4.5 stars (rounded up to 5)
Creepy, atmospheric YA horror with hints of Addams Family and Little Red Riding Hood.
We go on a journey with Eleanor after she runs away from boarding school to return to her strange family who live secluded in a large mansion.
This is a slow burn of a book and we get to know each character of this small cast pretty well as Eleanor tries to learn more about herself and where she belongs in her family of ‘monsters.’
Arthur, the family accountant who all of the family seems to be a bit in love with, was a standout of a character and I face cast him as Paul Bettany (don’t ask me why, my brain has a mind all its own). He remains one of the biggest and most fascinating mysteries of the book until the third act.
What I loved:
The LGBTQ themes are subtle but authentic.
Addams Family vibes are always a plus.
Great atmosphere, mystery kept me guessing.
My only complaint was the mystery was almost too opaque with clues that were too subtle. I felt like I was in the dark for most of the book regarding the antagonist and our hero Eleanor until a few big reveals near the penultimate chapter. But even after the reveal, I felt many questions I had along the way were left answered. It didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the book, but I wanted more details and explanations woven in after such a long buildup.
I look forward to more from Szabo. Great debut!
Thank you to BookishFirst and Fierce Reads for the ARC.
Creepy, atmospheric YA horror with hints of Addams Family and Little Red Riding Hood.
We go on a journey with Eleanor after she runs away from boarding school to return to her strange family who live secluded in a large mansion.
This is a slow burn of a book and we get to know each character of this small cast pretty well as Eleanor tries to learn more about herself and where she belongs in her family of ‘monsters.’
Arthur, the family accountant who all of the family seems to be a bit in love with, was a standout of a character and I face cast him as Paul Bettany (don’t ask me why, my brain has a mind all its own). He remains one of the biggest and most fascinating mysteries of the book until the third act.
What I loved:
The LGBTQ themes are subtle but authentic.
Addams Family vibes are always a plus.
Great atmosphere, mystery kept me guessing.
My only complaint was the mystery was almost too opaque with clues that were too subtle. I felt like I was in the dark for most of the book regarding the antagonist and our hero Eleanor until a few big reveals near the penultimate chapter. But even after the reveal, I felt many questions I had along the way were left answered. It didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the book, but I wanted more details and explanations woven in after such a long buildup.
I look forward to more from Szabo. Great debut!
Thank you to BookishFirst and Fierce Reads for the ARC.