Book Review: The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

Author: Charlotte Perkins Gilman

Title: The Yellow Wallpaper

Genre: Classics, Short Story, Fiction, Horror, Gothic

Format: ebook

PagesL 63

Published: January 10, 1892

Where I Got It: Borrowed from the library

Summary: 

Diagnosed by her physician husband with a “temporary nervous depression—a slight hysterical tendency” after the birth of her child, a woman is urged to rest for the summer in an old colonial mansion. Forbidden from doing work of any kind, she spends her days in the house’s former nursery, with its barred windows, scratched floor, and peeling yellow wallpaper.

In a private journal, the woman records her growing obsession with the “horrid” wallpaper. Its strange pattern mutates in the moonlight, revealing what appears to be a human figure in the design. With nothing else to occupy her mind, the woman resolves to unlock the mystery of the wallpaper. Her quest, however, leads not to the truth, but into the darkest depths of madness.

Review:

This was a completely random book. I was looking for something else and came upon this ebook at my library. Why not...PLUS we just finished de-wallpapering our dining room SOOOOO? Yah. 

We follow a woman who is writing in her private journal. She was diagnosed by her husband with temporary nervous depression with some hysteria mixed in after she gave birth to their child. She is forced to rest the entire summer in their new home. She starts recording her growing obsession with the horrid wallpaper. It is a strange pattern that mutates in the moonlight revealing what appears to be a human figure. She decides to investigate the mystery of the wallpaper which will lead her down to find the truth, but a huge deep depth of madness. 

Okay. This was extremely weird and different. There were times I found myself very, very confused. I won't lie there....I had to research and read other reviews before I could get myself to type something up. I honestly think this needed to be longer. I think we needed more time. The ending was cool, BUT we needed more. 

Screw that husband and brother of hers. You can't help but feel bad for this lady. This does show the truth of the times....mental health was not taken seriously, especially for women. 

I'm curious about other writing from this author. I do wish this was longer to really get the point made. 

3 stars from me. 

Book Review: Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

Author: Daphne du Maurier

Title: Rebecca

Genre: Classic, Fiction, Gothic, Romance, & thriller

Format: Paperback

Pages: 441

Published: August 1, 1938

Where I Got It: Borrowed from my friend

Summary: 

Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again...

Working as a paid companion to a bitter elderly lady, the timid heroine of Rebecca learns her place. Life is bleak until, on a trip to the South of France, she falls in love with Maxim de Winter, a handsome widower whose proposal takes her by surprise. Whisked from Monte Carlo to Manderley, Maxim's isolated Cornish estate, the friendless young bride begins to realise she barely knows her husband at all. And in every corner of every room is the phantom of his beautiful first wife, Rebecca.

Rebecca is the haunting story of a woman consumed by love and the struggle to find her identity.

Review:

Never heard of this book until it was selected for our book club. I decided to jump right in without reading the summary. I wanted to be completely surprised. 

We follow our timid heroine who was a paid companion to an elderly lady. Life is bleak until she meets Maxim de Winter and they fall in love. They get married and he whisks her to his isolated Cornish estate called Manderley. Once there our heroine will realize she barely knows her husband at all and every corner of every room is haunted by the first wife, Rebecca. 

The beginning was slow and slightly confusing. We start where the story ends. Which was unique for sure, but I was all "Okaaaayyyy". Once we got into the past and started our story I was hooked. 

It is a classic novel and we all know writers back then were bored so things take forever. The convos are long. I still enjoyed it though. I do wish our heroine had a name, but that was commonplace too back in the day. 

This is a hard review to write because I do not want to spoil anything. There are a lot of twists and turns and one shocking moment at the end. Ooooo damn you Rebecca. 

Once I got to the ending the whole beginning made all the sense. I actually re-read the beginning because I couldn't remember anything. 

All-in-all, I enjoyed this. The beginning was a hair rough since it was technically the ending, but once you get through the story it all makes sense. It is a little slow, but it worked to build up the tension for the ending few chapters. I'll give this 4 stars. 

