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Ashthorne
In the aftermath of WWI, Adelaide Frost is on the run from a family who do not understand her. Hoping to do some good, she signs up to become a nurse at Ashthorne, a manor house newly designated as a convalescence home for injured soldiers. She quickly falls in love with the owner’s daughter, Evelyn, who hides a warm heart beneath a chilly exterior. But Evelyn has her suspicions about what’s really happening at the hospital, and as Adelaide helps her investigate, it soon becomes apparent that there are more inhabitants residing at Ashthorne than first thought.
A romantic Gothic treat perfect for fans of Sarah Waters and The Haunting of Bly Manor, Ashthorne is the debut novella by Derbyshire author April Yates, who was inspired to tell this story by the Ice Age art carved into the walls of local caves.
A romantic Gothic treat perfect for fans of Sarah Waters and The Haunting of Bly Manor, Ashthorne is the debut novella by Derbyshire author April Yates, who was inspired to tell this story by the Ice Age art carved into the walls of local caves.
139 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 23, 2022
4 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
About the author
April Yates
20 books31 followersApril Yates is a writer of queer, dark and gothic fiction living in the wilds of North Derbyshire.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 19, 2022
2 "an author to look out for" stars !!!
Thank you to Booksirens and the author for an ecopy. This was released August 2022. I am providing an honest review.
I want to say that I feel that with some workshopping, editing and novelization that this book could have been a very good 3.5 star or 4 star excellent read. The author appears to have some very good potential but I do feel that this novella is not yet ready for consumption.
The lesbian and feminist heroines are very welcome in post world war 1 gothic horror. The romance and erotic scenes are mostly done fairly well. The story is quite interesting but the characters are outlines and need to be further etched. The story moves so rapidly that any feeling of horror turns almost comedic as the characters are not given enough time to react and process. I was feeling that this might be a 2.5 story but the ending becomes almost slapstick and only semi-sensical. The reveals are frankly kind of dumb and need a fair bit of work and so 2 stars feels more truthful to me.
Too much here for a novella and the quick moving plot detracts from what could have been a pretty good gothic. Despite my misgivings I feel that the author has the writing chops to write some very good gothic horror or any other genre she chooses. I wish her the best in the future and I hope she continues to develop her craft.
Thank you to Booksirens and the author for an ecopy. This was released August 2022. I am providing an honest review.
I want to say that I feel that with some workshopping, editing and novelization that this book could have been a very good 3.5 star or 4 star excellent read. The author appears to have some very good potential but I do feel that this novella is not yet ready for consumption.
The lesbian and feminist heroines are very welcome in post world war 1 gothic horror. The romance and erotic scenes are mostly done fairly well. The story is quite interesting but the characters are outlines and need to be further etched. The story moves so rapidly that any feeling of horror turns almost comedic as the characters are not given enough time to react and process. I was feeling that this might be a 2.5 story but the ending becomes almost slapstick and only semi-sensical. The reveals are frankly kind of dumb and need a fair bit of work and so 2 stars feels more truthful to me.
Too much here for a novella and the quick moving plot detracts from what could have been a pretty good gothic. Despite my misgivings I feel that the author has the writing chops to write some very good gothic horror or any other genre she chooses. I wish her the best in the future and I hope she continues to develop her craft.
September 5, 2022
April Yates’ debut work Ashthorne is a compelling Gothic novella. Adelaide arrives at the Ashthorne manor which has been converted to a convalescent hospital for wounded soldiers. Screams at night, a medical room which no one but the doctor has access and catatonic patients leads Adelaide to suspect that things are not as they appear. The only ray of light in the manor is Evelyn, the beautiful daughter of the owner. Teaming up they try to find out what exactly is going on at Ashthorne.
The story grabbed hold of my imagination immediately. The characters are quickly defined into their archetypal roles and the plot moves along at a swift pace. There are a few places where the quick pacing undercuts the gravity and emotional affect on Adelaide and the reader, however I can easily overlook these slight occurrences. What did make me stumble was the ending having a pivotal character go against their type casting with no explanation to the reason.
Even with my criticisms I do recommend this novel to all those readers who love things that go bump in the night. The writing and story far outweigh the hiccups.
I received an advance review copy from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story grabbed hold of my imagination immediately. The characters are quickly defined into their archetypal roles and the plot moves along at a swift pace. There are a few places where the quick pacing undercuts the gravity and emotional affect on Adelaide and the reader, however I can easily overlook these slight occurrences. What did make me stumble was the ending having a pivotal character go against their type casting with no explanation to the reason.
Even with my criticisms I do recommend this novel to all those readers who love things that go bump in the night. The writing and story far outweigh the hiccups.
I received an advance review copy from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 9, 2022
This isn’t my usual kind of story so keep that in mind when reading this review. It’s horror (I finally added a Horror category, by the way), which I kinda missed from the blurb and while that would probably have kept me away, it’s what I ended up enjoying the most. I never really connected to the characters and felt the romance was rushed – the first “I love you” arrived when I was still under the impression that the relationship was mostly lust-driven – but the atmosphere and the growing creepiness are sensational.
