There’s nothing worse than someone telling you you’re ten books behind, lol. I deliberately set my Goodreads challenge low this year, hoping for a more positive reading experience. And surprisingly, I’m doing pretty good! Here’s a recap of the challenges I’ve set for myself, and what I’ve been able to cross of the list: 1. But I figured a quarterly check-in was the best way to track my progress and hold myself accountable, so here we are taking a look at the first quarter of 2023. I will definitely be buying more from Catriona Ward.I’m trying hard to keep track of my reading challenges this year, something I don’t usually do. If you’re a gothic horror/romance fan, buy this book, yesterday. It will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading it. Overall, I’m really still processing this book. Hopefully, once the book comes out I’ll be able to read some fan theories. I do have some questions about the ending, since it’s very symbolic and tries to tie together all the loose ends of the novel, but I can deal with that – most is explained and revealed, there’s just some details I need to confirm. Not anything over-the-top, but it may give you pause. Also, FYI: This book does contain some scenes where animals are harmed. It’s very much classical literature-style. I think some of the lower reviews were from people expecting a modern-day style novel, and it’s not. Love reaches all of the characters, no matter how hard they push it away. But it’s also a tale of the power of love and how much it pervades our lives, no matter how much we try to push it away. The pair are the last of the Villarca line and the story then begins to tell, from their own perspectives, the story of their family and how the curse, known as “Her,” came to be.Īs I’ve said, this novel is very much in the style of classic gothic novels and is a dark, sad tale which will rip your heart out in places. The novel begins with Iris, a young girl whose father doesn’t allow her to venture outside the confines of their home, Rawblood, or have friends, since their family is haunted by a strange curse which will kill them if they invite love into their lives. If you’re looking for happy endings, please find another book.īut I seriously couldn’t put this book down once I got into it. And please note: it is dark and depressing, just like that novel. It’s a gothic novel that gave me a Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein-like vibe. “The Girl From Rawblood” is one of those books. I’m so excited to finally be able to share my love of “The Girl from Rawblood” with you all! The book is out now – don’t forget to check out the preview and giveaway for your chance to win a free copy!Įvery so often, I read a book that is so good, when I’ve finished it, I find myself wanting to read another book just like it.

Rawblood by Catriona Ward