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The Rootbound Bride #1
The Archivist's Curse
Aldermere Hall has been waiting for her.
Elisabeth Hargrove knows this the way she knows water damage on a manuscript: not from the visible stain but from the buckle beneath it. She is an archivist. She reads what documents try to hide. And the sketchbook hidden in her satchel, left by a woman who vanished two centuries ago, is trying to hide something extraordinary.
She arrives at the crumbling estate to marry a man she has never met, a union arranged by a family that has been sending brides to this house for three hundred years. In the portrait gallery, eleven paintings show eleven women in the same dress, wearing the same impossible smile. The twelfth hook on the wall is waiting. The dress is aired and ready.
And the roses, hundreds of white roses that should not be blooming in late September, are warm to the touch.
The house is beautiful. Every account says so. Beautiful the way a jaw is beautiful when it opens.
Something ancient lives beneath Aldermere's roots. It has consumed every bride who came before, and it learns from each woman it takes. It has been learning for a very long time.
Elisabeth is the twelfth bride. She has come with a plan and a sketchbook full of warnings. She has the clinical focus of a woman who has traded everything legible in her life for the chance to read something no one else can. But Aldermere has plans of its own. And the house has never lost a bride it wanted to keep.
A gothic romantic fantasy about a sentient estate and the woman sent to break its three-hundred-year curse. If it doesn't break her first.
For readers of Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Katherine Arden, and Naomi Novik. Fans of Mexican Gothic, Uprooted, and Rebecca will feel at home. If "home" is a house that watches you sleep.
Elisabeth Hargrove knows this the way she knows water damage on a manuscript: not from the visible stain but from the buckle beneath it. She is an archivist. She reads what documents try to hide. And the sketchbook hidden in her satchel, left by a woman who vanished two centuries ago, is trying to hide something extraordinary.
She arrives at the crumbling estate to marry a man she has never met, a union arranged by a family that has been sending brides to this house for three hundred years. In the portrait gallery, eleven paintings show eleven women in the same dress, wearing the same impossible smile. The twelfth hook on the wall is waiting. The dress is aired and ready.
And the roses, hundreds of white roses that should not be blooming in late September, are warm to the touch.
The house is beautiful. Every account says so. Beautiful the way a jaw is beautiful when it opens.
Something ancient lives beneath Aldermere's roots. It has consumed every bride who came before, and it learns from each woman it takes. It has been learning for a very long time.
Elisabeth is the twelfth bride. She has come with a plan and a sketchbook full of warnings. She has the clinical focus of a woman who has traded everything legible in her life for the chance to read something no one else can. But Aldermere has plans of its own. And the house has never lost a bride it wanted to keep.
A gothic romantic fantasy about a sentient estate and the woman sent to break its three-hundred-year curse. If it doesn't break her first.
For readers of Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Katherine Arden, and Naomi Novik. Fans of Mexican Gothic, Uprooted, and Rebecca will feel at home. If "home" is a house that watches you sleep.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2026
About the author
Luna Asli Kolcu
12 books125 followersI write nightmares people can enjoy and dreams with teeth.
Horror, fantasy, and whatever lives where they blur. Stories about grief, memory, identity, and love that refuses to die quietly.
I grew up between Anatolia, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and the steppes. Old places. My writing comes from there too. Myths and half-remembered legends.
Born and raised in Istanbul, studied in London. Now I live in a 17th-century stone farmhouse in rural Catalonia with the love of my life (who is an amazing artist), my kids, five dogs, a deeply judgmental cat named Galadriel who supervises every draft.
Horror, fantasy, and whatever lives where they blur. Stories about grief, memory, identity, and love that refuses to die quietly.
I grew up between Anatolia, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and the steppes. Old places. My writing comes from there too. Myths and half-remembered legends.
Born and raised in Istanbul, studied in London. Now I live in a 17th-century stone farmhouse in rural Catalonia with the love of my life (who is an amazing artist), my kids, five dogs, a deeply judgmental cat named Galadriel who supervises every draft.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 8, 2026
4.5☆
Intrigue. Kolcu has crafted a series full of gothic intrigue. Her writing is poetic with descriptions unlike any other writer. Kolcu's words pull the reader in while at the same time lulling the senses.
The Archivist's Curse is the first book in The Rootbound Bride series. I recommend reading the prequel, The Fifth Bride, before reading this novel. It isn't absolutely necessary but it may make the reader's understanding of events more clear.
It seems strange that the series begins at the end, with the twelfth bride. I am hopeful that it will all make sense as the series progresses.
Elizabeth Hargrove Sedgewick and her husband, Matthew, go about trying to end the process of Hargrove brides being absorbed into the entity living within the Aldemere estate. With the attention to detail that Elizabeth possess as an archivist, and Matthew's steadfast support, they discover what the previous brides taught the entity. They also learn how they might stop the entity from consuming Elizabeth.
Themes of love, understanding and acceptance run throughout. The lesson is learning how to love without consuming. The love between a previous bride, Cicely, and Alfie, the gardener, is experienced in a heartbreaking scene. Kolcu was able to make this reader, who rarely cries, weep. That is the power of Kolcu's words.
Favorite Quote:
"She told me you don't leave people just because staying is frightening. You leave when staying stops being worth it."
Polly
Intrigue. Kolcu has crafted a series full of gothic intrigue. Her writing is poetic with descriptions unlike any other writer. Kolcu's words pull the reader in while at the same time lulling the senses.
The Archivist's Curse is the first book in The Rootbound Bride series. I recommend reading the prequel, The Fifth Bride, before reading this novel. It isn't absolutely necessary but it may make the reader's understanding of events more clear.
It seems strange that the series begins at the end, with the twelfth bride. I am hopeful that it will all make sense as the series progresses.
Elizabeth Hargrove Sedgewick and her husband, Matthew, go about trying to end the process of Hargrove brides being absorbed into the entity living within the Aldemere estate. With the attention to detail that Elizabeth possess as an archivist, and Matthew's steadfast support, they discover what the previous brides taught the entity. They also learn how they might stop the entity from consuming Elizabeth.
Themes of love, understanding and acceptance run throughout. The lesson is learning how to love without consuming. The love between a previous bride, Cicely, and Alfie, the gardener, is experienced in a heartbreaking scene. Kolcu was able to make this reader, who rarely cries, weep. That is the power of Kolcu's words.
Favorite Quote:
"She told me you don't leave people just because staying is frightening. You leave when staying stops being worth it."
Polly
April 3, 2026
A very dark and immersive read, this is quite a deep read its a book you will need to follow as it has alot of details that you need to follow. I really felt like i didnt want to rush this read i found myself savouring the chapters and it worked as a book where you can escape into the darkness. you almost feel submerged with this book and you feel the darkness .
Elisabeth knows what shes signing up for when she marries somebody but its not quite what she realises, its a whole lot more than that.
