This book was just what I was hoping it would be!.. A wonderfully dark gothic fantasy that was that has dangerous shadows, a devouring corruption, a god of the dead, and a monsterous boy.. what more could I possibly ask for? I was so happy to realize that there will be another book in this series, I need more of Rowan and of the Lord Under.. This book completly sucked me in, and when I had to put it down I kept thinking about it., and when I would be able to pick it back up. I can't wait to buy a hard copy of this when its released..

Violetta will do whatever it takes to protect her brother even if means following him to the home of a guy everyone thinks killed his entire family.. All Arien wants to do is learn how to use the magic he has.. Control the shadows that mostly come out while he is sleeping and turns him into a whole different person. Rowan will do whatever it takes to stop the Corruption that is spreading across his land, taking over his body even bringing Violetta along when he only need Arien.. None of them had any idea how all of them coming together will change their lives forever..

Thank you so much to Netgalley and publishers for the ARC. While I was incredibly interested in the premise of Lakesedge, I found it to be a disappointment. I could not connect to the story — or most of the characters, and was left with many questions. That being said, I really enjoyed the atmospheric writing, and found the worldbuilding intriguing. I was uncomfortable with the dynamics presented in the book, as well as the lack of agency the characters had.

I am not sure how to review this.

Did I like the book? Absolutely. Did I fully understand it? Nope.

First of all, this book was dark, and read like a gothic novel. It also sort of read like a fairy tale. It was fascinating, it was different, it was engrossing and it was confusing. There were times when I couldn't quite picture what was happening, but I couldn't stop reading.

I do want to say that the writing was excellent. The main character might say that something felt wrong, yet as a reader you didn't totally get that feeling. The writing was such that you knew something else was going on.

I want to thank the author, the publisher and #netgalley for the ARC which did not impact my review.

Violetta has protected her brother, Aerin, since the death of their parents during a plague when she was only six. Since that point, Aerin has experienced night terrors which manifest a dark shadowy power, and Violetta has stood in defense of him against their abusive adoptive mother. That is until the day of Tithe, when Aerin’s powers reveal themselves in front of the Lord of the land, Rowan Sylvanan. Rowan—known by the locals as the Monster—shows up at their small cottage later that night and threatens Violetta and Aerin into coming with him to his estate, Lake’s Edge. He needs Aerin’s power to help break a curse brought upon him by the Lord Under. However, Rowan doesn’t explain what started the curse nor what this will entail. However, the threats are enough and Aerin agrees, as long as Violetta is allowed to accompany them.

Unbeknownst to all around her, Violetta is familiar with the cruel Lord Under in ways she is reluctant to reveal.

When they arrive at Lake’s Edge, the estate—and Rowan—are not as the tales have told. As Aerin works to help end the curse with the instruction of Clover, an Alchemist, Violetta and Rowan grow closer. Rowan has been afflicted by the Corruption that threatens the land and each day more and more of this Corruption begins to take him. Will Aerin and Clover be able to stop the Corruption from taking all they have grown to love, including their new-found family? Or will Violetta have to make another deal with a dark entity that held her hand so long ago?

The book was pretty good, although I would have liked more description. At times it felt very vague, like I wasn’t getting a good picture of what was going on and I’d have to re-read parts to understand what I was reading. I think it could have used another edit and some fleshing out, but I was still pleased by the story itself. Hopefully this will be done before the book is released in November.

This also ends on a decent cliff hanger that really makes me wonder where this is heading. It is slated to be a series and I’m very curious as to what the next book will reveal about all of the characters and what will happen to Violetta—spoiler, mayhaps? Although it was a little lacking, the story really is good enough that I want to hear what happens next.

Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing for the advanced copy in exchange for an impartial and honest review.

This was an interesting gothic fantasy. I really enjoyed the focus on family and the gothic vibes!

Violeta "Leta" Graceling has one goal: protecting her younger brother Arien. When the Monster of Lakesedge finds out that Arien has a dark power, he takes Leta and Arien to Lakesedge. At Lakesedege, Violeta discovers nothing is as it seems; not the lake, not the shadows, and certainly not the Monster of Lakesedge. As she starts to see the boy behind the monster, Rowan, Leta realizes that she needs to save him and her brother from the mysterious Lord Under, a being she has an inexplicable connection to.

