Anathema (The Eating Woods) Paperback – September 12, 2024

AMAZING! I loved this book so much. I’m so happy that I chose this book based on the bio and not in the author, because I would’ve probably decided not to read it if I had realized who it was that wrote it- it has absolutely nothing to do with this authors fantastic writing and all to do with my weak heart~ I read the Nightshade duet and it was just too dark for me. I must be an empath because I actually feel the deep despair that the characters feel (when the writing is really good) and it can make me really depressed at times. This book was not too dark at all which I really really loved. I have never read a dark romance where both the FMC and the MMC are dark in their own ways, and I found that to be a refreshing twist. The best part about it is both of them are good at heart, but they live in a cruel world and as a result they have to do cruel things. I am a bit worried about the next book though- I am so in love with these characters that have both been through so much trauma, if they go through any more of it I will be really upset so I might have to stop reading here. Grrr my stupid, fragile, heart! Keri you are amazing, thank you for all you do and you’re incredible writing.**this part is about the narration on the audiobook:The MMC voice is godly. I would propose right now, idc what he looks like, he is husband material based on his voice alone. Truly one of the best male narrators I’ve ever heard. My favorite part about his voice is how incredible he was at doing different tones for different characters, but in the most subtle and realistic way possible. It truly sounded like completely different people were talking! I hope to hear his voice much more in the future!!The female narrator… where do I start. I’m torn because she has such a great tone that I really really love. But she has this ugly Brooklyn accent that could not be covered up no matter how hard she tried and I found that to be distracting. Not distracting enough to stop reading though, which does say a lot. I think I’ve tried listening to another book by the same narrator before and had to stop reading because of the thick underlying Brooklyn accent. if this is the same one then she must have a voice coach because it is a lot more subtle but I would appreciate more consistency in the future. The British accent was a complete disaster, truly the worst British accent I have ever heard in my life. It was Brooklish (Brooklyn British) and I’m flabbergasted it made the cut. I think at this point removing British from her repertoire is probably the best idea but that’s just my two cents.

Ok. I just finished the book and I have some thoughts to short out. I feel like I don’t completely understand what’s happening. Not the story line, that I get, it’s scenes I can’t picture or understand. They’re in my review below🤔Alright, first off the characters are pretty well written. There are moments where it seems a characters will just ignore important bits that could help with whatever is happening. That was something a little annoying but not a deal breaker because it didn’t happen consistently. The world building was great. Definitely cool. Intriguing for sure. I give it 🌶️🌶️🌶️ on spice.The MFL was pretty cool. I didn’t fully understand her powers. Could be because there were symbols they used to conjure magic and it made it hard to tell which was her and which was something everyone could do?. She seems to have many. Especially levitate? But only when she was aroused? And shatter glass with an organism. I don’t know, I’m curious to see where the author goes with all that. The story is slowly unraveling. There are moments where her character made dumb decisions. To me, If she didn’t have that blinding drive to reunite with her sister, she would have known more about the severity of what’s happening. BUT some of those moments the ML sister was involved….you’ll see when you get there.The ML is a grumpy sunshine. They have a rocky start. He, like many keep the FL in the dark about her and whatever they’re unraveling. His intrigue gets the better of him and he stops resisting the pull. We don’t know who to trust really. Except the ML he we trust lol. I admit I am a little shy trying to picture his pierced manhood 🫣 I get his character over all. Consistent. Other than that it’s the piercings that have me like, it was for pain or it’s pleasure or both?! I remember him saying it was painful? I’m not sure I think I need to reread that part. I do remember him being a slave for a barbaric woman. IDK I’ll see in the next book.Oooh the ending! Finally we’ll get to see what the Fs happen to the sister in the next book. And some more light into the old crone. Because the ending. ❤️

I ate this book up! The world building, storyline, magic system, description of creatures, and attention to detail made imagining the FMC’s life/experiences more realistic. This book is one of my top reads this year. I like quick reads to break up some books, but at 690 pages I wish there was even more insight into their world. As much as I hated the little town she grew up in, I didn’t think they were going to send Uncle Riftyn into the woods too but glad they held both parties accountable. Maeve got annoying at times but was a good FMC. Now, Zev… oh zev. A dark shadow daddy has never geared us wrong. I loved their chemistry and banter. It was a definite slooooow burn but the spice… Chef’s kiss. I love that all the names of the characters are so unique. Along with wanting more, I wanted more for Rykaia and Braninir. I’m glad he could find solace with Maeve’s singing. I want to know more about the other assassins, and hope they get their own books or novellas! I hate that it ends in a cliffhanger. I felt the end was a little rushed, but understood some of it had to end in suspense. I hope we find out what happens to Aleysia in the next book, especially during the time she was away from Maeve. I can’t wait to see what other glyphs Maeve has and how she and Zev go about the flames and their intertwined magic. I’ll definitely read the next book.