Ashthorne is a novella, therefore a rather quick read, and there would have been potential for a longer novel, but the novella format works really well for the rising tension and resolution. 3.5⭐️
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my blog (and please buy from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
August 20, 2022
A gothic treat for fans of Sarah Waters? You got me here.
I have only read a few romantic gothic before. I'd say this is a unique and nice debut novella from April Yates. The chemistry between the MCs and the creepy atmosphere is perfect. It also gives me a cult film vibe, and it's unsettling(in a good way). I love the quick-moving plot in this book, but I feel like some of the scenes deserve deeper exploration. The ending is a little rushed to me, too.
Overall, I enjoy this book. It's a perfect weekend read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I have only read a few romantic gothic before. I'd say this is a unique and nice debut novella from April Yates. The chemistry between the MCs and the creepy atmosphere is perfect. It also gives me a cult film vibe, and it's unsettling(in a good way). I love the quick-moving plot in this book, but I feel like some of the scenes deserve deeper exploration. The ending is a little rushed to me, too.
Overall, I enjoy this book. It's a perfect weekend read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 20, 2022
Gothic horror is a genre that blends the past, the present, and the emotions that link them. Hallmarks of the genre include young women arriving at crumbling ruins whose glory days are long past, encountering figures whose family lines conceal dark secrets, and finding love and passion while dodging danger.
April Yates’s Ashthorne is no exception and is an example how to do it right.
You can read Zach's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
April Yates’s Ashthorne is no exception and is an example how to do it right.
You can read Zach's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
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September 9, 2022The aftermath of WW1, a disfigured soldier, an old manor, decaying and fragile as its occupants. All of these sold this novella to me. Then there were other aspects that sustained my interest: mysterious goings-on in the cellar, witch marks etched into the walls of a cave, a twist I didn't see coming.
The friendship between Adelaide and Charlie was touching; the love between Adelaide and Evelyn tenderly portrayed.
The image of Mary's self-proclaimed goddess in particular stood out to me. In fact, I was going to quote it, but didn't want to spoil it for future readers.
I loved the blend of the supernatural and the Gothic throughout.
As others have said, there was enough fodder in here to have made a novel, hands down. Nevertheless, it still worked as a novella and I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Ashthorne House.
The friendship between Adelaide and Charlie was touching; the love between Adelaide and Evelyn tenderly portrayed.
The image of Mary's self-proclaimed goddess in particular stood out to me. In fact, I was going to quote it, but didn't want to spoil it for future readers.
I loved the blend of the supernatural and the Gothic throughout.
As others have said, there was enough fodder in here to have made a novel, hands down. Nevertheless, it still worked as a novella and I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Ashthorne House.
September 10, 2022
Gothic goings-on with some romance and supernatural feels. We follow the character of Adelaide as she takes up a new nursing position at Ashtorne House, in the aftermath of WWI.
This is a quick, enjoyable read and I look forward to seeing what Yates does next.
This is a quick, enjoyable read and I look forward to seeing what Yates does next.
November 1, 2022
A novella full of atmosphere, Ashthorne feels like it could be the start of an interesting series or perhaps a longer novel. There was so much packed into those pages.
The romantic elements were beautifully written, I’m not one for ‘a bit of lovin’ in books, but on this occasion, they really worked for me! There was just enough gore and horror to give this historical fiction the edge.
In it’s entirety, the story was convincing, the descriptions clear and vivid, it has a solid plot and very satisfying finale.
I will definitely read more from April Yates as I’d like to see how her writing and style develops. I’d say she was one to watch in the horror community.
The romantic elements were beautifully written, I’m not one for ‘a bit of lovin’ in books, but on this occasion, they really worked for me! There was just enough gore and horror to give this historical fiction the edge.
In it’s entirety, the story was convincing, the descriptions clear and vivid, it has a solid plot and very satisfying finale.
I will definitely read more from April Yates as I’d like to see how her writing and style develops. I’d say she was one to watch in the horror community.
August 21, 2022
April has captured every essential of gothic horror with Ashthorne. The house becomes a character in the opening pages, shadowy evil lurks around every corner, and all the delicious darkness frames a beautiful, against the odds love story.
Already a fan of April’s, Ashtorne only further cemented my love of her work. I read this beauty in a single day and would recommend for anyone with a love of gothic, horror, and/or sapphic literature.
Already a fan of April’s, Ashtorne only further cemented my love of her work. I read this beauty in a single day and would recommend for anyone with a love of gothic, horror, and/or sapphic literature.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2022
A debut Sapphic Horror Novella set during the World War I era.
