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The Deathly Inheritance Duology #1
A Madness Unmade
Laurel Rumbroom is the sole living resident of the Underhallow, where dead moths have been showing up at the gates in neatly wrapped packages.
Since the institution of the Revenant Accords, which prohibits ghosts from freely haunting the country, the Rumbrooms have acted as Guardians to the ghosts seeking refuge at their sanctuary. But when Laurel’s father suddenly passes, leaving her orphaned, the Underhallow falls in danger of losing its sanctions.
Bewildered by the mysterious deliveries of dead moths, starting to question her grip on reality, and gradually realizing the precarious position of her home and the questionable circumstances surrounding her father’s death, Laurel begs the help of the Underhallow ghosts animated by her powers, struggling to come into her own and unmake her madness.
With humor, whimsy, and elements of gothic mystery, A Madness Unmade is the first book in the Victorian-inspired Deathly Inheritance Duology, perfect for fans of Charlie N. Holmberg and S.L. Prater.
Since the institution of the Revenant Accords, which prohibits ghosts from freely haunting the country, the Rumbrooms have acted as Guardians to the ghosts seeking refuge at their sanctuary. But when Laurel’s father suddenly passes, leaving her orphaned, the Underhallow falls in danger of losing its sanctions.
Bewildered by the mysterious deliveries of dead moths, starting to question her grip on reality, and gradually realizing the precarious position of her home and the questionable circumstances surrounding her father’s death, Laurel begs the help of the Underhallow ghosts animated by her powers, struggling to come into her own and unmake her madness.
With humor, whimsy, and elements of gothic mystery, A Madness Unmade is the first book in the Victorian-inspired Deathly Inheritance Duology, perfect for fans of Charlie N. Holmberg and S.L. Prater.
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2025
13 people are currently reading
1450 people want to read
About the author
Erin K. Larson-Burnett
3 books75 followersErin K. Larson-Burnett is an avid ink drinker who lives and breathes books. A professional copyeditor and proofreader since 2018, she has worked with authors across genres to polish their stories and help them shine.
Larson-Burnett's award-winning novels include the mythological fantasy The Bear & the Rose; the first book in a gaslamp fantasy duology, A Madness Unmade; and body-horror novella, Prickle. Her work blends whimsy and wonder with realistic depictions of mental illness, inspired equally by the writers she works with and the books she devours in her free time.
A proud homebody, Erin lives in Katy with her husband—yes, the gamer to her reader—and their two rescued furbabies, plus one very entitled tortoise. She comes from a big Texas family and never tires of playing board games or building Lego sets.
Larson-Burnett's award-winning novels include the mythological fantasy The Bear & the Rose; the first book in a gaslamp fantasy duology, A Madness Unmade; and body-horror novella, Prickle. Her work blends whimsy and wonder with realistic depictions of mental illness, inspired equally by the writers she works with and the books she devours in her free time.
A proud homebody, Erin lives in Katy with her husband—yes, the gamer to her reader—and their two rescued furbabies, plus one very entitled tortoise. She comes from a big Texas family and never tires of playing board games or building Lego sets.
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April 17, 2025
This story is about Laurel Persephone Rumbroom, an 18-year-old who suddenly becomes orphaned when her father mysteriously dies. She grew up in a place called the Underhallow, where she lives among ghosts. When she learns that the death of her father was not accidental, she makes it her priority to find who murdered him.
I found this story spot-on with the gothic mystery sub-genre. The writing pulls you right into the mood: a dark, dusty, and dreary world. The moths are what really make the story. There’s a lot of mystery and secrets within this world. Laurel is an innocent young lady who seems to have been protected by her father so much so that, upon his death, she becomes clueless as to who she is and what she needs to do. Mysterious things are given to her as clues to find her father. She’s wise enough to follow the clues to get the answers, making mistakes as a young adult would.
This was an enjoyable story. I did find there were quite a lot of non-essential filler within the earlier parts of the story, which dragged the story a bit. However, when the story picked up about halfway through, I was quite intrigued and couldn’t put the book down.
I found this story spot-on with the gothic mystery sub-genre. The writing pulls you right into the mood: a dark, dusty, and dreary world. The moths are what really make the story. There’s a lot of mystery and secrets within this world. Laurel is an innocent young lady who seems to have been protected by her father so much so that, upon his death, she becomes clueless as to who she is and what she needs to do. Mysterious things are given to her as clues to find her father. She’s wise enough to follow the clues to get the answers, making mistakes as a young adult would.
This was an enjoyable story. I did find there were quite a lot of non-essential filler within the earlier parts of the story, which dragged the story a bit. However, when the story picked up about halfway through, I was quite intrigued and couldn’t put the book down.
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February 8, 2025
AUTHOR'S NOTE
Several years ago, I had a full mental breakdown. I did not leave the house for months, I never knew what day it was, and even the smallest tasks overwhelmed me. We won't mention the bursting-into-tears-every-half-hour bit, nor the failure to shower when it was most sorely needed.
Okay, so there's the backstory in brief.
From this breakdown came the germ of an idea. I've always been fascinated by unreliable narrators (a character in a story whose credibility is compromised and whose account of events cannot be trusted), but I’ve often found their portrayals frustratingly one-note: they’re written off as naive, delusional, or suffering from some clear-cut, diagnosable form of “madness.”
I wanted to explore a different kind of unreliability, one born not from inherent instability but from circumstance. What happens to someone when their world shatters? When their mind becomes a storm of grief, fear, shame, overwhelm? How do they piece themselves together when their memories, emotions, and sense of self refuse to align?
In writing Laurel’s story, I wasn’t trying to answer these questions so much as give them space to exist. Laurel isn’t unreliable because she’s “mad.” She’s unreliable because she’s human—because trauma can warp the lens through which we see ourselves and the world.
I hope her journey resonates with anyone who’s ever felt like their mind betrayed them, anyone who’s struggled to make sense of themselves. Perhaps, in Laurel’s imperfections, you’ll find some reflection of your own strength and resilience.
Thank you for trusting her story, however messy it may be.
Several years ago, I had a full mental breakdown. I did not leave the house for months, I never knew what day it was, and even the smallest tasks overwhelmed me. We won't mention the bursting-into-tears-every-half-hour bit, nor the failure to shower when it was most sorely needed.
Okay, so there's the backstory in brief.
From this breakdown came the germ of an idea. I've always been fascinated by unreliable narrators (a character in a story whose credibility is compromised and whose account of events cannot be trusted), but I’ve often found their portrayals frustratingly one-note: they’re written off as naive, delusional, or suffering from some clear-cut, diagnosable form of “madness.”
I wanted to explore a different kind of unreliability, one born not from inherent instability but from circumstance. What happens to someone when their world shatters? When their mind becomes a storm of grief, fear, shame, overwhelm? How do they piece themselves together when their memories, emotions, and sense of self refuse to align?
In writing Laurel’s story, I wasn’t trying to answer these questions so much as give them space to exist. Laurel isn’t unreliable because she’s “mad.” She’s unreliable because she’s human—because trauma can warp the lens through which we see ourselves and the world.
I hope her journey resonates with anyone who’s ever felt like their mind betrayed them, anyone who’s struggled to make sense of themselves. Perhaps, in Laurel’s imperfections, you’ll find some reflection of your own strength and resilience.
Thank you for trusting her story, however messy it may be.
March 3, 2025
This is my first time reading E.K. Larson-Burnett and let me tell you it definitely won't be my last! I'm so thankful to have received an ARC of this book thank you so much E.K. Larson-Burnett and Pen Pal PR. One thing I loved about the book was the writing style it made me hooked from start to finish. This is a coming of age, found family book with an unreliable narrator and friendly ghosts that you fall in love with as the books go on. Also, it's in the setting of a dilapidated old manor and there are beautiful illustrations in the book I mean what's not to love. This is the first book in the duology, and I cannot wait to read the second one and see what's next for E.K. Larson-Burnett!
March 4, 2025
The first book in E.K. Larson-Burnett’s Deathly Inheritance duology, A Madness Unmade, is a refreshing take on magic, ghosts, and the world outside our own perceptions where the latter find refuge.
