Two and a half stars for this YA Gothic romance. While I really enjoyed the first 100 pages or so, as the story became more complicated my interest waned.

I feel like this book is a genre mash-up and would've benefitted from sticking to either a Gothic romance or to a horror novel. Instead there were elements of each that were rushed or not fleshed out, so the whole book felt sort of jumbled.

Characters: I really enjoyed Estela's character at the start; I think Romina Garber did a great job portraying mental illness and grief, and I was excited to follow this character as she healed through solving the mystery of her parents' deaths. Unfortunately Estela's interest in the case faded and her personality changed a bit. It felt like she went from rejecting feeling and pushing others away to forming very strong relationships quickly and heedlessly. Both her friendship with Felipe and her relationship with Sebastian felt rushed. More on that later. I enjoyed Bea even when her motives were unclear, and wish she would have played a bigger role. While Felipe was fun in that he was in turns creepy, friendly, and frustrating, Sebastian's switches in behavior toward Estela felt too abrupt.

The setting: la Sombra was delightfully creepy, but it didn't take on its own character or role like I want in Gothic books. It didn't have moods and didn't feel sentient in the way the manor in Mexican Gothic did, for example.

The romance: Sebastian and Estela's relationship felt super rushed and insta-love, and the book suffered because of it since their romance plays a HUGE part in plot points in the last third of the book. While a vampire prince transported to a new realm and a grieving investigator were intriguing as individuals, I just didn't feel any sort of connection between them.

Overall this book had a lot of potential and some fun moments, but it tried to do too much in too short a period. There was a creepy castle, murder, inter-dimensional travel, lost family members, and it wasn't tied up in a satisfactory way. Spoiler-y elements were introduced too late and without hinting, and the surprises felt like "where did that come from" rather than "ohhh I should have seen that coming."

ARC by NetGalley and the publisher.

What started as a normal day on the subway train ends in a mysterious tragedy. Estela finds herself alone, the soul survivor of the incident. Estela vows to solve the case of what happened that fateful day. As time passes though she finds herself losing a grip on what is real and not, so when the strange invitation to stay with an estranged aunt arrives she accepts. Estela’s arrival to la Sombra brings forth more mysteries and family secrets. Can the answers Estela seek be here and what dangers await her along the path to discover the truth.

Castle of the Cursed begins as a thriller that ventures into eerie paranormal castles and the supernatural. The marrying of these two worlds made for a page turning dark gothic atmosphere that was hard to put down. While I did find elements of the plot to be somewhat predictable it does become more intricate as the story unfolds, touching on some deeper subjects of family sacrifices and love. As this is a YA book there are some trigger warnings that the author does note prior to reading. Adult readers will most likely not find these triggering however the younger targeted readers will need to be prepared for them… death, loss of a parent, grief, depression, blood, and suicidal attempts. Estela begins as a questionable narrator as you wonder is all of this in her head or reality, especially once she arrives to the Spanish castle la Sombra and is seeing things no one else can. Following along with her as she search’s for answers with her silver eyed companion Sebastián was made so immersive due to Garber’s atmospheric prose that is rich, mysterious, and haunting. The setting of la Sombra in Spain provided the perfect backdrop for all the books twists, curses, and dark fantastical elements. Castle of the Cursed is vivid, moody, and filled with and all the gothic vibes needed to suspend reality. Venture into this supernatural world and let the pages describing this eerie castle and shadowy figures engulf you.

Castle of the Cursed comes out July 30th, 2024.

Thank you again NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, Wednesday Books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A gothic novel that feels as tho you're in a Bram Stoker dimension.

There were lots of Spanish words incorporated, which I was taken aback. I wasn't expecting so much of it that I had to actually hop on Google Translate to figure out what was being said.

Slow start and it took a lot for me to even get actually involved in the book. I kept walking away from it and just letting it sit in my Kindle for a while. What it does make it interesting is how it can be easily related to current events in the media today that also ties in with politics.

