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3.34 AVERAGE
3.34 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I think I remember liking this? Perhaps considering I don’t really remember much of the plot, it wasn’t terribly compelling, but the ambiance was there
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
‘My god did this draaaaaaag. I wanted to like this so bad. It had the dark academia vibes I crave, but the story was so boring. Cool idea. Poor execution.’
This review from another reader summed up my thoughts exactly. I did not care for this book at all. The story was too drawn out, the climax was pretty boring IMO, and the ending was meh.
Definitely would not recommend.
This review from another reader summed up my thoughts exactly. I did not care for this book at all. The story was too drawn out, the climax was pretty boring IMO, and the ending was meh.
Definitely would not recommend.
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The book was okay, I just didn't like the characters much and there were too many coincidences in the plot. Overall, the book also wasn't that gripping.
I actually really enjoyed this! I wasn’t sure if I would because there was so many negative reviews but I’m definitely looking forward to more from this author.
I disagree with the reviews saying no characters were likeable and all horrible people. Yes they were, but that’s the point right? If they were all down to earth, kind individuals there wouldn’t even be a story.
Would have been 5 stars but the beginning was a bit slow and the ending a bit rushed. Everything was packed into the last quarter of the book and I would have liked more time spent on the actual drama than the buildup. I loved the way it was written and how descriptive it was with the art and tarot cards.
4 Stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I disagree with the reviews saying no characters were likeable and all horrible people. Yes they were, but that’s the point right? If they were all down to earth, kind individuals there wouldn’t even be a story.
Would have been 5 stars but the beginning was a bit slow and the ending a bit rushed. Everything was packed into the last quarter of the book and I would have liked more time spent on the actual drama than the buildup. I loved the way it was written and how descriptive it was with the art and tarot cards.
4 Stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dark Academia with a twist: instead of the usual university or elite school environment, »The Cloisters« takes place in a museum setting, where a small group of academics is studying the history of Tarot cards. Protagonist Ann Stilwell initially only sees the value of this research in the context of historical scholarship and doesn't believe in the cards' fortune-telling abilities. However, the séances develop a seductive and ominous pull... Can she trust the curator who's literally not playing with an open deck? Her colleague Rachel, who proves unexpectedly ruthless? Or the gardener who seems too versed in knowledge about the poisonous plants the museum cultivates?
Multi-layered, darkly atmospheric, full of sexual tension and beautifully written, the story blends the modern with the arcane: academic obsession meets Renaissance magic. Katy Hays employs classic elements of the Dark Academia genre, but brings a breath of fresh air through the unusual setting and Tarot theme. The tension is sublte, yet irresistible.
And the characters…? Well, they all have their skeletons in the closet, typical of the genre. The book ends with a twist within a twist. As a reader, you can't trust anyone, which suits the book's mood perfectly.
I really enjoyed "The Cloisters" and will keep an eye on Katy Hays' future releases.
Multi-layered, darkly atmospheric, full of sexual tension and beautifully written, the story blends the modern with the arcane: academic obsession meets Renaissance magic. Katy Hays employs classic elements of the Dark Academia genre, but brings a breath of fresh air through the unusual setting and Tarot theme. The tension is sublte, yet irresistible.
And the characters…? Well, they all have their skeletons in the closet, typical of the genre. The book ends with a twist within a twist. As a reader, you can't trust anyone, which suits the book's mood perfectly.
I really enjoyed "The Cloisters" and will keep an eye on Katy Hays' future releases.
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I wish i knew what the author wanted to do with this book. The plot seems really interesting and there's a lot of potential, and it was definitely an enjoyable read, but once I finished I kind of felt like there hadn't been a point. A lot of stuff happens, and a lot changes, but I don't know if emotionally I felt like we went anywhere. There is a big discussion on fate and fortune telling but it didn't wrap up in a satisfying way.
So, I guess here was my fundamental issue with this book. In the first chapter Ann, a sheltered girl from not a big city, meets the glamorous, rich, smart, beloved Rachel, and looks up to her. I as a reader did not think Rachel was that cool and so I had a hard time emotionally resonating with their bond and with any of Rachel's actions or supposed mystery. And that's a LOT of the plot. I mean, she's just rich. It's not that interesting.
I saw that the author was trying to give Ann a journey, a summer where she finds herself or at least comes out of her shell, and I enjoyed seeing that and watching Ann come into her own. But then I didn't really like the person Ann became and I was almost disappointed in her.
So, I guess here was my fundamental issue with this book. In the first chapter Ann, a sheltered girl from not a big city, meets the glamorous, rich, smart, beloved Rachel, and looks up to her. I as a reader did not think Rachel was that cool and so I had a hard time emotionally resonating with their bond and with any of Rachel's actions or supposed mystery. And that's a LOT of the plot. I mean, she's just rich. It's not that interesting.
I saw that the author was trying to give Ann a journey, a summer where she finds herself or at least comes out of her shell, and I enjoyed seeing that and watching Ann come into her own. But then I didn't really like the person Ann became and I was almost disappointed in her.
3.5
Predictable but it was a book about inescapable fate, so fair play I guess...
Who doesn't enjoy dark academia!?
Predictable but it was a book about inescapable fate, so fair play I guess...
Who doesn't enjoy dark academia!?