Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
So this one started off with a lot of promise and I LOVED the gothic atmosphere and setting.
However, the further I got into the book it did lose my interest which made me sad.
I really wanted to love this one and I did finish it, but it ultimately was not what I was hoping for and expecting.

Unfortunately, I didn't really like this book. There was a beautiful atmosphere created however I found myself not enjoying it very much after about 25% and had to DNF. Such a shame, but I think it just wasn't for me in this case.

This was a Gothic atmospheric novel that seems to have missed its mark with me. It was a good book, but it seemed eerily similar to the concept of The Others. Which seemed to lose its affect on me somewhat. The plot seemed to also miss a lot within the story and it made me a little lost on where I was at times. But overall, anyone into Gothic historical mysteries with a twist should give this one a go!

Thank you to Quill and Crow Publishing and Netgalley for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

Loss and decay have surrounded Theodora Corvus for as long as she can remember, leaving her to find reluctant comfort in the whispers of her crumbling family home and the presence of the black-eyed watchers that lurk by the lake.
Theodora leaves behind her home and grandmother, travelling north to Broken Oak Manor to become young Ottoline Thorne’s governess, and she soon realises that, unlike her home, Broken Oak is eerily silent and devoid of the watchers. Footsteps traipse the halls at night, winding through the manor until they finally stop at the only part of Broken Oak that ever seems to defy the silence: the attic. Theodora finds herself mysteriously drawn to the lord of the manor, who is bathed in secrets but reluctant to divulge them.

I absolutely adore the poetic, almost lyrical way that Russell writes. It perfectly fits the gothic horror genre and is so heart-wrenchingly beautiful. I really appreciated the use of anthropomorphism to paint such a vivid scene of a world so hauntingly lonely and help the reader picture Theodora on her journey to find her home. I would definitely read another book from Russell just for the writing style and the mesmerising atmosphere she creates. There are so many quotes I could cite to demonstrate this, and one of my favourites is, “It was a lonely farewell, but Theodora was used to being lonely; it brought a strange sense of comfort – a familiarity that nestled amongst the melancholy of leaving.”. The focus on atmospheric aspects of horror, as opposed to heavier aspects, makes this an excellent introduction to gothic horror-type books.

Whilst there are many things I admire about this book, I do have a few issues that left this book at 4 instead of 5 stars for me. One problem I had was with the pacing; the book felt slow-paced at the beginning, which I enjoyed as it allowed the suspense to build, but unfortunately, it then felt quite rushed towards the end. As the romance was mainly in the latter part of the book, this resulted in the romance feeling rather rushed and not entirely fleshed out, which almost took me out of the haunting atmosphere Russell had so masterfully created. I feel like this book could’ve benefitted from being slightly longer, with more time to properly pace and develop the romance, allowing more individual character development and fully reaching its potential as a 5-star gothic horror read.

I have seen some reviews of this book describing the ending as predictable, and to an extent, I agree, but I don’t agree that this is a negative thing. I found the ending hauntingly comforting; it wasn’t the obvious HEA that we tend to desire and have become accustomed to when reading romance, but it was the ending the characters needed. I think that there’s beauty in that predictability and knowing the characters together have found their home, even if it isn’t exactly in the way we want it. I really enjoyed the ‘simple’ and ‘predictable’ elements of this book; I found that it made it easier to sink into Russell’s lyrical gothic prose and become absorbed within the story.

Overall, I enjoyed The Quiet Stillness of Empty Houses. I recommend it as a light introductory read for those new to gothic horror or avid atmospheric horror readers. I wouldn’t personally class it as a gothic romance due to the pacing issues as I felt the romance was held back, and I wouldn’t recommend it to those looking only for darker horror, but I think this could be a great first horror book for a broad audience. While it is not the same story-wise, the setting and description reminded me of Crimson Peak, so if you’re looking for a Victorian/Edwardian-feeling light gothic horror, this may be the book for you. Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers, and the author for the Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I enjoyed the very start of this novel a lot more than the rest. The writing and the atmosphere is incredibly compelling, but unfortunately after around the 30% mark it started falling really flat. I did like the twist, though, and can see this author doing great work in the future.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own.

I recently had the pleasure of delving into this book, and I am beyond impressed with the mesmerizing world that the author has crafted. From start to finish, the intricate plot weaves a tapestry of suspense, emotion, and unexpected twists that kept me eagerly turning the pages.

One of the standout features of this book is undoubtedly its characters. Each one is meticulously developed, breathing life into the narrative with their unique personalities, motivations, and flaws. The protagonists are not just names on paper; they are relatable, complex individuals with whom readers can form a genuine connection. The antagonist, too, is not a mere foil but a multi-dimensional force that adds depth to the story. The author's ability to create such well-rounded characters is a testament to their storytelling prowess.

