This is a perfect book if you are looking for a dark gothic/spooky read this autumn.

I really enjoyed this and I almost feel like Bea Northwick lives inside my head, and is just writing all the stuff that I like.

We follow Eleanora Blackwicket, who leaves her home and tries to live a life away from curse eating and Nightglass. After the death of her sister she is pulled back to the town and the family that destroyed her life.

The magic building in this book is brilliant, though it did take me a hot minute to get my head wrapped around it. Though it is continuously building through the book.

We have a strong and stubborn FMC and our morally grey, dark and moody MMC, and I mean we all love that combo don’t we?

If you are wanting a book that will grab your attention, but you have a bit of a busy life, this book is ideal. The story line grabs you in but it’s a good enough pace that you can put it down at any point but be ready to jump back in!

This gave me all the dark gothic vibes I've come to love from Bea Northwick. Slower paced, filled with twists, and the best gothic/supernatural/horror aspects.


Thank you to NetGalley, author Bea Northwick and Northwick Books for this digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I was lucky to receive an ARC from NetGalley. Thank you!

A solid 4 stars book. It’s a Perfect Spooky Read for a Stormy Night.

I picked up Black Wicket on a whim, looking for something eerie to sink into during a rainy weekend—and wow, it delivered.
From the first chapter, the atmosphere pulled me in. The setting was so vivid I could practically feel the damp fog creeping in through the windows, and the suspense kept me flipping pages well into the night.
What really stuck with me was the slow-building dread—it didn’t rely on cheap jump scares, but that creeping sense of unease that settles in your bones. The characters felt real, and their reactions to the increasingly strange events were believable (and often frustrating in the best way).
If I had one tiny gripe, it’s that the pacing dipped a bit in the middle—but it picked up again quickly, and the payoff was worth it. This is the kind of book you think about when you're walking down a dark hallway alone.
Highly recommend for fans of gothic horror or anyone craving a good chill. I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5 stars)
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🔥 spice
📖 Book 1 of Dark Hall series

This book was so, so good! The storytelling had me hooked from the first page, and I could not put it down. The world is dark, gothic, and utterly captivating—an organized-crime underworld colliding with a rigid, authority-driven society. It’s a unique backdrop that makes every twist and turn feel high-stakes.

The magic here is unlike anything I’ve read before—fresh, eerie, and unforgettable. Add in the sizzling tension between the MFC and MMC, and you’ve got chemistry that practically leaps off the page. And yes—there are some really hot scenes that make the romance all the more addictive.

Secrets are unraveled bit by bit, keeping the suspense alive throughout. There are twists I didn’t see coming at all, alongside others that were satisfyingly predictable. By the second half, surprising dystopian undertones crept in, which deepened the world even further and left me completely intrigued for where the series is headed.

I honestly couldn’t tell where book two would go until the very end—and I loved that. Dark, ghastly, full of mystery, danger, and romance—this book delivered everything I wanted and more. Love, love, love!

Tropes:

✨ Enemies to lovers
⚔️ He’s authority, hunting her kind
🖤 Her magic is outlawed
🌑 Dark gothic setting
🔥 Some very hot scenes
🕵️ Secrets and betrayals

This is a novel about a house which used to be an inn for healing however has since become a warning to anyone who may be tempted by curses. When Fiona Blackwicket dies, Eleanora is forced back to her family home to bury her sister and go back on the run. The Brom, black magic market specialists have other plans for her when they find out she can eat curses. To complicate things further for Eleanora, the anti magic government agency is in town and seeking to take down the Brom and the last Blackwicket. Unfortunately the government agenda threatens to use Eleanora’s darkest secret to jeopardise her life and unlock a door setting all the worst magic monsters free. This book also contains family secrets with a romance element

The prologue of this book captured me and pulled me in, it gave me just enough scene setting to know that the house is a dangerous place and has links to higher powers which can mean fatality. It also had foreshadowing which compelled me to read on. The world building in this book is perfect with a lovely description. The high intensity scenes really make me feel everything while rooting for Eleanora. Perfect cozy dark fantasy for the fall which is almost poetic. I really felt like I was in the world itself.

