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Shades of Rust and Ruin #1
Shades of Rust and Ruin
Author A.G. Howard launches a dark new YA fantasy series about a girl whose family is cursed by Halloween
Phoenix “Nix� Loring knows her family is under a Halloween curse. When she was three, her parents tragically died on October 31st. Eleven years later, her twin sister Lark suffered a similar fate.
Ever since, Nix has battled survivor guilt. She can't even find comfort in Clarey, Lark's boyfriend and the one person who understands her pain, because Nix's hidden feelings for him go far beyond friendship. All that remains are her sketches, where she finds solace among the goblins and faeries in her imaginary world of Mystiquel. When her depression starts affecting her ability to see color, Nix all but gives up on her art, until her uncle goes missing on Halloween day. Hot on his trail, Nix and Clarey step through a portal, becoming trapped inside a decaying version of their town filled with Nix's own sketches come to life.
As Nix and Clarey search for her uncle within the sinister and dangerous world of Mystiquel, Nix discovers there's more to her family curse and otherworldly artwork than she ever imagined-and unless she can solve the Goblin King's maze before the clock strikes midnight, her life won't be the only one the curse claims next.
Phoenix “Nix� Loring knows her family is under a Halloween curse. When she was three, her parents tragically died on October 31st. Eleven years later, her twin sister Lark suffered a similar fate.
Ever since, Nix has battled survivor guilt. She can't even find comfort in Clarey, Lark's boyfriend and the one person who understands her pain, because Nix's hidden feelings for him go far beyond friendship. All that remains are her sketches, where she finds solace among the goblins and faeries in her imaginary world of Mystiquel. When her depression starts affecting her ability to see color, Nix all but gives up on her art, until her uncle goes missing on Halloween day. Hot on his trail, Nix and Clarey step through a portal, becoming trapped inside a decaying version of their town filled with Nix's own sketches come to life.
As Nix and Clarey search for her uncle within the sinister and dangerous world of Mystiquel, Nix discovers there's more to her family curse and otherworldly artwork than she ever imagined-and unless she can solve the Goblin King's maze before the clock strikes midnight, her life won't be the only one the curse claims next.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published September 6, 2022
91 people are currently reading
10.9k people want to read
About the author
A.G. Howard
20books9,027followers#1 New York Times and International bestselling Author of gothic / fantasy & paranormal tales, mystical & romantic with a side of horror. A.G.'s dark Alice in Wonderland inspired Splintered series has been published in over a dozen languages.
Young adult, Adult, and literary romance. Repped by Jenny Bent.
How A.G. Howard rates books on GoodReads:
"I only rate or review books I enjoyed reading, and won't give any rating below 4 stars. Please don't consider every high rating a personal endorsement / recommendation from me. My ratings here are subjective to me as an individual.
I don't rate books solely on style. Every writer's voice is individual and unique; I've come to respect this truth during my own personal journey. As long as a story takes me to another place and is well edited, I'm going to give it a good rating. And if, for some reason, a book doesn't entertain me or I don't finish it, I won't leave a rating or review at all.
If you're considering a book I've reviewed/rated, be sure to read other reviews/ratings alongside mine to help you decide if it's a read you might enjoy personally.
Happy book hunting!"
Young adult, Adult, and literary romance. Repped by Jenny Bent.
How A.G. Howard rates books on GoodReads:
"I only rate or review books I enjoyed reading, and won't give any rating below 4 stars. Please don't consider every high rating a personal endorsement / recommendation from me. My ratings here are subjective to me as an individual.
I don't rate books solely on style. Every writer's voice is individual and unique; I've come to respect this truth during my own personal journey. As long as a story takes me to another place and is well edited, I'm going to give it a good rating. And if, for some reason, a book doesn't entertain me or I don't finish it, I won't leave a rating or review at all.
If you're considering a book I've reviewed/rated, be sure to read other reviews/ratings alongside mine to help you decide if it's a read you might enjoy personally.
Happy book hunting!"
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February 27, 2022It's my baby, so I'm probably biased, but I LOVE this story, world, and characters! And I'm so excited for all the reveals coming up in the new year! Official title, launch date, and cover art are on the horizon. <3
Yay! We have a cover, a title, a launch date, and a synopsis! Check out these two posts for all the deets:
I'll be back with info on requesting ARCs once my publisher gives me the green light!
Yay! We have a cover, a title, a launch date, and a synopsis! Check out these two posts for all the deets:
I'll be back with info on requesting ARCs once my publisher gives me the green light!
October 23, 2022
What a brilliant and promising start to epic fantasy series! The Goblin market retelling and creepy, intriguing cursed family story, the breathtaking world building and amazing illustrations embroidered into the chapters truly allured me!
Nix; broken heroine grieving for her parents and twin sister Lark, finding her peace by creating a sacred world of goblins with her brilliant illustrations. Her baker uncle is the only family member left behind and Lark’s boyfriend Clarey is her close friend she’s secretly in love for a long time but she cannot come clean about her feelings because of her guilt she has been carrying about her sister’s death.
When she finally realizes the secret ingredients of her uncle’s pastries he’s selling at bakery, she can hardly believe he’s working with a fairy. But this is just the beginning of her whole world’s falling apart. On the Halloween, her uncle gets kidnapped. The family curse works again.
