This was a rough read.
I had high hopes after reading Boys in the Valley and I'm disappointed to say Gothic fell short for me.

I found none of male characters likable (save for Ben) and literally all of the characters felt super one dimensional and like they were injected specifically to fulfill one singular idea or stereotype.
The plot and premise of the story get lost in magic and warlocks and demons and I'm not quite sure just how we're meant to feel any sympathy for anyone who comes into contact and meets a grim end via this desk(except maybe thay museum worker). While on the topic of the plot, the whole thing never really came together in my mind. Tyson writes the books whispered into his ear by the evil spirits of the desk, people read the books and do awful things thus powering an ancient evil demonic spirit and eventually it allows the demon to manifest in the real world? Nah, not vibing with that as a premise, sorry. Especially when the story ENDS before this demon does anything!!!!

Gothic feels like a set-up novel in the same way Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One film feels. Like you run around in circles for 2 hours and nothing much actually happens.

Is this a book I will read again? No.
But it was still a worthwhile read. Perhaps others will enjoy this book where I didn't.