This book is a perfect example of why I don’t reread the synopsis of books. I absolutely loved going in blind on this one. I was completely wrapped up in the story of Rose, Cecilia, and the Avalon. Just when I thought I knew what would happen I was thrown a curveball. While the story is told from Rose’s perspective we do get loads of information (sometimes skewed) about Cecilia. I personally identified more with Rose than Cecilia – like Rose, I also envy the Cecilia’s of the world just a little bit. The one character I would have loved to learn more about was Morgan – somewhat sadly, she remained true to form as a mystery. I find at the end of the book that I’m okay with her remaining that way.

I really thought that this book was headed towards magical elements but the truth was so much better. I’m not even sure what to classify this book as other than an experience that I don’t regret reading. In part a mystery to be solved – the cult, the boat, the tragic death, those that go missing, scavenger hunts for hidden envelopes. It was magical and I was totally sucked in. The only thing that I could wish for was a little bit more explanation at the end – but then again I wouldn’t want it to ruin the magic of this book either.

I would like to thank Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this beautifully unique book. I highly recommend this book if you want an experience, scavenger hunts, books that make you think and found family. All opinions are my own. Rounded from 4.5 stars.

#HereInAvalon by #TaraIsabellaBurton is not at all what I had been expecting. Cecilia has always been a little wild, a little flighty like you would imagine the fae to be. She has always been able to get away with so much just by her innocence. Rose however has aways been the steady one, she is there to pick up all the pieces and fix the mistakes Cecilia leaves behind everytime she blows into town just to disappear with no word. Rose is ready to let go the Tudor apartment that she and Cecilia grew up in and her fiance Caleb is ready for that too. He expresses such disappointment when Cecilia shows up again like a whirlwind dragging Rose along with her. However when Cecilia vanishes on a red boat said to belong to fairies Rose decides its time to find her sister, maybe finding a new life in the process.
Cecilia and Rose find themselves part of The Avalon living out fantastical dreams and protecting the beautiful as they like to say. All things though carry secrets underneath of a pretty exterior and soon Rose begins to see the cracks in the secluded oasis.
Have Cecilia and Rose found them selves ensconced with the fae or have they found themselves with mere humans that have made themselves a family or a cult? Magic seems to exist all around them but is it too good to be true?

The first half of this took me some time to get through. Several of the characters come off haughty and unlikeable even Rose sometimes. Once I got through the first have and found myself part of Avalon the book moved much faster so if you don't mind holding out the book is worth it

Thanks to #Netgalley for the eArc in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Thank you, NetGalley and Simon & Schuster, for providing me with a complimentary digital copy of this book for review

A night aboard a secretive floating Cabaret, accessible only through a coveted invitation, sets the stage for a narrative teeming with enigma and allure. This clandestine group, led by a figure named after Morgana Le Fey, is a well-woven tapestry of intrigue, each thread marked by the unique mysteries of its members. Initially, the narrative paints a whimsical facade of a cult that seeks out the lost and lonely, proposing an alternative lifestyle. However, the benign veneer gradually erodes as one of the protagonists exposes a dangerous labyrinth of deceit, revealing the haunting past lives of the cult's denizens.

The backdrop of the narrative, a cult set on a ship offering a divergent way of life, is a refreshing deviation from the stereotypical depiction of cults. However, as the story unfolds, the fantastical illusion dissipates, laying bare the unsettling reality lurking beneath.

The story beautifully portrays the unshakeable bond of sisterhood between Rosie, the pragmatic and responsible sibling, and Cecilia, the free-spirited wanderer. Amidst their starkly contrasting personalities, the strength of their bond remains a constant. As Rosie's worldview evolves in her quest to find her missing sister, readers are inevitably drawn into her journey, empathizing with her losses.

The novel concludes on an open-ended note, leaving the future steeped in ambiguity, yet viewed through Rosie's eyes, there's a thread of optimism. Despite the tumultuous upheaval of the cult and the sisters returning to their former lives, a sense of hope prevails.

