Catherine Bakewell's sophomore YA novel is a whimsical take on a modern fairytale. Ofelia has dreamed of living in the court, Le Château Enchanté, her mother was raised in, and she almost convinces her mother to return, before she disappears. While, Lope is a knight for Ofelia's family, but she has more passion for poetry than fighting. The two embark to Le Château to find Ofelia's mother and discover all the secrets she's been hiding.

This book is an ode to friendship, fairytales, and fighting the shadows hiding in the corners and behind faces.

I enjoyed reading this book quite a bit. I really loved Ofelia and Lope's characters at the beginning, although Ofelia's actions and choices did seem to be a little too naive towards the middle and the end of the book. I didn't really see as much character growth as I would have wanted or expected from her based on the events of the book, and she seemed selfish to me both in the beginning and at the end.
I wish that there had been more development in the world building. I really enjoyed the aspects of world building that were present in the book, but it felt like there was a lot that could have been expanded upon throughout. I did enjoy the end of the book, and I liked the writing style throughout the book as well.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy!

This book was so wonderful! The cozy vibes and love were truly captivating to read about. I loved the mythology and mystery aspects.

Countess Ofelia and her knight, Lope, have lived their lives isolated in Ofelia's mother's countryside estate, pining for each other in silence. When the attacks from the creatures known as "Shadows' grow too bold, Ofelia's mother goes to plead for sanctuary from Le Chateau - the one place where Shadows don't live, and that Ofelia's mother has begged her to stay away from. However, when Ofelia's mother doesn't return with the king's answer, Ofelia and Lope must journey to Le Chateau to seek both sanctuary and answers, testing their courage and their love.

Things I loved:
- the world building and the descriptions! This book was lush - everything was very decadent and I was enchanted by how colorful and vibrant it was!
- Lope: I found Lope to be very relatable, and I identified strongly with her motives, her purpose, and her story. I thought she had a great head on her shoulders and I was just taken with her.

Things I didn't love:
- Ofelia: I found her naivety to be frustrating rather than understandable. At first, I got where she was coming from, but over the course of the book, her "ostrich sticking its head in the sand" got to be annoying, especially when Lope was being very sensible by comparison. I also found her to be very hypocritical - she was willing to believe and do anything to get what she wanted, but judged it in others.

Overall, very pretty book!

Ofelia has always dreamed of visiting the Le Château Enchanté, a Versailles inspired palace that remains untouched by the shadow monsters that plague the countryside. As the threat of the shadows grows, Ofelia convinces her mother to petition the King to allow them to live within its walls. However, after her mother goes missing on her travels Ofelia must journey to the palace with her loyal guard Lope to find her. When they arrive they soon learn that while the palace is filled with beauty, secrets also lurk. And the origin of the shadows might reside somewhere within its walls. .

At first I liked how Ofelia and Lope were counterparts of each other. Ofelia is a sheltered noble girl whose naivety leads her to seek beauty and joy above all else. Lope is a knight who has seen violence and death, becoming distrustful and protective in the process. I was interested to see how their stark differences would begin to bleed into each other as they grew closer. But I found this growth to be incredibly one sided.

Lope is a wonderful well rounded character. She is sharp, strong, and loyal to a fault. Despite her tough exterior, she is a poet at heart. She is still able to put beauty into words despite the nightmares she encounters. And most of those words are dedicated to Ofelia, whom she loves and would follow to the ends of the earth. All she cares about is keeping her safe.

Ofelia, unfortunately, is an absolutely loathsome character. She’s self absorbed, air headed, and ignorant. I would say she is unintentionally cruel at times, but I don’t think it’s always unintended! At the end of the day she is still of noble birth. Ofelia is meant to come across as bubbly and naive, easy to manipulate because of her quickness to trust. She is supposed to be endearing and loveable, but instead just comes across as dumb as a doorknob. I simply got frustrated by her insistance on remaining a fool dazzled by jewels. She would rather turn a blind eye to injustice, live a life full of lies, than face any form of hardship. Even her desire to be reunited with her mother, a desire that drives the entire plot of the book, is easily placated with the promise of comfort.

The romance felt lukewarm to me. From the start, Lope and Ofelia have a mutual crush. They’ve been close for years, a friendship that transcends their lady and knight dynamic. But while there is pinning, there really isn’t any angst. Which is the main draw of a bodyguard romance to me. The resisting of feelings because it’s inappropriate for their relationship! Not knowing if it’s actually love or duty! Doing everything in their power to protect their charge! While this book tried to incorporate these elements into the story, they just fell so flat for me. I didn’t feel it, I didn’t believe it. Especially since the main conflict in their relationship is Lope’s honorable nature butting heads with Ofelia’s selfishness. I honestly didn’t think they should be together.

