The Quiet Stillness of Empty Houses
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Theodora Corvus can hear the whispers of her crumbling family home. She can hear the whispers of Kingsward Manor, her place of employment. She sees the watchers by the lake, black-eyed and waiting. But Broken Oak is silent. Broken Oak is empty. When Theodora takes the job as governess to young Ottoline Thorne, she leaves behind her beloved grandmother and the decaying ruins of her childhood home to travel far north to Broken Oak Manor. There, she finds a house filled with secrets. Under the stern eye of the foreboding housekeeper, Theodora quickly navigates the dark and winding corridors of Broken Oak, only to find herself irrevocably drawn to the mysterious lord of the manor. But someone walks the hallways late after nightfall, their footsteps leading to the attic. The only place in the sprawling house that does not remain silent. As her scandalous feelings for Cassias Thorne grow, Theodora fights to unearth the secrets of Broken Oak. Who wanders the house at night? Where is the Lady of the manor? What lies behind the attic door high up under the eaves of the house? "Where is Lady Thorne, Cassias? Where is your wife?"
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Book Review: The Quiet Stillness of Empty Houses by L.V. Russell
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
The Quiet Stillness of Empty Houses, written by L.V. Russell, is a captivating gothic novel that masterfully combines elements of horror, mystery, and romance. Set against the backdrop of Broken Oak Manor, the story follows Theodora Corvus, a governess who is drawn into a web of secrets and darkness as she explores the hidden depths of the manor.
Theodora's journey begins when she leaves behind her crumbling family home and her beloved grandmother to take up the position of governess to young Ottoline Thorne. From the moment she arrives at Broken Oak Manor, Theodora is enveloped in an eerie silence, broken only by the whispers she hears from the house and its surroundings. As she familiarizes herself with her new environment, Theodora discovers that the manor holds many secrets, guarded by the foreboding housekeeper.
Russell's writing is nothing short of phenomenal. With skillful pacing and a keen attention to atmospheric details, the author creates a haunting world that immerses readers in a sense of darkness and mystery. The crumbling corridors of Broken Oak Manor come alive as Theodora explores its depths, and the lingering presence of the unknown keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Moreover, the character development in this novel is commendable. Theodora is a compelling protagonist whose determination to uncover the truth drives the narrative forward. Her growing feelings for Cassias Thorne, the mysterious lord of the manor, add a layer of complexity to the story, intertwining romance with the overarching mystery. The dynamic between the characters is well-crafted and adds depth to the plot.
One aspect that stands out in this book is its gothic atmosphere. Russell effortlessly captures the essence of gothic horror, transporting readers into a world filled with eerie whispers, hidden passages, and dark secrets. The sense of foreboding is palpable throughout, making it difficult to put the book down.
However, my main criticism of The Quiet Stillness of Empty Houses is that it left me wanting more. While the pacing was well-executed and kept me engaged, I wished for a longer exploration of Broken Oak Manor and its mysteries. Nonetheless, this minor complaint does not detract from the overall quality of the story.
In conclusion, The Quiet Stillness of Empty Houses is a superb gothic novel that seamlessly blends elements of horror, mystery, and romance. L.V. Russell's writing is captivating, creating an atmospheric setting that draws readers into a world of secrets and darkness. With well-developed characters and an intriguing plot, this book is a must-read for fans of gothic literature. I highly recommend it and eagerly anticipate future works from this talented author.
ARC Via NetGalley
Promising start but fizzles out at about 40%. The main character quickly becomes a tiresome brat. DNF at 70%.
