Normally I like to read book series in order, but while Gatsby was mentioned in Charming Devil a few times, this can absolutely be read as a stand alone. Dorian Gray, yes that Dorian Gray, is all about a life of excess, and why wouldn’t he be? His soul is trapped inside a painting with every negative effect happening to that painting, not to Dorian. One morning however, he notices that his painting has a small hole and is starting to decay.
Lucky for him, the ancestor of the original painter has the exact same ability. Unlucky for him, she made a vow to NEVER paint portraits after crating a crayon drawing of her father and accidently killing him. The rest of the story focuses on Dorian trying to will over Baz (fmc) and getting her to agree to remaking his picture so he can continue to live a life of excess, free from consequences and the effects of aging. With a bit of mysticism thrown in, and some Irish folklore, this was overall a quick, interesting read. The only caveat I have is the repeated build up, then sudden drop off of the “monster” that is out to get Baz. It does come to a half conclusion, but I do think that this was a build up for later books in the series. And because I enjoy most retellings, I do plan on going back to read the first book.