Given that I had read Houck's Tiger's Curse series way back when in high school and loved it, I figured I would feel the same way about a story that attempts to exude spookiness and Halloween vibes. What I didn't expect was for it to, well, fall supremely smack on the face. I don't know if my tastes have changed over the years, but I didn't recall her style feeling so bland and empty. There's nothing that gives any personality or atmosphere to the writing. It's mostly simple statements, descriptions, and maybe some internal feelings, but it feels rare. I never really felt entrenched in the world that was being built, and, despite some interesting lore behind the lanterns, it never felt properly realized.

Also, Ember was too frustrating as a lead character. She kept making poor decision after poor decision that, without a plot security net, would have definitely gotten her killed immediately. I think her stubbornness was meant to come off as endearing, but it was more of a hindrance.