I read the Kindle version of this book, and was thrilled when I encountered illustrations at the chapter breaks, because they were the icing on a beautifully flavored cake. Each layer of this novel was richer and more interesting than the next: first there’s the barefoot heroine Lauren, and her cat Goose. Then there are the house-ghosts – spirits who take care of her daily needs, including her education – Master Godwin take a bow. And there’s also the dead moths that keep appearing at Lauren’s door.
The final layer of this cake is the world-building. When I read about the first moving portrait, I was worried that this series would be a Harry Potter ripoff, especially since the blurbs all refer to that series. I was pleased to find that the Underhallow and its surrounding village are original, and refreshingly so.
If anything, this novel is most like an Edward Gorey drawing come to life. In fact, the images in my head as I read this were eerily similar to the 1980’s animated opening to the PBS Mystery series – except instead of a swooning woman, there’s Madame Rathert trailing seawater.
I’m not sure I’d want to live (or be un-alive) in the world Larson-Burnett has created, but I definitely enjoyed the visit.
Goes well with: hot tea, lemon tarts, and gingerbread.
I read the Kindle version of this book, and was thrilled when I encountered illustrations at the chapter breaks, because they were the icing on a beautifully flavored cake. Each layer of this novel was richer and more interesting than the next: first there’s the barefoot heroine Lauren, and her cat Goose. Then there are the house-ghosts – spirits who take care of her daily needs, including her education – Master Godwin take a bow. And there’s also the dead moths that keep appearing at Lauren’s door.
The final layer of this cake is the world-building. When I read about the first moving portrait, I was worried that this series would be a Harry Potter ripoff, especially since the blurbs all refer to that series. I was pleased to find that the Underhallow and its surrounding village are original, and refreshingly so.
If anything, this novel is most like an Edward Gorey drawing come to life. In fact, the images in my head as I read this were eerily similar to the 1980’s animated opening to the PBS Mystery series – except instead of a swooning woman, there’s Madame Rathert trailing seawater.
I’m not sure I’d want to live (or be un-alive) in the world Larson-Burnett has created, but I definitely enjoyed the visit.
Goes well with: hot tea, lemon tarts, and gingerbread.
December 11, 2024
"Laurel Rumbroom was flawless when it came to the art of impersonating a corpse."
A Madness Unmade is the first book in the Deathly Inheritance duology by Erin K. Larson-Burnett. With the death of her father Laurel Rumbroom unexpectedly becomes the caretaker of the Underhallow. Not only is she expected to manage the household, but also be Guardian to the ghosts that seek sanctuary there. Battling mysterious deliveries and the circumstances surrounding her father's death is nothing compared to the internal battles in Laurel's mind. With her grasp on reality slipping more and more often, Laurel must trust in the ghosts of the Underhallow and in her own abilities to save herself and her father's legacy.
Larson-Burnett has breathed new life into gothic mystery. A Madness Unmade is filled with wit, eeriness, charm, unsettling imagery, and whimsy. Laurel is endearing and your heart will break for her as she falls further into her madness. Laurel struggles with agoraphobia, ADD, and anxiety. Her deteriorating mind makes her narration unreliable, and leaves you questioning what is real and what is not. It adds to the mystery and unsettling nature of the story.
Larson-Burnett has created such a unique world for this story. Her prose is beautifully written and filled with vibrancy. The Underhallow is filled with fantastic and disturbing ghosts who make excellent companions and adversaries for Laurel. The ghosts are equal parts creepy and lovely. The different types of ghosts and the afflictions they suffer even after death are compelling in a way I didn't expect. Anson, Maud, and Elder Gideon (with his leeches) were my personal favorites. The story ends on a surprising cliffhanger, and left me desperate for more! I absolutely cannot wait for the second part of this duology!! I can't recommend this story enough!!
"The paper fell away, and left in Laurel's palm was the same thing that had been delivered to the Underhallow's gate every week for the past few months. The same, but different; horrible, but beautiful; terrifying, but thrilling. A dead moth, and somehow she knew it was for her."
"Her mind- with its tendency toward emptiness in the face of responsibility- was the true complication. She was eternally on the brink of falling apart."
"Was her mind preserved in amber, temporarily rendering all its contents unreachable, or was all that was left an irreparably motheaten tapestry that crumbled at the slightest nudge from her subconscious?"
A Madness Unmade is the first book in the Deathly Inheritance duology by Erin K. Larson-Burnett. With the death of her father Laurel Rumbroom unexpectedly becomes the caretaker of the Underhallow. Not only is she expected to manage the household, but also be Guardian to the ghosts that seek sanctuary there. Battling mysterious deliveries and the circumstances surrounding her father's death is nothing compared to the internal battles in Laurel's mind. With her grasp on reality slipping more and more often, Laurel must trust in the ghosts of the Underhallow and in her own abilities to save herself and her father's legacy.
Larson-Burnett has breathed new life into gothic mystery. A Madness Unmade is filled with wit, eeriness, charm, unsettling imagery, and whimsy. Laurel is endearing and your heart will break for her as she falls further into her madness. Laurel struggles with agoraphobia, ADD, and anxiety. Her deteriorating mind makes her narration unreliable, and leaves you questioning what is real and what is not. It adds to the mystery and unsettling nature of the story.
Larson-Burnett has created such a unique world for this story. Her prose is beautifully written and filled with vibrancy. The Underhallow is filled with fantastic and disturbing ghosts who make excellent companions and adversaries for Laurel. The ghosts are equal parts creepy and lovely. The different types of ghosts and the afflictions they suffer even after death are compelling in a way I didn't expect. Anson, Maud, and Elder Gideon (with his leeches) were my personal favorites. The story ends on a surprising cliffhanger, and left me desperate for more! I absolutely cannot wait for the second part of this duology!! I can't recommend this story enough!!
"The paper fell away, and left in Laurel's palm was the same thing that had been delivered to the Underhallow's gate every week for the past few months. The same, but different; horrible, but beautiful; terrifying, but thrilling. A dead moth, and somehow she knew it was for her."
"Her mind- with its tendency toward emptiness in the face of responsibility- was the true complication. She was eternally on the brink of falling apart."
"Was her mind preserved in amber, temporarily rendering all its contents unreachable, or was all that was left an irreparably motheaten tapestry that crumbled at the slightest nudge from her subconscious?"
March 4, 2025
What a gorgeous and haunting novel by EK Larson-Burnett! A Madness Unmade is the story of Laurel Rumbroom, de facto Guardian of the Underhallow, sole living resident (including a cat), and orphan. Adrift and questioning her own sanity, Laurel embarks on a puzzle-filled quest: to uncover the truth around her father’s death, discover the meaning of the dead moths delivered to her, and how she fits into her own magic and role as Guardian of the ghosts seeking sanctuary at Underhallow.
Larson-Burnett does an amazing job of weaving a delicate lace of political intrigue, fantastical history, human yearning, our understanding of death and what-happens-next, plus a good old fashioned whodunit mystery. From a dusty and magical mansion to the incola who creates puzzles where there should be doors, I was swept into the Underhallow so gently that I lost track of reality every time I slipped into the book. Laurel is an amazingly engaging and sympathetic character, though she is as unreliable a narrator as Holden Caulfield was in The Catcher in the Rye. I wanted for Laurel - to come into her own, to feel whole and grounded, to learn the truth of her father’s death, to have joy. The intricacies of all the mysteries and puzzles within the Underhallow and A Madness Unmade are addictive, intriguing, and beguiling. Larson-Burnett’s descriptions of all the residents are so masterful that scenes played out in my mind like I was watching the most beautiful gothic film. Images and scenes from the book continue to replay in my mind, days after I have read them.
This world of the Underhallow, of Laurel Rumbroom, of Revenant Accords and ghost sanctums, is beautiful and haunting. It is both concrete and ephemeral, like an Edward Gorey illustration come to life. I am in love with the madness unmade.
I received an advance review copy for free from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.
