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3.47 AVERAGE
3.47 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.5 Stars
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review of this book!
When this book was pitched as a gay gothic mystery, I was so hooked. The cover was eye-catching, the audiobook voiced wonderfully and the descriptions in this book are breathtaking. I think this book pulled off the horror amazingly, it had me so tense and on edge. It was creepy as hell too! The descriptions were amazing, it made everything feel alive and immersed me in the setting. The supporting cast shined more than the main characters and I was so invested in them. I think the romance was actually the weakest part of the book which was disappointing since I gobble up gay romance and that's why it's at 4.5. Overall this is a great book that will keep you entertained and tense so give it a try! Now I'll go into spoiler territory with more details.
SPOILERS AHEAD
---------------
Let me address my biggest fault with the book- the romance with Henri. Henri is a toxic entitled brat that gets better in the very last section of the book. He's introduced as a predatory noble, using his power to isolate Emile. I really could never recover from the fact he SOLD EMILE OUT. How was I supposed to get over that? Also most of Emile's thoughts were about he was hot which was a little shallow. I do appreciate that Emile acknowledged that he was toxic and that was part of his troubles.
Another thing was Emile wanting to marry for love? He's only attracted to men and Henri is right, he will never be able to marry for love. I found it annoying that he was so caught up on that when the other option was an ASYLUM.
Alright Bram was literally a S tier perfect man. Obvious choice from the beginning, he's supportive even when being rejected for his enemy. Anette owned my heart and soul and if she had died I would have rioted. I also wonder if Camilla was a reference to the vampire in Le Fanu's book with her ice cold skin and attraction towards women?
The werewolf lore was awesome, I love the greek mythology twist! It really set an eerie unearthly tone to the book. I would have liked more explanation for that because if the goddesses are real and the witches by extension, does that mean that vampires or other creatures exist in this world? Maybe something to explore in another book because I could see a sequel happening.
Man, the horror was freaky as hell. The leeches, THE SPIDERS. The author knows how to make my skin crawl. Speaking of skin crawling, the monk and Count Montani were creepy and extremely intimidating. I was actually scared of the count and I actually yelled out loud when the head on spike scene happened. The mysteries were also interesting if not a little predictable, but I prefer coherent reveals to twists that make no sense.
Finally, the closure of the book with Henri, Bram and Emile in a poly relationship I saw coming and I was ok with it. Like I said before, the romance was the least interesting thing about the book and Henri doesn't become bearable till the last portion of the book. I would have liked to see more interactions between Henri and Bram because they resolved their hatred for each other pretty fast.
Overall this was a really good book and it helped me relax during a stressful week. I'd say give it a try!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review of this book!
When this book was pitched as a gay gothic mystery, I was so hooked. The cover was eye-catching, the audiobook voiced wonderfully and the descriptions in this book are breathtaking. I think this book pulled off the horror amazingly, it had me so tense and on edge. It was creepy as hell too! The descriptions were amazing, it made everything feel alive and immersed me in the setting. The supporting cast shined more than the main characters and I was so invested in them. I think the romance was actually the weakest part of the book which was disappointing since I gobble up gay romance and that's why it's at 4.5. Overall this is a great book that will keep you entertained and tense so give it a try! Now I'll go into spoiler territory with more details.
SPOILERS AHEAD
---------------
Another thing was Emile wanting to marry for love? He's only attracted to men and Henri is right, he will never be able to marry for love. I found it annoying that he was so caught up on that when the other option was an ASYLUM.
Alright Bram was literally a S tier perfect man. Obvious choice from the beginning, he's supportive even when being rejected for his enemy. Anette owned my heart and soul and if she had died I would have rioted. I also wonder if Camilla was a reference to the vampire in Le Fanu's book with her ice cold skin and attraction towards women?
The werewolf lore was awesome, I love the greek mythology twist! It really set an eerie unearthly tone to the book. I would have liked more explanation for that because if the goddesses are real and the witches by extension, does that mean that vampires or other creatures exist in this world? Maybe something to explore in another book because I could see a sequel happening.
Man, the horror was freaky as hell. The leeches, THE SPIDERS. The author knows how to make my skin crawl. Speaking of skin crawling, the monk and Count Montani were creepy and extremely intimidating. I was actually scared of the count and I actually yelled out loud when the head on spike scene happened. The mysteries were also interesting if not a little predictable, but I prefer coherent reveals to twists that make no sense.