Only thing she has to do for saving her uncle is playing a dangerous and twisty game with goblin king. Nix realizes the enchanting world she’s created for goblins comes to life! She’s trapped in a fantasy world she’s drawn. With the support of Clarey, she has to win the game, confronting the secrets of her family.
I loved to read Nix’s inner journey and her character’s evolving. She turns into a bolder fighter who doesn’t hesitate big sacrifices to save her loved ones.
The ending cliffhanger was brilliant and I’m looking forward to read the sequel as soon as possible.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury US Children’s Books/ Bloomsbury YA for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
Nix; broken heroine grieving for her parents and twin sister Lark, finding her peace by creating a sacred world of goblins with her brilliant illustrations. Her baker uncle is the only family member left behind and Lark’s boyfriend Clarey is her close friend she’s secretly in love for a long time but she cannot come clean about her feelings because of her guilt she has been carrying about her sister’s death.
When she finally realizes the secret ingredients of her uncle’s pastries he’s selling at bakery, she can hardly believe he’s working with a fairy. But this is just the beginning of her whole world’s falling apart. On the Halloween, her uncle gets kidnapped. The family curse works again.
Only thing she has to do for saving her uncle is playing a dangerous and twisty game with goblin king. Nix realizes the enchanting world she’s created for goblins comes to life! She’s trapped in a fantasy world she’s drawn. With the support of Clarey, she has to win the game, confronting the secrets of her family.
I loved to read Nix’s inner journey and her character’s evolving. She turns into a bolder fighter who doesn’t hesitate big sacrifices to save her loved ones.
The ending cliffhanger was brilliant and I’m looking forward to read the sequel as soon as possible.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury US Children’s Books/ Bloomsbury YA for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
September 11, 2024
PSA: Just wanted to note I haven't read this yet, clearly, since its still so far off... but i'm just trying to offset the random one star rating. It drives me nuts when readers rate without reading, but star ratings are very important for other readers to even CONSIDER interest. I know that, personally, I generally will not read anything rated 3.8 or below. These ratings therefore directly affect the author & the author's sales. I think a lot of people forget about that, which IMO is super selfish.🤷🏼♀� Sorry if that offends you, but preorders HUGELY affect the success of a book, in fact, more than anything else. So the people who rate a book before they even read it, especially when the book isn't released yet, & they give a book low ratings... think about how you are affecting someone's life's work & how negative ratings will most likely directly affect the income that they receive, as well as attracting new readers. Just felt like I needed to say this. I shouldn't HAVE to, but it seems like I see this a lot, & people should KNOW better! Being a writer is difficult enough these days!
____________
(Um, ARC Gods, if you are listening... here I am! So... Please? 😅)
O M G... I AM SO BEYOND EXCITED, GLEEFUL, & GRATEFUL FOR/ ABOUT THIS FREAKIN' BOOK!!! SO MANY THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO & OBSESS OVER (sorry for yelling at you, GR lovelies! Hahah I am just insanely excited!)�
� Howard's prowess in penning retellings & re-imaginings of cult classic tales;
� UM, THIS ONE IS BASED UPON Goblin Market, a classic poem by Christina Rossetti (which I can think of a select few authors inspired by this work, & their novels were excellent!), and...
*builds suspense*
(GET THIS, kids *omgomgomg*)
Wait, can you guess?
...Jim Henson's LABYRINTH! ! !
Labyrinth. My goodness, that movie is one of my absolute favorites of all time; always have been kind of (super) obsessed with it, & always will be. 😉
Also just... BOWIE, FTW
Just so, so beyond looking forward to getting my hands on this book. Sigh.
____________
(Um, ARC Gods, if you are listening... here I am! So... Please? 😅)
O M G... I AM SO BEYOND EXCITED, GLEEFUL, & GRATEFUL FOR/ ABOUT THIS FREAKIN' BOOK!!! SO MANY THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO & OBSESS OVER (sorry for yelling at you, GR lovelies! Hahah I am just insanely excited!)�
� Howard's prowess in penning retellings & re-imaginings of cult classic tales;
� UM, THIS ONE IS BASED UPON Goblin Market, a classic poem by Christina Rossetti (which I can think of a select few authors inspired by this work, & their novels were excellent!), and...
*builds suspense*
(GET THIS, kids *omgomgomg*)
Wait, can you guess?
"Through dangers untold and hardships unnumbered..."
...Jim Henson's LABYRINTH! ! !
Labyrinth. My goodness, that movie is one of my absolute favorites of all time; always have been kind of (super) obsessed with it, & always will be. 😉
Also just... BOWIE, FTW
Just so, so beyond looking forward to getting my hands on this book. Sigh.
August 16, 2022
Nix believes her family to be under a Halloween curse � her parents died on October 31st when she was young, and only three years ago her twin sister Lark died on the 31st. She feels guilty that she couldn’t save her sister, and only finds comfort in the semi-mechanical goblins and faeries she draws that belong to her make-believe world of Mystiquel. Fighting depression, she prepares for another Halloween of hiding in the safety of her home. But when her uncle stops answering his phone, she rushes to find him with the help of her best friend. What they find is more than she bargained for and could be proof that truth really is stranger than fiction.