The beautiful roses, the sickly smell, the old house and the portraits with the 11 brides with eyes following her in the room. The wedding dress that shapes her and she can feel the kindred spirits from the times before.
The stand offish house keeper , who just regards her as another bride to add to the list.
There is alot in this house to discover how this curse really works and its so unique in its writing as most books are written from a horrror perpsective where as in this book it doesnt.
Its dark and eerie and you feel trapped day to day with Elisabeth they just want to solve the issue.
An interesting read where characters and history come together to understand why. Thanks to booksirens for this advanced reader copy.
Elisabeth knows what shes signing up for when she marries somebody but its not quite what she realises, its a whole lot more than that.
The beautiful roses, the sickly smell, the old house and the portraits with the 11 brides with eyes following her in the room. The wedding dress that shapes her and she can feel the kindred spirits from the times before.
The stand offish house keeper , who just regards her as another bride to add to the list.
There is alot in this house to discover how this curse really works and its so unique in its writing as most books are written from a horrror perpsective where as in this book it doesnt.
Its dark and eerie and you feel trapped day to day with Elisabeth they just want to solve the issue.
An interesting read where characters and history come together to understand why. Thanks to booksirens for this advanced reader copy.
April 15, 2026
How did I not write a review for this????
I. LOVED. THIS. SO. MUCH.
4.75/5 (0.25 taken out for mildly descriptive open-door scene). I rounded down because I couldn’t give 5 stars for something I didn’t love entirely.
Content Warnings:
Spice: 2.75/5
- All between a married couple.
- one mildly descriptive open-door scene at the end. There may have been a second one that wasn’t as passionate but I don’t remember exactly.
- mentions of sleeping together
- noticing each other
- Kissing
Cussing: None
Violence: 1.5/5
- Tbh it was more creepy than violent. The house absorbed/ate people. But that’s what made it so incredibly different from any other book I’ve read. I loved it.
Heavy content: 1.5/5
- Death
- grieving loss of loved ones
LGBTQ: None
Nudity: 1.5/5
- None besides the open-door scene
Honestly it was a really clean book besides that one scene.
THIS BOOK WAS CAPTIVATING. 🔥 I hadn’t read a book that kept me up late on a school night in a whiiiile. That’s how intriguing the storyline was. Everything about this book drew me in. The characters were so down to earth. And the forbidden romance was painfully beautiful. Like so well written it hurt.
I’d never heard of this author before, but will definitely be continuing the Rootbound Brides series. From what I’ve heard, the other books follow the other previous brides. They sound clean minus like one open-door scene. I’ll write a review when I read the next one.
READ THIS BOOK. GO. RIGHT NOW.
I. LOVED. THIS. SO. MUCH.
4.75/5 (0.25 taken out for mildly descriptive open-door scene). I rounded down because I couldn’t give 5 stars for something I didn’t love entirely.
Content Warnings:
Spice: 2.75/5
- All between a married couple.
- one mildly descriptive open-door scene at the end. There may have been a second one that wasn’t as passionate but I don’t remember exactly.
- mentions of sleeping together
- noticing each other
- Kissing
Cussing: None
Violence: 1.5/5
- Tbh it was more creepy than violent. The house absorbed/ate people. But that’s what made it so incredibly different from any other book I’ve read. I loved it.
Heavy content: 1.5/5
- Death
- grieving loss of loved ones
LGBTQ: None
Nudity: 1.5/5
- None besides the open-door scene
Honestly it was a really clean book besides that one scene.
THIS BOOK WAS CAPTIVATING. 🔥 I hadn’t read a book that kept me up late on a school night in a whiiiile. That’s how intriguing the storyline was. Everything about this book drew me in. The characters were so down to earth. And the forbidden romance was painfully beautiful. Like so well written it hurt.
I’d never heard of this author before, but will definitely be continuing the Rootbound Brides series. From what I’ve heard, the other books follow the other previous brides. They sound clean minus like one open-door scene. I’ll write a review when I read the next one.
READ THIS BOOK. GO. RIGHT NOW.
April 5, 2026
4 ⭐️
"The terrible thing is not that it takes us. The terrible thing is that it asks first, and we say yes, and we mean it."
The Archivist's Curse is a haunting, disturbing, probing tale about two different families bound by a land curse that has consumed the consciences of 11 brides over the course of 300 years. This story follows Elisabeth, the 12th and seemingly final bride and an archivist deeply dedicated to her profession, and Matthew, the groom and heir of Aldermere, the sentient property on which the curse resides. Elisabeth and Matthew, while denying their growing feelings for one another, work together to find a way to break the curse before the entity claims Elisabeth in a short period of time.
Some parts of the beginning of this book were so casually and politely terrifying that it sent chills down my spine. Faces in the flowers, living portraits and a house that warms like you're constantly living in the belly of a beast are only a few of the horrors you'll encounter.
As usual, Luna Asli Kolcu's writing is beautiful, poetic, introspective and immersive. This story was deeply unusual, and I was fascinated by the concept of a paranormal entity that wasn't exactly malicious but simply longed for connection and lured its victims in by mirroring a type of courtship (which honestly feels more monstrous somehow).
Elisabeth's cold, methodical way of interacting and her inability to admit she might not have all the answers frustrated me immensely at times and at some points felt redundant. However, I can appreciate that she never broke character; this book is rich in lingo that is specific to Elisabeth's brand of expertise.
Matthew, on the other hand, is an immediately likable character almost from his first introduction, with his quietly, attentive care he shows aloof Elisabeth. Their love story takes a backseat to the greater plot here, but it unfolds in the most tender, delicious and authentic of slow burns and culminated in a scene that almost brought tears to my eyes for knowing what they had to suffer to reach that point.
This tale isn't so much about two people battling an age-old curse as it is about the lessons all three, including the entity, learn along the way - about love, possession, trust, and the willingness to just be in someone else's orbit without asking for anything in return. No character comes away unchanged from this experience, the reader included.
This story and these characters are complex; this is a book you’ll need to sit with, ponder and digest slowly. Because what you come away with may just reveal more to you about yourself than the story itself.
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion, and I'm leaving it voluntarily.
"The terrible thing is not that it takes us. The terrible thing is that it asks first, and we say yes, and we mean it."
The Archivist's Curse is a haunting, disturbing, probing tale about two different families bound by a land curse that has consumed the consciences of 11 brides over the course of 300 years. This story follows Elisabeth, the 12th and seemingly final bride and an archivist deeply dedicated to her profession, and Matthew, the groom and heir of Aldermere, the sentient property on which the curse resides. Elisabeth and Matthew, while denying their growing feelings for one another, work together to find a way to break the curse before the entity claims Elisabeth in a short period of time.
Some parts of the beginning of this book were so casually and politely terrifying that it sent chills down my spine. Faces in the flowers, living portraits and a house that warms like you're constantly living in the belly of a beast are only a few of the horrors you'll encounter.
