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The Lies of Alma Blackwell
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.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published August 27, 2024
21 people are currently reading
5236 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Glaze
2 books103 followersAmanda Glaze writes witchy books about determined girls with dashes of magic, mystery, romance, and adventure stirred in. Her debut novel, THE SECOND DEATH OF EDIE AND VIOLET BOND was inspired by her real-life spirit medium ancestors and selected as a Barnes & Noble YA Book Club Pick as well as a Rise Feminist Book Project Selection. Her most recent novel, THE LIES OF ALMA BLACKWELL is a romantic gothic mystery that draws on her fascination with the enigmatic history of the Winchester Mystery House. Growing up in Northern California, 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.
Find her online at amandaglaze.com or connect on Instagram,@amandabglaze.
Find her online at amandaglaze.com or connect on Instagram,@amandabglaze.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
August 21, 2024
This book is up there with the best I have read this year. A stunningly well written YA gothic horror.
All towns have their ghosts. Hollow Cliff’s ghosts just happen to be murderous and plentiful. And unfortunately for Nev, they’re very real. With her family of witches tasked for more than a century to keep these spirits at bay, Nev is next in line to carry on this important legacy. With her mother gone, leaving Nev to take up the mantle, and a stranger poking his nose where it shouldn’t be, things start to get complicated. Especially when the stranger comes with ambiguous one-liners, a wealth of knowledge about Blackwell House, and the most captivating eyes. Nev doesn’t trust Cal in the slightest.
But not long before her Vow ceremony, important information comes to light and Nev feels as if her life is spiralling out of control. Following clues left by her witch ancestor in Blackwell House, and with the help and guidance of Cal, all Nev thought she knew about her family might not be as true as the histories remember.
WOW did I love this book. I will ALWAYS want to read books with witches in. Having ghosts and romance is a very welcome bonus because I love those too. So you can imagine my absolute delight of being able to read this book early.
The vibes were immaculate. The tension was high (so very high). The romance was beautiful. When I tell you that I can’t stop thinking about this book, I mean I am daydreaming about it at work, it is what I’m thinking about before I fall asleep. I devoured this book and in turn I think it devoured me.
The lore and world building in this story was amazingly well done. I loved how unique the “memory sequences” were (no spoilers!). It added a sense of drama, urgency, and real threat to the story. And the moody writing just sucked me right in. I could feel the rain, and the spray of the ocean. I could smell muddy earth and pines in the forest. Don’t even get me started on how much I loved Nev and Cal. I thought their chemistry was great and I definitely want them on my team if I ever start a paranormal investigations company.
It’s been a while since I’ve been shocked during one of my reads, and I’m so happy to say this has broken my dry spell. My GOODNESS there was a SHOCKER in this! I was sat there - mouth agape, eyes wide, and expectations blown out the water.
If you have space to squeeze in another book before this year is over, for your sake (and mine), let it be this one.
Thank you to TBR & Beyond Tours and Amanda for the book in exchange for my honest review.
All towns have their ghosts. Hollow Cliff’s ghosts just happen to be murderous and plentiful. And unfortunately for Nev, they’re very real. With her family of witches tasked for more than a century to keep these spirits at bay, Nev is next in line to carry on this important legacy. With her mother gone, leaving Nev to take up the mantle, and a stranger poking his nose where it shouldn’t be, things start to get complicated. Especially when the stranger comes with ambiguous one-liners, a wealth of knowledge about Blackwell House, and the most captivating eyes. Nev doesn’t trust Cal in the slightest.
But not long before her Vow ceremony, important information comes to light and Nev feels as if her life is spiralling out of control. Following clues left by her witch ancestor in Blackwell House, and with the help and guidance of Cal, all Nev thought she knew about her family might not be as true as the histories remember.
WOW did I love this book. I will ALWAYS want to read books with witches in. Having ghosts and romance is a very welcome bonus because I love those too. So you can imagine my absolute delight of being able to read this book early.
The vibes were immaculate. The tension was high (so very high). The romance was beautiful. When I tell you that I can’t stop thinking about this book, I mean I am daydreaming about it at work, it is what I’m thinking about before I fall asleep. I devoured this book and in turn I think it devoured me.
The lore and world building in this story was amazingly well done. I loved how unique the “memory sequences” were (no spoilers!). It added a sense of drama, urgency, and real threat to the story. And the moody writing just sucked me right in. I could feel the rain, and the spray of the ocean. I could smell muddy earth and pines in the forest. Don’t even get me started on how much I loved Nev and Cal. I thought their chemistry was great and I definitely want them on my team if I ever start a paranormal investigations company.
It’s been a while since I’ve been shocked during one of my reads, and I’m so happy to say this has broken my dry spell. My GOODNESS there was a SHOCKER in this! I was sat there - mouth agape, eyes wide, and expectations blown out the water.
If you have space to squeeze in another book before this year is over, for your sake (and mine), let it be this one.
Thank you to TBR & Beyond Tours and Amanda for the book in exchange for my honest review.
August 25, 2024
Wowowow okay my thriller and gothic lovers, this is a MUST!!
At first I was hesitant because I was like what 17 year old inherits a mantle as protector and a House… and then when it’s like “they’re witches” I was like ah okay now this makes sense AND I’m intrigued. And the House is haunting.. Literally.
The novel was fast paced, in a good way as I felt it added to the thrill.
I enjoyed the romance, Cal is a gem. I also enjoyed the glimpses back in time we got through Millie and it was a great tool not to just info dump.
This book had a big shock and lots of twists and I just know you’re going to love it!! The title is kind of a spoiler, but like also because of it, you know what you’re getting into.
Thank you TBR and Beyond for having me on the tour!
At first I was hesitant because I was like what 17 year old inherits a mantle as protector and a House… and then when it’s like “they’re witches” I was like ah okay now this makes sense AND I’m intrigued. And the House is haunting.. Literally.
The novel was fast paced, in a good way as I felt it added to the thrill.
I enjoyed the romance, Cal is a gem. I also enjoyed the glimpses back in time we got through Millie and it was a great tool not to just info dump.
This book had a big shock and lots of twists and I just know you’re going to love it!! The title is kind of a spoiler, but like also because of it, you know what you’re getting into.
Thank you TBR and Beyond for having me on the tour!
September 8, 2024
It’s hard to describe this book without spoiling everything, but I loved the mix of horror, romance and coming-of-age! The middle seemed to drag, but I loved the ending.