This work of magical realism is inspired by Rossetti’s poem “The Goblin Market� and has heavy steampunk and fantasy elements. I enjoyed how unique and creative the concept was! I was a little worried since I recently read another work inspired by the same poem, but the two books are quite dissimilar.
The mood was set extremely well throughout the work, and detailed descriptions were included of the setting, costumes, and appearances of creatures that added wonderful immersion to the story. The worldbuilding was fantastic and original for the most part (there were some things drawn from the film “Labyrinth� and the Goblin Market poem but weren’t overbearing).
The characters were very well written. I highly enjoyed Nix as a protagonist, and the self-doubt and guilt she was plagued by created realistic and interesting character depth and development for her. I also thought that the author did an excellent job with the romance of the work. It was light on romance, but the friends-to-lovers was realistic and well written.
There were only a few things I disliked. The formatting was awful in the electronic copy I read, though this is an ARC so hopefully that will be fixed before publication. There were a few instances where it felt that the plot became bogged down in extraneous information, which made it difficult to have an idea of where the work was going and was a little disorienting. This work was also a little predictable for me, though the very end caught me off guard (in an interesting way!). The story is well setup to continue into another book, one that I will be highly interested in reading.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books for allowing me to read a review copy of this work, which will be published on September 6th, 2022. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this opinion are my own.
This work of magical realism is inspired by Rossetti’s poem “The Goblin Market� and has heavy steampunk and fantasy elements. I enjoyed how unique and creative the concept was! I was a little worried since I recently read another work inspired by the same poem, but the two books are quite dissimilar.
The mood was set extremely well throughout the work, and detailed descriptions were included of the setting, costumes, and appearances of creatures that added wonderful immersion to the story. The worldbuilding was fantastic and original for the most part (there were some things drawn from the film “Labyrinth� and the Goblin Market poem but weren’t overbearing).
The characters were very well written. I highly enjoyed Nix as a protagonist, and the self-doubt and guilt she was plagued by created realistic and interesting character depth and development for her. I also thought that the author did an excellent job with the romance of the work. It was light on romance, but the friends-to-lovers was realistic and well written.
There were only a few things I disliked. The formatting was awful in the electronic copy I read, though this is an ARC so hopefully that will be fixed before publication. There were a few instances where it felt that the plot became bogged down in extraneous information, which made it difficult to have an idea of where the work was going and was a little disorienting. This work was also a little predictable for me, though the very end caught me off guard (in an interesting way!). The story is well setup to continue into another book, one that I will be highly interested in reading.
My thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books for allowing me to read a review copy of this work, which will be published on September 6th, 2022. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this opinion are my own.
August 28, 2022
a genre bending YA fantasy that lives up to its stunning cover. loved the neurodiverse characters, mech-prosthetic components, all the fairy tale vibes/mythological creatures, and the delicious scenes of horror.
it’s tender, immersive, and utterly bingeable. read it in one sitting :)
thank you to the publisher for the arc!
it’s tender, immersive, and utterly bingeable. read it in one sitting :)
thank you to the publisher for the arc!
July 24, 2022
This is my second book by A. G. Howard, and from the first of hers I read what has always caught my attention by the throat and never let go of it was her prose. She has this ability to set up the mood, generally instrospective and melancholy, from the first lines, and in this book, she does it again by opening with a catchy line about the heroine finding her sister dead.
That is the core of the plot of Shades of Rust and Honey: young teen Nix Loring tragically loses her twin sister on the night of Halloween, apparently dead due to an undiagnosed epileptic seizure. Losing the half of herself is a blow to Nix that lands her in therapy and causes a trauma-induced colourblindness that deprives her of the ability to see colours. She can't sleep, she can't stop grieving Lark, and can't find any other outlet than her artwork, which is all about goblins and fairies in a made-up place called Mystiquiel that she created. And Clarey, Lark's boyfriend that Nix is in love with. Him and her art are her only anchors to sanity. Until a few years later, on another Halloween, her famous baker uncle disappears, and Nix becomes determined to unravel the curse placed on her family that apparently kills them on Halloween, and goes with Clarey to rescue her uncle.
Who does have him? The Goblin King, naturally, and will not release him unless Nix agrees to a game. If she wins, she has her uncle and more back. If she loses, her uncle and more are done for. It's a high-stakes game, and twisty.
As someone who read Christina Rosetti's "Goblin Market," which this book retells in a steampunk-ish setting, I couldn't but guess where the plot was going, and also could clearly see the homages to the film "Labyrinth" with David Bowie, which this also draws inspiration from (for the maze in particular), but even so it still surprised me a few times. The ending, for example, I only half-guessed. Even so, the predictability is there mostly for those that know Rosetti's story (it pleased me so much that Nix's copy of the poem is the one illustrated by Rackham that I also have, though not her same rare antique edition), and in any case, what makes this so enjoyable is the writing, the characterisation, and the moods and emotions. I only wish it hadn't ended in a bit of a cliffhanger, although it's not excessively abrupt and wraps up the final scene nicely, and I'm intrigued about the continuation and what the Goblin King will do next and where Nix's story will go once the plot goes further than Rosetti's story.
