Anathema: The Eating Woods, Book 1
$0.99
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 prophecy. 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 and the first book in The Eating Woods series. Perfect for listeners who enjoy a plot-heavy and atmospheric story with a unique magic system, a slow-burn romance, and a touch of horror.
Contains mature content. A complete list of content warnings can be found on the author’s website.
Narrated in duet style.
Suzi –
Dark Gothic Fantasy Romance!! A must read!!! 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
🐦⬛”𝑴𝒚 𝒔𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒇𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒆.𝑰’𝒅 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒇𝒂𝒓 𝒕𝒐𝒐 𝒔𝒄𝒓𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒛𝒊𝒏𝒈.”🐦⬛“Anathema “ by Keri Lake 💀🐦⬛💫🔥🖤🦂🌕5⭐️2.5🌶️(major slow burn 🔥)Loved , Loved , Loved This book!! It was dark , spooky , heartbreaking, complex !! Everything I look for in a Dark Gothic Fantasy book!! I was hooked from 100 pages in !! Even though the first 35% was this complex world/ character building, I absolutely loved it!! And ate 🥣 it up!!🖤Keri Lake really knows how to write a story that makes you feel like you are part of it!! This is my first book by her and it will definitely wouldn’t be my last!!MFC “Maevyth “ 🐦⬛is an outcast in her world , there’s an arch in the (The Eating Woods) the dark forest beyond her house. There’s a horrible act committed by her sister and she’s banished into the arch. But “Whatever is taken is never returned “ Maevyth is thrown into this alternate universe and finds her “destiny “MMC Zevander 🦂is a cursed , grumpy, morally grey, “Assassin for the King” who is trying to find a cure for his brother who is also cursed and is in advance stages of this monstrous and deadly curse! His only hope is a mortal “Maevyth “ who at first he despises, but soon learns she is the only hope of finding a cure .The enemies to lovers/slow burn🥵 between Zevander & Maevyth was just written so good!! It took a while for anything to happen, but when it did !! Phew 😮💨🥵🔥🫠There so many intriguing layers to this story , with a unique magic system that incorporates some of the spicy scenes!! And there’s so many great secondary characters!Like “Zevander’s “ sister “Rykaia” just loved her !! Loved her wit and her friendship with Maevyth !! And The “ The Crone Witch” love to see more of her backstory!! And of course all the 🐍🦂🐉mythical creatures/ monsters!! I absolutely loved everything about this book!So if you like Dark Gothic Fantasy Romance, Duel POV , complex World Building, a Unique Magic System, mysterious creatures and monsters, Enemies to Lovers, One Bed/ Horse , Fated Mates, Forced Proximity, Slow Burn, Curses & Secrets, Found Family !Then I would highly recommend you pick up this unforgettable book!! And I’m really looking forward to the continuation of this story !! 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤“She was his. Lunamiszka. My little moon witch.” 💫🌕💫
SagasandStardust –
Slow Burn with intense world building
Keri Lake’s Anathema is a gothic dark fantasy that demands patience but rewards persistence. It’s a slow burn in every sense—both in the romance and the plot—and while it left me wanting more, I couldn’t put it down.The story takes its time immersing you in a haunting, atmospheric world full of cursed souls, a unique magic system, and intricate lore. I’ll admit, the first half was a challenge. It felt like the book focused heavily on world-building, with some major plot points still murky even by the end. I’m not sure how I feel about the uncertainty, but it kept me intrigued enough to push through.What really shone for me were the characters. The FMC and MMC have such electric banter that I couldn’t help but root for them. Their dynamic is the perfect mix of tension and wit. The supporting characters were just as compelling, adding depth and richness to the story.Once I got far enough to understand the magic system and lore, I found it fascinating. It’s complex, yes, but beautifully crafted and worth the effort to piece together. This book isn’t for the faint of heart—it’s for readers who love to sink their teeth into a dark, layered fantasy with a slow, steady pace.While this felt like a setup for the rest of the series, I’m invested enough to stick around for Book 2. If you’re patient and love atmospheric stories with intricate world-building and sharp character dynamics, Anathema is worth the read.
