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The Narrow
A deliciously terrifying novel about a ghost who uncovers a teen girl's best kept secrets while haunting her boarding school, perfect for fans of Lost in the Never Woods and The Haunting of Bly Manor .
Everyone has heard the story of the Narrow. The river that runs behind the Atwood School is only a few feet across and seemingly placid, but beneath the surface, the waters are deep and vicious. It’s said that no one who has fallen in has ever survived.
Eden White knows that isn’t true. Six years ago, she saw Delphine Fournier fall into the Narrow—and live.
Delphine now lives in careful isolation, sealed off from the world. Even a single drop of unpurified water could be deadly to her, and no one but Eden has any idea why. Eden has never told anyone what she saw or spoken to Delphine since, but now, unable to cover her tuition, she has to make a her expenses will be paid in return for serving as a live-in companion to Delphine.
Eden finds herself drawn to the strange and mysterious girl, and the two of them begin to unravel each other’s secrets. Then Eden discovers what happened to the last girl who lived with she was found half-drowned on dry land. Suddenly Eden is waking up to wet footprints tracking to the end of her bed, the sound of rain on the windows when the skies are clear, and a ghostly silhouette in her doorway. Something is haunting Delphine—and now it’s coming for Eden, too.
Everyone has heard the story of the Narrow. The river that runs behind the Atwood School is only a few feet across and seemingly placid, but beneath the surface, the waters are deep and vicious. It’s said that no one who has fallen in has ever survived.
Eden White knows that isn’t true. Six years ago, she saw Delphine Fournier fall into the Narrow—and live.
Delphine now lives in careful isolation, sealed off from the world. Even a single drop of unpurified water could be deadly to her, and no one but Eden has any idea why. Eden has never told anyone what she saw or spoken to Delphine since, but now, unable to cover her tuition, she has to make a her expenses will be paid in return for serving as a live-in companion to Delphine.
Eden finds herself drawn to the strange and mysterious girl, and the two of them begin to unravel each other’s secrets. Then Eden discovers what happened to the last girl who lived with she was found half-drowned on dry land. Suddenly Eden is waking up to wet footprints tracking to the end of her bed, the sound of rain on the windows when the skies are clear, and a ghostly silhouette in her doorway. Something is haunting Delphine—and now it’s coming for Eden, too.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2023
About the author
Kate Alice Marshall
17 books3,861 followersKate Alice Marshall is the author of thrillers and horror for all ages. Her YA and Middle grade books include I AM STILL ALIVE, RULES FOR VANISHING, and THIRTEENS. Her adult thrillers include WHAT LIES IN THE WOODS and NO ONE CAN KNOW.
She lives outside of Seattle with her husband, two dogs named Vonnegut and Octavia, and two kids. They all conspire to keep her on her toes.
She lives outside of Seattle with her husband, two dogs named Vonnegut and Octavia, and two kids. They all conspire to keep her on her toes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 442 reviews
August 27, 2023
A girl with secrets is haunted by a ghost at her boarding school and everything begins to unravel...
The Narrow took me a little bit longer to get into than books by this author usually do, but the payoff was excellent. Yes, this is a ghost story, but it's also a book about love, obsession, abuse, and queerness. This didn't go quite where I expected, but Marshall weaves story elements together really expertly so it all hits home by the end. This is one where I don't want to spoil anything and you should go in without knowing too much.
The Narrow is an infamous river crossing near Atwood School. Officially it's forbidden to students because of the risk of drowning (and there is a story about the ghost of a drowned girl...) but unofficially the students begin each year by leaping across to the other side. They say that no one has ever survived falling in. But six years ago Eden and her best friend watched as Delphine Fournier fell in, only to reappear wet and shivering in the dormitory later that night. But then she developed a deadly reaction to un-purified water and lives in strict seclusion in order to remain alive. But no one else knows what happened that night. Now in order to cover tuition, Eden becomes a live-in companion to the beautiful Delphine, not knowing that she is about to be haunted by a ghost and by her own secrets....
