The description, cover, and title combination for Lakesedge caught my attention right away, and I was glad to be granted an advanced copy. It grabbed my attention right away, with intriguing world building and a strong older sister fighting to keep her younger brother safe in an abusive environment. The magic/ religious system in the story is interesting and cohesive, and the world as described seemed welcoming and pleasant. Then the magic really started. And the romance. And the drama. And the impulsive and often self-destructive decisions.

Violetta is extremely self-sacrificing when it comes to protecting her loved ones, and not good at caring for herself at all. The more you get to understand the trauma she has been through, the more her behavior makes sense, but it still gets a little tiresome after awhile. I felt like this was very YA, with maximum angst, both familial and romantic. There's also some sort of love triangle, and the story ends on a cliffhanger. I keep forgetting that "lush" as a book descriptor means all the purple prose describing everything, and while this book wasn't terrible, I got a little tired of hearing about how everything tastes like ash or burned sugar or poison or whatever, and how there were strings tied from / tightening her heart, etc. And this is very much my own preference, but some of the things these characters, especially Leta, went through, and the losses they endured, just felt like to much. I could see how the writing is gothic fantasy bordering on horror.

I did love the LGBTQ+ rep, as multiple supporting characters had same sex preferences or were bi/pan, and Leta appeared to be demisexual. And while this is wholly a fantasy setting, and Violetta and her brother are fair skinned and red headed, there's also a fair amount of supporting characters who are described as having darker skin, curly hair, etc. Also, women have a lot of agency in this story. while most of the people with leadership roles in the story (lords, village leaders, etc) were male, several of the female characters filled important professional roles and were treated with respect.

Overall this was an enjoyable, if sometimes slightly redundant and slow read. I finished it in a few days around the autumn holidays. While I'm not sure I'll bother reading the sequel, I nevertheless appreciate #NetGalley and Macmillan granting me a free electronic advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I haven't read many Gothic fantasy books but I think there should be more of them on shelves if they're as great and compelling as Lakesedge.

I will be perfectly honest that I never read the synopsis for this book, I just picked it to read since I am in love with the gorgeous cover, and I went into the book completely blind but super enthusiastic to begin. Overall this is a very interesting idea, but the execution was a little too slow to get me completely invested in the story and everything was vaguely described which left me confused at times. It took a good 30% of the book before I actually started to get involved in the story and Violeta in general. The plot also took many turns that at times were very unexpected (which I like) but felt unnatural and without real cause (which I didn't care for). Also Violeta was a prickly character (which I am usually fine with) but she was so wishy washy and not at all consistent which was bothersome. For example, Violeta spent the first 30% of the book hating Rowan, lord of the manor and the Monster of her stories, and then it was almost instantly she was in like/crush with him. One day she tries to run away, and the next she wants to save the day with a secret she (forgot? withheld?) had. I am never a fan of instalove and this was an enemy-to-lover story but without any real cause so it was hard to really feel the relationship.

The best part of the story was definitely the ambiance, very much fitting with the gothic vibe the book was going for. The author was great at describing the setting as well as the illusive shadows and hints that plagued the people in the village/manor, creating a spooky setting and overall vibe I appreciated.

I did not realize that this was not a standalone novel but based on the ending there has to be more to come. I probably will not pick up another book if this is a series but I know other people will really love the gothic Victorian vibe as well as the completely original plot.

