Reflections of Silence: a vampire Casket Girls historical paranormal romance

by Raven Hush

Bred on secrets and betrayals and sold to a man she doesn't know, Gisella travels across oceans into the arms of a monster intent on devouring her.

My world is flipped on a journey to the New World with a gaggle of women I don't know. All my belongings are stuffed into a tiny box, and the ship's crew call us the Casket Girls. Rumors abound that we are the ghouls below decks, except it's not the monsters we are that we're afraid of, but the man I'm sent to marry.

When a shadowed stranger whisks me away from the abbey I'm sent to in the middle of the night, my new life begins. But this place is nothing like France. Raw, uncivillized. My husband won't rise during the day, the servants refuse to speak to me, and the curtains are never opened in the large house that's mostly empty, blocked away from the world.

Until I meet him.
Sebastian.
Then I discover what manner of monster I married...

And the one I carried across oceans that resides within me.

REFLECTIONS OF SILENCE is the first book in the SILENT SENTINELS duet and a spicy, stand alone read.

Previously published in part as A PORTRAIT OF ASH AND LACE in 2020 by Sofia Aves.

Genres: Vampires, Romance, Fantasy

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 24, 2024

About the author

Raven Hush writes paranormal & BDSM romance and exists on a diet of red wine and coffee. When she isn't romancing the monster under her bed, she writes contemporary romance and suspense as USA Today bestselling author Sofia Aves and kidlit under a not-so-super-secret pen name. Raven has worked with Romance Writers of Australia as Marketing and Events Manager and lives at Romance Cafe Publishing in their Marketing and PR department. She is a stay-at-home mum living near Brisbane, Australia with her three crazies and two german shepherds who like to pose whilst wrestling. Raven writes in her own dragon bookish cave and is building an alpaca park.

For rights please contact Laura Pink @SBR Media

Bookishly stalk Raven:
Website: https://www.sofiaaves.com/raven-hush-...
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ravenhushshifters
Twitter: www.twitter.com/hushlittleraven
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RavenHushpar...

Reviews

[Danni Drummond · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

Reflections of Silence :a vampire Casket Girls historical Paranormal romance (Silent Sentinels duet book 1) by Raven Hush

-Dark Paranormal Romance
-Shifters, gargoyles and Wolves
-He falls Hardest
-Historical Romance
-Spicy
-Bayou Witch
-Vampire/Human
-Arranged marriage


This book is everything you could want from a historical paranormal dark romance! I mean come on 😍 Vampyres, Gargoyles that come to life, Bayou witches, an ancient mysterious secret being that has followed the MMC for Centuries, then there's the telepathy 😍 the spiciness levels 🤤

The book starts with the history of the Casket girls and what that term means which sets the mood for the start of the book and it just gets better and better! You have twists and turns, you have secrets, and have scheming plans, you have amazing characters, and this outstanding story set in 1735 New Orleans, between Gisella the FMC that has been sent from Paris as a casket girl/arranged bride, to Sebastian the MMC with secrets in New Orleans.
This book was so well thought out, even the small details, to create an amazing first part to this duet.

I feel honoured to have been an ARC for this book 😍 I cannot wait for book two 🖤🥰

[Chelcy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the author Raven Hush, and the publisher for providing me with my first ARC EVER!

Okay so this may go up to a 3 star at some point but after just finishing I say the 2 star is well earned.

At first, I liked how the story started seriously, it promised a lot but then I looked at the 174 pages and thought that one is going to be tough. The author knows what they want to say its clear in the writing, and it's strong and very straightforward but sometimes I have no inkling what she is trying to portray with the word choice or the description idk, this happened a few times, and usually, once I think about I get it but nope not this time.

Because the story is so short I feel like there is so so so much that could have been said to even make this a solid 4-star read because it really has the potential for that after reading the ending I get it I do but we could have gotten more The characters have no depth whatsoever, I couldn't for the life of me understand what was up with the villain. The plot was there but so rushed...again 174 pages (e-book) so I guess that makes sense.

A little about the characters.

Gisella is from France but has an Italian-sounding name, correct me if I'm wrong, but you know what that's not even important really. She is the Belle to this vampire (beast) although she lacks Belle's umm.. presence there is nothing I can say about her as a character, more than anything I felt bad for her circumstances, and felt her feelings towards Sebastian were one-sided. It was like she was all about him and he was the consuming, will-not-talk typical dude with trust issues. See this is where some more plot could have been developed to understand these characters more.