This was a creepy and satisfying story that addresses some really important aspects of abuse that aren't often talked about. Namely, I really appreciate how the author approaches these sensitive topics and love seeing it in a YA book. Overall a very good novel, even if it's not my favorite book from this author. I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
The Narrow took me a little bit longer to get into than books by this author usually do, but the payoff was excellent. Yes, this is a ghost story, but it's also a book about love, obsession, abuse, and queerness. This didn't go quite where I expected, but Marshall weaves story elements together really expertly so it all hits home by the end. This is one where I don't want to spoil anything and you should go in without knowing too much.
The Narrow is an infamous river crossing near Atwood School. Officially it's forbidden to students because of the risk of drowning (and there is a story about the ghost of a drowned girl...) but unofficially the students begin each year by leaping across to the other side. They say that no one has ever survived falling in. But six years ago Eden and her best friend watched as Delphine Fournier fell in, only to reappear wet and shivering in the dormitory later that night. But then she developed a deadly reaction to un-purified water and lives in strict seclusion in order to remain alive. But no one else knows what happened that night. Now in order to cover tuition, Eden becomes a live-in companion to the beautiful Delphine, not knowing that she is about to be haunted by a ghost and by her own secrets....
This was a creepy and satisfying story that addresses some really important aspects of abuse that aren't often talked about. Namely, I really appreciate how the author approaches these sensitive topics and love seeing it in a YA book. Overall a very good novel, even if it's not my favorite book from this author. I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
July 25, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up!
This book was so damn good! Spooky vibes were on point and it’s gay AF!
Review to come.
This book was so damn good! Spooky vibes were on point and it’s gay AF!
Review to come.
August 2, 2023
Star Rating: —> 5 Stars
KAM CAN DO NO WRONG!!! LOVEDDDD THIS!!!
KAM CAN DO NO WRONG!!! LOVEDDDD THIS!!!
August 13, 2023
Parts of it are very good, and I absolutely love the friendships in this novel. I wasn't as in love with the whole of the story as I was with Alice Marshall's These Fleeting Shadows, but her writing is still worth the read.
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April 8, 2024
It was just okay.
3 ★
I felt like it dragged on a bit IMO. Maybe it was just my mood but I found it very meh for a ghost story. It turned teenage angsty love story real fast and less ghost story which I think is what took me out of it. I was in the mood for something spooky and this didn't deliver so maybe I'm the problem.
3 ★
I felt like it dragged on a bit IMO. Maybe it was just my mood but I found it very meh for a ghost story. It turned teenage angsty love story real fast and less ghost story which I think is what took me out of it. I was in the mood for something spooky and this didn't deliver so maybe I'm the problem.
July 28, 2023
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my e-ARC of The Narrow!
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
🏫 always wanted to attend boarding school
👻 have witnessed paranormal activity
🏳️🌈 enjoy sapphic romances
🔍 like a good mystery
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Everyone has heard the story of the Narrow. The river that runs behind the Atwood School is only a few feet across and seemingly placid, but beneath the surface, the waters are deep and vicious. It’s said that no one who has fallen in has ever survived.
Eden White knows that isn’t true. Six years ago, she saw Delphine Fournier fall into the Narrow—and live.
Delphine now lives in careful isolation, sealed off from the world. Even a single drop of unpurified water could be deadly to her, and no one but Eden has any idea why. Eden has never told anyone what she saw or spoken to Delphine since, but now, unable to cover her tuition, she has to make a deal: her expenses will be paid in return for serving as a live-in companion to Delphine.
Eden finds herself drawn to the strange and mysterious girl, and the two of them begin to unravel each other’s secrets. Then Eden discovers what happened to the last girl who lived with Delphine: she was found half-drowned on dry land. Suddenly Eden is waking up to wet footprints tracking to the end of her bed, the sound of rain on the windows when the skies are clear, and a ghostly silhouette in her doorway. Something is haunting Delphine—and now it’s coming for Eden, too.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This one grabbed my attention right away, starting with that awesome cover! I love paranormal mysteries, so I knew that I would love this one, and it did not disappoint. I liked the fact that there was really a ghost showing herself to Eden and that it wasn’t all in her head, though I’m sure she thought she was losing it! I also enjoyed that the book showed her interactions with her friends and even told us about her home life. It really helped me get to know Eden better. Overall, I enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to both young adults and older adults who love the paranormal!