Book Review: Too Wicked to Kiss by Erica Ridley

Author: Erica Ridley

Title: Too Wicked to Kiss

(Gothic Love Stories #1)

Genre: Historical Romance, Gothic, Fantasy, Mystery, Paranormal

Format: ebook

Pages: 424

Published: February 19th 2010

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

HIS TOUCH HOLDS HER CAPTIVE

From the ravens circling its spires to the gargoyles adorning its roof, Blackberry Manor looms ominously over its rambling grounds. And behind its doors, amid the flickering shadows and secret passageways, danger lies in wait…

TO HIS EVERY DARK DESIRE

Evangeline Pemberton has been invited to a party at the sprawling estate of reclusive Gavin Lioncroft, who is rumored to have killed in cold blood. Initially, his towering presence and brusque manner instill fear… until his seductive attentions and unexpected vulnerability conquer her resistance.

But when a guest is murdered, Evangeline is torn. Could the man to whom she is so powerfully drawn, also be a ruthless killer?.

Review:

I've read a couple by this author in the past and I saw this was a freebie....so why not. 

Here we follow Evangeline Pemberton who has been invited to a party at the sprawling estate of the reclusive Gavin Lioncroft. He is rumored to have killed someone years ago. At first, his towering presence and brusque manner instill fear, but soon she realizes there is more to the man who seems to be seducing her. However, things get muddy when a guest is murdered and Gavin is a suspect. Evangeline becomes torn. 

Oh man....I certainly struggled with this one. 

It started okay enough. A little slow while we learn about our key players. Things died off a little bit until they came across the dead guest and then it got interesting again. We, as the reader, were with Gavin when he discovered the body with his sister, but everyone else doesn't trust or believe him because of the rumor he's murdered before. 

I did love the added fantastical parts here. I won't spoil anything because it was a big reveal for Evangeline's character. 

However....that was all I liked. I loved the mystery aspect and the fantasy/paranormal twists. 

I couldn't buy Evangeline and Gavin. 

I didn't care about the dramas. 

I'll admit...I skimmed....a lot. I tried not to but I was so ready to be done reading. HOWEVER, I did want to know what happened to the guest so I couldn't just label this as a DNF. I had to know. 

Sadly, this wasn't really for me. I was only there for the murder mystery and the fantasy/paranormal aspect was a fun bit. I'll give this 2 stars. 

Book Review: Such Wicked Intent by Kenneth Oppel

Author: Kenneth Oppel
Title: Such Wicked Intent (The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein #2) 
Genre: Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Gothic, Fantasy, Mystery, & Paranormal
Pages: 310
First Published: January 1st, 2012
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

"When his grieving father orders the destruction of the Dark Library, Victor retrieves a book in which he finds the promise of not just communicating with the dead, but entering their realm, and soon he, Elizabeth, and Henry are in the spirit world of Château Frankenstein, creating and growing a body."



First book of the year. Woot woot!

Well...this does well as a stand-alone, but it isn't. It's actually the second book of the series. However, if you read this first, there really is no reason to read the first due to the large amounts of spoilers. Yes, there are many references, but it all pieces in together and it all makes sense sooner or later.  

Anyways...

This was an interesting and fun book. Very different. I loved the fact that this played off the Frankenstein book, but with a huge twist. Victor is the ancestor of Dr. Frankenstein who discovered a way into the spirit world and who discovered a way to create life. It's way different though. No electricity, no machines. I won't say how they create this body, because its weird, but kinda cool and a little bit creepy, but different. 

