Reviews - When I Arrived at the Castle

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1.33k reviews for:

When I Arrived at the Castle

E.M. Carroll

3.73 AVERAGE

enyltiak's review against another edition

4.5

dark mysterious fast-paced

As always, Carroll's stunningly illustrated and atmospheric gothic fairy tales make for a delightful reading experience. I have to echo the reviews wishing this story was longer–right as we're on the precipice of this tale, it drops us off. The ending is spectacular, but I wish there was more of that juicy history in between to build it all out, which Carroll does so well (I can't help but compare this one to the depth of A Guest in the House). Still, how can I resist a tale of horror, vampirism, and cats?

sarracenia's review against another edition

4.5

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

This would get five stars from me if it was longer. An extra page or two between each page to flesh out the story or add detail would have been great. However, even as it is, this is deliciously unsettling with beautiful artwork and perfectly sparse prose, like this author's other works. I look forward to re-reading it in future.

danni221b's review against another edition

4.5

dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

My one complaint of this is it's too short. the artwork is stunning and eerie. The colouring and layout is nerve-racking, building tension as well as any horror movie lays out its mise-en-scene. I loved the designs of both the characters, especially our protagonist (heroine?) and the use of red leaves your fingers feeling like they should be tacky with blood. chef's kiss to this.

Content Warnings

councilofbirds's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous dark emotional inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

fettige_fritte's review against another edition

3.25

I don't know if the story is just weird or if i am just not sophisticated enough to understandt it. Otherwise the art was amazing and it was still a time well spent.

simonisafangirlie's review against another edition

4.0

My only complaint is that I want more! I've already put 2 of their other books on hold at the library! Perfect hint of horror & fairytale! Not toooo graphic! I devoured this!