Adelaide leaves a home that never truly felt like one. A brother that died in the war, a father that doesn't care, and a mother living every day under drugs or any numbing agent. Adelaide leaves to find something better for herself. She ends up at the Ashthorne home serving as a hospital to soldiers that suffered great injuries in the war. There are not many men there when Adelaide arrives, but she takes on the job as nurse, working closely under the eye of McGowen - a woman that serves as a supervisor of sorts. There is a doctor named Roskopf that 'attends' to the men, but we do not see him as often as McGowen.
As Adelaide is settling in to her new home and job, she becomes fast friends with a patient named Charlie. A delightful young man that lost parts of himself serving his country. This does not infect his spirits, and he is a bright moment in Adelaide's day. Their friendship is quite sweet and wonderful to read about, in what is a dark little tale.
Adelaide one day stumbles upon the mistress of the manor, Evelyn, daughter to Mr. Ashthorne. Evelyn is a beautiful, strong headed woman living as what I would call a feminist in a time where that's still a struggle. She is unapologetic for who she is and lives authentically. Adelaide takes an instant liking to her, and after a few brush offs, they have a quickly budding friendship.
That friendship soon blossoms to more between the two of them as they go on a hunt to solve the mysteries of Ashthorne manor. After finding themselves in the basement of the home, and it's dark and quiet they share their first kiss. First kisses lead to nights sneaking into rooms, and sharing close touches and stolen moments. They quickly fall in love.
While their relationship is building, there's also suspense and intrigue building as they continue to solve the mystery of what plagues Ashthorne. What is causing men to suddenly die, why are they suddenly finding themselves trapped with no way to leave, and why is it so cold?
My own personal thoughts: For a debut, this was delightful. The writing style was one I enjoy. That flowy, older script is how I view it and I've always had a soft spot for writers like that. This author has A LOT of potential.
As for the actual story, I am not quite sure how I feel about it. It was a novella, so it was fast paced, but it just...felt detached to me. I had absolutely no care for any of the characters. Evelyn and Adelaide's 'love' did not feel believable to me. I felt them to be more so as friends with benefits. I couldn't find any depth to their togetherness. Besides Charlie - who truly was a delight - no one else was of interest to me.
I guess that left it easier for deaths, people up and randomly leaving, etc. There were a lot of characters though for this novella.
As for it being horror, for ME personally it lacked any kind of spooky element. I was often kind of forcing myself to run with the suspension of disbelief, because it was a bit too far fetched for my taste. I have a lot of questions about these marks on the wall, this little cult that worships a female 'goddess' none of them had ever seen, and how they all randomly...yeah.
I think I would have liked this more as a book, so I could have a bit more detail in between the lines.
Overall, a great debut and I would give another book by this author a try in the future.
I received an ARC from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.
Adelaide leaves a home that never truly felt like one. A brother that died in the war, a father that doesn't care, and a mother living every day under drugs or any numbing agent. Adelaide leaves to find something better for herself. She ends up at the Ashthorne home serving as a hospital to soldiers that suffered great injuries in the war. There are not many men there when Adelaide arrives, but she takes on the job as nurse, working closely under the eye of McGowen - a woman that serves as a supervisor of sorts. There is a doctor named Roskopf that 'attends' to the men, but we do not see him as often as McGowen.
As Adelaide is settling in to her new home and job, she becomes fast friends with a patient named Charlie. A delightful young man that lost parts of himself serving his country. This does not infect his spirits, and he is a bright moment in Adelaide's day. Their friendship is quite sweet and wonderful to read about, in what is a dark little tale.
Adelaide one day stumbles upon the mistress of the manor, Evelyn, daughter to Mr. Ashthorne. Evelyn is a beautiful, strong headed woman living as what I would call a feminist in a time where that's still a struggle. She is unapologetic for who she is and lives authentically. Adelaide takes an instant liking to her, and after a few brush offs, they have a quickly budding friendship.
That friendship soon blossoms to more between the two of them as they go on a hunt to solve the mysteries of Ashthorne manor. After finding themselves in the basement of the home, and it's dark and quiet they share their first kiss. First kisses lead to nights sneaking into rooms, and sharing close touches and stolen moments. They quickly fall in love.
While their relationship is building, there's also suspense and intrigue building as they continue to solve the mystery of what plagues Ashthorne. What is causing men to suddenly die, why are they suddenly finding themselves trapped with no way to leave, and why is it so cold?
My own personal thoughts: For a debut, this was delightful. The writing style was one I enjoy. That flowy, older script is how I view it and I've always had a soft spot for writers like that. This author has A LOT of potential.
As for the actual story, I am not quite sure how I feel about it. It was a novella, so it was fast paced, but it just...felt detached to me. I had absolutely no care for any of the characters. Evelyn and Adelaide's 'love' did not feel believable to me. I felt them to be more so as friends with benefits. I couldn't find any depth to their togetherness. Besides Charlie - who truly was a delight - no one else was of interest to me.
I guess that left it easier for deaths, people up and randomly leaving, etc. There were a lot of characters though for this novella.