As usual, Luna Asli Kolcu's writing is beautiful, poetic, introspective and immersive. This story was deeply unusual, and I was fascinated by the concept of a paranormal entity that wasn't exactly malicious but simply longed for connection and lured its victims in by mirroring a type of courtship (which honestly feels more monstrous somehow).
Elisabeth's cold, methodical way of interacting and her inability to admit she might not have all the answers frustrated me immensely at times and at some points felt redundant. However, I can appreciate that she never broke character; this book is rich in lingo that is specific to Elisabeth's brand of expertise.
Matthew, on the other hand, is an immediately likable character almost from his first introduction, with his quietly, attentive care he shows aloof Elisabeth. Their love story takes a backseat to the greater plot here, but it unfolds in the most tender, delicious and authentic of slow burns and culminated in a scene that almost brought tears to my eyes for knowing what they had to suffer to reach that point.
This tale isn't so much about two people battling an age-old curse as it is about the lessons all three, including the entity, learn along the way - about love, possession, trust, and the willingness to just be in someone else's orbit without asking for anything in return. No character comes away unchanged from this experience, the reader included.
This story and these characters are complex; this is a book you’ll need to sit with, ponder and digest slowly. Because what you come away with may just reveal more to you about yourself than the story itself.
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion, and I'm leaving it voluntarily.
April 2, 2026
The Archivist’s Curse, by Luna Asli Kolcu, is classified as fantasy, dark, and horror, but it is not gory or scary at all. It is more like haunting and sad, but it has more of a lingering quality to it, like it sticks with you even when you set it down. The writing is what really grabbed my attention. It is very atmospheric and poetic, and it is the kind of writing that you want to take your time with and actually read. One of my favorite quotes from this book is: “Where do readings go when the book is closes? Into the reader, into the memory of the reading.” This is exactly what it felt like, like it stayed with you, especially if you take your time to actually sit down and read it. Another one of my favorite quotes from this book is: “Through the glass, the garden at dusk was a map of awareness, the maze darker, denser, the yew hedges drawing the evening into their leaves as lungs draw breath.” While more descriptive, it is more like it sets a mood than it is like it is actually describing something. Overall, it is not exactly a fast-paced book, nor is it exactly scary, but it is very well-written and has a haunting quality to it. If you like more contemplative types of stories, then this is one to pick up. As I wait for my next read, I'll be “waiting as a reader who waits for a book: with appetite’!.
March 26, 2026
A very entertaining read and very descriptive. The mystery of the brides will be unraveled as we follow bride number 12 as she follows all the clues.
April 14, 2026
Thanks to the author, Luna Asli Kolcu, for the review copy!
This book ticked a lot of my boxes: gothic, horror, dark romance... but I had some trouble with it. I think my trouble was with my strong dislike for the main character, Elisabeth. What could charitably be called her "confidence" often hurtled over the line to arrogance, in my opinion. I felt that her high opinion of herself (coupled with her low opinion of everyone else) hindered the progression of the story; when the plot would have progressed and another part of the mystery brought to light her aloofness directly hid her way forward, OR (even worse) she saw a path to progression and balked because it was beneath her. It was frustrating and I sort of feel like she should have realized the answer to her mystery when it was too late.
The reason I have so much trouble with her pridefulness (which is admittedly often a vehicle for growth in this genre) is that she was constantly talking about how being an archivist made her good at observation (nevermind that observational trick she does that is physically impossible, such as a human being able to discern a change of one degree) and comparing her profession to that of a scientist, but then saying things like I honestly wonder if my objection is simply pride on my part, but I urge the author to re-examine such relationships.
While reading I also noted the logic felt contrived, unnatural, as if Kolcu was herself, and making logical assumptions that did not follow each other. I found parts of the story rather confusing, and several places I believe there could have been less dialogue (really the MC talking at, rather than to, other characters) to convey the same idea, and that idea would perhaps be less tangled because less was said around it.
I did enjoy the book, I promise! (you can see some of my truly negative reviews to compare) My first reaction is that I would not classify it primarily as a romance, and I would instead describe it as gothic horror and/or dark fantasy with romantic elements (that would actually make me more likely to pick it up, as I have to be in a certain headspace for "romance" but I'm always in a gothic horror mood). This book reminded me a lot of Mexican Gothic and We Have Always Lived In The Castle, and I really enjoyed the lush descriptions of the house and gardens including Kolcu's attention to all the human senses to create an atmosphere. The description of the library (one of my favorite places in any building) was particularly delicious to me. I would recommend this book to lovers of dark romance especially with a touch of gothic/folk/cosmic horror!
This book ticked a lot of my boxes: gothic, horror, dark romance... but I had some trouble with it. I think my trouble was with my strong dislike for the main character, Elisabeth. What could charitably be called her "confidence" often hurtled over the line to arrogance, in my opinion. I felt that her high opinion of herself (coupled with her low opinion of everyone else) hindered the progression of the story; when the plot would have progressed and another part of the mystery brought to light her aloofness directly hid her way forward, OR (even worse) she saw a path to progression and balked because it was beneath her. It was frustrating and I sort of feel like she should have realized the answer to her mystery when it was too late.
The reason I have so much trouble with her pridefulness (which is admittedly often a vehicle for growth in this genre) is that she was constantly talking about how being an archivist made her good at observation (nevermind that observational trick she does that is physically impossible, such as a human being able to discern a change of one degree) and comparing her profession to that of a scientist, but then saying things like I honestly wonder if my objection is simply pride on my part, but I urge the author to re-examine such relationships.
While reading I also noted the logic felt contrived, unnatural, as if Kolcu was herself, and making logical assumptions that did not follow each other. I found parts of the story rather confusing, and several places I believe there could have been less dialogue (really the MC talking at, rather than to, other characters) to convey the same idea, and that idea would perhaps be less tangled because less was said around it.
I did enjoy the book, I promise! (you can see some of my truly negative reviews to compare) My first reaction is that I would not classify it primarily as a romance, and I would instead describe it as gothic horror and/or dark fantasy with romantic elements (that would actually make me more likely to pick it up, as I have to be in a certain headspace for "romance" but I'm always in a gothic horror mood). This book reminded me a lot of Mexican Gothic and We Have Always Lived In The Castle, and I really enjoyed the lush descriptions of the house and gardens including Kolcu's attention to all the human senses to create an atmosphere. The description of the library (one of my favorite places in any building) was particularly delicious to me. I would recommend this book to lovers of dark romance especially with a touch of gothic/folk/cosmic horror!
April 16, 2026
This is one of those books where the vibe is doing a lot of the heavy lifting and luckily, the vibe is excellent.
