Book Review: Blackthorn by Bramble
From the moment I stumbled upon Blackthorn, I was captivated by its promise of a gothic romance intertwined with dark secrets and eerie mysteries. As a fan of atmospheric tales, I couldn’t resist the gravitational pull of a narrative that promised both love and suspense. A big thank you to the author, Bramble, and Goodreads for the opportunity to read this book through their giveaway—it’s always a delight to dive into something new!
Maven returns to her hometown of Solctice after 12 years, bringing her daughter Bea along to attend her grandmother’s funeral. Faced with the ghosts of her past, including her childhood bully and first love, Ronen, Maven quickly finds herself entangled in a web of family secrets and strange occurrences. The gothic elements shine brilliantly, creating a haunting backdrop with eerie woods, shadowy figures, and unsettling churches. I could practically feel the chill of the setting wrap around me, heightening the tale’s suspense, which earned Blackthorn its three-star rating.
While the gothic atmosphere captivated my senses, I found myself slightly disappointed by the romance. The chemistry between Maven and Ronen felt forced, as if the authors pushed them together without allowing the characters to truly develop their relationship. One POV is often a risky choice, especially in romance. Ronen’s four short chapters didn’t reveal enough about his feelings; they seemed more like snapshots than a deep dive into the characters’ emotional world. The potential for flashbacks or deeper exploration of Ronen’s obsession with Maven was sorely missed.
Maven, on the other hand, often reverted to the stereotype of a white woman in a horror movie, bravely venturing into dangerous situations that left me cringing and wondering if she had any self-respect left. Their banter, reminiscent of high school drama, did not encapsulate the maturity one would expect from nearly thirty-year-olds. The dialogue felt stagnant, dragging the romance down further in my estimation.
What truly hooked me was the intricate mystery woven into their family history, filled with hints of witchcraft and dark forces. The reveal of the true villains surprised me, and I found myself genuinely invested in the resolution of that complex family feud. However, the pacing of the conclusion felt rushed; an extra 50 pages could have allowed for a more satisfying wrap-up, avoiding the abrupt ending that left me yearning for closure—especially a deeper conversation between Maven and Ronen post-reveal.
Overall, Blackthorn holds promise but seems to stumble in its execution. Fans of darker tales might find joy in its atmospheric qualities and intriguing mystery, but those seeking a rich romance might walk away a bit disillusioned. I truly wanted to trust the process, as many readers do, but perhaps this book could benefit from further development. For anyone intrigued by dark paranormal themes, Blackthorn offers a compelling gothic experience, albeit with a caveat: manage your expectations.
If you enjoy tales of eerie settings and a hint of romance mixed with mystery, give Blackthorn a shot. Just remember to keep your salt shaker handy—this one might need some seasoning.