Terrorist attacks? How the government can sway the media by stating false facts and silencing the truth from those who experienced it first hand. Then talking about mental health and how environmental factors can possibly have an effect on a person.

The story is written with depth and vivid imagery comes along as soon as Chapter 4 is started. It details Estela's family castle. It feels like a familiar excerpt from Anne Rice's interview with the vampire and some Underworld vibes intertwined with Dracula.

I like that the chapters progress with the character.

Whoa, hold onto your creepy castles, folks! Romina Garber delivers a deliciously dark gothic YA romance in "Castle of the Cursed." After a mysterious attack wipes out her parents, Estela, faced with few options when she discovers her parents are undocumented and the US government wants to keep her in an asylum, decides to stay in a Spanish castle with her estranged aunt. Spoiler alert: The castle, la Sombra, is hiding more secrets than your teenage diary.

Let me just say, this castle, la Sombra, is the real MVP. It's like it got a makeover from the gothic interior design gods. Seriously, it's THE gothic home representation with some seriously vivid, creepy characteristics, oh, and of course plenty of Sangre.

Now, onto the silver-eyed heartthrob, Sebastián. Is he Estela's knight in not-so-shining armor or just a product of her post-trauma imagination? Cue the supernatural twists, people! As they uncover family secrets, a romance sparks that's got more heat than a haunted hearth. Literally, I don't know if I've read a YA with this much spice(not a spicy pepper on the adult scale, but still notable).

But, and there's always a but, the story sometimes feels like it's caught between middle-school vibes with its plot twists and pacing and a more mature audience with its heavy topics and romance. For me the mesh felt a bit odd and at times kept me from fully enjoying the book.

Sure, there are a few quirks, but "Castle of the Cursed" is still over 4 stars in my book.

Thank you to NetGalley, and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Gothic Romance say no more. I was enthralled from the beginning and every chapter kept making me want more. The world building was exceptional and it felt like I was walking side by side with the FMC.

This novel follows Estela who discovers a whole new world when tragedy hits. A world of self discovery, found family and new friendships. All while living and navigating through a cursed house. This story was truly magical and such an enchanting book.

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martins Press/Wednesday books for providing me with an eARC.

I'm struggling to rate this. 3.5 I suppose. It may have been a bit higher if not for the last three sentences in the book which cheapened it for me.

I found the psych ward portion to be fairly unrealistic. "Estela has been placed on a seventy-two-hour watch. She is given heavy doses of antidepressants."
That's not how antidepressants work. If you're going to root a significant portion of your story in mental health, research. Antidepressants take 4-8 weeks to take full effect. You need to taper up and you need to taper down. You don't just blast someone with a high dose of antidepressants. It would be far more likely that she was given antipsychotics or benzos ffs. This is not information that's hidden in the depths. It's pretty fucking basic.

I found the story quite interesting up until probably around the 50% mark when it started to jump the shark and then continued to soar over said shark. It's a fantasy, I am aware, but it was just.. eh it felt like too much of a stretch.

The romance fell flat for me, as there wasn't really much of a build up. The bad guys were caricatures.

Still, I loved the setting, the dark mysterious castle and the quaint little town. I enjoyed the mentions of culture and food. I was intrigued by the mystery. I quite liked this book up until I hit the middle. I don't regret reading it and would certainly recommend it for a fantasy reader who wants something slightly different than what's being pumped out lately.

I can say with 100% certainty that I was kept on my toes the entire book! I was fully engrossed into what was happening with each page especially as new characters emerged and world building increased.

I was highly anticipating this book based on the blurb alone and was not disappointed one bit. The author is new to me and I cannot wait to read more by them. Castle of the Cursed is a dark, gothic paranormal romance that will keep you yearning for more as secrets and mysteries pile up and unravel beautifully.

I would recommend this book for people who enjoyed Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia.

