Pretty, atmospheric writing with elegant prose, but the excessive descriptions made pacing feel slow at times.

While the magic was unique and intriguing, I also found it very confusing. The concepts of curses, drudges, dark hall, and how the magic system worked needed clearer explanation.

I thought the romance was good—slow burn and didn’t overshadow the plot. I liked the connection between Victor and Eleanora.

Overall, not bad but it didn't work for me. The vintage 1920s/30s setting was my favourite element. Unfortunately, the messy magic system and pacing issues made it hard for me to stay fully engaged.

3.5 stars

Gothic and atmospheric, with beautiful prose. Blackwicket has the perfect vibes for an autumn or spooky-season read.

Our main character, Eleanora, is a Curse-Eater, quite literally, who has unsuccessfully spent her adulthood trying to escape her heritage. When she is called back to her hometown after the passing of her sister, she’s forced to face her past head-on, while avoiding being ensnared in a plot by an underground, illegal-magic organization and an Inspector who is searching for any reason to take her down.

Stepping into the coastal town of Nightglass is reminiscent of Fairydale to me, which I greatly enjoyed, as they both share similarities of mysterious townsfolk, unnatural occurrences, and secrets of the past coming to light in a gothic setting.

I found the magic system to be unique, but I struggled to follow it throughout the book, which made me disengage with the story at times and heavily influenced my rating.

It’s important to note that this is a slower read, which is not a criticism, but if you’re looking for something fast-paced I’d recommend saving this for a time when you’re able to slow down and give it the attention it requires. Even though it wasn’t a 5 star read for me, I’d absolutely recommend this book for the vibes and beautiful writing.

Thank you NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

Creepy, gothic house? Check. Enemies to lovers? Check? Magic? Check

This definitely feels like 1920s America, but instead of alcohol being prohibited, it’s magic, and the Brom are the mafia. At first I was confused by the magic system and the Drudges in this book, but around half way through, it all a started to fall into place. I’d definitely like more information on Dark Hall, but I feel like that’s what book 2 will bring, and I’d definitely love a prequel of Eleanor’s past faux lives - but more because I’m nosey and want to know more about her back story!

I’m excited to see where this series will lead, and I’m rooting for the characters to prevail!

Holy shit! Finally a good gothic suspenseful dark story! I have been disappointed lately with the lack of good gothic books! Well I am happy I got this arc and will def be talking about it in the future! Thank you for this arc!

I was eager to step into another Bea Northwick world; her writing so encompassing & emotion-evoking, and Blackwicket did not disappoint! Bea’s brilliant use of language lands you viscerally into the plot; weaving a tale that feels different amid the ever-growing fantasy genre. I adored the characters - their imperfections moulded perfectly to show their strengths & vulnerabilities in a way that made you care for them regardless of their flaws. If you’re looking for a gothic yet mysterious tale, with a flare of romance and a drop of eeriness added in, Blackwicket is one for you!

I absolutely loved The Cruel Dark, so I was so excited when I get the ARC for Blackwicket. Unfortunately, this one wasn't a hit for me.

There's no question that Bea Northwick is a talented writer. The vibes & atmosphere were incredible in this book, with her descriptive writing allowing you to feel fully immersed in this eerie gothic fantasy.

My biggest issue however, was that I could not grasp the magic concept to save my life. It just made absolutely no sense to me. Was everyone magic? Because it seemed like everyone Ellie interacted with was, however in the beginning it felt like no one was magic but they KNEW about magic. Also, because there was so many "double agents", I had a hard time keeping track of who was good and who was bad. Which side am I meant to cheer for? Is the Authority bad? Is the Brom?

I will say that the twists & the reveals were really well done. I particularly lovedddd the tie between Ellie and Victor.

This isn't a "bad" book by any means, & it could just be that my tiny brain couldn't comprehend what the author was trying to do. Either way, the writing is beautiful & Bea Northwick is still an author I will be reading in the future!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I couldn’t put this book down. It’s one of those rare stories that feels like it’s been waiting for you. Blackwicket is eerie, intimate, and quietly powerful. The kind of haunting that doesn’t come from just ghosts or curses, but from the weight of memory, family, and things left behind.

Eleanora comes home planning to bury her sister and leave again, fast. But nothing goes how it’s supposed to. The second she steps into Blackwicket House, you can tell the place holds too many memories. It feels heavy, like something’s waiting. Not in a dramatic way, just that quiet kind of weight that hangs in old houses where too much has happened.

The magic here really stood out to me. It’s not overdone or showy. It feels like something that grew out of pain and old stories. The idea of curse-eating was new to me, and the way it was explained made it feel real and personal, not just another magical ability.

This book sticks with you. The writing never tries too hard, the pacing is tight, and the story hits that perfect mix of creepy and emotional. If you like your fantasy with a little grit and a lot of heart, this one’s worth picking up.