I really loved the characters! The main characters all become a sort of found family. From the manner residents: Florence, Clover, and Rowan, to the siblings: Violeta and Arien. I really loved watching them all become closer!

The mystery and secrets were really engaging and I really liked how the main mysteries were slowly unveiled.

I'm really not sure what to think of Lord Under. He reminds me of so many different characters & myths from all over the morally grey spectrum. First, he kind of reminds me of the main king/lord from underneath the castle in every other Twelve Dancing Princesses retelling, but he also reminds me of Hades. Then he gives off Darkling vibes one moment and is kind the next. Then he's being a Rumpelstiltskin. Honestly, he's why I'm most looking forward to the sequel, I really want to know more about him.

All in all, I really liked this, for the most part, and I can't wait to read what happens in Forestfall (book 2).

Special thanks to NetGalley & Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for granting my "wish." I really appreciate the opportunity to read an eARC of Lakesedge!

CW/TW: https://lyndallclipstone.com/content/
Honestly, there's a lot of blood/gore for a YA novel.

I wasn’t sure I liked it at first, but I ended up loving it. I liked the plot and the creepy feel to it. I liked the main characters and the relationship ship that built between them. I liked how the two main character’s secrets slowly unravelled as you read. I liked that it was ominous and uncertain. It intrigued me and held my interest through out. I am sure there is more I could say, but I overall was very pleased and delighted that I read it.

Full of gothic allure, dark magic, and peculiar creatures hidden in the shadows, Lakesedge tells the story of bravery, hope, and sacrifice.

When the new lord of the haunting Lakesedge estate comes to town offering his help to aid her brother, Leta must decide whether to take this opportunity to save her family or succumb to the vicious rumors surrounding the monster of Lakesedge himself.

Clipstone wove in so many captivating gothic elements to this book, a gloomy, foreboding manor full of secrets and locked doors, a sinister plot unfolding before the heroine’s eyes, and an eerie atmospheric setting that seemed to come alive. For me, where the book really shined was the romance. It was intriguingly written as a hot and cold, push and pull romance with sparks flying through playful banter and angst.

Overall, the pacing of the book was a little off at times, and I felt clarity was needed on a couple of plot points, including more information about how the magic system was structured, but the entire mystery and atmosphere of the book lured me in. The plot twist at the end had me speechless, and I am curious to see what will happen next.

3.25/5

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.*

Strange that a story about possession can be so soft.

“Lakesedge” is a gothic style sorry about two siblings fighting off the shadows of their past when they come face to face with the town monster, a Lord known for his cruelty offering them protection at a hefty price. With the corruption sinking into the earth and those closest to it Violeta must make peace with her bargains before it’s too late.

The closest I can come to an accurate description of this book is it would be perfect for fans of “The Haunting of Bly Manor” in that it is a slow story of dread and less true horror. You have a cast of characters that are a lot similar to that of the show only the monster in the lake is one that everyone is actively working to defeat and not one that makes an appearance in the cover of darkness.

I feel like the dynamics of the characters was fine they felt a little paper thin to me all around but being a series there’s potential for that to evolve into something better. The romance is plain and lacking but again I’ll hold out hope that it too can see more growth as time passes however I’m not in any real rush to continue.

A pretty cover, a haunting premise and a just okay delivery for me but I hope the next reader can enjoy.

*special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review**

Thank you @netgalley @fiercereads and @lkclipstone for this ARC. However, my opinions remain true and unencumbered.

I went into Lakesedge expecting a gothic fantasy romance with monsters, eerie houses and cursed lakes. I am excited to tell you that the book didn't just live up to my expectations; it surpassed them by a mile! It added magic, creepy woods, sigils, dreams, the underworld and a death god to the already heady mix.

This book was a fever dream that got under my skin and stayed there. It gripped me with its opening lines and hasn't let go off me even now, though it has been many hours since I read its parting words. I have a feeling the story will continue to live in my heart for long, calling out to me in the dark. The characters Violeta, Rowan, Arien, Clover (such beautiful names, sigh!) and the Lord Under are all in my head, whispering things.

