Title: Waldgeist: A Gothic Tragedy
Author: Richelle Manteufel
Genre: Gothic Tragedy, Gothic Fiction
Book Blurb:
There's a thin tightrope between love and monomania.
Victorian tale Waldgeist explores the psyche of Yasmin Lange, a German aerialist who joins a haunted circus, is accused of witchcraft, and battles an obsession with the wicked ringmaster nicknamed "the Dragon."
A gothic tragedy showcasing the passion of restraint, Manteufel's debut novel submerges the reader in Yasmin’s mordant soul while leaving its supernatural elements to speculation.
Beta Reader Reviews
"Emotional, enchanting, and beautifully written."
“Morose and mysterious. Perfect for fans of Brontë.”
"Waldgeist has intriguing characters with detailed traits. The language use is witty and beautiful. The plot keeps readers hooked. This novel is truly unique, and its distinct flavor ripens to a keen finish."
Content Advisory
This novel contains depictions of character death, physical abuse, trauma bonding, psychological disturbance, demonic possession, witchcraft, depression, tobacco and alcohol use, and mild swearing. Reader discretion is advised.
My Review:
Can Yasmin escape the razor-sharp obsession haunting her every movement? Waldgeist: A Gothic Tragedy is a gothic tragedy that quickly became my own obsession. The writing is classic gothic with an eerie vibe. The descriptive narration is so immersive with emotional tension, I couldn’t stop reading. Every aspect of Waldgeist: A Gothic Tragedy is intoxicating and reminds me of The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.
Let’s start with the characters. Yasmin is the narrator and main character. She is what makes Waldgeist: A Gothic Tragedy such a tantalizing read. Page by page, scene by scene, Yasmin reveals her story and what she’s gone through. I connected with her and couldn’t look away. Her narration is vivid with detail, so it makes it easy to visualize what happens. The characterization of Yasmin is clever and well-written.
The descriptive narration is flawless. As I’ve mentioned above, the narration is lush in detail with emotions, conflict, and resolution. The narration pulls the reader into the story, making it impossible to put down.
The world-building is second to none. Richelle Manteufel takes a haunted circus and makes it come alive. She imbues gothic undertones into every scene. Her rich world-building draws the reader in, holds them in their clutches, and doesn’t let go until the very end. A brilliant gothic tragedy from start to finish.
My Rating: 5+ stars
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Author Biography:
Gothic thriller fan Richelle Manteufel likes chocolate, whiskey sours, sword fights, dark twists, melodic death metal, and... romance, but don't tell anybody. Her happy place is tucked up near a window on a rainy day with candlelight, tea, and a good book, peacefully recharging her introverted self. It's a shame there aren't more rainy days in Colorado, but she makes do with mountain views.
Social Media Links:
Website https://manteufelbooks.com/
Reviewed by: Nancy