Thanks to Bloomsbury USA Children's Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
That is the core of the plot of Shades of Rust and Honey: young teen Nix Loring tragically loses her twin sister on the night of Halloween, apparently dead due to an undiagnosed epileptic seizure. Losing the half of herself is a blow to Nix that lands her in therapy and causes a trauma-induced colourblindness that deprives her of the ability to see colours. She can't sleep, she can't stop grieving Lark, and can't find any other outlet than her artwork, which is all about goblins and fairies in a made-up place called Mystiquiel that she created. And Clarey, Lark's boyfriend that Nix is in love with. Him and her art are her only anchors to sanity. Until a few years later, on another Halloween, her famous baker uncle disappears, and Nix becomes determined to unravel the curse placed on her family that apparently kills them on Halloween, and goes with Clarey to rescue her uncle.
Who does have him? The Goblin King, naturally, and will not release him unless Nix agrees to a game. If she wins, she has her uncle and more back. If she loses, her uncle and more are done for. It's a high-stakes game, and twisty.
As someone who read Christina Rosetti's "Goblin Market," which this book retells in a steampunk-ish setting, I couldn't but guess where the plot was going, and also could clearly see the homages to the film "Labyrinth" with David Bowie, which this also draws inspiration from (for the maze in particular), but even so it still surprised me a few times. The ending, for example, I only half-guessed. Even so, the predictability is there mostly for those that know Rosetti's story (it pleased me so much that Nix's copy of the poem is the one illustrated by Rackham that I also have, though not her same rare antique edition), and in any case, what makes this so enjoyable is the writing, the characterisation, and the moods and emotions. I only wish it hadn't ended in a bit of a cliffhanger, although it's not excessively abrupt and wraps up the final scene nicely, and I'm intrigued about the continuation and what the Goblin King will do next and where Nix's story will go once the plot goes further than Rosetti's story.
Thanks to Bloomsbury USA Children's Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Shelved as 'dnf'
November 26, 2023dnf @ 21% .. I swear all the information that’s being thrown at me is going through one ear and out the other cause I’m lost. the main character is annoying me too for some reason, so idk I’m just gonna give up. 🤷🏻♀�
August 27, 2022
3.75 rounded up to 4 stars. A tale of the Goblin Market and steampunk combined with curses and a dark legacy.
Nix is convinced her family is cursed. Halloween has taken her parents from her when she was young, and her twin sister Lark years later. She knows her curse must have something to do with the Goblin Market as her mother made sure her and Lark knew the tale. When Nix's uncle goes missing on Halloween, she must find him with the help of her best friend, Clarey. What dangers await Clarey and Nix as they search, and can they break a curse before they both become cursed forever?
A.G. Howard has a way with storytelling unlike any I have ever read before. Her Splintered series was what really reignited my passion for reading years ago. As an absolute lover of all things The Goblin Market I was beyond excited to recieve an eARC for this morsel. I myself am not a big fan of steampunk, so the wonder if the world was lost a bit on me, but knowing Howard this is the first of a series. I really enjoyed this first installment, the characters are unique and relatable and the lore is peppered throughout to keep up interest. My reason for giving 3.75 even though I really enjoyed this is the amount of steampunk description brought me out of the story. The middle of the story does fall a bit stagnant as Clarey and Nix learn to navigate a world full of dangers, both mechanical and otherwise.
A solid beginning to a series I'm sure will delight. 3.75 stars rounded to 4. Recommended for readers who love steampunk, The Splintered series, and fairy tale retellings. Age range recommended is 12+ as even adults will enjoy this world. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Nix is convinced her family is cursed. Halloween has taken her parents from her when she was young, and her twin sister Lark years later. She knows her curse must have something to do with the Goblin Market as her mother made sure her and Lark knew the tale. When Nix's uncle goes missing on Halloween, she must find him with the help of her best friend, Clarey. What dangers await Clarey and Nix as they search, and can they break a curse before they both become cursed forever?
A.G. Howard has a way with storytelling unlike any I have ever read before. Her Splintered series was what really reignited my passion for reading years ago. As an absolute lover of all things The Goblin Market I was beyond excited to recieve an eARC for this morsel. I myself am not a big fan of steampunk, so the wonder if the world was lost a bit on me, but knowing Howard this is the first of a series. I really enjoyed this first installment, the characters are unique and relatable and the lore is peppered throughout to keep up interest. My reason for giving 3.75 even though I really enjoyed this is the amount of steampunk description brought me out of the story. The middle of the story does fall a bit stagnant as Clarey and Nix learn to navigate a world full of dangers, both mechanical and otherwise.
A solid beginning to a series I'm sure will delight. 3.75 stars rounded to 4. Recommended for readers who love steampunk, The Splintered series, and fairy tale retellings. Age range recommended is 12+ as even adults will enjoy this world. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2022
That ending!! Wha????? I need book two NOW!!! Is this going to be another book where book 2 never comes??? Please…NO!!!!
The characters, the world building�.everything is AMAZING!!!! Howard is always such an amazing writer!!!
I’m not going to say too much and ruin it for you, but YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!
The characters, the world building�.everything is AMAZING!!!! Howard is always such an amazing writer!!!
I’m not going to say too much and ruin it for you, but YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!
October 27, 2022
Though this was interesting from the beginning, I found it a bit slow until about 40%. Then we enter the maze and everything shifts into overdrive. I loved the little similarities to the Labyrinth, like the maze and Goblin King. It definitely called me back to my childhood watching David Bowie dance around lol.
