Name: LAKESEDGE.
ISBN: 9781789096873

LYNDALL. CLIPSTONE

LAKESEDGE.

Genesis (@whisperingchapters)

Julia

Lyndall Clipstone

A lush, gothic fantasy from debut author Lyndall Clipstone about monsters and magic, set on the banks of a cursed lake, perfect for fans of Naomi Novik and Brigid Kemmerer. When Violeta Graceling and her younger brother Arien arrive at the haunted Lakesedge estate, they expect to find a monster. Leta knows the terrifying rumors about Rowan Sylvanan, who drowned his entire family when he was a boy. But neither the estate nor the monster are what they seem. As Leta falls for Rowan, she discovers he is bound to the Lord Under, the sinister death god lurking in the black waters of the lake. A creature to whom Leta is inexplicably drawn... Now, to save Rowan—and herself—Leta must confront the darkness in her past, including unraveling the mystery of her connection to the Lord Under.

Lakesedge

Léa

I was so disappointed, I really wanted to love it but i just couldn’t.
I found violeta vert annoying especially when she did not let her brother do the things he had to do but i do think that I disliked it because it was not what i expected. I wanted more mystery, ghosts and creepy stuff happening at lakesedge and not just her having weird dreams and stuff. Also I did not know it was YA and quickly realised it was which made things more annoying. Also Rowan had so much potential to be a dark tormented character but he did not live up to my expectations as he was not that dark and tormented. Maybe reading this after Gothikana which i absolutely loved was not my best idea i guess… I probably will not read the second book as I had to kind of skipped to read it fully otherwise I was about to dnf it.

Christine

logically, i shouldn't like this.
It literally has multiple of my least favorite YA tropes:
- 17 year old female protagonist
- first person present tense
- dark! corrupted! hot! boy!!
- vaguely "i can fix you"

however;
i did, so there's that ¿¿¿
i think maybe part of it was that at least Violeta's main goal was to protect her brother? and she didn't instantly lose her head over a hot boy and the characters weren't stupid and actually respectful and the romance wasn't weird as all get out and the writing was really evocative and pretty and the world was actually incredibly intriguing
also this reminded me of persephone and hades and i have a slight feeling the sequel will remind me of orpheus and eurydice. i hope not as tragic tho

Francesca G

Mid at best honestly, what a way to start the (reading) year lol

Decent but it felt a little repeating and much longer than it needed to be. Felt it was rather predictable and the main character was really annoying . The book was okay I got bored reading this one and just wanted to finish it

Samantha King

this book was so painfully basic. all of the characters have 0 personality, except the lord under and even he is slightly tolerable. honestly not giving this two stars bc he lowkey saved the book by coming in at the end. 

the plot as well, just reminds me of some twisted hades x persephone retelling with 🤏 personality. plus the way spicy scenes were written reminded me of 16th century erotica SORRY

I'll try to read the 2nd book in ebook format and i hope to god it's something like acotar where the 2nd main love interest saves the series. 

laura

2.5/5 ⭐

this book was so painfully basic. all of the characters have 0 personality, except the lord under and even he is slightly tolerable. honestly not giving this two stars bc he lowkey saved the book by coming in at the end. 

the plot as well, just reminds me of some twisted hades x persephone retelling with 🤏 personality. plus the way spicy scenes were written reminded me of 16th century erotica SORRY

I'll try to read the 2nd book in ebook format and i hope to god it's something like acotar where the 2nd main love interest saves the series. 

I really liked the beginning, but by the middle it just wasn’t gripping me anymore. 

Leta reveals a Pretty Big secret she’s been keeping about 40% of the way thru, which compelled me. But the corruption plot felt like a long stretch of waiting — waiting for Arien to practice his magic, waiting for the full moon — and I wanted more of a haunted-mystery storyline.

I was so excited for this book, but I built it up to something different in my head. A common pitfall for me, when I let a book sit on my shelf for a year… 😅

I feel kinda bad about dropping this after reading half of it, but I’m tempted to pick it up again later on audio.