Larson-Burnett does an amazing job of weaving a delicate lace of political intrigue, fantastical history, human yearning, our understanding of death and what-happens-next, plus a good old fashioned whodunit mystery. From a dusty and magical mansion to the incola who creates puzzles where there should be doors, I was swept into the Underhallow so gently that I lost track of reality every time I slipped into the book. Laurel is an amazingly engaging and sympathetic character, though she is as unreliable a narrator as Holden Caulfield was in The Catcher in the Rye. I wanted for Laurel - to come into her own, to feel whole and grounded, to learn the truth of her father’s death, to have joy. The intricacies of all the mysteries and puzzles within the Underhallow and A Madness Unmade are addictive, intriguing, and beguiling. Larson-Burnett’s descriptions of all the residents are so masterful that scenes played out in my mind like I was watching the most beautiful gothic film. Images and scenes from the book continue to replay in my mind, days after I have read them.
This world of the Underhallow, of Laurel Rumbroom, of Revenant Accords and ghost sanctums, is beautiful and haunting. It is both concrete and ephemeral, like an Edward Gorey illustration come to life. I am in love with the madness unmade.
I received an advance review copy for free from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.
February 23, 2025
Review to come! 🦋
(FINAL REVIEW:)
Just to preface this review with a note that I received an eARC through Larson-Burnett after helping reveal the cover with MTMC Tours and maybe after signing up myself for an eARC through the author’s socials . . . I can’t remember anymore (😅). Either way, this in no way influenced my reading experience nor review. 😊
This book screams “turn me into one of Tim Burton’s movies.” But seriously, I had the gothic themes of Corpse Bride in my head the entire time I was reading this even though these two have nothing else in common other than gothic elements. 🕯️
The story follow 18-year-old Laurel, the sole living resident in a manor filled with ghosts. She’s a bit spacey, optimistic, and overall sweet protagonist who cares for the ghosts who fill her everyday life. I especially loved her friendship with Maud and how these two, despite their “differences” still manage to be good friends without the ghostly one feeling too jealous of the living friend. I also liked how she cares for her ghostly pals enough to be scared of her blooming deathly magic to not want to be around them in case something goes haywire. 👻
The one thing that kept me questioning the entire book is how Laurel can physical touch the ghosts and why these ghosts have the ability to touch and move objects like they were still alive. I also want to know why a child was left in the care of ghosts in the in the first place with no one living thinking of going to get her. I’m sure it’ll be answered in the sequel, I’m just a nosey and impatient reader. 🤭
All in all, I still had a great time reading this and am excited to see where the sequel goes! Thank you again to MTMC Tours and Larson-Burnett for gifting me this eARC in exchange for an honest review! ❤️
Publication date: March 3!
Overall: 4.25/5 ⭐️
(FINAL REVIEW:)
Just to preface this review with a note that I received an eARC through Larson-Burnett after helping reveal the cover with MTMC Tours and maybe after signing up myself for an eARC through the author’s socials . . . I can’t remember anymore (😅). Either way, this in no way influenced my reading experience nor review. 😊
This book screams “turn me into one of Tim Burton’s movies.” But seriously, I had the gothic themes of Corpse Bride in my head the entire time I was reading this even though these two have nothing else in common other than gothic elements. 🕯️
The story follow 18-year-old Laurel, the sole living resident in a manor filled with ghosts. She’s a bit spacey, optimistic, and overall sweet protagonist who cares for the ghosts who fill her everyday life. I especially loved her friendship with Maud and how these two, despite their “differences” still manage to be good friends without the ghostly one feeling too jealous of the living friend. I also liked how she cares for her ghostly pals enough to be scared of her blooming deathly magic to not want to be around them in case something goes haywire. 👻
The one thing that kept me questioning the entire book is how Laurel can physical touch the ghosts and why these ghosts have the ability to touch and move objects like they were still alive. I also want to know why a child was left in the care of ghosts in the in the first place with no one living thinking of going to get her. I’m sure it’ll be answered in the sequel, I’m just a nosey and impatient reader. 🤭
All in all, I still had a great time reading this and am excited to see where the sequel goes! Thank you again to MTMC Tours and Larson-Burnett for gifting me this eARC in exchange for an honest review! ❤️
Publication date: March 3!
Overall: 4.25/5 ⭐️
March 29, 2025
Erin K. Larson-Burnett’s “A Madness Unmade” is a tour de force of dark fantasy and psychological depth, delivering an unforgettable story that is as haunting as it is beautiful. From the very first page, Larson-Burnett’s masterful prose and atmospheric storytelling draw readers into a richly imagined world teetering on the edge of chaos.
The pacing is pitch-perfect, expertly balancing moments of nail-biting tension with quieter, introspective passages that allow the characters’ inner worlds to shine. Every twist and revelation is skillfully timed, keeping readers on the edge of their seats while building toward a jaw-dropping finale that lingers long after the last page.
The characters are the heart and soul of this novel. Larson-Burnett crafts protagonists and antagonists who are equally compelling, their motivations layered and achingly human. The central character’s journey through madness, resilience, and self-discovery is deeply moving and resonates on both an emotional and philosophical level. The relationships, whether fraught with tension or brimming with unexpected tenderness, are as vivid as the world they inhabit.
Speaking of the world, the world-building in “A Madness Unmade” is breathtaking. Larson-Burnett creates a setting infused with dark magic, crumbling societies, and a pervasive sense of foreboding that feels both epic and intimate. The attention to detail is remarkable, making every locale and moment feel alive and steeped in history.
“A Madness Unmade” is an extraordinary achievement in fantasy fiction, a story that pushes boundaries while remaining deeply personal and profoundly affecting. Erin K. Larson-Burnett has delivered a masterpiece that deserves a place among the greats of the genre. Highly recommended for readers who crave dark, immersive tales with unforgettable characters and high emotional stakes. This is a must-read!
The pacing is pitch-perfect, expertly balancing moments of nail-biting tension with quieter, introspective passages that allow the characters’ inner worlds to shine. Every twist and revelation is skillfully timed, keeping readers on the edge of their seats while building toward a jaw-dropping finale that lingers long after the last page.
The characters are the heart and soul of this novel. Larson-Burnett crafts protagonists and antagonists who are equally compelling, their motivations layered and achingly human. The central character’s journey through madness, resilience, and self-discovery is deeply moving and resonates on both an emotional and philosophical level. The relationships, whether fraught with tension or brimming with unexpected tenderness, are as vivid as the world they inhabit.
Speaking of the world, the world-building in “A Madness Unmade” is breathtaking. Larson-Burnett creates a setting infused with dark magic, crumbling societies, and a pervasive sense of foreboding that feels both epic and intimate. The attention to detail is remarkable, making every locale and moment feel alive and steeped in history.
“A Madness Unmade” is an extraordinary achievement in fantasy fiction, a story that pushes boundaries while remaining deeply personal and profoundly affecting. Erin K. Larson-Burnett has delivered a masterpiece that deserves a place among the greats of the genre. Highly recommended for readers who crave dark, immersive tales with unforgettable characters and high emotional stakes. This is a must-read!
April 8, 2025
There are so many pieces that made this book a stunning read. Between the cover itself drawing me in, the illustrations at the chapter breaks, the elegant writing, and the pacing of the book - I couldn’t put it down. A Madness Unmade was a whole new look at magic and ghosts and how everything comes together and it was breathtaking.
The way Erin was able to make things moody but whimsical in a way was one of the top features for me and I think my brain might still be stuck within the halls of this book. I was utterly entranced by the characters and how they were crafted, each one such a unique piece to the story, with so many layers and facets to how they helped push the journey forward. The slow descent into madness that we watch the FMC struggle through makes me want to crawl into the pages and comfort her through all the struggles.
A Madness Unmade not only was a rollercoaster of emotions but it was haunting, and handled the FMCs journey through trauma and her grief beautifully.
The way Erin was able to make things moody but whimsical in a way was one of the top features for me and I think my brain might still be stuck within the halls of this book. I was utterly entranced by the characters and how they were crafted, each one such a unique piece to the story, with so many layers and facets to how they helped push the journey forward. The slow descent into madness that we watch the FMC struggle through makes me want to crawl into the pages and comfort her through all the struggles.
A Madness Unmade not only was a rollercoaster of emotions but it was haunting, and handled the FMCs journey through trauma and her grief beautifully.
