The Artisans by Julie Reece

Chapter One’s Opening Line:

Sweat drips from my temple as I push a needle through my friend’s torn flesh….

Description:

Seventeen year old Raven Weathersby dreams of becoming a fashion designer. After the death of her mother she gives up that dream to take care of her stepfather Ben (who is an alcoholic with a drinking problem) and working as a seamstress after school to help make ends meet.

Ben’s problems lead him to a run in with the heir to the Maddox family fortune, Gideon. Raven’s stepdad’s drying out and in no condition to attend the meeting with Maddox. So Raven volunteers to take his place and offers to repay the debt in order to keep the only father she’s ever known out of jail, or worse. Gideon Maddox agrees, under one condition: Raven must live in his home for a year while giving up her designs and designing for Maddox Industries’ clothing line, signing over her creative rights.
Her handsome captor is arrogant and infuriating. Raven can’t imagine working for him, let alone living with him for a whole year.
Nothing in the Maddox home is as it seems. Things are going on that Raven has no explanation for. All she wants is to put in her time and go back to her life. If she makes it out….

My Review:

This story flowed along so well. I was never confused about was going on and it kept me reading and trying to solve the creepy puzzle that was going on in the Maddox home. The ending solved everything and left me with no questions.
I loved the characters in this story. They were all unique in their own way and very memorable. They were fleshed out very well. The element of creepiness in this book was done so well that at points in the story I could feel myself getting creeped out. The romance in the story was done in a way that made it real and believable. It wasn’t overdone. It was just the right amount that this story needed. It wasn’t rushed at all. The language in this book was tastefully written which I loved! There wasn’t a bunch of unneeded profanity. This would be a suitable read for anyone.
I didn’t want this story to end. I was enjoying living in this world so much! I am so happy that there is going to be another story to follow this one and I am SO EXCITED to read it! I want more of Raven and Gideon and I can’t wait to see what mysterious things will happen next in the Maddox estate. I have a feeling that the mysteriousness is far from over and that there is a lot more to come. I enjoyed every moment of reading this gothic, steam-punk, creepy, and haunting mysterious romance. Bring on the next one!

Let’s Banter!

Have you read this? What was the last creepy novel you read? Let me know in the comments below!