Welcome to Nightglass an eerie town with ties to magic that the protagonist, Eleanora, cannot seem to break free from. Running from her past and trying to make her own way, Eleanora unfortunately is called back to Nightglass and her childhood home, Blackwicket House, after a loss. As she is trying to grieve she is thrown into a world of secrets, ultimately trying to unravel who is friend and who is foe while disappearances and murders take place.

This BOOK! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5! It has a unique magic system that truly is spooky with an engaging plotline and characters alike. The beginning is slow which is needed for the world building and understanding of the magic system. I was engaged the second I started reading, loving Eleanora’s wit and attitude as she navigated her past and present. If you like dark, gothic, magic, and a touch of horror this is the book for you!

There is also romance in the book which is beautiful how it ties together. It is well-written and you root for the characters as they have endured so much trauma and isolation. There are spice scenes (open-door) which makes the novel definitely for adults!

Overall, I loved this story and I am so intrigued by Dark Hall and this magic world. I hope that there is more to come from it. Highly recommend! I feel so special for this to be my first Advanced Reader Copy, I have already pre-ordered the physical book for when it is published 9/9/25 ♥️✨

Thank you to #NetGalley and for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. And thank you to the author @beanorthwick for writing a good one!

3.5⭐ rounding up - After loving The Cruel Dark, I knew I would be reading more from this author.

Northwick seems to truly thrive in these gothic atmospheres and her descriptive writing works so well to create such a thrilling reading experience that is just spooky enough. I love the way her story-telling creates this immersive experience that invokes visceral reactions.

This book is pitched as a 'dark gothic romantasy' and I don't know that I agree with that. I do not think this fits well in the Romantasy category and could lead to disappointed readers. Dark Gothic paranormal romance...with horror elements? Yes. Romantasy? Not quite. This also reads a bit more like a thriller novel in which you're kind of confused for a while, kind of left in the dark, and then at about 80% multiple plot twists kick in and you get that "ohhhh" moment.

I did really enjoy the romance in this. It was giving great enemies-to-lovers vibes as Eleanora was a curse eater and Victor was basically hunting her down as a member of The Authority. Victor was deliciously grumpy while also being fiercely protective. I would call this more of a medium-burn (rather than a slow burn), especially if this ends up being a series (with that ending, I'd assume so but nothing confirmed).

While I enjoyed the magic and the plot I just needed a little bit more, specifically, more explanation. There were multiple things I just never felt I truly got a grasp on. Beyond Curse Eaters, I have no idea what non-Curse Eater magic looks like, who possesses it, what they can do with it, etc. I also don't think I fully understood the act of Curse Eating, where curses come from, how a curse becomes a Drudge, etc. Also, who or what is "The Brom"? I spent the entire book trying to use context clues to figure it out but I still don't know. I even did a search to see if I missed when it was first mentioned but all we get is "The Brom know I'm here" ... like okay, who are they?!

But the plot twists?! Maybe I was distracted by trying to understand the magic but I did not see any of those twists coming. Color me SHOCKED for each and every one lol which made for a really enjoyable ending where I did not want to put this down. I really hope this is the first book in a series with where this ended which is not quite a cliffhanger but definitely open-ended.

Overall I had a great time and would recommend this. I think it was clear in the writing that this was the author's first crack at writing something with more magic and fantasy elements so while I had some criticisms, I still enjoyed myself and think others would too.

Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC. This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions.

Blackwicket delivers an eerie atmosphere that I adore with consistent eloquent language. I cannot discuss Northwick’s literary skills to build a setting with vivid imagery enough. Beautiful execution that captures the ambience of what you want from a dark fantasy novel. What fell short for me was the degree of character development. The protagonist fell flat for me and I found myself struggling to get through this one. I refused to record this as a do not finish because the setting was truly an interesting one. A land where curses are banned and your life essence is lost each time you engage with magic. There were some parts of the story that were also a bit confusing when the perspectives changed too quickly. With the worldbuilding I wanted to understand what those outside perspectives really looked more than just “magic bad” kind of trope.
I would consider this to be a better fit under the young adult category to truly flourish. Think of the Hunger Games meets The Grace Year. There needs to be a stronger connection between the setting and character development that aligns with the character’s motives. Fantasy is fun and adventurous but sometimes the drawback is finding a balance between the world-building and character development. I think some people are still going to love this novel and I hope they do because Northwick’s love of writing is truly apparent with her eloquent diction. For future stories in this universe, I hope to see more answers to the way the characters interact with the world and why they make some of the questionably bad decisions that they do. Thank you Net Galley and Victory Editing for this advanced digital copy. This is a 2.5 rounded up!
Read more recommendations, reviews, and ARC insights at https://brujerialibrary.wordpress.com/

