A Light Amongst Shadows (Dark is the Night, #1)by Kelley York & Rowan Altwood
Self-published
eARC
YA, LGBT, historical, paranormal
James Spencer is hardly the typical troubled youth who ends up at Whisperwood School for Boys. Instead of hating the strict schedules and tight oversight by staff, James blossoms, quickly making friends, indulging in his love of writing, and contemplating the merits of sneaking love poems to the elusive and aloof William Esher.
The rumours about William's sexuality and opium reliance are prime gossip material amongst the third years... rumours that only further pique James' curiosity to uncover what William is really like beneath all that emotional armor. And, when the normally collected William stumbles in one night, shaken and ranting of ghosts, James is the only one who believes him.
James himself has heard the nails dragging down his bedroom door and the sobs echoing in the halls at night. He knows other have, too, even if no one will admit it. The staff refuses to entertain such ridiculous tales, and punishment awaits anyone who brings it up.
Their fervent denial and the disappearance of students only furthers James' determination to find out what secrets Whisperwood is hiding... especially if it prevents William and himself from becoming the next victims.
I have a confession to make: I don't like ghost stories. However, Kelley York has been one of my favourite authors for years and a gay YA set in Victorian England? That made me dive into a ghost story and I haven't regretted it once.
I have to start with the characters, because they're the reason I fell in love with the story. James is not typical in any way and subtlety is not in his blood even when Victorian England is hardly a place to be open about his affections for other boys. James's flirting is not subtle and it's hilarious and adorable how he recite love poetry for a boy he fancies without really knowing them. James's easy to root for, because he's passionate, loyal and gentle. William is more reserved and shy, but he's not any less loyal or gentle than James. Both of them have their issues and pasts, as does everyone in Whisperwood, but it only makes it more beautiful, more real. It's captivating to follow their story, and I was hardly able to put the book down. I don't want to go too deep into analyzing the characters to avoid any spoilers, but I have to mention that Oscar is sweet and the best, and Benji, Preston and Virgil were all a delight to read about. I'm glad that there'll be a sequel because I need more of these wonderful characters!
What I loved most besides the adorable characters, was the perfect balance between the mystery and ghosts and the romance between James and William. Neither felt separate as both mystery and romance was woven together in a way that made the story whole; it's not romance with ghosts as subplot or ghost story with romance subplot, it's both. There was very creepy moments, which made my skin crawl, but also such a beautiful and gentle romance that made my heart flutter. Absolutely superb writing to have it all perfectly balanced!
Honestly, this has been a difficult review to write because of how much I loved the book. It's captivating and stunning, and I loved every moment I spend with it. Adorable and flawed characters who are still so good with a creepy ghosts and a mystery behind them and disappearing students. It's a rollercoaster of emotions and feelings. A Light Amongst Shadows will definitely stay with me for a long time.
I highly recommend A Light Amongst Shadows, whether you're into ghost stories or not. It's a brilliant and heartfelt book that deserves a chance to be read.
I have to start with the characters, because they're the reason I fell in love with the story. James is not typical in any way and subtlety is not in his blood even when Victorian England is hardly a place to be open about his affections for other boys. James's flirting is not subtle and it's hilarious and adorable how he recite love poetry for a boy he fancies without really knowing them. James's easy to root for, because he's passionate, loyal and gentle. William is more reserved and shy, but he's not any less loyal or gentle than James. Both of them have their issues and pasts, as does everyone in Whisperwood, but it only makes it more beautiful, more real. It's captivating to follow their story, and I was hardly able to put the book down. I don't want to go too deep into analyzing the characters to avoid any spoilers, but I have to mention that Oscar is sweet and the best, and Benji, Preston and Virgil were all a delight to read about. I'm glad that there'll be a sequel because I need more of these wonderful characters!
What I loved most besides the adorable characters, was the perfect balance between the mystery and ghosts and the romance between James and William. Neither felt separate as both mystery and romance was woven together in a way that made the story whole; it's not romance with ghosts as subplot or ghost story with romance subplot, it's both. There was very creepy moments, which made my skin crawl, but also such a beautiful and gentle romance that made my heart flutter. Absolutely superb writing to have it all perfectly balanced!
Honestly, this has been a difficult review to write because of how much I loved the book. It's captivating and stunning, and I loved every moment I spend with it. Adorable and flawed characters who are still so good with a creepy ghosts and a mystery behind them and disappearing students. It's a rollercoaster of emotions and feelings. A Light Amongst Shadows will definitely stay with me for a long time.
I highly recommend A Light Amongst Shadows, whether you're into ghost stories or not. It's a brilliant and heartfelt book that deserves a chance to be read.
5 of 5 stars
No comments:
Post a Comment