Not gonna lie…I hated most of our characters. I also thought Meg was a little too much ‘pick me’.

But Meg grew on me, the plot was fantastic, and I soon found myself lost in a very good mystery.

While a few of the secrets were obvious, I still very much enjoyed the read and found myself simply anxious to find out if I was right.

Definitely a solid read.

• ARC via Publisher

4.5/5 ⭐️
If you took Saltburn and The Haunting of Bly Manor, you would get this book.
It was so good. It was full of twists and turns and secrets. With characters flipping and flopping and making me flip flop with my feelings towards them. But it was the horror part that I loved the most. There was a moment reminiscent to The Ring that properly scared me that I had to walk it off. I loved it.
I personally enjoyed the duel timeline. We had the front story which was the spooky, gothic house party that felt otherworldly. Then the flashbacks filled with secrets steadily unveiled to us. But the flashbacks were great kind of paradox because it felt so high school. Cause they are high school. All these heighten emotions and desire to belong and crushes and jealousy, all that was relatable to when I was a high schooler. It almost worked to humanize the gang.
I really enjoyed this story & highly recommend it anyone that likes spooky stories like Bly Manor.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s Books for providing an advance reader copy of this book for my honest review.

Another strong atmospheric thriller release from Amy Goldsmith!

In order to get back into the good graces of her friends, Meg has a lot to apologize for. It doesn't help that her position at Greyscott's Academy is also riding on getting back on her friends' good sides. When she's invited to Ireland to spend the fall break at the ancestral home of two of her friends, it seems like the perfect opportunity to win them all back. But Wren Hall doesn't exactly turn out to be the quaint Irish estate that Meg was expecting. The locals all talk about.a dark side to the place, legends of something haunting the lake...

Meg soldiers on, determined to make the most of this trip. But she can't shake the feeling that there is something out there, watching them all. Something pulling them down deep, deep into the secrets of Wren Hall, leaving them unable to surface. Can Meg and her friends repair their fractured relationships or will the past catch up with them all, destroying any hope they have of surviving the weekend intact?

After having read Those We Drown by Amy Goldsmith, I had a pretty good idea of what I'd be getting into with her next release. After finishing Our Wicked Histories, I can absolutely tell you that was true in the best of ways. Some authors are meant to write romances, some are meant to write fantasy, Amy is absolutely meant to write atmospheric thrillers and horrors that pull you in and don't let go until the very end. She sets the stage so skillfully, it's easy to get lost in the pages, to feel like you're there and experiencing these events first hand.

The setting of Wren Hall is eerie and classic, the characters are compelling, and the overarching mystery keeps you guessing and second guessing until the very last moment. I do feel like Our Wicked Histories does have a bit of the same cyclical feeling that Those We Drown had, that it could have been a little bit shorter without sacrificing the quality. Or that maybe more attention could have been given to the wrap up of the plot instead of rehashing some of the same points repeatedly. But overall, this was a very enjoyable read and one that I would pick up again and would definitely recommend to others who enjoy immersive storytelling.

Amy Goldsmith has me coming back for more time and again. I look forward to seeing what she brings us next!

There is absolutely something in the lake at Wren Hall, and Amy Goldsmith’s page-turner of a novel had me reading as fast as I could to discover what was lurking in there. The main character, Meg, was very easy to relate to; and while some of her decisions at times could be questionable, you truly are rooting for her every step of the way. I really enjoyed how Goldsmith was able to weave the horror, mystery and teen romance drama together so seamlessly, and this was a perfect read for the start of summer. Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s for this ARC.

There's nothing quite like the experience of being scared by a book. You're all snuggled up in your home, buried under blankets, and suddenly the horror of what's on the page in front of you feels like it's breathing down the back of your neck. I felt like this multiple times during my reading of "Our Wicked Histories" because Amy Goldsmith did a fantastic job of immersing me in the rural Irish countryside.