So incredibly thankful for the publisher and Netgalley for gifting an e-arc in exchange for my honest review!

★★★★★ - 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰

Castle of the Cursed by Romina Garber
Book 1
༘Spoiler free ༘
⭐️4.25/5
🌶️
Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Mystery/Adventure
Multi POV
➳ The Chosen One
➳ Forbidden Love
➳ Ancient Curses
➳ Parallel Worlds
➳ Secret Family Legacy
➳ Haunted Castle 🏰
➳ Dark Gothic Aesthetic
➳ Vampires 🧛

✨“Time is a concept with which I have only recently become acquainted,” he says. “What I know of it can be summed up in a line from a book I read in this library: Being with you and not being with you is the only way I have to measure time.”✨
Nestled within the shadow of La Sombra, a castle veiled in mystery, “Castle of the Cursed” immerses readers into a realm where a suspenseful gothic romance unfolds. Estela’s parents are lost in a tragic attack, leaving her as the sole survivor, life as she knows it devoured by smoke and destiny. The castle awaits, its corridors draped in shadows that whisper long-forgotten secrets, luring you into the dark heart of the mystery.

📚📚📚

❧✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*❦*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧❧

"Castle of the Cursed" is a haunting journey into the depths of a moody Spanish Gothic landscape. Romina Garber's masterful storytelling melds gothic mystery and supernatural romance, creating a rich feast for your senses in a world pulsating with suspense. Estela and Sebastián, each carrying their own shadowed past, add depth to the atmospheric setting, and their complexities mirror the twists of the suspenseful plot. Against the backdrop of a Spanish castle built on secrets, Garber infuses tragedy, love, and ancient curses into this tale, adding a distinctive flavour the YA Fantasy genre.

Watching Estela’s transformation from a girl haunted by tragedy into a courageous force challenging fate is a breathtaking journey within the moody Spanish Gothic landscape. After being the sole survivor of the Subway 25 attack that took the lives of twenty-five people including Estela’s parents, her desire to “feel” anything is nearly nonexistent, her only tether to life curiosity about her family’s past and solving the mystery of her parents’ tragic deaths. Unraveling La Sombra’s secreta, becomes the catalyst for a transformative odyssey, reawakening Estela’s determination to not only live but love. Her strength in empathy emerges as a poignant reminder that perceived weaknesses can be our greatest strengths.

Sebastián is a vampire that awakens confined in La Sombra with all previous memories of his life missing, at the same moment as the Subway 25 attack. For months he is trapped, alone in a castle where no one can see him, and no memories of the past that brought him there. I found myself imagining what it must have been like for him when he was alone in the castle for seven months, with nothing to entertain him but the library as he sat around devouring romance novels. In losing all memories of his cold and hardened past, Sebastián is able to nurture his capacity for softness, emotional depth and compassion.

When Estela arrives, she is the only one who can see Sebastián leaving her to believe he must be a hallucination. While Sebastián is convinced she must be the witch responsible for his confinement to the castle. The two must work together to solve the mystery of the castle, and discover the true cause of the attack that took Estela’s parents’ lives. The unlikely duo make a powerful team, and as they uncover the castle’s secrets they grow closer to each other. Sebastián is like a cat toying with its dinner in his initial interactions with Estela, but curiosity soon gets the better of him as he develops a genuine connection with her. Sebastián’s cold outer shell melts with each passing day and romantic gesture he makes.

With Sebastián by her side searching for answers, Estela realises for the first time since her parents’ death that she is not alone.
There were some serious plot twists in here. Raul’s honorary thirteenth rule holds true, you really do have a better chance of solving a puzzle when you’re holding all the pieces. Romina Garber unveils new pieces to the narrative’s puzzle as the story progresses, and just when you think you have it all figured out… she takes you by surprise. The prose was lush and atmospheric with the perfect touch mystique to keep you craving more. Castle of the Cursed is a feast for your senses with vividly painted moody aesthetics and food descriptions that left me craving spanish cuisine.
I found the ending to be incredibly satisfying, while the loose ends were tied up, i appreciated the room left for future exploration.

