I am a fan of gothic literature and this book definitely had those elements. It seemed a bit repetitive in some areas but overall that did not take away from the story.

Thank you Netgalley and Random House Children’s for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

E.V. Woods’ “Girls of Dark Divine” is a gothic fantasy brimming with eerie beauty and dark enchantment. Set in the haunting world of the New Kora ballet theatre, the book immerses you in a twisted fairytale where grace and horror intertwine. Beneath the shimmer of the stage lights, a sinister secret lurks—the ballerinas are bound by a terrible curse, forced to dance at the whims of their ruthless director, Malcolm. When Emberlyn, the theatre’s star, realizes the true cost of their enslavement, she embarks on a perilous journey to break the spell before it consumes them all.

The book’s greatest strength lies in its hauntingly atmospheric storytelling. With echoes of The Phantom of the Opera and The Twelve Dancing Princesses, Woods crafts a world that is both beautiful and terrifying. The prose is lush and evocative, painting a picture of a world where elegance masks oppression. The marionette-like control of the dancers adds an extra layer of eeriness, making the stakes feel all the more dire.

The relationship between Emberlyn and her fellow dancers is another compelling aspect of the novel. Their bond is deeply emotional, filled with love, fear, and the desperation to survive together. The sisterhood they share adds heart to the story, making their struggle against Malcolm’s control even more poignant. Malcolm himself is a villain who exudes pure menace—his presence in the book is unsettling, and his power over the ballerinas is suffocating.

The first half of the book is a bit sluggish as the unraveling of the mystery only slowly advances. Emberlyn’s determination to escape feels like it drags at times, and though her plan to kill Malcolm is a driving force in the plot, her constant hesitation can be frustrating. Additionally, the romance element is likely to divide opinions. Emberlyn’s connection with Étienne, the shadowy boy who is magically tied to her performances, is both haunting and peculiar.

Overall, “Girls of Dark Divine” is an engrossing read for fans of gothic fantasy, particularly those who enjoy dark fairytales, twisted curses, and tales of love and defiance. The book’s chilling atmosphere lingers long after the final page, making it a mesmerizing story of fate, control, and the price of freedom.

Set in the hauntingly beautiful ballet theatre of New Kora, Girls of Dark Divine by E. V. Woods offers a gothic fantasy laced with mystery, magic, and a sinister curse. Emberlyn, the protagonist, dreams of dancing under the spotlight, but her aspiration twists into a nightmare as she discovers the dark secret binding the ballerinas to the malevolent Malcolm, a puppeteer who controls them like marionettes.

While the premise of the novel is undeniably intriguing—combining the elegance of ballet with a grim exploration of control and survival—the execution left much to be desired. The plot moves at a slow pace, which dampens the tension the story tries to build. Emberlyn's internal conflict over whether to kill Malcolm feels repetitive and drags on, making it difficult to stay engaged. The stakes, while clearly dire, lack a sense of urgency that might have kept readers glued to the page.

The romance subplot, centered on Emberlyn and the mysterious boy made of shadows, had potential but ultimately fell flat. The slow-burn dynamic didn’t lead to a satisfying payoff, leaving their relationship feeling underdeveloped. For a story steeped in such emotional intensity, this lack of connection made it hard to root for their union.

It’s also worth noting that the themes of manipulation and abuse are pervasive throughout the novel, making it a potentially triggering read for those sensitive to such topics. Malcolm’s control over the girls is chilling, but the heavy-handed portrayal of their suffering can feel oppressive and overwhelming.

Despite its flaws, the book does shine in its world-building. The descriptions of the ballet performances, the enchanted city of Parlizia, and the eerie magic tethering the ballerinas are vivid and atmospheric. Readers who appreciate dark, moody settings might still find elements of the novel worth savoring.

Final Thoughts:
Girls of Dark Divine has the makings of an evocative tale, but its sluggish pacing and lack of emotional depth hinder its impact. While fans of gothic fantasy and dark fairytales may enjoy the world and concept, the story struggles to fully deliver on its promise. Proceed with caution if themes of abuse are triggering.

The Girls of Dark Divine is a great read for fans of YA gothic fantasy. This story follows the ballerinas of New Kora, who are acclaimed for their beauty and talent; but beneath the sparkle of the theater lies a dark truth: the ballerinas are under a curse, turned into living puppets by their evil director Malcolm. One of the girls is determined to break free from his control and save her sisters, no matter the cost.

Not the storyline specifically, but in terms of atmosphere this book felt like The Phantom of the Opera meets The Twelve Dancing Princesses. Creepy and beautiful at the same time, it reads like a dark fairytale, and I was invested in the story from the first page. I would recommend it to readers who love gothic fantasy, strong female relationships, possibly tragic romance, and creepy, creepy villains; and also to fans of Erin Craig and Ava Reid.

Thank you to NetGalley & Random House for the arc! All thoughts & opinions in my review are my own.

“She felt scared, as she watched her best friend lose control to a monster.”

Omg, I loved this so much!! Fans of gothic literature are in for a treat with this one. The dark, mysterious vibe throughout the book is utterly captivating, making it feel super original and completely engrossing.

The story is written in third person, so I didn’t feel an intense connection to the main character, but that didn’t matter. The tone, the eerie storyline, the layers of mystery, and even the evocative descriptions of the dancing Marionettes all combine to create a mesmerizing read.

“The Marionette and the boy of dust and smoke.” The romance in this book is a tad insta-lovey but unique in its tragic and bittersweet beauty. It’s not the central focus, but it lingers in your thoughts long after reading.

What truly stood out to me, though, was the relationship between the sisters. It’s sweet yet steeped in doom and darkness. I liked their personalities and how they supported each other, knowing they had to face this horror together.

The ending is... tragic, happy, sad... painful yet perfect, leaving a haunting sense of closure that felt entirely fitting for the story.

If you love gothic tales with haunting vibes and layered storytelling, Girls of Dark Divine is a must-read. This one is going to stay with me for a long time!