Caroline Clutterbuck Kapulkin

I really liked the beginning, but by the middle it just wasn’t gripping me anymore. 

Leta reveals a Pretty Big secret she’s been keeping about 40% of the way thru, which compelled me. But the corruption plot felt like a long stretch of waiting — waiting for Arien to practice his magic, waiting for the full moon — and I wanted more of a haunted-mystery storyline.

I was so excited for this book, but I built it up to something different in my head. A common pitfall for me, when I let a book sit on my shelf for a year… 😅

I feel kinda bad about dropping this after reading half of it, but I’m tempted to pick it up again later on audio.

dnf @ page 192

I really liked this! Really enjoyed how our main character is almost a subversion of the “sibling that dies” trope in other fantasies, and I also really liked the romance and found family in this as well. Also, I thought the writing felt almost whimsical and everything felt personified in a way that I think was just the cherry on top. Overall, thought it was great and am so excited for the next! ✨💕

Lyndsy Argento

I feel like I really want to give this a 3.5 but I think that might be because I listened to this on audio. I might need to read the physical copy to know how I feel 100% about this one. The narrator did a great job overall but the MC just came across as so whiny! I honestly got so annoyed at times that I had to turn it off. Did anyone feel that way while reading the physical copy?

Other than that, I really enjoyed the story. It felt unique and well thought out. It was dark and full of gothic aspects which I absolutely loved. The plot also never left me feeling like I was bored. It kept a perfect pace and it ended on a cliffhanger!

The Lord Under has the same vibes as Luc in The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. I can't wait to get more of him in the second book! The other characters were all complex and had depth. I find that I'm invested in all of them which I don't feel happens often for me.

amidpages

I feel like I really want to give this a 3.5 but I think that might be because I listened to this on audio. I might need to read the physical copy to know how I feel 100% about this one. The narrator did a great job overall but the MC just came across as so whiny! I honestly got so annoyed at times that I had to turn it off. Did anyone feel that way while reading the physical copy?

Other than that, I really enjoyed the story. It felt unique and well thought out. It was dark and full of gothic aspects which I absolutely loved. The plot also never left me feeling like I was bored. It kept a perfect pace and it ended on a cliffhanger!

The Lord Under has the same vibes as Luc in The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. I can't wait to get more of him in the second book! The other characters were all complex and had depth. I find that I'm invested in all of them which I don't feel happens often for me.

Looking forward to the second book!

Wren Elliott 

After reading Lakesedge, then going back and reading it immediately for a second time I'm calling it one of my favourite reads of the year. Not only did the stunning cover make me jump to pre-order a copy for my bookshelf but the story pulled me in and had me on the edge of my seat, nose buried in the pages well past midnight. This is one of those young adult novels that make me fall in love with the YA genre all over again.

This dark fantasy captured me with its wonderfully descriptive and enchanting imagery that paints dark and beautiful pictures, transporting us to a whole other world. And what a world it is! The magic system and world itself are so well thought out and fit perfectly with the characters, nothing felt odd or out of place. It fit, it was believable and not at all complicated as some books can be when magic becomes involved. 

The characters were all loveable, even the damn Lord Under himself (who allowed him to be so pretty!?!) was hard to dislike! I loved Violeta and Rowen, loved how their relationship grows through soft touches and looks that speak volumes despite few words being passed between them. The budding romance between them didn't drag and yet it wasn't rushed. Violeta is heroic and fierce and I really enjoyed her character and the little things we find out about her past as we go along. Rowen was my favourite and I desperately wanted to read more of him, though I wouldn't call Rowen a monster, definitely a little cracked around the edges, if not broken, and he's definitely monstrous, maybe monster-y but not an outright monster. I will say that both fall victim to the self-sacrifice ordeal, which sometimes made me want to reach in and shake them but I kind of loved how that worked with the story and their personalities as well as the other characters. 