August 28, 2024
I’d like to thank the publisher for providing an ARC this past July of The Lies of Alma Blackwell. This story is a ghost story, a mystery, and a thriller, all wrapped into one convenient, fun, easy to read package.
When we meet a mysterious girl who lives in a spooky mansion in an even stranger town, we’re thrown headfirst into a world where you can find apparently find magic if you just know where to look. (Or, if you’re a Blackwell.) Nev, a solemn teenager who is counting down the days until she takes her ‘Vow’, begins to uncover more than just a few secrets in the nooks and crannies of her maze-like home. This vow is a mystical blood oath that guarantees the protection of Nev’s town, Hollow Cliff, from entities that drive members of the community to what can only be described as spirit-possessed suicide. When she takes this vow, Nev is set to become her town’s main protector from malignant spirits. Enter: conflict galore.
The story starts off by simultaneously easing you into the plot but dropping enough information to pique your interest and make you want to keep going. The lines drawn between plot beats are simple enough to follow, and fun to discover along the way, even if you do guess what happens next here and there (as I did a few times). The Lies of Alma Blackwell is incredibly easy to get into, possesses a small but good main cast of characters, has an uncomplicated and interesting magic system, and, through Nev, addresses deep feelings of emotional conflict very well.
Once I reached the final third of the book I couldn’t put it down, and was on the edge of my seat to see how everything would wrap up. Having been to the house that helped inspire the story, The Winchester Mystery House, I was delighted with how much this story felt like a tribute to that strange piece of history, even with murderous witchy women taking the place of the nice lady who had some strange design choices. (Don’t worry Sara Winchester, you’re a shining star in comparison to Alma Blackwell.)
The Lies of Alma Blackwell is a fun mystery that you won’t regret reading if you’re looking for a paranormal thriller with a simple magic system, an enjoyable cast, and halloween-flavored mystery.
When we meet a mysterious girl who lives in a spooky mansion in an even stranger town, we’re thrown headfirst into a world where you can find apparently find magic if you just know where to look. (Or, if you’re a Blackwell.) Nev, a solemn teenager who is counting down the days until she takes her ‘Vow’, begins to uncover more than just a few secrets in the nooks and crannies of her maze-like home. This vow is a mystical blood oath that guarantees the protection of Nev’s town, Hollow Cliff, from entities that drive members of the community to what can only be described as spirit-possessed suicide. When she takes this vow, Nev is set to become her town’s main protector from malignant spirits. Enter: conflict galore.
The story starts off by simultaneously easing you into the plot but dropping enough information to pique your interest and make you want to keep going. The lines drawn between plot beats are simple enough to follow, and fun to discover along the way, even if you do guess what happens next here and there (as I did a few times). The Lies of Alma Blackwell is incredibly easy to get into, possesses a small but good main cast of characters, has an uncomplicated and interesting magic system, and, through Nev, addresses deep feelings of emotional conflict very well.
Once I reached the final third of the book I couldn’t put it down, and was on the edge of my seat to see how everything would wrap up. Having been to the house that helped inspire the story, The Winchester Mystery House, I was delighted with how much this story felt like a tribute to that strange piece of history, even with murderous witchy women taking the place of the nice lady who had some strange design choices. (Don’t worry Sara Winchester, you’re a shining star in comparison to Alma Blackwell.)
The Lies of Alma Blackwell is a fun mystery that you won’t regret reading if you’re looking for a paranormal thriller with a simple magic system, an enjoyable cast, and halloween-flavored mystery.
September 23, 2024
Spooky atmospheric horror book with mystery. I liked the sleuthing and flashbacks. I'll it admit it took me much longer how the magic system worked in this book. The romance fell a bit flat to me and detracted from the story but it was a good third act.
August 27, 2024
The Lies of Alma Blackwell is a YA gothic horror that took me by surprise. The way the author weaved the story, it felt like I was part of the guests on the tour at Blackwell House.
There's ghosts, secrets, lies, magic, a haunted house, and a back story that will make the hairs on your arms rise. Spooky season book recommendation alert 😉
Nev is essentially the 'chosen one' as the responsibility of protecting the town is handed down to her and while she tries to navigate and understand this new responsibility, Cal Murphy arrives and makes things just a bit more interesting.
I enjoyed the book from the first page to the last. The mystery and suspense kept me guessing and the writing style is easy to follow. The story is unpredictable and kept me gripped. I saw the book playing like a movie in my mind and I loved it! I definitely recommend The Lies of Alma Blackwell and would love to read more books by this author.
💙 Witches
💙 Gothic
💙 Haunted House
💙 Friendship
💙 Plot twists
💙 Magic
Many thanks to TBR and Beyond Tours for the gifted digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
There's ghosts, secrets, lies, magic, a haunted house, and a back story that will make the hairs on your arms rise. Spooky season book recommendation alert 😉
Nev is essentially the 'chosen one' as the responsibility of protecting the town is handed down to her and while she tries to navigate and understand this new responsibility, Cal Murphy arrives and makes things just a bit more interesting.
I enjoyed the book from the first page to the last. The mystery and suspense kept me guessing and the writing style is easy to follow. The story is unpredictable and kept me gripped. I saw the book playing like a movie in my mind and I loved it! I definitely recommend The Lies of Alma Blackwell and would love to read more books by this author.
💙 Witches
💙 Gothic
💙 Haunted House
💙 Friendship
💙 Plot twists
💙 Magic
Many thanks to TBR and Beyond Tours for the gifted digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 19, 2024
I’ll be re-reading for the spooky season. If you enjoy Paranormal novels get this. I loved the author writing gave off the eeriness as much as the cover did. I couldn’t put this down. Thank you to the publisher for the arc.
July 26, 2024
Advanced reader's copy review
This book absolutely blew me away! I was immediately pulled into the book with its fast, though maybe a bit too fast, paced opening and plot. I also immediately fell in love with the main character, Nev, with her desire to help others and her love for her family. And her relationship with Cal was amazing. He is so sweet and caring and utterly devoted to Nev. Lastly, I loved Millie and the glimpses into the past we got through her memories. It was a brilliant way to give new plot points. All the information, from the clues to the magic, was well given out, especially using the memories and the house tour. But my favorite part of this book was the plot. It was so clever with the way everything came together and the big twist had me screaming out loud and completely reevaluating everything that had happened in the book. It completely turned the story on its head and I loved it. And the ending was so dramatic and cinematic, but ultimately a strong and satisfying resolution. So overall I highly, highly recommend this book.