The writing in this book is lyrical and lilting and has a cadence that casts a spell on you. I found myself highlighting a lot on my e-reader. The first 10 chapters or so lay down the foundation of the magic system and the Corruption that afflicts the people in the story. They also give us the backstories of the characters and deepen the mystery of Rowan Sylvanan. Beyond that, the pacing of the book picks up and grips you so hard, it's impossible to let go of it and focus on anything else.

The side-characters of Lakesedge are extremely likeable too. A w|w romance is also hinted at. The sibling dynamic is done delicately and with a lot of love. However, it is the romance between the main characters that is the heart of the story. The romance that blossoms between Rowan (the Lord who is, at once, a monster and a boy poisoned by grief) and the indomitable Violeta (who loves with all her heart). It is such a tender but brave romance that you are left with no choice but to root for the couple.

The climax of the story is also one of its strengths.  A climax so unexpected, it literally took my breath away and left me audibly gasping.

Fantasy romance lovers, you CANNOT pass up on this one. Please put it on your TBRs now. Out on September 28th (US) & Oct 12 (UK).

What a wild ride!

This book had quite a few twists and turns that I didn't expect. But before I start rambling about my undying love for Rowan, here is a cohesive list of the things I loved and didn't love about the story:

Loved:
1. Rowan - He is such an interesting and dynamic character. I love the way his backstory was unfolded throughout the story (even though it was slightly predictable that he wasn't what he seemed). His friendship with Florence and Clover was also incredibly sweet as well.
2. The concept - I mean... who doesn't love the trope of the innocent girl falls in love with the monster? Obviously, this is a very abbreviated summary of what actually happened, but their romance moments were so well done, I couldn't help myself.

Didn't love:
- Violeta's character - She had no traits at the beginning other than her love for her brother and her cowardice. And immediately after finding out that she had an upper hand, she developed this savior complex that really ground on my nerves. From this point on, I started to fall slightly out of love with the story. The dialogue got repetitive with everyone telling her NOT to do the thing, and her insisting that she was the only one strong enough to save them all.
- The romance - Don't get me wrong, the product of the romance was excellently done. I was living for Violeta and Rowan's interactions. The only part that I didn't like was how they didn't really seem to have chemistry and then all of a sudden they did? It was very startling and I was definitely not expecting that from the getgo.
- The magic system - I tried. I really tried to understand the whole thing with shadows and light but I don't think it was really clear how Rowan didn't have the power, then was able to summon the Lord Under OR how Violeta even got her power in the first place? Is this magic something you just inherit? That just seemed like a plot hole that wasn't really patched over in my opinion.

FINAL NOTES:
Would I recommend this book?
YES - If you like the idea of romance and monsters.
NO - If you prefer a stronger sense of connection between the protagonists, are really picky about the logistics of magic systems, or you are squeamish and can't handle blood, gore, etc. Definitely take care of yourself and check the content warnings!

It reads like a bunch of halve finished thoughts strung together. Monster, boy, monster oh I should find out your name monster…. Huh?
The characters emotional motivations are also hard to follow. Like oh he’s a monster, saves her life, they ride the same horse for two days… oh I’ve known him for a week he is not so bad. Huh?
But if you can live with that story concept is not bad.

Thank you to Macmillan and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Lakesedge by Lyndall Clipstone is an incredibly original YA gothic fantasy that is perfect for fans of the atmosphere of Crimson Peak and the magic of The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina! While pieces of the story reminded me of several things I've read and watched lately, the book as a whole is stunningly original. The plot revolves around Violeta Graceling, or Leta, as she's known. She and her brother Arien are taken in by the mysterious monster of Lakesedge to live in his haunted mansion with his maids and servants. But is this monster - who is rumored to have killed his whole family - really what he seems? Or is there more to the young man than what lies on the surface? Also, who is the mysterious Lord Under living the black lake in the woods of the estate?