Honestly, when I read the first few pages, it was like a sucker punch to the gut. Do you ever just know that an author is going to wreck you with their prose? That was me, at the start of this book. Easily the most atmospheric book I’ve read in 2021, and the lyrical prose (though it took a few chapters to get used to) was just so unique, and truly captured this gothic fantasy feel. The author handled trauma and self harm ans anxiety and guilt so well, and Leta was a beautiful protagonist. All of these characters were fleshed our beautifully, especially Leta and Rowan (and honestly, although the Lord Under is a literal monster, you could see how his aspect changed depending on who he was dealing with, which made the ending of this book all the more interesting). But Rowan’s guilt was incredibly well drawn out, and the contrast between Leta’s fears and her desire to play the hero really won me out - most of the time in debut books, the protagonist only has pure intentions, or doesn’t have a fatal flaw, etc. Or, if they do, it’s something that winds up benefitting them in the long run. But this flaw of Leta’s just is there, which makes it so much richer. And lastly, the relationship between Leta and the Lord Under was just so complex and riveting. You couldn’t help but being drawn to him, despite the awful and cruel things he’s done. It’s almost as if the reader separates the god from his role in so many deaths because it all happened off page and many years before, and all we see is the lord under through his interaction with Leta, which of course shifts our view because of the sexual undertones of all their interactions. It was tasteful and very slightly erotic, which I love. That being said, it also worries me. Let’s is drawn to him so much, and I’m worried she will fall for him, even after everything that happened with Rowan. I DESPISE love triangles (honestly I am a firm believer that anyone who actually likes them is genuinely beyond help), unless they’re done in a way that makes sense and doesn’t verge into cheating territory (but even then, ai still typically avoid them - I’m thinking of ones where she has a crush on someone before the book starts but then the main love interest shows up, etc). Books with love triangles that exist only to complicate a romance or to spread out the plot, or even books that make love triangles the plot, kill me. Luckily, I don’t think this is venturing in that direction, but it still will bother me if Leta’s relationship with the Lord Under isn’t done in a tasteful way.

Unfortunately, I could not make it through this book. I ended up DNFing it at 60%. I was actually sad about it because I was super excited for this book and it started off so strong. As it went on, nothing much happened. The story felt too small for the world it was in. I tried to push myself to finish it, but it ended up putting me in a horrible reading slump so I had to give up. I really enjoyed the romance, but the main character was so predictable. For a smart girl, she was incredibly stupid. I enjoyed the magic system, but like I said the plot seemed to small for such an intriguing world. I appreciate the opportunity to read this arc and I am sorry I did not enjoy it.

A beautiful, lyrical dark romantic fantasy, LAKESEDGE is a shining debut from an author whose career I can't wait to follow. Anxiously awaiting book 2!

Lakesedge has definite gothic overtones but is in truth a novel about family and romance and the extent to which a sister will go to protect her young brother. Violeta Graceling is 17 and she can see her brother Arien's nightmares. Handsome, scarred Rowan, the young lord of the region, is rumored to have murdered his family. When Rowan notices Arien's burgeoning power, he spirits Arien away to Lakesedge Estate. Violeta fights her way in, frantic to protect her brother. Rowan wants to use Arien's power to fix the evil that is poisoning Lakesedge and Rowan himself. Violeta is forced to face a choice she made years ago and must decide whether she wants to help Rowan, or fix him and Lakesedge as well. This book is subtitled "World at the Lake's Edge Duology" so there is plenty of room for a sequel. I enjoyed reading Lakesedge even though I was on the edge of my seat for a lot of it. Fans of gothic horrow will enjoy Lakesedge. I appreciate the chance to read the ARC.

Huge thanks to Netgalley for the arc!

Although I have lost faith in horror books, this one did give me a bit of the creeps, but it wasn't enough to overcome the formulatic plot and stale characters. I could not connect with Leta (but I loved Rowan <3) I would not say this book is gothic horror as I did not get that vibe whatsoever.

My main issue with the story was the writing. As a writer myself, it is drilled into me about telling versus showing and this book did a lot of telling. It took me out of the story quite a bit. The author also portrayed Leta as someone very selfish and naive with no room for improvement. I get that we need our protagonist to do some stupid stuff to move the plot along, but all the time??

Also, what with the queer reps being shoved itnjust to say "I have a queer character. Look!" It's almost insulting. No, wait, it is insulting. UGH They literally do nothing but be queer and fade into the background.

The book did have some strengths with the setting and the romance. But overall, it was a miss for me.

I wasn't sure going into this book how I would feel, but I came out the other side dying to read the next book. The relationship between Violeta and her brother felt very sweet and real, and the enemies to lovers arc was truly delightful. I REALLY enjoyed the sprinkling of LGBTQ+ characters in the background and the way that this author treated queer characters as if they were just a normal part of this world, rather than a horrifying anomaly. I cannot wait for the sequel and would recommend this to fans of Katee Roberts's Neon Gods!