Sebastian I don't even know what to say, he was just there doing his alpha male job. Possessive? check. Broody? Check. I felt like he was grooming Gisella to be honest. There was just no chemistry in this relationship, and to read how it ended just...what DO YOU MEAN? The ending may have been the best part of this book aside from that random little girl - I knew I just had to accept it as it was and move on. This being said I may be interested in reading a Delion story so long as it is longer.

[Bianca Ventura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for providing my very first ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Overall, I liked the story the author was trying to tell. It was like a mix of Bridgerton, Twilight and Beauty & the Beast which I loved and is why I’m giving a solid 3 stars.

The beginning of the book did a really good job of setting the scene and providing the historical context in detail but I don’t find that continued throughout the book.

The story felt a bit rushed, especially towards the end which left me with a lot of questions and felt almost unfinished. I know it’s a fairly short book but I would have liked to read a bit more about Sebastian’s history with Amy in order to understand why she’s so vengeful.

It also felt like the chemistry between Gisella and Sebastian was fizzling as the story went on. I didn’t really feel the connection/passion between them as much as I would have expected. Spice level for me was a 2/5 but was well written so it was enjoyable to read.

Gisella and Sebastian’s story left me wanting more but a good read nonetheless.

[elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Reflections of Silence is a paranormal romance novella set in New Orleans. Gisella is a casket girl from France, sent by the king to be married off to an unknown man. She arrives in the strange, new world of New Orleans with barely any belongings and no idea what her new life will be like. In the middle of the night she is married to a mysterious man, Sebastian. Gisella quickly learns he is not what he seems.

This was a nice, short romance. There’s a dark and gothic atmosphere to the story, the author did a great job setting the scene. It’s fast paced, but done very well. I think this story could be better if the tension between Gisella and Sebastian was more drawn out. Be warned, there are a lot of long internal monologues. Overall I would definitely read more from this author. Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the advance reader copy!

[Rose Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely well written story. Does have some triggers, may not be for all. Full of drama, love, mystery, demons, wolves, witches, vampires, and so many twists. Gisella is sold to be a wife to Sebastian in the new world. All these women came from France as a casket girl. They all had different lives once in New Orleans. Sebastian is one of the walking dead who needs to feed at night. With his new wife's blood, he would never need to hunt again. All the characters in this story are captivating, strong, both bad and good. Has a great storyline/plot. Can't wait for book 2 to continue on with Sebastian's story plus Dolion's. Lots of action, danger and darkness here. Would recommend to others.

I received a free copy of this book via Sofia's Cowboy Romance Lovers and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has everything needed to make for an enjoyable read that you will not be able to put down. The pace is awesome and perfect for the flow of the story, the charcters are so real that you feel as though you know them and you want to be there for them and the story will not disappoint you, keeping you reading until the end. This book is a must read, no doubt about it.

[Kia · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars.

I started this book knowing I didn’t like historical themed books along with books that are heavy in smut, but I loved this book regardless. It was a little fast paced in the romance department but that really wasn’t a problem. I ended up loving the side characters more than the main characters somehow and the ending really tore me up but it’s definitely a quick read I would recommend to a friend. I did get Sebastian and Charleston confused in the first half 😭 for a little while.

Loved this more than those other trending booktok books.

[Kristen Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Well,better to beg for forgiveness than ask permission."

Rating :4/5

This was my first ARC as well as my first historical romance. I loved that the author gives the reader some context about background of the main character before starting the book. Not knowing what a casket girl was, and having that historical content made the book much easier to understand.

This book is an arranged marriage and paranormal romance trope. There are different aspects of the paranormal which include vampyres, witches, and even gargoyles(added bonus). There was smut and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Warning there is talks of biting and blood. Gisella, a young woman from france, is sold by her father to become a wife for a man in New Orleans. Sebastian is an immortal, with an interesting life. Together, they both learn how to make this marriage work, if it can work at all. Things are not as they seem, and mysterious events start occuring. The twists at the end were both shocking and heartbreaking.

I recommend this book to anyone who is diving into their paranormal/gothic romance era. The chapters are long, so just prepare yourself, but I promise they are worth it. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I can not wait to read the second part of the duet.

[Savannah (chapters_of_mayhem) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fast paced, paranormal retelling of the casket girls of France and New Orleans. It’s incredibly well written and flows nicely.

I appreciated the context at the beginning of the book as I had never heard of the casket girls and would have had zero idea without it.

As the story progresses it builds more paranormal and mystical entities. I wasn’t expecting the sheer amount of magical entities involved.

