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endemictoearth's review
challenging
dark
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
3.5
A little spooky, a little convoluted, but fun. Light on romance, and I think this also could have been a longer story, like the first book I read from this author. I do like the author’s style, and will continue to read future stories.
ellelainey's review against another edition
5.0
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
~
The Ghost of Hillcomb Hall
Darkly Enchanted Romance, Book 2
by Joshua Ian
★★★★★
POV: 3rd person, one character POV
Content Warning: dub-con scene with sexual activity under influence of drugs/herbs
The Ghost of Hillcomb Hall is a beautiful, extraordinary, mysterious story about love, friendship, and most of all about freeing yourself from expectation to live openly and honestly.
I absolutely ADORED this book. From beginning to end, it was exactly what I needed. Until I sat down to read this, I'd endured a hard, long, difficult day, and this book completely uplifted that, adding some light and relief to a day that sapped all the energy and joy from me. By the time I was done, I was smiling, had laughed aloud, had gasped aloud, had mentally smacked Cecil stupid, given Jonas a shake, and soundly kissed Vita for being a marvellous woman.
The characters are alive and vibrant, the plotting well paced and mixed well with exploration of the mysterious and hints of the final revelation. I was excited, intrigued, surprised, sad and happy all the way through, like the best kind of rollercoaster of emotion. While doing all of that, it also explores the issues of time: gay relationships, status, the chasm between stations even within households, consent, and expectations, as well as the suffragette movement. I particularly loved the conversation where Jonas revealed he was part of the Men's League for Women's Suffrage.
From page one, the story sets the tone and atmosphere of mystery, then leads you on a merry trail through Jonas's experiences at Hillcomb Hall. Ending perfectly. I have to tip my hat to the author for the way I was completely immersed into the world and time period, from page one. And also give a little nod of appreciation for the genius of Derrick and how he was able to quite impressively move everyone around the chessboard with expert ease, without anyone being aware of it.
And, if the author ever decides to put these out into paperback, I'll be waiting. My bookcase has more than enough space left for this series.
~
Favourite Quotes
“I never lingered, I never let myself be settled. I have been running, from project to project, for a very long time. Here, I feel as if I might stop for a moment. I might finally listen to what the landscape is telling me, what it is whispering to me when I am quiet, instead of screaming my voice until it submits to my design, my plans. Because I have learned plans seldom mean much in the end.”
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
~
The Ghost of Hillcomb Hall
Darkly Enchanted Romance, Book 2
by Joshua Ian
★★★★★
POV: 3rd person, one character POV
Content Warning: dub-con scene with sexual activity under influence of drugs/herbs
The Ghost of Hillcomb Hall is a beautiful, extraordinary, mysterious story about love, friendship, and most of all about freeing yourself from expectation to live openly and honestly.
I absolutely ADORED this book. From beginning to end, it was exactly what I needed. Until I sat down to read this, I'd endured a hard, long, difficult day, and this book completely uplifted that, adding some light and relief to a day that sapped all the energy and joy from me. By the time I was done, I was smiling, had laughed aloud, had gasped aloud, had mentally smacked Cecil stupid, given Jonas a shake, and soundly kissed Vita for being a marvellous woman.
The characters are alive and vibrant, the plotting well paced and mixed well with exploration of the mysterious and hints of the final revelation. I was excited, intrigued, surprised, sad and happy all the way through, like the best kind of rollercoaster of emotion. While doing all of that, it also explores the issues of time: gay relationships, status, the chasm between stations even within households, consent, and expectations, as well as the suffragette movement. I particularly loved the conversation where Jonas revealed he was part of the Men's League for Women's Suffrage.
From page one, the story sets the tone and atmosphere of mystery, then leads you on a merry trail through Jonas's experiences at Hillcomb Hall. Ending perfectly. I have to tip my hat to the author for the way I was completely immersed into the world and time period, from page one. And also give a little nod of appreciation for the genius of Derrick and how he was able to quite impressively move everyone around the chessboard with expert ease, without anyone being aware of it.
And, if the author ever decides to put these out into paperback, I'll be waiting. My bookcase has more than enough space left for this series.
~
Favourite Quotes
“I never lingered, I never let myself be settled. I have been running, from project to project, for a very long time. Here, I feel as if I might stop for a moment. I might finally listen to what the landscape is telling me, what it is whispering to me when I am quiet, instead of screaming my voice until it submits to my design, my plans. Because I have learned plans seldom mean much in the end.”
suze_1624's review
4.0
Picked this one up after reading a review, quite an entertaining read, pacy and engaging.
Lots of potential ghostly goings on, with lots of atmospheric bumps in the night, odd goings on in out buildings, storms and nasty servants!
The Stanley household is unconventional and that throws the also unconventional Jonas off his stride, to the extent that he isn’t sure what part he is being forced to play in their game.
Whilst we get some answers when Graham and Jonas do meet, there were still some left.
However, i did enjoy and will be looking for book 3 when published and will get the earlier one
Lots of potential ghostly goings on, with lots of atmospheric bumps in the night, odd goings on in out buildings, storms and nasty servants!
The Stanley household is unconventional and that throws the also unconventional Jonas off his stride, to the extent that he isn’t sure what part he is being forced to play in their game.
Whilst we get some answers when Graham and Jonas do meet, there were still some left.
However, i did enjoy and will be looking for book 3 when published and will get the earlier one
lillian_francis's review
5.0
Well written, creepy story.
Not really a romance in my opinion so don't expect as such going in. The MCs don't even meet until 65%+ in.
Not really a romance in my opinion so don't expect as such going in. The MCs don't even meet until 65%+ in.
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