Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. This was a nice easy read, and the authors writing style is admittedly beautiful, wonderfully suited to setting the mysterious gothic tone. However, I would say that since it is so immediately obvious what the mystery illness is even from the very cover and title, it lost almost all suspense for me. The plot twists are also very predictable and I felt at multiple places that the MC's reaction to the unfolding events was a little unrealistic. I am also not a big fan of the miscommunication troupe where so much of the subsequent plot would have avoided by a single conversation. Its definitely not a bad read and I would recommend to fans of the genre, but it fell flat for me personally.

I am obsessed with Laura's work, and was very intrigued (and a bit worried) to see how her first foray into the world of Young Adult fiction would compare to her adult gothic thrillers that I love so much. But I needn't have worried. She's a master storyteller, no matter the genre or form.

Initially I felt there was something about it similar to T.J Klune's Wolfsong, which is weird as, as much as I adore Klune's work, I didn't get on with that particular novel. But I suppose the themes are vaguely similar...I don't know, I just had this feeling and I'm sure if you've read both novels, you'll get what I'm talking about.

This may be her first foray into the YA world, which means it's very different to what I've read before of hers, but she has still managed to work in what I love most about her gothic abilities. The setting, the buildings, the smells and sounds and thick forests, mysterious individuals, frightening rumours - they all blend together to make for an intriguing, dark, and uncomfortable story.

There's not too many characters in it, so I will mention the main players. I felt Camile was a little naïve at first. She'd been brought up in a world of luxury and suddenly she has to fend for herself, almost. I liked her and I felt she was treated incredibly harshly for what she did, but I suppose we wouldn't have had a story if not. She's used to the finer things in life and she's had that world turned upside down for one mistake. Her Godmother Rowena is mysterious and poses lots of questions: is she rich and hiding it? Why does she live like she does? What is she hiding? What is she running from? What secrets does she hold? And then you have her daughter Lucy who is unwell, a bit off, clearly suffering from something not necessarily of this world. I thought she was a bit rude to begin with, btu I actually felt sorry for her. She's clearly ill and overwhelmed and doesn't know how to cope with it around new people, and she is just trying to keep everyone safe. And then we have Bridget, a sort of maid or helper in the house. She seems kind and wants to help everyone out, but there was a darkness to her just under the surface. And then we have Colin, the man who put Camille into this mess to begin with. He's a bit slimy, a bit too charming for my liking, what is it he really wants?

I know Rowena and Bridget are hiding something to protect Lucy, that much is obvious. And so it means they can be quite rude, abrupt, and sneaky. This means at times, I didn't like them. They're not badly written at all, no no, what I mean is, they've been written this way and it really irked me at times. They're full of depth though with so many layers. I think the four women work well off each other really well: Rowena and Bridget, Rowena and Lucy, Rowena and Camille, Lucy and Camille, Lucy and Bridget, Camille and Bridget. It's the perfect quartet that offers a lot of conflict.

I mean, this shouldn't come as a surprise considering the title of the book, the synopsis, and the cover of the book but if you really don't want to know what kind of creature features in this book, then look away now!!

This obviously features werewolves. There are many books on werewolves and you think they would become a bit too samey. But this has everything we know and love about werewolf stories and except from them, but with an added Purcell-ness about it. I hope she continues down this path alongside her gothic writings.

I had just finished reading an absolutely fantastic book that I couldn't stop thinking about, and so I was worried I wouldn't have room in my brain when I started this, but it was fine. I absolutely zoomed through it, it was so addictive.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for providing me with an e-ARC for Moonstone!

Moonstone is a haunting gothic romance filled with suspicion, twists and monsters. I was pleasantly surprised with this considering it is Laura Purcell's YA debut novel - I am a big fan of her writing in general and was curious how (if at all) her style would adapt for the YA demographic. Moonstone holds up well in comparison her other books: it is beautiful paced, the characters feel real and witty, and it is incredibly haunting. The isolated location as well as the character conflicts do a very good job at reflecting the gothic literature and horror tones throughout the book. And while I did pick up on a lot of the mystery clues through the book and could guess at where the plot was heading, the character conflicts and miscommunications allowed the narrative to spiral and escalate beyond what I could expect.

