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A review by books4everafter
The Quiet Stillness of Empty Houses by L.V. Russell
3.0
This is a dark gothic novel with Jane Eyre vibes. Theodora Corvus takes the job as governess to a young Ottoline Thorne. Leaving behind her grandmother and decaying childhood home, she travels to Broken Oak Manor. A house filled with secrets, much like its housekeeper and lord, Cassias Thorne. She finds herself drawn to Cassias and the strange happenings occuring at night within the manor. Especially the mysterious person wandering the house at night, leading to the attic.
“Where is Lady Thorne, Cassias? Where is your wife?”
I liked the spooky atmosphere that the author evoked with the descriptive imagery and elements used throughout this book. I liked the promise or vibes of a romance or romantic element similar to Jane Eyre.
However, I was left disappointed by the ending; it felt predictable and unsatisfying. This also did not feel like it qualified as a romance, which felt misleading. There is a love story developed, but it felt out of place and forced. I did not feel the connection between the characters, so the love story wasn't believable. It felt like it was a slow build, very Jane Austen; then a flip was switched and they now loved each other; just felt out of place. I feel as though if the romantic element was left out (which is strange coming from a primarily romance reader) and the focus was just on the plot and characters, this has the potential of being better at just a suspense/horror gothic novel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
“Where is Lady Thorne, Cassias? Where is your wife?”
I liked the spooky atmosphere that the author evoked with the descriptive imagery and elements used throughout this book. I liked the promise or vibes of a romance or romantic element similar to Jane Eyre.
However, I was left disappointed by the ending; it felt predictable and unsatisfying. This also did not feel like it qualified as a romance, which felt misleading. There is a love story developed, but it felt out of place and forced. I did not feel the connection between the characters, so the love story wasn't believable. It felt like it was a slow build, very Jane Austen; then a flip was switched and they now loved each other; just felt out of place. I feel as though if the romantic element was left out (which is strange coming from a primarily romance reader) and the focus was just on the plot and characters, this has the potential of being better at just a suspense/horror gothic novel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.