This book breathes a fresh perspective into the exploration of cults, delving deeper into the theme of sibling loyalty. The blend of mystery, drama, and emotional depth make it a captivating read, offering a unique blend of elements that intrigue and engage readers.

Cecilia is irresponsible and unreliable, the opposite of her sister Rose. When Cecilia leaves her husband Paul and gets involved in a cabaret troupe that might be a cult, Rose won’t stop until she sees her sister safely home again…

The beginning was a slow introduction to Rose, her backstory, and Cecilia (through Rose’s eyes). At the 5% mark, the unfolding action began and I was more engaged in the story.

In the first quarter, I struggled to connect deeply with either sister, though—and Rose’s fiancé and friends had few redeeming qualities.

Cecilia repeatedly wouldn’t answer any of Rose’s questions until the 25% mark, so until then, I felt like I was waiting for the story to begin. But after that turning point, the book picked up steam, especially when Rose and Paul started their investigation into Cecilia’s disappearance.

This is not an intense thriller, but a mysterious tale of cult drama. It was heavily focused on complicated relationships, full of thought-provoking questions on purpose, love, happiness, and how to embrace life. It did not provide many answers, though, and ended a little abruptly for me.

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the ARC.

🩶 Here in Avalon ARC Review 🩶

Thank you so much to Tara Isabella Burton and Simon & Schuster for the opportunity to read and review this book!

Here in Avalon is a standalone cult-mystery set in New York City. After leaving her husband, Cecilia moved back with Rose, her sister. Rose knows Cecilia has always been flighty, but when she starts becoming involved with a mysterious organization, did she get into something she can’t control??

This book was an interesting read. I feel like it had a lot of initial setup and it took a while to get going. The characters felt a little unrealistic and I had a hard time relating to them, but the general story made for an interesting read

Overall this was a three star read for me. Interesting story with lots of build up. As this book was not a romance, no ratings will be given for spice

If you’re a fan of cult-like drama, intriguing mysteries and strong found family vibes, then absolutely pick this one up.

Though "Here in Avalon" by Tara Isabella Burton is not a fantasy novel, it is absolutely magical! It is positively enchanting. I was drawn in from the first page by Ms. Burton's exquisite writing and was swept away into the world the author created. This is one of those books that will stay with me for quite some time. It reads like a fairy tale-light on the surface but dark beneath.

The story of two sisters with very different personalities and lives, the reader follows the women as they both become enthralled by a cult-like group called the Avalon. Though the sisters are drawn to the group for different reasons, the end result is the same. However, the mystery and magic of the group soon begins to wear off and reality sets in when dark secrets are revealed.

This is a book that I will recommend over and over. I liked it even more than the author's previous work, "The World Cannot Give," which is saying a lot because that book is also superb. Tara Isabella Burton is now a must-read author for me and I look forward to reading all of her prior books, as well as all future novels she writes. Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the privilege of reading an advanced copy of this phenomenal book. Five well deserved stars!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Simon & Schuster, for this book.

The sisters, Rose and Cecilia, are amazing. I loved how the author contrasted them. Rose is the conservative successful woman, while Cecelia is her opposite.

Both Rose and Cecelia, however seem to be seeking happiness and are unsettled with their lives.

Their adventure into the world of Avalon is an eye-opening escape from reality into fantasy that had me pondering my own life decisions.

The book gave me a lingering feeling and I found myself wanting more. It ended without a clear conclusion, which makes me hoping for a book two.

Recommend.

I really liked this one! There were some slow bits - it started well but then felt very monotonous as the sisters went back and forth with rehashes of their same behavior and attitudes - but things picked up about halfway through and from there it was a very wild and enjoyable ride. I found the premise odd but intriguing and I was moved by the way the Avalon crew took in those who needed them. The ending was a bit open-ended but not in a bad way - I like the possibility that it offered the characters, who definitely earned the chance at saving themselves... This was a cool and unusual tale and I would definitely seek out the author again. Her writing style is colorful and evocative, even when the topic is depression and sadness, and she really brought her characters to life for me.