Thank you Union Square Co for the free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
This book absolutely blew me away! I was immediately pulled into the book with its fast, though maybe a bit too fast, paced opening and plot. I also immediately fell in love with the main character, Nev, with her desire to help others and her love for her family. And her relationship with Cal was amazing. He is so sweet and caring and utterly devoted to Nev. Lastly, I loved Millie and the glimpses into the past we got through her memories. It was a brilliant way to give new plot points. All the information, from the clues to the magic, was well given out, especially using the memories and the house tour. But my favorite part of this book was the plot. It was so clever with the way everything came together and the big twist had me screaming out loud and completely reevaluating everything that had happened in the book. It completely turned the story on its head and I loved it. And the ending was so dramatic and cinematic, but ultimately a strong and satisfying resolution. So overall I highly, highly recommend this book.
Thank you Union Square Co for the free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
June 9, 2024
I read this one last week, and I needed a few days to process the sheer brilliance in the twists and the betrayals and the LIES (I know the title has "Lies" in it, but like, you'll never expect what they are 😭)
Also, the romance!! I can't say the trope because it's a massive spoiler, but it's like extreme perfection 🥲 literally everything that particular trope stands for 🥲
The gothic, paranormal vibes were done really well, and just in general, the writing was really good! I had an amazing time reading it!
TWs - murder, death, paranormal activity
-- massive thanks to Amanda and to @unionsqandco for sending me a physical ARC! I had the most fun tabbing it!
Also, the romance!! I can't say the trope because it's a massive spoiler, but it's like extreme perfection 🥲 literally everything that particular trope stands for 🥲
The gothic, paranormal vibes were done really well, and just in general, the writing was really good! I had an amazing time reading it!
TWs - murder, death, paranormal activity
-- massive thanks to Amanda and to @unionsqandco for sending me a physical ARC! I had the most fun tabbing it!
June 21, 2024
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
August 24, 2024
Lesbian Ghost Beach Town Quest
My thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for this honest review!
readability: very good (clear, simple language, mysterious and suspenseful)
enjoyability: good (great vibes and some fun tropes)
craft: fair to good (on the better end of what I'd consider "standard YA style," clearly well-researched)
Really 3.5 stars.
The Lies of Alma Blackwell gets some serious mileage out of its title as it introduces us to Nev, the latest in a long line of (essentially) witches whose job is to protect their creepy magical beachside town from the vengeful spirits bound centuries ago by legendary philanthropist, Good Witch, and all-around model citizen...Alma Blackwell. Hmmm yeah she sounds great.
Forced to assume the family legacy early by her mother's abandonment and her grandmother's terminal illness, Nev is days away from taking the vow that will boost her powers and trap her forever in her hometown, where the maleficent ghosts of yore occasionally possess the citizens and force them to drown themselves, and are only restrained from massacring all the townsfolk by Nev's family's magic. But when a mysterious stranger (of the hot guy variety, obviously) shows up with a weird magical artifact and a story that contradicts what Nev has grown up believing, the two of them team up to uncover the real truth of the town's magic before Nev is forced to bind herself to it forever. This is accomplished mostly via Gay Flashbacks (fun way to sidestep the Bury Your Gays trope: they've already been dead for 100 years! The G in LGBTQ+ stands for Ghost! Just be aware that said flashbacks are the extent of the Gay Shit going on here.)
Cons: if you're looking for an airtight plot, this isn't it. It's juggling a lot of elements, and various points feel shoehorned in ("by the way, Nev keeps her mother's atlas under the floorboards and just never mentioned it until now.") The pacing feels somewhat videogame-esque as the protagonists wander around gleaning new tidbits from NPCs and picking up new items that each contain a memory/story beat. That last part isn't so much as a con as a neutral thing that may alienate some people.
The main characters of Alma Blackwell are also on the generic side. At first I was mildly disappointed that we got more characterization for Alma and the Ghost Lesbians in 1.5 flashback scenes than we did for Nev's love interest, Cal, in a few hundred pages, but my opinion of him shot up about 2/3 of the way through the book when it turns out he fits some of my personal favorite tropes.
In general, the twists, tropes, and vibes are this book's strong points! The witchy magic system is fun and involves making charms out of acorn caps and old buttons and feathers (human sacrifice optional.) The eerie setting—goth-y beachside town populated by questionably magical flower shops and creepy old lady fortune tellers, with its Winchester-esque haunted mansion looming over everything—is a highlight. I had seen the author speak on a panel about her research process, so I knew about the Winchester House inspiration, but I appreciated how deftly that inspiration was worked in! (For example: we learn the "history" of Alma Blackwell via Nev giving guided tours of the house, with all the editorializing of her inner monologue thrown in.)
Overall, I enjoyed this book because I enjoyed its trappings—ghost stories, haunted houses, witchy magic, scary possession. If you pick it up, pick it up for those!
My thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for this honest review!
readability: very good (clear, simple language, mysterious and suspenseful)
enjoyability: good (great vibes and some fun tropes)
craft: fair to good (on the better end of what I'd consider "standard YA style," clearly well-researched)
Really 3.5 stars.
The Lies of Alma Blackwell gets some serious mileage out of its title as it introduces us to Nev, the latest in a long line of (essentially) witches whose job is to protect their creepy magical beachside town from the vengeful spirits bound centuries ago by legendary philanthropist, Good Witch, and all-around model citizen...Alma Blackwell. Hmmm yeah she sounds great.
Forced to assume the family legacy early by her mother's abandonment and her grandmother's terminal illness, Nev is days away from taking the vow that will boost her powers and trap her forever in her hometown, where the maleficent ghosts of yore occasionally possess the citizens and force them to drown themselves, and are only restrained from massacring all the townsfolk by Nev's family's magic. But when a mysterious stranger (of the hot guy variety, obviously) shows up with a weird magical artifact and a story that contradicts what Nev has grown up believing, the two of them team up to uncover the real truth of the town's magic before Nev is forced to bind herself to it forever. This is accomplished mostly via Gay Flashbacks (fun way to sidestep the Bury Your Gays trope: they've already been dead for 100 years! The G in LGBTQ+ stands for Ghost! Just be aware that said flashbacks are the extent of the Gay Shit going on here.)
Cons: if you're looking for an airtight plot, this isn't it. It's juggling a lot of elements, and various points feel shoehorned in ("by the way, Nev keeps her mother's atlas under the floorboards and just never mentioned it until now.") The pacing feels somewhat videogame-esque as the protagonists wander around gleaning new tidbits from NPCs and picking up new items that each contain a memory/story beat. That last part isn't so much as a con as a neutral thing that may alienate some people.