Here is a beautiful and creepy excerpt straight from the beginning of Chapter 1:

"There are monsters in the world.
There are monsters in the woods.
They slip inside at night. Crawl through the walls of our cottage. They find their way into my brother’s dreams.
It’s been weeks, longer, since Arien’s last nightmare, but I knew they would come tonight. All day it’s followed me, that familiar heaviness in the air. I can feel them coming even before he does.
...
“Violeta?”
He calls my name and reaches out as the darkness rises through him. Shadows spill from his hands like unfurled ribbons, shrouding the floor with an inky mist. He looks at me with eyes gone solid black; they change when he dreams, and those blank eyes in his frightened face are so wrong. Arien is gentle and sweet. This darkness shouldn’t be in him."

As you can see in the excerpt above, the prose in this book is gorgeous. It's so hard to find YA fantasy these days that is not just well-written at the plot-level, but also at the sentence-level. While reading this book, I wanted to savor every sentence. Often, I would come across an evocative image in the prose, and I would need to pause and appreciate its beauty. If you're a fan of gorgeous prose, you won't want to miss this book!

Another highlight of this book are the characters and the slow-burn romance between Leta and Rowan, the monster of Lakesedge. Leta is a strong heroine who won't take no for an answer. Her love for her younger brother drives most of her actions, but she also grows to love Rowan and the others living at the estate. Her desire to protect those around her makes her an incredible protagonist. Rowan is a damaged, but sensitive young man who is seen as a monster by everyone around him. If you're a fan of romances where the beauty falls in love with the beast, you will definitely like this book!

Overall, Lakesedge is an amazing YA fantasy that I can see becoming the next A Court of Thorns and Roses. I thought that this book was a standalone, but when I got to the cliffhanger at the end, I realized that there has to be a sequel. I am totally adding the sequel to my TBR list, and I will read it as soon as it comes out! I need to know what happens next! The romance between Leta and Rowan reminded me of the romance between Feyre and Tamlin in the first ACOTAR book. If you're intrigued by the excerpts above, or if you're a fan of YA fantasy in general, you definitely won't want to miss this book when it comes out in September!

When I first started this book, I felt like it was a alternate version of Beauty and the Beast with the Beast taking someone and the heroine making him take her as well. Some of it was interesting but some of it was confusing. I didn't feel like much was explained on why she could interact with the Lord Under. Sometimes it was all kind of confusing on why things were being done the way they were. I would hope if there is a sequel that a lot more of this is explained.

Free Netgalley book for review ~. This is, to be honest, a lower three star read for me but I am feeling generous because it’s not meant for my age group. A teen reader will probably like this one. For me this book is just about too agonizingly overwrought and I didn’t connect with either Leta or Rowan. Both make choices I find pretty incomprehensible, and Leta in particular rushes headfirst into some gnarly situations to protect everyone else at the cost of herself. She’s the most Hufflepuff Gryffindor ever.

The writing style is also not at all to my taste with many sentence fragments and the deliberately bad grammar that is so popular right now. (I don’t know how much of that might be edited by the time this book is printed, but I expect most of it will stay.)

Also I’m sure a psychologist would have a field day with this book. 😅 as it is, there’s an uncomfortable amount of blood ritual cutting built into the plot line and the ending had me pretty angry. It felt unresolved and abrupt. I don’t know if there’s a sequel planned and this was meant to be a cliffhanger but I won’t be reading it if so. (Sorry, not sorry.)

If you like atmospheric, dark fantasy this will probably appeal to you. This book would probably be best for older teens rather than tweenagers. Overall I found the to be an average read, but maybe it’ll strike you differently.



SPOILERS
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Triggers for:

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Abuse. cutting, stealing sleeping potions (at least once), suicide ideation, unprotected sex, dark magic, blood magic, grief, nightmares

Part Beauty and the Beast retelling, part Persephone and Hades retelling, this engaging YA fantasy novel will leave you hanging.
Beautifully written, falls hard into the tragic-sacrifice-for-love-and-family/“because only I can fix this” trope.
Is it the first book in a duology or trilogy? If not, while the ending is somewhat rounded off, there is no ultimate resolution. If you need a full-on happy ending, this isn’t for you.