Im not saying too much because I am finding it so hard not to spill spoilers and scream about certain parts that I adored but the cliffhanger has me desperate for Forestfall and it absolutely cannot come quick enough, I mean October 2022 just sounds a feels so far away!! I really loved this book and for anyone who was or still is a fan of YA novels or darker fantasy/romance I would recommend Lakesedge.

After reading Lakesedge, then going back and reading it immediately for a second time, I'm calling it one of my favourite reads of the year. Not only did the stunning cover make me jump to pre-order a copy for my bookshelf, but the story pulled me in and had me on the edge of my seat, nose buried in the pages well past midnight. This is one of those young adult novels that make me fall in love with the YA genre all over again.

This dark fantasy captured me with its wonderfully descriptive and enchanting imagery that paints dark and beautiful pictures, transporting us to a whole other world. And what a world it is! The magic system and world itself are so well thought out and perfectly fit the characters; nothing felt odd or out of place. It worked; it was believable and not at all complicated as some books can be when magic becomes involved. 

The characters were all loveable, even the damn Lord Under himself (who allowed him to be so pretty!?!) was hard to dislike! I loved Violeta and Rowen, and loved how their relationship grew through soft touches and looks that speak volumes despite few words being passed between them. The budding romance between them didn't drag, yet it wasn't rushed. Violeta is heroic and fierce, and I really enjoyed her character and the little things we find out about her past as we go along. Rowen was my favourite, and I desperately wanted to read more of him, though I wouldn't call Rowen a monster, definitely a little cracked around the edges, if not broken, and he's definitely monstrous, maybe monster-y but not an outright monster. I will say that both fall victim to the self-sacrifice ordeal, which sometimes made me want to reach in and shake them, but I kind of loved how that worked with the story and their personalities as well as the other characters. 

I'm not saying too much because I am finding it so hard not to spill spoilers and scream about certain parts that I adored, but the cliffhanger has me desperate for Forestfall, and it absolutely cannot come quick enough. I mean October 2022 just feels so far away!! I really loved this book and for anyone who was or still is a fan of YA novels or darker fantasy/romance, I would recommend Lakesedge.

(ARC in exchange for an honest review)

Sven Test

I haven't been able to stop thinking about Lakesedge. It truly lives in my mind rent free! It is atmospheric, eerie, dark, and enthralling. Right from the very first page, I was lured in. The writing and the story-line sunk their claws into me. The characters are complex and intriguing. The villain, The Lord Under, can ask for my soul, and I'd gladly give it to him. I can't wait for the sequel!

Nicole Dykeman

I was wavering between 4 and 5, so we’re going to settle on 4.5. I want the sequel ASAP please. 

I’m a sucker for an soft emo monster boy, decrepit gothic mansions, and powerful sibling bonds. Dark magic, spooky lakes, demon deals. The same protective older sibling/younger sibling with magic they can’t control dynamic that I love about Sam and Dean in Supernatural. All narrative elements and tropes that I adore wrapped up in a YA gothic fantasy romance novel. I’m in love.

Cassie Annesi

Solid read, still a little confused by it all.

Elizabeth Hagenlocher

2⭐️ (The more I dwell, the more I had to revoke the half a star. I know, I know.)

I guess this book just didn’t live up to my expectations. I thought there were interesting elements to the story, but the world building and plot left something to be desired (imho). 

What I expected: a rich, atmospheric, slow-burning gothic novel. 

What I got: a half-fleshed out dark fantasy with Insta-attraction. (And while Leta may be demisexual, I feel as though that left something to be desired because she barely knew Rowan and felt drawn to him instantly…idk)

I feel like this was incorrectly billed as a work of gothic lit, which to me has very specific conventions. Some of those were present in this story, but they really took a backseat to the “cure the corruption plot.” 

(Edited to add: As someone else mentioned, the gothic conventions used were like window dressing. But there was no substance to them. We’re TOLD that there’s a gloomy estate full of mystery, but really there’s no mystery. A few other critical elements of the gothic genre are also absent. It just should have been labeled differently.)