I enjoyed the combination of fantastical and mechanical. The creatures were cool and I liked how Nix had created so many things and got to see them come to life. Clarey is a great friend and his dog Flannie is adorable. The trio were fun to follow and I definitely hope Nix and Clarey get together by the end of this.
I hope it's not too long of a wait for the sequel, I need to know what's next!
I enjoyed the combination of fantastical and mechanical. The creatures were cool and I liked how Nix had created so many things and got to see them come to life. Clarey is a great friend and his dog Flannie is adorable. The trio were fun to follow and I definitely hope Nix and Clarey get together by the end of this.
I hope it's not too long of a wait for the sequel, I need to know what's next!
November 10, 2022
Fantastic! This is just the sort of thing I have been missing from Howard. I must have read everything of hers, after reading the Splintered series, searching for more like that masterpiece. Well, it's been a few years, but here it is! Fae plus steampunk mixing with just a hint of that Alice in Wonderland vibe that I've been missing. This book was amazing! Suspenseful, creepy, and mysterious. Soooo many plot twists! I can't wait for the rest of these. All the stars to Shades of Rust and Ruin.
Want to read
June 14, 2021A GOBLIN KING - EXCUSE ME? I NEED!
Want to read
August 20, 2021I can't wait!! Labyrinth is my favorite movie and I know this book is written with inspiration from said movie. I really hope the Goblin King is the love interest!! 💓💓💓💓
November 5, 2023
A.G. Howard never fails to please - and this was wonderfully quirky Halloween read.
I've always been a fan of the creepy tinge there is to all of Howard's retellings, from the Splintered series to her standalone Roseblood (and everything in between). So it's no surprise that there's a healthy dose of Weird, with a capital 'W', in Shades of Rust and Ruin.
If you're looking for the perfect spooky book, this is definitely it. The story follows the ill-fated twins, Nix and Lark, as Nix battles with accepting/moving forward after Lark's death three years ago. Filled with paranoia every Halloween (the day not only Lark died, but the same day � years earlier � that their parents died in an accident), Nix marks the day down as one to survive and be vigilant. To say Nix feels haunted by Lark is to say the least.
There are so many fun elements in this book, with steampunk-adjacent stuff abound. It's like all the good fae stories you've ever read (think Julie Kagawa's the Iron Fey series) but with extra twisty-ness � both in terms of the plot and creepy, Halloween-y things that happen.
This could easily turn into a series, but I'm also really enjoying the standalones that Howard is putting out. Highly recommend as a great October read!
I've always been a fan of the creepy tinge there is to all of Howard's retellings, from the Splintered series to her standalone Roseblood (and everything in between). So it's no surprise that there's a healthy dose of Weird, with a capital 'W', in Shades of Rust and Ruin.
If you're looking for the perfect spooky book, this is definitely it. The story follows the ill-fated twins, Nix and Lark, as Nix battles with accepting/moving forward after Lark's death three years ago. Filled with paranoia every Halloween (the day not only Lark died, but the same day � years earlier � that their parents died in an accident), Nix marks the day down as one to survive and be vigilant. To say Nix feels haunted by Lark is to say the least.
There are so many fun elements in this book, with steampunk-adjacent stuff abound. It's like all the good fae stories you've ever read (think Julie Kagawa's the Iron Fey series) but with extra twisty-ness � both in terms of the plot and creepy, Halloween-y things that happen.
This could easily turn into a series, but I'm also really enjoying the standalones that Howard is putting out. Highly recommend as a great October read!
October 10, 2022
My favorite author knocked it out off the park again!!!! I adore A. G. Howard so much that I once bought a book just so I could have her review on the back of the book. She makes everything so interesting and unique so when she announced that she was writing a book inspired by labyrinth and it would be steampunk I was overjoyed. Knowing my favorite author was writing about two of my favorite things I had painfully high expectations, and of course this book exceeded them. I adored this creepy atmospheric goblin book. It was full of fun twists and turns and was horrifyingly beautiful. Everything about this book had the best steampunk vibes. Also the characters were so adorable and unique. It seems that a lot of books copy and paste their main characters, but these characters were so different and refreshing to read about! The lore of Mystiquiel was as enticing as the goblin fruits in it. I won’t go into details about the plot of the story, because I believe you should go in blind and enjoy the ride. I cannot wait for the next book! 100 out of five stars!�
October 23, 2022
I have no words to accurately describe the emotions and journey this book took me on.
Weaving a tale of so beautifully, A.G. Howard pulls us into the world of Mystiquiel. A place that is intricate, terrifying, and stunning all at the same time.
This is a tale of loss, regret, and hope weaved into a fairy-tale storyline that you're not soon to forget.
If you love portals, magic, and all things Halloween this is the book for you. I wish I could describe it better but all I can say is I love it and I need more!
The ending has my heart breaking in so many ways that I'll anxiously be awaiting the sequel while praying that it helps put the pieces together again ❤️
Weaving a tale of so beautifully, A.G. Howard pulls us into the world of Mystiquiel. A place that is intricate, terrifying, and stunning all at the same time.
This is a tale of loss, regret, and hope weaved into a fairy-tale storyline that you're not soon to forget.