March 4, 2025
This story is about an 18 year old girl named Laurel living on her own in a house filled with ghosts.
This story started out pretty slow paced and it was a little hard to follow, however it definitely picked up around halfway through. There were some questions that I feel are still unanswered and perhaps they will come back up in a sequel.
I did really enjoy how it was written, I’m a sucker for a gothic “the lead can speak with ghosts” vibe. I’m also always here for mental health rep, especially as someone who has had panic attacks before.
Thank you PenPalPR and author E.K. Larson Burnett for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 ⭐️’s
This story started out pretty slow paced and it was a little hard to follow, however it definitely picked up around halfway through. There were some questions that I feel are still unanswered and perhaps they will come back up in a sequel.
I did really enjoy how it was written, I’m a sucker for a gothic “the lead can speak with ghosts” vibe. I’m also always here for mental health rep, especially as someone who has had panic attacks before.
Thank you PenPalPR and author E.K. Larson Burnett for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 ⭐️’s
March 3, 2025
Death is not an end point as we delve into A Madness Unmade. A world where Laurel Persephone Rumbroom is the last advocate of the Underhallow, the last sanctum of the dead. Her spectral lingerers, be they friends or betrayers, help her through everyday life lessons and the macabre mystery of her father. Larson-Burnett uses humour, mystery and beautifully written imagery to tell this character driven gothic fantasy.
"Her madness had nearly unmade her."
Beautiful dichotomy between the depths of her madness and being aware as told through an unreliable narrator. Unexpected story and I can't wait to read the second book. I have questions and do not want to spoil for those that haven't read yet.
Found family
Mystery
Death
Gothic
Isolation
Supernatural
Mental Health
"Her madness had nearly unmade her."
Beautiful dichotomy between the depths of her madness and being aware as told through an unreliable narrator. Unexpected story and I can't wait to read the second book. I have questions and do not want to spoil for those that haven't read yet.
Found family
Mystery
Death
Gothic
Isolation
Supernatural
Mental Health
February 19, 2025
I won this book on Library Thing
I am only halfway through this book, but I am thoroughly enjoying it! The writing is smooth and has whimsy. Gliding through a clever story of an 18 year old girl and her resident ghosts. I hope the rest of the book is equally enjoyable!
YES! Good to the last drop. 😉
I am only halfway through this book, but I am thoroughly enjoying it! The writing is smooth and has whimsy. Gliding through a clever story of an 18 year old girl and her resident ghosts. I hope the rest of the book is equally enjoyable!
YES! Good to the last drop. 😉
May 28, 2025
I struggle to rate this one, truly.
I think 3.5 ⭐ is the score that best reflects how I feel. The writing's quality and originality is undeniable, but sadly I struggled through the story and felt disconnected at times.
☔☔
I'll address what didn't work for me first, as always. A premise: I'm a reader that needs things spelled out, it's my own limitation. Stories with unreliable narrators fascinate me, but as you can imagine they are a hit and miss for me. In those that worked for me, no matter how chaotic the surroundings got, the character's motivation always remained crystal clear. I could always understand why they reacted to things in a certain way, no matter how messed up their actions were, or how unhinged their (mental) state.
In this book, I experienced the opposite. The story was rarely confusing as it was told linearly, with clear boundaries between what's real and what's not. What I couldn't follow were Lauren's motivations. I spent a big portion of the book wondering "but why is she doing this?", and I have to admit it frustrated me.
And this leads to the second aspect that didn't work for me: the pacing.
I was invested in the main storylines involving the , but they got put aside for "side-quests" at the oddest time (in my opinion). Like, how can Laurel focus on such menial things with these looming threats? A single line of explanation would have been enough, but I felt I never got it.
I found myself skimming over the book's first half for this reason: as charming as the side characters were, I wasn't invested enough in them to prefer their stories over the main plot. I found the book's second half more balanced in such sense, but my confusion over Lauren's motives remained, and prevented me from connecting with her.
☀️☀️
Now, off to the good parts.
The writing first of all, which was rich and full of beautiful imagery. Extra points for taking the effort to write in a manner consistent with the historical period, which takes a lot of effort and research!
Apart from the high-quality writing, the book is so polished in its editing it reads like a mainstream title. And this is an advanced copy! Once again, incredible care on the author's behalf.
Though the story or the characters didn't steal my heart, they are original and creative.
I wish I had a better click with this one! The things that worked and didn't work for me evened out in the end, but it's a pity. I see a lot of potential in it, but sadly for me it didn't deliver all the way...
I think 3.5 ⭐ is the score that best reflects how I feel. The writing's quality and originality is undeniable, but sadly I struggled through the story and felt disconnected at times.
☔☔
I'll address what didn't work for me first, as always. A premise: I'm a reader that needs things spelled out, it's my own limitation. Stories with unreliable narrators fascinate me, but as you can imagine they are a hit and miss for me. In those that worked for me, no matter how chaotic the surroundings got, the character's motivation always remained crystal clear. I could always understand why they reacted to things in a certain way, no matter how messed up their actions were, or how unhinged their (mental) state.
In this book, I experienced the opposite. The story was rarely confusing as it was told linearly, with clear boundaries between what's real and what's not. What I couldn't follow were Lauren's motivations. I spent a big portion of the book wondering "but why is she doing this?", and I have to admit it frustrated me.
And this leads to the second aspect that didn't work for me: the pacing.
I was invested in the main storylines involving the , but they got put aside for "side-quests" at the oddest time (in my opinion). Like, how can Laurel focus on such menial things with these looming threats? A single line of explanation would have been enough, but I felt I never got it.
I found myself skimming over the book's first half for this reason: as charming as the side characters were, I wasn't invested enough in them to prefer their stories over the main plot. I found the book's second half more balanced in such sense, but my confusion over Lauren's motives remained, and prevented me from connecting with her.
☀️☀️
Now, off to the good parts.
The writing first of all, which was rich and full of beautiful imagery. Extra points for taking the effort to write in a manner consistent with the historical period, which takes a lot of effort and research!
Apart from the high-quality writing, the book is so polished in its editing it reads like a mainstream title. And this is an advanced copy! Once again, incredible care on the author's behalf.
Though the story or the characters didn't steal my heart, they are original and creative.
I wish I had a better click with this one! The things that worked and didn't work for me evened out in the end, but it's a pity. I see a lot of potential in it, but sadly for me it didn't deliver all the way...
March 3, 2025
A MADNESS UNMADE is chaotic and beautiful and just a down right pleasure to read. A playfulness similar to Haunted Mansion with a paranormal sentient house and ghosts galore, you'll devour this one trying to uncover the mystery. And don't worry, Erin delivers with her beautiful prose that acts as a character all on its own, bringing in a whole other dimension to this puzzling madness.
March 5, 2025
Initially drawn to the cover, then intrigued by the premise, by page five I was immersed in the magic of A MADNESS UNMADE: THE DEATHLY INHERITANCE DUOLOGY, BOOK ONE. Though there are elements reminiscent of books by authors like J.K. Rowling, V.E. Schwab, T.J. Klune, Ransom Riggs, plus some Haunted Mansion vibe, none of this story felt copy-cat-ish. Author E.K. Larson-Burnett managed to mix all the best magical morsels together and put her own inventive mark on A MADNESS UNMADE, creating a style all her own.
Laurel was “feeling as though she had been dunked in a goblet of champagne, dizzy and buzzing and alive.”
There are many subplots happening in A MADNESS UNMADE, but the teacher in me noted and enjoyed the underlying message of different people having different learning styles. While main-character Laurel’s first tutor is impatient and intolerant of Laurel’s struggles to learn what she must as Guardian of the Underhallow, when he gives up on her, it’s a gift. Laurel’s second tutor recognizes her challenges and adjusts his lessons accordingly. And she blooms! Seeing Laurel grow in her self-awareness, self-confidence, and self-acceptance is wonderful to watch unfold. The icing on the cake is that she has love and support from a group of caring ghosts!