*♡Thank you to Bea Northwich and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion♡*
Blackwicket was such a spooky little treat! I loved the gothic atmosphere, the slow-burning mystery, and that ever-present sense of unease that kept me hooked. Bea Northwich has a real knack for writing vivid, moody settings and morally grey characters that get under your skin in the best way.

It gave me dark academia meets folk horror vibes and I was so here for it. Definitely one to curl up with on a rainy day if you're into eerie reads with bite!

I was drawn to this book after I kept seeing it on social media where I was intrigued by its gorgeous cover art and the blurb. I'm so happy I was approved for an advanced review copy!

There was a lot I really enjoyed about this book. The world building and atmosphere were really well depicted and it definitely had an eerie haunting atmosphere that was masterfully maintained throughout. It reminded me of The Turning of the Screw with elements from TV show The Haunting of Hill House. I loved the realistic way that the emotions were portrayed and the central theme of family and grief were very evocatively written throughout, so much so it felt like an almost palpable presence within the house. The magic system of curse-eating also added an interesting dimension to the story, and I'd be interested to hear more about how this practice developed within the world as well (perhaps in a future installment) as it seems so intrinsically linked to the emotions that permeate the book.

The pacing was very well done and I also really enjoyed the development of the characters including exploring their individual flaws and motivations. I'm eager to learn more about the different organisations and their histories. This book definitely left me wanting more.

Overall I loved this spooky, evocative book and whilst this is my first novel by Bea Northwick, I'm definitely excited to read more from this author in the future.

This was an amazing read! Complex characters, twists and turns, high heat and a horror setting you fall into from the start. True gothic masterpiece!

The dark atmospheric of this novel is incredible! I absolutely loved this book, from beginning to end. It was eerie, emotional, mysterious, tense and sad. This is more of a slow paced read, that is both plot and character driven. It was very thought provoking, easy to read and came with effective visuals. It is beautifully written, came with a clear thesis and is full of dark fantasy! The magic, secrets and the horror that this book came with was extremely entertaining! I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars!

“Blackwicket” is book one of the Dark Hall series. It is a novel about a Blackwicket house, which is nested off of the cliffs. It is currently a relic for curses, but it used to be a healing inn. Eleanora Blackwicket comes back to the town, to bury her sister who passed away suddenly. Her plan takes a turn and ominous things start happening! The authority gets involved and Eleanora’s dark forces will get released if they are provoked! This is an amazing dark and eerie novel that you don’t want to miss out on!

I think fans of gothic horror, along with supernatural realism, would really enjoy reading this book! Content warnings include death, grief and violence and trauma.

Thank you to NetGalley, author Bea Northwick and Northwick Books for this digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This book is expected to be published on September 9, 2025!

This book got me. Haunting in the quietest, most secretive way—Blackwicket isn’t just about ghosts or curses, it’s about memories, family, and how they alter the choices you are willing to make.

The magic (curse-eating!) felt raw and real, not overdone. The story is eerie, emotional, and beautifully written with just the right amount of grit.

If you like your fantasy with heart, atmosphere, and something different—read this.

3.5 stars

Gothic and atmospheric, with beautiful prose. Blackwicket has the perfect vibes for an autumn or spooky-season read.

Our main character, Eleanora, is a Curse-Eater, quite literally, who has unsuccessfully spent her adulthood trying to escape her heritage. When she is called back to her hometown after the passing of her sister, she’s forced to face her past head-on, while avoiding being ensnared in a plot by an underground, illegal-magic organization and an Inspector who is searching for any reason to take her down.

Stepping into the coastal town of Nightglass is reminiscent of Fairydale to me, which I greatly enjoyed, as they both share similarities of mysterious townsfolk, unnatural occurrences, and secrets of the past coming to light in a vintage setting.

