Castle of the Cursed

By Romina Garber

YA Fantasy 

284 pages

Owlcrate Special Edition 

front cover

endsheet and blurb

This was a great book. I didn't actually read the summary before I read the book, so some things that shouldn't have been surprising were - like vampires.

Came with some serious warnings. 

It was dark and sad, but not as "rough" as I feared it might be. 

first page

It was a satisfying book. Things came through, pulled through, were consistent without being annoying. Everything tied together well. 

Not a series!

Also, it's gorgeous. Just look how pretty! 

My Little One really loves the styling, so I'm going to let her steal it from me. 

Signed! ❤

Author letter! ❤

This book also had a bonus chapter - some key events from a different character's point of view. 

author info 

Lakesedge & Forestfall

By Lyndall Clipstone 

2 books!

Hardback

Owlcrate 

YA Fantasy 

Lakesedge: 371 pages 

Forestfall: 389 pages

I actually read Lakesdge a full year ago. I don't remember details. I figured I'd remember enough to understand the sequel, Forestfall, and I did. 

it's spooky and Gothic and horror

creepy monsters and magic and bargains

author letter for Lakesedge. 

art print for Lakesedge. Lord Under, Violeta, and Rowan 

first pages

each chapter has these designs at the top of the pages

So the special edition covers were supposed to match? But there was apparently a snafu at the printers and they used the glossy finish instead of the matching matt finish. They were both naked books, no dust jacket. Ostensibly they are sending dust jackets out, so we can have them look matchy on our shelves, but I haven't gotten any updates on that. 

Witness, differences from regular edition. 

both backs

Forestfall art cards

Map!

doodle

Author letter

cool wooden bookmark that came with Forestfall. (And you can see the pretty end papers.)

first pages, with pretty illustration 

this book alternated viewpoint

it didn't switch off every single chapter, but also notice that the two characters had different illustrations

Overall? A solid duology, although some of the characters made choices which peeved me. 

Glad I have both, will keep.

Mexican Gothic

By Silvia Moreno-Garcia

301 pages 

Hardback

Fiction

A Gothic novel complete with creepy house and sketchy characters. 

I picked this up yesterday, and didn't want to put it down. 

The main character is a bit flighty, but a good person. It's a struggle to figure out exactly what's going on until the author tells you.  I also have a few lingering questions about it, but nothing which disturbs my pleasure in the overall narrative. 

Author info

page 1

Impressions: a good amount of mystery, a strange world, gravestones, mushrooms, and creepy vibes. 

It's a stand alone novel, and I really enjoyed it. 

Summer read #3 Darker Still

Darker Still
A Novel of Magic Most Foul

By Leanne Renee Hieber

317 pages
Paperback
Scholastic Build a Box

YA Gothic

A take on Picture of Dorian Gray.
Interesting, but not going to read it again.
A bit overdramatic, but that fits the style, I suppose.
To keep in the classroom shelf? Probably not.