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swampbooks's review against another edition
2.0
This could have been a beautiful, eerie tale of a haunted estate, but it was not well-written and so fast-paced that you didn’t get a chance to really steep in the moody atmosphere.
The MC is just another Chosen One who is over-dramatic and cries over nothing yet is still determined to solve every problem on her own. Hobbies of hers include sticking her nose in places it doesn’t belong and making things worse to drive the plot. She also mentioned tasting things 52 times. Like literally 52 times.
There were an absurd amount of commas and clipped sentences, a writing style which gets a bit annoying to read. This really should have been a standalone but I guess the author wants to do a love triangle in book 2 because it was definitely going that way. Ugh. No thanks!
The MC is just another Chosen One who is over-dramatic and cries over nothing yet is still determined to solve every problem on her own. Hobbies of hers include sticking her nose in places it doesn’t belong and making things worse to drive the plot. She also mentioned tasting things 52 times. Like literally 52 times.
There were an absurd amount of commas and clipped sentences, a writing style which gets a bit annoying to read. This really should have been a standalone but I guess the author wants to do a love triangle in book 2 because it was definitely going that way. Ugh. No thanks!
cmdufresne's review against another edition
3.0
I really thought I'd love this book, and it was..... fine. The writing is good, there are some plot points that are interesting, and the characters are okay. But everything is just a little flat. The characters don't have a lot of depth, and the "Gothic atmosphere" is just a dusting over a pretty normal group of people. The last third is repetitive and long, and I found myself repeatedly saying out loud "...seriously?" And not in an "oh my gosh!" way, but in a "why would you make the story do that" way. Didn't realize till after it's because there is another book. Should have had a better ending and been a stand alone.
e_j_cook's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
buttondragon's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
I read this on a whim because it was available on audiobook and it was marked as LGBT and Gothic literature, both things i very much like. Personally, I don’t think it really fits either category. Really enjoyed the start of this book, but oh boy it dragged. Somewhere around the 30% mark I started noticing really repetitive descriptions and dialogue. The main character is… a bit annoying to be honest. Refuses help, wants to protect everyone else, even if accepting help would make things easier for everyone. Lots of passing mentions of side characters sexualities being queer, buuuut our main romance is still the usual guy and girl. Very little world building is done, and what there is doesn’t always track chapter to chapter. I’m sure some people will really enjoy this book, and I’d say go for it. Do keep in mind there is a LOT of (TW: Self Harm) cutting of the arms and wrists mentioned as means of handling an evil lake. Threw me for a loop a bit.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
rosie_reads_7's review against another edition
Very pretty writing, just felt disconnected from the characters and I’ve read this sort of story before in a way that suited me better.
kvnzie's review against another edition
4.0
this story was beautiful, atmospheric & perfect for fall! not to mention the owl crate exclusive bonus chapter made me love Rowan even more than i already did.
glowbunny's review against another edition
1.75
The premise had potential but the heroine was so annoying and pathetic.