TM –
the queen of gothic romance, elevated
I’ve said this before and I will say it again with the whole my chest: Keri Lake is incapable of writing a bad book. The queen of gothic romance has done it again, but Anathema – the first book in her The Eating Woods duology – feels notably elevated. In tone, cadence, craft, and feeling. This gothic romance is more dark gothic high-fantasy than anything else, but it still has the hallmarks of everything I’ve come to expect and love from Keri’s books – from the exquisitely crafted heroines down to the vicious, broody, emotional constipation of her heroes.Maevyth is shaping up to be my new favorite Keri Lake heroine. The way Keri balances all of these different facets and nuances to Maevyth’s character is nothing short of masterful – she’s astonishingly resilient and has a mouth on her, but she’s also deeply vulnerable and compassionate, even after everything she’s had to endure. Her arc isn’t quite done yet, but I thoroughly enjoyed the growth she’s undergone so far and I can’t wait to see the woman of ferocity and power she has the potential to become.Zevander is delicious. Tortured, broody, and the walking definition of “he hates everyone but her”. Okay, so not everyone. He does love his sister (as do I. Rykaia is a devious, meddling hoot. Hopefully we’ll get some scenes with her and Maevyth’s sister, Aleysia. The absolute HAVOC those two could wreak would be nothing short of legendary – but I digress).This is one of the most masterfully executed slow-burns I have read in recent memory, perhaps even ever. This first have of the duology is over 700 pages long, but I was never bored for a single moment. The lore and world-building in this book is rich and decadent and the way Keri crafted each intricate detail was so vivid at times, it was almost effortless to see it all playing out in my head like a movie – and that is a feat only a small handful of authors have ever accomplished, and I can count them all on one hand.There are a number of tangling plots and threads and excellent moments of foreshadowing throughout the book, and several passages that almost felt almost lyrical in their construction, a beautiful dark kind of magic that makes me think of the highest quality of dark chocolate. I don’t know – I’m struggling to adequately describe what this book made me feel throughout. It’s just… it’s just so good.While there is indeed a lot going on in this book, let’s focus on the crème de la crème – the budding relationship between Maevyth and Zevander. From the very moment their paths cross, it’s clear these two share something inexplicable. This dark assassin from another realm who has never hesitated or faltered couldn’t bring himself to harm a single hair on an unassuming mortal’s head. But as the two are thrown together by fate and exist in close quarters to one another for the following weeks, anyone with eyes is able to see that there’s a darkness in Maevyth that is able to reach Zevander (and his poor elder brother, Branimir) when no one else has been able to. The mystery surrounding who and what Maevyth is is still in the process of being fully unveiled, but what we do get in this book is endlessly intriguing.As mentioned previously, this book is a proper slow-burn – in particular where the romance is concerned, so if you’re looking for copious amounts of spice, this book won’t be for you. Keri makes you wait for it, and the few teases we do get before those final chapters (yes, I said final chapters) are nothing short of delectable. It takes some serious talent to make doing anything but going all the way as effective as she has and I am forever in awe of this woman’s talents.This book is dark and there are a number of deeply disturbing and sometimes outright horrifying moments (which made that whole aforementioned “easily able to picture this playing out in my head like a movie” thing a double-edged sword, if you will). So if you have any sensitivities at all, I would recommend changing the content and trigger warnings first.Otherwise, I cannot recommend this book enough. Anathema was one of my most anticipated new releases of 2024 and it absolutely did not disappoint. Not even a little. Can’t wait for the final book! I am desperate to know how all of this ends!INFINITY STARS! The whole firmament! Absolutely brilliant and masterfully executed.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Diana Dichi Salame –
Amé este libro, el sistema de magia y el desarrollo de los personajes! Todo muy original e interesante!! Si te gusta el Romantasy no te lo puedes perder.
Jacqueline –
ANATHEMA → KERI LAKE⭐ 4.5/5🔥 2/5·Maevyth Bronwick, a excluída da vila, sempre foi avisada para ficar longe da floresta Eating Woods. Um lugar onde, se você entra, nunca mais sai. Mas quando ela é forçada a correr para o meio dessas terras assustadoras, um novo mundo se abre diante dela. Literalmente. Ela acaba num lugar cheio de magia sombria, criaturas aterrorizantes e magos que só querem vê-la morta. Será que ela vai conseguir sobreviver?Mal sabia ela que lá encontraria Zevander Rydainn, o senhor amaldiçoado de Eidolon, que a alguns capítulos atrás estava tentando assassinar ela (que fofinho ☺️), porque o sangue da nossa bruxinha é uma das chaves para curar sua maldição. Claro que ele não consegue cumprir essa missão, já que a sua magia estava atacando ele em vez dela. Então imagina a surpresa dele quando ela aparece ali, no seu mundo.A escrita da Keri Lake é sempre envolvente e vívida, mas nesse livro ela se superou ao criar um mundo fantástico e perturbador, cheio de línguas, lendas, linhagens, criaturas únicas e um sistema de magia fascinante.Esse é o romance mais slow burn que você vai ver, mas é claro que não falta a tensão insuportável do nosso casal, diálogos engraçados e uma química elétrica. Eles não se suportam, mas o Zevander precisa treinar a Maeve, para que ela consiga atingir todo o seu potencial, já que ela é um mistério para todo mundo.Esses dois personagens realmente trazem o melhor um do outro, e mal posso esperar pra ver como o relacionamento deles vai evoluir no último livro!·⚠️ Olhem os gatilhos com antecedência e se divirtam.
Morgan – rereadqueen –
Anathema by Keri Lake”Only the banished know what lies beyond the woods.”“Seven hells.” How do you even write a review for this book. All I can say is if Keri writes it, I will read it.This was dark/grim fantasy. This was a beautiful slow burn, and how precious it was. The plot, character development, and world buidling just brought me to my knees, how beautiful and scary it was. I loved all the relationships that were built between these characters….UGH!!!! and don’t get me started on this top teir BANTER!!!!“Don’t you feel just a small bit of guilt locking me in?” “No.” The obnoxious turn of the key emphasized his point. “Your heart must be the smallest organ you possess.” “And your mouth must be the largest.”I would also like to note that on more than one occasion, this book made me nauseous, squirm in my seat, and even gag. This book truly gave me a visceral reaction. And with that, I loved it. This book makes me hollow and I need more….ready to devour it again. Anathema was a delicious 700 pages and felt like a quick read. It’s a wild horse ride of action, mystical creatures, magic, and dark forests. Take me to Nxyteros!“My, my, Maevyth. You are a naughty girl,”This book gave me Dark Souls, The Witcher vibes sprinkled with The Village and Tim Burton. It’s just dark and fantastical.“My name is Rykaia, and you’re at the luxurious Castle Eidolon, home of pain, suffering, and utter decay.”And now you might be thinking, wait….Morgan you didn’t tell me anything about this book….you are absolutely right. Just go read it! It’s dark, it’s magical and Sexy! Oh and Keri Lake wrote it!!!!!I am hungry for more. I am more starving than the Eating Woods. I can’t wait for book two in 2025!
S J Carr –
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!
Kindle-Kunde –
I really enjoyed to read this slow burn, the world building and the interactions among the characters.