Author: Camilla Bruce
Publication: May 19, 2026 by Del Rey
Genre: Gothic Fantasy
Find it on: Amazon | Apple Books | Barnes & Noble | Google Play | Kobo | Libro.fm
Rating: 5/5★
A rebellious young woman desperate to escape her predetermined life joins forces with an unlikely ally—a sinister spirit—in this dark gothic fantasy from the acclaimed author of At the Bottom of the Garden .
Be careful what you wish for. It might come true....
In 1910, on a small, remote island that boasts more sheep than people, life does not hold a lot of promise for spirited Charlotte North. Her only escape from both this insular community and a family who does not understand her seems to be through marriage—an institution she is not at all eager to join, given the unhappiness of her parents' own union. Plus, eligible suitors are few and far between, which is why Charlotte has fallen hard for one the few outsiders to join their community in recent the handsome—and likewise unhappily married—new priest.
And then an ancient tower once rumored to have imprisoned a witch—or an unfaithful wife—crumbles, and releases . . . something. A restless spirit that knocks inside the walls and sends household objects flying. A spirit that seems to have an affinity for Charlotte herself. Though many on the island are terrified of this new interloper, Charlotte sees in it potential. Power. And perhaps even a way to get everything she has most wanted out of life.
In The Temptation of Charlotte North, a defiant young woman forms a dangerous bond with a dark spirit to escape her doomed life.
In 1910, Charlotte chafes against the rigid confines of her mother’s home on the isolated island of Margaret’s Keep. Misunderstood and restless, she also holds a torch for Jasper Hill, who's not only a married man but also the town's new reverend.
When an ancient tower collapses after an earthquake, it releases a demonic force long held captive. Soon, something begins knocking within the walls of the North household. And Charlotte answers its call and befriends the mysterious knocker.
The story is told through the point of views of Charlotte North, Jasper Hill and Ruth Russel, the island's school teacher. I loved reading every POV since each one offered a unique perspective on the story. What I perhaps loved the most about the book was the prevailing mood. The remote island setting felt foreboding, with a rich and eerie gothic atmosphere. Camilla Bruce wrote this so very well. I really couldn't get enough of it.
My absolute favorite character was Ruth. I loved her drive and how she gained confidence as the story continued. She was determined to uncover the mystery of the ominous knocker, joined by a mainland geologist who arrives after the earthquake and, unknowingly, becomes entangled in the spirit’s path. I loved their duo very much and wouldn't mind reading about them again in the future.
Overall, The Temptation of Charlotte North by Camilla Bruce was a strong hit for me. It was a creepy and haunting gothic fantasy, had intriguing characters that I loved reading about and a tight plot with incredible writing. What more could a reader want?!
In 1910, Charlotte chafes against the rigid confines of her mother’s home on the isolated island of Margaret’s Keep. Misunderstood and restless, she also holds a torch for Jasper Hill, who's not only a married man but also the town's new reverend.
When an ancient tower collapses after an earthquake, it releases a demonic force long held captive. Soon, something begins knocking within the walls of the North household. And Charlotte answers its call and befriends the mysterious knocker.
The story is told through the point of views of Charlotte North, Jasper Hill and Ruth Russel, the island's school teacher. I loved reading every POV since each one offered a unique perspective on the story. What I perhaps loved the most about the book was the prevailing mood. The remote island setting felt foreboding, with a rich and eerie gothic atmosphere. Camilla Bruce wrote this so very well. I really couldn't get enough of it.
My absolute favorite character was Ruth. I loved her drive and how she gained confidence as the story continued. She was determined to uncover the mystery of the ominous knocker, joined by a mainland geologist who arrives after the earthquake and, unknowingly, becomes entangled in the spirit’s path. I loved their duo very much and wouldn't mind reading about them again in the future.
Overall, The Temptation of Charlotte North by Camilla Bruce was a strong hit for me. It was a creepy and haunting gothic fantasy, had intriguing characters that I loved reading about and a tight plot with incredible writing. What more could a reader want?!
About the author:Camilla Bruce is a Norwegian writer of speculative and historical fiction. She has a master’s degree in comparative literature and has co-run a small press that published dark fairy tales. Camilla currently lives in Trondheim with her son and cat.
