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.

Thank you for the content warnings. I was not in the right headspace for a book, but I did read chapter 1 (2%). The writing is easy to follow, it flows well, it’s comfortable, and I would expect it to be a solid three to four stars with five for the right readers.

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

DNF @ 33%
This book had me hooked at the beginning. Gothic romance? Magic? Curses? Sign. Me. Up. I understand that the book's setting is supposed to be remote; however, the world feels underpopulated. Part of this could be due to the main character's communication style or lack thereof. The introduction of the MMC fell flat, and their interactions afterward didn't do anything to build intrigue or sexual tension. Even as a YA book, I expect more banter or interaction in general at the beginning to set up their dynamic with each other. Overall, the storyline had potential, but for me, it fell flat.

I just love this book and the fact that it was so dark and compelling I couldn’t stop reading it. Romina really knows how to do worlds building in this story like you can seriously feel how Gothic it is the beginning of the story was sad, but then she gets a letter to go to her ancestral estate with a estranged aunt in Spain, which basically she was shocked about because she didn’t even know that she was even from Spain since her all her stuff was in America but I guess like her parents are keeping secrets before they Passed away the whole time. I read this I wanted to know why she only had the relative she had what her aunt was hiding what was going on in that place why she was seeing a man that only she could see with silver eyes whole time I was like maybe he’s a vampire but like you know, there was a lot of twists in this book that Really is what made me keep turning the page I love the slowburn heat between her and the black shadow she sees, which is that man that she can only see I feel like there was like a lot of jealousy between her and her town, neighbor, Felipe and then, of course, the man that she can only see because I feel like She really liked her shadow man that she can only see but she didn’t really like Felipe that way, but he liked her and he was like obsessed with seeing inside of her castle. I don’t wanna spoil too much but I enjoyed reading this book. It’s a fantasy book but it has Gothic vibes to it and if you like that type of story, I would suggest getting this book to read. I’m gonna give a five stars.

Absolutely blown away by this book! I totally binged it and I could not put it down! From start to finish I just wanted more! I need a physical copy of this asap! Count down until July is on!!!

If you are looking for something that will alter your mind- look no further!

I always love a good enemies to lovers moment, especially when they were sent to kill one of the main characters. This book has all types of mysteries that will keep you on your toes.

I will say I did enjoyed some aspects to the book. Though I just found my self lost and unable to stay interested in the book. It was slow in parts and others it was so much happening I just could figure it out.
DN
I love where the author was going but sadly at 37% I DNF this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

This was an interesting twist on the gothic novel that seemed to play around with many different themes im more used to seeing in family dramas. I appreciated the unique story and elements and setting.

Castle of the Cursed is a fantasy gothic set in Spain perfect for fans of the Twilight series and haunted house stories.

Castle of the Cursed follows Estela, who goes to live in Spain with her long lost relative after a mysterious attack claimed the lives of her parents. Once at the castle, Estela quickly realizes that something dark and otherworldly lives within its walls. Estela will have to uncover the secrets of the castle and by doing so, will learn a startling truth about her family, that something supernatural may be responsible for everything.

Shadowy figures, curses, blood magic, and portals are the fantastical elements included in this story. I thought the whole storyline was interesting and the Spanish setting added an exotic feel to the gothic vibes of it all. I think the castle served as a powerful metaphor for the pressures, conditioning, and indebtedness that families can sometimes entrap themselves in. The family curse that is a big part of the story used the supernatural to talk about topics such as free will, self-empowerment, and fate. The plot became more complex as the story progressed, but at the heart of it, was an intriguing mystery that had both multi-generational and multi-dimensional aspects...quite literally.

My only critique is that the transitions between scenes could have been better as it made the writing seem choppy.

Overall Castle of the Cursed was an original gothic mystery with dark fantasy elements that tells a spellbinding story about inheritance, family, love, and sacrifice.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free arc via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

DNF @38%. I wasn't expecting gothic Twilight. It's definitely frothy, a bit overwritten, and just not for me. Others will likely enjoy it.