Review of Gothikana by K.A. Doore
From the moment I stumbled upon Gothikana, I was drawn in by its tantalizing blend of dark academia and quirky characters—a combination that instantly piqued my interest. Author K.A. Doore seemed to promise a captivating journey into a world filled with mystery, romance, and the tantalizing whispers of a haunted university. But as I sat down with my NetGalley copy (thank you, by the way!), I found myself on a rollercoaster that didn’t quite align with my expectations.
At the heart of Gothikana is Corvina, a character who is both intriguing and perplexing. From the very start, we’re introduced to her striking description: violet eyes, sun-kissed skin, and an affinity for dramatic attire that could certainly give any goth fashionista a run for their money. As she navigates her bizarre upbringing—home-schooled by a mother with paranoid schizophrenia who converses with crows—I couldn’t help but feel a sense of sympathy for her tumultuous background. Being thrust into a mysterious castle that doubles as a university, where students meet untimely ends, sets the stage for an eerie adventure.
However, this is where my mixed feelings begin. The writing style felt oddly juvenile at times, almost reminiscent of an off-kilter fanfiction. The excessive detail about Corvina’s wardrobe—all those maxi skirts and fishtail braids—seemed to overshadow her character development. As she navigates dark themes of mental health and strange relationships, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the narrative sometimes struggled to hold its own weight. I found myself diving deeper into her world only to surface with questions about the seriousness of the subjects being touched upon, particularly regarding her mother’s mental health.
The relationship between Corvina and her brooding teacher Vad Deverell is a focal point, lending itself to some hot and steamy moments. Yet, as their chemistry develops, I couldn’t help but feel an unsettling vibe. The teacher-student dynamic can be an alluring exploration in dark academia, but in this case, I felt it crossed into uncomfortable territories rather too easily. Some lines made me cringe, like one of Vad’s quips about Corvina being the “wrong choice for her first time.” Yikes.
Despite these critiques, I wouldn’t say Gothikana lacks merit. The plot weaves in themes of identity, the impact of familial dysfunction, and the quest for self-acceptance, which are undeniably engaging. Doore’s exuberance and flair came through in moments, and while I found the pacing uneven, there were flashes of brilliance that made the journey worthwhile.
Ultimately, Gothikana screams for an audience that revels in the aesthetics and drama of dark academia. If you thrive on tales of intrigue spiced with a dash of romance and don’t mind a bit of youthful exuberance, you’ll likely find a kindred spirit in Corvina’s chaotic life. As for me, this reading experience made me reflect on how subjective our tastes in literature can be. While it may not have clicked with me, I truly hope others will embrace the wild ride it offers.
So, if you’re intrigued by the blend of mystery, romance, and the murky depths of mental health, give Gothikana a shot. Just remember, not all banana varieties are for everyone, and that’s perfectly okay!