If you like dark YA romantasy & mystery, you absolutely don’t want to miss Castle of the Cursed, releasing 30 July 2024. Mark your calendar for the gothic vampire thrill of the summer.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

💖
LIKES:
⋆ I loved the scene where he created the visually exquisite (albeit inedible) meal for Estela. Who doesn’t want to drink a wine glass of gazpacho after all? This man is the epitome of “if he wanted to he would” from quoting poetry, to resisting his vampiric nature, to building houses of manchego for Estela to eat.
⋆ I loved the flashbacks (without giving away spoilers: the magical/paranormal aspects of them were fascinating)
⋆ Raul’s Rules stole my heart. I saw them throughout the novel as the guiding force and framework for Estela’s investigative techniques. It was nice to feel her parents’ presence throughout the story despite their absence.

❤️‍🩹
DISLIKES:
⋆ I would have appreciated more of a build up between Sebastián and Estela but i’m well aware of the YA word count guidelines and sometimes there just isn’t enough room for author’s to slow things down.

⚠️This is a tale about grief. The narrative addresses suicide, mental health issues, death of a parent, sex, and violence. Please be certain you are in the right mindset to read on. ⚠️ (I personally found the chapters where Estela was the deepest in her grief to handle the dissociative aspects of PTSD and trauma very well. I found them relatable without being triggering, but please assess your personal wellbeing before reading!)

**Fantasy Scoring**
Worldbuilding ➷ ✅ 4/5
Foreshadowing ➷ ✅ 5/5
Plot ➷ ✅ 4/5
Relationships ➷ ✅ 4/5

Thank you to the Romina Garber, Wednesday Books, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to provide my honest opinion on the ARC of this book.

Castle of the Cursed is about a girl who goes through the tragic loss of her parents and other strangers around her while on a train. She battles with herself as the media strings together lies to make sense of the accident that happened. Unfortunately, what she thought she saw must have been her imagination because after her estranged aunt sent for her the man in her dreams seems to have become reality set on killing her. In the first few chapters, I struggled to get into the book because of the back-and-forth between past and present though it did give the background of the main female character. It was a slow build for me getting juicer toward the end. (TW)There are some mental health concerns with MFC which cause her to make questionable decisions while in her depression. I found the magic system interesting seeing as everything revolved around the castle and it was more about sacrifices from generations. I did like it just seemed a bit overwritten a certain points.

Maybe this wasn’t written for me? It felt unremarkable - I know I’ll forget this book pretty soon. It was definitely overwritten, to the point where it made the plot confusing. This wasn’t an awful book, but it was a slog and the twists didn’t make the slog any easier.

Okay, I liked the vampires. I think it had a lot of potential with the gothic elements. But the instalove was not great. I’m not a fan of it and never have been. It kind of ruins a book for me. I need more depth in a relationship. That trope alone made this a two star read, unfortunately.

Maybe it's because I'm on a historicals-set-in-Spain binge at the moment, but I quite loved the latest from Romina Garber. The worldbuilding is fantastic, with a gothic setting that it different from the usual gothics that have been released recently.

There were moments where I found myself wanting more--to delve more into the supernatural, in the secrets of the cast--but ultimately, this is a YA and I did have to curve my expectations a bit.

Thank you so much to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This YA gothic fantasy romance was enjoyable! There are lots of layers revealed throughout this complex piece - although some of it was a bit predictable it definitely kept me on my toes. I will say that the beginning seemed to go by much quicker than the ending, which seemed to drag on a bit although the resolution was satisfying and worth the wait.

Romina Garber thoughtfully gives us trigger warnings at the start of this book - which I think is important for younger readers who plan to consume this literature, whereas me in my 30s thought it wasn't so triggering. I say that to say that if you are older and worried this may give you nightmares - it probably won't.