The undead in A MADNESS UNMADE are, ironically, fully fleshed out characters. Add-in that because of Laurel’s magic, she can experience their touch and fully engage with them makes the storyline even more robust, and unique among most ghost stories. There is a wide cast of ghosts (Revenants), but at start of the book, there’s a helpful section titled, “The Rumbroom Family Ancestry” that helps keep Laurel’s family straight. (Though I think a family tree visual would have been easier for my learning style. Some relationships are unclear, and I wonder about Genevieve, Laurel’s great-great aunt, who’s never mentioned again. Hmmmm.)
“He towered before her, which would have been intimidating if not for his eyebrows lurching up and down with each word like waltzing black worms.”
In A MADNESS UNMADE, Larson-Burnett provides readers excellent world building and explanations about the mechanics of how the Revenant world operates. The writing and language are often humorous, and always delightful with cleverly crafted turns of phrase to immerse readers in the time period and tone of the setting. The illustrations sprinkled throughout the story are a welcome addition, too.
“She could no longer pansy-foot in the penumbral presence of its terror.”
Since this is the first book in a duology, I suspected there would be many questions left unanswered, and I wasn’t wrong. Tension ramps up considerably in the last quarter of the book, and readers are left alongside Laurel to puzzle out a whole lot of mysteries. And with the specter of the League for Revenant Reformation and Dissipators looming about, along with their ever-changing Revenant Accords, it feels like the clock is ticking on how much time is left for Laurel and her house full of ghosts to keep their peaceful existence.
“She was a blister rubbed raw, an exposed nerve in a storm of sharp things.”
*BRACE YOURSELF* I have no complaints about the editing. I read an ARC copy and it was pert near perfect. Anyone who follows my reviews knows it is a rare thing when I don’t find editing issues. My only grievance with A MADNESS UNMADE is that the second book isn’t ready NOW. Meanwhile, I’ll be buying a paperback copy so I can enjoy that cover and maybe revisit Laurel and her ghostly friends while I eagerly anticipate the next installment.
This full review also found on Hall Ways Blog.
Laurel was “feeling as though she had been dunked in a goblet of champagne, dizzy and buzzing and alive.”
There are many subplots happening in A MADNESS UNMADE, but the teacher in me noted and enjoyed the underlying message of different people having different learning styles. While main-character Laurel’s first tutor is impatient and intolerant of Laurel’s struggles to learn what she must as Guardian of the Underhallow, when he gives up on her, it’s a gift. Laurel’s second tutor recognizes her challenges and adjusts his lessons accordingly. And she blooms! Seeing Laurel grow in her self-awareness, self-confidence, and self-acceptance is wonderful to watch unfold. The icing on the cake is that she has love and support from a group of caring ghosts!
The undead in A MADNESS UNMADE are, ironically, fully fleshed out characters. Add-in that because of Laurel’s magic, she can experience their touch and fully engage with them makes the storyline even more robust, and unique among most ghost stories. There is a wide cast of ghosts (Revenants), but at start of the book, there’s a helpful section titled, “The Rumbroom Family Ancestry” that helps keep Laurel’s family straight. (Though I think a family tree visual would have been easier for my learning style. Some relationships are unclear, and I wonder about Genevieve, Laurel’s great-great aunt, who’s never mentioned again. Hmmmm.)
“He towered before her, which would have been intimidating if not for his eyebrows lurching up and down with each word like waltzing black worms.”
In A MADNESS UNMADE, Larson-Burnett provides readers excellent world building and explanations about the mechanics of how the Revenant world operates. The writing and language are often humorous, and always delightful with cleverly crafted turns of phrase to immerse readers in the time period and tone of the setting. The illustrations sprinkled throughout the story are a welcome addition, too.
“She could no longer pansy-foot in the penumbral presence of its terror.”
Since this is the first book in a duology, I suspected there would be many questions left unanswered, and I wasn’t wrong. Tension ramps up considerably in the last quarter of the book, and readers are left alongside Laurel to puzzle out a whole lot of mysteries. And with the specter of the League for Revenant Reformation and Dissipators looming about, along with their ever-changing Revenant Accords, it feels like the clock is ticking on how much time is left for Laurel and her house full of ghosts to keep their peaceful existence.
“She was a blister rubbed raw, an exposed nerve in a storm of sharp things.”
*BRACE YOURSELF* I have no complaints about the editing. I read an ARC copy and it was pert near perfect. Anyone who follows my reviews knows it is a rare thing when I don’t find editing issues. My only grievance with A MADNESS UNMADE is that the second book isn’t ready NOW. Meanwhile, I’ll be buying a paperback copy so I can enjoy that cover and maybe revisit Laurel and her ghostly friends while I eagerly anticipate the next installment.
This full review also found on Hall Ways Blog.
October 14, 2024
The first thing to notice is the victorian style of writing that brings out the joy of reading a book like this even more!
The strength of this book is the characters, they are all so distinct with memorable personalities and the way they exist or have been un-existed (since there are ghosts here) was all so interesting. Every action and decision was justified perfectly, none of it was out of place to surprise the reader and I will always appreciate a book that achieves this.
The story is so unique and interesting. And it kept me hooked by being so honest and fun. At a point I felt transported into the world and felt like I have actually seen everything in it with my eyes, for I was so immersed in the author’s vision.
I can’t wait to delve more in this world! This book was flawless for me!
The strength of this book is the characters, they are all so distinct with memorable personalities and the way they exist or have been un-existed (since there are ghosts here) was all so interesting. Every action and decision was justified perfectly, none of it was out of place to surprise the reader and I will always appreciate a book that achieves this.
The story is so unique and interesting. And it kept me hooked by being so honest and fun. At a point I felt transported into the world and felt like I have actually seen everything in it with my eyes, for I was so immersed in the author’s vision.
I can’t wait to delve more in this world! This book was flawless for me!
March 3, 2025
Laurel Rumbroom is the sole living resident of the Underhallow. Where dead moths have been showing up at the gates in neatly wrapped packages.
🦋 mental health rep
📦 18 yr old gifted scion
🦋found family
📦magical school
🦋friendly ghosts
📦mystery solving
🦋bloodline gifts
📦oddball characters
🦋coming-of-age
📦 lady of modern refinement
Review:
Word building masterfully crafted in this debut novel. One part mystery and another light hearted comedy. Laurel is finally of age and is left bewildered of her lineage, inheritance, and death moth…gifts. In her quest to find answers she is left with a cast of misfit ghosts to help her. Read to find out how her ‘found family’ devy their own deaths and unravel part of the mystery as she champions them to modernity while stuck in Victorian pretenses. This was a beautiful story of Laurel learning to accept her true talent and gifts.
🦋 mental health rep
📦 18 yr old gifted scion
🦋found family
📦magical school
🦋friendly ghosts
📦mystery solving
🦋bloodline gifts
📦oddball characters
🦋coming-of-age
📦 lady of modern refinement
Review:
Word building masterfully crafted in this debut novel. One part mystery and another light hearted comedy. Laurel is finally of age and is left bewildered of her lineage, inheritance, and death moth…gifts. In her quest to find answers she is left with a cast of misfit ghosts to help her. Read to find out how her ‘found family’ devy their own deaths and unravel part of the mystery as she champions them to modernity while stuck in Victorian pretenses. This was a beautiful story of Laurel learning to accept her true talent and gifts.
January 14, 2025
You know those books where you just fall into the story because the writing is so imaginative and the world-building is so good it just feels natural? This is one of those. Plus, it’s somehow both a light read while fully diving into themes of mental illness and all-encompassing grief. Also, that plot twist at the end + cliffhanger?? Pumped for the second book to continue on this adventure with Laurel, Maud, Anson, and Elder Gideon!
🍯🍋
🍯🍋
March 3, 2025
3.75 ⭐
Before I begin I want to thank the author, E. K. Larson-Burnett, for giving me this ARC.
I enjoyed reading, I really did. Was I confused the whole time about what was going on? Yes. Did I still like it? Yes. I really liked this concept and the sort of mystery vibes. I was 90% of the time extremely confused but I'll definitely read the next book because I have to know how it will continue
Before I begin I want to thank the author, E. K. Larson-Burnett, for giving me this ARC.
