Scan barcode
latelygrace's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
I don’t know how I keep ending up with the weirdest books, but here we are again. What a whirlwind, and not in a good way. It has a promising concept, and took me by surprise by taking a swift left turn into an attempt at a modern gothic narrative. Then it became increasingly clear that it was written by an American who knows just enough about English aristocracy to totally misuse it and in her rush to include so many different elements and plot devices the author felt like she was alternately lost in her own story and then rushing ahead of herself. The “magic” builds up for 3/4 of the book, only to be resolved unsatisfactorily in the course of a few pages. The literary trend of dual storylines spanning history was clumsy and not fully developed. The characters of the past more literary device than developed characters though the reader is clearly supposed to feel some connection toward them. Not to mentioned the rushed romance squeezed into the last chapters. Threads that were tied off were done so too quickly and haphazardly and several others were left to dangle as the author completely shifted focus in the end. Anyway, not at all what I expected and tbh I don’t really know what to rate it so I’m going to go middle of the road again with 2.5 ⭐️ or maybe a straight 2 for making me read the last few chapters of “romantic” nonsense.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Dementia, Grief, Religious bigotry, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, War, and Classism
alexalala's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
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
2.5
I received this as an ARC at a book event. All opinions are my own.
While this book started really strong, I think the execution of the climax and conclusion were disappointing.
Ivy is an every day gal working after the Great War in London, when she suddenly gets word that she is the heir to a huge estate in Yorkshire with one stipulation - she must live in the house. She packs up her life and moves into the countryside where a skeleton staff are acting mysteriously. Inside, she finds an enigmatic library that may be more sinister than it appears...
I absolutely loved the beginning of this book, the set up, the execution, and the mystery were very well done. It kept my attention and I was reading the book at record speed.
However, once we reached the climax it felt very rushed and unsatisfying. Our normally independent Ivy leans on everyone else and stops asking questions, even when her fiancee's body just mysteriously disappears without explanation of how he died or what happens with his family who were using her for access to the library just also disappear on her word that the library/book's power is gone? I don't know, it was just extremely strange . The romance to me also felt a little rushed and strange, and the two characters just didn't feel right together (to me).
I do think other people will really enjoy this book if they like mysteries/thrillers. I did enjoy the aspects with the books and especially the prologue.
You will like this book if you enjoy: mysteries, powerful books, memory loss, English estates, aristocratic vibes, and libraries.
While this book started really strong, I think the execution of the climax and conclusion were disappointing.
Ivy is an every day gal working after the Great War in London, when she suddenly gets word that she is the heir to a huge estate in Yorkshire with one stipulation - she must live in the house. She packs up her life and moves into the countryside where a skeleton staff are acting mysteriously. Inside, she finds an enigmatic library that may be more sinister than it appears...
I absolutely loved the beginning of this book, the set up, the execution, and the mystery were very well done. It kept my attention and I was reading the book at record speed.
However, once we reached the climax it felt very rushed and unsatisfying. Our normally independent Ivy leans on everyone else and stops asking questions,
I do think other people will really enjoy this book if they like mysteries/thrillers. I did enjoy the aspects with the books and especially the prologue.
You will like this book if you enjoy: mysteries, powerful books, memory loss, English estates, aristocratic vibes, and libraries.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: War