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3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Received for free from Netgalley.
What can I say about this book. It's a gothic haunted house type novel. The romance between the characters was lovingly paced throughout the book.
It started out at a slow pace, building up the creepiness/spookiness of old houses, then the pace picked up.
The descriptions of the mood, locations and certain moments were giving spooky vibes and vibrant imagery throughout the entire book. I fell in love with them from the start.
The final third up till the twist, I thought I had an idea of where it was going, I didn't expect the full picture. Definitely felt like a gut punch a couple of times.
Will definitely check out more of the author's style of writing and novels.
What can I say about this book. It's a gothic haunted house type novel. The romance between the characters was lovingly paced throughout the book.
It started out at a slow pace, building up the creepiness/spookiness of old houses, then the pace picked up.
The descriptions of the mood, locations and certain moments were giving spooky vibes and vibrant imagery throughout the entire book. I fell in love with them from the start.
The final third up till the twist, I thought I had an idea of where it was going, I didn't expect the full picture. Definitely felt like a gut punch a couple of times.
Will definitely check out more of the author's style of writing and novels.
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Thank you NetGalley for my e-arc of this book
This novella did not disappoint. A very gothic and eerie setting, There were good twists that kept me wanting to read the next chapter. It reads a bit slowly, like any classic gothic novel. I loved her writing style. I will be sure to check out this author. 4 Stars
This novella did not disappoint. A very gothic and eerie setting, There were good twists that kept me wanting to read the next chapter. It reads a bit slowly, like any classic gothic novel. I loved her writing style. I will be sure to check out this author. 4 Stars
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
If you like to read gothic story with spooky vibes, eerie atmosphere, intriguing mystery and unexpected plot twist then I suggest picking this one up!
I like the writing style and the way it describes the world building really brings out the creepy vibes.
This book is more of a character driven story, where we get to know Theodora and how she tries to figure out the mystery of the manor and the people in it.
I admit I didn’t suspect anything so that HUGE PLOT TWIST near the ending really shocked me! I had all these theories inside my head and I wasn’t even thinking of that possibility so the twist is really unexpected for me.
I want to talk more about it but I don’t want to spoil it to others who haven’t read it yet!!
While I do enjoy the mystery element and the whole vibes of the story, I didn’t completely feel the spark of romance between the two main characters though. Although at the end, I do feel like they've come to an understanding and seem to forge a deeper bond after knowing the full truth.
Overall, this short gothic story is pretty well written. I do enjoy my time reading this book and the twist left me speechless for a long time. I think this book is one I’ll remember for quite a while.
I’m looking forward to read more books from this author in the future!
I received an advanced review copy for free from Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I like the writing style and the way it describes the world building really brings out the creepy vibes.
This book is more of a character driven story, where we get to know Theodora and how she tries to figure out the mystery of the manor and the people in it.
I admit I didn’t suspect anything so that HUGE PLOT TWIST near the ending really shocked me! I had all these theories inside my head and I wasn’t even thinking of that possibility so the twist is really unexpected for me.
I want to talk more about it but I don’t want to spoil it to others who haven’t read it yet!!
While I do enjoy the mystery element and the whole vibes of the story, I didn’t completely feel the spark of romance between the two main characters though. Although at the end, I do feel like they've come to an understanding and seem to forge a deeper bond after knowing the full truth.
Overall, this short gothic story is pretty well written. I do enjoy my time reading this book and the twist left me speechless for a long time. I think this book is one I’ll remember for quite a while.
I’m looking forward to read more books from this author in the future!
I received an advanced review copy for free from Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Child abuse, Child death, Sexual assault
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Really enjoyed this one. Considering I don't normally read about governesses or Lords of manors, this was unexpectedly brilliant. I enjoyed the concept of this book, the twists and turns it took me through, and the creepy vibes as well. I enjoyed getting to know Theodora and the life she led. It's definitely one to pick up, and it's quite a quick short read as well.
This book is a clear example of gothic fiction done well. The author does a fantastic job of setting a scene with prose that is lyrical--perhaps almost too lyrical, at times--and characters that feel like they'd fit perfectly in a Radcliffe novel.
If I had to pick something I didn't like, I'd say that the ending was a bit telegraphed--I figured out the twist about a third of the way through. Partially because it reminded me of a movie whose name I can't mention because it would be a spoiler. However, the journey getting there was still enjoyable.
If I had to pick something I didn't like, I'd say that the ending was a bit telegraphed--I figured out the twist about a third of the way through. Partially because it reminded me of a movie whose name I can't mention because it would be a spoiler. However, the journey getting there was still enjoyable.
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Writing: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Character Development: 5/5
Warnings: None
Themes: Gothic, Horror, Paranormal, Romance
The Quiet Stillness of Empty Houses is about a governess who leaves her beloved home to watch over the daughter of the Lord of Broken Oak. Strange things start happening in the old house as she and the Lord start getting deeper feelings for each other. I really enjoyed this book! It has the perfect blend of gothic, horror and romance. The writing sucked me in and I couldn’t stop. I will be reading more books by this author.
This book is great for anyone who loves the gothic feel of Jene Eyre and mixed with a dark mystery.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.
Plot: 5/5
Character Development: 5/5
Warnings: None
Themes: Gothic, Horror, Paranormal, Romance
The Quiet Stillness of Empty Houses is about a governess who leaves her beloved home to watch over the daughter of the Lord of Broken Oak. Strange things start happening in the old house as she and the Lord start getting deeper feelings for each other. I really enjoyed this book! It has the perfect blend of gothic, horror and romance. The writing sucked me in and I couldn’t stop. I will be reading more books by this author.
This book is great for anyone who loves the gothic feel of Jene Eyre and mixed with a dark mystery.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving an honest review.
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
Thoroughly enjoyed this story, read it within 24 hours. The start was a bit slow until roughly 15% before the plot started to get interesting. Perfect love story with an end you won’t see coming 👌 I did skim on the last chapter tho, it was unnecessary in my opinion
mysterious
slow-paced
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
This was truly lovey. The writing style feels wonderfully themed and consistent for the time period it takes place in. I found the characters interesting and flawed. I’m not terrible fond of horror, but much of the story is an act of domesticity between the governess, her pupil, and the Lord of the house. Some bits felt a bit trope-y but given the charming storybook nature of the novella, the tropes fed into the overall atmosphere. My only real concern with this is the usage of time. Parts felt like they passed in days or weeks when we were later informed that they took place over years. It was a fun gothic read, but could use more emotional depth or plot ties.