This book was pure enchantment. We start off with the mystery of Cecilia's disappearance. There are a lot of unknowns surrounding the incident. Her sister Rose isn't sure if Cecilia left of her own volition, or if she was taken. After a bit of investigation, Rose begins to uncover the mysteries of the Avalon and some of the dark secrets surrounding it.

This is a thriller with a lot of enchanting whimsy. It's not something I would have never expected from a book like this, but it works quite well. This is a thriller that stands out in a sea of predictable endings. I can't wait to see what Tara Isabella Burton comes up with next.

Thank you to NetGalley, author Tara Isabella Burton, and Simon & Schuster for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

This was an interesting read! I wasn't quite sure what to expect going in, and having finished it, I'm still not fully sure how I would classify this read. Is it a fantasy? Is it contemporary? That's part of the fun of reading this book! I love anything to do with cults, especially mystical/magical cults, and so this was an intriguing read. I found Rose and Cecilia's sisterly bond to be endearing (if not frustrating at times). I liked seeing how the story unfolded and how the curtain was peeled back from the spectacle presented. The book kept me on my toes while reading, and I was never for sure what was going to happen. I found certain side characters, especially Grant and Lydia, grating and wish other side characters, such as pretty much the entirety of the Avalon group, would have been better developed. I appreciated reading a truly unique book, and I definitely recommend if you are interested in cult-esque groups/books.

I will remember this book for a long time. It's a wonderful story of two sisters who lead very different lives, and at the center of the story is Avalon. Avalon is a magical place, or a group, or really, a way of living, that seduces Cecilia away from her wandering life, and in turn her sister Rose. It becomes Rose's goal to find her sister and bring her back, but she only has a few partial clues on how to begin finding Avalon.
This story is creative and emotional, with main characters I enjoyed knowing and with whom I want to stay involved. Secondary characters are not as well developed, but they play their roles in the first half of the book in order to get the plot, specifically Rose, where she needs to be.
The book is very well-written and the prose is descriptive without being overly flowery. Tara Isabella Burton painted a masterpiece that really drew me in to this world. Highly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this book. It was like a fever dream. The magic was deeply felt. I will definitely be reading more by the author!

Here in Avalon by Tara Isabella Burton was an enchanting fairy tale with amazing intrigue and fantastic characters.
I love how quickly this book sucked me in.
A unique and atmospheric story that plunges readers into a world of family, art and beauty.
You will race through the pages with this one.
A phenomenal read that I devoured in hours!

Thank You NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

This book was pure enchantment for me. And not in the actual literal sense- this book does not fall under fantasy or even magical realism. But the way hearing the most beautiful song, seeing the most beautiful painting, or in my case, reading the most beautiful book, feels magical. Tara Isabella Burton writes prose that feels like she herself belongs in Avalon. Prose so charming that you can get lost in it. And get lost in it, I did.

I loved both of the main characters. Cecilia- how can you not love Cecilia with how the author describes her in such lovely and fascinating detail. At times I was frustrated with her, but it was easy to fall under her spell. And Rose. Oh how much I identified with pragmatic, detail oriented Rose. I, too, was a double major with one of my majors being mathematics. I, too, love to code, as one of my favorite details of my job. But I also have an art-loving side that I undernourished as I got older and more realistic about my life goals. Reading is one of my ways to connect to that side again, and this book reminded me of how great it is I’m doing exactly that.

This book is an excellent read if you’re looking to get swept away, to get lost in the beauty of the world, and take a break from the monotony that life can be.