Elizabeth Hargrove is a conservation archivist who enters into an arranged marriage and moves into Aldermere Hall, which immediately has that “this house is not normal and does not want to be normal” energy. From the start, everything feels slightly off, like it is following rules that no one has bothered to explain to her.
What I liked most is that Elizabeth does not fall into the helpless gothic heroine role. She treats the house like something to be studied. She observes, documents, and tests things, basically trying to read it the same way she would any historical material. Even when things become undeniably strange, she keeps that instinct, which makes the story feel more grounded than it otherwise might.
The romance is a slow burn, but not in a dramatic or overly angsty way. Elizabeth and Mr. Sedgewick mostly learn each other through observation and restraint. There is a lot of watching and holding back, and it works because it matches the tone of the book. If you are looking for big emotional declarations, this is not that. If you like quiet, slightly unsettling intimacy, it fits well.
The house is the real centerpiece. It feels aware without ever being fully explained, and the book leans into that ambiguity. You get the sense that other women may have been here before Elizabeth, that the house expects certain things, and that there is a pattern at work, but it never lays everything out cleanly.
For me, that mostly worked. The atmosphere is very strong, and I liked sitting in that unease. The tradeoff is that the plot can feel a bit obscured at times. There were moments where I understood the mood before I fully understood what was happening.
Overall, this is very much a read-it-for-the-experience kind of book. It is slow, strange, and more interested in tension and interpretation than clear answers, but if that is your thing, it delivers.
4/5 stars
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Elizabeth Hargrove is a conservation archivist who enters into an arranged marriage and moves into Aldermere Hall, which immediately has that “this house is not normal and does not want to be normal” energy. From the start, everything feels slightly off, like it is following rules that no one has bothered to explain to her.
What I liked most is that Elizabeth does not fall into the helpless gothic heroine role. She treats the house like something to be studied. She observes, documents, and tests things, basically trying to read it the same way she would any historical material. Even when things become undeniably strange, she keeps that instinct, which makes the story feel more grounded than it otherwise might.
The romance is a slow burn, but not in a dramatic or overly angsty way. Elizabeth and Mr. Sedgewick mostly learn each other through observation and restraint. There is a lot of watching and holding back, and it works because it matches the tone of the book. If you are looking for big emotional declarations, this is not that. If you like quiet, slightly unsettling intimacy, it fits well.
The house is the real centerpiece. It feels aware without ever being fully explained, and the book leans into that ambiguity. You get the sense that other women may have been here before Elizabeth, that the house expects certain things, and that there is a pattern at work, but it never lays everything out cleanly.
For me, that mostly worked. The atmosphere is very strong, and I liked sitting in that unease. The tradeoff is that the plot can feel a bit obscured at times. There were moments where I understood the mood before I fully understood what was happening.
Overall, this is very much a read-it-for-the-experience kind of book. It is slow, strange, and more interested in tension and interpretation than clear answers, but if that is your thing, it delivers.
4/5 stars
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 17, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. The tension of Elizabeth's interactions with the house and her developing relationship with Matthew had me hooked from the beginning. My biggest struggle with this book however was what felt like inconsistencies in the time frame and personal positioning.
The author did a good job of trying to outline the countdown nature of the impending doom, but at times it felt like things were not consistent like a block of time like a full week would be mentioned and then we would shift back in time to only a few days after an event happened.
Also, where Matthew and Elizabeth were in relation to each other also got confusing. For example, when they were dealing with the entity at times, he was in front of her then next to her. Or he said something and then Elizabeth said that he had been quite the whole time.
I also felt like this book was about 50 pages too long. While I enjoyed the yearning coming to a conclusion it felt so repetitive and the phrase "twelve weeks" became irritating to read because it showed up so much in the text. I would have been satisfied with just a conclusion to the curse and the ambiguity of the relationship.
I do think that the author was able to tap into the complexity of human emotion that was visceral to read and deeply moving. I do think that the author's use of language was not only visceral but vivid and allowed the reader to share in the emotional experiences of all the characters, including the 12 brides. It did just become verbose.
If you enjoy gothic horror with a dash of romance, I think that you might enjoy this book. The world building is exceptional, and the curse is truly haunting. I would recommend this book, and I do intend to read the other books in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Toxic relationship, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Cancer, Sexual content
The author did a good job of trying to outline the countdown nature of the impending doom, but at times it felt like things were not consistent like a block of time like a full week would be mentioned and then we would shift back in time to only a few days after an event happened.
Also, where Matthew and Elizabeth were in relation to each other also got confusing. For example, when they were dealing with the entity at times, he was in front of her then next to her. Or he said something and then Elizabeth said that he had been quite the whole time.
I also felt like this book was about 50 pages too long. While I enjoyed the yearning coming to a conclusion it felt so repetitive and the phrase "twelve weeks" became irritating to read because it showed up so much in the text. I would have been satisfied with just a conclusion to the curse and the ambiguity of the relationship.
I do think that the author was able to tap into the complexity of human emotion that was visceral to read and deeply moving. I do think that the author's use of language was not only visceral but vivid and allowed the reader to share in the emotional experiences of all the characters, including the 12 brides. It did just become verbose.
If you enjoy gothic horror with a dash of romance, I think that you might enjoy this book. The world building is exceptional, and the curse is truly haunting. I would recommend this book, and I do intend to read the other books in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Toxic relationship, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Cancer, Sexual content
May 3, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Finally, some real yearning, The story leans into the agonizing beauty of what is left unsaid. The connection between Elisabeth and Matthew is built on quiet observation, shared silences, and a profound restraint that heightens every small interaction. It is a true slow burn where the intimacy feels earned because it is forged in the shadows of a predatory house. Watching these two lonely souls learn to exist in each other's orbit without consuming one another provides a tender, emotional anchor to the darker horror/gothic elements.
The setting is a character in its own right. The sentient nature of the estate, with its warm roses blooming out of season and portraits that seem to breathe, creates a magical but terrifying environment. The writing is lyrical and poetic, perfectly capturing the dark academia aesthetic without the MCs being young students. Elisabeth’s perspective as an archivist brings a unique mechanical lens to the supernatural, she doesn't just experience the curse, she analyzes it like a damaged manuscript. I don't think i've read a book where it is set in a fantasy type atmosphere but the MC is a skeptic. It was refreshing.
I do have one wanring though, the narrative is contemplative and dense. Like really dense, this is not a romantasy. If you go into this with a Romantasy mindset you will not have a good time. While the atmosphere is incredible, the plot can occasionally feel obscured by the vibe, leading to moments where the tension plateaus.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the others in the series when I need to read something that has a lot of substance.
Finally, some real yearning, The story leans into the agonizing beauty of what is left unsaid. The connection between Elisabeth and Matthew is built on quiet observation, shared silences, and a profound restraint that heightens every small interaction. It is a true slow burn where the intimacy feels earned because it is forged in the shadows of a predatory house. Watching these two lonely souls learn to exist in each other's orbit without consuming one another provides a tender, emotional anchor to the darker horror/gothic elements.