The main characters of Alma Blackwell are also on the generic side. At first I was mildly disappointed that we got more characterization for Alma and the Ghost Lesbians in 1.5 flashback scenes than we did for Nev's love interest, Cal, in a few hundred pages, but my opinion of him shot up about 2/3 of the way through the book when it turns out he fits some of my personal favorite tropes.
In general, the twists, tropes, and vibes are this book's strong points! The witchy magic system is fun and involves making charms out of acorn caps and old buttons and feathers (human sacrifice optional.) The eerie setting—goth-y beachside town populated by questionably magical flower shops and creepy old lady fortune tellers, with its Winchester-esque haunted mansion looming over everything—is a highlight. I had seen the author speak on a panel about her research process, so I knew about the Winchester House inspiration, but I appreciated how deftly that inspiration was worked in! (For example: we learn the "history" of Alma Blackwell via Nev giving guided tours of the house, with all the editorializing of her inner monologue thrown in.)
Overall, I enjoyed this book because I enjoyed its trappings—ghost stories, haunted houses, witchy magic, scary possession. If you pick it up, pick it up for those!
September 25, 2024
Gothic seaside setting, sooo many secrets, a cinnamon roll mystery boy, a cool charm-based magic system, and whoa the twists upon twists!
The cover is a moody vibe that perfectly fits the story. I highly recommend this as Amanda Glaze has become one of my auto-read authors.
Recommended for ages 14 and up, some kissing but nothing explicit. Violence from spirits and possessed characters.
The cover is a moody vibe that perfectly fits the story. I highly recommend this as Amanda Glaze has become one of my auto-read authors.
Recommended for ages 14 and up, some kissing but nothing explicit. Violence from spirits and possessed characters.
August 28, 2024
This was a very interesting and unique tale. There were some twists I didn’t see coming, and some things I thought were going to be one way, but I was overthinking as I read. In the end I was kind of just completely satisfied with the uniqueness of the story and the mystery.
There were a lot of twists and turns, both for the characters and for me as I tried to figure out what was going on. We start out with one story of why the town is cursed and why people end up drowning, etc. Although I didn’t quite get the answer on that like I was expecting when all was revealed at the end. The history of the people who died, and the family, the Blackwell family who set up the wards/spell/charms to save the rest of the town of course had it’s own version changed by the people who were behind it all.
The first time that Nev gets a vision that links her to the path and some unknown people and facts about the beloved Alma is of course a scary time for her. And it is confusing as to why she ends up almost jumping out of the window of the house. But thank goodness for Cal being there to save her. Like Nev, I was frustrated with Cal keeping things and being mysterious, although at one point, his reasoning becomes clear, it’s more than just not telling her to not upset her. It really is not telling her to keep her safe, physically/mentally safe.
While the town itself was very interesting and added to the setting and atmosphere of the story, for me it was the visions of the past, of when it all began, and who really started it, that grabbed my attention and hooked me. I kept hoping for more of that time, because there were the really evil people, and the really dramatic storyline. Of course I felt for Nev when she finds out a secret about her mother and grandmother, and that also added to the suspense and emotion.
The cover of this book is definitely the tone of the story, and I really enjoyed this book. It’s another I can’t wait to share with my students in my school library. When I realized that this author also wrote another book I really enjoyed, The Second Death of Edie and Violet Bond, then I understood why this was so good!
Review first published on Lisa Loves Literature.
There were a lot of twists and turns, both for the characters and for me as I tried to figure out what was going on. We start out with one story of why the town is cursed and why people end up drowning, etc. Although I didn’t quite get the answer on that like I was expecting when all was revealed at the end. The history of the people who died, and the family, the Blackwell family who set up the wards/spell/charms to save the rest of the town of course had it’s own version changed by the people who were behind it all.
The first time that Nev gets a vision that links her to the path and some unknown people and facts about the beloved Alma is of course a scary time for her. And it is confusing as to why she ends up almost jumping out of the window of the house. But thank goodness for Cal being there to save her. Like Nev, I was frustrated with Cal keeping things and being mysterious, although at one point, his reasoning becomes clear, it’s more than just not telling her to not upset her. It really is not telling her to keep her safe, physically/mentally safe.
While the town itself was very interesting and added to the setting and atmosphere of the story, for me it was the visions of the past, of when it all began, and who really started it, that grabbed my attention and hooked me. I kept hoping for more of that time, because there were the really evil people, and the really dramatic storyline. Of course I felt for Nev when she finds out a secret about her mother and grandmother, and that also added to the suspense and emotion.
The cover of this book is definitely the tone of the story, and I really enjoyed this book. It’s another I can’t wait to share with my students in my school library. When I realized that this author also wrote another book I really enjoyed, The Second Death of Edie and Violet Bond, then I understood why this was so good!
Review first published on Lisa Loves Literature.
May 13, 2024
If you've ever wondered about the Winchester Mystery House, then this is the book for you!
I loved the magic system of charms and the blood magic, along with the atmospheric prose that sucks you in. Personally, I wasn't a fan of the romance element and enjoyed the moments with Nev and Francesca or Bea, rather than the focus solely being Cal. That being said, the characters almost faded away as I read, until it was just me and the story. I was absolutely captivated through twists and turns and stayed up way past my bedtime in order to finish reading.
I loved the magic system of charms and the blood magic, along with the atmospheric prose that sucks you in. Personally, I wasn't a fan of the romance element and enjoyed the moments with Nev and Francesca or Bea, rather than the focus solely being Cal. That being said, the characters almost faded away as I read, until it was just me and the story. I was absolutely captivated through twists and turns and stayed up way past my bedtime in order to finish reading.
September 30, 2024
This was a very creative story and did not read like a Teen book to me (aka advanced vocabulary). I enjoyed the family aspect, the magic, the flashbacks, the friendship/romance, the mystery of it all. I certainly didn’t get it all figured out (which is nice) although I suspected some of it. It’s definitely a very layered, complex story!
March 11, 2025
It was alright, it was a little hard to follow the magical aspect of the book. I liked the mystery part, didn’t really think it was a horror novel at all. The middle of it dragged for me, and even though I sped up the narration my mind still wandered as I was listening to it. I found the ancestor’s story way more interesting than the present day story.
July 17, 2025
I couldn’t really get into this book until about halfway through when it picked up. At its core, it’s an interesting story, but it felt muddled down by unnecessary YA tropes. The romance had very little chemistry imo and was there to check a box. It read pretty fast, but I predicted the twist with about 100 pages left so I was just waiting for it to end at that point.
