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abotts27's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
This is definitely a dark, gothic story. There were quite a few mentions of self harm, so make sure to read the content warnings. Overall, I did find myself going back to this story repeatedly because I had so many questions, but I left the ending with some of the same questions.
I felt like the magic system fell a bit flat. It was very crucial to the plot, but I didn’t fully understand how it worked.
The main character was also my least favorite, and she was determined to make herself a martyr rather than opening up to anyone. I had hoped she would learn and grow from it more in the end.
That said, it was a compelling story and unique plot. I kept me interested, and I’m curious to see more from this author.
I felt like the magic system fell a bit flat. It was very crucial to the plot, but I didn’t fully understand how it worked.
The main character was also my least favorite, and she was determined to make herself a martyr rather than opening up to anyone. I had hoped she would learn and grow from it more in the end.
That said, it was a compelling story and unique plot. I kept me interested, and I’m curious to see more from this author.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Self harm and Child abuse
Minor: Suicide attempt
aklev13's review
4.0
I definitely enjoyed this and i think it does a great job at creating atmosphere. I got Crimson Peak vibes at the beginning- not in terms of the plot but in terms of the creepy, isolated house and a supernatural element. I felt the boy who was a monster wasnt quite monstrous enough for me, like it was revealed a little too early for my liking that he wasnt that monstrous. However, Lord Under really made up for that. The character of Lord Under was so intriguing and i adored all the scenes with him in them. I read Belladonna recently and enjoyed it but in hindsight i wished she’d treated her character of Death a bit more like Lord Under in this book.
dunnalotofreading's review against another edition
I did not care to finish it. I put it down and didn't want to pick it back up. And before that I was really forcing myself to continue reading it.
atrailofpages's review
4.0
This was such a lovely gothic read!
In this book we follow Violeta whose brother is suffering from these odd shadows that they try to hide from their village. The Lord of Lakesedge notices them one day when visiting their village and takes them to his home so that he can have her brother trained to control his powers. In the meantime, Violeta is trying to come to terms as to what her brother can do, her memories, her feelings for Rowan, and the curse he is under and how she can end it.
This gave me such Jane Eyre and Hades and Persephone, with maybe even a bit of Beauty and the Beast, vibes. It is very gothic and atmospheric, enchanting and a bit eerie. The world is so eerie and gothicly romantic.
I loved the dynamic between the characters. I loved Violeta’s relationship with her brother, and the interaction between the other side characters in this book. I love when the main characters develop such strong relationships with side characters and when family relationships develop. It was well done in this book. The romance in here is also lovely, a slow burn, which I love! I adored Rowan from the start. Such a dark past, that causes his rather broody and dark demeanor, but he obviously has a heart and cares a lot. Violeta, on the other hand, was probably my least favorite character. She was over protective(which I get, it’s her brother’s life at stake here, but still, let him make his own choices), and instead of getting more information, she tended to jump to conclusions and was very stubborn in her thoughts. Then she suddenly just changed and accepted everything. I dunno, she just honestly annoyed me.
Other than Violeta, I loved the rest of the characters, the story, the world, and that ending! I’m curious to know how the story continues! Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the free digital copy to read and review.
In this book we follow Violeta whose brother is suffering from these odd shadows that they try to hide from their village. The Lord of Lakesedge notices them one day when visiting their village and takes them to his home so that he can have her brother trained to control his powers. In the meantime, Violeta is trying to come to terms as to what her brother can do, her memories, her feelings for Rowan, and the curse he is under and how she can end it.
This gave me such Jane Eyre and Hades and Persephone, with maybe even a bit of Beauty and the Beast, vibes. It is very gothic and atmospheric, enchanting and a bit eerie. The world is so eerie and gothicly romantic.
I loved the dynamic between the characters. I loved Violeta’s relationship with her brother, and the interaction between the other side characters in this book. I love when the main characters develop such strong relationships with side characters and when family relationships develop. It was well done in this book. The romance in here is also lovely, a slow burn, which I love! I adored Rowan from the start. Such a dark past, that causes his rather broody and dark demeanor, but he obviously has a heart and cares a lot. Violeta, on the other hand, was probably my least favorite character. She was over protective(which I get, it’s her brother’s life at stake here, but still, let him make his own choices), and instead of getting more information, she tended to jump to conclusions and was very stubborn in her thoughts. Then she suddenly just changed and accepted everything. I dunno, she just honestly annoyed me.
Other than Violeta, I loved the rest of the characters, the story, the world, and that ending! I’m curious to know how the story continues! Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the free digital copy to read and review.
k_lenn's review
2.0
Well, I wanted to love this.
Unfortunately there was something about the characters that just felt off/flat, and the romance lacked chemistry. The very highly-praised queer rep disappointed me, too. While nearly every character is LGBTQ+, it's done in the most low-effort way possible it's as if the representation was just an afterthought. It amazes me how books can get so much praise for doing so little.
Seems like I have unpopular opinions about this one though, so keep that in mind. It's an easy and quick book to read, and I thought the writing was decent. Give it a try if you find the synopsis interesting!
