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3.32 AVERAGE
3.32 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
This is a "gothic" novel set in the 1800s and is a reasonably straightforward murder-mystery type of a book. It is quite fun to read and I was keen to find out whodunnit, but the ending was a little over-dramatic in my opinion.
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
When Catherine arrives at Locksley Abbey to take up the post of governess she is hiding several secrets, not least that the previous governess was her long lost sister. The Abbey is the ancestral home of a not so wealthy landowner and mine proprietor, her charge is his troubled daughter. As time goes on Catherine realises that something sinister is happening and it's to do with the woods and also her past.
I grew to rather enjoy this story despite it's slightly supernatural tones. I think this was mainly because of the character of Arthur and his haunting secrets around a Chartist uprising. In the end it was pretty gripping and I enjoyed it.
I grew to rather enjoy this story despite it's slightly supernatural tones. I think this was mainly because of the character of Arthur and his haunting secrets around a Chartist uprising. In the end it was pretty gripping and I enjoyed it.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
For me this book took longer than normal to complete.
I don’t usually go for historical fiction but I wanted to try something new.
The story can be a little bit disjointed at times and I did sometimes have to re-read bits to refresh my memory of characters and their specific stories.
They do eventually tie together and make sense but active reading is essential and maybe a notebook handy too.
Just as I thought I knew what was happening a new twist was added which did keep me engaged within the story.
I don’t usually go for historical fiction but I wanted to try something new.
The story can be a little bit disjointed at times and I did sometimes have to re-read bits to refresh my memory of characters and their specific stories.
They do eventually tie together and make sense but active reading is essential and maybe a notebook handy too.
Just as I thought I knew what was happening a new twist was added which did keep me engaged within the story.
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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:
Complicated
Rosie Andrews invites readers on a chilling journey into the heart of mystery and folklore with her latest novel. Set against the backdrop of a remote estate nestled in the shadow of the Black Mountains, this atmospheric tale weaves together secrets, myths and the follies of man.
While the premise is undeniably intriguing, Andrews's execution may leave some readers wanting more. The Welsh folklore that permeates the story feels somewhat underdeveloped, serving more as background noise than a fully integrated aspect of the narrative. However, where the novel truly shines is in its characters. Catherine, with her complex motivations and inner turmoil, is a compelling protagonist, while the charming yet mysterious young doctor adds depth and intrigue to the story.
Despite its occasional flaws, the novel delivers a satisfying twist at the end that will leave readers reeling. Andrews plays with expectations and delivers a conclusion that is both surprising and satisfying. It's a testament to her skill as a storyteller that she is able to keep readers guessing until the very last page.
Thank you to Bloomsbury and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
While the premise is undeniably intriguing, Andrews's execution may leave some readers wanting more. The Welsh folklore that permeates the story feels somewhat underdeveloped, serving more as background noise than a fully integrated aspect of the narrative. However, where the novel truly shines is in its characters. Catherine, with her complex motivations and inner turmoil, is a compelling protagonist, while the charming yet mysterious young doctor adds depth and intrigue to the story.
Despite its occasional flaws, the novel delivers a satisfying twist at the end that will leave readers reeling. Andrews plays with expectations and delivers a conclusion that is both surprising and satisfying. It's a testament to her skill as a storyteller that she is able to keep readers guessing until the very last page.
Thank you to Bloomsbury and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
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:
Complicated
Read as an ARC
This was not the book for me. Although I found it an easy and fairly compelling read at times, the disjointed storyline was frustrating. I wasn't able to become immersed in any of the characters and their individual stories, which took away from my reading enjoyment. In parts, the narrative picked up and became more exciting, but overall, I have to admit to being left feeling a bit flat.
This was not the book for me. Although I found it an easy and fairly compelling read at times, the disjointed storyline was frustrating. I wasn't able to become immersed in any of the characters and their individual stories, which took away from my reading enjoyment. In parts, the narrative picked up and became more exciting, but overall, I have to admit to being left feeling a bit flat.