Scan barcode
A review by kamitc
Lakesedge by Lyndall Clipstone
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.