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
🏫 always wanted to attend boarding school
👻 have witnessed paranormal activity
🏳️🌈 enjoy sapphic romances
🔍 like a good mystery
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Everyone has heard the story of the Narrow. The river that runs behind the Atwood School is only a few feet across and seemingly placid, but beneath the surface, the waters are deep and vicious. It’s said that no one who has fallen in has ever survived.
Eden White knows that isn’t true. Six years ago, she saw Delphine Fournier fall into the Narrow—and live.
Delphine now lives in careful isolation, sealed off from the world. Even a single drop of unpurified water could be deadly to her, and no one but Eden has any idea why. Eden has never told anyone what she saw or spoken to Delphine since, but now, unable to cover her tuition, she has to make a deal: her expenses will be paid in return for serving as a live-in companion to Delphine.
Eden finds herself drawn to the strange and mysterious girl, and the two of them begin to unravel each other’s secrets. Then Eden discovers what happened to the last girl who lived with Delphine: she was found half-drowned on dry land. Suddenly Eden is waking up to wet footprints tracking to the end of her bed, the sound of rain on the windows when the skies are clear, and a ghostly silhouette in her doorway. Something is haunting Delphine—and now it’s coming for Eden, too.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This one grabbed my attention right away, starting with that awesome cover! I love paranormal mysteries, so I knew that I would love this one, and it did not disappoint. I liked the fact that there was really a ghost showing herself to Eden and that it wasn’t all in her head, though I’m sure she thought she was losing it! I also enjoyed that the book showed her interactions with her friends and even told us about her home life. It really helped me get to know Eden better. Overall, I enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to both young adults and older adults who love the paranormal!
September 24, 2023
[1.75 stars]
meh. the beginning was super boring and then it got interesting only for the ending to SUCK
meh. the beginning was super boring and then it got interesting only for the ending to SUCK
September 29, 2023
Awwww… young love.
I’m the wrong demographic for this one. Young adult love, or we think it’s love, drama, friends, private school, ghosts, more drama… I was just glad it was over. :)
I’m the wrong demographic for this one. Young adult love, or we think it’s love, drama, friends, private school, ghosts, more drama… I was just glad it was over. :)
July 31, 2023
4.5⭐️
Well that was not the ending I wanted.
YA thrillers are some of my favorite reads- they often are incredibly emotional and my inner teenager feels seen.
Eden and Del, just broke my heart. I wanted so much for them. If you need a haunting thriller that may make you tear up, then definitely give this one a read.
The one thing I did not like is that I couldn’t tell how big Atwood was. That didn’t take away from the story but I often was wondering where all the people were. But Eden became very secluded so it could be that we were to feel that loneliness with her and not notice the students around her.
Well that was not the ending I wanted.
YA thrillers are some of my favorite reads- they often are incredibly emotional and my inner teenager feels seen.
Eden and Del, just broke my heart. I wanted so much for them. If you need a haunting thriller that may make you tear up, then definitely give this one a read.
The one thing I did not like is that I couldn’t tell how big Atwood was. That didn’t take away from the story but I often was wondering where all the people were. But Eden became very secluded so it could be that we were to feel that loneliness with her and not notice the students around her.
January 24, 2024
An intriguing cover and captivating blurb pulled me into The Narrow. Unfortunately, the story had an excellent premise but the execution left much to be wanted, and it never grasped its full potential; I felt similarly with Rules for Vanishing. I was very invested until around 30% where the story felt to lose footing and focus. Some of the characters were hollow, vapid placeholders. I have very mixed feelings about The Narrow and really wanted to give it 4 stars but compared to the other books I've given 4 stars recently, it just didn't compare.