The story was fun and the adventure addicting, buuuuuuut I hated the characters. They were flawed, which is always a plus, but I wanted to punch them all. Punch some sense into their thick skulls. GAH! Victor was an arrogant ass, Elizabeth was a hypocrite who keeps playing games with everyone's emotions, and Henry was okay sometimes, but he was annoying. The only one who I actually really liked was Victor's twin brother, Konrad who was truly just a victim throughout this whole story. After thinking about it for a while, I do think that the author purposely wrote the characters the way she did to make you squint your eyes at them and be in disbelief at their idiocy. It made the story. If they had used logic all would have been revealed. Granted...they are teenagers, so it all makes sense. At the end, there seems to be hope at the end for all the characters though.

Anyways...

The end left me wanting more and so far there is no more. Hopefully that changes soon, because there was a twinkle in Victor's eye for further adventure. There not only was hope for more adventures, but there was hope for all the characters. I also would like to see what is to come of them. Odd, because I wanted to punch them...*shakes head*

ANYWAYS!

This was good. I would recommend this to those that like darker books that will indeed keep you on the edge of your seats. This was a Young Adult novel, but it didn't feel like it at times. So don't let the fact that this is a YA keep you away. I recommend this that like historical paranormal books. And especially for those that like or just appreciate the story of Frankenstein. Out of five stars I shall stamp this with 4 stars. 

Favorite Character(s): Konrad
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Elizabeth (the other annoyed me, but I hate, HATE hypocrites) 

Book Review: The Bad Death by Naima Haviland

Author: Naima Haviland
Title: The Bad Death
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Historical
Pages: ebook
First Published: August 21st, 2013
Where I Got It: Given to me by publisher/author to read and review for my honest and unbiased opinion

"Passion rules the heart and terror rules the night…

South Carolina, 1788. The African beauty emerging from his family crypt is a stranger to Julian Mouret, the refined owner of Lion’s Court plantation. A dancer and a mystery, she spins a strange, dark, and impossible tale of peril and flight. Though he fears she must surely be mad, the handsome slave owner is soon himself a slave, lost to the seductions of this enchantress called Anika and determined to lead her North to safety. 

But there can be no safe haven for Julian or the exquisite Gullah girl who has bewitched him, not while monsters roam the night. A series of horrifying mutilation murders screams of the presence of “plat-eyes”—shape-shifting blood-sucking supernatural creatures feeding at will on the plantation workers—and only Anika can end the rampage. But to face the vampire horde she will have to master the darkness within. And the price of victory in the battle ahead may well be the eternal soul of the man she is coming to love."

Like earlier stated I read this for the publisher/author to give my honest and unbiased opinion. 

The moment I read the summary I needed to read this. I needed to know what happened. That's pretty much how I got through the book so quickly...I needed to know what happened next. It's such an interesting concept. 

A slave girl, Anika, was an interesting character. She had two souls in her. A dancer and a slave girl who together need to fight the bad ol' vamps running around South Carolina. Poor Julian...getting sucked into the middle of this just because he's bewitched by her. I'm sorry, but if I was Julian I would have been freaked out by the fact that she popped out his family crypt. Plus...she's odd. She has two different personalities going (the reader learns about that quickly, but poor guy was in the dark). 

Naima Haviland has SUCH a great way of sucking the reader into the story. I felt like I was there and in the same room or crypt. I also felt like she had a great knowledge of both the rich, white culture and the slave culture. It wasn't over the time (ie the dialect writing), it was perfect. Kuddos!

There was one thing I was upset about...I was confused. Perhaps it was my fault, but I wasn't sure what was going on half of the time.*shrugs* I can't much else on this without letting out many spoilers. I think there may have been too much going on at once. That may be it. Not only did she have a love triangle going on (or should I say a love square?), evil vamps, weird dou-souls in one body, ballet dancing, discovering of power, and so much more. Too much for my little brain, perhaps. Like I said...it may have just been me. 

Besides for too much going on and me getting confused, I really liked this book. The setting set-up was fantastic, the characters were awesome, and the action kept me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait to see what more Naima Haviland has to offer. ^.^ Out of five stars, I shall give this....3 stars. I would recommend this to those that love a good gothic, historical, action, romance. 