I appreciated our 17-year-old main character Estela, she goes through a lot of transformation throughout the book. Her parents are nomads who love to explore the country, never staying anywhere too long, but Estela has no idea what they're truly running from. One day she's on a train with 26 other folks when 25, including her parents, suddenly drop dead. She is institutionalized and eventually ends up going to live with an aunt in Spain that she didn't know she had. She ends uncovering so much about her past, making new friends, and even falling in love - all while battling her demons and facing trauma. Repressed memories are coming to the surface and she's trying to figure out what's real and who she can trust.

I would absolutely recommend this book to vampire fans who don't mind insta-love type stories. I think young readers will relate to Estela in their own way as they go through a rollercoaster of hormones and emotions during those teenage years, trying to figure out where they belong and who they can count on.

3.5 stars

This was better than I expected - I loved the gothic castle setting, the vampires and other supernatural things, and the dark magic aspects. There were a lot of mysteries that kept me really interested and it was fun to slowly uncover the history of the town and the castle. I liked the MC Estela and the vampire love interest, Sebastian, but there were definitely some instalove vibes.

While there were some predictable moments, I definitely did not expect the turn it took at the end. I’d say this is worth a read if you’re looking for something spooky, gripping, and fast paced with a lot of Spanish culture.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the ARC!

Castle of the Cursed is such a beautifully written YA fantasy gothic romance. The world-building is outstanding. The story is well written with an enchanting storyline and well-developed characters that engage from start to finish. The world is atmospheric and feels real with vivid descriptions and rich imagery. I cannot get enough. Highly recommended.

A special thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Estela is the lone survivor of a mysterious mass death on a subway car that kills her parents and twenty-some other passengers. Dealing with the trauma and no other place to go, she moves to Spain to live with an aunt she did not know she had. Located in a very small town, she discovers that her family owns a castle and takes care of the town. As the story progresses we find that there is much that Estela did not know about her family including the supernatural connection between the family and the castle. As Estela learns Spanish from a local boy named Felipe, she also learns from him the history of the castle and town. At night she is visited by the enigmatic Sebastián who may or may not plan to kill her.

A gothic supernatural romance, Castle of the Cursed is okay but something just wasn’t there for me. I am sure others will enjoy it.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the the eARC.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Estela's adventure in "Castle of the Cursed" was incredible. After experiencing a tragedy, she decides to move to Spain, where she uncovers supernatural secrets about her family and the castle they inhabit. The plot features shadowy figures, curses, and portals and is a captivating mystery with multi-generational layers. The Spanish setting adds a cool and exotic touch to the mysterious atmosphere, and the castle symbolizes freedom from family pressures. I didn't find anything to dislike about the story; it flowed seamlessly. My only complaint is that the transitions between scenes could have been better, which would have improved the reading experience.

Overall, "Castle of the Cursed" is a captivating gothic mystery with dark fantasy elements. It tells a captivating story about legacy, kinship, affection, and selflessness.

The description of the book seemed interesting, so I wanted to check the story out. Unfortunately, I have since lost my initial interest in the story. I may try and find a physical copy to add the my library when it is released, though, because I think my readers could like it!

Well, even though I came across a few mixed reviews, my verdict is clear: I enjoyed this spine-tingling, paranormal, twisty journey! This book is a spellbinding gothic romance that enthralls readers with a web of mystery, supernatural allure, and shadowed secrets. The narrative unfolds around Estela, plunged into the depths of her ancestral Spanish castle, la Sombra, following the tragic demise of her parents. Garber paints a vivid, gothic portrayal of la Sombra, complete with hidden passages, a murky history, and an atmosphere dripping with suspense, transforming the setting into a character itself.

