* Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *

Dark, creepy, and super mysterious. This one was a weird read and I really enjoyed it. Fantastically gothic, including the setting of a crumbling and secluded school and a main character who appears to be a morally gray outsider.

The setup for the school is unique and on the edge of having an evil feel and I loved it. Catherine is withering and full of odd corridors. The courses are a mix of traditional and oddly particular (i.e. Japanese Prints). The dean gives off spooky vibes and the mystery surrounding the students' progress through the program, where they are not allowed to leave or have any contact with the outside world, is continuously and progressively creepy.

The writing is fully immersive, bringing forth such sensory detail that I felt pulled in and surrounded by the book. It is blunt, but at the same time secretive due to limited narration. The present is described wonderfully in terms of surrounding, but the approach is as if you are alongside the main character, only knowing what you're given. Ines is mysterious in herself and the vagueness of her history tugged at me for the entire read. I wanted to know more, but information was doled out in small pieces. This admittedly left me wanting, but was a fantastic device for keeping me hooked.

I could have used more character development and perhaps a deeper view into the mysteries of the school itself, but overall I had a great time being taken through this weird and ominous world. The ending was moderately satisfying, but unfortunately somewhat underwhelming. Absolutely worth the read, potentially worth a reread in order to see what little bits I didn't pick up on my first time through.