Final thoughts - I loved the start of this book however the romance felt a little rushed and misplaced to me, a fantastic gothic read for Halloween and the ending tied in really well. The twists in the book took me by surprise

🖤 Arc Review 🖤
Pub date: Sept. 9th
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟

After her sister's death, Eleanora Blackwicket returns to Blackwicket House, a former inn with a dark history. However, she soon finds herself pursued by the Brom, an underworld organization, and Victor Harrow, a ruthless inspector, who seek to exploit her rumored affinity for curse eating and uncover her darkest secrets.

If you are looking for a whimsical, dark gothic fantasy, then look no further. This book has everything you are looking for. It’s absolutely perfect for a spooky time fantasy read. It will get you in the mood for all things fall.
This book was eerie and whimsical at the same time. The atmosphere of the whole book was absolutely breathtaking and so well written. The world that Bea has created is so unique and captivating that you get sucked in and miss it as soon as the book ends.
The mystery of this story kept me entertained and on the edge of my seat throughout the story. The curse was so well done that I was engulfed fully. This is the first book I’ve read by the wonderful Bea Northwick and 🤩 I’m obsessed. Everything about this book was amazing, I need book 2 RIGHT NOW.

If you like
🖤 Enemies to lovers
🏰 Gothic Horror Fantasy
🖤 Everyone is morally Grey
🏰 Feminine Rage
🖤 Slow burn to spice 🌶️
🏰 Unique Magic System
🖤 Monstrous Love

Then make sure to preorder is book! It has become one of my favorites of 2025. So obviously I need everyone to read it!

Blackwicket by Bea Northwick is a gorgeously written gothic tale that’s perfect for a chilly autumn evening or a cozy spooky-season read. Atmospheric, eerie, and beautifully sad, it wraps you in a fog of mystery, tension, and haunting emotion from the very first page.

Set in a crumbling house perched on the edge of a cliff, once a place of healing and now rumored to be cursed, the story follows Eleanora Blackwicket as she returns home to bury her sister—only to find that the past refuses to stay buried. Strange occurrences begin to unravel the fabric of her reality, and the secrets tied to Blackwicket House start clawing their way back into the light.

The prose is absolutely stunning—lyrical and evocative without ever becoming too heavy. This is a slower-paced novel, but it never drags. It strikes a rare balance between being both plot- and character-driven, with thought-provoking themes and a subtle undercurrent of horror that’s more unsettling than overtly terrifying.

I especially appreciated how visual the writing was; Northwick paints scenes so vividly that it’s easy to lose yourself in the crumbling walls, salt-soaked air, and creeping shadows of Blackwicket. The magic and mystery unfold gradually but with purpose, keeping you hooked with just enough tension and unease.

If you’re looking for a quiet, haunting read that lingers in your thoughts long after the last page, Blackwicket is a perfect choice. Just don’t read it alone at night. 🌒🖤

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Blackwicket is an emotional gothic romance threaded with eye-widening mystery. It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time.

I’ll admit, the prologue left me a little disoriented at first, but what pulled me through was the promise that Ellie had done something to fracture her family—a thread so irresistible it made me care about her immediately.

Ellie herself is a fun, messy heroine to follow. She finds impressive ways to complicate things, and it was refreshing to watch her try and not always succeed at her main goals. That imperfection made her feel real. By the end, I pitied nearly everyone in this story, even William.

Northwick’s emotional intensity bleeds through the pages line after line, and that’s one of the main reasons this became a favorite for me. There were many moments I almost cried. And the final battle? My poor Victor—I was wrecked.

The magic system is startlingly unique—grotesque in a way that’s hard to look away from—and that visceral quality made the story compulsively readable. Northwick also has a way of making the unbelievable believable. By the end, all I could say was: “Whhhaaatttt?!”

On the flip side, many of the conflicts felt short-lived. Even though the scenes carried a frantic, chaotic energy, I wanted just a little more room for the tension to breathe. And while I never fully felt the romantic chemistry between Victor and Ellie, it almost made sense given how guarded they are emotionally and magically. Did I still love the gravity between them? Squealing—YES!

Chapter 38 (the spice scene) also disoriented me: I struggled to track the physicality and spacing, so I didn’t feel grounded in the moment. Though, in fairness, it might have just been me reading half-asleep, determined to know what happened next.