Speaking of corruption, that also seemed to leave something to be desired. The “solution” to curing the corruption was solved prior to Leta and her brother’s arrival at Lakesedge. They were simply pulled in to the thick of it to supply extra firepower. Though there were some struggles with their ability to perform the ritual, there was no real need to create a “new” solution. They just needed to practice? Be more powerful? The magic could have used more attention. 



The bottom line is that I kept thinking of ways the story could have played out differently, incorporated more gothic elements, been more fleshed out, or otherwise improved. It was all show and little tell, the plot was repetitive, and the descriptions were so adverb heavy, which is a personal pet peeve of mine. Overall, this is just not how I want to feel as the reader. 

You may be wondering what I liked… 

I thought the romance elements were well done. Consent was abundant, and I think this is so important, especially in YA stories. Especially when you have a character generally regarded as rude or monstrous, yet still ultimately desirable or dateable—if they can still respect consent, that’s phenomenal. We need more of that in books with grumpy boys, lest young people learn to accept less. The found family was a nice touch. I enjoyed the characters most of all (Violeta least of all lol), and would have liked to spend more time with them. 

I’d definitely like to read the next one when it releases and see how it compares.

Lakesedge has beautiful atmospheric Gothic vibes. The premise is very similar to a beauty and the beast retelling but the mystery and magic take it in a whole new direction. The Maguc system was not too complex but was fascinating nonetheless and I loved the way all the characters explored their relationship to the magic and how to discover it's powers. 

The love between the main character and her brother and the lengths she will go to protect her family warmed my heart in this dark book. Through all her decisions you can tell her motivationa are driven by love ans protecting her brother. 

Initially I thought I new where this plot was going but the author took me on an unexpected journey perfect for fans of gallant or a forgery of roses. 

The ending had me devouring each page, captivated by the difficult choices. I absolutely cannot wait for the sequel

Minnie Mazuera


Lakesedge has beautiful atmospheric Gothic vibes. The premise is very similar to a beauty and the beast retelling but the mystery and magic take it in a whole new direction. The Maguc system was not too complex but was fascinating nonetheless and I loved the way all the characters explored their relationship to the magic and how to discover it's powers. 

The love between the main character and her brother and the lengths she will go to protect her family warmed my heart in this dark book. Through all her decisions you can tell her motivationa are driven by love ans protecting her brother. 

Initially I thought I new where this plot was going but the author took me on an unexpected journey perfect for fans of gallant or a forgery of roses. 

The ending had me devouring each page, captivated by the difficult choices. I absolutely cannot wait for the sequel

Laura 

I’m just going to say October 2022 come fast pleasE.

Aundreya Rich

"It's like there are two stories about Rowan, about Lakesedge. Written side by side in a single volume. The ink from one bleeding through to mar the words on the opposite page. A boy who almost died. A boy who did die. A boy who drowned in a lake and came back as a monster. 
But which story is real, and which is just a ghosted specter of rumor and fear?" 

Lakesedge is a dark and haunting story of a girl and her brother who are stolen from their home and taken to the one place more dangerous than the abuse they suffer... Lakesedge. Haunted by the stories of a lord who killed his entire family.

Leta & Arien will do what they can to stop the darkness and monsters that have overtaken the land, and save the ones they love.

Lakesedge felt like Beauty & the Beast met Crimson Peak.


Haunting, Beautiful, and a little sexy with a great start to a new series.
Also, do I smell a love triangle?


Read if you love:
-dark and haunting
-romance (wiggle brows)
-magic and mayhem
-morally grey characters ERRRRWEEEEERRRR
-LGBTQ characters 🏳️‍🌈
-dark a mysterious man x2
-a redhead dame to save the DANG DAY
-an easy series to get hooked on

Overall really enjoyed. I think I wanted a little bit more on the magic and the shadows to help me understand where all these powers were coming from. Are there alot of people with magic? how do you get it? that's where I needed a bit more clarity.
Also she repeated what Rowan smelled and tasted like in the book so many times it was burned in my brain.... I get it... he's delicious.
Thanks to the publisher and author for my ARC

My Rating:
characters-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
story-⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5)
steam- things happen but the descriptions used made me feel like I was hiking and smelling new greenery, or I needed a snack... and that my friend left my lady bits confused.