I loved Dolion and Minette. I was less invested in Gisella and Sebastian which was a shame given they’re the main couple. I don’t particularly like Insta-love but I can appreciate the need given the length and plot of the story.

If you love nuanced historical fiction with a healthy dash of paranormal romance then you will want to pick this up.

I received an arc of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.

[Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I had a wife to terrorize"




TLDR:
• ⭐⭐⭐I enjoyed the book and if someone told me they were reading it I would let them know I enjoyed it, but may not be quick to recommend it
•🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️Incredibly Explicit and lots of it. Not all of it adds to the plot but there is still a plot/spice balance
• I enjoyed the premise and the MMC, but the typos, messy phrasing, continuity issues, and the rushed meeting and conclusion left the book wanting
• I will likely read the second book when it is out

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Full Review:
Reflections of Silence by Raven Hush offers an intriguing premise, blending historical fiction with a vampire romance set against the backdrop of the casket girls arriving in New Orleans. However, while the concept is promising, the execution falls short in several areas.

The story follows Gisella, a young woman from France who quickly finds herself entangled with Sebastian, a dark, brooding vampire and her new sight-unseen husband. While Sebastian's mysterious persona is captivating, Gisella, unfortunately, comes across as a weak protagonist. She’s too willing to go along with events and never really stands up for herself, which makes her character feel less compelling and too passive for my taste.

One of the major drawbacks of the book is the pacing of the romance. Gisella and Sebastian's relationship develops almost instantly, with little time for the characters to get to know each other or for the me as the reader to feel the tension and build-up. The rushed development makes their love story a little less believable, and diminishes the potential emotional impact.

Moreover, the book is riddled with typos and continuity issues, such as characters changing positions abruptly without explanation. These errors, along with the rushed ending, make the narrative feel incomplete and disjointed. The final conflict, in particular, would have benefited from being drawn out more to provide a satisfying conclusion.

It seems as though the author was thinking faster than she could write, leading to moments where the narrative becomes unclear, leaving me confused about what exactly is happening. A more thorough edit could have smoothed out these rough edges and allowed the story to shine more brightly.

In summary, Reflections of Silence has a strong foundation with its atmospheric setting and intriguing male lead, (not to mention the frequent and exquisitely written spice) but it ultimately needs more development in both its characters and plot to reach its full potential. All of that being said, I will likely read the next duet as I found Sebastian and Dolion (supporting character) to be intriguing and the premise interesting enough to continue.

Reading Scale:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐I think about this book long after I've finished it. It left its mark and I would recommend this to anyone and everyone
⭐⭐⭐⭐ I loved this book and would absolutely recommend it
⭐⭐⭐ I enjoyed the book and if someone told me they were reading it I would let them know I enjoyed it, but may not be quick to recommend it
⭐⭐ I would not recommend this book and is someone said told me they were reading it I would give my honest opinion
⭐ DNF

Spice Scale
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️Incredibly Explicit and lots of it. So much so that there is little plot left
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️Incredibly Explicit and lots of it. Not all of it adds to the plot but there is still a plot/spice balance
🌶️🌶️🌶️Explicit and multiple instances. Most of the scenes weave into the plot and move the plot forward, though some may not
🌶️🌶️Intimate scenes but milder language. They add to the plot and are used as character development
🌶️Intimate scenes but mild language - just a step past closed door

The artwork in this review was created using AI image generation software.

[Joanne Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Reflections of Silence" is an enthralling historical romance with a dark, gothic twist. It transports readers to a world of shadows, secrets, and seductive danger. Set against the backdrop of the mysterious New World, this novel blends elements of supernatural intrigue with the complexities of love and identity.

The story begins with the protagonist's life being uprooted as she embarks on a journey to the New World. Alongside a group of women, she is crammed into the bowels of a ship, earning them the eerie nickname "Casket Girls" by the crew. These whispers suggest the girls are ghouls hidden below deck, but their true fear lies not in what they are rumored to be but in the fate that awaits them—a marriage arranged to a man shrouded in mystery.

From the moment the protagonist is whisked away from an abbey under the cover of darkness, her life takes a dramatic turn. Gone are the familiar sights of France, replaced by the wild, untamed landscape of her new home. The New World is portrayed as raw and uncivilized, a place that mirrors the chaotic turmoil she feels inside. Her new husband is an enigma, a man who remains hidden during the day, lives behind closed curtains, and maintains a household where the servants refuse to utter a word to her.