Oh I loved this book!!! Such an unique story line. It's not your typical "magic" story. There is darkness in the characters but only by circumstances in which life placed them. The consequences of their decisions made as small children shapes the trap of life they are in now. The character development is spot on as they try to find their way out of the darkness. Sometimes monsters are of our own creation.
Thank you to NetGalley and Edelweiss for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

Full of magic, darkness, hope, and love, Lakesedge is a gripping tale you won’t soon forget. It will pull you in, hold you in it’s grasp, and leave you feeling emotionally wrung out.

What would you give to save those you love? It’s a question Violeta must answer, multiple times, as she begs Lord Under for help. This dark tale has a Hades and Persephone feel to it. The more we see Lord Under, the more I became convinced what he truly wanted was for Violeta to offer herself to him. The dynamic between the two is quite compelling, and while Violeta’s love for Rowan is something more pure and utterly human, I often felt her place was truly meant to be beside Lord Under.

The secondary characters add a depth to the story, giving it a richer feel. The author created an interesting world where boys crushing on boys and girls crushing on girls seemed to be the norm. With Arien preferring romances where the prince and knight fall in love, and Clover openly flirting with Thea, it set the story in a world where people were more accepting of one another — as long as you weren’t a monster.

With the book ending with a bit of an unfinished feel to it, I’m hopeful there will be a continuation. And yes, I will definitely buy it! Lakesedge may be Ms. Clipstone’s first novel, but I’m already a huge fan!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an ARC of Lakesedge.

I am giving this book 5 stars because I just couldn't put it down. I found it innovative and enjoyable. It's fantasy but also very dark. It's not for the faint of heart. The characters stand out and draw one into their lives. Violetta wants to solve the problems and protect everyone. That is her greatest fault. She will risk her life to save her brother. Meanwwhile, her brother wants to help her save the world. Poor Lord Rowen is totally lost as to how to help himself, Arien or Violetta. I cried at the end however, so be prepared.

This book is a lyrical story of monsters and curses and magic that comes with a price. Violeta and her brother finally have a chance to change their fate when Rowan brings them to his estate. They all have a part to play, except for Violeta. And with this, we're set on a journey of watching her discover herself and what truly matters. Everyone has dark secrets and each one is beautifully and tragically unraveled as the story progresses, creating a web that complicates their attempts to solve the mystery of the estate and Rowan's mysterious nature. Things get more complicated when the Lord Under makes his appearance, and it's up to Violeta to figure out if he is a friend or foe.

I was entranced with the story from beginning to end, but it wasn't without some issues of pacing and world building. At first I felt like there wasn't enough world building because you're thrust into the chaos and magic from the get-go, but the author expands once the characters settle into their new permanent location.

I loved all the characters. Violeta is rash to a fault which I think caused too many problems, but she makes up for it when she's able to shine through because of her ideals by trying to protect what she cherishes most. The story progress wasn't without a few repetitions of characters making similar mistakes, but it was forgivable for the sake of plot progress.

The end is when every character shined the most, with the ending leaving the reader with heart breaking optimism. This is definitely a book I recommend and I await further stories from the author.

“There are monsters in the world. There are monsters in the woods. They slip inside at night. Crawl through the walls of our cottage. They find their way into my brother’s dreams.”

Lakesedge by Lyndall Clipstone is a dark gothic fantasy romance full of monster boys who gift you pretty dresses, secret gardens and bramble thorns, death gods who whisper your name in the dark, honey-scented altar candles, and almost-kisses at midnight. I was automatically intrigued by this book upon reading the synopsis (I mean, a haunted estate? Monster boys? Sinister death gods? Plus, a focus on sibling relationships? Sign me up!) and the book itself pulled me in from the very first line, making it impossible to put down and me eager to get my hands on book two.

The Plot

Found alone in the woods when they were both children, Violeta Graceling and her younger brother, Arien, have spent their lives in a small village residing with a religious woman who took them in. When Arien started to exhibit signs of dark magic—masses of shadow that erupt from him while he dreams—the woman’s previous kindness turned to cruelty, punishing both Arien and Violeta for Arien’s abilities, leaving Violeta with the desire to do anything to keep her brother safe.