Favorite Character(s): Prince, Marcus, and Anika
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Julian (I liked him at the beginning, but as the story progressed...no so much) and the vamps 

Book Review: The Violent Bear It Away

Author: Flannery O'Connor

Title: The Violent Bear It Away
Genre: Classic, Gothic, Drama
Pages: 243

First Published: 1955
Where I Got It: borrowed from library

"First published in 1955, The Violent Bear It Away is now a landmark in American literature. It is a dark and absorbing example of the Gothic sensibility and bracing satirical voice that are united in Flannery O'Conner's work. In it, the orphaned Francis Marion Tarwater and his cousins, the schoolteacher Rayber, defy the prophecy of their dead uncle--that Tarwater will become a prophet and will baptize Rayber's young son, Bishop. A series of struggles ensues: Tarwater fights an internal battle against his innate faith and the voices calling him to be a prophet while Rayber tries to draw Tarwater into a more "reasonable" modern world. Both wrestle with the legacy of their dead relatives and lay claim to Bishop's soul.

O'Connor observes all this with an astonishing combination of irony and compassion, humor and pathos. The result is a novel whose range and depth reveal a brilliant and innovative writers acutely alert to where the sacred lives and to where it does not."

Well....I read this for my American Literature II class...>.> Since I am at a lost for words, I shall divide and conquer this review:

The Good

• I like Flannery O'Connor's writing style. Super flowly and nice
• Very interesting story
• Interesting concepts
• At first I thought this was going to be a big ol' Christian type book, but I was wrong and I'm glad.
• It pokes huge holes in Christianity and mocks it of sorts 
• It pokes huge holes in atheism and mocks people who consider themselves "scholars"

The Bad and the Ugly

• I could barely finish it. It was annoying and I'll admit that I skimmed like a pool skimmer. 
• Just no.
• No.
• I like dark but the ending PISSED me off. Poor Bishop
• How in the world is this a classic? 
• The characters were dumb.
• I wanted to punch everyone.

Conclusion

Just no. No, no, no. This was simply not my cup of tea AT all. I could barely finish it. I have no idea why we had to read this in my class. I'm still at a loss of words for this book. I would recommend this to those that like these type of books. It just wasn't for me and I'm mad that I was forced to read this. In the end, though, I grant this 1 star. It would be none, but I do admire the author's writing technique;  it was lovely. Great imagery, great word choice, etc. 

Favorite Character(s): Bishop (poor kid)

Not-so Favorite Character(s): Everyone else

*CaroleRae*

Book Review: The Picture of Dorian Gray

Author: Oscar Wilde

Title: The Picture of Dorian Gray
Genre:classics, Historical Fiction, Horror, Gothic, Fantasy
Pages: 248

First Published: June 20th, 1890
Where I Got It: my shelf (bought at used book store at Frankenmuth)

"Oscar Wilde brings his enormous gifts for astute social observation and sparkling prose to The Picture of Dorian Gray, his dreamlike story of a young man who sells his soul for eternal youth and beauty. This dandy, who remains forever unchanged; petulant, hedonistic, vain, and amoral; while a painting of him ages and grows increasingly hideous with the years, has been horrifying, enchanting, obsessing, even corrupting readers for more than a hundred years.

Taking the reader in and out of London drawing rooms, to the heights of aestheticism, and to the depths of decadence, The Picture of Dorian Grayis not only a melodrama about moral corruption. Laced with bon mots and vivid depictions of upper-class refinement, it is also a fascinating look at the milieu of Wilde’s fin-de-siècle world and a manifesto of the creed “Art for Art’s Sake.”

The ever-quotable Wilde, who once delighted London with his scintillating plays, scandalized readers with this, his only novel. Upon publication, Dorian was condemned as dangerous, poisonous, stupid, vulgar, and immoral, and Wilde as a “driveling pedant.” The novel, in fact, was used against Wilde at his much-publicized trials for “gross indecency,” which led to his imprisonment and exile on the European continent. Even so, The Picture of Dorian Gray firmly established Wilde as one of the great voices of the Aesthetic movement, and endures as a classic that is as timeless as its hero."