As for it being horror, for ME personally it lacked any kind of spooky element. I was often kind of forcing myself to run with the suspension of disbelief, because it was a bit too far fetched for my taste. I have a lot of questions about these marks on the wall, this little cult that worships a female 'goddess' none of them had ever seen, and how they all randomly...yeah.
I think I would have liked this more as a book, so I could have a bit more detail in between the lines.
Overall, a great debut and I would give another book by this author a try in the future.
I received an ARC from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.
July 31, 2022
At first you think you're diving into to a historical gothic romance novel (my favorite genre) that has beloved tropes and a sapphic twist, and while it's all those things, April Yates has additional things to say with this story and kept me guessing until the end. I loved all the traditional elements, like the setting, the older female antagonist (Mrs. Danvers, if you will) the lushness of the atmosphere. Those are the things I always want in a gothic, but April used a real life ancient English cave to inspire new elements into this story and created a monster that felt both ancient and very relevant. I look forward to more from her.
September 5, 2022
The decay of empire bubbling up from septic war wounds. The rot of aristocracy eating and fucking itself to incestuous death. Steamy sapphic love and lust crossing class and taboo.
This and more in April Yates’ Ashthorne, which I read instead of sleeping last night! Worth it!
If I have a grumble, it’s a backhanded one: I wish it had been longer and given more space to the atmosphere and gruesome characters in the manor. The novella pace made it a bit breathless and frantic where a splash more dread, description, and claustrophobia might have been even better. Still, great stuff and I look forward to more from Yates!
This and more in April Yates’ Ashthorne, which I read instead of sleeping last night! Worth it!
If I have a grumble, it’s a backhanded one: I wish it had been longer and given more space to the atmosphere and gruesome characters in the manor. The novella pace made it a bit breathless and frantic where a splash more dread, description, and claustrophobia might have been even better. Still, great stuff and I look forward to more from Yates!
January 9, 2023
In the wake of her beloved brother's death Adelaide Frost escapes her troubled home life by taking a position at Ashthorne, once a grand stately home now in the wake of The Great War it is now a convalescence home for wounded soldiers.
Upon arrival doubts and suspicions begin to creep in for Adelaide. There are only four patients despite the house being huge. Adelaide is not allowed to participate in the clandestine treatments administered by Doctor Roskopf and his assistant Nurse McGovern in the damp cellar of Asthorne House.
Adelaide doesn't even think Doctor Roskopf is a real doctor, the patient's conditions seem to be getting worse, she should leave this place and find employment elsewhere but then she meets Evelyn Asthorne, the daughter of the owner of the house. Quickly they fall in love and discover there are many more secrets waiting for them in Asthorne House.
This is was a really quick but enjoyable read. Perfect for fans of gothic horror. I liked how the plot moved quickly in ways I did not expects, there are so many twists and turns to be discovered. Can't wait to read more stories by April!
Upon arrival doubts and suspicions begin to creep in for Adelaide. There are only four patients despite the house being huge. Adelaide is not allowed to participate in the clandestine treatments administered by Doctor Roskopf and his assistant Nurse McGovern in the damp cellar of Asthorne House.
Adelaide doesn't even think Doctor Roskopf is a real doctor, the patient's conditions seem to be getting worse, she should leave this place and find employment elsewhere but then she meets Evelyn Asthorne, the daughter of the owner of the house. Quickly they fall in love and discover there are many more secrets waiting for them in Asthorne House.
This is was a really quick but enjoyable read. Perfect for fans of gothic horror. I liked how the plot moved quickly in ways I did not expects, there are so many twists and turns to be discovered. Can't wait to read more stories by April!
August 25, 2022
I was really looking forward to this book and I had it on preorder. Within the first two pages, I knew it would be a novella to fall in love with. It has that kind of lure that draws you in and carries you along very easily. The language, the world, the characters, the unsettling mystery...I loved it. I could see everything unfold as it happened and I adore a book that can do that.
Really impressive and not one to miss. I'll be ordering the paperback too, so I can revisit Ashthorne many times. Great ending too.
Really impressive and not one to miss. I'll be ordering the paperback too, so I can revisit Ashthorne many times. Great ending too.
November 2, 2022
A same-sex romance-horror novella, set in wartime Derbyshire, anyone? Absolutely.
I’ve been aware of April’s presence in the community for a while now, not least from having read a short from her in the same anthology I also appear in, “Beneath, a 100-word horror Anthology” produced by Ghost Orchard Press. So, when I heard that her debut Novella was hitting the stores at approximately the same time I was on holiday – well – it seemed too good an opportunity to miss.
Ashthorne is named after the place where the novella takes place. It’s a story of young blossoming love which spans cultural and social divides. A young female nurse arrives at a manor house in wartime Derby, placed there to help nurse a selection of recovering prisoners. Yates quickly establishes peculiarities in the house that hint at the paranormal or supernatural, and the workings of the head doctor are highlighted as a possible source. Things boil to a head at about ¾ of the way into the novel with the emergence of a hidden identity, and the last ¼ of the book is a rush to get everything lined up quick enough for you to devour.