The world building was particularly vague. It’s heavily influenced by Spain and France, as both Spanish and French honorifics are utilized, but the religion seems to have some inspiration from Greek mythology. However the gods are never really discussed in a substantial way outside of The Shadow King. We don’t really know anything about this world outside of the palace. Even Ofelia’s home is quickly brushed over.

A good ending can make me forgive a lot of faults in a book. But unfortunately this book’s ending did not fall into that category. I was not a fan of the ending. It read to me like Ofelia is thrust into making the most drastic decision possible in an effort to show that she has grown from her flaws and truly has a heart of gold. I didn’t buy it for a second. Before this moment it seemed like Ofelia only started to care when her life was in danger and Lope had left her. What occurred after felt wildly out of character for everyone involved, and did not have the impact I assume was intended. I was left feeling very unfulfilled by the conclusion.

ARC Review: 4.5/5 stars!

A whimsical world with a sinister secret, this story had me enthralled from page one! The lyrical prose ensnared me and following the journey of the emotionally complex, contrasting dual POV characters was like watching a carefully choreographed dance on the page. The POV shifts were refreshingly easy to navigate thanks to the MC's clear voices.

Recommending for anyone who loves:
- Studio Ghibli vibes (but make it darker)
-A sapphic love that transcends class or station
- Beautifully naiive characters who transform when their rose-colored goggles come off

A special shout-out goes to the Shadow King, who is a tragically heartwarming character that I desperately want more of!

I had so much fun today reading and tabbing this book! This is a sapphic romance between a young lady and her knight, set in a fantasy world where beauty and richness are covers for the sinister darkness and shadows that plague the world..

I love loved the emotional journey taken by the two MCs, to accept their own faults and to learn to convey their emotions and ultimately accept their hea <33 and the plot! The plot was thrilling and well-written and full of twists and turns! I found the final resolutions to be really satisfactory as well, so I'd say this is a 10/10 well-rounded read 💛

-- ty to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy!

Recommend if:
- you love a stoic lady knight
- you always believe the best in people
- want a combination of whimsy and heartache
- relive those first crush butterflies (and longing)

3.5/5 stars (rounded up for here)

This book walks the fine line between a whimsical fantasy world and some darker themes, perfectly matching the targeted age range. While the prose is lovely, I did sometimes find it very repetitive and just over the top. I think the characters are somewhere around 17 years old, but they read much younger - especially Ofelia. While I understand she is meant to be naive and sheltered, but it feels like too much. And while I absolutely remember the days of the dramatic teenage pining over someone (right down to the elaborate poetry), it got tedious to constantly read the inner monologues. Every time one of our POVs saw or thought of the other character, it was at least two paragraphs of how wonderful and perfect and lovely they were. For this reason, I found the book dragged quite a bit, and could have been like a third shorter. It also felt like the pining took away from the action, which wasn't always described very well, making it hard to follow the actual plots.

That said, by the end, the characters did grow on me (especially Lope), and I enjoyed the direction the story took in the last third of the book. I just wish we got there a little sooner.

I really enjoyed this book the atmosphere was so cozy and the lyrical writing was so beautiful and whimsical this book is full of mystery, monsters and a beautiful love between Lope and Ofelia.
Thank you NetGalley for an arc.

Looking for a super romantic and cozy fantasy?

We follow Ofelia on her quest to find her missing mother, on her way to find them sanctuary in the Castle. Although it seems almost unreal, it's the only place in the kingdom where the Shadows don't attack. But when her mother doesn't return, Ofelia worries. Accompanied by her faithful knight, Lope, they embark on a dangerous journey. But once they reach the castle, there is no trace of the Countess... Will the king, blessed by the gods, be able to help her or does he have dark secrets to hide? It will be released in early 2025!

This is the novel for you, if you like :
✨ cosy fantasy
🌸 sapphic romances
🏰 places full of mystery
🗡️ battles with evil monsters
Thank you @netgalley @catbake for this ARC

I absolutely adore Cat’s novels- Flowerheart left me with all the warm fuzzies, and this book is no different.🥰

From the very first page, you are wrapped into a cosy, whimsical world and an effortless charm that permeates every scene. The sprawling chateau, with its lush gardens and endless corridors, provides the perfect backdrop for a love story that’s as epic as it is tender.