Took me a while to finish this, but I am finally done. It took me a while, because it was like a sweet, sweet wine and I would take little sips here and there.

I've been wanting to read this for a long time, but I'm odd because I like owning the classics if I am to read it. For some reason I need to take my time with classics when I read them. The only real exception to this are the classics that are small like Of Mice and Men. Plus I had read that one anyways.

Well, this was rather good. Not excellent, but it was good. Oscar Wilde is a fantastic author and I enjoyed the witty and well played out conversations between the characters. There was a lack of action and 95% of the book was just conversations and the thoughts of Dorian Gray. The rest of the 5% was action and etc. Normally this would annoy me, but Oscar Wilde did a wonderful job keeping the book interesting and making the reader want to know more.

I don't understand how this can even be considered a horror novel. Yes, fantasy, but horror? Not once did goosebumps arise on my arms. Yes, I found it interesting and etc, but I was never scared or horrified or even mystified. I sort of felt bad for Dorian Gray, because he sold his soul in a fit of not wanting to grow old. Though he quickly got over it and apologized for his childish tantrum, the "devil" or whatever still bestowed immortality and not feeling bad for his sins. I mean...how unfair! I also wish I wouldn't grow old and I wish I could live like there was no tomorrow, but does one of my pictures get "enchanted" and I never age? No. Lame. Poor Dorian. However, that is no excuse for Dorian being a, well, asshole. A huge asshole who really needs a punch in the face. God, how I wanted to punch Dorian myself. *grumbles* Womanizing, party, douche, murder *grumbles and looks away*

The ending was decent. I excepted it, but I expected it in another way. Does that make sense? That's as much as I can give out without ruining the end. I've seen the movie 'The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen' and I excepted something like that. *sighs* But I can see the symbolism behind HOW Oscar Wilde ended it. Also, I was secretly hoping one character (who I will not name in the sack of not creating a spoiler) would get his revenge. *sighs* Again...that was far-fetched and I knew it. Oh well.

In the end, this was a good book. I enjoyed it and I think I should check out Oscar Wilde's other writings. He is very good. Though I don't see or feel the "horror" aspect of the book, I still enjoyed the fantasy and gothicness of it. I expected the ending, even though I wanted it to end differently. Oh well. If you like classics and want to venture out of your normal reading pick this up. I shall stamp this with four stars. It seems to be more like 3.5, but I rounded it up since I don't give out decimals.

Favorite Character(s): James Vane and Basil
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Everyone else. >.> ESPECIALLY Dorian Gray. *grumbles*

*CaroleRae*

Book Review: Wuthering Heights

Author: Emily Bronte

Title: Wuthering Heights
Genre: Romance, Classic, Gothic, Historical Fiction
Pages: 464

First Published: 1847
Where I Got It: my shelf (Goodwill)

"Wuthering Heights is a wild, passionate story of the intense and almost demonic love between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, a foundling adopted by Catherine's father. After Mr Earnshaw's death, Heathcliff is bullied and humiliated by Catherine's brother Hindley and wrongly believing that his love for Catherine is not reciprocated, leaves Wuthering Heights, only to return years later as a wealthy and polished man. He proceeds to exact a terrible revenge for his former miseries. The action of the story is chaotic and unremittingly violent, but the accomplished handling of a complex structure, the evocative descriptions of the lonely moorland setting and the poetic grandeur of vision combine to make this unique novel a masterpiece of English literature."

This is about the fourth time I've read this novel. However, its been a while and I was having an itch for it, so I picked it up and began reading it. Within hours I was done. I just can't get enough of this book. Now I'm desperately on the hunt for the movie with Tom Hardy (he's so yummy). The nearest one is some random town a couple hours away, so I have to sit here and wait. Gah. Patience is not my virtue...however, I would want an eon to watch the movie. Not only is Tom Hardy yummy, but this story makes me happy as a clam.


Anyways, I hate pretty much every character in this book, but I still adore it. I love the hate-love that is formed between Catherine and Heathcliff. I feel that after he runs off like an idiot and then came back to seek his revenge that the romance bloomed more. Yes, love shouldn't be like that, but for them...it worked. They are both crazy and rather mean people and when they had some hatred mixed in with their love it just seemed fitting. 

Though Heathcliff did have valid reasons as to why to hate Catherine, Hindley, and even Linton, I was angry that he took his revenge on the innocent. Yes, take revenge on those three. That is fine, but when he turned his focus onto Miss Linton and the next generation, that was going too far. I don't want to ruin anything for anyone, so I shall not go into detail. I shall say though...that Heathcliff went waaaaaaay to far though. Oh well, it was entertaining to see how far he would go.

This certainly is a classic and a masterpiece that will live on throughout the ages. I pray that my children will love this book as much as I do.

In the end, I love this book more then I can say. Not only is there a tragic romance, but it is filled with revenge, mystery, and a ghost. It is a Gothic novel, just as a heads up to those that don't fancy  the genre. I would recommend this to everyone. Everyone should read this because it is a classic and its just a generally good story. I shall stamp this with 5 stars, of course. ^.^

Favorite Character(s): Nelly (the rational one of them all), Linton (yeaaaah, I just felt so bad for him), Heathcliff (I have a love-hate thing with him. I love to hate him. bahahaha), and Young Hareton.
Not-so-Favorite Character(s): Catherine (I don't understand why ever Tom, Dick, and Harry loved her), Heathcliff (love-hate), Hindley (a drunken fool), and Lockwood (useless human being)
Favorite Quote(s): "My love for Heathcliff resembles the eternal rocks beneath: a source of little visible delight, but necessary." Catherine, page 74 (one of the most famous quotes, but I sure do love it)

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<3CaroleRae

Book Review: Northanger Abbey

Author: Jane Austen

Title: Northanger Abbey
Genre: Historical Romance, Classic, Gothic, humor
Pages: 205

First Published: December 1817
Where I Got It: My shelf (bought at Goodwill)

"Northanger Abbey follows seventeen-year-old Gothic novel aficionado Catherine Morland and family friends Mr. and Mrs. Allen as they visit Bath. It is Catherine's first visit there. She meets new friends, such as Isabella Thorpe, and goes to balls. Catherine finds herself pursued by Isabella's brother, the rough-mannered, slovenly John Thorpe, and by her real love interest, Henry Tilney. She also becomes friends with Eleanor Tilney, Henry's younger sister. Henry captivates her with his view on novels and his knowledge of history and the world. General Tilney (Henry and Eleanor's father) invites Catherine to visit their estate, Northanger Abbey, which, from her reading of Ann Radcliffe's Gothic novel The Mysteries of Udolpho, she expects to be dark, ancient and full of Gothic horrors and fantastical mystery."

Finally finished this book. It took me a while, but I always take my time with classics and especially Jane Austen books. For the older stuff it's better that way...at least for me. It's been a couple days since I finished this, so I don't recall half of what I wanted to say and comment on. Mmmm, oh well I guess. 

I liked this, but I feel like I was missing how this was suppose to be funny. Yes, there was a couple funny bits, but I feel like I missed it. How was it funny?! I felt it was really sad and upsetting at points. I mean Henry teased the naive Catherine and points and Isabella was an idiot to the point it was funny. Catherine is odd, Mrs Allen is so out of it that its funny. Perhaps that was the humor? The same could be said about Isabella's brother. At first I really liked Isabella, but after a few chapters I wanted to slap some sense into that thick head of hers. Mmmmm.....but yes, I felt like this was more serious then I expected when I heard that this is "humorous". 