October 1, 2024
Pretty good story about family history and hidden secrets. Not a scary or horror book but fun to read.
December 12, 2025
An immensely enjoyable discovery of truth, magic and the power love holds.
September 14, 2024
En realidad es un 4.5
This is my kind of book, I loved it.
If you want something with a haunted mansion, family secrets, an eerie town and a little bit of romance, this book is for you.
This is my kind of book, I loved it.
If you want something with a haunted mansion, family secrets, an eerie town and a little bit of romance, this book is for you.
October 25, 2024
**3,5/5**
At the little seaside town with a Victorian charm where Nev lives, you can get magical teas for dreamless sleep, mood enhancing chocolate and protective talismans; you’re also in danger of vengeful spirits who seize the minds of their victims. I really liked the concept of this book but the main character felt too surface level. Yes she is young and this book is definitely ya, but that doesn’t explain how she never puts a real thought behind her actions. It’s just unbelievable that she would let a stranger, without knowing his real intentions, live in her house. She tells him her family secrets and never asks him questions about his background and his knowledge of her family. I expected more depth and think the story of the ancestors was way more interesting
At the little seaside town with a Victorian charm where Nev lives, you can get magical teas for dreamless sleep, mood enhancing chocolate and protective talismans; you’re also in danger of vengeful spirits who seize the minds of their victims. I really liked the concept of this book but the main character felt too surface level. Yes she is young and this book is definitely ya, but that doesn’t explain how she never puts a real thought behind her actions. It’s just unbelievable that she would let a stranger, without knowing his real intentions, live in her house. She tells him her family secrets and never asks him questions about his background and his knowledge of her family. I expected more depth and think the story of the ancestors was way more interesting
August 5, 2025
A really fun YA gothic paranormal mystery. I enjoyed the witchy mystery of the town this is set in. I loved the romance in present time and in the past and reading how it all unfolds together.
November 1, 2024
Thank you to Union Square & Co. and Angela Man for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was so excited to read this one, and a friend who had read it before me had nothing but good things to say about it. This made me look forward to reading it even more. While it is listed as horror, it comes off more as the ‘horror-lite’ type of story that I like, which mixes fantasy, elements of horror, mystery, and thriller, combined with family secrets and a dark legacy.
To start with, the story begins with an overwhelmingly gothic tone that doesn’t let up throughout the book. I’ve read a lot of books that have a house with a gothic feel to it, but this is one of the few stories I’ve read where the town itself is what lends the gothic element to the book, similar to how One Dark Window was set in a city that was gothic, rather than just the one building. There’s a haunting feel to Hollow Cliff where something eerie is just a blink away, a hidden secret is only one question away, and for every answered question, a new question is unearthed. It made for very interesting reading, where I was always wondering what could happen next. The writing was also vividly descriptive, to the point where I could practically hear waves and taste salt water on my lips.
I loved Nev’s character. She’s surprisingly mature for her age, but she was raised knowing that she has one responsibility and being groomed for it, knowing at a young age that she would be taking her vow as protector of the town. But she’s also full of questions, and doesn’t really have any outlet to get answers. I liked that she’s smart and independent, knows when to ask questions and when to find the answers on her own, and has good intuition.
Speaking of intuition, while I loved Nev right away, it took me longer to warm up to Cal. I had so many questions about who he was and why he was there, and couldn’t understand why no one in the story seemed to have them. Instead of finding out more about him, all he needed to give was his first name and the fact that he was looking for a summer job, and he was welcomed into the house. I spent so much time wondering who he was, and then all the pieces started to fall into place for me. I figured out the twist before the reveal, but I still really enjoyed how the reveal was done.
The plot was a fantastic one. I wasn’t sure how things were going to turn out at any point in the story—it kept me guessing the whole time. I love a mystery where I can’t guess everything upfront, because it keeps things fresh and exciting. But it wasn’t just a mystery, making this a fantastic read across multiple genres. And while it is a YA book, our MC is sheltered, but she doesn’t fall into the typical naïve, self-absorbed teenager role that so many YA protagonists become.
Overall, this was the kind of story that I couldn’t put down, and didn’t want to—I needed to know what was going to be discovered next. And yes, it was a need. The setting, characters, and mystery all combined to make this an irresistible story. Plus, I absolutely loved how the story was told. I enjoyed Glaze’s first book, but this one really showed how much she’s progressed as a writer, and makes me look forward to seeing more work from her in the future. This would be a good fit if you like family secrets, horror lite, dramatic family stories, and just enough fantasy to keep you hanging on every word.
I was so excited to read this one, and a friend who had read it before me had nothing but good things to say about it. This made me look forward to reading it even more. While it is listed as horror, it comes off more as the ‘horror-lite’ type of story that I like, which mixes fantasy, elements of horror, mystery, and thriller, combined with family secrets and a dark legacy.
To start with, the story begins with an overwhelmingly gothic tone that doesn’t let up throughout the book. I’ve read a lot of books that have a house with a gothic feel to it, but this is one of the few stories I’ve read where the town itself is what lends the gothic element to the book, similar to how One Dark Window was set in a city that was gothic, rather than just the one building. There’s a haunting feel to Hollow Cliff where something eerie is just a blink away, a hidden secret is only one question away, and for every answered question, a new question is unearthed. It made for very interesting reading, where I was always wondering what could happen next. The writing was also vividly descriptive, to the point where I could practically hear waves and taste salt water on my lips.
I loved Nev’s character. She’s surprisingly mature for her age, but she was raised knowing that she has one responsibility and being groomed for it, knowing at a young age that she would be taking her vow as protector of the town. But she’s also full of questions, and doesn’t really have any outlet to get answers. I liked that she’s smart and independent, knows when to ask questions and when to find the answers on her own, and has good intuition.
Speaking of intuition, while I loved Nev right away, it took me longer to warm up to Cal. I had so many questions about who he was and why he was there, and couldn’t understand why no one in the story seemed to have them. Instead of finding out more about him, all he needed to give was his first name and the fact that he was looking for a summer job, and he was welcomed into the house. I spent so much time wondering who he was, and then all the pieces started to fall into place for me. I figured out the twist before the reveal, but I still really enjoyed how the reveal was done.
The plot was a fantastic one. I wasn’t sure how things were going to turn out at any point in the story—it kept me guessing the whole time. I love a mystery where I can’t guess everything upfront, because it keeps things fresh and exciting. But it wasn’t just a mystery, making this a fantastic read across multiple genres. And while it is a YA book, our MC is sheltered, but she doesn’t fall into the typical naïve, self-absorbed teenager role that so many YA protagonists become.
