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dbguide2's review
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I’ll be down for reading more gothic books if they’re like this. I liked Temperance, thankfully, almost from the get-go. When you have a small cast (or rather the focus is mostly on a group of people) and the story is in a first person POV; it’s important (at least for me) to connect easily and early on with the main character/s. Family is a big part of Temperance’s life, her personality. Why she does what she does.
There’s also Temperance’s job, which is taking over as the town’s Lamplighter after her father passed away. The job has to be done as there are dangers in the fog. For the first bit I did want the dangers to be revealed or at least for us to understand what’s really in there. But as we carried on I preferred that we were in the dark much like the town and Temperance through most of the book. That way we learned through her and shared her experiences. It’s also characteristic of a gothic novel, I believe. Even though I’m not so clued up on the genre, I know some things. Like when there’s monsters, you won’t typically see them, if at all, for most of the story. It’s about how the creatures makes the characters feel, what roles they play in the story, even what themes and morals the characters possess because of the antagonists.
Temperance isn’t necessarily a quiet character but she’s in a time and community where women are meant to be seen, not heard, perfect wives or planning to be perfect wives. She was out there with a job and giving opinions, trying to have her say – which of course, no one wanted to listen to her. Which means she had to go it alone and discover what was happening herself. I liked the subplot of her sister potentially marrying someone in the town but he’s not a good person though Temperance is the only one to see that. It added some more mystery to the book and also added to her personality as you can see she cares a lot for her sister.
I really liked the creatures and everything surrounding them. I could’ve done with a lot more focus on them than anything else. Of course I understand why they were pushed into the background but a bigger focus on them would’ve been great.
There’s also Temperance’s job, which is taking over as the town’s Lamplighter after her father passed away. The job has to be done as there are dangers in the fog. For the first bit I did want the dangers to be revealed or at least for us to understand what’s really in there. But as we carried on I preferred that we were in the dark much like the town and Temperance through most of the book. That way we learned through her and shared her experiences. It’s also characteristic of a gothic novel, I believe. Even though I’m not so clued up on the genre, I know some things. Like when there’s monsters, you won’t typically see them, if at all, for most of the story. It’s about how the creatures makes the characters feel, what roles they play in the story, even what themes and morals the characters possess because of the antagonists.
Temperance isn’t necessarily a quiet character but she’s in a time and community where women are meant to be seen, not heard, perfect wives or planning to be perfect wives. She was out there with a job and giving opinions, trying to have her say – which of course, no one wanted to listen to her. Which means she had to go it alone and discover what was happening herself. I liked the subplot of her sister potentially marrying someone in the town but he’s not a good person though Temperance is the only one to see that. It added some more mystery to the book and also added to her personality as you can see she cares a lot for her sister.
I really liked the creatures and everything surrounding them. I could’ve done with a lot more focus on them than anything else. Of course I understand why they were pushed into the background but a bigger focus on them would’ve been great.
underscorebret's review against another edition
5.0
“Why is it so easy to allow the darkness to take precedence in our lives? To shape us?”
[Thank you to Netgalley, North Star Editions, and Crystal J. Bell for the eARC!]
I’m VERY picky with my five star reviews and five stars go to those books that I would recommend to literally any and everyone. This is one of those books. This book filled me with rage, sadness, relief, and pity all in less than 200 pages. The story is fantastic and reminds me of the movie “The Mist” crossed with an episode from the show “Supernatural.” The story, being set in the 19th century, focuses on the inequality between men and women. The main character, Temperance (Tempe), battles with internal challenges and holds in her emotions - as she fears if she relays the information she knows to be true to anyone - she risks being sent to an asylum. Gideon, the older man who takes a very odd interest in her MUCH younger sister, gave me the ick right away. The ending to this book filled me with so much rage, but I feel maybe that’s the point. This story - minus the supernatural bits - could very well have happened to multiple women throughout history. So while this story is a fantastic work of fiction, it brings to light (no pun intended) a past that was a bit darker than we like to think.
Merged review:
“Why is it so easy to allow the darkness to take precedence in our lives? To shape us?”
[Thank you to Netgalley, North Star Editions, and Crystal J. Bell for the eARC!]
I’m VERY picky with my five star reviews and five stars go to those books that I would recommend to literally any and everyone. This is one of those books. This book filled me with rage, sadness, relief, and pity all in less than 200 pages. The story is fantastic and reminds me of the movie “The Mist” crossed with an episode from the show “Supernatural.” The story, being set in the 19th century, focuses on the inequality between men and women. The main character, Temperance (Tempe), battles with internal challenges and holds in her emotions - as she fears if she relays the information she knows to be true to anyone - she risks being sent to an asylum. Gideon, the older man who takes a very odd interest in her MUCH younger sister, gave me the ick right away. The ending to this book filled me with so much rage, but I feel maybe that’s the point. This story - minus the supernatural bits - could very well have happened to multiple women throughout history. So while this story is a fantastic work of fiction, it brings to light (no pun intended) a past that was a bit darker than we like to think.