Even though I missed 90% of the humor, I really liked this! Oddly enough it is now tied to my third favorite of the Austen novels. I can't wait to watch the movie soon! Perhaps the movie can change my opinion of Mr. Tilney, because he bugged me. I can't put my finger on it, but I wasn't a fan of him. I feel like he is more realistic to all the other lovely men in her novels. He is more complex and has more "depth", I suppose you can say. All the characters have that same realistic feel to them. It's really hard to explain until you've read all the other books and then this one. 

I loved the concoction that Jane Austen created with this one. There is romance, a little bit of humor, mystery, a small touch of Gothic, and adventure all mixed in one. This novel defiantly shows Jane Austen's genius with the pen. If only she had a chance to write more novels. *sighs* Oh well. I least I still have her short writes to read. ^.^

All-in-all, I really this and I am glad I saved this for last. The characters and the story kept me highly entertained and interested even though it took me an eon to read it. Life....I would recommend this for those that love Jane Austen and other classic novels. You will love this! I was worried I would hate this, but in the end I'm so glad I finally got myself to read this. Out of five stars I grant this 5 stars. It would be 4.5, but I don't give decimals, so I rounded. 

Favorite Character(s): Catherine (she was so naive, but I highly loved her), Isabella (at the beginning) James (Catherine's brother was so cute...poor guy), Mr. Tilney (near the end he got better), and Eleanor Tilney (a darling) 
Not-so Favorite Character(s): General Tilney (GAH), Isabella (middle and ending she made me hate her), and Mr. Thrope (I wanted to kick him from the moment he set foot on stage).

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<3CaroleRae

Book Review: Bewitched

Author: Sandra Schwab
Title: Bewitched
Genre: Fantasy, Historical Romance, Regency, Paranormal
Pages: 321
First Published: 2008
Where I Got It: Library



"When young Miss Amelia Bourne suffers a mishap that strips away her magical powers and sees her sent into Regency London to find a husband, she begins to wonder if the sexy Sebastian "Fox" Stapleton isn't just a little too perfect—and if a blacker magic isn't playing with their hearts." (Goodreads)




I love Sandra Schwab and I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into this! 'Castle of the Wolf' left me dying to read her other novels, so when this came in for me at my library I immediately began to read. I will admit it....I had high expectations for this one. I know, I know, it's never good to go into a book with such high expectations, but I did. I will admit it....this novel let me down a little. 


I found this one to be okay. It wasn't great like the last one. It took me a long time to read this, because after they drank the potion the story slowed down to nearly a stop. I had to force myself to continue, it felt like a chore for a hundred or so pages. However, once Amelia snapped out of it and began to question what was going on, the story brightened back up. 


I loved how Sandra Schwab intertwined magic and storytelling into the plot. You don't read many romances that have magic involved.  I also really liked the fact Amelia and Fox were so completely different! It reminded me a lot of the show 'Bewitched', perhaps that's were she got the idea from. Hmmm. Amelia is a witch and funny and a free spirit, whilst Fox is logical, straight-laced, and foxish (if that's a word).  Even though much of the language in this book was very modern, I still loved the dialogue and all that.


All-in-all, I found this book to be very dull at points and some of the language used was too modern. I found that some of the events didn't seem to make sense, like how Fox suddenly got past his logic and believed in the magic aspect. Which I adored. I loved the magic idea she used for this. I do believe Sandra Schwab has her own magic while she writes, because even though this wasn't my favorite novel by her I still enjoyed it somewhat. I can't wait until I have her next novel in my hands! I recommend this to people who love somewhat gothic feeling novels or historical romance or magic plotted books or all three. Out of five stars I grant this one 3 *** stars. In all reality it is 3.4, but I don't give decimals.




Favorite Character(s): Amelia and Andrew Fermont
Not-so Favorite Character(s): Fox (I don't know why though, but I found him annoying)

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<3CaroleRae