I loved the gothic feel of this book as well as the mythology and mystery. I do have to admit the characters annoyed me a bit and while I do understand it is a YA book they seemed a little immature.

Lakesedge is the latest release in this year’s trend of dark, gothic fantasy stories featuring monster boys and magic. There was a lot to like about this book: the atmospheric setting, the vivid writing, the sibling relationship and found family.

The story follows Violeta, who is fiercely protective of her brother, Arien. Arien is plagued by a dark, dangerous magic that brings nightmares to life and Leta does whatever she can to keep him safe. The bond between them was one of the best parts of the book. The sibling love between them was beautifully written and fit in perfectly with the book’s theme of family–both blood and found. I also really loved the bonds that formed between Leta, Arien, Rowan, Clover, and Florence at Lakesedge. Each of them have their own insecurities and feelings of not belonging, and yet they all fit together.

The writing was strong and did a great job invoking the gothic vibes and atmospheric setting. The magical elements were both intriguing and eerie. I did feel a sense of disconnection with the story, however, which is why I didn’t rate it higher. I wanted to absolutely love this, but it just felt like there was a spark missing.

* Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was not prepared for how much I loved this book! While not specifically horror, I will say there is a creep factor to some of the scenes that is perfect for a rainy night. If readers enjoy Naomi Novik and/or the film Crimson Peak then they will love Lakesedge.

Leta Graceling and her brother arrive at the large and haunting Lakesedge estate and don't get what they expected. Instead of a monstrous lord, they find their own found family and a deeper purpose. I enjoyed the Faustian Bargain aspects as well as the characterization of the Lord Under, he is not really good nor bad. He just is. Be prepared for a bit of a hanging type ending, but it leave the reader wanting MORE. I look forward to the second novel.

When Violeta Graceling arrives at haunted Lakesedge estate, she expects to find a monster. She knows the terrifying rumors about Rowan Sylvanan, who drowned his entire family when he was a boy. But neither the estate nor the monster are what they seem.

There are monsters in the woods.

As Leta falls for Rowan, she discovers he is bound to the Lord Under, the sinister death god lurking in the black waters of the lake. A creature to whom Leta is inexplicably drawn…

There’s a monster in the shadows, and now it knows my name.

Now, to save Rowan—and herself—Leta must confront the darkness in her past, including unraveling the mystery of her connection to the Lord Under. - Goodreads

Let me just say that the cover to this novel is pretty amazing and gives me all the gothic and creepy feels. The book although gave me that gothic feel, it wasn't as creepy as I wanted to.

Let's start with the characters. Leta was horrible. She was whinny, she had a lot of mouth that she couldn't back up and I wouldn't say she was overprotective of her brother she wanted him to stay a child, someone that always needed her and had issues with him growing out of that. She was eventually forced into a role outside of that but man she was just annoying the whole ride through.

In regards to her relationship with Rowan. It was unbelievable, lacked chemistry and felt forced. I don't understand how in a matter of pages she went from hating his guts, fearing him to being head over heels in love. She literally says in one sentence how he killed his family and he is a monster to wow his eyes are so beautiful. I just couldn't wrap my head around it.

What I did like about the book was the scenery and how well it was written. The author clearly did some research on how to make a gothic setting. This was the only creepy factor out of the entire book; the setting. I felt that the story could have had a bigger creep factor within the monster and the overall characters.

Overall, the foundation of this novel was good and it kept me interested until the end. I definitely feel that book two is going to be way better and have much more depth than book one does.

2 Pickles

I haven't been able to stop thinking about Lakesedge. It truly lives in my mind rent free! It is atmospheric, eerie, dark, and enthralling. Right from the very first page, I was lured in. The writing and the story-line sunk their claws into me. The characters are complex and intriguing. The villain, The Lord Under, can ask for my soul, and I'd gladly give it to him. I can't wait for the sequel!

Lakesedge is atmospheric, Gothic, haunting and so addictive. Of all my Fall reads, this is the one I fell into the easiest.
The characters are original and unforgettable, the magic and curses truly intriguing, the protagonist is earnest, and the broody love interest is LEVEL TEN BROOD!!
Highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a new fantasy read!