Unfortunately there was something about the characters that just felt off/flat, and the romance lacked chemistry. The very highly-praised queer rep disappointed me, too. While nearly every character is LGBTQ+, it's done in the most low-effort way possible it's as if the representation was just an afterthought. It amazes me how books can get so much praise for doing so little.
Seems like I have unpopular opinions about this one though, so keep that in mind. It's an easy and quick book to read, and I thought the writing was decent. Give it a try if you find the synopsis interesting!
laurenrosewriter's review
5.0
I’m not the biggest fan of the gothic genre, but I really liked Lakesedge! It had such a great plot, likeable characters and it was really well written, with an enjoyable pace. I can’t wait for the next book!
kamitc's review
3.0
3.5 stars
Lakesedge is an achingly poetic love letter to the monster under your bed. Clipstone’s command of language and use of imagery make for a haunting debut.
Leta is doing her best to hide her brother’s shadow magic from the people in her small village as it would certainly mark him as connected to the Lord Under. Offered a place at his estate and help with her brother’s shadows by the renowned and feared Rowan Sylvanan, Leta and her brother find themselves living in the ruins of a formally glorious mansion (very Crimson Peak). Rowan claims he can help Leta’s brother with his shadows, but he wants something in return. There’s a curse on him and his estate and time is running out before it can be healed.
Overall I felt the pacing and the tension were not strong enough to keep me on the edge of my seat. Clipstone also plays with a lot of foreshadowing that left off in too many loose strings. This novel made me ask a lot of questions, but did not answer them. I realize this story sets up for a sequel, but I feel that there were too many things hints given that I did not understand. The magic system in particular was incredibly vague. While I usually don’t mind, because it was central to the plot and Leta’s experience, it did not serve the story to its full potential.
I would recommend this book for fans of haunting and beautiful stories with stubbornly brave girls. This book reminded me strongly of Crimson Peak, if Edith had more agency and power to influence the outcome of the events that unfolded around her.
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Lakesedge is an achingly poetic love letter to the monster under your bed. Clipstone’s command of language and use of imagery make for a haunting debut.
Leta is doing her best to hide her brother’s shadow magic from the people in her small village as it would certainly mark him as connected to the Lord Under. Offered a place at his estate and help with her brother’s shadows by the renowned and feared Rowan Sylvanan, Leta and her brother find themselves living in the ruins of a formally glorious mansion (very Crimson Peak). Rowan claims he can help Leta’s brother with his shadows, but he wants something in return. There’s a curse on him and his estate and time is running out before it can be healed.
Overall I felt the pacing and the tension were not strong enough to keep me on the edge of my seat. Clipstone also plays with a lot of foreshadowing that left off in too many loose strings. This novel made me ask a lot of questions, but did not answer them. I realize this story sets up for a sequel, but I feel that there were too many things hints given that I did not understand. The magic system in particular was incredibly vague. While I usually don’t mind, because it was central to the plot and Leta’s experience, it did not serve the story to its full potential.
I would recommend this book for fans of haunting and beautiful stories with stubbornly brave girls. This book reminded me strongly of Crimson Peak, if Edith had more agency and power to influence the outcome of the events that unfolded around her.
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
eloracookauthor's review
5.0
An amazing debut! I had the pleasure of reading an earlier version and it was the gothic romance I didn't know I needed. Lyndall's prose are exquisite and lure you in to keep reading more. I can't recommend this book enough for fans of Crimson Peak, gothic romance and fantastic storytelling.
And now I get to read a newer version!
And now I get to read a newer version!
beastly_bat's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
"I want someone bigger than me, crueler and stronger. Someone to hold my hand and lead me through the dark." 🫠
bookended's review
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
4/5! This story really surprised me! I kind of went into into it without reading any synopsizes or reviews. I had though I was reading just another dark, gothic horror story (which, I was not super excited about) but it definitely was a bit more than that!
Firstly, I did not expect the romance to be so passionate. And not only do I feel the romantic tension between Violeta (FMC) and Rowan (MMC) but also with Mr. Lord Under ???????????????? I WILL be tuning in to the next book(s?) just to see more of him.
I gave it 4 stars as the pace seemed to go VERY quickly towards the middle and felt like the romance between Violeta and Rowan came out of nowhere? I had a Owlcrate edition of this book that feature a Bonus Chapter that included a scene in Rowan's POV and OMG that would've helped SO MUCH.
All in all, it was a good read and I intend to continue the series and read more by Lyndall Clipstone!
Firstly, I did not expect the romance to be so passionate. And not only do I feel the romantic tension between Violeta (FMC) and Rowan (MMC) but also with Mr. Lord Under ???????????????? I WILL be tuning in to the next book(s?) just to see more of him.
I gave it 4 stars as the pace seemed to go VERY quickly towards the middle and felt like the romance between Violeta and Rowan came out of nowhere? I had a Owlcrate edition of this book that feature a Bonus Chapter that included a scene in Rowan's POV and OMG that would've helped SO MUCH.
All in all, it was a good read and I intend to continue the series and read more by Lyndall Clipstone!