"You've certainly made a difference in the amount of peculiar teas I'm forced to drink." ~ "Lakesedge"

I literally can't say enough positive things about this novel. I am dying for more people to read it so I can discuss it! Not only is the female protagonist Violetta unfailingly loyal to her brother, but she's written in such a way that all oldest daughters can relate to. That sense of stress and overwhelming responsibility is conveyed throughout the story so well. I went in expecting gothic romance/horror (for which there is plenty!) but I never expected to relate to the main character so much. Violetta is empathetic, almost to a fault, and her personal journey in learning how to open up to others is so important to me.

I love that this book leaves you in suspense even after it's done. I'm wondering where Violetta's story will go from here. Will there be a love triangle? If so, then this book has introduced a new trope I've never seen before: the main female character trying to choose between two bad/morally grey male characters. Also, I'm wondering if Violetta is aromantic/asexual or both, or if Clover is? There's this one scene where Clover says: "You know, it's all right if you're not interested in him like that. Not everyone wants a romance...I don't know what I want...There's never been anyone who you liked before?" Most likely, either character is asexual (considering how rare it is to have just one asexual character in a book) but it almost sounds like both these characters are! I would love to see this explored more in the next book in the series.

This is the perfect book for fans of classic gothic romance/horror, especially "Udolpho" and "Northanger Abbey" with its own spunky heroines. If you liked "Mexican Gothic," this book is very similar, but more age-appropriate for teens and young adults. The romance and violence in this story are more heavily implied than some of the gruesome scenes in adult horror novels. Every aspect of this book is given in the perfect amount: just enough romance, just enough suspense, just enough character development, just enough friendships, just enough magic, just enough plot twists. That ending...I never saw it coming! I'm so siked that book two has already been announced.

I cannot wait to read the next in the series! This book was a perfect combination of Gothic and Fantasy literature that kept me reading. I enjoyed the progression of the main character and her love for her brother. The “Monster” is everything anyone would want in such a character. A dark-haired, trouble young man with a mysterious past. And, if that doesn’t quite work for you, there is the Lord Under, who I need to know more about already.
It does have a little bit of a low start, but it spends that time establishing the gothic setting that continues throughout the story. All of the secondary characters are well fleshed out with their own moments to shine within the story. Every element of the book was thoroughly thought out and considered. And the ending left me needing to know what happens next. Already ordered a physical copy for rereading and can’t wait to recommend it to other gothic or fantasy book lovers.

I thought this book was okay, but really nothing SPECIAL. Did I like it? Absolutely. But everything just felt like it was mimicking what was proven to be popular. I know that’s how a lot of books are, but it just felt like I was reading some overhyped book and it isn’t even out yet.
Overall, it was a great book thought. The magic system was really unspecific with the alchemists and I don’t know WHY they’re called alchemists, but it was fun to read about. There were a lot of nice friendships and creepy vibes, which I’m always down for. The romance also did develop well, but again, it felt like a cliche. I had a lot of fun reading this book, it just wasn’t very special.

Spoiler free review
Wow!! This book was amazing!! What an gothic, amazing and chilling tale that left me wanting more. This story takes you on a journey of an heroine who finds her magic throughout the book. It has the perfect amount of romance, betrayal and mystery to keep you reading until the very end. I throughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait for more!

Enjoyed this gothic, atmospheric tale. It reminds me a bit of Crimson Peak, with its lush setting and memorable characters. This will be a good addition to our collection.

Thanks to the publisher for access to this title in return for a fair review.

3.75 stars
Violeta spends much of her time protecting her brother from her adoptive mother, trying to hide his shadow magic. When that magic is spotted by none other than the monster of the manor, Leta and her brother soon find themselves embarking on a task to save not only themselves, but the monster that everyone fears and that Leta is falling for.

A decent gothic feel, and the weaving of the magic and the ultimate interaction with the Lord of Under is well done. The conclusion is well written and not rushed, which helped to make the whole book that much better.

This book was absolutely fantastic. I've already added it to our library collection and will recommend it to students.

This book was received as an ARC from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group - Henry Holt and Co. in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

At first I was a little hesitant on reading this book and I am usually not a fan of haunting materials and the only reason that I even considered reading this book was that it came highly recommended by our teen book club and they said I will really enjoy it so I had to find out for myself. The book started out as a scary story of a mysterious monster and the haunted estate are controlled by a dark Lord Under that little does Leta know has been involved with and will impact her relationship with her brother and secrets will be unveiled. Now, after meeting Rowan, she develops a deep connection with him and puts all of that at risk as well. My interest was full throughout reading this book and I know we definitely will consider this title as a future teen book club discussion.

We will consider adding this title to our YA collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

This book was gothic with bad boy and evil lake. Rowan lost his family and dealing with monster issues. He finds these kids and bring them with him to his lake house. Both kids have powers. Loved alchemist girl. Loved the romance but little triangle with Lord Under. Rowan and Lord Under both like her. She and Rowan are both stubborn. She loves books . Great book and I can't wait to see how it ends. Loved the connection between Rowan and Violet. I liked her magic. This book kept me reading and slowly savoring this book. I didn't want it to end. Love the cover too.

This book was everything I hoped for in a YA, gothic romance. It was dark, eerie, and will have you hooked after page one!

Violetta was my favorite type of heroine. Loyal, determined to protect the ones she wants, and the keeper of secrets we are desperate to find out. Rowan was brooding, sad, angry and HOT. I also liked seeing how vulnerable he was was around Violetta and his determination to protect her made me swoon.

The world building was beautiful. Dark and mysterious, grey and murderous. Exactly what you’d expect from this type of story.

The author is amazing at giving a piece of the puzzle but leaving just enough open for another plot twist that left me completely stunned. I’m quite surprised this is a debut novel and I’m officially a fan of Lyndall!

I’m quite anxious for book two. Fans of Down Comes the Night, House of Salt and Sorrows and The Shadows Between Us will absolutely love Lakesedge!

Thank you for the chance to read this book early!

I was sooo eager to read this! I loved the gothic setting and atmosphere. The main character was easy to relate to and follow along with. I am so excited about where this book left off and what will happen in the sequel. I loved the Lord Under and SO intrigued with his story and what it will mean for Leta in the next book. I want to learn more about Rowan too. Some of the pacing felt a little rushed in places. I would have liked a little ore development between Rowan and Leta. I felt they sort of went from hate to love pretty quickly I think a little longer and deeper development there would have been delightful.

Leta and her brother were well developed and I loved the side characters in this book.

I am really excited to read the next one. Clipstone has a lot of talent and I can't wait to read more from her.