As the protagonist navigates this unsettling new life, the suspense builds, reaching a crescendo when she meets Sebastian. He is the catalyst that propels the story into a thrilling exploration of love, fear, and the supernatural. Sebastian’s presence is magnetic, and the chemistry between him and the protagonist is palpable. With his appearance, the protagonist discovers that the real monster may not be her husband but something far more personal and terrifying—the dark force she has carried with her across the ocean.

"Reflections of Silence" is a masterful blend of gothic horror and romance. The atmosphere is thick with tension, and the author's vivid descriptions create a sense of foreboding that permeates every page. The eerie silence of the protagonist's new home, the ever-present shadows, and the suffocating secrecy of the household contribute to a sense of isolation and fear. The slow unraveling of the protagonist's discovery is expertly paced, drawing readers into a web of intrigue that is both intoxicating and chilling.

The character development in "Reflections of Silence" is rich and complex. The protagonist is a compelling figure—vulnerable yet resilient, frightened but determined to uncover the truth. Her journey is one of self-discovery, as she grapples with the dark forces within her and the reality of her monstrous husband. Sebastian, the enigmatic love interest, is equally intriguing. He is portrayed with a blend of danger and allure, a character who embodies the fine line between savior and predator.

The themes of "Reflections of Silence" are deep and thought-provoking, exploring the nature of monstrosity, the duality of human nature, and the thin veneer that separates civilization from savagery. The novel challenges readers to question what it truly means to be a monster and whether the real terror lies in the unknown outside or the darkness within.

As the first book in the SILENT SENTINELS duet, "Reflections of Silence" sets the stage for an epic tale of love and survival. It is a stand-alone read, offering a satisfying conclusion while leaving enough mystery and anticipation for the continuation of the series. The spice and romance woven into the story add depth to the characters' relationships, making their interactions feel authentic and emotionally charged.

In conclusion, "Reflections of Silence" is a captivating read that will appeal to fans of gothic romance, historical fiction, and supernatural thrillers. Its atmospheric setting, compelling characters, and blend of horror and romance make it a standout novel that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned. Whether you're drawn to the allure of dark secrets, the complexity of human emotions, or the thrill of a love story set against a backdrop of danger, "Reflections of Silence" delivers on all fronts.

[Helena · Rating 2 out of 5]

This wasn't terrible, but it wasn't what I was expecting. There was no spark for me, it felt rushed and aimless at times and the spicyness / romance was really lacking.

PLOT:

Gella is sold by her father to become a casket girl, one of many girls sent from France / England to the new world to be married to men living in the colonies. Her husband is not as he seems and this is the story of how she adapts.


THOUGHTS:

- I had high hopes for this but I was quite disappointed. This is such a fascinating period of history and it could have been so cool! That said this did not do it for me. There seemed to be very little plot or real conflict so it just felt meandering and boring.

- The writing was fine but Gisella (Gella) annoyed me. She's constantly holding her thoughts back, stumbling over her responses and generally being awkward. Then when she finds out her husband is a vampire and drinks her blood, it's super chill with her. Sure she's freaked out by the painting but really she's handling everything SUPER well for someone who didn't know supernatural things existed. We also don't really get to see much of her personality or interests. I don't know what she looks like aside from her being slim and the same goes for Sebastian (we know he's hot, ripped, tall and has black eyes) but I never get to see them as actual people and not stereotypes / cardboard cutouts.

- THERE WAS NO CHEMISTRY. Maybe I'm being nitpicky here but I don't get this as a romance? Gella and Sebastian barely have anything in common, her being french adds nothing to the story and aside from lust I don't see why she "loves him, plus they've only been together for like a few weeks tops?

- Once Gella figures out that Sebastian is a vampire I thought things would pick up but they... Don't? The story just continues with them talking, meeting in the evening and some exposition, that's it then BOOM plot twist from Sebastian's past.

- the smut was not great! When I think of vampire romance, I think of books that are more explicit. This one was really tame, just some general descriptions and "euphoria form bloodsucking" / fading out to black in pleasure as per usual, nothing particularly spicy or interesting.

- I hated the whole Amy thing. It felt SUPER rushed and placed in the story to just create drama. Oooh she wants to destroy him from within. I get that but Sebastian's responses and the angst just made me lose interest and it felt so out of left field.

[Becca · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review: 2.5 / 5

The first in a paranormal romance, Reflections of Silence has a very Dracula-esque vibe to it. Based around the Casket Girls history from the 1700s, we get a small introduction to this within the prologue, which is essential to understanding Giselle’s story.