Though I didn't really enjoy the entirety of the romantic subplot, I did enjoy the horror and suspense that laced every page of the book. I think that if you're looking for something a little spooky with some tension, suspense, and a hint of mystery then you should pick up "Our Wicked Histories" and let yourself get lost in the pages.

There’s something in the lake. It should have been filled years ago. That’s what the locals say at least.

Meg will do anything to earn her friend forgiveness. They haven’t talked to her since she got suspended.

So, when they all meet at Wren hall, she will do anything. Too bad Wren hall is hiding secrets. Will any of Meg or her friends survive the weekend?


I love gothic horror books, they are some of my favorites, and this book did not disappoint. This book is for the older end of the YA spectrum, but not because it is graphic, but because it is intense. The intensity of the writing just jumps off the page and the story felt so real. The book was so atmospheric it was great. The main character was a lot of fun, but she was a tad predictable at times. The cast of side characters were great, however there were quite a few of them. The dual timelines were great and easy to keep up with, it also kept the story interesting. Since this is a gothic story, the pacing is on the slower side, but there was plenty to hold my interest, so my mind didn’t wander. I also enjoyed that this story was pulled from Edgar Allen Poe, that was a nice touch, and I loved the author’s note.

If you are looking for an utterly immersive YA gothic horror, then you need to check this book out.


Thank you to @delacortepress and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own.

thanks to NetGalley for the eARC

⭐️=3.75 | 😘=3 | 🤬=3.75 | ⚔️=4.5 | 🍺/🚬=2 | 15+

summary: scary banshee scary haunted Irish lake possibly evil twins mysterious murder and almost-murder in the past forgotten memories very basic class commentary hilariously stereotyped gay side character

thoughts: had a really good twist! this was overall pretty okay—very atmospheric and gothic and creepy—but the time-switching structuring was occasionally confusing and hard to keep track of. I still liked this, though––it just didn’t blow me away or anything.

Thank you to Net Galley and Delacourt for this opportunity to read rate and review this arc which is available 7/30/24!

A haunting atmospheric tale of a teenaged girl trying to make amend with a friend group set in the creepy backdrop of an Irish estate that has more than just skeletons in its closet.

I found this to right up the alley of a mid level teen. It has twists and turns that weren’t predictable but it did read as slightly juvenile which isn’t a bad thing at all. I thoroughly enjoyed getting the crap scared out of me reading this.

After seeing the cover art reveal on Instagram and then reading the blip, I was very excited to have the chance to receive this book as an ARC. The hype did not disappoint. The main character, Megan Green, is so relatable. I love how she is sarcastic and down to earth. I was pleased with how easy of a read this was. I always understood what was going on, and none of the scenes were awkward or ambiguous but I was left turning the pages dying to find out what was really happening. I did find the ~mystery~ antagonist to be a little predictable but even so I was not left feeling any less entertained. I’d say this book is appropriate from audiences of 14 years of age or older as there is a fair amount of adult language and explores intimate scenes which I find appropriate for teenagers/ young adults, but that is definitely a preference and conversation for the potential parent/guardian of the reader to decide on their own. I loved the romantic side plot which elicited physical reactions of shock and amusement!!!
The descriptions of the paranormal element left me chilled and multiple times I found myself examining the dark corners of my room hoping I wouldn’t find the horrors of this book manifested themself there, waiting to snatch me and drag me into that disgusting lake….
Not only was the romance and scare factor enough to keep me turning pages and hanging on the edge of my seat, but the way Amy Goldsmith masterfully twisted the past with the present to convey the story added the perfect element of mystery and suspense.
10/10 would read this again and I’d recommend it to a friend!

Big thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for the chance to review this book pre-release. I really enjoyed this book, it was atmospheric, and while the pacing was a little slow, it was still really engaging, and I liked the characters. Ms. Goldsmith will remain one of my favorite YA authors! A more formal review will be available on my IG/TikTok and Goodreads.

This mix of dark academia, “And then there were none” premise and supernatural elements is impossibly creepy. Any creepier and I would have had to read it in church. With a priest. And a SWAT team. And my Mom holding my hand. Inspired by The Fall of the House of Usher, Meg is thrilled to be invited to Wren Hall. There was an unspecified incident that will cost her her scholarship to a prestigious art school unless she makes amendments to all her friends and frenemies. Even before she gets to her friends’ mansion, spooky things start to happen. Deeply disturbing things. Is there a supernatural entity? Is it just bad humans? Both? The environment is described in such atmospheric detail that you can almost feel the rain lashing your face. Wren Hall is dilapidated and dark, but also imposing. Despite being spoiled rich kids, I related to Meg’s friends. Even the unlikable ones. Meg herself is a normal scholarship student, but I didn’t like her that much. She is impulsive, has anger issues and makes the worst decision possible at every given time, but she is really trying to change, so it was easy to root for her. The ending was not completely unexpected but, with the suspense factor dialed to 11, I didn’t have time to care. But back to the creepiness factor, I give it 9.9 out of 10. The author works with the darkness to mess with Meg’s (and our) mind. Really good.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Random House Children's | Delacorte Press.

OUR WICKED HISTORIES, is the second novel I have read by Amy Goldsmith. This is one that grabs you from the start, and makes you question all of your theories as the novel progresses.

Meg, a less-than-wealthy aspiring artist, wins a scholarship for a prestigious school that her mother is the head custodian for. Surrounded by entitled teenagers used to the rank and privilege that money provides, Meg feels like a "pretender", an outsider who clearly doesn't belong with these people. Much to her surprise, one of the popular Wren twins, Lottie, takes her under her wing immediately. With Lottie, Meg is moved into her "center circle", made to feel almost a part of the group. Of course, others resent this, and don't miss a chance to put her down as a "pity case". Lottie's brother, Seb, being the perfect persona of a handsome rich boy who gets what he wants, complicates matters in his own way . . .

I felt that we got great characterization for the main characters, and just enough of the side characters to make it feel fleshed out. Going by the age of the characters, their motivations and actions seemed realistic. The story flowed so well that I really thought about it, even when I WASN'T actively reading it! The one issue that I had was how impatient I was to find out WHAT exactly happened at a summer ball, that leads to the story we are told. A huge falling out between Meg and another of Lottie's group leads to Meg being possibly suspended from the school. This incident is referred to often, but not fully understood until the end. After a tumultuous summer of "social exile", Meg receives an invitation to Lottie and Seb's ancestral home--a decrepit "mansion" surrounded by a weedy bog, with an unsavory reputation. Also invited, were the rest of Lottie's "inner circle", and Seb.

The entire Wren family, who had no care for their workers in the past, have never been forgiven for the deaths and heartache they caused through their use and disposal of local workers who originally built this old home. The place is ominous from the beginning, with tales of a vengeful Banshee, and several deaths by drowning in the weed infested bog.

"What would be found if they drained it? What had made it what it was? Not just a body of water but something terrible.....Something that soaked into the mind like an ugly stain."

Overall, the atmosphere of this novel was top tier. I actually cared about what was happening to the characters, and couldn't wait to find out what was happening out there in the isolated land. The issue that bothered me was how suddenly things were remembered at the end of the story, in order to wrap things up. Personally, I feel the story would have been just as tense and gripping if we had known most of that incident from the beginning. A very solid novel that I honestly enjoyed!

Recommended.

*I received an arc of this novel through NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are uniquely my own.*

Thank you NetGalley and to the publishers for giving me this arc in exchange for my honest review.

I DNF’D this book pretty early on,I couldn’t get into this,I just think it wasn’t for me!

I was expecting a gothic atmosphere from the cover and this story delivered. The characters and story were captivating and the pacing worked really well.

I was immediately interested in “Our Wicked Histories” as we are told in the synopsis that the story is set in an Irish, gothic hall and what could go wrong? It was curious to find out that Amy Goldsmith was inspired by Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher” - I haven’t read it but have seen the trailer for the Netflix show and went in expecting creepy along with gothic. My expectations were met of a gothic atmosphere and I will now reconsider some trips to old halls and places.

The story flip flops between the present and past; however, it was a bit confusing as there was often no clear delineation that we were suddenly reading a flashback. I also found the ending to be a bit abrupt. This is quite a lengthy read with a lot of build up that maybe some of that page count could’ve been allocated to the ending.

I found Megan to be an okay character - I didn’t love her and I didn’t hate her. I did find her annoying when it came to Sebastien - he was boring in my opinion. As for the other characters, none of them were likable which may be the point but they also didn’t make me want to throw the book away if that makes sense. It does make it harder to connect to the characters and care for them in the long run.

Overall, I found this to be an interesting read but it was too long. If you enjoyed “The Secret History,” I recommend “Our Wicked Histories” - both have gothic atmospheres and creepy twins.

This book had me at the edge of my seat. This was amazing. The gothic atmosphere, characters, and writing was done so well. This was a well done dark academia and perfect for the fall season. I was fascinated by the Irish Folklore. The mystery was don e so well and I wasn't expecting the ending.

I loved the story, the world building and meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it.

The cover was the first reason why I wanted to read this book. It’s absolutely stunning. The summary sounded right up my alley, unfortunately I just thought this book was ok.

To me, it was a slow start and I struggled to get invested in the story. I do think this book will be widely loved, and I may even give it another shot in the future when I’m in the mood for a slower paced atmospheric mystery.

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Our Wicked Histories by Amy Goldsmith is a first-person POV YA horror reimagining of The Fall of the House of Usher. When Meg is contacted by her old friend, Lottie Wren, for a chance to redeem herself and return to the art school of her dreams, Meg jumps at the chance. Not only will her future be put back on track, but she’ll also be in close contact with Seb, Lottie’s twin brother and Meg’s crush. But not everyone is happy to see Lottie and there are secrets hiding in the waters of Ireland.

What I really liked about this was the prose. There’s a real beauty to the descriptions in their creepiness but also in how Goldsmith writes Meg’s longing for Seb, leaning into poetic language to create a realistic look at teenage first loves feeling like The One without becoming overwrought and stale. The descriptions of the paintings were just the right amount to set the tone and capture the ideas to help stimulate the imagination.

Meg and Lottie’s friendship is complicated by Meg’s secret feelings for Seb and it twists further with the addition of Laure, a long-time member of Lottie’s friend group who is also in love with Seb and has been for some time. Laure is possessive of Seb and antagonizes Meg at every chance when she realizes that not only does Meg have a crush on Seb, but that Seb is attracted to Meg. Lottie remains oblivious to Meg’s feelings but is well aware of Laure’s crush. To further flesh their relationship out, we get flashbacks that slowly peel back what happened on the night that caused Meg to get expelled and what happened between her, Laure, and Seb.

There are also glimpses of the legend of the bean si (banshee) and her relationship to the lake outside the Wren mansion as well as mentions of the Irish potato famine. The use of modern Irish for the bean si and then translating it to the common Anglicanized version help draw attention to Irish folklore and the Irish language. It is especially important to do so for minority languages, such as Irish, as they help create more avenues for readers to learn and take an interest in those languages and cultures.

I would recommend this to fans of horror set in Ireland with British characters, readers looking for horror related to Irish folklore and traditions, and those looking for a reimagining of The Fall of the House of Usher that is fairly removed from the new Netflix show.

This totally Gothic horror book had me hooked! It was so atmospheric and consuming. This is the 2nd best book I've read this year. A horror must read!!!
I just reviewed Our Wicked Histories by Amy Goldsmith. #OurWickedHistories #NetGalley
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