Finally, the closure of the book with Henri, Bram and Emile in a poly relationship I saw coming and I was ok with it. Like I said before, the romance was the least interesting thing about the book and Henri doesn't become bearable till the last portion of the book. I would have liked to see more interactions between Henri and Bram because they resolved their hatred for each other pretty fast.
Overall this was a really good book and it helped me relax during a stressful week. I'd say give it a try!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore
Minor: Forced institutionalization
Graphic Horror describing spiders and leeches
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was a really fun story, if a bit predictable, combining gothic horror and historical romance - and it's queer! I loved the fantasy in it, though it didn't fully get into it until a bit later in the book. I liked the characters fine but none of them really stood out to me. I will say though that the ending was satisfying, and I liked the choice that was made with it! If you're going to read this I'd definitely recommend the audiobook because the narrator did an amazing job.
Thank you Netgalley for providing a digital ARC.
Thank you Netgalley for providing a digital ARC.
4.5
Thanks to NetGalley for my free eAudio arc!
This book had me completely hooked! I finished it in one day because I just couldn't stop once I started! The audiobook narrator Will Watt also did a great job with differentiating characters with different voices and accents.
Gothic horror and historical romance combine in this queer retelling of The Mysteries of Udolpho (which I've admittedly never read). As such, it is full of shocking twists and tender moments as Emile, a young nobleman pretending to be a servant, hides from his aunt who is trying to force him into a loveless marriage or put him in an asylum. In his new position, he is equally attracted to a hot doctor and his employer (the count)'s nephew. However, there are sinister things going on, including a severed hand he finds on the estate and that everyone else dismisses. Emile must decide who he is really in love with, how to secure his future, and how to escape before it's too late.
Thanks to NetGalley for my free eAudio arc!
This book had me completely hooked! I finished it in one day because I just couldn't stop once I started! The audiobook narrator Will Watt also did a great job with differentiating characters with different voices and accents.
Gothic horror and historical romance combine in this queer retelling of The Mysteries of Udolpho (which I've admittedly never read). As such, it is full of shocking twists and tender moments as Emile, a young nobleman pretending to be a servant, hides from his aunt who is trying to force him into a loveless marriage or put him in an asylum. In his new position, he is equally attracted to a hot doctor and his employer (the count)'s nephew. However, there are sinister things going on, including a severed hand he finds on the estate and that everyone else dismisses. Emile must decide who he is really in love with, how to secure his future, and how to escape before it's too late.
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I think this story had a lot of potential, however, for me it fell short. I felt like a lot of it was forced and unnatural. The love and relationship aspect was done too quickly and just didn't feel right. There were still many unanswered questions once the book was finished. I think it could have been finessed a bit better is all.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Thank you NetGalley, Page Street Publishing and David Ferraro for providing me with an ARC of The Alchemy of Moonlight. I had the wonderful pleasure of being able to Hybrid-read this as an eARC and an Audio ARC.
3.75 rounded to 4. Available on 30 May 2023. Will share to socials closer to the publication date.
This cover is beautiful and the premise is wonderful. My eyes went wide when the author started describing the water fountain with the Greek mythology components and I was soooooooo keen. My Lord I was ready for some Moon Alchemy mythology realness. This key part of the lore was very interesting to me but unfortunately I felt that it wasn't explored to it's full potential. But that is probably just because I am a stan for Rick Riordan work.
Instead we get this wonderful love corner - meets love triangle - which is nicely streamy without spicy. I enjoyed it and I enjoyed the slow reveal of the natures of the relationships between each of them. Then Part Four! Honest to god this book turns into a horror story in Part Four! I am not much of horror person so maybe it was more of a Marvel Cinematic Universe Horror Story but still.
I think that the audio book acting is a very well done representation of the manner and tone of speech within the context of the story - Gothic, French, Bridgerton-esque. The issue for me though is that the this meant I was much more connected to the characters when I was reading as opposed to the fancy accents they all had on the audio. Again, this is exactly what the voice acting called for, and if you love queer period novels in that manner then you will enjoy this, but for me I was just put off by them.
TL;DR - Little bit steamy, Queer, supernatural, period story for those that love a bit of conflicting romance with a side of evil villain.