After Arien’s powers manifest themselves on the village’s tithe day, Arien and Violeta are approached by the lord of the valley, Rowan Sylvanan, who desires Arien to come to his estate, Lakesedge, where he has need of his abilities. Wishing to keep Arien safe, Violeta convinces Rowan to take her to Lakesedge as well, even if it means living with a monster rumored to have drowned his entire family.

But Rowan and Lakesedge are not what they seem.

As Violeta becomes closer to Rowan, she learns that he is tied to the death god, the Lord Under, to whom Violeta is also drawn. Now in order to save Rowan, Arien, and Lakesedge itself from the darkness and corruption of the lake and the Lord Under himself, Violeta must confront her own past and her eerie connection to the Lord Under before it is too late as she may be the key to saving them all.

The World, the Atmosphere & the Magic

Lakesedge promised a gothic atmosphere and it sure delivers. Full of dark hallways, abandoned rooms, whispering gods, blood sacrifices, and a sinister lake, this entire book screams “gothic.” While I have read quite a few gothic novels (that comes from taking a course in college literally titled “The Gothic”), I have not read a lot of young adult books that fall into this genre, although after Lakesedge I might have to change that. Lakesedge is the perfect balance of dark and paranormal with just the right amount of horror to make it mysterious and eerie without being overpowering.

The world and setting of the novel definitely help with this gothic atmosphere. Much of the book is set at Lakesedge, a practically abandoned estate owned by a supposed “monster” and nestled at the edge of a dark, corrupted lake where three people have supposedly drowned at the hands of the “monster,” Rowan. Combined with the dark, candle-lit rooms, locked doors, and voices in the night (paranormal and otherwise), the entire setting really adds to the mood and atmosphere of the novel and despite what Violeta and the other characters experience throughout the book, the estate and the lake constantly lurk in the background. I only wish that we got to see more of the estate, both inside and outside, as, despite the vastness of Lakesedge, very few rooms/locations (and their history) were explored, especially in the case of a gothic (or horror) novel like this one where the estate itself becomes its own sort of character. Likewise, I also wish that we learned a bit more about the world outside of Lakesedge or even Greymere (the village where Violeta and Arien lived), particularly the Maylands and how the people there use and view magic just to have more context for the world in which all of the events of the story are taking place.

In terms of the magic in the book, I really liked the dichotomy created between the “light” (tied to the Lady) and the “dark” (tied to the Lord Under) as well as the merging between the two (you cannot have the light without the dark, after all). I also really liked how the idea of magic being dark or light had no impact on the type of character who possessed it (Arien has dark magic, for instance, and he is such a soft bean). Additionally, I enjoyed how, unlike in traditional fantasy where magic just “is” (in that a character possesses magic and can just simply control it), the magic in Lakesedge is strengthened and better controlled through the use of sigils drawn on the skin, which I found really interesting.

The Characters

If I have said it once, I have said it a thousand times – if a book contains found family, then I am automatically obsessed! I really loved all of the characters in Lakesedge and their various dynamics with each other.

Violeta: I really enjoyed Violeta’s character. She is simply so fierce, brave, loyal, and protective of those around her that she was a character who you cannot help but root for, despite her proclivity for making foolish and reckless decisions (and bargains). Leta is simply willing to do anything to keep her brother, Arien, safe and I loved the bond that the two shared (as an older sister myself, I found Clipstone’s depiction of Leta in that regard to be very realistic). I also really enjoyed her relationship with Rowan (so much (sexual) tension!) and how she becomes sort of the only person who he was ever willing to confide in about his past (thereby changing both her perception and my perception as the reader of him as the narrative unfolded) and they both truly bring out the best in each other. She did annoy me a bit at times with regards to the information that she was withholding from the others, namely Arien, but I could understand why she was doing so (it definitely goes back to her desire to keep Arien safe).

