Anathema (The Eating Woods) Paperback – 12 Sept. 2024

This was on my TBR shelf for far too long! I don’t often choose gothic style novels but I’d seen this book mentioned so many times I thought I should see what the fuss was about. What a little gem this was!A dark, gothic fantasy with slow burn romance. I loved it and pretty much inhaled it over a couple of days. This was my first book by Keri Lake but I’m already looking at which others of hers to read next.There’s a lot going on in this book - a unique magic system, different lands, magical and mythical creatures and monsters, horror, suspense, lore and prophecies. I felt it was all woven together really well within the narrative without it feeling like there was information overload and the world building was interesting and unique. It is also well paced for the most part. I don’t mind if a book has slower paced sections as it gives me a chance to slow down a bit and reflect on everything so far.I felt the character development worked well within the story. I thought the FMC and MMC, Maevyth and Zevander, were really likeable and I liked the way their relationship built and developed throughout the story. I enjoyed the interactions between the different groups of characters- there was a good mix/ balance of personalities with some truly evil ones!This ends on a corker of a cliffhanger so I will definitely be eagerly awaiting book two!

It took a while to get into. Beautiful imaginary and gothic world building but I was about 40% in until I felt fully immersed in the story. It was worth the push through the initial chapters for the final thrilling half of the book. A lot of Spice from 90% onwards.

LOVED this book. Darker than I expected so read your trigger warnings.The tension between the MCs was just delicious and even though their scenes together were somewhat short, you were left wanting so much more. The switch between enemies to lovers was so worth it.The world building was absolutely hauntingly beautiful with heart wrenching scenes that filled you with rage towards their circumstances.

I just read Anathema on kindle unlimited - I have to say it was one of the best books that I have read this year.The characters were amazing! It had everything: plot, world building and character development. The supporting characters were well rounded and I cannot wait to see what happens in the second book.The main characters were well written and their love story was the perfect slow burn with drops of spice that didn’t affect the movement of the plot. I loved that it was duel POV and that they were written in different styles. Honestly I have so many questions at the end of the book about the cliff hanger and all the other foreshadowed titbits that I’m excited to see how it will all be wrapped up in the second book.I am now going to read the stand alones by Keri Lake as her writing style is divine!

No spoilers:This book was fine. For the first half, it really felt like I was reading two different books. Maevyth’s story was really interesting at the start, a classic gothic setting with religious superstition and interesting navigation of strict gender roles. Zevander’s story felt a bit flat, classic brooding man with dark past, desperate to protect those around him. I felt like he was a character I’d read before.Once their stories joined, it felt like the story was progressing almost without them, or like the characters were carried by the story rather than the other way around. As for the romance, it did sort of feel like they came together out of nothing. I didn’t feel like I experienced their relationship grow.However, overall I still felt like the story was interesting and I wanted to see where it went. This isn’t the best example of a gothic romance I’ve read, but if you’re curious about this book them I would still recommend reading it.

I really loved this book. The world that Keri has built is dark, grim and deeply disturbing. I loved the FMC particularly. She felt real as you follow her on her journey. The MMC is sexy as hell, but I felt that he wasn’t as well rounded out. For someone so gruff and tortured some of the language he used jarred slightly. I felt he should say less and do more. The same goes for some of the descriptions. Perhaps the editor wasn’t brutal enough? Overall this book held my attention and I am THIRSTY for more. Well paced; a gripping story line that balanced its progression well, alongside dipping into sexual yearning… mmm spicy.

I’m a huge fan of romantasy books, ACOTAR, Quicksilver, when the moon hatched etc. I bought this book after a TikTok recommendation however hadn’t heard much about it so wasn’t expecting much but omg it blew my mind. The storytelling, world building, slow burn gothic romance and fantasy setting is incredible. The romance is beautifully told enemies to lovers slow burn, not rushed at all. Plenty of tension and yes there is spice at the end! This is the best book I’ve read of this genre, can’t wait for the next one. Highly recommend!

So well written, the story is amazing and captivating, loved every single part. I’m already dying for the next book!