If you love portals, magic, and all things Halloween this is the book for you. I wish I could describe it better but all I can say is I love it and I need more!
The ending has my heart breaking in so many ways that I'll anxiously be awaiting the sequel while praying that it helps put the pieces together again ❤️
September 25, 2023
The night was dark, filled with the laughter and screams of those parading the town during All Hallows Eve. Creatures and monsters, goblins and ghouls, everyone and everything was out tonight. She stayed back in the shadows knowing danger was lurking, because this one night a year was when the curse came knocking.
Shades of Rust and Ruin is a fantasy novel and retelling of the poem, Goblin Market. Following Nix, who resides in Astoria (where The Goonies was filmed), is trying to get through the Halloween holiday alive. This day holds a curse on her family and she’s determined to stop it.
This was a fun, spooky fantasy perfect for the fall season. Set on Halloween this book will give you all the eerie vibes this holiday brings. The world Nix portals into is filled with riddles and games and I really enjoyed that aspect of the story. The romance was a little off for me and some sections of the book were very slow paced, but overall it was a spooky good time!
CW: Death of a Loved One, Grief, Violence, Mental Health (Panic Attacks, Anxiety), Cancer, Body Horror, Bullying.
Shades of Rust and Ruin is a fantasy novel and retelling of the poem, Goblin Market. Following Nix, who resides in Astoria (where The Goonies was filmed), is trying to get through the Halloween holiday alive. This day holds a curse on her family and she’s determined to stop it.
This was a fun, spooky fantasy perfect for the fall season. Set on Halloween this book will give you all the eerie vibes this holiday brings. The world Nix portals into is filled with riddles and games and I really enjoyed that aspect of the story. The romance was a little off for me and some sections of the book were very slow paced, but overall it was a spooky good time!
CW: Death of a Loved One, Grief, Violence, Mental Health (Panic Attacks, Anxiety), Cancer, Body Horror, Bullying.
April 11, 2024
It's a book with its own story but is threaded through with thoughts of the Labyrinth, in a darker twist
September 22, 2022
Critique Partner perks are the best!
This book is a stunner! In typical AG style, her majestic prose, rich character development, and lush descriptions shine through every page of this book. While a vastly different story than Splintered, fans of that series will devour this fast-paced, urban adventure that showcases Howard's exceptional storytelling skills and her thoughtful attention to detail that make her fantasies stand out among the crowd.
This book is a stunner! In typical AG style, her majestic prose, rich character development, and lush descriptions shine through every page of this book. While a vastly different story than Splintered, fans of that series will devour this fast-paced, urban adventure that showcases Howard's exceptional storytelling skills and her thoughtful attention to detail that make her fantasies stand out among the crowd.
November 11, 2024
2024: I still stand by this is in my top best books to read on Halloween Week!
2023:4 Stars Woah this was so awesome. Goblin kings, drawings come to life, a Halloween curse, luscious enchanting food, and all the fall goodness you could ever want. Watch out for that ending!!! Can't wait for book two.
2023:4 Stars Woah this was so awesome. Goblin kings, drawings come to life, a Halloween curse, luscious enchanting food, and all the fall goodness you could ever want. Watch out for that ending!!! Can't wait for book two.
October 20, 2022
This is the first book by A. G. Howard that I've ever read, although I have Roseblood on my shelf, and I've heard great things about it.
First-- if you know me, you know I'm a huge fan of sister books, which this is. So I loved that. I love that Nix's relationship with her sister is a lot more complicated than she'll admit, even to herself. One huge part of that is in her relationship with Clarey, who was once her sister's boyfriend and has since been Nix's best friend. I loved the tension and the pointed denial of Nix and Clarey's feelings for each other. Wondering what would happen between them kept me turning pages far too late into the night.
I also loved the dark, unpredictable magic of Mystiquiel. It reminded me a bit of the movie The Labyrinth, but not in a repetitive way. I felt like the pacing of the story was really great. I always felt like something was happening or about to happen. By the end, I was hooked on the series, and I definitely have to see where it goes next. Sister books for the win!
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions my own.
First-- if you know me, you know I'm a huge fan of sister books, which this is. So I loved that. I love that Nix's relationship with her sister is a lot more complicated than she'll admit, even to herself. One huge part of that is in her relationship with Clarey, who was once her sister's boyfriend and has since been Nix's best friend. I loved the tension and the pointed denial of Nix and Clarey's feelings for each other. Wondering what would happen between them kept me turning pages far too late into the night.
I also loved the dark, unpredictable magic of Mystiquiel. It reminded me a bit of the movie The Labyrinth, but not in a repetitive way. I felt like the pacing of the story was really great. I always felt like something was happening or about to happen. By the end, I was hooked on the series, and I definitely have to see where it goes next. Sister books for the win!
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions my own.
October 10, 2022
To Nix, the worst day of every year is Halloween. That's the day her parents died when she was young. And it is also the day her twin sister died just a few short years ago. Now it is just her and her uncle left, and she does everything possible each Halloween night to make sure they are safe from the forces that took the rest of her family.
But this year is different. This year, her uncle isn't where he's supposed to be, and it's up to her and her best friend Clarey to find him before something happens to her uncle, either in this world, or the one she thought only existed in her imagination. Is there really something to the family Halloween curse? Or has Nix been imagining it all? What Nix discovers on her trip to save her uncle may just be the undoing of both her worlds.
