A Madness Unmade

In A Madness Unmade, the first installment of the Deathly Inheritance Duology, E.K. Larson-Burnett introduces readers to an intricately woven tale in a world steeped in necromancy, spectral beings, and the intricate legacies of a powerful family, the Rumbrooms. The narrative follows Laurel Rumbroom, a young woman navigating her life as a living entity among ghosts in her family manor, the Underhallow. With her father’s recent death, her struggle with his unresolved spirit, and the Legacy of the Revenant Accords, which control the aftermath of death, the complications of family and her magical inheritance culminate in a chaotic unraveling. As Laurel attempts to uncover her father’s enigmatic past and understand her place as the new Guardian of the Underhallow, she encounters spectral conflicts while coming to terms with her powers.

 E.K. Larson-Burnett is a great storyteller who brings a world of paranormal activity to life. The worldbuilding is stellar, and the author deftly uses premonition to create excitement, weaving horror elements into the narrative. There are numerous nerf-jerking moments—the stir that piques the nerves, a sound that suddenly breaks the silence, and the unpredictability of what can happen next. Characterization is impeccable. Laurel is known for her wit, self-doubt, and a burgeoning sense of responsibility toward her family members. She is often torn between her desire for an everyday life and the burdens of her heritage. The supporting cast contains a variety of spectral figures, each embodying unique aspects of the afterlife, such as her ghostly mentor, Master Godwin, who represents the authoritative yet stifling force of tradition in Laurel's life. Maud, her friend and fellow ghost, is a foil to Laurel, showing her what it means to pursue dreams despite limitations.  

Set in the atmospheric Underhallow, a grand manor teeming with ghosts and mysteries, the story transforms into a rich canvas with supernatural elements and dark themes. The conflict arises not only from Laurel's battles against self-doubt and family legacy but also from the external threat of Dissipators and the broader implications of the Revenant Accords, which threaten the very foundation of the ghostly existence that underpins the narrative. Larson-Burnett’s exquisite prose offers a glimpse into a world where the metaphysical becomes accessible. The growth of Laurel, her interactions with the ghosts that inhabit her realm, and the magnified stakes involved in her journey render A Madness Unmade a compelling exploration of identity, legacy, and the intersection of life and death within a nuanced and intelligently constructed universe.