Overall, this was the kind of story that I couldn’t put down, and didn’t want to—I needed to know what was going to be discovered next. And yes, it was a need. The setting, characters, and mystery all combined to make this an irresistible story. Plus, I absolutely loved how the story was told. I enjoyed Glaze’s first book, but this one really showed how much she’s progressed as a writer, and makes me look forward to seeing more work from her in the future. This would be a good fit if you like family secrets, horror lite, dramatic family stories, and just enough fantasy to keep you hanging on every word.
June 20, 2024
Shadows and secrets meld with spirits and magic in a dangerous weave of deadly lies.
At seventeen, Nev has already come to terms with the fact that she'll never leave the small town of Hollow Cliff. Thanks to the sudden onset of cancer, her grandmother can no longer protect the island from the evil spirits, leaving Nev as the only one who can take on the task. While Nev is expected to use her magic to keep the deadly spirits at bay, modern life goes on. She and her grandmother run a tour business for seasonal tourists. After all, the legends and history surrounding the town and Blackwell House leave chills down almost everyone's spines...plus, none would ever begin to believe any of it is true. Which it is. And isn't. As a stranger works his way into her life, she begins to reveal the truth, and that is the most dangerous thing of all.
Witches and manors with terrible secrets set the stage for a dive into a creepy tale full of deceit. During the first chapters, the small town on the shoreline comes across as a place with quaint flair, tons of history, and friendly residents...and horrible secrets. Nev hits the first page with energy. She knows and has long accepted her fate as the next protector of the town and is ready to keep it safe from the evil spirits who only want to kill. The darker side already heads into play as she considers the recent death of a resident, who was murdered by the spirits. Not that she can tell anyone because even the residents need to hear that the horrible tales are things of the past. And here's where the odd balance comes in. The townspeople are very well aware of their paranormal history/truth because none of them can leave the town for long or they go mad. So while the first chapters present a very normal life with beach parties and tourists bumbling through the town, the unsettling part builds in the background as a building storm that everyone knows is there but doesn't acknowledge completely (except Nev and her grandmother). These first chapters also offer a slower start than I prefer, and that for the first 50 or so pages, but once the tale gets going, it grabs and holds until the last page.
The tension is as high as the stakes, and the dark tones add a delightful edge to the increasing chills. Secrets come to light in unpredictable ways and at surprising times. Each one is well laid and not easy to see coming. These flow along with haunting smoothness and notch up at the right moments. While there are some questions surrounding the magic, which are never revealed, the mystery sinks its claws in deep to create an intriguing read.
There is romance, and this fits very well to the intended audience level. It steers clear from cliche love triangles and insta-attraction to promise a nice arc on this end, too. While strong and very present, it doesn't overtake the main plot, which was also nice to see.
Fans of dark secrets with paranormal dangers and a touch of magic are sure to enjoy the chills and thrills of this read. I received a DRC, enjoyed the gothic atmosphere, and found the mystery well done.
At seventeen, Nev has already come to terms with the fact that she'll never leave the small town of Hollow Cliff. Thanks to the sudden onset of cancer, her grandmother can no longer protect the island from the evil spirits, leaving Nev as the only one who can take on the task. While Nev is expected to use her magic to keep the deadly spirits at bay, modern life goes on. She and her grandmother run a tour business for seasonal tourists. After all, the legends and history surrounding the town and Blackwell House leave chills down almost everyone's spines...plus, none would ever begin to believe any of it is true. Which it is. And isn't. As a stranger works his way into her life, she begins to reveal the truth, and that is the most dangerous thing of all.
Witches and manors with terrible secrets set the stage for a dive into a creepy tale full of deceit. During the first chapters, the small town on the shoreline comes across as a place with quaint flair, tons of history, and friendly residents...and horrible secrets. Nev hits the first page with energy. She knows and has long accepted her fate as the next protector of the town and is ready to keep it safe from the evil spirits who only want to kill. The darker side already heads into play as she considers the recent death of a resident, who was murdered by the spirits. Not that she can tell anyone because even the residents need to hear that the horrible tales are things of the past. And here's where the odd balance comes in. The townspeople are very well aware of their paranormal history/truth because none of them can leave the town for long or they go mad. So while the first chapters present a very normal life with beach parties and tourists bumbling through the town, the unsettling part builds in the background as a building storm that everyone knows is there but doesn't acknowledge completely (except Nev and her grandmother). These first chapters also offer a slower start than I prefer, and that for the first 50 or so pages, but once the tale gets going, it grabs and holds until the last page.
The tension is as high as the stakes, and the dark tones add a delightful edge to the increasing chills. Secrets come to light in unpredictable ways and at surprising times. Each one is well laid and not easy to see coming. These flow along with haunting smoothness and notch up at the right moments. While there are some questions surrounding the magic, which are never revealed, the mystery sinks its claws in deep to create an intriguing read.
There is romance, and this fits very well to the intended audience level. It steers clear from cliche love triangles and insta-attraction to promise a nice arc on this end, too. While strong and very present, it doesn't overtake the main plot, which was also nice to see.
Fans of dark secrets with paranormal dangers and a touch of magic are sure to enjoy the chills and thrills of this read. I received a DRC, enjoyed the gothic atmosphere, and found the mystery well done.
June 20, 2024
It has been too long since I wrote a review here, but I couldn’t resist after reading The Lies of Alma Blackwell. I read Amanda Glaze’s first book, The Second Life of Edie and Violet Bond, so I was incredibly excited when I managed to get my hands on an early copy of her second book. The Victorian-era spirit mediums were unforgettable but the Blackwell family and the magic surrounding them might just top Edie and Violet. This book had a similarly eerie and mysterious vibe with a twisty mystery at the center. I loved the foggy, seaside setting, and the gothic vibe. Amanda Glaze’s atmospheric writing pulled me in from the start and kept me going, eager for more.
The main character, Nev, is from a long line of Blackwell women who use their inherited magic to battle the restless spirits haunting their seaside town—a town I fully wish I could visit—after a tragic event that occurred a century ago. Nev’s family runs the Blackwell House of Spirits which, on the outside, is a tourist attraction but, in reality, is a haunted place seething with dark family secrets. The twists and turns in this book completely sucked me in. From the moment he appeared, I was hooked on Cal and his mysterious past. He shows up with new information about the real history of the Blackwell family, forcing Nev to question everything she thought she knew. I questioned the truth right alongside Nev and, if I had less self-control, I could easily see how other readers will stay up WAY too late to figure out what truly happened.