Estela emerges as a compelling protagonist, steering through the intricate labyrinth of family secrets with an unwavering determination to uncover the truth. Her poignant struggle with survivor's guilt, coupled with the blurred lines between reality and hallucination, lends complexity to her character, rendering her journey emotionally resonant and alluring.

The introduction of Sebastián, a silver-eyed enigma confined within the castle, injects a fascinating supernatural dimension into the narrative. The evolving relationship between Estela and Sebastián is seamlessly woven into the broader mystery, suffused with mistrust and the tantalizing thrill of the unknown.

However, the novel's elaborate plot and the abundance of secrets may prove overwhelming for some readers. While the pacing is generally well-maintained, occasional moments feel burdened by the narrative's complexity. Furthermore, the amalgamation of gothic romance and supernatural mystery, while innovative, may not entirely appease purists of either genre.

Romina Garber skillfully constructs a world both dark and enthralling, guiding readers from Estela's somber beginnings to the revelation of her Spanish heritage. Twists and turns, including the mysterious man with silver eyes, contribute to an engaging tapestry of intrigue. The slow-burning tension between Estela and the shadowy figure adds depth, while elements of jealousy with Felipe and the mysteries of the castle enhance the overall reading experience.

"Castle of the Cursed" unfolds as Estela grapples with the aftermath of a mysterious attack claiming her parents' lives, propelling her to Spain to live with a long-lost relative. The castle cradles dark secrets, supernatural forces, and a family curse interwoven with fate, free will, and self-empowerment. The Spanish setting injects an exotic flair into the gothic atmosphere, creating a mesmerizing exploration of inheritance, family dynamics, love, and sacrifice.

While the plot weaves into multi-generational and multi-dimensional aspects, smoother transitions between scenes could enhance the narrative's overall flow.

In conclusion, "Castle of the Cursed" stands as an original gothic mystery adorned with dark fantasy elements. Romina Garber crafts a captivating tale that immerses readers in a world of shadows, curses, and familial legacies.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/ Wednesday Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.

Thank you NetGalley for a free e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"Castle of the Cursed" by Romina Garber is a dark and enthralling gothic romance that ensnares the reader in a web of mystery, supernatural elements, and haunting intrigue. The story revolves around Estela, who, after the tragic death of her parents, moves to her ancestral Spanish castle, la Sombra, only to find herself enveloped in a labyrinth of family secrets and a burgeoning, mysterious romance.

Garber's depiction of la Sombra is exquisitely gothic, capturing the essence of a classic haunted castle with its hidden passageways, dark history, and an atmosphere dripping with suspense. The setting is not merely a backdrop but an integral character in the story, adding layers of depth and mystery to the narrative.

Estela is a compelling protagonist, her grief and determination to uncover the truth about her parents' deaths driving the plot forward. Her struggle with survivor's guilt and the blurred lines between reality and hallucination add complexity to her character, making her journey both emotionally resonant and intriguing.

The introduction of Sebastián, a silver-eyed boy trapped within the castle, introduces a fascinating supernatural element to the story. The evolving relationship between Estela and Sebastián is skillfully woven into the larger mystery, with their romance laced with mistrust and the thrill of the unknown.

However, the novel's intricate plot and the abundance of secrets may be overwhelming for some readers. The pacing, while generally well-maintained, can occasionally feel bogged down by the complexity of the narrative. Additionally, the blending of gothic romance and supernatural mystery, while innovative, might not appeal to purists of either genre.

Content warnings for themes of death, supernatural occurrences, and psychological distress are appropriate. The book will likely appeal most to readers who enjoy YA fantasy and gothic romance, particularly those who are drawn to dark, atmospheric settings and complex, interwoven mysteries.

In conclusion, "Castle of the Cursed" by Romina Garber is a captivating and richly atmospheric novel that expertly combines elements of gothic romance and supernatural mystery. Its intricate plot, compelling characters, and haunting setting make it a standout read for fans of the genre, offering a thrilling and immersive experience.