Ok. What did I think of it?
I liked it. I think April aimed high here, there are so many threads competing with one another in such a small number of pages that I wish it had been extended. The romance happens very quickly – I felt there was just enough time given to establishing it, and then it went full-on. Subtlety and nuance aren’t playing a role here, there isn’t space. There is a person that appears in the book after about ¾ of the way through, who was honestly a surprise, but my emotional attachment to that character wasn’t given any chance to play a part due to not having any context to that character – trying not to spoil anything here – there was only one clue to there being a hidden person, but it was downplayed, and as we had no moments with that character, the reveal felt somewhat distant
The downplaying of the clues were a little obvious – it felt as if we were being told to “move along now, nothing to see” – every time one landed, which of course made them stick out, but this IS a novella, space was limited, and the pace breakneck. If I can see the author hiding the clues then the characters should have too, in short.
I’d have liked this slowed down a little, with more dialogue. I think Yates got the two main characters down well, but we had so little time with them. To summarize, it feels like this needed slowing down, extending, and methods employed that were more subtle than asking us to forget what we just read. Still, the same-sex romance was lovingly rendered, and the dialogue was real and grounded.
I’m giving this 3 out of 5 ⭐’s, and I’ll be watching April’s upcoming works with interest.
I’ve been aware of April’s presence in the community for a while now, not least from having read a short from her in the same anthology I also appear in, “Beneath, a 100-word horror Anthology” produced by Ghost Orchard Press. So, when I heard that her debut Novella was hitting the stores at approximately the same time I was on holiday – well – it seemed too good an opportunity to miss.
Ashthorne is named after the place where the novella takes place. It’s a story of young blossoming love which spans cultural and social divides. A young female nurse arrives at a manor house in wartime Derby, placed there to help nurse a selection of recovering prisoners. Yates quickly establishes peculiarities in the house that hint at the paranormal or supernatural, and the workings of the head doctor are highlighted as a possible source. Things boil to a head at about ¾ of the way into the novel with the emergence of a hidden identity, and the last ¼ of the book is a rush to get everything lined up quick enough for you to devour.
Ok. What did I think of it?
I liked it. I think April aimed high here, there are so many threads competing with one another in such a small number of pages that I wish it had been extended. The romance happens very quickly – I felt there was just enough time given to establishing it, and then it went full-on. Subtlety and nuance aren’t playing a role here, there isn’t space. There is a person that appears in the book after about ¾ of the way through, who was honestly a surprise, but my emotional attachment to that character wasn’t given any chance to play a part due to not having any context to that character – trying not to spoil anything here – there was only one clue to there being a hidden person, but it was downplayed, and as we had no moments with that character, the reveal felt somewhat distant
The downplaying of the clues were a little obvious – it felt as if we were being told to “move along now, nothing to see” – every time one landed, which of course made them stick out, but this IS a novella, space was limited, and the pace breakneck. If I can see the author hiding the clues then the characters should have too, in short.
I’d have liked this slowed down a little, with more dialogue. I think Yates got the two main characters down well, but we had so little time with them. To summarize, it feels like this needed slowing down, extending, and methods employed that were more subtle than asking us to forget what we just read. Still, the same-sex romance was lovingly rendered, and the dialogue was real and grounded.
I’m giving this 3 out of 5 ⭐’s, and I’ll be watching April’s upcoming works with interest.
March 15, 2023
Can you call a book a snacc? Based on my history of using slang improperly (the horror of saying Netflix and Chill in front of the nieces and nephews, thinking it literally meant watching Netflix and hanging out, comes to mind. At least they are willing to tell me when I get something horribly wrong, when they could just die of embarrassment) I should probably steer clear of it now. So, Ashthrone is not a snacc, but it is a nice, entertaining read, in a tight novella package. And listen, I like big books and I cannot lie, but novellas are out there doing the heavy lifting in horror right now. Give me the books I can read in one sitting any day. I know that novellas take far longer to write than it takes for me to read, but sometimes I just want a little nosh. Maybe that is a better description than snacc? It isn’t high tea, but it is afternoon repast.
The Ashthorne manor is creepy and nearly decrepit, falling apart at the seams in the aftermath of World War I. The atmosphere is spooky and the perfect setting for this Gothic Romance. And the Romance is really the thing. Sapphic! I don’t even think I need to add more to the review here. Sapphic Romance, Creepy Manor, and I will add Dastardly Head Nurse. It is like a Gothic trifecta. Someone clearly up to no good, a house full of secrets, and someone falling in love.
I enjoyed how the story reveals itself- I do NOT want to go into the basement, thank you very much, Charlie. Ashthorne is moody and atmospheric and romantic and really what more do you want from the Gothic? Read for the romance, stay for the secrets.
