This dark gothic novel is full of twists and turns, curses, dark secrets, and family truths. The relationship of the two main characters seems rushed, but it’s pretty standard for a YA romance. It was an interesting book, but it wasn’t really my cup of tea. Thank you for NetGalley for the ebook ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I was drawn to this book solely based on the premise. It sounded like a good gothic fantasy. The plot follows the main character, Estela, who has just witnessed the mysterious death of her parents and a train car full of people. She is the only survivor. Without her nomadic parents she is first sent to a hospital for PTSD and trauma, but is then taken to Spain to live with the Aunt she did not know existed in a creepy castle. Alongside the castle is a very odd town and other strange, and sometimes supernatural, occurrences. Overall I don't think this book was for me. The plot drags a bit until past the second half when a lot is revealed. I think if those reveals had been more spaced out it would have kept the story going more consistently. But, I can see many of my teens who enjoy a gothic novel with supernatural elements and some romance enjoying this one. (Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC)

3.5/5 Stars

After the tragic lose of both parents in a subway accident that leaves Estela the sole survivor, Estela moves into La Sombra, her ancestorial Spanish castle. There, strange things begin to happen, and Estela uncovers dark family secrets.

I thought the concept of this book sounded really cool, but I think it could have been executed much better. Estela is definitely an unreliable narrator, as at the beginning of the book she is completely mute because of the incident that took her parents. She often hallucinates and can't tell what is real from fiction, which makes it difficult as a reader to understand what is going on at times. I wasn't the biggest fan of the romance, and felt that it was very rushed. The insta-love is CRAZY - taking only 13 days for the relationship to be at the peak. I think that the colossal amount of events that happened within these 13 days without any explanation or lead up made it feel a bit silly by the end. I did really enjoy the castle setting, and the gothic atmosphere and thought the description of the location were really well done and was definitely my favourite part of the book.

The House is always hungry.

I loved the idea of the novel.

But I was not too fond of the novel. I love gothic novels and some YA novels. It started so strong then it took a sudden turn which made it weird and over the top. Also, the mental health aspect feels, over the top as well. Sometimes it seems like mental health issues is almost romanticized in YA books. This is one of them. The main character was also very confusing.

This was pieces of a good plot, sprinkled into the pages but butchered with so many other twists and turns, it just wasn't for me.

Estela’s parents are killed in a mysterious subway accident with many others - she is the only one who survives. While recuperating, she learns that she has family in Spain; not only family, but a castle as well. However, when she arrives she senses there is more to her family and the castle than meets the eye. The more time she spends there, the more questions she has about her past.

Complete with all manner of otherworldly beings, this is close to high fantasy, with a dash of horror and mystery mixed in. A quick read, I wasn’t as engrossed as I normally am by books in this genre.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a digital ARC of this title!

Reading this book felt like living in the Middle Ages (in a good way) that gothic, catacombs vibe; which both excited me and creeped me out kept me on the edge for the new discovery.

The best part of the book is the setting, I think we don’t see enough about Spain in YA books, it’s historical culture, influences by moorish traditions and ingrained in the community that forms it is beautifully explained and posted throughout the book. Their way of life is explained with a characteristic respect for it. I lived for the Spanish remarks ( particularly because I’m able to understand Spanish)


I found the story to be quite unexpected, I’m not lying when I tell you that in no way was the ending ever a reality that I had. The way the events that had been mentioned and subtle remarks connected to form the narrative was skillfull

After surviving an apparent gas leak that killed her parents on the New York City subway, Estela is 17-years-old, moves in with her estranged aunt in a castle in northern Spain. She had spent seven months in a mental health facility. She has found out the truth about her origins. She decides going to the place her parents lied to keep her away from her maternal aunt, Why did her parents lie to her? Beatrice Bralaga. Her aunt, a doctor gives Estela shriveled black pills instead of her usual medications. She decides not to take them. Estela learns about the history of the castle and nearby town from Felipe, her Spanish language tutor. Estela experiences nighttime haunting by a shadow beast. She explores the castle against her aunt’s orders. After a menacing encounter, Estela and the beast (Sebastian) form a partnership to find more of Estela’s past. Hopefully her past won’t destroy her. Why is Estela searching more information about her parents?

