LAKE’S EDGE

BY LYNDALL CLIPSTONE. PUB DATE SEPTEMBER 28, 2021

3.5*, Best enjoyed on a dark and windy fall day.

Violetta has protected her brother, Aerin, since the death of their parents during a plague when she was only six. Since that point, Aerin has experienced night terrors which manifest a dark shadowy power, and Violetta has stood in defense of him against their abusive adoptive mother. That is until the day of Tithe, when Aerin’s powers reveal themselves in front of the Lord of the land, Rowan Sylvanan. Rowan—known by the locals as the Monster—shows up at their small cottage later that night and threatens Violetta and Aerin into coming with him to his estate, Lake’s Edge. He needs Aerin’s power to help break a curse brought upon him by the Lord Under. However, Rowan doesn’t explain what started the curse nor what this will entail. However, the threats are enough and Aerin agrees, as long as Violetta is allowed to accompany them. 

Unbeknownst to all around her, Violetta is familiar with the cruel Lord Under in ways she is reluctant to reveal. 

When they arrive at Lake’s Edge, the estate—and Rowan—are not as the rumors have told. As Aerin works to help end the curse with the instruction of Clover, an Alchemist, Violetta and Rowan grow closer. Rowan has been afflicted by the Corruption that threatens the land and each day more and more of this Corruption begins to take him. Will Aerin and Clover be able to stop the Corruption from taking all they have grown to love, including their new-found family? Or will Violetta have to make another deal with a dark entity that held her hand so long ago?

The book was pretty good, although I would have liked more description. At times it felt very vague, like I wasn’t getting a good picture of what was going on and I’d have to re-read parts to understand what I was reading. I think it could have used another edit and some fleshing out, but I was still pleased by the story itself. Hopefully this will be done before the book is released in November. 

This also ends on a decent cliff hanger that really makes me wonder where this is heading. It is slated to be a series and I’m very curious as to what the next book will reveal about all of the characters and what will happen to Violetta—spoiler, mayhaps? Although it was a little lacking, the story really is good enough that I want to hear what happens next.

Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing for the advanced copy in exchange for an impartial and honest review.