I thought this book was okay, but really nothing SPECIAL. Did I like it? Absolutely. But everything just felt like it was mimicking what was proven to be popular. I know that’s how a lot of books are, but it just felt like I was reading some overhyped book and it isn’t even out yet.
Overall, it was a great book thought. The magic system was really unspecific with the alchemists and I don’t know WHY they’re called alchemists, but it was fun to read about. There were a lot of nice friendships and creepy vibes, which I’m always down for. The romance also did develop well, but again, it felt like a cliche. I had a lot of fun reading this book, it just wasn’t very special.

Spoiler free review
Wow!! This book was amazing!! What an gothic, amazing and chilling tale that left me wanting more. This story takes you on a journey of an heroine who finds her magic throughout the book. It has the perfect amount of romance, betrayal and mystery to keep you reading until the very end. I throughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait for more!

Enjoyed this gothic, atmospheric tale. It reminds me a bit of Crimson Peak, with its lush setting and memorable characters. This will be a good addition to our collection.

Thanks to the publisher for access to this title in return for a fair review.

3.75 stars
Violeta spends much of her time protecting her brother from her adoptive mother, trying to hide his shadow magic. When that magic is spotted by none other than the monster of the manor, Leta and her brother soon find themselves embarking on a task to save not only themselves, but the monster that everyone fears and that Leta is falling for.

A decent gothic feel, and the weaving of the magic and the ultimate interaction with the Lord of Under is well done. The conclusion is well written and not rushed, which helped to make the whole book that much better.

This book was absolutely fantastic. I've already added it to our library collection and will recommend it to students.

This book was received as an ARC from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group - Henry Holt and Co. in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

At first I was a little hesitant on reading this book and I am usually not a fan of haunting materials and the only reason that I even considered reading this book was that it came highly recommended by our teen book club and they said I will really enjoy it so I had to find out for myself. The book started out as a scary story of a mysterious monster and the haunted estate are controlled by a dark Lord Under that little does Leta know has been involved with and will impact her relationship with her brother and secrets will be unveiled. Now, after meeting Rowan, she develops a deep connection with him and puts all of that at risk as well. My interest was full throughout reading this book and I know we definitely will consider this title as a future teen book club discussion.

We will consider adding this title to our YA collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

This book was gothic with bad boy and evil lake. Rowan lost his family and dealing with monster issues. He finds these kids and bring them with him to his lake house. Both kids have powers. Loved alchemist girl. Loved the romance but little triangle with Lord Under. Rowan and Lord Under both like her. She and Rowan are both stubborn. She loves books . Great book and I can't wait to see how it ends. Loved the connection between Rowan and Violet. I liked her magic. This book kept me reading and slowly savoring this book. I didn't want it to end. Love the cover too.

Thank you for the chance to read this book early!

I was sooo eager to read this! I loved the gothic setting and atmosphere. The main character was easy to relate to and follow along with. I am so excited about where this book left off and what will happen in the sequel. I loved the Lord Under and SO intrigued with his story and what it will mean for Leta in the next book. I want to learn more about Rowan too. Some of the pacing felt a little rushed in places. I would have liked a little ore development between Rowan and Leta. I felt they sort of went from hate to love pretty quickly I think a little longer and deeper development there would have been delightful.

Leta and her brother were well developed and I loved the side characters in this book.

I am really excited to read the next one. Clipstone has a lot of talent and I can't wait to read more from her.