I found the magic system to be unique, but I struggled to follow it throughout the book, which made me disengage with the story at times and heavily influenced my rating.

It’s important to note that this is a slower read, which is not a criticism, but if you’re looking for something fast-paced I’d recommend saving this for a time when you’re able to slow down and give it the attention it requires. Even though it wasn’t a 5 star read for me, I’d absolutely recommend this book for the vibes and beautiful writing.

Thank you NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

Pretty, atmospheric writing with elegant prose, but the excessive descriptions made pacing feel slow at times.

While the magic was unique and intriguing, I also found it very confusing. The concepts of curses, drudges, dark hall, and how the magic system worked needed clearer explanation.

I thought the romance was good—slow burn and didn’t overshadow the plot. I liked the connection between Victor and Eleanora.

Overall, not bad but it didn't work for me. The vintage 1920s/30s setting was my favourite element. Unfortunately, the messy magic system and pacing issues made it hard for me to stay fully engaged.

Creepy, gothic house? Check. Enemies to lovers? Check? Magic? Check

This definitely feels like 1920s America, but instead of alcohol being prohibited, it’s magic, and the Brom are the mafia. At first I was confused by the magic system and the Drudges in this book, but around half way through, it all a started to fall into place. I’d definitely like more information on Dark Hall, but I feel like that’s what book 2 will bring, and I’d definitely love a prequel of Eleanor’s past faux lives - but more because I’m nosey and want to know more about her back story!

I’m excited to see where this series will lead, and I’m rooting for the characters to prevail!

Holy shit! Finally a good gothic suspenseful dark story! I have been disappointed lately with the lack of good gothic books! Well I am happy I got this arc and will def be talking about it in the future! Thank you for this arc!

I was eager to step into another Bea Northwick world; her writing so encompassing & emotion-evoking, and Blackwicket did not disappoint! Bea’s brilliant use of language lands you viscerally into the plot; weaving a tale that feels different amid the ever-growing fantasy genre. I adored the characters - their imperfections moulded perfectly to show their strengths & vulnerabilities in a way that made you care for them regardless of their flaws. If you’re looking for a gothic yet mysterious tale, with a flare of romance and a drop of eeriness added in, Blackwicket is one for you!

I absolutely loved The Cruel Dark, so I was so excited when I get the ARC for Blackwicket. Unfortunately, this one wasn't a hit for me.

There's no question that Bea Northwick is a talented writer. The vibes & atmosphere were incredible in this book, with her descriptive writing allowing you to feel fully immersed in this eerie gothic fantasy.

My biggest issue however, was that I could not grasp the magic concept to save my life. It just made absolutely no sense to me. Was everyone magic? Because it seemed like everyone Ellie interacted with was, however in the beginning it felt like no one was magic but they KNEW about magic. Also, because there was so many "double agents", I had a hard time keeping track of who was good and who was bad. Which side am I meant to cheer for? Is the Authority bad? Is the Brom?

I will say that the twists & the reveals were really well done. I particularly lovedddd the tie between Ellie and Victor.

This isn't a "bad" book by any means, & it could just be that my tiny brain couldn't comprehend what the author was trying to do. Either way, the writing is beautiful & Bea Northwick is still an author I will be reading in the future!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I couldn’t put this book down. It’s one of those rare stories that feels like it’s been waiting for you. Blackwicket is eerie, intimate, and quietly powerful. The kind of haunting that doesn’t come from just ghosts or curses, but from the weight of memory, family, and things left behind.

Eleanora comes home planning to bury her sister and leave again, fast. But nothing goes how it’s supposed to. The second she steps into Blackwicket House, you can tell the place holds too many memories. It feels heavy, like something’s waiting. Not in a dramatic way, just that quiet kind of weight that hangs in old houses where too much has happened.

The magic here really stood out to me. It’s not overdone or showy. It feels like something that grew out of pain and old stories. The idea of curse-eating was new to me, and the way it was explained made it feel real and personal, not just another magical ability.

This book sticks with you. The writing never tries too hard, the pacing is tight, and the story hits that perfect mix of creepy and emotional. If you like your fantasy with a little grit and a lot of heart, this one’s worth picking up.