Estela was an interesting character. It intrigued me that things just kept happening without giving Estela space to breathe. The gothic/horror plot was well written by the author. The twists in the story surprised me. I must admit I didn’t expect a vampire to be in this novel. This young adult novel held my attention throughout the novel.

Thank you NetGalley and Wednesday Books for this ARC Copy!

I enjoyed this story, it was not what I expected but it was interesting, especially once the character makes it to the family castle.

The start of the book took a bit for me to really get into and it feels like all the trauma experienced was not really resolved for me, and character that we get to know in the beginning of the book doesn't really carry over to the character who we get to know later on.

If you are able to look past the sudden resolution of a character being so traumatized that she has gone nonverbal , to a girl who suddenly acts like nothing ever happened and all that matters is solving a mystery, then then this story really did have a lot of potential and the creepy castle was done really well.

It started great an all until they mentioned that the character we were following was maybe dead or not and then the insta love quick twilight style romance had me rolling my eyes.

Castle of the Cursed by Romina Garber, is in the words of its author, "a tale about grief. The narrative addresses suicide, mental health issues, death of a parent, sex, and violence..." to which I would add that it also contains black magic or witchcraft, as the reader wants to call it.
Although it is also the chronicle of an impossible love that in the end, becomes possible, a story of hope and a reminder that there is always light in the darkness.
A description and, at the same time, a warning for readers who do not feel like facing a story full of both positive and negative feelings, but worth reading.
And the biggest enigma of the book is right at the end! Although it does not matter if an impulsive and impatient reader decides to cheat and read the last chapter, the taste will never be the same as if you enjoy the entire ride of this roller coaster called Castle of the Cursed.
I thank the authors and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
The opinion I have expressed above is based solely on what I think and feel about this book.

Romina Garber’s Castle of the Cursed is a chilling descent into a gothic labyrinth where every shadow tells a story and every whisper holds a secret. I was captivated by Garber’s blend of a darkly enchanting atmosphere with a compelling narrative that twists and turns with breathtaking precision.

Set against the backdrop of the spooky Spanish castle, La Sombra, the novel follows Estela Amador Brálaga, who is thrust into a world of grief and mystery after surviving a tragic attack that claimed her parents' lives. The castle, with its hidden passages and ominous history, is as much a character as the people within it, adding a palpable sense of dread and wonder to the unfolding tale.

Garber’s writing is lush and evocative, painting vivid scenes that immerse readers in Estela’s journey. As she grapples with her profound loss and the weight of her family’s secrets, Estela evolves from a grieving survivor into a formidable force driven by a quest for truth and self-discovery. Her interactions with Sebastián, a mysterious and alluring vampire bound to the castle, add layers of complexity and emotional depth to the narrative. Sebastián’s own journey, marked by lost memories and burgeoning compassion, mirrors the novel’s themes of transformation and redemption.

The romance between Estela and Sebastián is both tender and intense, evolving organically alongside the book’s intricate plot. Garber balances their growing bond with the novel’s darker elements, ensuring that neither overshadows the other. Their relationship is a highlight of the story, adding both warmth and tension as they unravel the mysteries surrounding La Sombra and the attack that changed their lives.

One of the book’s most impressive achievements is its seamless integration of Spanish language and culture. The bilingual elements bring authenticity and depth to the story, enriching the reading experience. Garber’s attention to detail in depicting the castle’s eerie beauty and the novel’s supernatural elements further amplifies the immersive quality of the tale.