Rowan: I was originally unsure of how much I would like Rowan when Lakesedge began, but overall, I ended up loving his character. I enjoyed watching pieces of his character and his past slowly unravel, beginning with his position as the sort of mysterious and cruel monster of Lakesedge and moving towards the reveal of his true inner self—a lonely boy nursing secrets and a tragic past and attempting to remain strong despite all of it. Rowan is definitely a troubled character both inside and out, dealing with his supposed reputation for drowning his entire family as well as carrying the burden of the truth (you know the Taylor Swift song “Sad Beautiful Tragic?” That is Rowan in a nutshell). I enjoyed learning more about Rowan’s past throughout the book and I could not help but sympathize with him over his past and the decisions that he made as a boy that ultimately cursed him (both literally and physically). He just needs a hug, okay?

Arien: Ah Arien, my favorite soft dark alchemist boi. Arien is such a sweet little bean and I just want to give him a hug. As previously stated, I really liked his relationship with Violeta and how he kind of forces her (in a good way) to do the “right” thing, even if it means putting him in danger. With this in mind, Arien is the type of person to throw himself into danger no matter the consequences, if it means keeping others safe (much to Violeta’s dismay). Sometimes it was hard to remember that he was only thirteen because he definitely acts older and, like Violeta, makes difficult decisions that no thirteen-year-old should ever have to make. I enjoyed watching him transform throughout the novel from a scared boy frightened by his abilities into someone who learns to control his magic and use it to help others (namely Rowan).

Clover: Speaking of characters I enjoyed, I also really liked Clover’s character. She is just so sweet and bubbly I could not help but love her as soon as she stepped onto the page. I appreciated how she served as a sort of contrast to Violeta and Rowan, always attempting to see the best in the situation and think positively despite the situation sometimes warranting otherwise. I liked her role in the story as the sort of “teacher” to Arien as well as a friend and confidant for Violeta, which she definitely needed. I really liked how she became sort of a mom/sister figure for Arien as well as Rowan and I enjoyed her various dynamics with the other characters throughout the story. I also loved the little jokes she made throughout the book about Violeta and Rowan’s relationship, they had me dying!

Florence: While she does not have as much page time as the other characters, I really liked Florence’s character and her role in the story. While she does not have magic or magical abilities like most of the other characters, Florence is with them every step of the way. I really enjoyed her relationship with Rowan and how she was friends with his mom and has stuck by his side despite what he has gone through and the dark events (and accusations) surrounding him. I also liked the relationship she developed with Arien, becoming the sort of real mom that he never had growing up (except for Violeta). She is totally the mom of the group, always prepared with food, tea, blankets, and bandages to reinvigorate and comfort Violeta, Rowan, Arien, and Clover. Plus, she stress bakes, so that is always a plus in my book!

The Lord Under: The Lord Under serves as the villain of Lakesedge, haunting Violeta, Rowan, and the rest of the characters’ lives to some degree (although his connection is really strong with regards to Violeta and Rowan). The Lord Under’s presence cloaked the entire book like a shadow, always there to some degree even if he was not seen. He is very dark, mysterious, and manipulative in addition to being the ruler of the world below, which made him an intriguing character to read about (although I did not necessarily like him). I was really interested in his connection to Violeta and hope that it is explored more in the next book as well as the sort of bargains that he strikes with mortals (Can anyone strike a bargain with him? What draws him to people like Rowan and Violeta? I need to know more!).

The Pacing – Twists & Turns

My only real complaint when it comes to Lakesedge was the pacing. There were some major jumps between chapters in which I wish that more information/scenes were provided, especially when it came to the dynamics between characters. For instance, I wanted more Violeta and Rowan scenes and scenes between Violeta and Arien between certain situations where there were jumps just to further see these relationships evolve. I also wish that we got more scenes of the “magic learning” sessions, which I found really interesting, including how the sigils work and the elements that are “combined” to form spells.

However, what I did really enjoy with regards to the pacing of the book was how the various twists and turns were handled. There was a slow unraveling of information through the book that I quite enjoyed which culminated into secrets revealed, mysteries solved, and bombshells dropped. Secrets and mysteries were scattered like breadcrumbs, working slowly towards shifting and changing the perceptions of the characters, particularly Rowan and even Violeta, through what information was revealed and withheld as the novel progressed.

Conclusion

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I cannot wait for the second one, because that ending! I need to see what happens next!