Suzi

How did not know this was going to be a trilogy?! Now the wait for the next book will feel like forever!

This is a great atmospheric, gothic fantasy with a super slow burn romance. I loved the unique world, the imposing Weavingshaw manor, the lore of the Avon family and the investigation the characters work through.

I did feel like the whole underworld element could have been fleshed out a bit more but perhaps we'll get more of this in the next book, whenever that gets announced.

I've generally liked everything I've read from these authors but this one was probably the one I've liked the least.

The story is good - grieving mother sees a picture of her son, believed to be dead, online which sparks her to find him.

The issue is that the plot points are unrealistic and overly convenient, and I couldn't get over a few things.

Why would the school inform parents of a crash where children died? This would be the police.

The sister believing blatant lies was unbelievable.

Why would she not tell her husband that she's going after the son? The insurance reason makes no sense, I can't imagine a good father wouldn't drop everything to find his child.

Perhaps if this was longer it could have been written a bit better, but this one won't stay with me long term.

A solid thriller with a few different plots threaded together and a satisfying ending.

This was a perfect example of right book, right time.

I've tried this book before and stopped at around 100 pages as I wasn't in the mood for a slower paced book, but this time it absolutely worked for me and I loved it.

I really love a classic fantasy setting and vibe so this hit all those highs for me, but I'm really looking forward to seeing how the world and plot expand and grow in the next book.

Temporarily pausing this one. I don't want to give it a low rating simply because I'm not in the mood for a slower paced story at the moment. This will be perfect for the time when I want that.