The writing was beautiful, almost poetic. It flowed wonderfully and was easy to read. However, my understanding of the plot and characters faltered about 50-60% of the way through, around the time Amy was reintroduced.

It’s such a short book, that we didn’t get much time with each of the characters to flesh out their stories, their personalities and their history. What we do learn is brief, and not in great detail. Due to this, I struggled to connect with the main characters. Particularly the villain, Amy. I have no idea what she was (this might have been purposefully ambiguous but it felt more like a missing plot point), I didn’t understand her motives fully (particularly around Sebastian and why he existed and what role she had in his past).

Sebastian is flawed, clearly has some trauma from his past and struggles with human interaction due to his nature but there is minimal development of this. By the end of the book, I am unsure if Giselle and Sebastian have a relationship at all. The majority of her time seems to be spent with Dolion and an unnamed character by the grave of Minette.

I feel like this book could be spectacular if longer, the characters were developed more fully (potentially with additional POVs from Sebastian to understand his past and how he came to be) and a deeper connection forged between the reader and the plot of this book.

I want to thank NetGalley and Raven Hush for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. The review is my own opinion and I have given this freely.

[Fedythereader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author and the publisher, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for sharing an ARC of this book with me!!

"Don't fight me, little hellion of a wife."

“I love.
A simple but powerful statement, and a fool's errand.
But we all wore that facade here.”

Really enjoyed this book. Dark paranormal romance that was very spicy and very intriguing and it’s perfect both to get out of a reading slump and read in one sitting!!! It’s engaging, entertaining and addicting and I fell for the main characters!!! We have arranged marriage, forced proximity, vampires, a bit of curses and war and a male main character who’s absolutely obsessed with her. Plus, you know me, when the “my wife” trope enters the room, I’m a puddle on the floor. I’m such a goner for it. And Sebastian here … he did it brilliantly!! I’m in love !!! Totally and absolutely!! It felt like a pretty short story so it was easy to read in one time and the writing style made the good easy to get into and not too hard to follow. Add to that the absolute gothic vibes of the castles and the enchanting characters’ dynamics and you have a great book to read before the spooky season !!! And the romance well … I do so love a morally grey, dark and brooding and obsessed and feral man … plus, he really knows what he is doing!! So there’s nothing I have to complain about !!!

“By every sin you feel too good, Gella.”

“I'll find you, Gella. Don't bother hiding.”

"Pain, need, pleasure. The three things 1 offer in my bed, Gella. I never asked your permission to marry. I never gave you those promises myself. But I promise you this, now. While ever I exist and you roam this place I will protect you. Wear my marks and you are mine. I'll give my immortal existence for you, Gella. Everything I am is yours. For you."

[Carrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

*ARC received from Netgalley - all opinions are my own*


TL;DR: A very dracula-esque historical romance with a true villain as the love interest. The first 60% is great but falls apart towards the end, becoming incredibly confusing in places. It’s short and sweet at around 200 pages but could have benefited from being longer. The first 60% would be 4-star but the last third drops it to 2 stars.

Read trigger warnings beforehand! This is a dark romance and the male love interest is definitely a “villain”. Serious dubcon among other themes inside so beware.

Review:
Reflections of Silence is very short at around 200 pages, but it tells its story relatively well despite its length. However, the ending definitely feels rushed, with certain points becoming confusing.

For most of the book, I was comfortably at a solid 4 stars. I was invested in Gisella and Sebastien's relationship and enjoyed seeing how it developed. I also liked watching Gisella become more comfortable with Sebastien's staff. I wish there had been more time for her to become part of their family and interact with them.

Things start to falter when Amy comes back into the story. That’s when everything starts to feel rushed and confusing. I found myself having to backtrack multiple times to make sense of what was happening, and honestly, I'm still a bit unsure about everything that went on in the last 50 or so pages. The rushed pace also diminishes the emotional impact of the ending, leaving me pretty unbothered about continuing with the series.

Overall, I would still recommend Reflections of Silence to someone who’s okay with a potentially shaky ending and is looking for a quick read.

