Review: These Fleeting Shadows by Kate Alice Marshall

Posted by Jessi (Geo) on November 28, 2022 | 0 Comments


Review: These Fleeting Shadows by Kate Alice MarshallThese Fleeting Shadows by Kate Alice Marshall
Published by Viking (8.9.2022)
Genres: Horror, Young Adult
Format: eARC, 368 pages
Source: NetGalley


4 Stars

Helen Vaughan doesn't know why she and her mother left their ancestral home at Harrowstone Hall, called Harrow, or why they haven't spoken to their extended family since. So when her grandfather dies, she's shocked to learn that he has left everything—the house, the grounds, and the money—to her. The inheritance comes with one condition: she must stay on the grounds of Harrow for one full year, or she'll be left with nothing.

There is more at stake than money. For as long as she can remember, Harrow has haunted Helen's dreams—and now those dreams have become a waking nightmare. Helen knows that if she is going to survive the year, she needs to uncover the secrets of Harrow. Why is the house built like a labyrinth? What is digging the holes that appear in the woods each night? And why does the house itself seem to be making her sick?

With each twisted revelation, Helen questions what she knows about Harrow, her family, and even herself. She no longer wonders if she wants to leave…but if she can.

My thoughts

I love how creepy and twisted this one was! There’s also a little mystery aspect to it, which keeps the pace moving nicely. I never knew what was going to happen next. I loved how atmospheric this book was, too. I read it for Horror October and it was the perfect vibe for Halloween! The Harrow house and the things that happened in it were super creepy!

I wish I had connected to the characters better, though. I loved Bryony the Harrow Witch, but other than that I didn’t really have feelings for anyone either way, including the main character. I never felt any chemistry in the romance, either, despite the fact that I was super intrigued by Bryony. I lacked the emotion for the story overall that would have earned this book a higher rating from me.

I did love the ending, though! What a nice twist! View Spoiler »

Overall Assessment

Plot: 4/5
Premise: 5/5
Writing style: 4/5
Originality: 4/5
Characters: 3/5
World-building: 4/5
Pace: 4/5
Feels: 2/5
Cover: 4/5
Overall rating: 4/5

Jessi (Geo)

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