Genre: Young Adult Gothic Horror
Publishing Date: August 27, 2024
Synopsis:
For over a century, the Blackwells have protected the town of Hollow Cliff from vengeful spirits. Seventeen-year-old Nev is ready to take over for her ailing grandmother as the town’s witch protector—unlike her mother, who left when Nev was a child and never looked back. When a stranger arrives at Blackwell House of Spirits to fill a tour guide opening, Nev reluctantly offers him the job. Nev doesn’t trust Cal Murphy. He knows more than he’s letting on about Blackwell House—and about Nev herself. But Nev soon learns that she has been lied to her whole life. By following the trail of clues left behind in Blackwell House by her most powerful witch ancestor, Nev uncovers an unspeakable legacy of murder and lies…and realizes that a stranger may be the one person she can trust.
My Review:
“The Lies of Alma Blackwell” by Amanda Glaze is a captivating and atmospheric gothic novel that hooked me from the very first page. The plot is rich with intrigue and suspense, making it difficult to put the book down.
Every chapter adds a layer of tension and curiosity, which kept me turning the pages. The switch between present and past makes the story even more interesting and makes us guess until the end. Also, the pacing is just right, maintaining a balance between slower, suspenseful moments and faster, more intense scenes.
The main characters, Nev and Cal, were so good. I loved them both so much. My second favorite trope is Friends to Lovers, and it’s executed very well. The care and affection Cal shows towards Nev was so heartwarming.
The most unique aspect of this book is that the FMC has limited power. Nev showing bravery despite having lesser power when risking her life makes me admire the author more. The strong characteristics of Nev were one of my favorite things in this book.
Overall, “The Lies of Alma Blackwell” is a must-read for fans of gothic fiction and thrillers. Glaze’s writing is engaging, making the book a true page-turner. The balance of mystery, romance, and Gothic horror is perfectly executed.
If you’re looking for a gripping gothic, atmospheric novel with well-rounded characters and an intriguing plot, this book will not disappoint.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you TBR and Beyond Tours for providing me with the arc of this book.
Click here for Tour schedule to see more reviews.
Book links:
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound
Mood Board:
About the author:
Amanda Glaze writes witchy books about determined girls. Her bestselling debut novel, The Second Death of Edie and Violet Bond, was a Barnes & Noble Book Club pick and a Rise Booklist Honoree. She grew up in Northern California where she spent most of her time with her nose in a book or putting on plays with friends. Since then, she’s lived many lives: as a bookseller, a theater director, and an Emmy award-winning film and television producer. When she’s not running off to the mountains, she lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their two cat familiars.
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