The plot unfolds seamlessly, drawing the reader into a richly layered narrative that expertly balances tension, drama, and moments of poignant reflection. The pacing is impeccable, maintaining a perfect rhythm that keeps the reader engaged without sacrificing the depth of the story. The author skillfully navigates through various plot arcs, interweaving them with finesse to create a cohesive and satisfying whole.

What sets this book apart is its ability to tackle profound themes while maintaining an accessible and engaging narrative. The book seamlessly combines suspense and emotional depth, making it a truly immersive experience. The author's prose is both elegant and evocative, painting vivid imagery that lingers in the reader's mind long after the final page is turned.

As I reached the conclusion, I found myself yearning for more from this talented author. Their ability to craft a gripping plot and bring characters to life is truly commendable. I eagerly anticipate future works and would wholeheartedly recommend this book to any reader who appreciates a masterfully told tale. If you're searching for a book that seamlessly blends captivating characters with a compelling plot, this is a shining example. I can't wait to explore more literary worlds crafted by this exceptional storyteller.

While I really liked the idea of this book, the execution left something to desire. It’s a gothic historical mystery that promises a lot, but in the end does little to deliver.

The anticipation was high, but the story unfolding was underwhelming, the characters a little less than three dimensional, and the dialogue a bit disjointed. The ending was good, but it wasn’t enough to rescue the building up to it.

I’d still check out coming works from this author because I think they have a good mind for a story.

I enjoyed this gothic ghost story, but it dragged for me in places and it took awhile for me to finish it.

The novel blends historical fiction with elements of horror and literary fiction, creating a story that is both intriguing and atmospheric. It promises to unravel the secrets of Broken Oak Manor and the relationships within its walls, making it a compelling read for fans of historical fiction and mystery.

This was an interesting gothic horror read. The story moves along at a smooth pace, and the biggest twist came towards the end (I certainly didn't see it coming). I enjoyed exploring Broken Oak with Theodora, it was a delightfully creepy estate. The romance between Theodora and Cassias developed fairly quickly, but the book isn't very long, so that's to be expected. If you enjoy classic gothic style stories, you're going to enjoy this.

I kept trying to read this one, and it was almost really great, but the characters didn't feel developed enough so I didn't care what happened to them. It was like every chapter was a little story and then on to the next one.

A huge thank you to Netgalley and Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) for giving me the opportunity to read The Quiet Stillness of Empty Houses by L.V. Russell in exchange for my honest review.

This book was hauntingly beautiful. The eerie vibes and the gothic aesthetic of the story made it a perfect read for me during spooky season and it would be a book I would definetly recommend to people wanting to read a book to put them in the mood for a chilling and interesting story.
Every character brought their own flare at the story and the chemistry between Theodora and Cassias had that old victorian forbidden prose that was what made their relatioship all the more complex. The mystery tones that surround what's behind the attic's door are what drives the plot and set the tone for most of the book, but the fact that everything slowly begins to make sense after a very specific plot twist is revealed made this book one of my favourites for 2023.

oooh, a fun little gothic tale. It was an interesting mix of mystery and historic storytelling. I didn't mind the romance either. It's a bit of a slower burn with a mystery that kept me guessing. I atmosphere and characters were well done. I enjoyed this one.

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

I absolutely loved the gothic atmosphere of this story. The descriptions were fantastic and it gave the eeriness required for a gothic romance. The mystery was a perfect trust for the story and I loved how it ended. My only negatives is that it did feel a bit slow at times and the characters were a bit too modern and unconventional for my liking. It occasionally felt out of place.

Theodora, the new governess at Broken Oak Manor, grapples with the enigmatic secrets lurking within its walls and its winding corridors. At night, the house shifts and groans like a living thing, and soft footsteps add to its eerie orchestra
of misery. Theodora wants to believe that her little ward, Ottoline Thorne, is playing innocent pranks, but every happening is imbued with a tinge of the otherworldly. Just as she feels herself drawn to Cassias Thorne, the mysterious lord of the manor, she feels herself drawn to the attic…

The atmosphere seeps into your bones like a persistant chill; it whispers into your ear like the memory of a half-forgotten grief. The writing weaves beautiful tapestries of dark hallways and decaying, forgotten splendor, with a soundtrack of creaking walls and impossible footsteps. Oh yes, the language is beautiful, with lush settings and evocative descriptions.

The suspense smolders, it creeps through your veins at a measured pace. The mystery unravels slowly, but it makes up for it with clever foreboding and an ending that is perfect – if a bit familiar. (More on that later.)