3.75 rounded to 4. Available on 30 May 2023. Will share to socials closer to the publication date.
This cover is beautiful and the premise is wonderful. My eyes went wide when the author started describing the water fountain with the Greek mythology components and I was soooooooo keen. My Lord I was ready for some Moon Alchemy mythology realness. This key part of the lore was very interesting to me but unfortunately I felt that it wasn't explored to it's full potential. But that is probably just because I am a stan for Rick Riordan work.
Instead we get this wonderful love corner - meets love triangle - which is nicely streamy without spicy. I enjoyed it and I enjoyed the slow reveal of the natures of the relationships between each of them. Then Part Four! Honest to god this book turns into a horror story in Part Four! I am not much of horror person so maybe it was more of a Marvel Cinematic Universe Horror Story but still.
I think that the audio book acting is a very well done representation of the manner and tone of speech within the context of the story - Gothic, French, Bridgerton-esque. The issue for me though is that the this meant I was much more connected to the characters when I was reading as opposed to the fancy accents they all had on the audio. Again, this is exactly what the voice acting called for, and if you love queer period novels in that manner then you will enjoy this, but for me I was just put off by them.
TL;DR - Little bit steamy, Queer, supernatural, period story for those that love a bit of conflicting romance with a side of evil villain.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
*ARC review*
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape media for providing me a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I think this book did a decent job recreating the gothic novel vibe for a modern YA audience. There was creepiness and castles… basically all you need. Throw a persistent villain in there and you have an ok book.
As with other reviewers, am a little put off by Emile forgiving Henri so quickly. He seems like a toxic boyfriend, gaslighting and coercing Emile through the first half of the book at least. The whole forced proximity affection wasn’t as natural after the initial setup of the relationship. Henri apologized a lot, but so do a lot of abusers. Just not sold.
I’ll also say I appreciated another review that drew attention to their ages. A lot of this is age appropriate emotional challenges. Being swayed easily by a pretty face. Being uncertain or changeable. I think we sometimes expect too much from our teenage characters so I will be generous with my appraisal of Emile and Henri. Bram is a saint and deserves better.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape media for providing me a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I think this book did a decent job recreating the gothic novel vibe for a modern YA audience. There was creepiness and castles… basically all you need. Throw a persistent villain in there and you have an ok book.
As with other reviewers, am a little put off by Emile forgiving Henri so quickly. He seems like a toxic boyfriend, gaslighting and coercing Emile through the first half of the book at least. The whole forced proximity affection wasn’t as natural after the initial setup of the relationship. Henri apologized a lot, but so do a lot of abusers. Just not sold.
I’ll also say I appreciated another review that drew attention to their ages. A lot of this is age appropriate emotional challenges. Being swayed easily by a pretty face. Being uncertain or changeable. I think we sometimes expect too much from our teenage characters so I will be generous with my appraisal of Emile and Henri. Bram is a saint and deserves better.
To start, this was not the book for me, which is shocking because it fits comfortably into the genre and setting that I usually adore! (See: creepy rich family hiding secrets, haunted manors, dark historical landscapes.)
***
The least offensive to me in terms of what just did not work was the writing itself. It felt very juvenile at times and this is not only in narration but also in dialogue and inner monologue of Emile. I know this is a YA, but even so the writing felt too contemporary to fit into the projected time period.
***
The true struggle for me was our cast. For someone who thinks of love nearly incessantly, it’s frustrating to watch Emile have absolutely zero grasp of the fact that love goes beyond general physical attraction and very base level friendship (honestly, has this boy ever just had a friend?).
The characterization of Henri (one of our “love interests”, I say with disdain...) did an absolute disservice to this story. He is manipulative, vindictive, and apparently does not understand how consent works? I’m sorry, but if a character this garishly depicted is meant to be a love interest then he needs some redeeming qualities and I’m sorry, tricking Emile into forgiving his horrible treatment towards him over and over again is not a redeeming quality.
Bram was the highlight. He stole every scene he was in and deserved better than Emile and the grubby hands of arrogant and, honestly kinda problematic, Henri.
***
As I am reviewing the audiobook version of this I want to take a moment to note that the narration of this is wonderful! The voice actor fit my picture of Emile perfectly, I could easily tell when we switched from narration to dialogue, and everything flowed very nicely!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the audio arc in exchange for an honest review!
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated