There was something about this that just didn't work for me fully, but I was still entertained all the way through. The atmosphere and the world was great, and I loved this weird house in this weird town. Zo is an interesting character to follow. However, I struggled with the narration style. For example, most of the story is present day to build suspense and mystery, but there were moments where the narrator would reference something in the future which pulled me out of the story and broke any tension that was building. Also, I would've loved some more character development and interaction outside of Zo. Regardless, I will definitely be picking up book two since there is a lot in this that can be built upon a create a truly great book.

One of the best books I have read in awhile. The only downside, I have to wait until the next one comes out. I had different expectations having read the Fever series and was shocked that this book checked off every want in a book about witches. Ms. Moning, please do not stop!

Published on my birthday! Which is probably why I loved it so much. I don't even have a single idea of what is happening, who is who, future Zo, present Zo, the various witch houses. This book was jam packed but I feel like I learned nothing and now desperately need the next!

This was wonderful! I loved the writing style, the characters, the world-building…everything about it was top-notch. I will definitely be recommending this book!

Captivating tale. This book was full of secrets and I’m still suspicious of everyone. Zo simply could not catch the tiniest of breaks. Everybody was either lying, withholding, or scheming against her. Trauma should’ve been her middle name. I love the gothic setting, the house, and the grounds, everything. I do feel at times the plot moved rather slow, Zo was literally almost in the house for the whole book. Free her. The ending was wild, I need the next book ASAP.

I am a huge fan of this author's Fever series so I was very excited to get this one. This didn't disappoint and Moning really delivered. I was enthralled from the beginning, and I couldn't put it down. I am new to fantasy and loved this. I highly recommend this book if you are a fan of the author's other works. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The House At Watch Hill will meet you somewhere between The Winchester House - Knives Out - Midnight is the Darkest Hour.
The creativity was very interesting and the fantasy was enchanting. The storyline was more fantasy than expected. Recommend if you like Fantasy and Witchcraft.

When I saw that there was a new trilogy coming from Karen Marie Moning I was in, no questions asked. I'm a big fan of both her Highlander series and her Fever series, and I didn't even care what this new series was about. But of course I did look to see what new world we'd be visiting, and the setting of a mysterious town in Louisiana just made my Southern heart even happier. And I'm pleased to say that I was not at all disappointed. Moning has set up a fascinating world, set in a cute little town that's full of interesting, often mysterious characters and secrets that we guess at while waiting for confirmation. But something is clearly a bit "off" in Divinity. And The House - well, it's almost a character itself. Parts of it are lovely, parts are menacing, and parts are just confounding. Good times! And good reading - as Zo, our main character, tries to settle into a completely new and unexpected life we feel her grief and confusion, along with her determination to make the best of the unexpected inheritance and opportunity she's been given. The ending left me anxious to dive right in to book #2, but I'll just have to not-so-patiently wait to see what comes next.
Thanks to Netgalley and William Morrow for providing a digital copy for an unbiased review.

I liked this book but it fell a bit flat. It was missing some meat that would keep the story going and keep you coming back for a next book in the series. I did like the characters though. The magic system needed some more meat to it as well.

Full disclaimer. I've not read anything of Karen Marie Moning before and urban fantasy is not my favorite, but wow, did this book change my mind. Was completely engrossed in the story and could not put it down. Happy to add this to our collection. Also, am I now looking at the author's backlist? Maybe..... ;)

I was intrigued by the premise of this book and really enjoyed it! I did get frustrated with Zo and the constant pity party, but she has been through a lot, so it is also understandable. And while she got some very upsetting and devastating news, how she handled it was unacceptable. Let’s just say that some things cannot be undone and I will be angry at this fictional character for a long time. With that said, I loved the imagery and the house was fascinating! I enjoyed getting to know the characters, the town, and how everything…worked. I liked how the author teased out information so that it kept me wanting more. And that ending? WOW! Don’t get me wrong, I figured out what was going on, but still. To end it on that note? When does the next book come out? Because I need it NOW. I will definitely be checking out more of this author's work.

This was the first in a new paranormal fantasy series from one of my fav authors. It sees a young bound witch coming into her powers and discovering she's inherited a grand estate and may be the next heir to a huge witchy coven/community. The problem is there are competing factions of good and evil fighting over her and her power and she doesn't know who to trust. Full of secrets, lies, romance, family and more, this one was great on audio and ends on a cliffhanger that has me eager for book two! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

A great new start to a great new series! I honestly loved it and can’t it’s for the next one. Classic KMM at its best.

Classic Karen Marie Moning! It was a very good book, and Moning really delivered. I was hooked from the beginning, and I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this book....along with all her other one. I can't wait for more.

Thank you Net Galley ARC and William Morrow

I have been a fan of this author since she began writing Scottish/Highlander historical romances. And I was drawn in when she wrote her fantasy Fever series. This new book has the same appeal to me as that did! Celtic mythology, intriguing characters and her stunning storytelling makes this a promising beginning to a new series and I look forward to it!

This book had me mesmerized from start to finish. I’ve always loved the Gothic books because there is an air of mystery that usually keeps me hooked on a story. I like the protagonist and felt for her while she is trying to make her future by staying in this So-called haunted house for three years in order to get her inheritance. I loved the world that was built in this book and I’m anxiously awaiting more because one of the story is not enough for me.

Karen Marie Moning is the author that got me into fantasy books. I was thrilled to see that she was releasing a new book! That being said I am going to reserve judgement on book one of this new series knowing that book one of the fever series very much set up the rest of the story. I loved the spooky feel and the house. I did not instantly care for the love interest but I cannot wait to read more!

As a long-time fan of Karen Marie Moning’s Fever series (which I absolutely adore), I was beyond excited to dive into her new urban fantasy trilogy. After waiting for what felt like forever, The Darkest Flame is finally here—and while it didn't completely blow me away, it left me eager for the next book in the series.

The story centers on 24-year-old Zodeckymira “Zo” Grey, who discovers after her mother’s tragic death in a fire that she’s inherited a grand mansion in Divinity, Louisiana, from a long-lost relative. As she moves into the mansion, she learns that her inheritance comes with some very peculiar stipulations—leading her into a world of magic, witches, vampires, and, of course, danger. The house at Watch Hill and the town of Divinity open up a whole new world to Zo, one that’s far more magical—and far more dangerous—than she ever could have imagined.

While I found the premise intriguing, one of my main issues with the book was the info-dumping. There were moments where the narrative felt bogged down with a lot of exposition, and while I get that it’s the first book in a new series and the author needed to set the stage, it still made the pacing feel a bit off. I understand the necessity of world-building, but at times, it felt like too much too fast. Some explanations came off as overly convenient, which left me feeling a little disappointed. That said, I’m optimistic that the next books will flesh out this world in a more natural way.

Despite these drawbacks, there were still plenty of things I enjoyed about The Darkest Flame. Zo’s introduction to a hidden world of magic and supernatural beings was fascinating, and I loved seeing her navigate the complexities of this new reality. The presence of two love interests—Kellan and Devlin—added a layer of intrigue. I’m particularly drawn to Kellan, whose mysterious nature leaves me wanting more, especially after a few revelations near the end. And let me just say, Moning’s knack for delivering shocking cliffhangers is still intact—I may have screamed when the book ended on such a jaw-dropping note.

As always, Moning’s writing is top-notch. She has a way of drawing you in with beautiful prose while weaving in suspense and tension. The characters are engaging, and I especially enjoyed the mysterious and sometimes ominous figures Zo encounters, leaving me wondering who truly has her best interests at heart. The house itself was another highlight—Moning makes Watch Hill feel almost alive, like it has a presence of its own (who’s to say it doesn’t?). Plus, the inclusion of Alisdair’s perspective added a strange, eerie dimension to the story that kept me on edge.

In summary, while The Darkest Flame didn’t completely knock my socks off, it set up a compelling world that I’m eager to explore further. The potential for the next books is high, and after that cliffhanger, I need the next installment immediately. If you’re a fan of Moning’s work, you’ll find a lot to enjoy here, and if you’re new to her writing, this is a solid introduction to a world full of magic, mystery, and danger

House of Watch Hill is going to become a favorite series. While written more like a prequel to a series, it sets the stage for the adventure you know Karen Marie Moning will bring. I cannot wait until the next book is here.

Let me preface this by saying I’m a huge KMM fan. I’ve read the Fever series probably 5 times at this point. I would read this woman’s grocery list and tell the world it was pure magic. Having said that, while I *am* a fan of KMM, I wasn’t a fan of The House at Watch Hill.

I liked the basic premise of this book where a woman mysteriously inherits a sprawling manor and loads of money, though conditionally. The conditions play second fiddle to the hows, whos, and the whys of it all though. How is Zo related to the benefactor? How did she know Zo is her genetic relative? Why Zo and why now, after Zo experiences an unimaginable loss? And, most importantly, who is this benefactor, truly? Some of those questions are answered through the course of the story, but with any good trilogy worth its salt, most of the above questions remain unanswered in this first installment, prompting you to thirst for answers in the second book. That’s what’s missing for me — I’m not thirsting for book 2 and after finishing this one, reluctantly, I just simply don’t care what those answers are.

The storyline itself is a lot of fun, but Zo is one of those characters that rubbed me the wrong way. I don’t mean in a Pink Mac kind of way either, I mean in a way where she comes off as being one way but acting a whole different way. I felt for her on many levels, but not enough to get fully immersed in her journey. Also the pacing was slow, and I mean S-L-O-W. Slow pacing works for m e if there’s something interesting in the background that grabs and holds my attention. There wasn’t anything I could grab hold onto to keep my interest with this book, sadly, so it felt like slogging through a mud puddle waiting for a treat at the end that never came.

This could very well be a case of it’s not the book, it’s me. Despite my grievances, I may pick up the second one to see if my feelings change. Maybe. I’m giving this one a solid 3 because there are some interesting parts, but not enough of them to trap me within the story.