I enjoyed reading, I really did. Was I confused the whole time about what was going on? Yes. Did I still like it? Yes. I really liked this concept and the sort of mystery vibes. I was 90% of the time extremely confused but I'll definitely read the next book because I have to know how it will continue
March 3, 2025
I really enjoyed this unique story about guarding ghosts who aren't ready to move on. It has a very Alice in wonderland quality to it, with a bit of Harry Potter mixed in. It's whimsical with a touch of macabre, and a little mystery thrown in for good measure. The treatment of anxiety disorder is well done and empowering. The ending definitely left me wanting more so I can't wait for the second installment of this duology!
March 3, 2025
Honestly I think I was hesitant to read it as it’s usually not what I like to read. However, after I started reading it I realised how much fun and how interesting it is. I can’t wait for the second book so I can know what will happen to everybody, also LOVED the characters in this book. The writing in the book is unique and definitely caught me off guard at first, but I loved it nonetheless. Thank you for the opportunity of being an ARC reader. Loved the book and style of writing!
March 30, 2025
This was a book that I didn’t know if I was going to love but in reality I love it. The characters and the story was so fantastic. I simple love it and will definitely read more from this author
March 2, 2025
I wish I’d read this book as soon as I received the ARC: it’s the type of comforting read that you associate with the time around Christmas (must be the ghosts). After reading The Bear & the Rose and A Madness Unmade I can safely say that their greatest quality is achieving that whimsical wonder that only the fantasy books of childhood used to provide. Unusual main characters that embrace their true selves, a set of supporting characters that are well rounded despite not being the centre of attention, a plot that is so on par with the protagonist’s psyche that even what might seem like a dumb decision is really just logical, a richly constructed worldbuilding…the only fault I can find in this book is the corset metaphor.
As always, characters are the first means (after writing style) for me to understand if I’ll like a book or not. Laurel is a very unusual main character, as I said, but very relatable to all those who know the patterns of her behaviour, and all the more likeable because of it. She’s more of a ghost than the ghosts of the Underhallow, and a very tragic figure: her mind shattered after the death of her father, she’s left to piece her mind back together and to take care of the Underhallow and its residents. She never leaves the sanctum, her only ‘human’ contact is with ghosts, her mind is unreliable, her only excitement is provided by the parcels of dead moths from an unknown sender, she feels no need to change out of her too tight girl clothes, to wash herself, to clean the sanctum; she’s stuck in the past, with a gift she’s unable to use and a life she’s unable to live, a shell of a person. It’s almost comical to see how Maud, an actual ghost, has a mental breakdown because her death deprived her of feeling and growing and falling in love (did it though?). But it’s Laurel’s ability to feel that put her in her simultaneously apathetic and easily overwhelmed state, and that eventually will get her out of it.
The ghosts are the dead and un-beating heart of the Underhallow sanctum. They’re the reason for its existence, they’re Laurel’s responsibility and her only companions. Despite this, and despite the fact that she’s always lived with them, she has to get acquainted with them all over again, and therefore allows us to get acquainted with them as well. At the beginning Anson, Maud, Gideon, and her own ghostly relatives all feel a bit off through Laurel’s unreliable senses, but gradually acquire a more definite shape and character as Laurel’s mind sharpens and her own character seeps through her actions.
I feel like the worldbuilding for this story is so rich that this first book barely scraped the surface. I would seriously love a separate resource to better understand the entities that inhabit the Underhallow; we’ve got wandering ghosts, ghost that inhabit (?) paintings, statues, the structure of the house itself (was that a The Bear & The Rose reference, Master Warner?). I can only hope that Laurel’s understanding of her powers and her role as a Guardian will reveal more of it all. I really can’t wait for the next book.
I received an eARC of this book from the author and this represents my honest opinion.
As always, characters are the first means (after writing style) for me to understand if I’ll like a book or not. Laurel is a very unusual main character, as I said, but very relatable to all those who know the patterns of her behaviour, and all the more likeable because of it. She’s more of a ghost than the ghosts of the Underhallow, and a very tragic figure: her mind shattered after the death of her father, she’s left to piece her mind back together and to take care of the Underhallow and its residents. She never leaves the sanctum, her only ‘human’ contact is with ghosts, her mind is unreliable, her only excitement is provided by the parcels of dead moths from an unknown sender, she feels no need to change out of her too tight girl clothes, to wash herself, to clean the sanctum; she’s stuck in the past, with a gift she’s unable to use and a life she’s unable to live, a shell of a person. It’s almost comical to see how Maud, an actual ghost, has a mental breakdown because her death deprived her of feeling and growing and falling in love (did it though?). But it’s Laurel’s ability to feel that put her in her simultaneously apathetic and easily overwhelmed state, and that eventually will get her out of it.
The ghosts are the dead and un-beating heart of the Underhallow sanctum. They’re the reason for its existence, they’re Laurel’s responsibility and her only companions. Despite this, and despite the fact that she’s always lived with them, she has to get acquainted with them all over again, and therefore allows us to get acquainted with them as well. At the beginning Anson, Maud, Gideon, and her own ghostly relatives all feel a bit off through Laurel’s unreliable senses, but gradually acquire a more definite shape and character as Laurel’s mind sharpens and her own character seeps through her actions.
I feel like the worldbuilding for this story is so rich that this first book barely scraped the surface. I would seriously love a separate resource to better understand the entities that inhabit the Underhallow; we’ve got wandering ghosts, ghost that inhabit (?) paintings, statues, the structure of the house itself (was that a The Bear & The Rose reference, Master Warner?). I can only hope that Laurel’s understanding of her powers and her role as a Guardian will reveal more of it all. I really can’t wait for the next book.
I received an eARC of this book from the author and this represents my honest opinion.
March 4, 2025
A Gothically-vibed coming-of-age fantasy story.
A Madness Unmade is the first book in author E.K. Larson-Burnett’s compelling gothically-vibed Deathly Inheritance Duology, the tale of Laurel Persephone Rumbroom, the last Guardian of Underhallow, the only remaining sanctuary for ghosts who have yet to move on to their next situation. Orphaned as a young teen and left in the care of the ghosts who inhabit her home, Laurel’s 18th birthday arrives, and along with it, so do her dormant, untapped magical abilities and the responsibility to safeguard the ghostly residents of Underhallow, a duty she knew nothing about up to this point.
Laurel is an engaging and sympathetic character right from the start as one learns of her tragic and lonely backstory: her mother was gone from her life at an early age, orphaned upon the death of her father when she was only 13 and left in the care of the other residents (all of whom are dead) in her stately but crumbling home, Underhallow. Ghosts have been raising this child.Besides not leaving the house for the past five years (when her father passed), Laurel initially appears to be doing pretty well until you realize she’s not the child she seems to be, but going on 18 years old. Her birthday brings with it the revelation that the ghosts ultimately depend upon her for their continued existence, and she has absolutely no clue how to go about fulfilling her responsibilities to them as a Guardian and preventing the dissolution of Underhallow as the last Earthly sanctuary left for these revenant spirits to go.
The story opens as Laurel comes to realize that her difficulties in learning and retaining the information her tutor, Master Godwin, has been trying to impart for the past five years are due to more than her disinterest. The author’s descriptions and handling of Laurel’s issues with ADD, anxiety, and grief are well done, and those facing similar struggles will relate. The added impact of her burgeoning magical abilities is dramatic and frightening. Thankfully, she finds support from an unexpected ally.Laurel interacts with her ghostly caretakers as if they are human, as they can talk, touch, and move physical objects, unlike traditionally portrayed spirits. A number play critical roles in her life and fulfill duties similar to those they performed when living. There are some big personalities among the unalive who guide and assist Laurel, and their antics also serve to lighten the building tension. Laurel, too, displays a lot of empathy for the feelings of the undeparted, many of whom carry the circumstances of their death with them into this afterlife.
There are questions about Laurel’s father’s death and the regular delivery of small mysterious packages to puzzle out as well as becoming the Guardian, so Laurel turns to the only sources she has to solve them, the ghosts. Still, this first book of the duology concludes with some things yet unanswered, and I look forward to the answers in the next book.I recommend A MADNESS UNMADE to readers of young adult fantasy and coming-of-age stories, especially those with an interest in characters struggling with mental health issues.