The Ashthorne manor is creepy and nearly decrepit, falling apart at the seams in the aftermath of World War I. The atmosphere is spooky and the perfect setting for this Gothic Romance. And the Romance is really the thing. Sapphic! I don’t even think I need to add more to the review here. Sapphic Romance, Creepy Manor, and I will add Dastardly Head Nurse. It is like a Gothic trifecta. Someone clearly up to no good, a house full of secrets, and someone falling in love.
I enjoyed how the story reveals itself- I do NOT want to go into the basement, thank you very much, Charlie. Ashthorne is moody and atmospheric and romantic and really what more do you want from the Gothic? Read for the romance, stay for the secrets.
August 31, 2022
In a short, compact and concise novella, April Yates packs a punch of a story that covers so much in so little words. I was introduced to Yates' writing in the short story 'First Harvest' from Blood and Bone, edited by A.R. Ward. I loved that anthology and found every story so outstanding that I looked forward to her debut book. And Yates doesn't disappoint. With Ashthorne, she creates a world that brings together historical fiction with gothic horror, thriller and romance. And there's another world within this world that addresses post-traumatic stress disorder, rehabilitation, homosexuality, religion and medicine, role of women in society.
The characters are multi-layered and well developed. The storyline involves several tangents, but they all fall together nicely. The plot is to the point and quick paced. Sometimes, novels are so long drawn out, one wonders why the author had to drag a story that could have been said in a few words. With Ashthorne, you hope for the opposite. The novella is so well written, one hopes it could have been a longer novel. I would have liked to learn more about the caves and the history of Ashthorne that makes the grounds significant. I love books that blur the lines between thriller and horror, and Ashthorne keeps you wanting to read more.
A haunted house story that incorporates witchcraft, demons, mysterious mirrors, and basements to beware of. As a historical fiction sapphic horror story, Ashthorne is splendidly written and deserves to be read. April Yates is an author to look out for. And kudos to the cover designer!
The characters are multi-layered and well developed. The storyline involves several tangents, but they all fall together nicely. The plot is to the point and quick paced. Sometimes, novels are so long drawn out, one wonders why the author had to drag a story that could have been said in a few words. With Ashthorne, you hope for the opposite. The novella is so well written, one hopes it could have been a longer novel. I would have liked to learn more about the caves and the history of Ashthorne that makes the grounds significant. I love books that blur the lines between thriller and horror, and Ashthorne keeps you wanting to read more.
A haunted house story that incorporates witchcraft, demons, mysterious mirrors, and basements to beware of. As a historical fiction sapphic horror story, Ashthorne is splendidly written and deserves to be read. April Yates is an author to look out for. And kudos to the cover designer!
September 12, 2022
If you like mysterious goings on in old country houses as well as a slice of girl-on-girl, you’ve come to the right place. Book. A heady mix of Du Maurier and Lovecraft, April Yates pulls you in with her elegant and effusive prose, its heart bursting out of its restraints just like those belonging to protagonists Adelaide and Evelyn. Allegory is subtle but powerful, with things to say not just about The Great War as we call it but also gendered roles and expectations around that. It’s a quick, memorable, and fairly horny read, although don’t expect a sex scene every few pages - maybe that’ll come in the expanded edition?
Visit Ashthorne promptly, or I’ll tell her about you.
Visit Ashthorne promptly, or I’ll tell her about you.
August 20, 2022
this was a beautifully done Gothic romance novel, I really enjoyed going through this book and found this plot was perfectly done. The characters worked in this Gothic atmosphere and it was what I was hoping for when reading this description.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 21, 2022
Quite enjoyed this one! I love the relationship between the two leads, and their investigations into the mysteries under the manor. I do wish it would have delved deeper into the god in the cave, maybe it's background with the surrounding villages or something. But that's a tiny nitpick. Perfect length for an afternoon read in any case!
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August 29, 2022i don't like historical fiction 99.5% of the time so i feel like i can't rate this, but i appreciated what yates was trying to do here and if you're into queer historical fiction, maybe it's for you! anyway, any published sapphic horromance is a win in my book.
August 18, 2022
ASHTHORNE is an engaging story that doesn't waste any time getting into the mystery and intrigue of its gothic location: Ashthorne House. What its residents find out about the place and its history is both disturbing and compelling at the same time.
I really liked the mythos of this story and I also enjoyed that it's a little faster-paced than a lot of gothic stories. There were portions though, where I wanted to slow down and spend more time with the characters. More time with the ultimate antagonist, who is just badass and so creepy! Mostly, when the story was over, I wasn't ready to leave Ashthorne House yet, but that perhaps says more about me than it does about the story. :) I know it's too much to hope that Yates will return to Ashthorne in another work, but I can't help hoping anyway. What a great setting!
Definitely recommend this story for readers who like gothic, especially if they tend to be put off by a gothic novel's slower pace. Also recommend for readers who like their horror with a side of romance.
Thanks to BookSirens and Ghost Orchid Press for a free advanced reader copy of this novella.
