Where Shadows Bloom

Did I absolutely love Bakewell's previous novel, Flowerheart? Absolutely yes. Did I love this one just as much? No, but I have my reasons. Do I still feel the sting of Bakewell absolutely ripping my heart out with this one? .........yes

Where the Shadows Bloom by Catherine Bakewell is YA fantasy novel that just gives off cozy fairy tale vibes. Ofelia has lived her life dreaming of entering Le Château Enchanté—the mysterious court of the gods-blessed King Léo, where the shadow monsters that roam Ofelia’s home never trespass. Lope has lived her life as a knight, defending Ofelia and her home from Shadows even as she dreams of escaping with Ofelia by her side. When the Shadows venture too close, Lope and Ofelia are thrust into a journey that will lead them to the heart of the darkness haunting their home: the dazzling and deceptive Château Enchanté itself. A mesmerizing daydream with a subtle edge of darkness that will leave you utterly unable to put it down, Where Shadows Bloom pits terrifying monsters, chilling secrets, capricious gods, immortal kings, and death itself against the unstoppable love between two girls.

Like Flowerheart, I think Bakewell's biggest strength is her character development. I absolutely loved Lope with all her facets of personality between being a knight AND a poet, while still being prevalent and awe-inspiring to the story. Though I will admit, I wasn't the biggest fan of Ofelia but I find that happening a lot more with the YA protagonist's I've been reading as of late. So it's not fault on Bakewell's part.

I think my biggest issue with Where Shadows Bloom is the general pacing. I feel like it had a good running start, with Ofelia jumping right into the action. But then action kinda sagged in the middle. But it's a romantasy, so the sagging is somewhat expected to really develop those characters and relationships. I also kinda wish we had more time to explore the magic system and world building, but that's always a complaint of mine when I read something that's not full high fantasy.

Overall, this is a heartfelt (and at times, heart ripping) novel that deserves a spotlight in the lot of YA romantasies. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for something Sapphic and cozy.