March 3, 2025
A Madness Unmade by E.K Larson-Burnett
This was such a surprising read! I signed up for this ARC due to its cover, but I loved the story and the peppered illustrations even more.
Underhallow is a sanctum for revenants (a person who has returned from the dead), a place for them to address their unmet dreams and desires. There are multiple sanctums that are under the control of the League to ensure a proper balance between the living and the dead. The story follows Laurel Rumbroom, the guardian of the Underhallow and its sole living resident.
After the sudden passing of her father, Laurel has been trying to survive and take care of the manor with the help of her ghost friends. With her muddled memory and past and present blurring together, she has spent the last five years feeling worthless and adrift. She resigns herself to accept this fate until dead moths start showing up at the door. Suspicious circumstances surrounding her father's death start coming to light, and Laurel with her dedicated group of ghost friends come together to save Underhallow and its residents (both living and dead). But is saving everyone she holds dear as simple as it seems? With unknown threats looming ever closer, can Laurel save herself—let alone those she loves?
A light-hearted gothic mystery is a genre I haven’t read much, but after reading this book, I’m going to read more from this genre. I was captivated by the beautiful execution of the book and its plot. The mystery and light-heartedness were well-balanced. I was absorbed in it without any effort. The lush world-building with unusual charms and quirks was so refreshing. The dilapidated manor was a unique but fitting setting for the plot which added a delicate layer of depth to the story. The mystery is hard to guess because it is deeply shrouded and unravels one layer at a time.
Where do I even begin with the characters? Laurel was such a sweetheart. A confused, intelligent, emotionally brimming lovable duck (you’ll have to read the book to understand the reference). Her growth was so gradual and realistic (one step forward, two steps back) that I was surprised to find she had grown so much. We quite often don’t see the growth of people who we meet/ stay with regularly and the same happened to me for Laurel. When I realized how much she had grown, I couldn’t help but be proud and root more for her. The side characters, Anson, Maud, Elder Gideon, Vera, and Eudora are wonderful ghosts, with their charms and past, but I felt that they were a little centered around Laurel, rather than having their own lives.
Overall, I loved this book and enjoyed reading it. If you want something that is light-hearted but engaging then this book is for you.
Thank you Penpal PR for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a surprising read! I signed up for this ARC due to its cover, but I loved the story and the peppered illustrations even more.
Underhallow is a sanctum for revenants (a person who has returned from the dead), a place for them to address their unmet dreams and desires. There are multiple sanctums that are under the control of the League to ensure a proper balance between the living and the dead. The story follows Laurel Rumbroom, the guardian of the Underhallow and its sole living resident.
After the sudden passing of her father, Laurel has been trying to survive and take care of the manor with the help of her ghost friends. With her muddled memory and past and present blurring together, she has spent the last five years feeling worthless and adrift. She resigns herself to accept this fate until dead moths start showing up at the door. Suspicious circumstances surrounding her father's death start coming to light, and Laurel with her dedicated group of ghost friends come together to save Underhallow and its residents (both living and dead). But is saving everyone she holds dear as simple as it seems? With unknown threats looming ever closer, can Laurel save herself—let alone those she loves?
A light-hearted gothic mystery is a genre I haven’t read much, but after reading this book, I’m going to read more from this genre. I was captivated by the beautiful execution of the book and its plot. The mystery and light-heartedness were well-balanced. I was absorbed in it without any effort. The lush world-building with unusual charms and quirks was so refreshing. The dilapidated manor was a unique but fitting setting for the plot which added a delicate layer of depth to the story. The mystery is hard to guess because it is deeply shrouded and unravels one layer at a time.
Where do I even begin with the characters? Laurel was such a sweetheart. A confused, intelligent, emotionally brimming lovable duck (you’ll have to read the book to understand the reference). Her growth was so gradual and realistic (one step forward, two steps back) that I was surprised to find she had grown so much. We quite often don’t see the growth of people who we meet/ stay with regularly and the same happened to me for Laurel. When I realized how much she had grown, I couldn’t help but be proud and root more for her. The side characters, Anson, Maud, Elder Gideon, Vera, and Eudora are wonderful ghosts, with their charms and past, but I felt that they were a little centered around Laurel, rather than having their own lives.
Overall, I loved this book and enjoyed reading it. If you want something that is light-hearted but engaging then this book is for you.
Thank you Penpal PR for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 10, 2025
Rate : 5
Dead moths have been showing up at the gates of Underhallow, which is owned by Laurel Rumbroom, the only living soul there. The dead moths were neatly wrapped in packages. According to the law of the Revenant Accords, Rumbrooms act as Guardians for the ghosts who seeking refuge in their sanctuary.
Suddenly, Laurel's father passed away, leaving her alone without any knowledge and skill that she needed as a Guardian. Day by day, Underhallow crumbles, in danger of losing its sanctions. Amazed by the mysterious delivery of dead moths, she collects and taxidermies the moths and starts questioning the reality that she lives in. The key in only one, her father’s death. So, with the help of the Underhallow ghosts animated by her power, she investigates the mystery of her father’s death when she is still questioning her madness mind.
Gothic suspense mystery with a great story plot which makes you more curious chapter by chapter, and it captivates my mind. The story is high, heavy and deep gothic with semi-dark fantasy. The elements in the story are unique because of the combination between the paranormal and magic. As for the world building, even though the place is pretty limited, the place itself, like a combination of a labyrinth and puzzle in a dark Victorian vibe, makes the story more mysterious. Beware, there is something worse than death.
The entity and mind of Laurel herself is very mysterious. The way she is thinking is not the same as ordinary people. To help describe it, she thought in a unique way. I even wonder how her mind works. She is just like Hercule Poirot in Ghostbuster and feels a little bit of Scooby-Doo. Her mysterious mind and personality makes Laurel is one of my favorite FMC.
Unexpected plot twists and villains, of course, happen in the story. But because of this, the story has more mysterious suspense with the cliffhanger. The story actually has high potential to be made into Gothic Fantasy games on PC or Nintendo Switch. It really deserves it!!!
The only problem is, this story is also a high-Gothic fantasy and there are so many unfamiliar words because of the uniqueness of the world building that the author made. It would be nice if there was a glossary in the book and also a map to understand the events more in certain places in the story deeply.
Yes, I love this story so much! This book is definitely one of my favorite books in many years to come. I can’t wait to read the next one!
Dead moths have been showing up at the gates of Underhallow, which is owned by Laurel Rumbroom, the only living soul there. The dead moths were neatly wrapped in packages. According to the law of the Revenant Accords, Rumbrooms act as Guardians for the ghosts who seeking refuge in their sanctuary.
Suddenly, Laurel's father passed away, leaving her alone without any knowledge and skill that she needed as a Guardian. Day by day, Underhallow crumbles, in danger of losing its sanctions. Amazed by the mysterious delivery of dead moths, she collects and taxidermies the moths and starts questioning the reality that she lives in. The key in only one, her father’s death. So, with the help of the Underhallow ghosts animated by her power, she investigates the mystery of her father’s death when she is still questioning her madness mind.
Gothic suspense mystery with a great story plot which makes you more curious chapter by chapter, and it captivates my mind. The story is high, heavy and deep gothic with semi-dark fantasy. The elements in the story are unique because of the combination between the paranormal and magic. As for the world building, even though the place is pretty limited, the place itself, like a combination of a labyrinth and puzzle in a dark Victorian vibe, makes the story more mysterious. Beware, there is something worse than death.
The entity and mind of Laurel herself is very mysterious. The way she is thinking is not the same as ordinary people. To help describe it, she thought in a unique way. I even wonder how her mind works. She is just like Hercule Poirot in Ghostbuster and feels a little bit of Scooby-Doo. Her mysterious mind and personality makes Laurel is one of my favorite FMC.
Unexpected plot twists and villains, of course, happen in the story. But because of this, the story has more mysterious suspense with the cliffhanger. The story actually has high potential to be made into Gothic Fantasy games on PC or Nintendo Switch. It really deserves it!!!
