Title: The Book of Living Secrets
Author: Madeleine Roux
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: March 8, 2022
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Summary
Adelle and Connie couldn’t be more different, but that hasn’t stopped them from being best friends. One thing that cemented their relationship is their mutual love of a gothic romance called Moira. When they get the chance to enter the world of the book, they jump at the chance.
At first, they’re skeptical that it will work. But suddenly, they find themselves interacting with the characters they know and love. But not everything is quite as they remembered from the stories. There’s something darker behind the romances they know forwards and backwards. In order to escape, they’ll have to forge their own stories.
Review: The Book of Living Secrets
Thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this to review! The premise of this book sounded fascinating, so I was excited to pick it up. Especially looking at that cover! Even if I prefer to read dark and spooky things in fall. This will be a great book to add to that list!
I definitely got Lovecraftian vibes all throughout this book. I mean, look at the tentacles on the cover. Should have been your first clue that there might be some Cthlulu action going on. While it was always easy to follow what was happening when Adelle and Connie were in the world of Moira, I think that was part of the point. It added to the mystery of the novel, and also kind of fit that kind of horror genre.
For the most part, the characters were pretty well developed. Connie’s struggle coming to terms with her sexuality and figuring that out especially felt well done. Her and Adelle have some great friendship moments, which helps balance some of the darker elements of the gothic horror plot.
Book lovers who have always wanted to dive into their favorite books will also find Addie and Connie relatable. Even though some of the world building could have been a bit stronger, the characters and the basic bones of the plot definitely make up for it.
All in all, if you’re looking for book themed horror, you’ll definitely fall in love with The Book of Living Secrets!
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