The setting is a character in its own right. The sentient nature of the estate, with its warm roses blooming out of season and portraits that seem to breathe, creates a magical but terrifying environment. The writing is lyrical and poetic, perfectly capturing the dark academia aesthetic without the MCs being young students. Elisabeth’s perspective as an archivist brings a unique mechanical lens to the supernatural, she doesn't just experience the curse, she analyzes it like a damaged manuscript. I don't think i've read a book where it is set in a fantasy type atmosphere but the MC is a skeptic. It was refreshing.
I do have one wanring though, the narrative is contemplative and dense. Like really dense, this is not a romantasy. If you go into this with a Romantasy mindset you will not have a good time. While the atmosphere is incredible, the plot can occasionally feel obscured by the vibe, leading to moments where the tension plateaus.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the others in the series when I need to read something that has a lot of substance.
April 30, 2026
A story that will consume readers with a sense of foreboding. Gothic story telling done to perfection.
Luna Asli Kolcu Uslu has the rare talent of writing stories that not only draw the reader, but also envelope and consume them. Her style is appropriate in this case as The Archivist's Curse, the first of The Rootbound Bride series, becomes a race for the protagonist, Elisabeth Hargrove, to avoid just that.
Elisabeth accepts a marriage proposal from a man she has never met, Matthew Sedgewick. It is not out of duty, or out of love, but out of her studious nature. Brides who enter the fabled Aldermere hall, are never seen nor heard from again. Eleven brides before her for centuries are selected by the family. Elisabeth, armed with a previous Bride's notebook, makes it her quest to understand with her archivist's mind and skill, before she, too, disappears.
Kolcu's writing is fluid and poetic, though not in a frilly or flowery sense. Her words are brooding, with phrases that leave no doubt of the unease. From the first pages, describing the written proposal as, "conveyed in a handwriting so careful that it looked like grief," to capturing the offness of the house and its gardens. Every description pulls at the reader as "the entity" pulls at Elisabeth and her new husband.
The Archivist's Curse explores the common Gothic themes of a cursed house, haunted brides, and an unexplained something that guides the story and twists through each page with the slow creeping of a spreading vine. Luna Asli Kolcu Uslu has created a world with a dark academia feel wrapped within a Gothic haunted story of tortured love and family curses. Fans of classics such as Wuthering Heights, Rebecca, and similar stories will enjoy The Archivist's Curse. At under 200 pages, it makes for a perfect read for a weekend. The smaller sized read holds all the world building of a 400-page epic. (Review for Reedsy Discovery)
Luna Asli Kolcu Uslu has the rare talent of writing stories that not only draw the reader, but also envelope and consume them. Her style is appropriate in this case as The Archivist's Curse, the first of The Rootbound Bride series, becomes a race for the protagonist, Elisabeth Hargrove, to avoid just that.
Elisabeth accepts a marriage proposal from a man she has never met, Matthew Sedgewick. It is not out of duty, or out of love, but out of her studious nature. Brides who enter the fabled Aldermere hall, are never seen nor heard from again. Eleven brides before her for centuries are selected by the family. Elisabeth, armed with a previous Bride's notebook, makes it her quest to understand with her archivist's mind and skill, before she, too, disappears.
Kolcu's writing is fluid and poetic, though not in a frilly or flowery sense. Her words are brooding, with phrases that leave no doubt of the unease. From the first pages, describing the written proposal as, "conveyed in a handwriting so careful that it looked like grief," to capturing the offness of the house and its gardens. Every description pulls at the reader as "the entity" pulls at Elisabeth and her new husband.
The Archivist's Curse explores the common Gothic themes of a cursed house, haunted brides, and an unexplained something that guides the story and twists through each page with the slow creeping of a spreading vine. Luna Asli Kolcu Uslu has created a world with a dark academia feel wrapped within a Gothic haunted story of tortured love and family curses. Fans of classics such as Wuthering Heights, Rebecca, and similar stories will enjoy The Archivist's Curse. At under 200 pages, it makes for a perfect read for a weekend. The smaller sized read holds all the world building of a 400-page epic. (Review for Reedsy Discovery)
April 3, 2026
I really loved this book 🥹 It's like if you took everything great about weird lit/horror and mixed it with the best parts of romantasy. It feels rewarding to read slowly and really sit with the prose.
The FMC and main POV character, Elisabeth, is an archivist and the author really went all in on coloring the text through her perspective. It's analytical, repetitive, detached, and chock full of fun metaphors using text or paper or books or glue or preservation. Her voice reminds me a bit of Emily Wilde (Fawcett). Alongside being a nerdy academic, she shows immense bravery in the face of the infinitely powerful supernatural.
The "curse" or "entity" is the antagonist of sorts for the book. It's weird, creepy, over-grasping but without much sense of malevolence. The horror really shines by excluding gore or violence.
Matthew, the MMC, is not a POV outside the ending "bonus chapter" and is characterized in a very under-stated way that makes sense for plot reasons. He's someone I would want by my side if I was fighting a curse. Their slow-burn romance kept me hooked on the story, i was so damn excited over a hand hold.
I'm definitely now keeping an eye out for #2 and #3 planned of the series, it's so hard to find good independently published works in the massive sea that is digital publishing but this one really sticks out as great.
thank you booksirens for the free ARC and these are my honest thoughts.
The FMC and main POV character, Elisabeth, is an archivist and the author really went all in on coloring the text through her perspective. It's analytical, repetitive, detached, and chock full of fun metaphors using text or paper or books or glue or preservation. Her voice reminds me a bit of Emily Wilde (Fawcett). Alongside being a nerdy academic, she shows immense bravery in the face of the infinitely powerful supernatural.
The "curse" or "entity" is the antagonist of sorts for the book. It's weird, creepy, over-grasping but without much sense of malevolence. The horror really shines by excluding gore or violence.
Matthew, the MMC, is not a POV outside the ending "bonus chapter" and is characterized in a very under-stated way that makes sense for plot reasons. He's someone I would want by my side if I was fighting a curse. Their slow-burn romance kept me hooked on the story, i was so damn excited over a hand hold.
I'm definitely now keeping an eye out for #2 and #3 planned of the series, it's so hard to find good independently published works in the massive sea that is digital publishing but this one really sticks out as great.
thank you booksirens for the free ARC and these are my honest thoughts.
April 10, 2026
Full of gothic intrigue. It’s a hauntingly atmospheric read that lingers long after the final page. Writen with a poetic prose that gently pulls you in, wrapping around your senses with richly layered descriptions that feel more like a mood than mere images.
