Our Wicked Histories was a whirlwind of a read immersed in Irish folklore and a band of characters that you'll love and hate. I can't say I enjoyed the romance or any of the characters much but I did love the story and the brooding atmosphere it delivers! I really enjoyed the creepy setting of Wren Hall and its surrounding lake and marshy terrain. The author describes the lake and the old Irish house in such an unsettling way and you can picture it clearly in your mind as you read the story. The banshee and the folklore around it was such a captivating and atmospheric part of the creep factor along with all the wailing, crying and long dripping hair. I also enjoyed that this 100% felt like a gothic tale as well. The mystery surrounding the deaths of Meg's friends after she arrives at Wren Hall was really intriguing and I definitely was left guessing what actually was going on and who or what the killer was. The ending was a little abrupt for my taste but overall this was a perfect read for gothic and folklore lovers for a dark, rainy dreary night!

Thank you to Netgalley for the arc. This novel was amazing?? The gothic atmosphere, the characters, the evocative writing, the excellent pace of the story. Everything was so tastefully well done for a dark academia novel. The perfect read for the fall season and any fans of a gothic dark academia tale. 5 stars.

"Our Wicked Histories" by Amy Goldsmith presents a tale of atmospheric, literary horror with elements of mystery and suspense. The story revolves around Meg, who, in an attempt to reconcile with her former friend group, accepts an invitation to spend Halloween weekend at the ancestral Irish estate of the Wren twins. The setting, Wren Hall, carries a mysterious reputation, with rumors of something lurking in the lake.

The narrative explores themes of friendship, forgiveness, and the haunting nature of secrets, both personal and those embedded in the history of Wren Hall. Meg's quest for redemption takes a sinister turn as the past and present intertwine, revealing ancient sins and the dark legacy of the estate.

The description highlights the atmospheric quality of the storytelling, emphasizing the damp and drafty nature of Wren Hall, covered mirrors, and a weed-choked lake. The anticipation is built through legends and rumors surrounding the property, creating an eerie and suspenseful backdrop for the unfolding events.

The premise suggests a narrative that delves into psychological horror and the complexities of relationships, mixed with the supernatural elements tied to the estate's history. For readers who enjoy atmospheric horror with a literary touch and a focus on interpersonal dynamics, "Our Wicked Histories" might prove to be an intriguing and chilling read. If you've read the book, feel free to share your thoughts or specific aspects that stood out to you!

I love this book soooo much! It has every single things I would love in a book : creepy manor, equally creepy lake, local lore, suspense and thrills, ghost, Hallowe'en costumes , angry and angsty characters and relationships (yes they are all red flags maybe but so fun to read), etc etc and I just loveeee every page!
The dynamic between the characters was no joke. I love all the drama and tension and how the investigation go. Also love the classic horror scenes combined with eerie vibes of the manor--chef kiss.
ALL MY LOVE!

Fear death by water…

I adored this scary modern gothic that was full of twists and turns!

The story is cleverly told in both the present, at a Halloween party in an eerie old house, and the past, at a prestigious school, which gives these sections a ‘dark academia’ feel. I thought the author’s debut THOSE WE DROWN, was really original and full of morally grey characters, so I was so happy to discover their second book contains the same spooky vibes — but multiplied by ONE HUNDRED! The prose in this book is much more lyrical, and the scares are the classic ghost story kind. I raced through this but totally regretted reading it late at night! This will absolutely have a place on my bookshelf once it comes out—a must-read.

.Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for an eARC of OUR WICKED HISTORIES!

This book...!?

When I tell you I was hooked from the first page and whenever I thought I knew where it was going, it managed to surprise me! I finished it in one night.

I didn't expect the art and poetry references but they were ::chef's kiss:: and added to the unsettling atmosphere.

The manor house setting was completely immersive, i could totally picture every room, and I was rooting for Meg all the way through, she was a really sympathetic main character. I loved how the flashbacks slowly revealed a darker side of the MC's friendship group.

Totally recommend if you enjoyed Netflix Haunting of Hill House or are a fan of dark academia.