Title: Black Bird of the Gallows
Author: Meg Kassel
First published September 5, 2017
309 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781633758148 (ISBN10: 1633758141)
Rating: 3.72
Overview
In the quiet town of Willow Hill, strange things are happening. Harbingers of death have been spotted and it won’t be long before tragedy strikes.
Angie Dovage never expected to be caught in the middle of a supernatural battle between good and evil, especially not with the mysterious and brooding Reece Fernandez by her side. As she uncovers the dark secrets of her town, Angie realizes that the danger is greater than she ever imagined.
But even more dangerous is the forbidden love she feels for Reece, a harbinger of death. Can Angie save her town and her heart before it’s too late?
Find out in Meg Kassel’s thrilling novel, Black Bird of the Gallows.
About the Author
Meet Meg Kassel, an author of young adult paranormal and speculative fiction. Originally from New Jersey, Meg pursued a career in graphic design after graduating from Parson’s School of Design.
However, her true passion was always writing. Now, Meg resides in a cozy log house with her family in the Maine woods, where she spends her days working on her next novel.
Meg draws inspiration from a variety of sources, including ’80s cartoons, Netflix series, daydreams, and ancient mythology. She has a deep fascination with all things fantastical, creepy, and futuristic.
In her free time, Meg loves to read, spend time with her husband and daughter, hide her peanut butter cups, and take long walks with her rescue dog, Luna.
Editoral Review
In her debut novel, “Black Bird of the Gallows,” Meg Kassel tells a dark and twisted tale of love, loss, and sacrifice in a world infested with harbingers of death. Kassel expertly blends elements of fantasy, paranormal, and romance genres to create a unique and hauntingly beautiful story.
The plot centers around Angie Dovage, a teenage girl living in a small town plagued by strange events and unexplainable deaths. When Reece Fernandez, a mysterious boy with a dangerous aura, moves in next door, Angie’s life takes a sudden and unexpected turn.
As she grows closer to Reece, she discovers his dark secret: he is a harvester, a supernatural creature whose sole purpose is to seek out and collect souls. But Reece is not like the other harvesters.
He has a conscience, and he is fighting against his nature to protect Angie and prevent a catastrophic event that could lead to the end of the world. Kassel’s writing is rich and evocative, painting vivid and eerie images of the world she has created.
The creatures she invents, from the harbingers to the bees that follow Reece everywhere, are both haunting and beautiful, adding depth and complexity to the story. The setting, a small town with a long and tragic history, becomes a character in its own right, contributing to the overall mood of the novel.
The characters themselves are well-developed and relatable. Angie is a typical teenage girl, struggling with the trials of high school and her own self-doubt.
Reece is an enigma, dark and brooding yet compassionate and loyal. Kassel expertly weaves their relationship throughout the plot, adding a layer of romance that never feels forced or contrived.
One weakness of the book is its pacing. The story moves slowly at times, with the tension building incrementally until the explosive final act.
Some readers may find the slow burn frustrating, while others will revel in the sense of foreboding and anticipation that Kassel creates. Overall, “Black Bird of the Gallows” is a stunning debut from Meg Kassel, showcasing her talent and creativity as a writer.
The novel will appeal to fans of YA fantasy, paranormal romance, and horror, as well as anyone who enjoys a good, creepy read. Highly recommended.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