I really liked the mythos of this story and I also enjoyed that it's a little faster-paced than a lot of gothic stories. There were portions though, where I wanted to slow down and spend more time with the characters. More time with the ultimate antagonist, who is just badass and so creepy! Mostly, when the story was over, I wasn't ready to leave Ashthorne House yet, but that perhaps says more about me than it does about the story. :) I know it's too much to hope that Yates will return to Ashthorne in another work, but I can't help hoping anyway. What a great setting!
Definitely recommend this story for readers who like gothic, especially if they tend to be put off by a gothic novel's slower pace. Also recommend for readers who like their horror with a side of romance.
Thanks to BookSirens and Ghost Orchid Press for a free advanced reader copy of this novella.
October 1, 2023
If you like romantic, gothic stories set in creepy run down manor houses turned haunted hospitals, then you might want to give Ashthorne by April Yates a try!
The queer relationship at the centre of this was so cosy and the mystery behind the manor and the family who own it made me finish this in one sitting! The pace really builds up and is super fast by the end, which isn't everyone's cup of tea but I enjoyed it. Ticks all the boxes of a good old haunted house tale 🩷
The queer relationship at the centre of this was so cosy and the mystery behind the manor and the family who own it made me finish this in one sitting! The pace really builds up and is super fast by the end, which isn't everyone's cup of tea but I enjoyed it. Ticks all the boxes of a good old haunted house tale 🩷
October 7, 2022
Adelaide comes to Ashthorne, a manor home converted into a convalescence ward in the aftermath of WWI, in order to work as a nurse, find a place for herself, and make a difference. It soon becomes clear to her that the Ashthorne family, patients, doctors, and nurses are not the only beings inhabiting the house. A sinister presence lurks amongst them, always watching and always waiting. Adelaide must come to terms with this mystery, the difficult work caring for the shell shocked and physically injured soldiers, whilst fighting her deepening attraction to Miss Evelyn Ashthorne, daughter of the house.
Overall, while there were aspects that I certainly enjoyed, it was a bit of a disappointing read. I enjoyed the representation of a sapphic relationship and how difficult this was to navigate in the early 20th century, but I wasn't a fan of the instalove between Adelaide and Evelyn. I feel that for the build up to discovering what was truly happening, the pay off could have been greater. And while there were some great ideas and cool quotes that captured the atmosphere and story, the writing style was quite abrupt and could have been more fleshed out.
As I said, there were definitely things here that I enjoyed. While I didn't feel particularly strongly about either Adelaide or Evelyn, I thought that their relationship was a good one, despite my hang ups about how quickly they fell in love. Through their relationship we got a brief glimpse into the difficulties that lesbians faced post WWI. There was prejudice, the possibility of being disowned by your family, fired by your job, and falling into a relationship with a man just to maintain appearances. Of course, we can also consider the current world we live in, where many lesbians still face these difficulties. Some things have changed, and some unfortunately have not. Either way, this relationship was an important one that I am glad I was able to observe.
One character that I was very fond of was Charlie, one of the soldiers in recovery at Ashthorne. He was the only one we got to know, but I am glad that we did. He had been injured of course, having lost an eye and other parts of his face, alongside other injuries. He also, as with his fellow soldiers, suffered through shell shock, or as we generally know it today, PTSD. Again, I feel like this was an important aspect to be able to focus on. There is a lot of media out there that glorifies the World Wars, and while I have nothing against these books and movies, I certainly prefer it when the consequences, when life after battle, are featured. Here it was a central theme. So that was something I appreciated.
I can't say too much about the plot, as always, I don't want to spoil you. But I did come away feeling a tad disappointed. There was a big lead up to what was actually occurring at Ashthorne, and in the surrounding village, only for the situation to be resolved rather quickly and relatively easily. The ending could have been really good, if only things had unfolded differently.
Speaking of plot, I feel as if I should mention how it occurred in a mechanical way, if that makes sense. As I was reading, I was having some troubles with the writing, but couldn't put my finger on exactly what was wrong. Eventually I realised that the biggest issue for me was that it felt very much like a second draft. The basic structure was there, all the plot points present, but it felt as if it were the skeleton of the actual story. It needed to be more fleshed out, and I think then it would have been a much better story. Related to it feeling like a draft, there were a lot of moments of telling not showing. I know that this is touted a lot in critical reviews, but it is important, and due to this, there was a lack of tension and emotion in much of the writing. Which in turn made it difficult to relate to the characters as much as I could have.
Having said that, there were several quotes that I really enjoyed. Given that Ashthorne was written by a debut author, having previously contributed to anthologies, but never having written her own longer book, and with those glimpses of brilliance, I do have high hopes for April Yates' future works, and I hope to be able to read them and watch her flourish as a writer.