In conclusion, Castle of the Cursed is a mesmerizing and unforgettable read that solidifies Romina Garber’s place among other dark YA fantasy authors. With its hauntingly beautiful setting, intricate plot, and deeply resonant characters, it is a book that will linger in your thoughts long after the final page. If you are a fan of gothic romance and paranormal mystery, this is a must-read that will captivate your heart and mind.

Castle of the Cursed is a fun read with just the right amount of creepiness mixed in. The magic system is interesting and so is this unique take on vampire lore. This book is perfect for fans of supernatural mysteries.

The book follows Estela, who after the mysterious death of her parents, has to go live with an unknown aunt in Spain. Estela’s aunt Beatríz lives at la Sombra, a castle that just happens to be their ancestral home. The castle harbors many secrets, one of which is that Estela and her parents used to live there when she was younger. The only problem is that Estela doesn’t remember her time there. Estela soon believes that la Sombra may even hold the key to finding out more about her parents’ deaths.

Since Estela doesn’t know Spanish, Beatríz arranges for her to have tutoring sessions with a local boy named Felipe. Estela would rather learn more about la Sombra, than learn Spanish. As it turns out, Felipe is an unofficial expert on la Sombra and Estela’s family. The mores Estela learns, the more she begins to distrust her aunt and the castle itself.

One night while exploring the castle, Estela meets a mysterious stranger with glowing silver eyes. She calls him her shadow beast. He claims that he is trapped in the castle and he believes she is the one that trapped him there. Estela learns the shadow beast is named Sebastian and he arrived in the castle the same night of her parents’ deaths. Now she definitely feels like there is a connection to la Sombra and what caused the death of her parents. Estela and Sebastian begrudgingly decide to work together to see if they can get to the bottom of whatever happened that brought them together.

I really enjoyed this book, especially how the mysteries just kept coming. For every solution, a new problem would arise. The unique take on the vampire lore was pretty cool. I also think the secluded setting helped add to the spookiness of the story.

The only part that I didn’t like is that this story takes place over just two weeks. A lot happens and it just seems a little unbelievable at times. I like the enemies to lovers aspect, but in the short amount of time that passes it was just a little too fast.

Overall I would recommend this book to anyone who loves supernatural mysteries, vampires and cursed castles.

So, I want to start this review with a little bit of a warning. I don’t want my review To scare anyone away from reading this book. If it’s something that you are interested in on the synopsis intrigues, you give the book a shot. You could totally have a different opinion than me.
Now let’s get into it.
So we meet a girl who, after her parents die she gets a letter from a Relative that she knew nothing about to come live with her in the family castle in Spain. Of course, there is a dark history and that shadow esque character That gives shadow daddy vibes.
This book honestly, for me was a really big letdown. The main character I honestly didn’t really care for her at all, and she came across as very annoying. Her interest ended up being basic and 2-D And honestly, very interesting.
When it comes to the plot, I feel like this book could have been spread out over two book series. I really wanted to get to know more about this world and was left Unsatisfied. Everything wrapped up so quickly and was honestly honestly kind of a mess.
It just felt really disjointed and rushed. Especially with all of these conflicting elements of dark emotions, family, betrayal, and a pretty basic ending..
Overall, I would give Book a two star rating. It had one shocking part that had me interested, but it took about 200 pages Get to that point. And the book is 280 pages.
Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this book because there’s a lot of other books that I feel like that do this genre a lot better. But for sure, if it’s something that intrigues you, give it a shot. You could have a different opinion of me and love this book.
I would like to thank the folks at NetGalley for an ARC of this book. It was for sure and honor to be able to even read this book early Or in my case, pretty much on time..
My review is an honest reflection of my feelings towards this book

Thanks to Macmillian Audio for gifted access via Netgalley. All opinions above are my own.

I loved Garber's Lobozona series so I was excited to see what new unique fantasy world she had dreamed up in this one. Estela is suddenly orphaned after a strange attack that kills both of her parents. She is sent to live with a mysterious aunt in Spain who lives in a castle. The castle is responsible for the well being of the whole town but demands blood. Estela is curious to know about this family she never knew, this home that seemingly has a mind of its own and a mysterious boy of smoke that appears and she can't get enough of.