Merged review:
“Why is it so easy to allow the darkness to take precedence in our lives? To shape us?”
[Thank you to Netgalley, North Star Editions, and Crystal J. Bell for the eARC!]
I’m VERY picky with my five star reviews and five stars go to those books that I would recommend to literally any and everyone. This is one of those books. This book filled me with rage, sadness, relief, and pity all in less than 200 pages. The story is fantastic and reminds me of the movie “The Mist” crossed with an episode from the show “Supernatural.” The story, being set in the 19th century, focuses on the inequality between men and women. The main character, Temperance (Tempe), battles with internal challenges and holds in her emotions - as she fears if she relays the information she knows to be true to anyone - she risks being sent to an asylum. Gideon, the older man who takes a very odd interest in her MUCH younger sister, gave me the ick right away. The ending to this book filled me with so much rage, but I feel maybe that’s the point. This story - minus the supernatural bits - could very well have happened to multiple women throughout history. So while this story is a fantastic work of fiction, it brings to light (no pun intended) a past that was a bit darker than we like to think.
[Thank you to Netgalley, North Star Editions, and Crystal J. Bell for the eARC!]
I’m VERY picky with my five star reviews and five stars go to those books that I would recommend to literally any and everyone. This is one of those books. This book filled me with rage, sadness, relief, and pity all in less than 200 pages. The story is fantastic and reminds me of the movie “The Mist” crossed with an episode from the show “Supernatural.” The story, being set in the 19th century, focuses on the inequality between men and women. The main character, Temperance (Tempe), battles with internal challenges and holds in her emotions - as she fears if she relays the information she knows to be true to anyone - she risks being sent to an asylum. Gideon, the older man who takes a very odd interest in her MUCH younger sister, gave me the ick right away. The ending to this book filled me with so much rage, but I feel maybe that’s the point. This story - minus the supernatural bits - could very well have happened to multiple women throughout history. So while this story is a fantastic work of fiction, it brings to light (no pun intended) a past that was a bit darker than we like to think.
Merged review:
“Why is it so easy to allow the darkness to take precedence in our lives? To shape us?”
[Thank you to Netgalley, North Star Editions, and Crystal J. Bell for the eARC!]
I’m VERY picky with my five star reviews and five stars go to those books that I would recommend to literally any and everyone. This is one of those books. This book filled me with rage, sadness, relief, and pity all in less than 200 pages. The story is fantastic and reminds me of the movie “The Mist” crossed with an episode from the show “Supernatural.” The story, being set in the 19th century, focuses on the inequality between men and women. The main character, Temperance (Tempe), battles with internal challenges and holds in her emotions - as she fears if she relays the information she knows to be true to anyone - she risks being sent to an asylum. Gideon, the older man who takes a very odd interest in her MUCH younger sister, gave me the ick right away. The ending to this book filled me with so much rage, but I feel maybe that’s the point. This story - minus the supernatural bits - could very well have happened to multiple women throughout history. So while this story is a fantastic work of fiction, it brings to light (no pun intended) a past that was a bit darker than we like to think.
Merged review:
“Why is it so easy to allow the darkness to take precedence in our lives? To shape us?”
[Thank you to Netgalley, North Star Editions, and Crystal J. Bell for the eARC!]
I’m VERY picky with my five star reviews and five stars go to those books that I would recommend to literally any and everyone. This is one of those books. This book filled me with rage, sadness, relief, and pity all in less than 200 pages. The story is fantastic and reminds me of the movie “The Mist” crossed with an episode from the show “Supernatural.” The story, being set in the 19th century, focuses on the inequality between men and women. The main character, Temperance (Tempe), battles with internal challenges and holds in her emotions - as she fears if she relays the information she knows to be true to anyone - she risks being sent to an asylum. Gideon, the older man who takes a very odd interest in her MUCH younger sister, gave me the ick right away. The ending to this book filled me with so much rage, but I feel maybe that’s the point. This story - minus the supernatural bits - could very well have happened to multiple women throughout history. So while this story is a fantastic work of fiction, it brings to light (no pun intended) a past that was a bit darker than we like to think.
beccareadit's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-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? Yes
5.0
themoonphoenix's review
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Lamplighter is a very atmospheric gothic debut perfect for autumn, set in a coastal town in New England, it’s mysterious, little creepy and haunted.