The only problem is, this story is also a high-Gothic fantasy and there are so many unfamiliar words because of the uniqueness of the world building that the author made. It would be nice if there was a glossary in the book and also a map to understand the events more in certain places in the story deeply.
Yes, I love this story so much! This book is definitely one of my favorite books in many years to come. I can’t wait to read the next one!
April 17, 2025
E.K. Larson-Burnett's A Madness Unmade, the first volume of the Deathly Inheritance Duology, adeptly weaves a rich tapestry of magic, spectral intrigue, and the complex nature of family ties. Set within the cryptically enchanting confines of the Underhallow, we meet Laurel Rumbroom—a quirky, shoeless protagonist with a unique talent for connecting with ghosts who struggles with her role as the new Guardian following her father's mysterious passing.
The narrative grips from the start, introducing readers to a world governed by the Revenant Accords, which dictate the delicate balance between life and death. Larson-Burnett excels at blending witty dialogue with poignant moments as Laurel navigates a web of spectral politics, family expectations, and her insecurities. The characters are vividly drawn, especially the cast of ghosts that bring both humor and wisdom to Laurel's journey, creating a delightful yet haunting atmosphere.
As Laurel uncovers the truth surrounding her father’s demise and the implications of her newfound responsibilities, the pacing builds toward a climactic and introspective conclusion that leaves readers pondering the nature of existence. This novel is a fascinating mix of fantasy and emotional depth, exploring legacy, self-discovery, and the importance of connections beyond and across realms. Larson-Burnett has crafted a captivating start to what promises to be a remarkable duology, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment. It is highly recommended for fans of literary fantasy and character-driven stories.
The narrative grips from the start, introducing readers to a world governed by the Revenant Accords, which dictate the delicate balance between life and death. Larson-Burnett excels at blending witty dialogue with poignant moments as Laurel navigates a web of spectral politics, family expectations, and her insecurities. The characters are vividly drawn, especially the cast of ghosts that bring both humor and wisdom to Laurel's journey, creating a delightful yet haunting atmosphere.
As Laurel uncovers the truth surrounding her father’s demise and the implications of her newfound responsibilities, the pacing builds toward a climactic and introspective conclusion that leaves readers pondering the nature of existence. This novel is a fascinating mix of fantasy and emotional depth, exploring legacy, self-discovery, and the importance of connections beyond and across realms. Larson-Burnett has crafted a captivating start to what promises to be a remarkable duology, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment. It is highly recommended for fans of literary fantasy and character-driven stories.
August 1, 2025
Plot-3
Laurel "Lollie" is a young woman living among the dead with magic she doesnt fully understand. We learn quickly she has difficulty remembering the things she is taught and relies on the ghosts residing in the Underhallow for company. Laurel is the sole heir to the Rumbroom line and is wrapped in mystery. She starts to receive packaged moths at her gates and is thrust into a puzzle she must unveil. I felt a tad overwhelmed with the amount of detail at the beginning, but dont skip the family tree. In fact highlight because the family line is so well developed it helps progress the story.
Character Development-5
The author does a wonderful job creating not only a well rounded main character, but her supporting characters a full of life and relatable as well. I adored Lollie and wanted to scoop her up and take care of her and her spectral companions. I love a found family trope.
Writing/Editing-5
The writing style is eloquent and followd in the line of Victorian era feelings. I loved the lack of repetitive phrases (my biggest pet-peeve). All of the information was new and well thought out!
Personal Bias -4
Though I really enjoyed this book, it did take me a while to get into. I did also find it easy to forsee certain conclusions and would have liked a more fulfilling ending. The author set it up were I really do need to read the sequel!
Thank you to Erin K. Larson-Burnett for an ARC for an honest review!
Laurel "Lollie" is a young woman living among the dead with magic she doesnt fully understand. We learn quickly she has difficulty remembering the things she is taught and relies on the ghosts residing in the Underhallow for company. Laurel is the sole heir to the Rumbroom line and is wrapped in mystery. She starts to receive packaged moths at her gates and is thrust into a puzzle she must unveil. I felt a tad overwhelmed with the amount of detail at the beginning, but dont skip the family tree. In fact highlight because the family line is so well developed it helps progress the story.
Character Development-5
The author does a wonderful job creating not only a well rounded main character, but her supporting characters a full of life and relatable as well. I adored Lollie and wanted to scoop her up and take care of her and her spectral companions. I love a found family trope.
Writing/Editing-5
The writing style is eloquent and followd in the line of Victorian era feelings. I loved the lack of repetitive phrases (my biggest pet-peeve). All of the information was new and well thought out!
Personal Bias -4
Though I really enjoyed this book, it did take me a while to get into. I did also find it easy to forsee certain conclusions and would have liked a more fulfilling ending. The author set it up were I really do need to read the sequel!
Thank you to Erin K. Larson-Burnett for an ARC for an honest review!
March 5, 2025
Laurel Rumbroom is the last of her line after her father's untimely demise. She is also the sole living resident of the Underhallow, a sanctuary for ghosts not quite ready to fully shuffle off this mortal coil, and its last Guardian. The ghosts there tend to her needs and do their best to take care of her, and in return, she tries to take care of them. But deliveries of dead moths are telling her something isn't quite right. With her questionable mind and unwillingness to leave the grounds of Underhallow, what can she do to unravel the mystery and preserve the Underhallow?
Erin Larson-Burnett has given us an eerily whimsical world, populated with ghosts who can be kind, pompous, shy, rude, and frightening. Lauren is an unreliable narrator, by turns clear as a bell and lost in the fog of her own mind. She's struggling to take in the education Master Godwin tries to impress upon her, but she just can't quite hang onto the knowledge. I wanted to reach into the pages and hug her.
The author covers a lot in this book: mental health, political machinations, intrigue, found family, coming into one's own. It's all beautifully done, and I am so glad there's more to come in the second book of the duology! I can hardly wait to get my hands on the second one.
Erin Larson-Burnett has given us an eerily whimsical world, populated with ghosts who can be kind, pompous, shy, rude, and frightening. Lauren is an unreliable narrator, by turns clear as a bell and lost in the fog of her own mind. She's struggling to take in the education Master Godwin tries to impress upon her, but she just can't quite hang onto the knowledge. I wanted to reach into the pages and hug her.
The author covers a lot in this book: mental health, political machinations, intrigue, found family, coming into one's own. It's all beautifully done, and I am so glad there's more to come in the second book of the duology! I can hardly wait to get my hands on the second one.
April 17, 2025
E.K. Larson-Burnett's A Madness Unmade unveils a carefully crafted plot, seamlessly blending elements of the supernatural with the everyday struggles of adolescent youth. The setting of the Underhallow is vividly depicted, steeped in both enchantment and decay, providing a rich canvas for the unfolding drama. The manor, with its ghostly inhabitants and the somber weight of the Revenant Accords, becomes a character in its own right, each room echoing with the whispers of the past.
As Laurel endeavors to uncover the truths hidden within the walls of her ancestral home, the plot's pacing balances intrigue and revelation. The tension crescendos beautifully, leading to unforeseen encounters with spectral beings, cleverly designed conflicts, and an emotional climax that challenges Laurel’s perception of reality and her responsibility to the living and the dead.
The author skillfully integrates humor, often through the ghosts' antics, and disturbing moments that hint at horror. This balance invites readers to delve into a whimsical and severe world, exploring life, death, and the messiness of human emotions. The comedic and tragic intermingling enriches the atmosphere and propels the narrative forward. It was a fun, delightful read.
As Laurel endeavors to uncover the truths hidden within the walls of her ancestral home, the plot's pacing balances intrigue and revelation. The tension crescendos beautifully, leading to unforeseen encounters with spectral beings, cleverly designed conflicts, and an emotional climax that challenges Laurel’s perception of reality and her responsibility to the living and the dead.
The author skillfully integrates humor, often through the ghosts' antics, and disturbing moments that hint at horror. This balance invites readers to delve into a whimsical and severe world, exploring life, death, and the messiness of human emotions. The comedic and tragic intermingling enriches the atmosphere and propels the narrative forward. It was a fun, delightful read.
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