[Read Sip Snack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reflections of Silence intrigued me when I saw the mention of the New Orleans Casket Girls. I was excited to see what she was going to do with the legend. And I admit that it started off pretty well. But while Gisella's character started off well, I can't say that I ever really warmed up to her. She's interesting, but she falls into the whole instalove/lust thing right away, and while the author tries to explain why Sebastian runs hot and cold, it falls a little flat for me. I loved some of the side characters more than the actual MCs - Dolion and Minette's story was actually much more romantic in some ways.
I also don't mind spice, but most of the spice centered around Sebastian feeding from her while they had sex. Again, not uncommon in vampire romance, but he seems to do it to excess, and we rarely see her eating or drinking. Or see him show much concern for that side of things. Especially the scene in the maze toward the end. That was a little too much on the side of brutality/violence for me.
Last, I wanted a little more of how their life might have been. But after the first part of the book moving more slowly (but in a good way), we get to the end and sort of race to the finish, and I was left a little unsatisfied.
If you enjoy historical fiction and paranormal/vampire romance, you will probably enjoy this book. I liked it, but I didn't like it enough to seek out book 2.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this novel.

[Haley Shina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I keep saying I don't read a lot of historical romance, but continue to read historical romance
The context of this story surrounding the Casket girls was actually a super cool idea to turn into a paranormal romance. I loved the note from the author giving that context, it made me appreciate the story much more.
The first half (maybe a little more) of this book was really enjoyable, you had world building (to understand time period), creepy gothic vibes, a likeable FMC Gisella, a mysterious hot man Sebastian and well written spice - all good things in my book.

I think it got a little sideways for me when all of these extra ancient beings were introduced, I guess I just wasn't expecting it to go that way and it seemed like they were introduced but not fully explained. I could get with Dolion because he was actually very vital to the story, the others seemed like extras that weren't really explained but there and were gone quickly once the action stopped.

The story between Dolion and Minette did gut me, the end of them just seemed very sad. And then the overall end didn't feel like it gave any closure to Gisella and Sebastian, it was too much of just a recap and not live scenes. I just didn't feel closure of their story before we moved on since this was Gisella's story. I am curious what would Sebastian's story would be since there is more there.

Thank you to the author and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need more!!! I absolutely DEVOURED this book - and as someone who has never heard of the Casket Girls, this ended up sending me down a huge rabbit hole of New Orleans history 🤯

We start off with Gisella's journey from Paris to New Orleans with her gaggle of girls to their new husbands who they have married by proxy,
Gisella find very quickly that there is a whole world of paranormal beings she has been living am0ngst and is married to.

This was a very fast paced story, which could easily be finished in one sitting. Personally I think that it could have been just a bit longer just to slow down some of the chapters as they almost felt too rushed - like the author knew what they wanted to write and just had to get it out quickly without going back and extrapolating more in detail what/how was happening (unless it was a spicy scene 🤭these were very detailed) This was also true for the ending which did have some surprise twists, but felt rushed. Just a warning too, this technically is a HEA, but like only half I guess.

I think there definitely needs to be another edit done on this book as there were a few distracting errors but I'm sure this will be rectified by the time the book comes out - it still made for a very fun read and steamy read, and I am very excited for the next book in this duet - bring on more Dilion!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily. Thank you to NetGalley and Raven Hush for the ARC.

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughts: This was a sensual vampire story based on an actual truth. The author explains the history behind “the casket girls” at the beginning of the story—women who were sold or kidnapped and sold in the colonies, specifically New Orleans and surrounding areas, to be brides. Gisella is one such woman, sold by her father. Rather than a wedding, she is married by proxy in the middle of the night by a nun then whisked away to a dark “castle” well-away from New Orleans. Then strange things start happening, and she learns the truth about her new husband. There are witches, a sorceress, vampires, and an adorable gargoyle.

This was exceptional story at the beginning. It caught my interest and pulled me in. But then the problems began. Midway through, there started to be issues with editing that only got worse as I kept reading. There were enough of them that they pulled me out of the story. And the ending was definitely not a HEA. It was kind of a downer. Actually, the whole thing kind of reminded me of the old gothic novels. Very dark all the way through. Oh, and be warned, there is some BDSM action in the story.

A better edit is definitely needed. And maybe a different ending. Recommended with caveats.

Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

[Zoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plot: 4/5📖
Spice: 4/5🌶️
Overall: 3/5⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley, Raven Hush, and Little Quail Press Publishing for my ARC of Reflections of Silence in exchange for an honest review.

"I have some mixed feelings about this book. I really wanted to love it, I really did. However, I think my taste in books has simply changing and that's okay! I also want to mention that I did not see that this is an ""erotic"" historical paranormal romance and so I was not prepared for that aspect. Am I mad about it? No, but it wasn't my favorite thing - to no fault of anyone but myself. "

"Let's start off with the fact that I did receive an unfinished eARC, so some of these criticisms may be ""fixed"", so-to-say, in the final published version. That being said, there were a few holes in the plot of the book that I feel were forgotten about because some things would be mentioned once throughout the whole book, but when they were mentioned, they were brought up with a note of importance to them. If it was important, why was it only briefly talked about and why did we never circle back around to it? Again, though, these may have been fixed in the final editing process before publication, so I'm intrigued to read again in a few days! "

The idea of the story really drew me in and the use of accurate historical themes and language were beautifully done. Sebastian and Dolion were both absolutely intriguing and I do hope to see more of Dolion in the second book!