Other things I feel compelled to note: I’m a sucker for a good magic system and the magic of the charms felt really unique. Whenever they were brought up, I was eager to learn more. I sometimes have a hard time with dual timeline novels, but the scenes from the past in Glaze’s book were woven in well with the present-day mystery. In these scenes we see Millie's story, Nev's long-lost ancestor. Alongside Nev, Millie was a character I found myself rooting for over and over again and, when things did not work in her favor, I was devastated.
Overall, I recommend The Lies of Alma Blackwell for anyone who likes witchy, mysterious novels full of intrigue and atmosphere. The book is a great fit not just for the upcoming spooky season but also any time you need to curl up under the covers and feel a few good chills up your spine.
The main character, Nev, is from a long line of Blackwell women who use their inherited magic to battle the restless spirits haunting their seaside town—a town I fully wish I could visit—after a tragic event that occurred a century ago. Nev’s family runs the Blackwell House of Spirits which, on the outside, is a tourist attraction but, in reality, is a haunted place seething with dark family secrets. The twists and turns in this book completely sucked me in. From the moment he appeared, I was hooked on Cal and his mysterious past. He shows up with new information about the real history of the Blackwell family, forcing Nev to question everything she thought she knew. I questioned the truth right alongside Nev and, if I had less self-control, I could easily see how other readers will stay up WAY too late to figure out what truly happened.
Other things I feel compelled to note: I’m a sucker for a good magic system and the magic of the charms felt really unique. Whenever they were brought up, I was eager to learn more. I sometimes have a hard time with dual timeline novels, but the scenes from the past in Glaze’s book were woven in well with the present-day mystery. In these scenes we see Millie's story, Nev's long-lost ancestor. Alongside Nev, Millie was a character I found myself rooting for over and over again and, when things did not work in her favor, I was devastated.
Overall, I recommend The Lies of Alma Blackwell for anyone who likes witchy, mysterious novels full of intrigue and atmosphere. The book is a great fit not just for the upcoming spooky season but also any time you need to curl up under the covers and feel a few good chills up your spine.
September 4, 2024
This is an incredibly delicious gothic mystery, set against the backdrop of a haunted mansion (based on the Winchester house!!) and filled with all the atmospheric spookiness you could hope for during the spoopy season. This is set in an eerie little town steeped with history where every shadow holds a secret and any darkness is hidden under magical charm for the benefit of tourists. The small-town mystique and the chilling legends surrounding Hollow Cliff are brilliantly woven into the story. Like all gothic novels, there’s also something incredibly engaging about the setting itself—Blackwell House of Spirits feels like a character all on its own, with its hidden rooms and ghostly inhabitants.
Nev, the young witch protector-in-training, is caught in the middle of a tangled web of lies that spans generations. She's a strong, determined young woman grappling with the weight of her responsibilities and the mysteries surrounding her family. All while surrounded by a town that is terrified of her and her family. And then there is the unexpected arrival of Cal, a stranger who seems to know a little too much about the town despite being a stranger.
I love that Nev and Cal become partners to solve the mystery. Their dynamic is full of tension and just the right amount of intrigue since Cal has just as many secrets as the mystery they are hoping to solve.
And let me just say, the twists? They genuinely caught me off guard a few times, which is always nice in a book like this! The suspense is palpable, and Glaze has a knack for building tension in a way that creeps under your skin without relying on cheap scares. It's all about that creeping dread, that sense that something isn't quite right but you can't put your finger on it.
It's an easy read that delivers all the right gothic vibes—an old house with secrets, a protagonist on the brink of unraveling a dark family legacy, and just enough romance. Fantastic!
Thanks to the author, Union Square and Storygram Tours for the opportunity to read and review. This is based on a complimentary copy and is voluntary. All opinions are my own.
June 6, 2024
*I read an ARC*
This was a really good story, perfect for any teens, young adults, or readers of YA who like shadowy, witchy mysteries. It took me a few chapters to get into it, but it became very interesting. Some truths were obvious early on, and others were hidden well until their time to be revealed.
This would be great as a fall read, with its atmosphere and tone. The setting and mystery are what drew me in the most. I didn't particularly care for any of the characters, and some aspects weren't really explained as much as I'd have expected, like the magic that's used. The magic is very prevalent in the whole story, and it's shown being used, but it never made sense to me. However, I could just be dumb, let's be honest here.
There are sweet romances that don't take center stage but are the driving forces behind some major character decisions without this being a romance or romantasy book.
Overall, it's an entertaining story and is suitably clean for a teenaged audience. It was really refreshing for there to be no spice or bad language; this goes to show that those aren't necessary to write a compelling book, despite their proliferation these days.
The writing is good in the sense of grammar and editing, with very few errors that will likely be corrected by the publication date (since I read an advanced copy). The writing had some parts that irritated me though, such as the frequent interruptions of character dialogue or thoughts; that and other writing techniques were used in a way that made them obvious storytelling tools, rather than blending in with the story to enhance it. Some dramatic scenes toward the end lost their effect by feeling overly dramatized and cliché. The story was unique in a lot of ways but the telling of it was usually not. If the writing was polished up a bit and felt less like "How to Organize a Plot 101", this could have been 5 stars.
I think that most readers of YA would really enjoy this, despite my problems with the way it's put together. I do think that YA and even adult-witch-book readers should give it a try.
This was a really good story, perfect for any teens, young adults, or readers of YA who like shadowy, witchy mysteries. It took me a few chapters to get into it, but it became very interesting. Some truths were obvious early on, and others were hidden well until their time to be revealed.
This would be great as a fall read, with its atmosphere and tone. The setting and mystery are what drew me in the most. I didn't particularly care for any of the characters, and some aspects weren't really explained as much as I'd have expected, like the magic that's used. The magic is very prevalent in the whole story, and it's shown being used, but it never made sense to me. However, I could just be dumb, let's be honest here.
There are sweet romances that don't take center stage but are the driving forces behind some major character decisions without this being a romance or romantasy book.
Overall, it's an entertaining story and is suitably clean for a teenaged audience. It was really refreshing for there to be no spice or bad language; this goes to show that those aren't necessary to write a compelling book, despite their proliferation these days.