In the end, while I definitely had issues with Ashthorne, as outlined above, I am glad that I read it. I love supporting indie horror fiction, and I do believe that the author has a great deal of potential. So, if you too want to support indie horror, or maybe are newer to the genre, I believe that this could be the book for you. And as I said, I can't wait to see the author grow in the future.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Overall, while there were aspects that I certainly enjoyed, it was a bit of a disappointing read. I enjoyed the representation of a sapphic relationship and how difficult this was to navigate in the early 20th century, but I wasn't a fan of the instalove between Adelaide and Evelyn. I feel that for the build up to discovering what was truly happening, the pay off could have been greater. And while there were some great ideas and cool quotes that captured the atmosphere and story, the writing style was quite abrupt and could have been more fleshed out.
As I said, there were definitely things here that I enjoyed. While I didn't feel particularly strongly about either Adelaide or Evelyn, I thought that their relationship was a good one, despite my hang ups about how quickly they fell in love. Through their relationship we got a brief glimpse into the difficulties that lesbians faced post WWI. There was prejudice, the possibility of being disowned by your family, fired by your job, and falling into a relationship with a man just to maintain appearances. Of course, we can also consider the current world we live in, where many lesbians still face these difficulties. Some things have changed, and some unfortunately have not. Either way, this relationship was an important one that I am glad I was able to observe.
One character that I was very fond of was Charlie, one of the soldiers in recovery at Ashthorne. He was the only one we got to know, but I am glad that we did. He had been injured of course, having lost an eye and other parts of his face, alongside other injuries. He also, as with his fellow soldiers, suffered through shell shock, or as we generally know it today, PTSD. Again, I feel like this was an important aspect to be able to focus on. There is a lot of media out there that glorifies the World Wars, and while I have nothing against these books and movies, I certainly prefer it when the consequences, when life after battle, are featured. Here it was a central theme. So that was something I appreciated.
I can't say too much about the plot, as always, I don't want to spoil you. But I did come away feeling a tad disappointed. There was a big lead up to what was actually occurring at Ashthorne, and in the surrounding village, only for the situation to be resolved rather quickly and relatively easily. The ending could have been really good, if only things had unfolded differently.
Speaking of plot, I feel as if I should mention how it occurred in a mechanical way, if that makes sense. As I was reading, I was having some troubles with the writing, but couldn't put my finger on exactly what was wrong. Eventually I realised that the biggest issue for me was that it felt very much like a second draft. The basic structure was there, all the plot points present, but it felt as if it were the skeleton of the actual story. It needed to be more fleshed out, and I think then it would have been a much better story. Related to it feeling like a draft, there were a lot of moments of telling not showing. I know that this is touted a lot in critical reviews, but it is important, and due to this, there was a lack of tension and emotion in much of the writing. Which in turn made it difficult to relate to the characters as much as I could have.
Having said that, there were several quotes that I really enjoyed. Given that Ashthorne was written by a debut author, having previously contributed to anthologies, but never having written her own longer book, and with those glimpses of brilliance, I do have high hopes for April Yates' future works, and I hope to be able to read them and watch her flourish as a writer.
In the end, while I definitely had issues with Ashthorne, as outlined above, I am glad that I read it. I love supporting indie horror fiction, and I do believe that the author has a great deal of potential. So, if you too want to support indie horror, or maybe are newer to the genre, I believe that this could be the book for you. And as I said, I can't wait to see the author grow in the future.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 7, 2022
Very much enjoyed this! The mystery was fun, the romance was nice and the ending was satisfying - excited to read more from this author! :)
September 10, 2022
A very sweet, cozy horror mystery with a bit of romance. Centred on a female nurse's experiences going to a convalescence home for WWI soldiers, it develops into a simple story of Gothic horror; though the horror is kept at a minimum, there are no significant twists and the writing allows for no real character development. If you feel overwhelmed by your standard horror fare, and straightforward Gothic stories are your thing, a weekend reading this sweet novella will be perfect for you!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 9, 2022
Where to start? I love horror and the best horror is always sliced with amazing humour and this had it in spades. Descriptions were beautiful to begin with as we learnt a little the main characters and the ice cold house where plenty of devious characters are mixed up in wicked goings on.
I wasn’t too sure what was going on at the end but that’s why I love horror. How can you set it to the constraints of say a romance or a police procedural?
Thank you April. I loved your book. Please write some more like this. It filled my Sunday with rich entertainment. I will recommend widely.
I wasn’t too sure what was going on at the end but that’s why I love horror. How can you set it to the constraints of say a romance or a police procedural?
Thank you April. I loved your book. Please write some more like this. It filled my Sunday with rich entertainment. I will recommend widely.
October 19, 2022
This book!! And from a small press no less!! April Yates grabbed me from the first page. The story develops in a surprising way - full of mystery, intrigue, and (light) horror (with a very sweet sapphic love story throughout). I’m going to keep track of this author and read whatever she comes out with next.
September 18, 2022
A wonderful gothic story dripping with atmosphere and brimming with intriguing mysteries.
October 19, 2022
What a great debut! A Gothic horror novella with everything I love in it. Watch out for April Yates' next books!
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