September 27, 2023
Ok, where to start with this one. The beginning was super creepy and I loved it, but then it ended up being more of a love story (which is totally fine) and less creepy - it was a good read, I mean I binged it, but it just wasn’t what I was expecting.
If you are looking for a creepy paranormal, love story, coming of age this is your book!
If you are looking for a creepy paranormal, love story, coming of age this is your book!
February 20, 2024
As I was reading this, I loved it, then we got to the ending chapters and I was so mad. I told myself that if this ended with Eden dead or Maeve possessing and living in Eden forever, I’d rate this 2 stars. 😹
This clearly isn’t a two star rating, so we know how that worked out.
I didn’t wholly like that ending, but not all endings can be good now, can they? And this wasn’t necessarily a bad ending anyway. Eden is alive and surrounded by those who truly love and care for her. Delphine is free to now live and explore her likes and dislikes and actually see the world. I don’t imagine that if I was forced to be locked away for 7 years with a ghost essentially possessing me, with blurred realities, that I’d want to stay either. So I don’t blame her for wanting to forget and move on. She needs to actually be able to discover who she really is, all these years later.
I loved the setting. Anytime there’s a creepy boarding school or academia setting, I’m more likely to be drawn to it.
The friendships are amazing. Veronica, Ruth, and Zoya letting Eden know they loved her, wanted her safe, and not to protect her abusers warmed my heart. Offering her a home to go back to so that she wouldn’t have to live in fear.
Overall, I’d give this a 3.5. It wasn’t my favorite book, but it was still good, and I liked it. I especially loved the “haunted by a moist murder victim” line. 😹
This clearly isn’t a two star rating, so we know how that worked out.
I didn’t wholly like that ending, but not all endings can be good now, can they? And this wasn’t necessarily a bad ending anyway. Eden is alive and surrounded by those who truly love and care for her. Delphine is free to now live and explore her likes and dislikes and actually see the world. I don’t imagine that if I was forced to be locked away for 7 years with a ghost essentially possessing me, with blurred realities, that I’d want to stay either. So I don’t blame her for wanting to forget and move on. She needs to actually be able to discover who she really is, all these years later.
I loved the setting. Anytime there’s a creepy boarding school or academia setting, I’m more likely to be drawn to it.
The friendships are amazing. Veronica, Ruth, and Zoya letting Eden know they loved her, wanted her safe, and not to protect her abusers warmed my heart. Offering her a home to go back to so that she wouldn’t have to live in fear.
Overall, I’d give this a 3.5. It wasn’t my favorite book, but it was still good, and I liked it. I especially loved the “haunted by a moist murder victim” line. 😹
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2023
"The truth is a vicious thing, and so am I. It's why I lie so much."
Thank you to Viking Books for Young Readers, TBR and Beyond Tour, and Netgalley for providing me with a digital Arc in exchange for an honest review! All quotes are taken from the Arc and therefore subject to changes.
IMPRESSIONS
💗 Review on my Blog 💗
➽ The Narrow is the perfect YA horror to read this summer! It's set at Atwood, a private boarding school with its own legends and ghost stories. The titular 'Narrow' is a small, but viciously deep river that the students jump over for a dare at the beginning of the school year - no one who fell in has ever survived. Except for Delphine, a student who's been sequestered in the infamous Abigail House ever since the incident as she's severely ill and cannot be near any water. There are more stories surrounding the Narrow, such as the Drowning Girl and her tragic love story. I loved the atmosphere of the boarding school and the mysteries of the Narrow, Kate Alice Marshall has a way of setting up places within her books that feel real and deep with history!
