This book is so beautifully written, from the first page I was highlighting eloquent passages of prose. Shea Ernshaw has such a gorgeous writing style, so poetic and magical. 

The plot is slow-building, which I don’t usually like in a book but I was so atmospheric, enchanting and whimsical that I didn’t mind spending longer in the world that Shea Ernshaw was describing.

When the plot got going, it was definitely predictable, but I was intrigued to see how these elements played out so it didn’t detract from my enjoyment when I put the pieces together within 50 pages. When I say predictable, I mean REALLY predictable.

This book also features a romance plot which I’m not usually a fan off, and this is insta-love which I usually roll my eyes out but for some reason, I actually liked the romance in this one. Maybe it’s because I was reading it really late at night 😂 The romance part slightly reminded me of Heartless by Marissa Meyer- that sort of insta-love that actually makes my cold dead heart feel something!

I gave this book a 4.5 stars which I really didn’t think I would! The predictability and slow moving plot was what held it back from being 5 stars but the haunting, atmospheric nature of this book captivated me.

I have previously read The Wicked Deep by this author, and also loved it- although that one was incredibly predictable too. I can’t wait to read more from Shea Ernshaw 🖤

This was really an amazing story. I can’t wait to read more from Shea!

My Thoughts. These are moreso for myself to look back on and is less of a review with critiques, more of a reaction/discussion. 







Non spoiler thoughts


I loved the writing, it was so pretty ✨ So many sentences I loved and screenshotted. I enjoyed the additions  of the pages in the SpellBook. 
   I can see myself reading more by this author in the future. The story itself did keep me reading, but the 4 stars are moreso for the writing and enchanting vibe of the story. 



DETAILED THOUGHTS THAT WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED


 
As I said the story kept me reading to figure out what exactly happened , although sometimes I was wary that I wasn’t  going to get a clear answer because of the way the characters acted or said things in their mysterious way that sometimes seemed like a poetic code. But everything is summed up fairly clearly by the end. 
   I did figure out most of the twist pretty early on. (That Oliver was dead. Which I think was supposed to be a twist to the reader but maybe not?) A couple times Nora sorta frustrated me when she didn’t figure out what seemed obvious, (Oliver being dead then at the end she didn’t realize she was reliving the night of the storm when it seemed apparent) but not in an angry way, moreso amused because I adore her. Then again I realize as I’m writing this it’s more obvious to the reader and wouldn’t be as obvious to her. 😅
   I was never bored, but overall the events and magic seemed kinda subtle at times. Not much going on… but at the same time so much going on.  
   The story was wrapped up pretty well… but something about it is keeping me from being completely satisfied. Maybe it’s that Oliver can not completely remember. Like he knows, but not completely, and that’s sad. Idk. Loved the quotes at the end though (I will share at end of this) And then the camp boys… kinda concerned they’re sorta off the hook and have no memory of their consequences… because it never happened and they never did anything. Especially Max 👀Ugh. They were annoying characters. I had forgotten it is a camp for boys who need reform though and that is why they were as awful as they were. When the one boy got buried in the forest I did not expect it tbh, but I mean… consequences. 🤷🏻‍♀️😆😭 They should have listened to her. 
   Overall though, an enchanting story with gorgeous writing and mysterious characters. I am glad I read it. It is perfect for winter. Towards the end of the book I was reading it outside when it was chilly under the moon with a mug of hot chocolate and that was so awesome and immersive & something I’ll remember when I hear/think of this book ✨  



And I kid you not, immediately after finishing this book on Libby while outside, a white moth started flying around me. Kinda scary, but very beautiful ending to reading this! 😆❤️





Loved this at the end of Oliver’s POV



“Sometimes I'm certain I've loved her before. That this is the second time my heart has knitted itself too tightly around hers.
The second time I've kissed her for
the first time.
The second time I've placed my lips on her neck and let my hands drift up her spine. 
The second time I've fallen in love.
The second time I've known that I'll never leave these mountains, the cold dark of the forest, the bottomless lake
beyond her room.
The second time I've known without question I'll never leave her”

Very young adult but dark 
Not sure about the hipe
The ending / what happen to oliver is very obvious