Elizabeth Hargrove Sedgewick and her husband, Matthew, set out to end the chilling fate of Hargrove brides—women slowly absorbed by the mysterious entity dwelling within the Aldemere estate. Through Elizabeth’s meticulous archivist skills and Matthew’s unwavering support, they uncover the eerie legacy of the brides before her and the unsettling truths those women unknowingly taught the entity. Together, they search for a way to stop it before Elizabeth becomes its next victim.
At its core, this story explores love, understanding, and acceptance. Especially the delicate balance between loving deeply and losing oneself in the process. This gothic fantasy it’s not gory or terrifying. Instead, it’s quiet, melancholic, and deeply haunting, with a lingering sadness that stays with you.
The pacing leans more contemplative than fast, but the immersive, poetic writing makes it a journey worth savouring. If you enjoy atmospheric, haunting, introspective stories that unfold slowly and leave a lasting impression, this is one to add to your shelf.
Thank you to the author for the eARC, this is my honest recview.
Elizabeth Hargrove Sedgewick and her husband, Matthew, set out to end the chilling fate of Hargrove brides—women slowly absorbed by the mysterious entity dwelling within the Aldemere estate. Through Elizabeth’s meticulous archivist skills and Matthew’s unwavering support, they uncover the eerie legacy of the brides before her and the unsettling truths those women unknowingly taught the entity. Together, they search for a way to stop it before Elizabeth becomes its next victim.
At its core, this story explores love, understanding, and acceptance. Especially the delicate balance between loving deeply and losing oneself in the process. This gothic fantasy it’s not gory or terrifying. Instead, it’s quiet, melancholic, and deeply haunting, with a lingering sadness that stays with you.
The pacing leans more contemplative than fast, but the immersive, poetic writing makes it a journey worth savouring. If you enjoy atmospheric, haunting, introspective stories that unfold slowly and leave a lasting impression, this is one to add to your shelf.
Thank you to the author for the eARC, this is my honest recview.
April 15, 2026
Kolcu has crafted a world that invites you in to sit by the fire, and before you know it, it’s enveloped you in its spell and you never want to leave, because the story commands your full attention.
With an immersive richness reminiscent of heavyweights like Tolkien and Le Guin, Kolcu leaves no dust mote unexplained and no thought merely passing or trivial. You will understand the characters as much as you will understand the roses. There is a density to this story and feels constricting at first, but when you stick with it, you’re rewarded with the gift of walking wherever you like in this world, and feeling a part of it.
I picked up the prequel of The Fifth Bride and devoured it. When I was offered the ARC of this book, I enthusiastically jumped at the opportunity. Although there was a lot of repeated back story and world building at first, I’m so glad I kept with it because Kolcu is quickly becoming a favorite author and I’ll be continuing the series.
If you walk through your books like they’re full-scale cinematic productions like I do, this will be a slow engrossing read that you will lose track of days in. Lay provisions within reach, let the dog out, turn off your ringer, and settle in…this is home now.
With an immersive richness reminiscent of heavyweights like Tolkien and Le Guin, Kolcu leaves no dust mote unexplained and no thought merely passing or trivial. You will understand the characters as much as you will understand the roses. There is a density to this story and feels constricting at first, but when you stick with it, you’re rewarded with the gift of walking wherever you like in this world, and feeling a part of it.
I picked up the prequel of The Fifth Bride and devoured it. When I was offered the ARC of this book, I enthusiastically jumped at the opportunity. Although there was a lot of repeated back story and world building at first, I’m so glad I kept with it because Kolcu is quickly becoming a favorite author and I’ll be continuing the series.
If you walk through your books like they’re full-scale cinematic productions like I do, this will be a slow engrossing read that you will lose track of days in. Lay provisions within reach, let the dog out, turn off your ringer, and settle in…this is home now.
May 4, 2026
The Archivist's course is the first book (well, second) and also the final chapter of the story of the Rootbound brides, 12 women destined to marry into a family and become quite literally a part of its state.
I found the book demanding all my attention when I was reading it. We hear the story through Elisabeth's own words, and therefore it is her vision of the world, her personality and her training guiding her narration. The prose is enveloping, detailed, beautiful and exact, paying special attention to the sensory experience, touches, smells, temperatures and precise measurements. Her notes are a love letter disguised as method. What is there is equally important to what is absent, the exact distance between two hands, the absence of a tea cup, the witnessing presence that does not reach out.
I found the pacing a little slow, the story seems to drag on towards the end, but the gorgeous prose makes that easy to overlook. The rewards to a patient reader are there at the end. I certainly enjoyed my journey smelling the roses.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.
I found the book demanding all my attention when I was reading it. We hear the story through Elisabeth's own words, and therefore it is her vision of the world, her personality and her training guiding her narration. The prose is enveloping, detailed, beautiful and exact, paying special attention to the sensory experience, touches, smells, temperatures and precise measurements. Her notes are a love letter disguised as method. What is there is equally important to what is absent, the exact distance between two hands, the absence of a tea cup, the witnessing presence that does not reach out.
I found the pacing a little slow, the story seems to drag on towards the end, but the gorgeous prose makes that easy to overlook. The rewards to a patient reader are there at the end. I certainly enjoyed my journey smelling the roses.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.
April 6, 2026
Eerie, Atmospheric, and Intriguing
The Archivist's Curse was enjoyable in a gothic, eerie, and slightly romantic way without leaning too heavily in any one direction. The atmosphere is the standout here. Aldermere Hall feels alive in a way that’s both unsettling and oddly compelling, and I liked how the tension builds more through mood and detail than constant action.
Elisabeth is a strong lead, observant and a bit emotionally guarded. Her archivist perspective adds a nice layer to how the mystery unfolds. The concept of the house and its history is intriguing, even if some elements felt a bit familiar within the genre.
Pacing-wise, it’s more of a slow burn, which mostly kept me interested, though there were moments where I wanted things to move just a little faster. Still, the writing held my attention, and the overall vibe carried it through.
For readers drawn to gothic fantasy, haunted houses, and a touch of romance, this one is worth picking up.
Thank you to Luna and BookSirens for the advanced copy, this is my honest review.
The Archivist's Curse was enjoyable in a gothic, eerie, and slightly romantic way without leaning too heavily in any one direction. The atmosphere is the standout here. Aldermere Hall feels alive in a way that’s both unsettling and oddly compelling, and I liked how the tension builds more through mood and detail than constant action.
Elisabeth is a strong lead, observant and a bit emotionally guarded. Her archivist perspective adds a nice layer to how the mystery unfolds. The concept of the house and its history is intriguing, even if some elements felt a bit familiar within the genre.
Pacing-wise, it’s more of a slow burn, which mostly kept me interested, though there were moments where I wanted things to move just a little faster. Still, the writing held my attention, and the overall vibe carried it through.
For readers drawn to gothic fantasy, haunted houses, and a touch of romance, this one is worth picking up.
Thank you to Luna and BookSirens for the advanced copy, this is my honest review.