The writing is good in the sense of grammar and editing, with very few errors that will likely be corrected by the publication date (since I read an advanced copy). The writing had some parts that irritated me though, such as the frequent interruptions of character dialogue or thoughts; that and other writing techniques were used in a way that made them obvious storytelling tools, rather than blending in with the story to enhance it. Some dramatic scenes toward the end lost their effect by feeling overly dramatized and cliché. The story was unique in a lot of ways but the telling of it was usually not. If the writing was polished up a bit and felt less like "How to Organize a Plot 101", this could have been 5 stars.
I think that most readers of YA would really enjoy this, despite my problems with the way it's put together. I do think that YA and even adult-witch-book readers should give it a try.
July 28, 2024
Thank you to Union Square and Co, @Unionsquareandco for sending me an ARC and a finished copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
The Blackwells have protected Hollow Cliffs from vengeful spirits for over a century, and now it’s 17 year old Nev’s turn to take over.
When Cal comes into Nev’s life, she doesn’t trust him. She knows he’s hiding something, and she’s determined to find out what.
Soon, Nev learns shes been lied to her entire life and begins questioning everything. Who can she trust?
This book was a great paranormal ya horror book. It does deal with some more mature themes that I would target this audience towards the upper end of the ya spectrum and I would encourage this for adult readers as well. The pacing is quick and really sucked me in right from the start. I loved reading about Cal and Nev and how they worked together. I loved the strong friendship between our characters. Friends are always so nice for me to read about and Nev’s and Cal’s was great. I really enjoyed reading about the glimpses back to Millie and learning more about Alma. The twists that this book had were great. There were so many I would classify this more as a thriller horror. It was also fun for me as someone who lives on the Pacific Ocean to try to pinpoint where this book where. The big tipping point for me, and the moment I received my final clue was a dead giveaway? Well, it had to do with trees :P Then I read about the author and was like oh okay, yeah that tracks. It’s not really a huge spoiler but I try to be as spoiler free as possible.
Also, I love the cover, it’s beautiful.
The Blackwells have protected Hollow Cliffs from vengeful spirits for over a century, and now it’s 17 year old Nev’s turn to take over.
When Cal comes into Nev’s life, she doesn’t trust him. She knows he’s hiding something, and she’s determined to find out what.
Soon, Nev learns shes been lied to her entire life and begins questioning everything. Who can she trust?
This book was a great paranormal ya horror book. It does deal with some more mature themes that I would target this audience towards the upper end of the ya spectrum and I would encourage this for adult readers as well. The pacing is quick and really sucked me in right from the start. I loved reading about Cal and Nev and how they worked together. I loved the strong friendship between our characters. Friends are always so nice for me to read about and Nev’s and Cal’s was great. I really enjoyed reading about the glimpses back to Millie and learning more about Alma. The twists that this book had were great. There were so many I would classify this more as a thriller horror. It was also fun for me as someone who lives on the Pacific Ocean to try to pinpoint where this book where. The big tipping point for me, and the moment I received my final clue was a dead giveaway? Well, it had to do with trees :P Then I read about the author and was like oh okay, yeah that tracks. It’s not really a huge spoiler but I try to be as spoiler free as possible.
Also, I love the cover, it’s beautiful.
November 26, 2025
When your family has spent over a century taking a vow to protect your hometown and uphold a generational spell, what do you do when people start saying, “The true history is hidden”
Nev Blackwell is about to take the vow at age 17, a vow her mom ran away from. Another drowning occurs, Nev reinforces the spell, and all should be well. When Nev is attacked by the drowning victim's son, saying “the true history has been hidden,” a mysterious stranger saves her
“When your blood whispers, listen.”
This book isn’t what you think it is; it's so much better. It's about love, honesty, and understanding how generations before us can still impact us. I truly and deeply enjoyed this book. The journey we go on is captivating, and I never wanted the book to end
The atmosphere is obviously written perfectly. Blackwell's house itself is a character. From the decorations to the secret rooms to the history steeped into its walls.
Speaking of history, I love how Nev learns about the true history and the lies Alma Blackwell told. I was curious to see how she would unearth all this information, and the directions Amanda Glaze chose are spot on for me. This is a story about witches, just as much as it's a story about love.
Speaking of love, CAL!! Giggling and blushing every time he’s on page. I really enjoyed Nev and Cal’s dynamic. They balanced each other out wonderfully, and the story arc they took together made me tear up. Pretty early on, I could guess what his whole backstory was going to be, but yet again, the direction Glaze took absolutely blew me away!
“I found you, and you found me. That’s the only thing that matters now.” CRYING!
Learning the exact lies of Alma Blackwell was insane. The plot was masterfully woven, and the reveal was everything. It made so much sense, and I remember going, “wait, hold on, this is brilliant.” I think the whole book is genius, and I loved every second of it. The ending was 10/10. I wanted certain things to happen, and for me, the ratio of love and loss was fitting.
“I already know it would have been love.”
Amanda Glaze, trust and believe you have gained another reader for life!
Nev Blackwell is about to take the vow at age 17, a vow her mom ran away from. Another drowning occurs, Nev reinforces the spell, and all should be well. When Nev is attacked by the drowning victim's son, saying “the true history has been hidden,” a mysterious stranger saves her
“When your blood whispers, listen.”
This book isn’t what you think it is; it's so much better. It's about love, honesty, and understanding how generations before us can still impact us. I truly and deeply enjoyed this book. The journey we go on is captivating, and I never wanted the book to end
The atmosphere is obviously written perfectly. Blackwell's house itself is a character. From the decorations to the secret rooms to the history steeped into its walls.
Speaking of history, I love how Nev learns about the true history and the lies Alma Blackwell told. I was curious to see how she would unearth all this information, and the directions Amanda Glaze chose are spot on for me. This is a story about witches, just as much as it's a story about love.
Speaking of love, CAL!! Giggling and blushing every time he’s on page. I really enjoyed Nev and Cal’s dynamic. They balanced each other out wonderfully, and the story arc they took together made me tear up. Pretty early on, I could guess what his whole backstory was going to be, but yet again, the direction Glaze took absolutely blew me away!
“I found you, and you found me. That’s the only thing that matters now.” CRYING!
Learning the exact lies of Alma Blackwell was insane. The plot was masterfully woven, and the reveal was everything. It made so much sense, and I remember going, “wait, hold on, this is brilliant.” I think the whole book is genius, and I loved every second of it. The ending was 10/10. I wanted certain things to happen, and for me, the ratio of love and loss was fitting.
“I already know it would have been love.”
Amanda Glaze, trust and believe you have gained another reader for life!
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