[Linde D · Rating 4 out of 5]

"You'd know something of that by now surely, about your husband? You were beautifully naive"
.
3.7/⭐
3/🌶️
#netgalley arc
#vampire #paranormal #voodoo

This book beautifully set in time follows the story of one of "the cascet girls"
Young girls who were 'sold' to merry over seas. But she would never expect her husband to be exactly this
.
What i loved:

-timeframe/background
the setting of the story in chapter one is amazing
It's an historical fact but the way it is linked to the story and it's myths is amazingly done

-monsters
I like that there is more than one " monster " and that not every monster is actually bad

-smut
I really liked the way the smut had been written
It doesn't feel too much in the story and it feels natural, well a bit much for a virgin maybe

What i didn't love:
-Amy
I had to reread some parts where amy comes into play
I find her reasoning behind everything a bit difficult to understand
Also why was she on the ship on purpose i assume but how did she know ?
I miss info i'm afraid but it can still be part of book 2 ?

-to little pages
It was only 174p in my ebook version
Not to much
Couldn't it have taken a bit more ? I feel like the writer knew what she wanted to say but ran out of pages

Overal lovely book:
Would recommend if you like a dark romance with vampires and witches
Something shorter in-between

[Angharad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a review.

I had never read this author before, but her writing is sooooo deliciously spicy. I wasn't expecting the story to become erotica so quickly (within the first 20 pages or so), but it deftly captures the predator-prey dynamic that is frankly missing from most vampire books. This vampire has fangs and isn't afraid to use them. The vampire in question, Sebastian, is a complex, edgy character, and his over-the-top intensity sometimes made me laugh out loud. His POV chapters in particular were almost comical just because of HOW messed up he is. Yet for readers drawn to that type of intensity, this book is scorching hot from start to finish. Gisella is a bland protagonist, intentionally no doubt to let a reader project themselves onto her more easily.

The author, Raven Hush, has a wonderfully descriptive writing style that evokes a strong sense of place, and despite the small cast of characters (which works well for this type of erotica), they are all quite likable. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would enthusiastically recommend it to any Twilight fans who wished Edward had more bite to him.

[nic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me this ARC!

First off I LOVED the historical note at the start of the book. Any story that has come from something specifically inspired should do that- it’s so good.

I was so intrigued at the beginning- the setting and the historical notes of it all had me sucked in. I feel like the further we got into the story the further this drifted away which was a shame! It started out at a good pace then felt overwhelmingly fast.
There were moments throughout where things happened so quickly that I actually couldn’t make head nor tail of it. It would have done so much better to draw certain scenes out.

My favourite characters were actually Dolion and Minette- I would have read a spin off juat dedicated to those two. Gargoyle/Human romance… who knew that’s what I needed? Their romance was actually more believable than Gella and Sebastian’s which I feel was a little too rushed. I also have a bit of beef with Sebastian as I think he was a little too “it’s all about my pleasure” if you’re getting my drift.

I will say I loved all the mentions of the paranormal beings. I greedily wanted to know more about all of them.

Alas if you want a fast-paced and spicy paranormal romance. This one is for you!

[Jade Ford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reflections of silence is a romantasy novel featuring a vampire and the woman forced to marry him. Straight away, I got beauty and the beast vibes, although I've later realised that the author intended it to be representative of the "casquette girls" where woman were bought from France to marry. As this is only touched on in the opening chapters as a preclude to why she is going to stay with Sebastian, I didn't really consider it as a main feature, other than as an explanation as to why she accepted the relationship straight away, despite Sebastian's tastes.

I'm also more of a slow-burn fan when it comes to the enemies to lovers trope, but I felt that the romance was more instant between these two, which isn't a problem in itself but did affect my overall personal enjoyment of the novel.

There was an interesting twist in the end, and I did like the gargoyle character, but it was a little to late for me.

However, it did give good gothic vibes, especially with the description and not shying away from a vampire's true dark nature, so would be a good spooky Autumn read, if you enjoy your vampires with an actual bite, and don't mind the insta-love aspect.