The writing was beautiful and oh so magical, a delicate dance of light and dark. I definitely felt the ‘Bridgerton but make it dark’ vibes—it’s rich and mysterious. Every page had just the right touch of intrigue and romance to keep me utterly captivated.

But what truly stole my heart was the love between Ophelia and Lope. Their relationship is the beating heart of this book—every glance, every sigh, every stolen moment feels imbued with longing, sweetness, and a whole lot of swooning.
Can I just say… THE PINING. THE PINING. Perfection.

Ophelia, ever the radiant princess, is a bundle of innocence wrapped in layers of privilege. She’s somewhat naive, indulged and often spoiled by her royal status, yet her heart is pure, and she carries a lightness of spirit that seeks goodness in every shadow. She will leap before looking, her impulsive nature sometimes drawing her toward danger—but her infectious optimism means you can’t be mad at her, no matter what danger you end up in.

Lope, on the other hand, is a study in contrasts—stoic, serious, and protective, she weighs every decision with the gravitas of someone who has lived through loss and hardship. She’s all about duty, yet her love for Ophelia sparks poetry in the very depths of her soul, adding a layer of romantic tenderness that balances her strength and resolve. Those poetic moments were some of my favorites, each one charging the romance with a dreamy, otherworldly quality that mirrored the cosy atmosphere of the book.

An honorable mention goes to the Shadow King—his inquisitiveness and childlike curiosity about the world he never got to experience added so much depth to his character. Watching his journey unfold, with his growth and eventual trust, was incredibly satisfying and I really enjoyed his addition to the story, I wouldn’t have minded learning more about him at all.

This book had all the warmth, adventure, and swoon-worthy romance I was hoping for, and the intoxicating poetry made it utterly unforgettable.

✨ ARC Book Review ✨

Where Shadows Bloom by Catherine Bakewell

STAR RATING: 5/5⭐️

REVIEW:
I was left swoony, kicking my feet, and cheering on Lope and Ofelia as they completed their journey through the secrets, the lies, and the shocking twists within the grand palace that Ofelia begged to call home. I was constantly on edge; who was telling the truth? Who knew what was actually happening? The deception by the King was like no other. Lope and Ofelia’s love? I adored them. Every bit.

PLATFORM: eBook/Kindle

Blending the whimsical vibes of Studio Ghibli with sapphic fantasy, Where Shadows Bloom is a captivating tale with pining romance and intrigue.

The main setting is a mysterious chateau, home to courtiers who live superficially and lavishly, including the immortal king. The story showcases a vibrant culture with an easy-going narrative that balances sweetness with a hint of darkness. The pacing is quick, and the transitions between the scenes are smooth.

The characters and their relationships are well-developed, and their struggle to communicate their true feelings adds an authentic layer of tension to the story.

The conclusion is satisfying, tying up all the plotlines with a neat bow.

This delightful YA fantasy is perfect for anyone who cherishes a blend of dark whimsy and sweet romance.

I received an ARC from HarperCollins, and I leave my review voluntarily. My review is my own thoughts and opinion. My experience in reading this story.

Where Shadows Bloom is a YA sapphic romantasy novel following Lady Ofelia and her knight Lope as they visit the mysterious Le Château Enchanté. Fleeing from the threat of Shadows in their homeland to seek refuge in Le Château, the girls must quickly determine who they can trust within the gods-blessed palace.
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A sapphic story about a lady and her knight with bits of Orpheus and Eurydice sprinkled in sounds like my dream story. The setting of this novel was gorgeous! I could vividly picture the beautiful palace and all its finery. Lope quickly became my favorite character. A loyal knight that is also a great poet? Say less! Her words were a beautiful addition to each chapter in her POV. Both POVs felt balanced and the POV switches felt appropriately timed. The nod to the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice was one of my favorite aspects of the story. I almost wish it was introduced earlier in the story (though, as a fan of the original myth, I may be biased). The epilogue was also very sweet and a perfect end to the novel. While I really wanted to root for Lope and Ofelia, I wished that we could see their relationship grow a bit more before the mass amounts of mutual pining. Without seeing some of their relationship growth myself, I felt a bit disconnected from why they had such strong feelings for each other. I also felt that Ofelia was a bit too naive and trusting of people she just met. Her actions made her POV difficult to read at times. This sweet story of two girls finding their home in one another is great for readers looking for a sapphic fantasy with a glittering palace full of secrets.
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Thank you HarperCollins for providing this eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Where Shadows Bloom by Catherine Bakewell is one of my favorite books I've read this year. The story follows a classic fairy tale format of a young noble lady and her dutiful knight who are madly in love with each other and secretly pining away for a love that they believe cannot be as well as dreaming of a safer life together freed from the dangerous world in which they live. This danger takes the form of shadows, mysterious creatures made of smoke that lurk in the darkness and suck the very breath out of all who they happen upon, held at bay from wreaking even greater havoc only by knights and soldiers guarding various estates and villages. The poetic and romantic Lope is one such knight trained from when she was a young orphan to protect the estate of her mistress and her daughter, the imaginative and kind Ofelia. More than anything, Ofelia dreams of arriving at the fantastical Le Chateau Enchante, the dwelling of the immortal king blessed by the gods and the only place entirely free of the presence of shadows, entranced by the stories of balls and banquets she's heard from both her books and her mother. On one fateful night after Ofelia's mother failed to return from a visit to Le Chateau, she and Lope make the journey themselves in search of her and safety. Upon arriving however, they soon discover that not all that glitters is gold.

