Book Review: A Madness Unmade by Erin K. Larson-Burnett
In A Madness Unmade, Erin K. Larson-Burnett spins a tale of gothic mystery and necromantic intrigue, immersing readers in the eerie world of Laurel Rumbroom, the last sentinel of the Underhallow. This spectral sanctuary, built under the Revenant Accords to shelter restless souls, has stood for generations—until Laurel’s life is thrown into chaos. With her father’s untimely death, the daunting responsibility of safeguarding the Underhallow falls squarely on her, and as its protective magic frays, so does Laurel’s grip on reality. Desperate for clarity, she turns to the very spirits she’s sworn to protect, only to discover that allies and enemies can be difficult to distinguish.
From the first page, Larson-Burnett invites readers into a world where death is far from an endpoint—it’s an uncharted journey. Laurel’s day-to-day existence teeters between the supernatural and the mundane, from dealing with spectral visitors to muddling through awkward French lessons. This delicate dance between the macabre and the everyday gives the story its undeniable charm. It’s in these contrasts that A Madness Unmade finds its groove, blending moments of dark fantasy with unexpected glimmers of humour.
At its core, the novel is about Laurel’s transformation. She’s not just haunted by the ghosts she wards—she’s haunted by grief, particularly the mystery surrounding her father’s death. As her necromantic powers deepen, her quest shifts from merely protecting the dead to unravelling the truth about her family’s legacy. But with this power comes a harrowing question: can she bring her father back, or is she chasing a dangerous delusion? This struggle adds emotional heft to her journey, elevating the stakes far beyond the supernatural.
The deeper Laurel delves into her abilities, the darker the story grows. The revelations about her father’s spirit—his betrayal, the cruel whispers from beyond, and the ever-present moths that seem tied to her magic—paint an unsettling picture. Larson-Burnett masterfully builds tension until the story reaches a breathtaking crescendo, leaving readers with a bittersweet reflection on the cost of necromancy and the fragile, unbreakable thread of hope that propels Laurel forward.
But for all its shadows, A Madness Unmade is not without heart. Laurel’s dry humour and her banter with the enigmatic Master Godwin infuse warmth into even the most unsettling moments. These lighthearted exchanges, paired with reflections on life and death, lend the story a sense of balance. It’s this blend of sombre introspection and witty reprieve that makes the novel resonate as both poignant and entertaining.
Larson-Burnett delivers a richly layered, character-driven story that melds gothic fantasy with emotional depth. A Madness Unmade isn’t just about ghosts and forbidden magic—it’s an exploration of grief, identity, and the seductive nature of power. Laurel Rumbroom, with her vulnerability and resilience, is a heroine readers will champion as she treads the treacherous line between life and death.
I really enjoyed this book and will keep an eye on Larson-Burnett’s work in the future.
