From Goodreads:
"When seventeen-year-old Andrew Taylor is transplanted from his American high school to a British boarding school—a high-profile academy for the sons of England’s finest—his father hopes that the boy’s dark past will not follow him from across the Atlantic. But blood, suspense, and intrigue quickly surround Andrew once again as he finds himself struggling with a deadly mystery left unsolved by a student from Harrow School’s past—the enigmatic poet Lord Byron."
My Thoughts:
Sounds creepy, right? This book was filled with creepy, atmospheric moments that had me turning pages and guessing to see what would happen next throughout the story. The author creates such a dark mysterious atmosphere with a boarding school and ghost at the center of the story. The setting of the story was one of my favorite parts of the book as it adds so much to the storyline and the book itself. This book is just filled with atmosphere and I couldn't get enough! I found the storyline and history of Lord Byron, the poet, both interesting and intriguing. This book made me want to learn more about Byron's life and I'm looking forward to reading his poetry at some point in the near future. I couldn't help but be reminded of Jennifer Egan's The Keep as I was reading this book. Both books were filled with a gothic, creepy atmosphere and setting that kept me turning the pages. This book had a few intense, weird moments that also mirrored my reading experience of Egan's novel. Has anyone else read both of these??? I found that I couldn't put this book down though as I wanted to see what would happen next. Andrew was an interesting main character as he is mainly an outsider throughout the novel. His loneliness and sense of isolation helped to add to the creepiness that was present throughout the book. I don't want to say too much more and give anything away with the plot so I'll cut my thoughts a bit short and just say READ THIS. All in all, this was a book that kept me thinking about it long after I put it down and I'm looking forward to reading this author's other novel. Definitely recommended but with a warning that it was slightly graphic in a few parts....nothing that would stop me from telling others to give this book a try though.
Disclosure: This book was sent to me for review from the lovely people at Harper Collins. These are my own honest thoughts!
Sam, since you enjoyed this book so much you might also enjoy a short book called Drowned Sorrow by Vanessa Morgan. It is also good and creepy. :)
ReplyDeleteOh wow!! I must read this one. Putting it on my list right now!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this a lot too -- although I have to admit, I can't see the Jennifer Egan comparison. I tried to read The Keep a few years ago, and I may have finished it, but I hated it. I could barely get through it.
ReplyDeleteI love the cover of this book and from your review I'll definitely be adding it to my list.
ReplyDeleteI like that Lord Byron is in the storyline. Sounds like a great read!
ReplyDeleteI've been hearing so much about this one! It sounds to be just as good as everyone's been saying! Glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteThis does sound fantastic Sam! Some people in my book club were reading it and they've all liked it as well. I may have to add this one to my wish list.
ReplyDeleteI've been hearing such good things about this one. I think I'm going to have to read it for the RIP Challenge in October ... sounds perfect. And after reading Egan's Visit from the Goon Squad, I'm curious to read more of her stuff. The Keep might be a good choice.
ReplyDeleteI love the cover! Of course..the book sounds really good and creepy too.
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