I really enjoyed both the incredibly soft and sweet romance that blooms between Ofelia and Lope, so full of devotion and need, as well as the mysteries and dark secrets of the world, especially those of the mysterious king blessed by the gods with eternal youth and gifted his wonderful palace of safety and prosperity. As the story progresses, the two heroines find themselves face to face with the court politics of pre-revolutionary France, strange disappearances of some of the king's closest courtiers, and even the gods themselves.

I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a soft and sweet sapphic fairy tale romance and loves mutual pining and royal/knight relationships.

Where Shadows Bloom by Catherine Blakewell is a beautiful, lyrical ode to true love, friendship, and what it means to be human, to be alive.
In her newest magic-infused world, which is brimming with gold and luscious balls, fame, and power, two girls are set on a path to discover secrets hiding in the shadows, where monsters are real.
The author portrays the changing friendship, the blooming romantic feelings, and the sacrifice we make for our loved ones, so vividly! This novel sparks longing for more of, knowing more of the characters. Ofelia and Lope are challenged day after day at Le Château, as the truth unfolds. Their love is something that the novel focuses on and it drives the story, however, the family ties and the magic are essential parts of the plot, adding a layer of intrigue to it.
I highly recommend picking up this novel if you like knights, poetry, secrets, and a world touched by shadows.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc! I enjoyed this book. I thought that the romance was very sweet and loved that Ofelia and Lope had loved each other for such a long time. THE YEARNING!!!! It was such a sweet book. I will say though that I felt like the plot started immediately in the book. Like we jut hit the ground running and there was not a ton of exposition for the characters. We met them and they immediately headed off to find Ofelia's mom. All in all it was a great read.

listen, i tried to enjoy this book. i really did. i do not want to be a hater, but the hater life chose me. there was just something about this book that did not click with me. the premise sounded excellent, but the execution fell flat. like really flat. i did not enjoy the characters. Ofelia felt like a 10 year old trapped in a 17 year old. all of her decisions were so stupid. and Lope…did we really need to have a million of her poems? i think a few would have been fine but it felt excessive. overall, just not my vibe :(

I LOVED THIS BOOK.
It was very cozy, very nice, all the yearning and the amazing main characters, the twists and all the pacts made with gods, even with a sketchy one?

I recommend this book if
- You like knights, because you will be obsessed with Lope
- You like poetry, because you will be obsessed with Lope (what a great knight and poet in one)
- You like pretty gardens and castles
- You like yearning, especially between two girls who are obsessed with each other
- You like some suspense and action, like fights with shadowmonsters (and maybe some other evil stuff)

Thank you so much to NetGalley and HarperCollins for accepting my request for an ACR of this book!
3.75/5
The way she looked at me, like she understood something, like she saw something in me that I did not—it made me burn.
For her, I would gladly let myself turn to ash.
So to start off I really enjoyed the world building of this story. The way there were the shadows and the gods, it felt familiar but different, having me excited to see what would happen next. On that note, I also enjoyed the villain, because I kind of knew it was them in the back of my mind but I was excited when they were revealed. I will say even though I enjoyed the story I felt like there were some things missing from the overall book, for instance, I had hoped there to be more romance scenes between Ofelia and Lope, and I wish there was more with the exploration of the castle and the people who worked there.