➽ The protagonist is Eden, a complicated girl who I immediately rooted for. Eden's parents are rich but financially irresponsible, so she starts her time at Atwood with the news that her tuition hasn't been paid. Atwood is Eden's refuge from her difficult home life, so she's devastated and yet not hopeful to receive any help from her parents. An unconventional solution presents itself, as Delphine's mother will pay her tuition if she moves into Abigail House and keeps Delphine company. Eden has her own history with the girl but agrees as it's her only option. Eden was a great, well-written character. She has her friend group, but never opened up to them about her problems and has gotten good at lying to them. Her Atwood and home lives are kept separate for a reason and Eden couldn't bear to tell them her story. She's always been invisible to her parents, as her brother is mentally ill and requires a lot of their energy. I liked that the author didn't demonize the brother - Eden has a complicated hate/love relationship with him - but also showed that it's not safe for Eden to be at home. She's such a kind person and always tries to sacrifice her own happiness for others.
➽ I also loved the focus on Eden's friendships! Her friends Veronica, Zoya and Ruth aren't happy that Eden won't live in their dorm for senior year and they have no idea about her money troubles. As Eden gets sucked deeper into the mysteries of the Narrow, Abigail House and Delphine, she keeps drifting away from her friends. They aren't thrilled and also grow concerned, as they don't understand why Eden's so obsessed with solving the mystery of Delphine's sickness and the story of the Drowning Girl. This is made more difficult by the fact that Eden has always been keeping secrets from them and easily feels backed into a corner. I really liked how Eden was confronted with the difficult choice of opening up and being vulnerable with her friends, who really want to help!
”We're whole again, as long as you don't look too close. As long as you don't notice the cracks.”
➽ Last but not least, Eden's connection with Delphine was super interesting! Eden knows her briefly from before her accident but hasn't really spoken to her since. Now, she's supposed to keep her company and immediately feels drawn into Delphine's orbit. Delphine cannot ever leave her house and all water has to be purified, otherwise she'll get severely ill and die, so she's trapped in Abigail House. She appears fragile at first, but I liked that there was a sharp wit within her and a sense of cunning. She's not the helpless Damsel you'd expect her to be and one of her first requests to Eden is to never lie to her. Both girls quickly grow closer together and Eden is determined to solve the mystery of the Drowning Girl in the hopes that it'll help Delphine's condition, as it seems to have been caused by the Narrow. They had great chemistry and their romance was sweet, especially as Eden found it easier to open up to Delphine, compared to her friends!
”Sometimes I think it has to be a tragedy. Sometimes I think I can't bear any ending but one in which they're happy and in love.”
INFORMATION
➽ CW’s: Past Physical Assault, Neglectful Parents, Injury, Drowning, Panic Attack, Alcohol, Mentions of Homophobia, Drugging & Toxic Relationship (not the main couple, physical & emotional abuse)
➽ Representation 🌷 Queer MC, f/f romance, undiagnosed Depression
You can find me here 💖 Book Blog | Twitter | Be my friend on GR!
July 20, 2023
I’ve been interested in trying one of Kate Alice Marshall’s YA books after really enjoying her adult debut What Lies in the Woods earlier this year. While I am not a horror reader at all, this book surprised me in the best way possible and is definitely one I’ll add to my student recommendation list! If you like audiobooks, Jeremy Carlisle did an amazing job bringing this eerie atmosphere to life with all the feels.
Read if you are looking for:
-Sapphic romance
-Dark academia setting
-Ghost stories
-YA horror/ thriller
Thank you Penguin Young Readers for the ARC. Pub date 8/1
Read if you are looking for:
-Sapphic romance
-Dark academia setting
-Ghost stories
-YA horror/ thriller
Thank you Penguin Young Readers for the ARC. Pub date 8/1
Want to read
July 22, 2023
August 17, 2023
3.5 ⭐ Kate Alice Marshall is such a good writer and storyteller. I listened to this on audiobook and it was a quick, and creepy read. It's narrated by Jeremy Carlisle Parker and it was really well done. This would make a great read for the spooky season! It has horror, and supernatural vibes. There's a good mystery to the story, I enjoyed these characters too.
