Anathema (The Eating Woods, #1)

Books | Fiction / Fantasy / Dark Fantasy

3.8

Keri Lake

From the author of Nocticadia comes a spellbinding gothic dark fantasy about a shunned woman who is forced beyond the mortal realm's forbidden boundary, into a terrifying world of cursed souls and grotesque creatures.Only the banished know what lies beyond the woods ...There are whispers about what lurks in Witch Knell-the forest where sinners go to die. The villagers call it The Eating Woods because what's taken is never given back. Only those who've lost their senses would dare to go near it.Or the banished.Maevyth Bronwick knows better than to breach the misty labyrinth of trees, but a tragic turn of events compels her beyond the archway of bones, to a boundary no mortal has crossed before. One that cloaks a dark and fantastical world that's as dangerous as it is alluring.It's there that he dwells, the cursed lord of Eidolon. The one tasked to keep her hidden from the magehood that seeks to crucify her in the name of an arcane prophesy. Zevander Rydainn, known to his prey as The Scorpion, is the coldest, most calculated assassin in all of Aethyria and he'd sooner toss his feisty ward to a pack of vicious fyredrakes than keep her safe.If only he could.Maevyth's blood is the key to breaking his despised curse and vanquishing the slumbering evil in Witch Knell. Unfortunately for Lord Rydainn, fate has other plans for the irresistible little enchantress. And his growing obsession with her threatens to destroy everything.Including himself.Anathema is a full-length, gothic dark fantasy, the first book in The Eating Woods duology. Perfect for readers who enjoy a plot-heavy and atmospheric story with a unique magic system, a slow-burn romance and a touch of horror.

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More Details:

Author

Keri Lake

Pages

696

Publisher

Keri Lake Author

Published Date

2024-09-13

ISBN

9798218492182

Community ReviewsSee all

"This was my first Keri Lake book and I’ll definitely be reading more from her in the future. I’m always nervous when a book is marketed as “gothic” after a recent string of very poorly written novels described as such, but this was so beautifully and creepily written- I loved it. The disturbing and macabre was mixed with just the right about of banter and romance. There were sections where I was quite literally giggling, even as the outlook remained bleak. I also enjoyed that the magic system was truly unique, although I found it hard to follow at times. The MMC made up for it ten fold though- a morally gray, possessive, scorpion-wielding, tattooed shadow daddy? Yes please. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. "

Lianna

"Anathema definitely had the potential to be a great story. The magic system was unique, all the characters were interesting, the plot was intriguing, and the list of magical creatures had me eagerly flipping the pages. But when I stepped back from the story, I realized I didn't learn much of this new world or the characters inside it. It had all the trappings of a fantasy novel but not the depth that should go with it. I think the author overreached a bit here, and I also didn't feel the Gothic vibe. It was atmospheric though and darkly gruesome at times, which is rare in a fantasy romance. I also fell in love with one of the side character Rykaia but unfortunately, she was practically the only one that was given depth. Rykaia getting mad at Allura for smelling good. "I think she does it on purpose." Haha. I deeply enjoyed the Pride and Prejudice vibes I got from the romance. This was also a slow burn, which is always a favorite of mine. The back and forth between Maeve and Zevander was sizzling. And their intriguing magical connection, I'm sure, will be further explained in the next book. I'm just on the fence about whether or not I will be reading it. I mean, I like this story it just didn't wow me. ----Quotes---- Emotions I was forced to keep hidden for fear of looking possessed by evil, as girls were often perceived when they felt too much. “Zevander carries tremendous guilt. What happened to their family is a horrible tragedy, and I believe he blames himself for it.” “But he was just a boy.” “Yes. We are quite vicious to our younger selves, aren’t we?”"

Ashley

"a detailed world, a unique magic system, and an intriguing story. this book was ling, but I enjoyed all of it. Zevander and Maevyth both have such interesting POVs and lives that hold up well on their own that switching POVs never upset me. this read was pretty heavy, and I only wish the sequel was already out, since I'm almost certain I'll forget everything by then"

Jan

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