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whxsper's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
margybrown's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
eefsteefs's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Like Miss Peregrine’s met Percy Jackson in an early adulthood Gothic twist- I thoroughly enjoyed this read and would recommend. I’ll be reading the next book in the series.
That being said, though I enjoyed it, the story progression is fairly slow; though it felt deliberate as an intro into the universe. Having read the Asylum series, I’ve found this to be Roux’s style generally- and like with the Asylum series I felt myself wanting a deeper connection with the characters. Their backstories are intriguing, the interactions are a good balance of serious and light hearted scenes, but for some reason they feel a little bit two-dimensional. I can’t put my finger on what it is, but despite the descriptions the characters tend to fall just a bit flat for me.
The pacing was decent, fairly slow in the beginning though (like in Asylum) the end seemed to pick up immensely.
But over all I liked this book, I think even more so than the first instalment of the Asylum series. This has cemented for me that I enjoy Roux’s period writing more :)
That being said, though I enjoyed it, the story progression is fairly slow; though it felt deliberate as an intro into the universe. Having read the Asylum series, I’ve found this to be Roux’s style generally- and like with the Asylum series I felt myself wanting a deeper connection with the characters. Their backstories are intriguing, the interactions are a good balance of serious and light hearted scenes, but for some reason they feel a little bit two-dimensional. I can’t put my finger on what it is, but despite the descriptions the characters tend to fall just a bit flat for me.
The pacing was decent, fairly slow in the beginning though (like in Asylum) the end seemed to pick up immensely.
But over all I liked this book, I think even more so than the first instalment of the Asylum series. This has cemented for me that I enjoy Roux’s period writing more :)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore and Violence
Minor: Vomit
klorenzen's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The individuals in this book are drawn to Coldthistle house because a) they really really suck, or b) they are absolutely not human. The tagline is "they come here to die", which I think sums up the premise really well. The residents board there because they are drawn to the house due to their shifty nature. It's a pretty classic YA gothic horror with a really interesting premise.
Personally, I liked Louisa a lot. I also spent about 3/4 of the book picking up on vibes between her and Mr. Morningside that I wasn't sure was supposed to be there. It's definitely a YA book, so I don't expect anything too crazy. But I felt like there was some crazy tension in their interactions that had me questioning everything. I like Roux's writing a lot, as I've read other things she's written as well. It's a slower paced book, but that works for this storyline. There are clear stakes that the reader is actually invested in, which I appreciate. I plan on getting the other books because I am invested in Louisa's story.
Personally, I liked Louisa a lot. I also spent about 3/4 of the book picking up on vibes between her and Mr. Morningside that I wasn't sure was supposed to be there. It's definitely a YA book, so I don't expect anything too crazy. But I felt like there was some crazy tension in their interactions that had me questioning everything. I like Roux's writing a lot, as I've read other things she's written as well. It's a slower paced book, but that works for this storyline. There are clear stakes that the reader is actually invested in, which I appreciate. I plan on getting the other books because I am invested in Louisa's story.
trisha_thomas's review against another edition
4.0
"Are you a miracle, little Louisa, or are you a curse?"
I was surprised by how much I liked this one. Honestly, I've had bad luck with books lately so I was ready to hate this one. Imagine my surprise when the cover, dark and lonely feeling, matched the insides of the story. It IS dark. It's dark and ugly and definitely shows the evil side of people.
It starts off with a bang - she is living with the devil and she can't leave. And the story goes off from there.
The addition of the lore and creepy drawings intermingled with the array of photos that heads every chapter gave it the perfect creepy feel of the haunted, frightening house of horrors that it was. It took a while for me to guess all the twists and turns and, even then, I did not guess them all. If this is a series, I will definitely read more!
I was surprised by how much I liked this one. Honestly, I've had bad luck with books lately so I was ready to hate this one. Imagine my surprise when the cover, dark and lonely feeling, matched the insides of the story. It IS dark. It's dark and ugly and definitely shows the evil side of people.
It starts off with a bang - she is living with the devil and she can't leave. And the story goes off from there.
The addition of the lore and creepy drawings intermingled with the array of photos that heads every chapter gave it the perfect creepy feel of the haunted, frightening house of horrors that it was. It took a while for me to guess all the twists and turns and, even then, I did not guess them all. If this is a series, I will definitely read more!
sailorthemoon's review against another edition
2.0
I'm not impressed. And that is tragic.
And even more tragic is that I bought the second book and have to continue with the series now.
And even more tragic is that I bought the second book and have to continue with the series now.
bobbiejowoo's review against another edition
DNF @ 50% this one was just not the story I was expecting, and I wasn't connecting to the story that it actually was- Nothing wrong with it, it just wasn't for me.
lollypopkins225's review against another edition
4.0
Actually a 3.5 rounded up for the side characters. The main character was much more wishy washy than I'd prefer. The house and of course Mr. Morningside and his writings were the really good part in my opinion. Does have a nice mix of supernatural and stories about fae, banshees etc.