A story about a ghost who haunts a boarding school. Behind the school there is the Narrow, a river that's only a few feet wide. Although it looks harmless it is far more ominous . It is said that anyone that falls in doesn't survive. Eden White knows this isn't true. She saw Delphine Fournier fall in and survive. Now Delphine lives in isolation, away from the rest of the world. Even a single drop of unpurified water could kill her, and only Eden knows why. Eden hasn't spoken to Delphine since and hasn't told anyone what she has seen.Now Eden cannot pay her tuition so in return for having her tuition paid, she becomes a live-in companion to Delphine. When she starts, she is given rules to follow, such as no water is allowed in the house. The two girls form a bond and are drawn to each other. As secrets start to unravel, Eden starts noticing strange things happening. Like rain sounds and wet footprints. Eden starts to realize that what is haunting Atwood could also be coming for her.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy and audiobook. All opinions are my own.
A story about a ghost who haunts a boarding school. Behind the school there is the Narrow, a river that's only a few feet wide. Although it looks harmless it is far more ominous . It is said that anyone that falls in doesn't survive. Eden White knows this isn't true. She saw Delphine Fournier fall in and survive. Now Delphine lives in isolation, away from the rest of the world. Even a single drop of unpurified water could kill her, and only Eden knows why. Eden hasn't spoken to Delphine since and hasn't told anyone what she has seen.Now Eden cannot pay her tuition so in return for having her tuition paid, she becomes a live-in companion to Delphine. When she starts, she is given rules to follow, such as no water is allowed in the house. The two girls form a bond and are drawn to each other. As secrets start to unravel, Eden starts noticing strange things happening. Like rain sounds and wet footprints. Eden starts to realize that what is haunting Atwood could also be coming for her.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy and audiobook. All opinions are my own.
September 15, 2023
I'm having a hard time putting my feelings into words except to say that I did not expect the ending to get to me so much.
CW: abuse and assault (nonsexual)
CW: abuse and assault (nonsexual)
August 8, 2023
3.75 ⭐s
August 14, 2023
Mini blurb: At a boarding school, the lives of a troubled girl and a recluse one intertwine six years after the first witnessed the inexplicable incident that rendered the second housebound, while a water-tied ghost seems to stalk both.
***
Rated 3.5 really.
First off...DISCLAIMER: I requested this title on NetGalley. Thanks to Penguin Random House/Viking Books for Young Readers for providing a temporary ecopy. This didn't influence my review in any way.
I'm conflicted about this one. Both the mystery and supernatural aspect are top-notch, which doesn't come as a surprise with Marshall - she puts a whole spin on the ghost/human interaction, and after a deceptively tame start, ups the ante at every turn and introduces lots of intriguing horror elements. Also, the female friendship rep is refreshing - no mean girl in sight, just an insecure, self-deprecating 17 y.o. that ultimately realises she doesn't need to make herself small and unproblematic for her "cool" friends to accept and love her. On the other hand, I found the family drama hard to buy into, and I didn't like how the story seemed to romanticise an abusive relationship (or at least to make excuses for it, in a way). Not to mention, literally being ready to sacrifice a part of yourself for someone you've loved for a hot minute (but even for someone you've loved for your whole life) is NOT a grand, romantic gesture - and in a story, it just sends the wrong message about the value of individuality/sense of self. Finally, a small note: "depressed" is a lot more than a casual label (which I didn't even find accurate in this case), and I'm not a fan of throwing it around and not giving it a sequitur. Anyhow, if you like a modern gothic horror/sapphic romance premise with a dark academia setting (but none of its problematic tropes), ghosts with a mission and a refreshing friendship angle, this will satisfy your cravings.
Note: definitive review (I don't have enough to say to justify writing a full-length one later).
***
Rated 3.5 really.
First off...DISCLAIMER: I requested this title on NetGalley. Thanks to Penguin Random House/Viking Books for Young Readers for providing a temporary ecopy. This didn't influence my review in any way.