📖 Read if: 📖
✔️ You’re a lover of the fine arts
✔️ You’re looking for an enchanting read but not necessarily one rooted in fantasy
✔️ Some references to Arthurian legends thrown in to a book makes you happy
✔️ An author’s prose influences your enjoyment of a book

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This is the story of two sisters whose lives have moved in very different directions, their relationship becoming strained over time. When Cecilia, the flighty, unreliable dreamer gets an invitation to a mysterious nightclub and then disappears, her sister Rose (steady, disciplined, gave up her artistic dreams years ago) makes it her mission to find her.

I found the Avalon fascinating. I couldn't decide whether I would love or hate to live the way they did (honestly, probably hate; I'm too introverted for it, though it seems magical). I loved the puzzles that Rose had to solve in order to find Cecilia. I enjoyed the hazy, dreamy quality of so much of the novel. And -- without spoiling -- I found the ending to be satisfying. I wasn't sure how the author would manage to tie everything up, but she did.

I enjoyed this book very much!

I loved that this novel is set in the same sideways New York of Burton’s other novels, and all the little in-jokes that come along with world-building. Burton is a very accomplished journalist and religious scholar. Which is to say that there’s no way to quite blurb the plot of her fiction. The plot sounds generic to the genre of “insecure woman sublimates to closest charismatic narcissist.” But Burton has got a lot more style and intellect and wit than everyone else writing in this genre. Thank you to the publisher for the ARC.

The classic tale of two very different sisters……one always trying to save the other. With the new twist of a cult vs a group of real life magic.

I throughly enjoyed the premise of this book. Rose and Cecelia’s relationship was honestly very believable. Adding in the touch of whimsy with Avalon and I was hooked.

I’m honestly not sure how I feel about the ending. I kind of want to rage about it so I think the author did a good job of having my fully drawn into their world.

Thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC for my review.

I really enjoyed Social Creature and while this was a fun and fast read, I'm not sure it felt very "human." Maybe that's the point but I'm not sure it worked for me.

Initially, it was so hard for me because the first few chapters seemed a bit slow. Nevertheless, while reading Part Two of the book, I experienced a pleasant shock when I discovered that the speed had intensified significantly, and it was just impossible not to fall in love with the book. It is praiseworthy that the author managed to arouse some sense of mystery and tension within the tale.

However, when I finished reading the book, I was disappointed. I could not help feeling that something was missing – this caused feelings of wanting some better closure. I realize that the author might as well have intended not to define the motif of keeping magic, but I wished that all my beloved characters had definite endings.

It was a good read, as the ending slightly disappointed me, but at least it did not bore me throughout. How the story was narrated made it enjoyable; how she created a plot was sincerely fascinating. I connected with the characters because they had strong personalities that made it easy for me to feel their struggles.

However, the beginning chapters were a bit dragged, and it was only in the latter part that the book caught up. Even though I wished for a better resolution, I acknowledge the author’s decision to keep some parts unclear and encourage readers to develop their conclusions.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

Here in Avalon is a tale about lost, broken people and their quest to belong. Will someone else give them love of their self? Will giving everything away? Will throwing away everything they've ever known, doing no work on understanding themselves, accepting everything as is, and joining a cult make things better? Perhaps. Well, this book seems, in a docile way, to suggest that. The two sisters are both broken, but it manifests in different ways. When they find themselves interacting with other wayward souls, they seem to better understand themselves and their inner turmoil. Or, at least I think they do.

Here in Avalon is a well-written dilemma. I read it, enjoyed the writing style, but that is about where it stops. I felt the main characters were a bit dramatized caricatures, while the supporting cast were never really grown. I did not like or dislike, trust or distrust anyone. The only fully developed character was a side-note in the drama, and I ended wishing the book were more about Paul. As a whole, this books went in too many different directions, never really landing or unfolding the point. Is it love? Trauma recovery? Magic? Family? Cult behavior? Savior complexes? All of the above or something I could not wrap my brain around?

I will give this 3.5 stars for the descriptions and flow of the book. If you don't think about it too strongly, you may really enjoy it. If you think too much (like myself), you may still enjoy it. It's just lingering in a way that I cannot quite decide is good or bad. Would Recommend!