A review by noble_editorial
The Last Heir to Blackwood Library by Hester Fox

dark mysterious sad slow-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? Yes

2.5

I'm a Hester Fox fan and I adored the premise of this story, but it missed the mark for me. The motivations of the MC don't feel believable and the supporting characters are flimsy. A dark, atmospheric setting is a hallmark of a gothic novel, but it falls flat here. The plot is weak, with several holes, and a rushed, chaotic resolution that feels thoroughly unsatisfying. Overall, it seems that Fox got lost in her own story. A good gothic tale requires a tight rein on the author's part. While characters may become disoriented by their experiences and consumed by self-doubt, enough control must be exerted by the author to protect the reader from feeling entrenched in chaos as well. Drawing the reader in and playing on their assumptions is one thing, but leaving them scratching their heads with no idea how the author has jumped from point A to B creates an unpleasant reading experience. 

2.5 stars rounded to 3, and I feel so sad about it. There was great potential here, but the execution just didn't work. 

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 
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