Temperance is the town's lamplighter, her job is to turn on the lanterns every night, before the town covers in fog, one night, a couple of lamps go out and the next morning, a girl disappeared, there are several suspects, including Temperance.
Tempe works to help her family, since her father committed suicide, things have not been the same. Tempe and her sister have a true sister relationship, they love each other, but they argue, they want different things but above all, they want each other's security. There is something sinister in the town, and it has chosen to attack Tempe.
Tempe is brave, strong and loyal, but she feels lonely and doesn't trust anyone, she is stubborn, that will cause problems when she begins to investigate the girl's disappearance, she discovers that there are more dangerous things than she expected. In the past, other people have disappeared and everything is linked, and the worst thing is, she and her sister could also be in danger.
The setting is an old town, with patriarchal values, Tempe struggles to find her place and her happiness. She enjoys working but the majority of the people do not look favorably on a young single woman working instead of looking for a husband, there is a bit of romance, his best friend, but he works on ships so he's mostly away.
The mystery draws you in, it seems like something out of a dark fairy tale.
The writing style is slow but captivating, the mystery keeps you hooked, and the ending, I didn't see it coming. Disturbing, not a happily ever after, a realistic ending, that leaves you with hope and perfect for the creepy and dramatic story.
I loved it, and I will surely read more from the author, I empathized with Tempe and her struggles, I suffered with her and destiny, I loved the almost overwhelming town where she lives (although I didn't want to live there) I enjoyed the mystery, it was terrifying. It was a mix of my favorite elements: Smart with flaws characters, gothic vibes, a little bit of magic.
Read it if you like
- Atmospheric Setting
- Mystery
- Gothic Vibes
- A little Touch of Magic
itseyeuh's review
dark
medium-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? N/A
1.0
Firstly, I would like to take the time to thank Netgalley & North Star Editions for providing me with a digital copy of The Lamplighter. While I am incredibly grateful, the thoughts I will be sharing about this book are completely my own and are my honest opinions based on my reading experience.
Starting with the positives, I think The Lamplighter was wonderfully atmospheric and the author’s inclusion of descriptive language made everything feel super lush. I can understand how some people might be pulled into the book from all of the eerie fog and mystery.
Unfortunately, this book was not for me. I found myself at various times, frustrated by the lack of communication between characters and it prevented me from truly getting invested in The Lamplighter. I also found a lot of relationships to be lacking (ex:Josiah & Tempe ). As the reader you’re constantly told about how much they care for one another but the emotional connection wasn’t really present (at least in my opinion). Additionally, I found the villain to be quite obvious from the start of the book which made it difficult for me to stay engaged with the story. The various deaths that occur had absolutely no emotional impact on me and the ending left me unsatisfied. That being said, I’m sure there are some readers out there that will really enjoy The Lamplighter. However, before you consider picking the book up (or recommending it), please look up the trigger warnings (there are depictions of predatory behavior and assault, etc).
Starting with the positives, I think The Lamplighter was wonderfully atmospheric and the author’s inclusion of descriptive language made everything feel super lush. I can understand how some people might be pulled into the book from all of the eerie fog and mystery.
Unfortunately, this book was not for me. I found myself at various times, frustrated by the lack of communication between characters and it prevented me from truly getting invested in The Lamplighter. I also found a lot of relationships to be lacking (ex:
samkb's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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? Yes
3.0
cozyinthenook's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
hmgauthi's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Huge thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an e-Arc in exchange for an honest review!
“I’m the one who brings light to the dark.”
I should have loved this book. A horror novel that takes place in a 19th century whaling village? Love the concept.
It failed in the execution for me. The pace was horrendously slow and the characters were sort of unbearable. In an attempt to fill the story with atmosphere, it killed the stories ability to create suspense and the actual horror of the story was flat. I very much skimmed post page 100.
I will say, the epilogue was interesting. I would rather a book that started there than ending on that note. Now THAT would be a folklore/horror novel.
“I’m the one who brings light to the dark.”
I should have loved this book. A horror novel that takes place in a 19th century whaling village? Love the concept.
It failed in the execution for me. The pace was horrendously slow and the characters were sort of unbearable. In an attempt to fill the story with atmosphere, it killed the stories ability to create suspense and the actual horror of the story was flat. I very much skimmed post page 100.
I will say, the epilogue was interesting. I would rather a book that started there than ending on that note. Now THAT would be a folklore/horror novel.
halleyaisling's review
challenging
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5