athenabinghamauthor's reviews
834 reviews

Love is a Curse by

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mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Love is a Curse by Keith Stuart is a captivating modern gothic tale that weaves together mystery, suspense, and a little romance in a hugely compelling way. I spent all day reading this book, and couldn't wait to finish it.

Cammy is warned by her dying aunt that she can never 'have what other people have' - that she won't ever be able to have a successful relationship due to a generational family curse. Cammy has always been close to her aunt, and as she moves through life she starts to look into the curse for herself. 

There are some excellent twists and turns that I don't want to give away, but Stuart uses old articles, diaries, letters, and journals to make all the characters' stories feel real.  The book explores different kinds of love, from family to romance. Each page is super engaging, and Stuart's storytelling will keep you hooked. 

If you're into gothic fiction set in the modern day or love a good story of intrigue, you must read this book.
The Witch's Lens by Luanne G. Smith

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adventurous challenging dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

"The Witch's Lens" by Luanne G. Smith is a delightful blend of historical fiction and fantasy that deserves a solid 5/5 stars. The story is centered around Petra's unique talent for capturing souls on film during World War I, which makes for a truly engaging read from beginning to end. Although romance isn't the main focus, it adds a lovely layer of depth to the story. Smith skillfully weaves together world-building, character development, and exciting pacing, resulting in a satisfying and well-rounded conclusion.