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A review by elaichipod
The Lamplighter by Crystal J. Bell
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-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? Yes
5.0
I am so grateful to NetGalley, North Star Editions, and Flux Imprints for this eARC because this is my first 5 star book of the year and I think it is very well deserved! The Lamplighter begins with a miasma of unease and eeriness. The book progresses relatively slowly until about 60% of the book but all those chapters were totally necessary to create the tension and fear.
Every time Temperance would have to start her lamplighting shift, I was worried something would jump out of the fog at her, but this isn't that type of horror story. As I was reading, I really had no idea if the mystery would be settled normally or paranormally. Of course, as I read on, it became more and more clear. The terror is a lot more shrouded and deep-rooted. There is also a lot of focus on misogyny and sexual assault as Tempe's strives to solve this mystery plaguing her village.
The author has a very unique writing style and The Lamplighter really reveals her skillset. I could really visualize the entire setting and many of the characters. I relished every word and could not stop reading. I think the book exudes the same disturbing nature as The Yellow Wallpaper and I could point out many parallels (gender roles, patriarchy, mental health, isolation, confinement). I really enjoyed the shifts in Tempe's perspective and dialogue as she gets entangled in the surrealness of Warbler. The epilogue was such a jolting finale to this horror story.
Temperance and Prudence have a Kate and Edwina type of relationship at times. The elder is trying her best to keep her younger sister safe and happy, but the younger sister's stubbornness wins. Of course, the plots and endings of Bridgerton and The Lamplighter are totally different, but the dynamic is definitely there. It's also why I hold no contempt for Tempe for refusing help and burdening herself so.
This is an incredibly atmospheric horror story that takes place in a seaport village in the 1800s and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in gothic horror and mystery.
I do think that the identity of the villain was established in my mind once Gideon was introduced and described. There were times when I would consider other characters to be responsible for the problems plaguing the village, but it always came back to Gideon. I think the real, enjoyable horror of this book was revelation of Gideon's intentions, character, and identity (or identities I guess), and how Tempe was going to restore safety in Warbler.
Josiah's fate was heart wrenching. I could not even fathom how Tempe would handle knowing that her arson idea would be the nail on the coffin (literally). I was disappointed at first with how he received her fears and concerns, but I get it, it feels wildly unbelievable. But knowing that he went to confront Gideon about his mistreatment towards Tempe despite his lack of foresight really made his death tragic.
I loved how the last chapter just became so convoluted and unreliable. The transition of Tempe's humanity to her tree-ness was so shocking. I did not expect her to become a figurehead or for her mother to die. This is also why I appreciated the epilogue so much more. Reading about Prudence connecting the dots and holding onto the chisel was so significant. It really makes you curious about her fate, but I'm sure Gideon would have known immediately that something had been done to his precious Lamplighter.
Although this is advertised as a young adult novel, it is very advanced in theme, writing, and plot. I always assumed YA end usually end in happily ever afters, but The Lamplighter definitely gets added to the unhappy endings list. However, I am not complaining because I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Every time Temperance would have to start her lamplighting shift, I was worried something would jump out of the fog at her, but this isn't that type of horror story. As I was reading, I really had no idea if the mystery would be settled normally or paranormally. Of course, as I read on, it became more and more clear. The terror is a lot more shrouded and deep-rooted. There is also a lot of focus on misogyny and sexual assault as Tempe's strives to solve this mystery plaguing her village.
The author has a very unique writing style and The Lamplighter really reveals her skillset. I could really visualize the entire setting and many of the characters. I relished every word and could not stop reading. I think the book exudes the same disturbing nature as The Yellow Wallpaper and I could point out many parallels (gender roles, patriarchy, mental health, isolation, confinement). I really enjoyed the shifts in Tempe's perspective and dialogue as she gets entangled in the surrealness of Warbler. The epilogue was such a jolting finale to this horror story.
Temperance and Prudence have a Kate and Edwina type of relationship at times. The elder is trying her best to keep her younger sister safe and happy, but the younger sister's stubbornness wins. Of course, the plots and endings of Bridgerton and The Lamplighter are totally different, but the dynamic is definitely there. It's also why I hold no contempt for Tempe for refusing help and burdening herself so.
This is an incredibly atmospheric horror story that takes place in a seaport village in the 1800s and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in gothic horror and mystery.
Josiah's fate was heart wrenching. I could not even fathom how Tempe would handle knowing that her arson idea would be the nail on the coffin (literally). I was disappointed at first with how he received her fears and concerns, but I get it, it feels wildly unbelievable. But knowing that he went to confront Gideon about his mistreatment towards Tempe despite his lack of foresight really made his death tragic.
I loved how the last chapter just became so convoluted and unreliable. The transition of Tempe's humanity to her tree-ness was so shocking. I did not expect her to become a figurehead or for her mother to die. This is also why I appreciated the epilogue so much more. Reading about Prudence connecting the dots and holding onto the chisel was so significant. It really makes you curious about her fate, but I'm sure Gideon would have known immediately that something had been done to his precious Lamplighter.
Although this is advertised as a young adult novel, it is very advanced in theme, writing, and plot. I always assumed YA end usually end in happily ever afters, but The Lamplighter definitely gets added to the unhappy endings list. However, I am not complaining because I thoroughly enjoyed it.