Bottom line: Despite my quibbles, Blackwicket is one of my favorite reads of 2025. It is moody, visceral, and unforgettable in its worldbuilding.

5-Star Read! Great for the upcoming fall season for anyone who loves gothic and spooky reads.

Bea's ability in creating a world of magic that is different was perfection. She did a great job of putting some much detail in curses that I could see them in my head. I feel that Bea did a great job of setting the world in a great pace that I wasn't needing a post-it note or question something.
Now, when it comes to the spice of this book, it was amazing! I want more!!

“You’ve become a vice of mine, and I’m finding it hard to let go.”

There are so many questions and secrets that I want answered!

A darkly whimsical gothic tale that pulled me right in.

I was immediately drawn to the eerie yet enchanting atmosphere of Blackwicket. Bea Northwick’s writing is so vivid that I could easily picture the gothic setting, and I really enjoyed spending time with the characters. The world felt unsettling in the best way, with just the right balance of mystery and whimsy.

There were a few moments where the pacing slowed down, and I found myself wanting more depth in some of the relationships, but overall I had a compelling reading experience. I love when a book lingers with me after I’ve finished, and Blackwicket definitely did that. I’m looking forward to reading more from Bea Northwick in the future

What a read!

Wonderfully gothic and dark, Blackwicket held me in its magical grip all the way through, page after eagerly turned page.

Filled with complex, multi-layered characters, in-depth world building, and prose that practically sings to you, it is just that beautiful.

The journey Bea Northwick takes you on is something I feared was all but a dying-out adventure in the world of writing. A story of loss, regrets, schemes and secrets, personal awakenings, magic, and corruption. Every page is filled with emotion and discovery.

Blackwicket is the first book in the Dark Hall series, and I, for one, will be very (IM)patiently, waiting for book twos release, which I really hope I am blessed to be able to ARC read once more.

A very enthusiastic 4.5 ⭐️'s

This book. Am I currently sitting on my couch crying? Yes, yes I am. This book was amazing! I was completely hooked from the first page. It had all the dark, gothic, magical vibes you could want. The magical system was so unique and interesting that you just wanted to continue to learn more about it. The plot twists blew my mind. I didn’t guess a single one. I loved all the characters, like a lot. Well, not the bad guys obviously. 🤣 Eleanora and Victor have my heart. 💕 I really hope we get more of these books, which, with that ending, gives me hope that we will. 💕

5 ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Currently 20% in and DNF'd. I couldn't get into this story and felt like I was missing information I already should have known or would have helped understand the plot. I may come back to it, but for now, it wasn't for me.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book pulled me in right away with its eerie atmosphere and haunting premise. The world of Nightglass feels rich and unsettling, with Blackwicket House looming like a character all its own. I loved the concept of curse-eating—it’s unique, darkly magical, and gave the story an edge I don’t see often in fantasy.

Eleanora is a compelling protagonist, torn between grief, survival, and the legacy she can’t escape. The tension between her and Victor Harrow kept me hooked; the push-and-pull of attraction and danger added great layers to the plot. The Brom and the larger web of underground magic gave the story a gritty, unpredictable feel that worked really well.

That said, the book is heavy with lore, and at times I found myself wishing for a slower reveal so I could fully absorb the world-building without losing track of the emotional beats. A little more balance between the atmosphere and character-driven moments would have elevated it even further.

Overall, though, it’s a dark, moody, and refreshingly original fantasy that fans of gothic magic, cursed houses, and dangerous romance will devour.

Blackwicket: Dark Hall has a strong gothic vibe that immediately sets the stage for a haunting read. The old manor atmosphere and dark, brooding descriptions are done well, and I appreciated the way the book leans into classic horror elements. For me, though, the execution didn’t always match the promise of the premise. The pacing dragged in places, and while the setting pulled me in, the characters didn’t always keep me there—I found myself wanting more development and sharper motivations. Still, there’s an undeniable moodiness to the writing, and readers who enjoy slow-burn, atmospheric horror may find more to love here than I did.

Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.

This book was so good that I was so upset that work and sleep interrupted it. Seriously, it's just so rude. My only issue with the book - could have used some flashbacks or a bit more explanations about things, like the curses, the war, even the different divisions like the Authority. There's enough that you can understand in content but more history would be good. Maybe a prequel book?