This is full of twists, turns, and downright turning inside-out. There's a lot to unwrap in this one, and at times it's a little hard to follow the story through its twisty-turny ways, but ultimately, this is a great one for fans of stories that are just a little strange and take the reader on a path of the unexpected.
But this year is different. This year, her uncle isn't where he's supposed to be, and it's up to her and her best friend Clarey to find him before something happens to her uncle, either in this world, or the one she thought only existed in her imagination. Is there really something to the family Halloween curse? Or has Nix been imagining it all? What Nix discovers on her trip to save her uncle may just be the undoing of both her worlds.
This is full of twists, turns, and downright turning inside-out. There's a lot to unwrap in this one, and at times it's a little hard to follow the story through its twisty-turny ways, but ultimately, this is a great one for fans of stories that are just a little strange and take the reader on a path of the unexpected.
March 23, 2023
literally so good� i didn’t see some of the plot twists coming at all 🙏 i did not expect that ending tbh but i NEEEEED to know more so ill def read the second book when it comes out
March 5, 2024
Great Story
Ever since I read AG Howard's series Splintered I read everything she comes out with. Since Labyrinth is one of my alltime favorite movies when I heard this had touches of Labyrinth I immediately snatched it up! Very well written characters & a lovely storyline. I also love Kelpies so the kelpine creatures were an awesome touch. I'd love to see more of them. I can't wait to see more of Nix & Clarey's journey
Ever since I read AG Howard's series Splintered I read everything she comes out with. Since Labyrinth is one of my alltime favorite movies when I heard this had touches of Labyrinth I immediately snatched it up! Very well written characters & a lovely storyline. I also love Kelpies so the kelpine creatures were an awesome touch. I'd love to see more of them. I can't wait to see more of Nix & Clarey's journey
November 20, 2022
I would have rated this a 3.5 stars, but I will round up to 4 stars just because the ending was good. The beginning of this book was very slow, but after reading the book it makes since why its so slow. The details within the beginning of the book we needed as a reader by the end. It had a lot of great foreshadowing. Anyway, I did have a hard time wanting to pick it up at first. Once the main characters cross the vail to mystiquel is finally when things got interesting.
I really enjoyed the partnership of Nix and Clancy. They were a good duo, I can’t wait to see what happens to them. The world building was fantastic, but sometimes I would get a little confused. Rereading parts definitely helped.
Again the ending was my favorite part of the book because as the reader we are seeing from Nix’s POV and we finally get all the answers. I liked how it was a bit wrapped up, but it was a cliffhanger.
I had a weird feeling the whole book that Lark was alive somehow and� she was!?! Is lark evil now�
I really enjoyed the partnership of Nix and Clancy. They were a good duo, I can’t wait to see what happens to them. The world building was fantastic, but sometimes I would get a little confused. Rereading parts definitely helped.
Again the ending was my favorite part of the book because as the reader we are seeing from Nix’s POV and we finally get all the answers. I liked how it was a bit wrapped up, but it was a cliffhanger.
I had a weird feeling the whole book that Lark was alive somehow and� she was!?! Is lark evil now�
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2023
A steam punk Labyrinth. Loosely inspired by The Goblin Market by Christina Rossetti . . . Follows Nix a teenage girl dealing with survivors guilt after the lose of her twin sister Lark. Along with Best friend and MMC Clary and his dog Flannie they find them selves on an adventure in the Goblin world in search of Nix's missing uncle. Amazing characters like the goblin king who is reminiscent of the Labyrinths Garreth. This story tackles all kinds of real life difficulties and traumas from Clary's hearing impairment to survivor's guilt, depression, anxiety and so much more. Such an amazing original story can't wait for the second book in this duology.
December 11, 2023
Love this fantasy story mixed with faery lore and folktales, and a smidgen of steam punk fun.
Can't wait to read the next one.
Can't wait to read the next one.
January 7, 2024
En esta oportunidad A G Howard nos regala un maravilloso e intrincado camino por uno de los mundos más escalofriantes que podrán encontrar. Mis primeros encuentros con la autora fueron con los retellings de Alicia en el país de las maravillas (Saga susurros) y El fantasma de la ópera (Roseblood), dos magníficas creaciones que me dejaron ansiando leer más de sus obras y expectante por sus próximas entregas.
En un mundo oscuro nos encontramos a una joven encerrada en el pasado y envuelta en la culpa, que busca redimir su dolor a base de cumplir los sueños de su hermana y cumplir con las metas que ella tanto ansiaba. Dejando atrás todo aquello que la diferenciaba vive su vida bajo la sombra de todo lo que su mitad más brillante podría haber sido, pero que por culpa de una fatídica noche de halloween jamás podrá ser.
En un intrincado nudo de cuentos susurrados, ilusiones y medias verdades, nos veremos obligados a viajar a una realidad en donde la imaginación es el corazón que mantiene vivo todo un universo de creaciones sin igual.
Dos adolescentes y un perro, serán los encargados de rescatar lo que queda de un mundo en ruinas, proteger a todos los que les importan e intentar salir con vida de una travesía que ni en sus más profundos sueños creyeron que se harían realidad.