The magical world in this one was very unique. I loved the world building most of all. There is the fated mates, love triangle business that is so common in these types of stories but it does not play out in a predicable manner. I also felt in this case that the narrator was fabulous and kept me engaged even when the story had lulls.

I wanted to like this book because it sounded intriguing, and the cover is beautiful. But it was too over-the-top, and the characters and their actions felt trite and stereotypical.

Estela is the only survivor on the train car that held 26. Coping with the loss of her parents, she finds herself struggling with the family history that begins to resurface during the investigation. When an aunt in Spain reaches out to her, she makes the move to be with her only known family and the hope to learn more about why her parents fled in the first place.

Castle of the Cursed reads like a PG-Gothic Horror. It introduces you to morbidity, curses, and monsters while maintaining an eerie presence as the story unfolds. The author does a great job building the world and Estela's place in it.

I highly enjoyed the story telling aspect of this book as Estela works to find herself and unravel the mystery that led her to where she is now. I liked Bastian as well and it was interesting to see how his character started and what encourage him to change.

I did NOT like Felipe or Tio. Felipe in particular gave off sleezy vibes the whole time and was too eager.

I enjoyed the Spanish language in the later parts of the book, but felt that it caused a disconnect with no translations in the beginning. I can see how it could be used to build the uneasiness as Estela also did not understand, but it just had me googling the translations which took me out of the story.

I also felt that the Romance sub-plot was sweet, but that some scenes were unnecessary. Also, the timeline for them falling for each other was wild considering everything else that was going on, BUT the epilogue was super sweet and made more sense with the time jump.

Overall though, I highly enjoyed this book and would be interested in reading other works by this author.

This book is everything I love in books! Gothic genre is my favorite, so I maybe a bit biased, but this book has me hooked from the first page. I love the writing style. Castle of the Cursed takes place out of a tragedy, is set in a castle in Spain, has dark twisted family secrets, small town, eerie atmosphere making it such a fulfilling read. Oddly enough I will taking a trip to Spain myself next year, so this was a really fun treat to get excited over.

Great gothic YA. Atmosphere was perfect the castle the mystery surrounding it all the story and the characters. I am currently learning Spanish so it was fun trying to figure out what was being said along with the main character.

Trigger warnings in the beginning made me feel as though this would be a very depressing book but it was definitely not that. It starts with a bang then slows to t.ell the story with increasing suspension. The romance throughout is not too much which I appreciated but it was enough to make me want some of the characters to end up together. A little confusing at the near end but it all comes around in the end and I loved it and wanted more.

i, like estela, felt very detached, so maybe the author is just a genius? the plot was wild, but the wildest thing had to be her spanish tutor’s lesson plan, which was to just start reading to her from books, with zero context

ok to be real, i feel like every time i didn’t care about an aspect of the book, even though it felt like i was being told that i should buy into it, that very thing was handled carelessly by the end, proving that i was right to not care. e.g. almost all her relationships, but especially the “romance,” and even estela’s own view of herself, so again, maybe genius?? or just subverting every theme for shock value?

thanks netgalley for the arc tho 🙏🏼

I really wanted to like this one, but this book was all over the place. It was trying to do everything all at once. All the popular tropes, every scenario, every realm of existence. Too much trying to happen in the span of 300 pages.

I really did not like the romantic relationship. I really wanted to like our love interest (he's a vampire! I love vampires), but their relationship made no sense. <spoiler> He tried to kill her 3 times, then randomly fell in love with her. Then they got vampire married... in a span of 2 weeks?! And what were those "spice" scenes? Completely unnecessary, came out of no where, added NOTHING. They would start something then abruptly stop. There was no point. They were there because of BookTok. No other reason. </spoiler>

While this book was not for me in the slightest, others have really enjoined it. If you're on the fence about reading it, I say give it a shot. You might like it!

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.