Thank you to the publisher for allowing me access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

When Leta's brother is taken to the haunted estate of Rowan Sylvanan, she will be damned if she doesn't go with him. But the estate is more than just the monster living there. Knowing Rowan killed his entire family as a boy to become the lord, she knowingly lives in his home and slowly falls for him. But she finds that she is in far more danger by another lord, the Lord Under.

I loved the atmosphere in this book, it was so spooky and haunted and lovely. The relationship between all the characters was very cool. I did wish the magic system was a little more involved or described in better detail, and I wasn't entirely in love with the Rowan/Leta dynamic. The Lord Under was a very cool character, but I definitely found parts of this book to be hard to get through. Rated it 2.5/5 stars, rounded to 3 stars..

To be honest, I struggled to get as far as I did. I admit, I had to eventually just set this aside and I likely won't finish it. The writing isn't horrible, so I gave it three stars. But the main character, Violetta, was really uninteresting. her sole purpose in life was to protect her brother. I found her really unrelatable. She had no hobbies, nothing that defined her, and there was little about her to intrigue a reader. Also the way she interacted with the supposed 'monster' (the love interest) who was apparently a lord of a gothic cursed estate, was unbelievable. She talks to him as though he's her equal instead of an aristocrat or someone to be feared. It was a bit hard to swallow when we're told he's this monster but she talks to him as though he's just another run of the mill peasant. Seems a contradiction. I might have forgiven that if there'd been any chemistry between them. There wasn't. The enemies to lovers trope just seemed to follow a formula (which is fine) but there was nothing between them, No sparks.

I stopped reading very early on and I will likely forget the characters and the flatlined story by morning. Sorry to be harsh, but that's try honest review. Three stars because a younger person might like this and might even finish it. And because the writing isn't awful.

If you like gothic stories of girls kissing monsters, this is for you! I spent months screaming over this novel and even made this my bookclub October pick of the month. The magic system was unique and the characters were oh so lovable! It was dark but warm and I became quickly obsessed. I have already begun to handsell a few copies in my shop and I will continue to do so, Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for my early copy.

"That the shadows will call him to us the way he'd be drawn to a dying soul."

This book was absolutely amazing and I cannot wait for book two! The perfect blend of gothic tales, mystery, monsters, magic, and love all in one. Lakesedge is a tale to be devoured and one that transports you into the story.

From the first page, Lakesedge takes you on a journey with Leta to understand the monsters around her. With her brother by her side, Leta must find out the truth. As she steps into Lakesedge, secrets, and understandings will be put on display.

Thank you to Henry Holt and Co. (Macmillan Children's Publishing Group) and NetGalley for providing me with an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was taken in at first but then the relationship between Violeta and Rowan progressed so quickly, it felt too unbelievable. Violeta's powers were also unbelievable, too easy to access and too many facts concealed by her that were supposed to be major plot points. The descriptions and setting were well written, lyrical and enchanting. I simply have trouble with insta love and first kisses blossoming into full on full body relationships. Time jumps soured Violeta's relationship with Rowan as well. To get rid of the corruption on the estate, the group had to perform a ritual on the full moon and so time often jumped from moon to moon. I found the Lord Under to be a more compelling male figure than Rowan, though he definitely reminds me of Rhysand from ACOTAR. He appeared too conveniently and pretty much solved the entire problem by helping Violeta. It seemed like the entire story was leading up to the very end moments; hundreds of pages all leading up to the end scenes. The repetitiousness of the entire novel could have honestly been condensed into a long and dense prologue, leading into what I’m sure will be a more compelling sequel.

I wanted more description of the house, more flashbacks of Violeta’s childhood. I wanted more scenes between her and her brother, Arien. Also more explanations and scenes with the woman who raised the two of them, and perhaps her motives for taking them in in the first place. Since this is part of a series, those explanations and moments may come, but I’m not sure I’ll stick around to read them.

I was very much compelled by many of the descriptions and the atmosphere, but the characters didn’t hold their weight, especially Violeta. The relationships also felt flimsy, not enough evidence on the page to support their depth for me to grow to love them together and apart.