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A review by flybybooks
Lying With Lions by Annabel Fielding
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Anastasia Rydaeva for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
TW: rape, child death, murder
Lying with Lions is a gothic historical novel with a Wuthering-Heights-esque energy. Our Main Character Agnes, a Woman pushed from a well-off position in life by the debt and alcoholism of her Father, is an Archivist for the Family of a Baron. It is her job to comb through and sort hundreds of years of letters and documents the family has been collectiong in the expanse of tunnels under their estate. This endeavour opens up possibilities for Agnes as she discovers secrets long-forgotten or put to rest. When the Baron is poisoned, the estranged Son to be contacted and the Lady of the House in need of companionship and counsel, Agnes is close at hand. So begins a tale of love and lust, of greed and servitude, of guilt and betrayal. So begins the tale of Helen and Agnes.
This book grabbed my arm and wouldn't let go. The way it was written kept me hanging on to every word. The imagery was rich, the storyline flowing. The Characters were fleshed-out, their motives clear where they needed to be and unclear when it was better. If you are a fan of morally grey characters, then this book (and this genre) is for you: the multidimensionality of horrible acts and unjust justification of inexcusable acts were expertly displayed.
I particularly enjoyed the sapphic romance. It was, as romances often are in gothic fiction, not a healthy relationship dynamic. However, watching the development of the relationship, the waxing and waning of love and resentment side by side, was very enjoyable. I did think it felt a little rushed in the beginning, though this is ultimately forgiveable given how much I loved the rest of the book.
If you loved Wuthering Heights and the Bridgerton Series, but wish they were sapphic, then you will enjoy this book. I highly recommend.
TW: rape, child death, murder
Lying with Lions is a gothic historical novel with a Wuthering-Heights-esque energy. Our Main Character Agnes, a Woman pushed from a well-off position in life by the debt and alcoholism of her Father, is an Archivist for the Family of a Baron. It is her job to comb through and sort hundreds of years of letters and documents the family has been collectiong in the expanse of tunnels under their estate. This endeavour opens up possibilities for Agnes as she discovers secrets long-forgotten or put to rest. When the Baron is poisoned, the estranged Son to be contacted and the Lady of the House in need of companionship and counsel, Agnes is close at hand. So begins a tale of love and lust, of greed and servitude, of guilt and betrayal. So begins the tale of Helen and Agnes.
This book grabbed my arm and wouldn't let go. The way it was written kept me hanging on to every word. The imagery was rich, the storyline flowing. The Characters were fleshed-out, their motives clear where they needed to be and unclear when it was better. If you are a fan of morally grey characters, then this book (and this genre) is for you: the multidimensionality of horrible acts and unjust justification of inexcusable acts were expertly displayed.
I particularly enjoyed the sapphic romance. It was, as romances often are in gothic fiction, not a healthy relationship dynamic. However, watching the development of the relationship, the waxing and waning of love and resentment side by side, was very enjoyable. I did think it felt a little rushed in the beginning, though this is ultimately forgiveable given how much I loved the rest of the book.
Spoiler
Beware the ending, it will destroy you. Also it was amazing and inevitable and fitting. All roads lead to rome and all.If you loved Wuthering Heights and the Bridgerton Series, but wish they were sapphic, then you will enjoy this book. I highly recommend.