I'm conflicted about this one. Both the mystery and supernatural aspect are top-notch, which doesn't come as a surprise with Marshall - she puts a whole spin on the ghost/human interaction, and after a deceptively tame start, ups the ante at every turn and introduces lots of intriguing horror elements. Also, the female friendship rep is refreshing - no mean girl in sight, just an insecure, self-deprecating 17 y.o. that ultimately realises she doesn't need to make herself small and unproblematic for her "cool" friends to accept and love her. On the other hand, I found the family drama hard to buy into, and I didn't like how the story seemed to romanticise an abusive relationship (or at least to make excuses for it, in a way). Not to mention, literally being ready to sacrifice a part of yourself for someone you've loved for a hot minute (but even for someone you've loved for your whole life) is NOT a grand, romantic gesture - and in a story, it just sends the wrong message about the value of individuality/sense of self. Finally, a small note: "depressed" is a lot more than a casual label (which I didn't even find accurate in this case), and I'm not a fan of throwing it around and not giving it a sequitur. Anyhow, if you like a modern gothic horror/sapphic romance premise with a dark academia setting (but none of its problematic tropes), ghosts with a mission and a refreshing friendship angle, this will satisfy your cravings.
Note: definitive review (I don't have enough to say to justify writing a full-length one later).
February 11, 2024
This one was interesting and I’m not entirely sure how I feel about it.
I did like most of the plot but I did get a bit confused with some stuff. It felt like too much was happening. It got overwhelming fast.
March 17, 2023
I read an advanced copy of this book. I’m writing this temporary review at 1am because I couldn’t put it down once I started reading. Five stars to any book I read in a single day.
August 5, 2023
i wanted to rate it higher but i was not a fan of the ending. like i just need my lesbians to be happy ????
August 7, 2023
It was okay. It felt like it went on FOREVER.
August 23, 2023
what i most loved about this book was the female friendships tbh
September 29, 2024
A bit of a bizarre little tale, but I was here for it. This one held my attention from start to finish and although I questioned why some things were included, I enjoyed the ride.
Right off the bat, I liked the eerie vibes. I was hoping this one would deliver on the atmosphere and it did. Boarding school, creepy lake (is a narrow a lake? I just assumed that it was.), girl isolated in living quarters, legend of the drowned girl... All fun, spooky stuff. Perfect for getting into Halloween season.
But let me touch on the thing I didn't get - Eden's history with her brother and the friend. I fail to see why that was even necessary to include. I guess it kind of comes back around as the recurring nightmare she gets transported back to, but that whole thing just seemed unnecessary to me. It seemed like some thrown in trauma for the sake of throwing in trauma and not actually anything to propel the story forward. You could have cut that whole bit with Daryl (was that even his name? I can't remember. Probably because he was unnecessary.) and kept the background with Luke being unsafe to be around. That way, her parents would have still been focused on him and sent her away, she would have still not wanted to be home, and she would have been searching for something to make her feel wanted and whole.
I could go on about that part but let's move on.
I'd like to talk about what I liked the most but that's a big spoiler so let's just say I like what made Dell Dell, and not Delphine. I also really liked Eden's friends fighting for her. They weren't the focus of the story, but they proved their friendship in the way they could and that was cool.
Overall, an odd, eerie ghost story that was a fun time.
Right off the bat, I liked the eerie vibes. I was hoping this one would deliver on the atmosphere and it did. Boarding school, creepy lake (is a narrow a lake? I just assumed that it was.), girl isolated in living quarters, legend of the drowned girl... All fun, spooky stuff. Perfect for getting into Halloween season.
But let me touch on the thing I didn't get - Eden's history with her brother and the friend. I fail to see why that was even necessary to include. I guess it kind of comes back around as the recurring nightmare she gets transported back to, but that whole thing just seemed unnecessary to me. It seemed like some thrown in trauma for the sake of throwing in trauma and not actually anything to propel the story forward. You could have cut that whole bit with Daryl (was that even his name? I can't remember. Probably because he was unnecessary.) and kept the background with Luke being unsafe to be around. That way, her parents would have still been focused on him and sent her away, she would have still not wanted to be home, and she would have been searching for something to make her feel wanted and whole.
I could go on about that part but let's move on.
