There was much to enjoy here, but I found I couldn't connect with it. I'd read more from this author in the future though.

So my issue with this: The writing style.
Try as I might, I didn't enjoy the storytelling.
I like the idea, I even was intrigued by the world building, but I didn't really enjoy reading this one, sadly.

The story is pretty dull, and it's much shorter than I thought it would be. I don't think this will be part of a series, but if it is I will not be reading it.

Blue Beard retelling that just didn't quite work for me. Some cute and some almost creepy.

This was so darkly creeping and intriguing. Magic, a terrifying villain and a loveable protagonist. I'm not sure what age this is aimed at - it can be quite simple, but also seems a bit scary for MG age. Maybe it's like Coraline, that scares adults more than it does kids? Either way, I enjoyed it.

*I never got around to reading and reviewing this book. I may do so in the future*