Creo que este libro es uno de esos en los que debes entrar sin saber mucho de la trama, deben vivirse desde 0 y no crearse muchas ilusiones.
Cómo la mayoría de los libros de la autora, el punto más destacable del libro es la creación del mundo en el cual se relata la historia, totalmente envolvente, innovador y capaz de generar una curiosidad sin límites, Mystiquiel es una magnífica creación que va desde lo lúgubre y tenebroso, hasta lo retorcido e innovador.
El único punto que me dejó con una sensación extraña fue la carga pesada de descripciones que mantiene el libro en la primera mitad de la historia, en muchos momentos ,me sentí un poco perdida en tanta palabra y me desconectaban de lo que estaba pasando con los personajes.
Estos últimos se me hicieron muy interesantes, cada uno de ellos está rodeado de enigmas y partes cautivadoras que te generan la necesidad de conocerlos más y ver cómo se desenvuelven al enfrentarse a adversidades.
En general un muy buen libro, si están con ganas de leer una saga de fantasía algo cargadita, sería un buen comienzo.
En un mundo oscuro nos encontramos a una joven encerrada en el pasado y envuelta en la culpa, que busca redimir su dolor a base de cumplir los sueños de su hermana y cumplir con las metas que ella tanto ansiaba. Dejando atrás todo aquello que la diferenciaba vive su vida bajo la sombra de todo lo que su mitad más brillante podría haber sido, pero que por culpa de una fatídica noche de halloween jamás podrá ser.
En un intrincado nudo de cuentos susurrados, ilusiones y medias verdades, nos veremos obligados a viajar a una realidad en donde la imaginación es el corazón que mantiene vivo todo un universo de creaciones sin igual.
Dos adolescentes y un perro, serán los encargados de rescatar lo que queda de un mundo en ruinas, proteger a todos los que les importan e intentar salir con vida de una travesía que ni en sus más profundos sueños creyeron que se harían realidad.
Creo que este libro es uno de esos en los que debes entrar sin saber mucho de la trama, deben vivirse desde 0 y no crearse muchas ilusiones.
Cómo la mayoría de los libros de la autora, el punto más destacable del libro es la creación del mundo en el cual se relata la historia, totalmente envolvente, innovador y capaz de generar una curiosidad sin límites, Mystiquiel es una magnífica creación que va desde lo lúgubre y tenebroso, hasta lo retorcido e innovador.
El único punto que me dejó con una sensación extraña fue la carga pesada de descripciones que mantiene el libro en la primera mitad de la historia, en muchos momentos ,me sentí un poco perdida en tanta palabra y me desconectaban de lo que estaba pasando con los personajes.
Estos últimos se me hicieron muy interesantes, cada uno de ellos está rodeado de enigmas y partes cautivadoras que te generan la necesidad de conocerlos más y ver cómo se desenvuelven al enfrentarse a adversidades.
En general un muy buen libro, si están con ganas de leer una saga de fantasía algo cargadita, sería un buen comienzo.
October 19, 2022
4.5 stars and rounding up.
Nix hates Halloween. Her parents died when she and her twin were too young to remember, and her Uncle raised them. Then 3 years ago on Halloween, Nix's twin Lark died too. Since then, Nix has lost the ability to see color and has abandoned her brand of art. In exchange, she has been coping with her grief by picking up her sister's craft, mechanics.
Being a huge fan of Christina Rosetti's 'The Goblin Market' poem, and a lover of retellings, this was right up my alley. It didn't fail.
I loved this contemporary steampunk reimagining of The Goblin Market. The prose was beautiful. The storytelling was atmospheric, dark, whimsical and layered. I absolutely fell in love with the 80's and 90's movie and pop culture references, reminiscent of Dark Henson, Tim Burton, The Wiz, and Goosebumps. I found the idea of a Halloween book about a girl who hates Halloween to be such a funny plot point. I couldn't help but notice subtle little pokes at contemporary Christian culture as well. Ultimately though, this was a story of someone struggling with grief, survivors guilt, love, and shame.
Clean of sexual content and profanity.
Nix hates Halloween. Her parents died when she and her twin were too young to remember, and her Uncle raised them. Then 3 years ago on Halloween, Nix's twin Lark died too. Since then, Nix has lost the ability to see color and has abandoned her brand of art. In exchange, she has been coping with her grief by picking up her sister's craft, mechanics.
Being a huge fan of Christina Rosetti's 'The Goblin Market' poem, and a lover of retellings, this was right up my alley. It didn't fail.
I loved this contemporary steampunk reimagining of The Goblin Market. The prose was beautiful. The storytelling was atmospheric, dark, whimsical and layered. I absolutely fell in love with the 80's and 90's movie and pop culture references, reminiscent of Dark Henson, Tim Burton, The Wiz, and Goosebumps. I found the idea of a Halloween book about a girl who hates Halloween to be such a funny plot point. I couldn't help but notice subtle little pokes at contemporary Christian culture as well. Ultimately though, this was a story of someone struggling with grief, survivors guilt, love, and shame.
Clean of sexual content and profanity.
May 31, 2023
I won this book in a giveaway first and foremost. The cover is beautiful. I however had some trouble while reading the book. Its got a Alice in wonderland+steampunk vibe to it
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