I really appreciated the opportunity to read this arc and give my honest opinion.

[MarryAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot was interesting, but the delivery could be better. At some point I was more interested in the second characters than the main characters.

The FMC is a innocent, almost naive girl sent oversees by the royal family to marry into the New World. I liked the historical note at the beginning and it really gave everything context, which made the beginning more immersive.

I liked learning all the secrets alongside Gisella (very beautiful name btw) and see how she adapts to everything. What I didn't like as much was the insta-love. I just prefer them getting to know each other better first, preferably with a strong chemistry between them.

For me, it was an okay experience, I don't usually read historical fiction (this is a mix of historical and paranormal anyway), but I really think the book has great potential, it just needs to be refined a bit, maybe add more substance and explain everything a bit better instead of rushing to the end.

Disclaimer: I received a free e-book copy in exchange for my honest opinion

[Janice · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all: Thank you to NetGalley and the author for this ARC! Also, prior to reading I would say check the trigger warnings if that is something that concerns you with dark romance. Your mental health matters.. <3
The short story starts by introducing Gisella as she travels from France to Louisiana. She is traveling to meet her arranged husband-to-be. Up until this point, she had lived in a convent. When she arrives, she is married by proxy to her husband, with a nun standing in for him.
I will say Sebastian’s first chapter had me already loving him. But then again, I do love vampires… He had very distinct villain vibes and gave off the at least going to be morally gray aura, which had me excited.

Overall, it was a really interesting paranormal twist of the historical time and concept of casket girls. It isnt a long book, but it was a really interesting read. It flowed really well. It also gave off Beauty and the Beast vibes.

Stars - 3
Spice - 2.5

[Amanda Workman · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 out of 5 stars
Vampire. Casket Girls. Dark Paranormal Romance. Arranged Marriage. Historical Romance. Spicy.

Reflections of Silence starts with the history of the Casket Girls that came to Louisiana. The FMC is a purchased bride. The MMC is a strange man, who has pulled away from society. His property is full of secrets waiting to be uncovered. There is also a secondary couple that develops throughout the story as well.

This was my first historical romance novel. I loved that it brought some history to light but was not boring. This is also my 9th book from this writer. I am sure that explains just how much I love her writing. Her characters have so much character development. The storyline is also very well developed. I love that there is never a dull moment in this book. The steamy scenes could be a bit spicier for my taste, but I am just dirty that way. I look forward to seeing where the rest of this story goes.

[Summer Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

*BOOK REVIEW*
BOOK: Reflections of Silence
AUTHOR: Raven Hush
REVIEW: Gisella is a French Casket Girl and is sent to New Orleans to be an arranged bride to Sebastian. When she meets him for the first time, she mistakes him for a carriage driver. Little did she know, that was her husband, and her husband was a vampire. Sebastian has other women that he feeds from, but now that he has his sights set on Gisella, he doesn't want to feed on anyone but his new wife. This book was great! This book has it all: shifters, gargoyles, and wolves, he falls for her harder than she falls for him, plenty of spice, it takes place on a bayou, and it's a dark paranormal historical romance! I loved the dynamic between Gisella and Sebastian. Sebastian was swoon-worthy! The spice was on point, and the love that Gisella and Sebastian shared was perfection! I loved this book. It has this duet starting off strong! I can't wait to read the second part!
RATING: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Lea · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ✨ from me

I haven't really read anything historical and I am glad I started here.
While I think the ending was a bit rushed I really enjoyed this book a lot and want to read the next installment right away.

Vampires always gets me, I have probably seen any vampire movie that has been made so when I saw this book on Booksprout I just couldn't resist.

With references and inspiration taken from the Casket Girls, I really enjoyed the introduction as someone who didn't know much about the casket girls I appreciated the little facts we got before the story started.

I need someone to create a cool playlist for this so before books 2 comes out I can re read it and listen to some songs to match this vibe.

[chesirern · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reflections of Silence (Book 1 of Silent Sentinels) by Raven Hush is a historical paranormal romance novel. This was an interesting novel and something new that I have not read for awhile. I really enjoyed the historical part to it and the old world feel. It was loaded with paranormal creatures and chemistry between the main characters.

The novel explains the Casket girls and what it means. So it added a bit of lore and intrigue to the story before diving in. Sebastian has arranged for Giselle to be his bride in America. So she has to travel as a casket girl there. This book takes place in 1735 New Orleans and is loaded with paranormal creatures and secrets. There is also romance along the way.

I enjoyed this historical paranormal story. I can not wait to read more in this series.