April 8, 2026
This is definitely a book of 2 minds for me. I absolutely loved the yearning connection between the F&MMC. It was palpable, heart-wrenching. I've made so many highlights and shed a few tears over the emotion and harrowing confessions.
The premise of this book is genuinely beautiful. It gives the reader a clear message on what love is and how to feel it. The symbolism buzzes through the book a bit like the entity buzzing through the house. It's unique and very well thought out. I haven't read a book quite like it in some time.
It's gothic, but in a gentle way. It feels like your hand is being held throughout the whole book. No matter what, you're safe but observed by an oddity that transcends the page.
The only thing that I struggled with was the ending, I just felt it went on for a little too long. The cadence throughout the whole book is sharp and impactful, but I did get just a tiny bit fatigued by this.
But that aside, it is a fantastic book that created real visceral emotional reactions from me.
The premise of this book is genuinely beautiful. It gives the reader a clear message on what love is and how to feel it. The symbolism buzzes through the book a bit like the entity buzzing through the house. It's unique and very well thought out. I haven't read a book quite like it in some time.
It's gothic, but in a gentle way. It feels like your hand is being held throughout the whole book. No matter what, you're safe but observed by an oddity that transcends the page.
The only thing that I struggled with was the ending, I just felt it went on for a little too long. The cadence throughout the whole book is sharp and impactful, but I did get just a tiny bit fatigued by this.
But that aside, it is a fantastic book that created real visceral emotional reactions from me.
April 17, 2026
The Archivist's Curse
by Luna Asli Kolcu
** I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review **
Wow! I really loved reading this perfectly gothic book 🌹
The Archivist’s Curse follows Elisabeth Hargrove, an archivist sent by her aunt to marry the heir of the Sedgwick family, as dictated by a three-century-old tradition. Before Elisabeth, eleven Hargrove daughters were sent to the same fate—sacrificial brides whose lives ensured the prosperity of the Sedgwick line. Drawing on her skills and methods, Elisabeth sets out to uncover the nature of the curse and find a way to escape it.
What I loved
*The writing style: poetic and deliberately slow, which suited the story perfectly.
*The investigative aspect, particularly the way the curse itself was explored and defined.
*The gradual evolution of the relationship between Elisabeth and the man she was sent to marry.
What I liked less
*The ending felt a bit too drawn out; I remained eager to see how everything would ultimately unfold.
by Luna Asli Kolcu
** I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review **
Wow! I really loved reading this perfectly gothic book 🌹
The Archivist’s Curse follows Elisabeth Hargrove, an archivist sent by her aunt to marry the heir of the Sedgwick family, as dictated by a three-century-old tradition. Before Elisabeth, eleven Hargrove daughters were sent to the same fate—sacrificial brides whose lives ensured the prosperity of the Sedgwick line. Drawing on her skills and methods, Elisabeth sets out to uncover the nature of the curse and find a way to escape it.
What I loved
*The writing style: poetic and deliberately slow, which suited the story perfectly.
*The investigative aspect, particularly the way the curse itself was explored and defined.
*The gradual evolution of the relationship between Elisabeth and the man she was sent to marry.
What I liked less
*The ending felt a bit too drawn out; I remained eager to see how everything would ultimately unfold.
July 8, 2026
What a beautifully written story!
Even though she knows the house is out to get her, archivist Elisabeth Hargrove is still willing to go to Aldermere Hall and marry Matthew Sedgewick. So far, there have been eleven Hargrove brides in Aldermere Hall and not one of them managed to leave. The Hall absorbed them all and Elisabeth is next. She will have to break the curse in order to live beyond the solstice. This story is written so beautifully, that I was pulled in from the very beginning and found it hard to put it down. It is definitely atmospheric and gothic. Everything is so descriptive, that I could feel the silk of the wedding gown move with me as Luna Asli Kolcu described how Elisabeth felt wearing it. I could feel the bond beginning to grow between Elisabeth and Matthew. This is truly a wonderful story I highly recommend to all lovers of gothic fantasy.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Even though she knows the house is out to get her, archivist Elisabeth Hargrove is still willing to go to Aldermere Hall and marry Matthew Sedgewick. So far, there have been eleven Hargrove brides in Aldermere Hall and not one of them managed to leave. The Hall absorbed them all and Elisabeth is next. She will have to break the curse in order to live beyond the solstice. This story is written so beautifully, that I was pulled in from the very beginning and found it hard to put it down. It is definitely atmospheric and gothic. Everything is so descriptive, that I could feel the silk of the wedding gown move with me as Luna Asli Kolcu described how Elisabeth felt wearing it. I could feel the bond beginning to grow between Elisabeth and Matthew. This is truly a wonderful story I highly recommend to all lovers of gothic fantasy.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 4, 2026
The Perfect Gothic Nightmare 🕯️🌧️
This is a Gothic horror story that I simply could not put down; I devoured it in one single sitting. Every character and every scene was so well-crafted that I enjoyed every second of it.
What makes it special:
The Writing Style: The prose is deeply poetic and captivating. It’s the kind of book you want to read on a rainy afternoon by candlelight.
The Pacing: While it’s not a fast-paced thriller, it’s a masterfully designed "slow-burn." It gradually wraps you in its mystery until you are completely enveloped in the story.
The Vibe: It is atmospheric, chilling, and absolutely fascinating.
My Verdict: Luna Asli Kolcu has captivated me once again with a story that will stay with me forever. I’m giving it 5 stars because the entire plot and its dark nature are brilliantly designed. If you love immersive Gothic horror, you need this on your shelf. 📖✨
This is a Gothic horror story that I simply could not put down; I devoured it in one single sitting. Every character and every scene was so well-crafted that I enjoyed every second of it.
What makes it special:
The Writing Style: The prose is deeply poetic and captivating. It’s the kind of book you want to read on a rainy afternoon by candlelight.
The Pacing: While it’s not a fast-paced thriller, it’s a masterfully designed "slow-burn." It gradually wraps you in its mystery until you are completely enveloped in the story.
The Vibe: It is atmospheric, chilling, and absolutely fascinating.
My Verdict: Luna Asli Kolcu has captivated me once again with a story that will stay with me forever. I’m giving it 5 stars because the entire plot and its dark nature are brilliantly designed. If you love immersive Gothic horror, you need this on your shelf. 📖✨
April 7, 2026
It was a very interesting read.
I was hooked from the very beginning.
Our FMC, Elisabeth Hargrove, is an archivist who has been chosen as the 12th bride to cross the threshold of Aldermere and marry the Sedgewick heir (the MMC).
An old curse haunts the estate and their families, and she has only a short time to figure out how to escape it.
I really enjoyed the characters’ personalities traits. The writing captures them well, and I could literally feel, smell, sense, and weigh the weight of the words chosen by the author.