The horror aspect of Moonstone I especially enjoyed. I wasn't sure if it would be toned down at all considering this is a YA book, but it was still filled with body horror and gore that was very effective.

For anyone who is a big fan of the classic monster genre, like myself, I would highly recommend checking out Moonstone when it comes out (23rd May). The descriptions and mechanics of how the monsters work are perfectly disturbing, and truly allow for that horror aspect and sense of dread I've come to expect with Laura Purcell's writing.

I’m very hit and miss on Purcell’s work. She’s a great atmospheric gothic writer but she steps over into the ridiculous far too often and too easily for me to enjoy some of her work. Moonstone was he first YA offering and it’s an oddly charming story with very likeable characters. Overall, this is in the hit category. If you’re looking for a gothic novel with less of the bleakness, this might suit.

I enjoyed Moonstone and found Purcell's writing to be lovely. The first half of the story moved abit slowly, but I liked Lucy and was interested in her story. The second half of the book is even better than the first; Lucy and Camille together we're very engaging.

I enjoyed this book but no where near as much as the authors previous work. The outcome was clear from the second chapter and whilst reading I just wanted the story to get to the point. This aside I will continue to read this authors work and look forward to the next but this one was not for me.

3.5/5

Laura Purcell’s gothic fantasy follows Camille who is sent away from her family following a scandal. She finds herself with her reclusive godmother and her daughter Lucy. The mystery is based on uncovering Lucy’s strange illness and follows a slow burn romance.

Purcell’s narrative is beautifully haunting and stays true to the eeriness of the gothic genre. I also appreciated the character’s struggles with the confinements of the regency era as they try to navigate their freedom.

As the mystery unfolds, I would have liked the romance to blossom more alongside it and additional build up to the final climax but found it an easy read, with the cosy elements of a gothic mystery. I enjoyed this book as a YA fantasy and did find it a compelling read.

ARC review - Thank you to HarperFiction and Netgalley for this advanced ebook copy.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Deep sighs at this one...It physically pains me to write this review because I don't enjoy writing negative reviews at all. It's why I'm so picky with what ARCs I request and what books I read, in general. However, this was a pure disappointment that honestly baffles me a lot.

The main character is Camille, and she's the farthest from a relatable and smart character. She's so self-centered that she dismisses all warning signs and the one thing that she's curious about, she doesn't bother looking into it.

And I'm afraid I didn't get the promised "chilling gothic romance with real bite". Chilling gothic perhaps was the atmosphere *at times*. Romance, however, I just didn't feel it. Sure, they were sort of pulled to each other, but I didn't feel any romantic vibes. In fact, I didn't feel anything at all....

The plot wasn't there? I kept reading and reading, hoping that something of substance and of note would happen, but nothing really pulled me in. The "big" plot twist at the end wasn't really big (not for someone who did see all the warning signs) and since I didn't care for any character, I didn't care about the ending, either.

I'm just so confused about this book. The cover is stunning, and the SE will be even prettier, but the story and its journey to publication confuses me.

And again, I reiterate, writing all this pains me. I mainly read ARCs and I take pride and honor out of this. I am honored that publishers approve me, and I do not take it for granted. However, if I wrote anything else in this review, it'd be dishonest.

3.5 stars

I have mixed feelings but ultimately am glad I read this.

The first half was a struggle to get through. The mystery of Lucy's illness was not compelling at all because the answer is the premise of the book. One of the hallmarks of the gothic novel is a strong atmosphere of unease and dread, which I think the author was attempting to build but did not manage. And with nothing really going on to advance the plot, the first half of Moonstone was very tedious and boring.

Luckily the second half things finally happen. The relationship between Lucy and Camille was very sweet. I liked the ending but found the resolution a bit rushed.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC

2.5⭐. Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the ARC.

Moonstone has the workings to be a new favorite YA gothic romance: atmospheric writing and a slowburn between the two eventual love interests, Camille & Lucy. It is sadly hindered by how frustrating it is to read, given how much the adults insisted on keeping Camille ignorant of Lucy's Deep Dark Secret based on the flimsy reason of "not wanting to burden her". Even more so when this ignorance eventually leads to catastrophic consequences, all of which could've been avoided if she was let in on it after gaining their trust.

