Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Synopsis
Jennifer Hale, orphaned and destitute after the Civil War, arrives at Darkwater full of hope, only to be alarmed by her cold reception. More frightening are the screams of Alicia, the dying mistress of the plantation. Jennifer becomes attracted to Walter Dere, her employer, and then Alicia's death frees Walter to propose to her. However, Jennifer develops the symptoms Alicia suffered and remembers Alicia's ravings about witchcraft. Will she suffer a fate worse than death?
Is Darkwater appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 16 and up.
This Gothic fantasy contains supernatural horror elements including witchcraft, a mysterious wasting illness, and psychological tension. The romantic elements are restrained, with mild sensuality and a power imbalance between employer and employee.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, mild sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include death, witchcraft/occult, and isolation (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens who enjoy creepy Gothic mysteries with supernatural elements and romantic tension will be drawn to this atmospheric tale.