The hook:
A year after the death of her girlfriend, Felicity Morrow returns to the boarding school they both attended. Despite her newfound caution towards the occult, she is soon embroiled in another student’s fascination with the legends surrounding the school, and the alleged witches who died there.
My impressions:
Stylistically lush and lovely, this book was impossible to put down. Add to that the wonderful narration in the audiobook and this made for a beautiful reading experience. The characters were compelling, and following their arcs was a real pleasure.
As for the twist, which I won’t reveal, I think it will be equally enjoyable for readers who figure it out as for those who are taken by surprise. Lee does an excellent job of foreshadowing without being too obvious, allowing readers to piece things together, whether in hindsight or as the plot unfolds.
Fans of dark academia such as We Were Villains or The Secret History who perhaps long for something with a similar vibe and snappier pacing may well enjoy this book, which I feel avoids some of the pitfalls of the subgenre. Less meandering than it’s compatriots, yet still every inch as character driven, this book is a good choice for old and new fans of the genre alike.
Happy reading!
Kat Pollock 