If Beauty & the Beast Had a Baby with Hades & Persephone
Lakesedge is a novel I've had on my radar since its publication last year. It has most everything I look for when perusing for new reads. For the longest I actually thought this was a young adult novel based on the cover art. I also thought it was a haunted house trope. Little did I know it's actually paranormal fantasy fiction. Color me surprised and even more excited when my impression on Bookishfirst won a gifted copy!
This novel centers around Violeta (Leta) and her brother, Arien. He's tormented by a shadow darkness that possesses him and leaves him without control. Leta tries protecting him from the abuse it brings down on him from their adoptive mother. What they don't realize is that they are not the only ones fighting this dark force. Cue the Monster of Lakesedge, Lord Sylvanan. You'll have to read the synopsis and book to know more though. 😉
The atmosphere is richly gothic with scenes that made me think of the fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast, and the myth of Persephone and Hades. While I wouldn't label anything on the horror side, I will say that the darker elements are haunting and lyrically written. There are light steamy scenes and a budding chemistry that doesn't overwhelm the plot. Some scenes are lengthy in inner monologue but the overall flow of the narrative was well done. The writing style did tend to feel more young adult for those who may prefer that writing feel.
Each character brings something unique to the table even if they aren't all carved out with deep rooted histories. There is an element of Underworld that really dragged my attention in more. This is one of the areas I look forward to Clipstone exploring in the next novel. I love me some Underworld Lordings! Hence my love towards the Hades and Persephone vibes.
I found myself fully engaged from start to finish. I even took a chance on using one of my credits on the audiobook due to timing. Alas, this is a book I found more enjoyable to physically read than listen too. There's a cadence in Clipstone's writing that I felt was lost in audio format.
I recommend this novel if you haven't gotten to it yet. Especially since Forestfall will hit shelves in September. Thank you Bookishfirst and Lyndall Clipstone for the opportunity to win a lovely copy to review. All thoughts are my own.
This novel centers around Violeta (Leta) and her brother, Arien. He's tormented by a shadow darkness that possesses him and leaves him without control. Leta tries protecting him from the abuse it brings down on him from their adoptive mother. What they don't realize is that they are not the only ones fighting this dark force. Cue the Monster of Lakesedge, Lord Sylvanan. You'll have to read the synopsis and book to know more though. 😉
The atmosphere is richly gothic with scenes that made me think of the fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast, and the myth of Persephone and Hades. While I wouldn't label anything on the horror side, I will say that the darker elements are haunting and lyrically written. There are light steamy scenes and a budding chemistry that doesn't overwhelm the plot. Some scenes are lengthy in inner monologue but the overall flow of the narrative was well done. The writing style did tend to feel more young adult for those who may prefer that writing feel.
Each character brings something unique to the table even if they aren't all carved out with deep rooted histories. There is an element of Underworld that really dragged my attention in more. This is one of the areas I look forward to Clipstone exploring in the next novel. I love me some Underworld Lordings! Hence my love towards the Hades and Persephone vibes.
I found myself fully engaged from start to finish. I even took a chance on using one of my credits on the audiobook due to timing. Alas, this is a book I found more enjoyable to physically read than listen too. There's a cadence in Clipstone's writing that I felt was lost in audio format.
I recommend this novel if you haven't gotten to it yet. Especially since Forestfall will hit shelves in September. Thank you Bookishfirst and Lyndall Clipstone for the opportunity to win a lovely copy to review. All thoughts are my own.