The story also shoehorns another potential love interest for Camille, Colin, whom Purcell does however pepper with enough red flags from the beginning to hint to the reader what kind of character he plays. While I concede his important role overall, I can't help but wish that Moonstone focused more on Camille & Lucy, or even offered Lucy's POV, to give us the burning regency romance this could've been.

I read an eARC of this book so thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley.

What a wonderfully entertaining take on a particular type of monster novel. An isolated gothic setting, a scandal, a family with secrets and a growing terror. All ingredients to make an excellent book!

Our main character is sent to live with her godmother in Yorkshire after a scandal. She is told her cousin is very ill and she must follow very restrictive rules so as not to make it worse. She can’t understand how the rules are linked to an illness. The more she learns and the more secretive her aunt is, the more suspicious she becomes and starts to expect something nefarious is happening.

The setting was perfect, the rural and isolated hunting lodge made for a believable location for the strange occurrences that take place. Our main character is not only isolated geographically but also socially while she waits for the scandal to abate.

Our main character is by no means perfect, her suspiciousness and self interest means she causes suffering for those around her. However her godmother’s refusal to explain what is happening only exacerbates the situation. We have two characters with who both believe what they’re are doing is right, but conflict in that belief which slowly compounds the danger they are all in.

An excellent take on this kind of horror trope, very enjoyable to read.

Anyone who loves a good gothic fantasy novel will find one in this book!
I liked this ya story from Laura Purcell especially for its relationsships. The characters were great and the main focus lies on fantasy with a side of romance. I liked the world building but struggled with the pacing. The beginning could've set off a bit faster and the end felt very rushed.

Thank you to HarperFiction and Netgalley for the ebook advanced copy.

In this story we follow Camille who, after a scandal, is sent away by her family to her godmother's home in the middle of the woods, away from everyone and everything.

I enjoyed this book, it’s not Purcell’s best work, but I enjoyed the writing. The story was well written, it was just dark enough to be different from most historical fiction which is what made it stand out for me.

Moonstone by Laura Purcell
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Out 23.05.2024

When Camille brings shame upon her family, she is sent away to live with her godmother and her daughter Lucy. She knows very little about them, but she knows of Lucy's terrible illness. What ails her is something quite unnatural, Camille is being kept in the dark about Lucy and the strange occurrences that happen around her.

This slow burn story about Camille, a niave young girl who has up to now, led a sheltered life of privilege. Camille has a delicate innocence about her. She is caring and has an inquisitive personality. When she arrives at her godmothers secluded dwellings, all is not what it seems. Secrets are being kept. Seeing the anguish Lucy's secret illness brings upon her, she wants to help, but is there a cost to her knowing?

Laura Purcell's narrative is beautifully descriptive. She creates a deeply immersive and captivating story. This gothic fantasy creates a haunting and unearthly atmosphere, full of mysterious goings-on that leave you with a dark sense of foreboding.

This debut YA book is a compelling read. It is written in a way that doesn't just appeal to the audience it's intended for. I did work out the plot twists, but that could just be because it is written for the younger person. It did not detract from this story. It is perfect for someone wanting to explore this genre or someone who already loves it.

Thank you Netgalley, Harper Collins UK, Harper Fiction.
My opinions are my own.

Beware the moon. And never go out after dark. Following a scandal at the pleasure gardens, Camille is sent to the woods to live with her reclusive godmother and her strange daughter. Cast out from polite society, she must learn to live by her grandmother’s strict rules. Camille has never met anyone quite like Lucy.

They grow closer and strange things begin to happen when they cross those forbidden boundaries. Mysterious deaths, claw marks raking the doors, and the nights are pieced by the howls of a creature that sounds almost otherworldly. Should Camille be more afraid of what creature prowls through the woods at night not what lies within her won heart?

A hauntingly gothic novel where mysterious creatures roam across the page and romance can be found within the darkness of the woods. How far are you willing to tread off the path to follow those forbidden desires? A truly chilling gothic romance can be found within these pages.

