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A review by the_sassy_bookworm
Fyneshade by Kate Griffin
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Book Review: Fyneshade by Kate Griffin
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5 stars
Summary ✒️
In Fyneshade, a place filled with dark and decaying corridors, an unknown master, and silent servants, many would be afraid. However, the narrator is not. On the day of her grandmother’s funeral, Marta learns that she is to become a governess at Fyneshade for the young daughter of its owner, Sir William Pritchard.
Fyneshade is not a peaceful place. Sir William is mysteriously absent, and his son and heir, Vaughan, is not allowed inside the house. Despite warnings from the housekeeper about Vaughan being a danger to others, Marta feels drawn to him. Yet, Marta is not defenseless. She possesses a dark gift taught to her by her grandmother and has her own plans. A family filled with deadly secrets will not be able to stop her.
Review ✍🏻
First, let’s talk about the cover of Fyneshade - it is pure perfection! The cover designer deserves a standing ovation for creating such a visually stunning and enticing image that draws you into the world of this dark and twisted gothic novel. Now, on to the review.
I absolutely loved Fyneshade by Kate Griffin. From the very first page, I was completely captivated by the mesmerizing prose and well-crafted storytelling. The writing in this book is phenomenal, with Griffin’s words flowing seamlessly and effortlessly, creating a mesmerizing and immersive reading experience.
The pacing of the book is spot on, keeping me on the edge of my seat throughout. Each chapter ended with a cliffhanger, compelling me to keep turning the pages late into the night. The author skillfully weaves together suspense, mystery, and elements of the supernatural, creating an atmosphere that is both haunting and enchanting.
The setting of Fyneshade is splendidly gothic and exquisitely atmospheric. The dark and crumbling corridors of the ancient house, with its unseen master and silent servants, create an eerie backdrop that sent shivers down my spine. Vivid descriptions brought the house to life, making it feel like a character in its own right.
The plot is intricate and engaging, full of twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. I particularly enjoyed the nod to Henry James’s influential supernatural tale, The Turn of The Screw, which added an extra layer of depth and literary richness to the story. Griffin skillfully balances suspense and character development, creating a story that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant.
One of the standout aspects of Fyneshade is its morally ambiguous protagonist, Marta. She is fiendishly flawed, making her a complex and intriguing character to follow. Guided by the dark gift taught to her by her grandmother, Marta is determined to take control of her own destiny. Her actions may not always be morally upright, but they are undeniably captivating.
Overall, Fyneshade is one of the best books I have read all year. It is a perfect read for the upcoming “spooky season” with its gothic atmosphere and chilling secrets. Kate Griffin’s masterful storytelling and compelling characters make this book an absolute must-read for fans of Laura Purcell, Jessie Burton, and Stacey Halls.
I give Fyneshade a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5 stars
Summary ✒️
In Fyneshade, a place filled with dark and decaying corridors, an unknown master, and silent servants, many would be afraid. However, the narrator is not. On the day of her grandmother’s funeral, Marta learns that she is to become a governess at Fyneshade for the young daughter of its owner, Sir William Pritchard.
Fyneshade is not a peaceful place. Sir William is mysteriously absent, and his son and heir, Vaughan, is not allowed inside the house. Despite warnings from the housekeeper about Vaughan being a danger to others, Marta feels drawn to him. Yet, Marta is not defenseless. She possesses a dark gift taught to her by her grandmother and has her own plans. A family filled with deadly secrets will not be able to stop her.
Review ✍🏻
First, let’s talk about the cover of Fyneshade - it is pure perfection! The cover designer deserves a standing ovation for creating such a visually stunning and enticing image that draws you into the world of this dark and twisted gothic novel. Now, on to the review.
I absolutely loved Fyneshade by Kate Griffin. From the very first page, I was completely captivated by the mesmerizing prose and well-crafted storytelling. The writing in this book is phenomenal, with Griffin’s words flowing seamlessly and effortlessly, creating a mesmerizing and immersive reading experience.
The pacing of the book is spot on, keeping me on the edge of my seat throughout. Each chapter ended with a cliffhanger, compelling me to keep turning the pages late into the night. The author skillfully weaves together suspense, mystery, and elements of the supernatural, creating an atmosphere that is both haunting and enchanting.
The setting of Fyneshade is splendidly gothic and exquisitely atmospheric. The dark and crumbling corridors of the ancient house, with its unseen master and silent servants, create an eerie backdrop that sent shivers down my spine. Vivid descriptions brought the house to life, making it feel like a character in its own right.
The plot is intricate and engaging, full of twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. I particularly enjoyed the nod to Henry James’s influential supernatural tale, The Turn of The Screw, which added an extra layer of depth and literary richness to the story. Griffin skillfully balances suspense and character development, creating a story that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant.
One of the standout aspects of Fyneshade is its morally ambiguous protagonist, Marta. She is fiendishly flawed, making her a complex and intriguing character to follow. Guided by the dark gift taught to her by her grandmother, Marta is determined to take control of her own destiny. Her actions may not always be morally upright, but they are undeniably captivating.
Overall, Fyneshade is one of the best books I have read all year. It is a perfect read for the upcoming “spooky season” with its gothic atmosphere and chilling secrets. Kate Griffin’s masterful storytelling and compelling characters make this book an absolute must-read for fans of Laura Purcell, Jessie Burton, and Stacey Halls.
I give Fyneshade a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars.
**ARC Via NetGalley**