The book is super spicy, for those who are want to know that before reading the book. If you are looking for a clean book, this is not the one for you.

Definitely would recommend this!

I absolutely loved the setting of this book. The gothic noir atmosphere was immersive from the very first page and I felt like I’d been dropped straight into the world. That’s a testament to Bea Northwick’s writing, which I found captivating and evocative throughout.

I haven’t read many books with horror vibes like this, and now I’m definitely craving more. There were so many twists and turns and so many reveals caught me off guard, which kept me in that addictive “just one more chapter” spiral. It reminded me a little of the Mindf*ck series which a personal all-time favourite.

Elenora was a compelling lead- morally grey, like most of the cast, which kept me second-guessing everyone’s motives. I never quite knew who of the side characters that she could trust, and that uncertainty added to the suspense. And then there’s Victor. I went in knowing it was an enemies-to-lovers setup, but the alleyway scene? It was the perfect ignition point for their romance and one I won’t forget anytime soon.

The magic system was a bit tricky to grasp. I got a better handle on it as the story progressed, but I’m still not entirely sure what a curse eater does or what the Drudge are. Elenora gets sick after consuming a curse early on, but that reaction doesn’t happen again, and I wasn’t sure why. A reread might help clarify things, but at times I did feel a little lost.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and will absolutely be keeping an eye on Bea Northwick’s future work. Her storytelling is dark and layered and I’m looking forward to reading more.

This book is truly a dark gothic romance. I enjoyed reading the stepy, the mystery and the plot about Eleanora. This is truly unique. The twists kept me on my toes and i wanted to keep going.

After reading and loving Bea Northwick’s The Cruel Dark, I was already impressed by her talent for weaving gothic settings with unpredictable twists. So when I came across her newest book, Blackwicket, on NetGalley, I didn’t even hesitate. The synopsis promised exactly the kind of eerie, magical atmosphere I like. And I can confidently say: this book was even better than I expected.

Northwick’s writing has grown richer, sharper, and even more captivating since her debut. The prose feels mature and layered, striking the perfect balance between atmospheric world-building and a compelling, character-driven plot. The setting alone makes this a perfect fall read; gloomy coastal cliffs, a sentient house with secrets of its own, and a town brimming with whispers of curses. It’s gothic fantasy at its finest.

The concept of Curse Eaters immediately hooked me, and I loved how Blackwicket House itself felt alive, almost like another character in the story. The introduction of the Dark Hall added intrigue, giving the magic system a refreshing originality that stood out from other gothic fantasies.

What really impressed me, though, was the pacing and character growth. The story unfolds slowly at first, in that deliciously eerie, creeping way gothic fiction should, but it never drags. Every reveal, every twist feels intentional, and by the end, I couldn’t believe how seamlessly all the threads tied together.

Eleanora and Victor were fantastic leads. Both are strong, complex characters with soft hearts hidden beneath layers of grief, duty, and mistrust. Their relationship was one of my favorite aspects of the book. I appreciated that it wasn’t rushed into instant lust. Instead, their connection developed gradually, with real emotional weight behind it. The romance and spice were well placed, never overshadowing the story but enhancing it in meaningful ways.

The novel also had all the elements I look for in a dark gothic fantasy: mystery, intrigue, action, magic, secrets, hidden identities, and even a touch of found family. The mature tone of the narrative reminded me that this is, without a doubt, a story written for adults; dark, thoughtful, and deeply immersive.

Overall, Blackwicket delivered everything I hoped for and more. With its unique magic system, hauntingly beautiful setting, layered characters, and well-crafted romance, Bea Northwick has cemented herself as an author to watch in the gothic romantasy genre.

A perfect read for autumn nights, and one I’ll be recommending to fans of gothic, atmospheric fantasy.

I received the Netgalley ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A dark gothic novel, very atmospheric. A novel about Blackwicket House, its curses and magic with lots of dark secrets and horror. Loved the vintage era/feel and dark romance. Not my typical read, was rather slow paced with extremely graphic visuals. This would suit anyone looking for gothic horror/supernatural.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bea Northwick for the opportunity.