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘏𝘢𝘳𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘯 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘰𝘯 𝘔𝘰𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘣𝘺 𝘓𝘢𝘶𝘳𝘢 𝘗𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘭

"Moonstone" is a young adult gothic fantasy romance that captivates with its gothic vibes and beautifully atmospheric writing. Romance isn't the primary focus. I appreciated the world-building and the depth of the characters' relationships. However, the pacing feels rushed towards the conclusion, slightly diminishing the overall impact.
Despite this, the book's positive attributes shine through, making it a promising read for fans of atmospheric gothic fantasy. I definitely look forward to exploring more of Laura Purcell's works in the future.
ARC received through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

I love Laura Purcell and read "Moonstone" wondering whether I could introduce my near-teen to her world... not sure as even though it is YA, I think it is for the older end. I thought the blurb on Netgalley dumbed it down a bit and reading the book had more substance than I had expected. Of course, guessed the plot secrets but that's not a bad thing. Fully of gothic baddies, things that go bump in the night, full moons, wolves... you get the idea!

I usually love books by this author but this one lacked something for me, although I can’t put my finger on what exactly. I found it was quite slow going and a bit repetitive in places. The characters were ok and the premise of the book sounded interesting. It picked up towards the end and it was an easy read.

I have read and loved all Laura Purcell’s books, so was intrigued to read her first YA novel. Easy and quick to get into, darkly delicious and compelling storytelling, with the ending leaving the doors open for another maybe? I enjoyed it and I’m in my 50’s!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the review copy.

★★★★★ - 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰

Moonstone by Laura Purcell
Book 1
༘Spoiler free ༘
⭐️3.75/5
Young Adult, Gothic, Romance
➳ Gothic 🦇
➳ Masquerade Balls 🎭
➳ Non-Linear Timeline ⌛️
➳ Regency Era 🕯️
➳ Slow Burn ❤️‍🔥
➳ Mystery 🔎
➳ Deadly Secrets 🤫
➳ Plot Twists 🪢 

📚📚📚

❧✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*❦*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧❧

Laura Purcell’s captivating atmosphere and compelling mystery distinguish ‘Moonstone’ within the realm of the YA Gothic Fantasy Romance genre. From the first page, Purcell immerses readers in a haunting and atmospheric setting reminiscent of classic gothic literature. Eerie woods, a secluded farmhouse and mysterious occurrences build a sense of imminent foreboding. Mystery, suspense and plot twists meld together to create an engaging narrative.
As the protagonist Camille undergoes a significant amount of development throughout the story. Her journey from a sheltered young woman to a more independent and resilient individual was incredibly appreciated and necessary. At the beginning of the book, it is difficult to connect with her fully (which is understandable given her privileged upbringing) but her charm grows as her naivety wears off. Lucy was a closed book in the beginning, and it took a while for us to truly get to know her without al of her guards up. Once we managed to meet and truly know her, she became a favourite character.
I loved seeing the characters grapple with the societal restraints of the regency era, and their hunger for truth as they sought out freedom and their sense of identity.
The revelation of secrets, and resolution of conflicts provided closure and a sense of fulfilment by the end of the book. However, the ending did feel slightly rushed when compared to the slower paced beginning and middle.

I will certainly be picking up more of laura purcell’s works, and thought this was a lovely debut into the YA genre!

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

💖
LIKES:
⋆ I loved the gothic vibes and regency setting in this novel. It made for a lovely mood and definitely added to the mystery and intrigue.
⋆ This was the sort of novel where you find yourself interested in the side characters, and curious to know more about their backstories.
⋆ I loved loved loved who the FMC ended up with.

❤️‍🩹
DISLIKES:
⋆ The pacing was slower in the beginning and middle and made the ending feel slightly rushed. I know there are publishing limitations (especially within the YA genre) and sometimes not every page can be fit into the final copy but i would have appreciated more pages dedicated to the climax and conclusion.
⋆ Without giving spoilers, i would have loved more build up and romantic tension between the relationships in this story. I’d like to note that i do appreciate and enjoy the romantic couple that ended up together. 💖💖

**Fantasy Scoring**
Worldbuilding ➷ ✅ 4/5
Foreshadowing ➷ ✅ 3.5/5
Plot ➷ ✅ 4/5
Relationships ➷ ✅ 3.5/5

Thank you to the Laura Purcell, HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction, Magpie and NetGalley for the opportunity to provide my honest opinion on the ARC of this book.