The plot is well-crafted, and despite the book’s relatively slow pace, I enjoyed reading it overall.
Thank you to Luna Asli Kolcu and BookSirens for letting me read this book as an ARC.
I was hooked from the very beginning.
Our FMC, Elisabeth Hargrove, is an archivist who has been chosen as the 12th bride to cross the threshold of Aldermere and marry the Sedgewick heir (the MMC).
An old curse haunts the estate and their families, and she has only a short time to figure out how to escape it.
I really enjoyed the characters’ personalities traits. The writing captures them well, and I could literally feel, smell, sense, and weigh the weight of the words chosen by the author.
The plot is well-crafted, and despite the book’s relatively slow pace, I enjoyed reading it overall.
Thank you to Luna Asli Kolcu and BookSirens for letting me read this book as an ARC.
April 9, 2026
This was a magnificently well written book. It was long and I did notice a few things repeated at the end that probably did not necessarily need to be there but I enjoyed it. I usually do not read books like these and honestly it had me wanting to know what was going to happen. Honestly I did not want to put it down but I had obligations so I read what I could when I could. I did recieve a copy of this book for free from the author for a voluntary review. If you like suspenseful books that will have you wanting to know what was going to happen next I do suggest this book. It does have a little romance but it is extremely slow. Definitely will suggest this book to others if I know it would be something they would enjoy reading.
September 30, 2026
I really wanted to like this book. I did not make it far to give a genuine review on the plot line. If you are someone who gets annoyed with repetition and overly poetic writing, I would pass on this book. I made it a couple chapters and had to stop, because we weren’t going anywhere in the storyline but every small detail had to include a metaphor or simile. I want to explain that I DO NOT KNOW if it stays this way throughout the book but I was not willing to keep reading after being incredibly disappointed by the first chapter alone. This is my opinion and my reading taste, so others may like the way the author writes, but I will not be reading anything from her because it does not fit my reading style.
March 31, 2026
What an interesting story! Eleven young women killed by absorption and and no one really knew why. For their husbands life wasn't much better, different but very hurtful.
The twelfth "bride" had not much time before she also would have vanished, but she finally fought not alone.
You don't need to have read "The Fifth Bride" beforehand, but she (Annabel) is important to an ending of the "curse". Prepare enough tissues, I'm sure you will need lots and lots! I did...
Fascinating and so very different! I'm really looking forward to the next installment. 🥰
I got an ARC book and this is my voluntary opinion - thank you, Luna Asli Kolcu, for the opportunity to read it!
The twelfth "bride" had not much time before she also would have vanished, but she finally fought not alone.
You don't need to have read "The Fifth Bride" beforehand, but she (Annabel) is important to an ending of the "curse". Prepare enough tissues, I'm sure you will need lots and lots! I did...
Fascinating and so very different! I'm really looking forward to the next installment. 🥰
I got an ARC book and this is my voluntary opinion - thank you, Luna Asli Kolcu, for the opportunity to read it!
June 19, 2026
This book completely captivated me and left me changed! Elisabeth Hargrove arrives at the intriguing Aldermere Hall to marry a stranger, and it’s anything but ordinary. With a sketchbook from the fifth bride in hand, she’s determined to uncover the secrets hidden in the estate.
The portraits of past brides, all wearing the same enigmatic smile, add to the mysterious vibe. Elisabeth is ready to break the cycle of the women before her, and her journey is both empowering and haunting.
The gothic atmosphere kept me hooked, and I couldn’t put it down. It’s a thought-provoking read about choices and legacies that really stuck with me. Highly recommend!
The portraits of past brides, all wearing the same enigmatic smile, add to the mysterious vibe. Elisabeth is ready to break the cycle of the women before her, and her journey is both empowering and haunting.
The gothic atmosphere kept me hooked, and I couldn’t put it down. It’s a thought-provoking read about choices and legacies that really stuck with me. Highly recommend!
March 31, 2026
Luckily, I was fortunate enough to read this as an ARC reader, and I was not disappointed.
I'm not one to give spoilers, so I will mention everything but.
For some reason, I can not post a review in Amazon so I am here to do just that.
The author has an incredible mind!
The writing is gripping, detailed, full of sensory, and emotion. The characters are believable, the plot is intelligent and kept me intrigued from start to finish.
I was instantly hooked and I will be recommending this story to friends.
5 STARS ALL DAY!
I'm not one to give spoilers, so I will mention everything but.
For some reason, I can not post a review in Amazon so I am here to do just that.
The author has an incredible mind!
The writing is gripping, detailed, full of sensory, and emotion. The characters are believable, the plot is intelligent and kept me intrigued from start to finish.
I was instantly hooked and I will be recommending this story to friends.
5 STARS ALL DAY!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2026
There aren't enough words to say how much I loved this book. It's dark, it's daring, and it's complicated. It's a puzzle for our intrepid heroine to solve and it's a love story. It's the kind of story that pulls you in and sends you packing down the rabbit hole.
I would, however, suggest that you read "The Fifth Bride" first. It sets the stage for this one and you'll understand more of what you are reading.
All in all, great book....and I am so looking forward to the next one.
I would, however, suggest that you read "The Fifth Bride" first. It sets the stage for this one and you'll understand more of what you are reading.
All in all, great book....and I am so looking forward to the next one.
March 31, 2026
This is my second ARC book from Luna Asli Kolcu and this is my honest review.
Another beautiful read.
I don't normally read dark/fantasy romance but I gave this one a chance as I loved Return to Water.
Luna Asli Kolcu has a way with dark romance that is refreshing and easy to read.
I will be giving the rest of this series a read.
I rate this book 5 stars
Another beautiful read.
I don't normally read dark/fantasy romance but I gave this one a chance as I loved Return to Water.
Luna Asli Kolcu has a way with dark romance that is refreshing and easy to read.
I will be giving the rest of this series a read.
I rate this book 5 stars
Read
May 4, 2026DNF
September 2, 2026
I’ve never come so close to putting a book on the DNF shelf, but I’ve also never written a negative review - so I felt like I had to finish it to make sure it was justified. I’m pretty easy to please when it comes to books, so I’m shocked I didn’t see a review similar to mine before I had started this… and I really wish I had. The storyline was good, which is what gave it the second star. The problem? Having to wade through entire pages of fluff to actually get the storyline. This book tried so hard to be poetic, that for every line of substance, you had 20 lines of similes, metaphors, and superfluous descriptions. Usually I enjoy some flowery writing, but this just repeated the same things over and over again! If I had to read one more line about the width of a distance, placement of a tea cup, the different sensations of warmth, ink and soil stained fingernails, handling of damaged documents, reaching without consuming, forgiveness and compassion, I was going to lose my mind. It was incredibly frustrating to read, and honestly could have lost 40% of its content and actually let the storyline be the hero. Really had to push myself through this one, and the internal sighs only increased which each and every page.
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