15 September 2024

NetGalley Review: The Spirit Collection of Thorne Hall by J. Ann Thomas

The Spirit Collection of Thorne Hall
The Spirit Collection of Thorne Hall by J. Ann Thomas

My Rating: ✩✩✩✩

First off, this book starts slow...like glacial. After a tantalizing introduction the slow progress through a day in the life of Elegy feels like this book is going to go nowhere. Just when the readers feels like it is more rambling that gothic, the atmosphere changes just a bit. Suddenly, this book cannot be put down.

The blend of gothic ghost story with coming of age novel really worked here. The world building is so immersive that the major plot simply feels like a nice bonus. The romantic subplot, threads of family intrigue and a cast of dynamic supporting characters (both living and dead) make for great storytelling. The mythos of the ghosts and magic (for lack of a better word) is well developed and is sustained even during the great feats of the narrative's climax. Just a solidly written novel with many great traits to recommend it. I did feel a little like the "big reveals" were just a smidge obvious, but as the reader looking in, we do need to be patient with our protagonist, so it doesn't dampen the experience.

This book should definitely be on your TBR pile for the long dark month of winter. The perfect ambiance for a near perfect gothic tale.

Published on 11 February 2025 by Alcove Press

Book #61 of 2024   

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