Ursula Vernon

I understand why people like this book. I do, it just isn't to my taste, which is a shame because if some different decisions were made in the narrative, I have a feeling I would have been a huge fan. I am not a fan of the "innocent" heroine, and sometimes I could really take or leave the main two characters. This book is also super low stakes, but low stakes doesn't have to mean lacking in drama. It is also low angst and funny sometimes, which is what I think people appreciate more. The plot is basically some legal drama over who owns someone's inheritance. They are constantly traveling between the same two towns. I disagree with the ending. I really do think that a curse should've been broken at the end or something. The worldbuilding was nice (although I probably would have understood it more if I had read the other books). I really liked how the queer representation was both good, casual and well-integrated into the world. There is no point where we are justifying the existence of Zale to any of the characters or the reader.… (more)

This is a great little novella for fans of Gothic or even some light cosmic horror. I love Kingfisher's sense of humor that she instills into all her protagonists even in the face of terrible circumstances. It could get a tad slow but not enough that I lost interest. The setting and overall vibes were just the right kind of spooky for me. So really a delightful read!

Merged review:

This is a great little novella for fans of Gothic or even some light cosmic horror. I love Kingfisher's sense of humor that she instills into all her protagonists even in the face of terrible circumstances. It could get a tad slow but not enough that I lost interest. The setting and overall vibes were just the right kind of spooky for me. So really a delightful read!… (more)