Song- My Blood by Ellie Goulding

Aubrey Erskine

I often struggle with finding the right words when it comes to books that I know are going to stick with me long after I’ve read that final page. I didn’t know what to expect when I picked up Lakesedge, but it wasn’t this heartbreaking story of love and sacrifice. It made me truly question just what makes someone a monster?

Lakesedge has this ideal dark gothic atmosphere that was the perfect fit for a story about a girl who likes to kiss monsters. Clipstone did an amazing job of slowly revealing the world of Lakesedge, the how’s and why’s behind the growing corruption there. It was never confusing or overwhelming with too much or too little information, but instead unfolded in a way that left me wanting more.

At the heart of this story is the relationship between Violeta and her brother Arien. Leta gave and endured so much to keep her brother safe, to protect him from the darkness ready to consume him. Their relationship was so touching. I loved their teasing and banter that one can only have with a sibling. While she could be a tad overprotective, it was understandable and honestly warranted after everything they had endured in their short lives. 

Is someone a monster because of the things they do or their reasons behind those actions? Rowan was truly just this lost boy trying to protect all those around him for mistakes from his past. A self deprecating martyr so alike Leta in their need to self sacrifice. Him and Violeta had chemistry from the start and it definitely made me turn the pages a little faster. The tension between them was unbearable with Clipstone teasing us mercilessly before delivering. Shoot maybe I’d give up something too for this to be NA instead of YA. 

I think my favorite part about this story is at its core it appears to be a Hades and Persephone retelling, stealing only the barest of bones from the lore to create a new and intriguing gothic romance. Lord Under was this dark and mysterious presence lurking in the dark corners of this story and I can’t wait to hopefully see more of him. This story is far from over though and I can’t wait to see just what’s in store for Leta and Rowan in Forestfall.

This book is the perfect read for October. Gothic mansions, spooky woods, magic, and a dark, imposing figure. The characters are wonderfully written and the author does an amazing job at getting you into the vibes and setting of the story. There is also a little bit of romance but a whole lot of a head strong female protagonist. If you love Crimson Peak then you'll love this book.

Cassidy Webb

Kayla 

This was such a fun read!! But also I thought it was a standalone so when it ended on a cliffhanger and I found out there’s another book coming NEXT FALL I got so MAD 😭😭✋🏻

Valentina 

** spoiler alert **
           [RECENSIONE ✨🖤]

Buongiorno miei cari elvesreaders 😉oggi vi posto la recensione di questo libro che è -"LakeSedge"- di Lyndall Clipstone posso dire finalmente è uscito questo lo bramavo da due settimane e non mi ha deluso però il finale ti ha lasciato la voglia di continuare ma devo aspettare un'anno per il secondo e non vedo l'ora 😍.

📖When Violeta Graceling arrives at haunted Lakesedge estate, she expects to find a monster. She knows the terrifying rumors about Rowan Sylvanan, who drowned his entire family when he was a boy. But neither the estate nor the monster are what they seem.
As Leta falls for Rowan, she discovers he is bound to the Lord Under, the sinister death god lurking in the black waters of the lake. A creature to whom Leta is inexplicably drawn…
Now, to save Rowan and herself Leta must confront the darkness in her past di lei, including unraveling the mystery of her connection di lei to the Lord Under.

