno [Review]
If you give it a try, I hope that you enjoy it. 🙂
I’ve been seeing this book around. Too bad it was not good.
Brooke Lorren recently posted…All About Covers! (Top Ten Tuesday)
Interesting book, great to welcome the fall