Wednesday, 11 August 2021

Lakesedge

Lakesedge by Lyndall Clipstone (Pan Macmillan) PB RRP $24.99 ISBN 9781760983031

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Teenagers Violeta and Arien have a strong sibling bond after being orphaned at an early age. Violeta is fiercely protective of her younger brother and will do anything to keep him safe. She knows something sinister has power over Arien as he often wakes from nightmares with black eyes and his body enveloped in dark shadows that have spilled from his hands. Their adoptive mother believes there is darkness in him that belongs to the Lord Under – the lord of the dead, and she inflicts physical pain on him to try and release it.

One day, despite trying to hide, Arien and his dark shadows are witnessed by the infamous Lord Sylvanan (known as ‘The Monster of Lakesedge’; rumoured to have murdered his entire family). Lord Sylvanan offers to help Arien, but provides an ultimatum – either come with him or he will let the entire village know what he saw. Both siblings go with Lord Sylvanan to live at the Lakesedge Estate, after Violeta insists that she will not leave her brother.

Violeta and Arien soon learn that there is darkness within Lord Sylvanan, and that the land surrounding Lakesedge has been poisoned by the world Below. The days that follow are filled with secrets, sigils, spells, dangerous rituals and a budding romance. Violeta’s past comes back to haunt her and she pays dearly for promises made.

Lakesedge is a young adult gothic romance novel that would appeal to readers who enjoy fantasy and mystery. It is written in the first person by seventeen-year-old Violeta and its themes include family, friendship, love, loyalty, sacrifices and grief. The sequel to Lakesedge is due for release in 2022.

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