🙋🏼‍♀️ Questo libro mi è piaciuto tantissimo 😍 se amate l'atmosfera spettrale e raccapricciante fa proprio per voi e visto che si avvicina Halloween potreste leggerlo benissimo.
La storia è un mix di Bella e la Bestia e Acotar. 
Di Bella e la Bestia c'è solo all'inizio quando Violeta e suo fratello vengono presi da questo "mostro" di LakeSedge però non è quello che sembra in realtà lui è stato annunciato per via di quello che è successo ai suoi genitori che ha fatto un patto con il Lord Under.
Violeta è li solo perché suo fratello ha questa magia che potrebbe aiutarlo.
L'accenno di Acotar l'ho visto soprattutto alla fine perché a quanto pare Violeta è abbastanza attratta da questa oscurità, l'autrice è stata molto brava a intrecciare questi due creando una storia diversa.

I personaggi mi sono piaciuti tutti 
Violeta è la mia preferita perché scoprirà delle cose che potrebbe salvare non solo suo fratello ma anche il mostro .
Il mostro di LakeSedge mi è piaciuto però mancava qualcosa si è il classico personaggio grigio e misterioso però mi aspettavo molto più combattivo.
Il romance molto carino però non tantissimo perché pare che Violeta sia attratta da quest'ombra (si, sto guardando proprio te Lord Under)

Aleena Korell

3.5 stars.
An orphan named Violeta unexpectedly finds her fate entangled with that of the Lord of Lakesedge estate, a cold, young lord who, years ago, drowned his entire family one by one. But Leta soon finds that there are darker monsters hiding at Lakesedge than Rowan. The Lord Under-- the god of death, whom she has encountered before-- also lurks near Lakesedge, and doesn't seem to be quite finished with Leta.

I have very mixed feelings about this one! Lakesedge was one of my most anticipated releases for this year, but to be honest, the first few chapters had me nearly wanting to throw in the towel.
I'm glad I finished it, because there were some really well-done aspects of this story. But overall, it didn't wow me. The atmosphere was the best thing about Lakesedge, however, all the anachronistic language (WHY do so many YA fantasy authors still use "okay"?!?!?! This will never not bother me.) just pulled me right out of the story, every time. At the beginning, some of the phrasing and dialogue didn't really land for me, but both seemed to level out once the plot really got rolling.

Rowan's secret, once teased out of him, is actually really compelling. I almost wish we got to play with that a bit more instead of the plotline we were given: (view spoiler)[ Rowan's trade of "anything" for his life from the Lord Under could have been hung over the readers heads like a freakin time bomb. Like, anything could be claimed at any time. What an intriguing idea. (hide spoiler)]. But his grief is well-written, and his and Leta's comfort that they find in each other is really sweet. 
Overall, a pretty good debut, and I'm interested to see where book two is going!

Ren Christina

If Crimson Peak had a YA sibling? Lakesedge is that, in every gloriously dark, beautiful way. We are introduced to Leta and her brother Arien, siblings plagued by an abusive adoptive mother and the loss of their biological parents. Yet, an even darker, more ominous threat looms. Arien possesses a seemingly dark magic that threatens to unravel the fraction of peace her and Arien can muster and when his magic captures the attention of a local legend, things only worsen. 

What begins as a monster story turns into so much more and I devoured page after page. Lyndall Clipstone writes in a hauntingly addictive manner, delivering aesthetics and depth with ease. All of the characters within Lakesedge are complex, dealing with their own struggles, and it's impossible to not feel for them all. The estate that is the setting for much of the book is mysterious, as is the curse that plagues it. Rowan, a character who we're told to mistrust, is no less intruiging. The romance that forms the heart of this book is beautiful and rivaled only by the friendships and found family that forms. 

Hailing from my own home state, I'm overjoyed to have loved this book and cannot wait for the conclusion.

cossette

hm


content warnings: emotional and physical abuse by a parent, body horror, gore and blood (including description of wounds), emesis, discussions of death and grief (no on-page deaths), descriptions of drowning and deep water, drowning-related imagery, self-injury (in the context of a curse that requires regular physical sacrifices), suicidal ideation, death of parents, death of a sibling

LAKESEDGE.

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