I'd like to talk about what I liked the most but that's a big spoiler so let's just say I like what made Dell Dell, and not Delphine. I also really liked Eden's friends fighting for her. They weren't the focus of the story, but they proved their friendship in the way they could and that was cool.
Overall, an odd, eerie ghost story that was a fun time.
April 21, 2024
(rounded down from 4.25)
This was more engaging than I thought. The idea of drowning on dry land because of a ghost that haunts a specific dorm house is really interesting and even more so the idea of someone apparently drowning and coming back completely changes and is now deathly allergic to unfiltered water.
Eden is a compelling point of view character. I love how she's portrayed as someone who has low self-esteem but loves deeply and endlessly and her friends see it and love her back, even as she refuses to let them in on her own trauma and problems.
The supporting characters are also well-fleshed out and engaging enough to not be tropey. I don't want to spoil the plot or twists so I'll just say that this is an excellent YA story about abuse and taking on the blame for it versus breaking the cycle and, above all, loving deeply whether it's platonically or non-platonically and even yourself.
This was more engaging than I thought. The idea of drowning on dry land because of a ghost that haunts a specific dorm house is really interesting and even more so the idea of someone apparently drowning and coming back completely changes and is now deathly allergic to unfiltered water.
Eden is a compelling point of view character. I love how she's portrayed as someone who has low self-esteem but loves deeply and endlessly and her friends see it and love her back, even as she refuses to let them in on her own trauma and problems.
The supporting characters are also well-fleshed out and engaging enough to not be tropey. I don't want to spoil the plot or twists so I'll just say that this is an excellent YA story about abuse and taking on the blame for it versus breaking the cycle and, above all, loving deeply whether it's platonically or non-platonically and even yourself.
September 11, 2023
As a devoted Kate Alice Marshall reader, I am happy to report that I enjoyed this almost as much as Rules for Vanishing (which is high praise in my world!) The Narrow is sapphic, gothic and features a memorable star-crossed romance. The boarding school setting, while overdone as of late, is used effectively here, and helped set the mood for an eerie, queer, Moaning Myrtle adjacent ghost story.
Some of the handling of the topic of abuse gets a bit preachy, but given that we are living in a time when A-list celebrities are rightfully being called out for supporting abuse survivors only as a faceless nebulous entity rather than as actual people traumatized by actual abusers we could probably all use a little preaching right now.
Some of the handling of the topic of abuse gets a bit preachy, but given that we are living in a time when A-list celebrities are rightfully being called out for supporting abuse survivors only as a faceless nebulous entity rather than as actual people traumatized by actual abusers we could probably all use a little preaching right now.
August 20, 2023
A riveting ghost story.
There was a small plot hole (a big deal is made that the students can only access the school's intranet, which is basically just a message board, but much later in the book Eden finds out info from an outside website) and I was wary where the story seemed to be going towards the end, but it all worked out and the plot hole is easy to overlook.
Eden goes through a lot of trauma, physical and emotional, on and off the page. But ultimately this is a story of hope and friendship.
There was a small plot hole (a big deal is made that the students can only access the school's intranet, which is basically just a message board, but much later in the book Eden finds out info from an outside website) and I was wary where the story seemed to be going towards the end, but it all worked out and the plot hole is easy to overlook.
Eden goes through a lot of trauma, physical and emotional, on and off the page. But ultimately this is a story of hope and friendship.
July 31, 2023
An unsettling boarding school setting with supernatural elements, endearing characters, and a wild ride of a plot- what more could a reader want?
This is my first book by this author, and will definitely not be my last.
The cover is gorgeous and sure to attract many readers. The plot, characters, friendships, dark academia/ horror vibe, and well-timed comedic relief make for a well-paced and bingable YA read.
TYSM to Penguin Publishing for the ARC!
This is my first book by this author, and will definitely not be my last.
The cover is gorgeous and sure to attract many readers. The plot, characters, friendships, dark academia/ horror vibe, and well-timed comedic relief make for a well-paced and bingable YA read.
TYSM to Penguin Publishing for the ARC!
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