Breathtakingly atmospheric and vividly enchanting! Lyndall Clipstone’s fourth published novel was a beautifully haunting, gothic romantasy. Bursting with dark and deliciously foreboding, (cottagecore-horror) vibes that had me in a literal chokehold. 

Firstly, I have to talk about Clipstone’s prose, which was gorgeously lyrical with lush, evocative imagery that I found utterly immersive. I truly felt transported to Verse, and could practically feel the sea spray— alongside the suffocating sense of dread and anticipation as Lark uncovers startling secrets and the ethereal, chthonic based powers that seem to be at play. 

I also loved the depth and complexity that we explore in our cast of characters, all of whom are trying to overcome their own individual struggles and trauma. For Lark, our protagonist, it’s the desperate desire to find a place (and people) to truly belong to. Having grown up an orphan with only her brothers to raise her. 

And for Alastair and Camille, (Lark’s childhood friends and neighbours) it’s their conflicted feelings towards family expectations (their duty and their loss of autonomy) at the expense of their own happiness. 

We learn soo much from their interactions with Lark, giving us a glimpse into their inner thoughts and emotions — which were as equally as intense and chemistry laden as they were compelling. 

It can be a bit of a slow-burn at times. But with such incredible writing, worldbuilding and lore to discover (particularly when it involved the God, Therion) I really didn’t mind the slightly slower pace. As it gave me a chance to soak up all the setting’s lush ambience. 

Though, the most compelling and emotionally endearing part for me, had to be the journey of sacrifice, self discovery and love (in all its many forms) that we get to watch unfold. With Lark and Co. delving ever deeper into a terrifying world of monstrous gods, ritualistic (salt based) practices and dark forces that threaten to upend the very lives they seek to preserve. 

I don’t think I can say anything else without spoilers, but fans of House of Hollow, For The Wolf or Erin A. Craig really need to consider adding this to their TBRs. Especially if, like me, you’re a sucker for a gorgeously written (plot twisty) gothic fantasy.

Also, a huge thank you to Lyndall Clipstone for the e-arc.