Gothic fantasy and I usually clash; they never feel spooky or unique. We always have a haunted house, some dusty rooms, one locked room, a mysterious older woman or man, a secret, some creepy happenings, and maybe even some creepy lake or garden. This one had a unique spin on some things, but all in all, I did not feel this one changed my mind about YA gothic books.
One thing that stood out to me was the fridging. An injured female and a feral male who is moved by her vulnerability. I just don't like it. Some of the phrases were weird, as well, and turned me off from the writing. I did enjoy the world-building a lot; it felt lush and mysterious.
I do like Rowan as a character but was not convinced of our MC. I thought she'd grow on me, but nope.
The plot was confusing and some of the aspects of the magic were rushed.
All in all, good cover, but the execution was not up to par.
One thing that stood out to me was the fridging. An injured female and a feral male who is moved by her vulnerability. I just don't like it. Some of the phrases were weird, as well, and turned me off from the writing. I did enjoy the world-building a lot; it felt lush and mysterious.
I do like Rowan as a character but was not convinced of our MC. I thought she'd grow on me, but nope.
The plot was confusing and some of the aspects of the magic were rushed.
All in all, good cover, but the execution was not up to par.