The romance, however, feels like an afterthought. In my eyes, it's because the characters act like players in a classic haunted house story, dutifully fulfilling their roles and acting out all the usual gothic horror tropes. They all have a lot of promise – the foundations for true depth are there! But in my eyes, they are not fully fleshed out. In the end, I felt like too much was left open, and I would've liked to have delved deeper into these characters' lives.

However, I enjoyed the lush, immersive writing and the gothic setting very much, which softened the sting of the book's shortcomings. This is, all in all, a wonderful, classic ghost story – all haunting atmosphere and no gore.

The bit plot twist at the end is great, a very suitable ending to this story that only adds to the intrigue. But it's something that has been done before; I can think of at least two movies that have incorporated variations of this twist.

Quote:
«The sprawling house kept secrets and she kept secrets, and the lord of the house kept secrets — each folding them into their foundations, curling their bodies around the growing weight. The eaves creaked where the rest of the house stood silent like the bones in Theodora’s chest. Theodora cast her gaze to the window, at the dreary skies and damp fog. Everything beyond the glass slumbered, stark and bare, dressed only in early morning shadows and mist.»

Theodora, the new governess at Broken Oak Manor, grapples with the enigmatic secrets lurking within its walls and its winding corridors. At night, the house shifts and groans like a living thing, and soft footsteps add to its eerie orchestra
of misery. Theodora wants to believe that her little ward, Ottoline Thorne, is playing innocent pranks, but every happening is imbued with a tinge of the otherworldly. Just as she feels herself drawn to Cassias Thorne, the mysterious lord of the manor, she feels herself drawn to the attic…

The atmosphere seeps into your bones like a persistant chill; it whispers into your ear like the memory of a half-forgotten grief. The writing weaves beautiful tapestries of dark hallways and decaying, forgotten splendor, with a soundtrack of creaking walls and impossible footsteps. Oh yes, the language is beautiful, with lush settings and evocative descriptions.

The suspense smolders, it creeps through your veins at a measured pace. The mystery unravels slowly, but it makes up for it with clever foreboding and an ending that is perfect – if a bit familiar. (More on that later.)

The romance, however, feels like an afterthought. In my eyes, it's because the characters act like players in a classic haunted house story, dutifully fulfilling their roles and acting out all the usual gothic horror tropes. They all have a lot of promise – the foundations for true depth are there! But in my eyes, they are not fully fleshed out. In the end, I felt like too much was left open, and I would've liked to have delved deeper into these characters' lives.

However, I enjoyed the lush, immersive writing and the gothic setting very much, which softened the sting of the book's shortcomings. This is, all in all, a wonderful, classic ghost story – all haunting atmosphere and no gore.

The bit plot twist at the end is great, a very suitable ending to this story that only adds to the intrigue. But it's something that has been done before; I can think of at least two movies that have incorporated variations of this twist.

Quote:
«The sprawling house kept secrets and she kept secrets, and the lord of the house kept secrets — each folding them into their foundations, curling their bodies around the growing weight. The eaves creaked where the rest of the house stood silent like the bones in Theodora’s chest. Theodora cast her gaze to the window, at the dreary skies and damp fog. Everything beyond the glass slumbered, stark and bare, dressed only in early morning shadows and mist.»

A lovely. Blend of gothic horror and romance.

The world building and character descriptions was beautifully delivered. It had the ghostly atmosphere you come to expect from a gothic horror. The author managed to balance the eeriness of the genre with the softness of romance.


It took me a minute to get into the groove of this book. The prose was something I had to get used to and I felt like the first few chapters were a tad on the boring side. I did in fact stop and start this book multiple time while trying to find my footing, but once I had hoped over the fence I was intrigued enough to stay.
I didn't much like the way Theodora was portrayed irked me slightly. She was described as unconvential which, given the time period this was set in, seemed out of place.

Overall this was a great read and a beautifully written gothic horror

I wasn't going to give feedback on this due to not finishing it however I just wanted to say that I did read about 50-60% of this book and unfortunately it wasn't for me.

I don't believe in giving star ratings or reviews on books I don't finish as I don't think it's fair to the author. It's not a reflection on their writing or the book itself, it's just in this instance it wasn't for me. As I can't give feedback without the rating I'm giving it a 3 star on netgalley but won't do it anywhere else, I hope that's okay.

Thank you for the opportunity to read

A great gothic horror/romance. The scene setting is really well done. I felt there could be more depth to most of the characters but this is quite a short story and this didn’t detract from the overall feel or the great twist.

This book was just average for me--I didn't love it, I didn't hate it. I wanted more gothic horror and gothic romance from it, but it was mostly pretty tame. The twist was really well done, the seeds were planted perfectly in hindsight! Still, there was a lot of subplot that didn't add anything and could've been cut out completely. I would recommend this book if you want a quick, gothic-light read.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.