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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!
lady_perfictionist's review
5.0
I’ve been entrapped but this book from the moment I saw the cover and read the synopsis. I just knew I needed to read it! When it was my September OwlCrate book I felt like a little kid at an amusement park! Filled with so much excitement that I stopped reading the book I was currently in and picked it up. Let me tell you it did not disappoint!
The first two chapters brought you all the gothic horror and eerie vibes that just pulled you in. There is magic, and death gods, monsters that are boys and boys that are monsters who just want to love this stubborn women! There is found family and determination that sets off a series of bad choices! The ending left me wanting more and I’m glad to know that there will be!
The first two chapters brought you all the gothic horror and eerie vibes that just pulled you in. There is magic, and death gods, monsters that are boys and boys that are monsters who just want to love this stubborn women! There is found family and determination that sets off a series of bad choices! The ending left me wanting more and I’m glad to know that there will be!
onemamareads's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Read my full review here: https://onemamassummer.weebly.com/book-reviews/lakesedge
coffeelitmama's review
5.0
I loved the secrets and mystery. This book got me out of my reading slump and made me want to stay up late to find out what was going to happen.
graycloudsnsuch's review
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
raekg's review
emotional
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
4.0