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3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
As a self proclaimed lover of all gothic romances I couldn’t turn down reading this modern magical addition to the genre. This dual POV book delivers a gothic YA romance that not only brings the haunting elements and vibes I’ve come to adore with the genre but also dark twisty turns I certainly didn’t expect. Earthly Delights explores not only the lengths people can go to for the ones they love but also the obsessive addictive destructive power that those all consuming feelings can also bring out. The setting left me easily picturing dreamily imagining the “wish garden” that is found centered in between a hedge maze. What can I say I’m an absolute sucker for a gothic story with a haunting and beautiful backdrop and this had that in abundance. The world building, and characters were as wonderfully developed and surprisingly complex for a YA story. And while I did find the pacing a tad on the slower side to start off, it does however pick up the farther you venture into this tale of free will versus destiny. Even a month after finishing this read I’m still left lingering on the ending and the overall plots poignant reflection on love, heartbreak, and the desperate measures we take to outrun our own sorrow. If you’re looking for a gothic romance that delivers all consuming love and sorrow amongst hidden depths of a magical garden then you absolutely must read this book.🌱
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Too juvenile for me. Sometimes YA works, and sometimes it doesn't. Since I'm not the target audience, take my opinion lightly.
Rose moved with her dad from New York to Connecticut after her parents divorced. On her first night there, she met a boy named Hart at the gas station, who she believed was destined to be the love of her life.
Rose & Hart’s relationship progression seemed like a series of montages: it’s going smooth and fast. Not too many details, just enough to show that they’re all over each other. At a glance it looks like normal teenage love, except there’s a lot of foreshadowing that gave a sense of foreboding. Not to mention the rumors that has been circulating about the vast property where Hart lives, Hemlock Hill.
First of all I loved the setting: it’s atmospheric and mystical, giving vivid imagery. And though I wasn’t invested with the romance (I could feel something’s wrong with it since the beginning) I liked its part in the grand scheme of things, how love turned into obsession. Kept me on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t put the book down. I enjoyed the slow build-up, how it’s gotten more and more unhinged as I turned the pages. The peak was neat and staggering.
However, this is my personal issue, I’m disappointed that this book features a zionist book which is not relevant to the plot at all. Like, no book titles needed to be mentioned and the plot wouldn’t be affected, but the author decided to put it anyway. So it’s saying something. Also… THE ENDING WHAT THE HECK. There’s no closure nor clear resolution. Could be a potential for a sequel but for now this seems to be a standalone so I’m mad about that lol. Please let this be a duology at least!!
Rose & Hart’s relationship progression seemed like a series of montages: it’s going smooth and fast. Not too many details, just enough to show that they’re all over each other. At a glance it looks like normal teenage love, except there’s a lot of foreshadowing that gave a sense of foreboding. Not to mention the rumors that has been circulating about the vast property where Hart lives, Hemlock Hill.
First of all I loved the setting: it’s atmospheric and mystical, giving vivid imagery. And though I wasn’t invested with the romance (I could feel something’s wrong with it since the beginning) I liked its part in the grand scheme of things, how love turned into obsession. Kept me on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t put the book down. I enjoyed the slow build-up, how it’s gotten more and more unhinged as I turned the pages. The peak was neat and staggering.
However, this is my personal issue, I’m disappointed that this book features a zionist book which is not relevant to the plot at all. Like, no book titles needed to be mentioned and the plot wouldn’t be affected, but the author decided to put it anyway. So it’s saying something. Also… THE ENDING WHAT THE HECK. There’s no closure nor clear resolution. Could be a potential for a sequel but for now this seems to be a standalone so I’m mad about that lol. Please let this be a duology at least!!
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This is so well situated in the gothic romance sphere; the narrative is such that I couldn't stop reading and wondering what eerie event would happen next. The POV switch halfway through is also creative, as is the twist toward the end. The ending feels less satisfying, but overall I loved the story and the lore of the garden.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
slow at times but an interesting concept. i think the author should have leaned in more to the mystery of it and added in more horror elements, because for a good chunk of the book it didn’t seem to know if it wanted to be a gothic mystery or a ya romance. i also didn’t love the narration, it felt like the cadence of someone reading a bedtime story. but i think the ending was well done and had the desired effect
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes