Anathema (The Eating Woods)

I had put off starting this series because I am very much a mood reader! I’m so glad I was finally in the moody because Holy Monsters it was way more than I imagined. The dark, spooky worlds drag you in by your feet and the characters sink their nails in and hold on tight! The MMC yearns in his mask and hooded cloak so hard. I very much enjoyed the world building and the slow burn, the magic system is really cool as well. I look forward to starting Eldritch tonight. I will say I picked up the audio book and it was 5/5 star. It also helped to hear how some of the name and places were probably pronounced.

I didn't realize I was into this book until I was enraptured into the world and couldn't put it down, I thought about it during work, when I was running errands it has my full thoughts going towards what's going on with the characters and what's going to happen next. I loved the camaraderie between the female characters and that there was romance, but there was more story than anything. I love that! They also gave a background to other key characters that were in the book. However kept you guessing on what was going to happen next because you have no idea. Which is the basis of a really good book.

From the cover to the blurb to the very first chapter, Anathema had me. Once I started listening, I genuinely did not want to leave this world. This is a story that asks for patience with its worldbuilding, but for me, that was part of the experience. I was completely invested, surrendering to the flow of Keri Lake’s beautiful prose and allowing the world to unfold around me. With every chapter, I fell deeper into a place I wanted to wrap myself in and never leave. The atmosphere gave me serious The Witcher vibes: dark, dangerous, immersive, and filled with battles and monsters grotesque enough to make my skin crawl. Add an incredibly fascinating magic system and a story woven with hope, love, loyalty, grief, and trust, and I was completely consumed. And then there’s the slow burn. My undoing. I became completely invested in Maevyth’s journey, while Zevander officially earned himself a place on my fictional crush list. The audiobook narration only made that obsession worse. The voice, presence, and emotion of the performance brought his character to life and made an already immersive story even better. Anathema is the kind of experience that leaves me chasing the high afterward. I finished completely fascinated by this world, attached to these characters, and nowhere near ready to let them go. Five stars, one new fictional crush, and immediately on to book two.

"He'd lived too long with the practicality of knowing the stars were too far out of reach, and yet, in his arms lay the brightest of them all. The girl with the moon in her eyes and fire in her soul." THIS IS HOW YOU DO A GOTHIC FANTASY! The prologue traps you before the story begins, luring you into what's to come. Filled with rage, agony, and immeasurable sadness-it demands your attention. I couldn't stay away for long. The world building and magic system is fresh, digestible, and unforgiving. Keri Lake truly did not hold back! The story follows Maevyth who is casted as the disease in her hometown due to being found in The Eating Woods. Not knowing who or where she came from, the people of Mortasia never fail to remind her that she will never belong. The only person she can claim her own, her heart, is her stepsister, Aleysia. The two are an unlikely pair that depict deep and true sisterhood. The other POV we follow is, Zevander's- which had to be some of my favorite time spent in this book. He embodies the very meaning of morally gray. Cursed at a young age and deemed unlovable in ways he aches for yet fights for scrapes of, while looking for a cure- he is shackled into caring for his siblings while also serving the king. When a mage sends him on a mission to collect the very thing that can cure him, the two POV'S finally collide. What I appreciated as a reader who has been seeking out Fantasy books that carry weight more in its plot rather than romance, is what this book is. We could not receive the climax between the main characters without the story being woven throughout, giving you the WHY first and then letting everything else unravel later. The action felt like watching a movie! There were moments I audibly yelled "WAIT WHAT" with a smile on my face. It was vivid, provided comedic relief and had me on the edge of my seat. The pages where we saw Maeve and Zevander blossom romantically (even the crumbs) were well earned, EXTREMELY well paced, and packed with feet stomping banter. When we do get a sliver of something, the story begs for them to be apart, but when they're back on page together, they seamlessly pick up where they left off. It was absolutely mouthwatering. The audiobook was a stunning production by James Cassidy and Melissa Bar. Sometimes you pick up an audiobook and one narrator out shines the other, not here. Both left no crumbs- from their passion, different voices, and ability to capture the aura and essence of both main characters- left me with my jaw on the floor! One of the best audiobooks so far this year! **Please be sure to read all TW/CW. Although an enjoyable read, some of it's contents and eeriness, may not be for suitable for everyone. Your mental health comes first. **

So I for some reason cannot stand when books start out with a whole ass glossary at the beginning. For the first book in a series or a stand-alone at least. If it were in a book continuing a series or a previous world, I can understand the need for a refresher. But if you are a new reader to the world or series, I think it comes off as a little bit intimidating as usually a lot of big words and fancy meanings are thrown at you. I am fully aware I do not have to actually read through it but if the intention wasn’t for me to do so, why is it at the beginning of the book rather than the end? I’m assuming for me to reference as I read but that’s somewhat annoying to do on a kindle and I find it a bit lazy. If the work is written well, I won’t need the reference. And touching back on this point after completing this book, it was written pretty well. The world building was very good. I think the average person will for sure be confused here and there. But when are you not when being introduced to entirely different world for the first time? Now this probably gets into some **SPOILERY** territory but it turns out this is a world that does have fated mates. Which I do not mind. Just more than the first half of the book isn’t pitched like that. It kind of just felt like something to throw in there, like checking off a box. I don’t know- for me, it just didn’t seem to fit. And the way you tell who your mate is, I found really kind of…. dumb. I’m sorry. Peace and love. And the relationship or progression of it anyway started out so well. It was moving at a somewhat understandable pace. But towards the end, it just snowballed too quickly for me. It’s difficult to explain without giving a spoiler honestly. There is a point towards the end where the FMC needs help but the MMC is practically adamant that the FMC is his least priority. Which I could understand if not just a few chapters later- he’s snacking on her lunchbox talking as if the FMC is the love of his life. Honestly my issue just comes from the pacing with it. This is the first book in a series I believe, so I think it actually would’ve paid off to save the romance for later when it would make more sense. I don’t know, maybe it’s just me but hearing the dialogue of the MMC saying the FMC is not his problem and then the next, is with the FMC- it just kind of feels like a slap to the face cause we are reading from his POV but also her’s. And maybe it’s just me with this but I cannot stand when the MMC is constantly just walking around literally BRICKED UP. Like please calm down. I will say, this author does actual horror very well in my opinion. Like a gothic horror. For me personally, it is hard to imagine horror in novels but I could do so reading this. Some may complain about how long it takes for any romantic development but in my opinion, I don’t think it was long enough. It wasn’t done horribly by any means but like I said previously, I think the payout would’ve been better if it happened in the second book or something. Because for me, the writing and plot was good enough that it carried the story. Some books I think need the romance aspect to help carry the book- but this wasn’t one of ‘em. This book was very easy and quick to read. And I wasn’t left feeling like I was just dragging my feet till the FMC and MMC got together. The author did the tension pretty well in my opinion. Over all though, I enjoyed the book. I like the characters and the world building was great. Which is surprising because I read it cause I saw it on TikTok and that tends to fail me. This was one of the good ones in my opinion however. I will for sure read the second one.

I was roughly 50% of the way through the book and considering just stopping when characters end events truly caught my attention and interest. The female and male protagonists I had liked early on, but something about the complexity of all the events and how much wasn't tying together for me made starting this book challenging for me. The description that I had read (unfortunately I don't remember where) for this book did not in any way reflect what the book actually is and I suspect that is part of why I found beginning this difficult. There is a lot of unknown for the reader about the magical rules. Some of that is addressed as you progress through the book, but be prepared that quite a bit of it remains a mystery to the reader even by the conclusion of the book. I'm glad I did continue reading and give it a chance, I genuinely enjoyed the last half of the book.

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. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book has been on my TBR list for most of 2025. I thought the physical copy in October intending to make it a fall read due to the spooky vibes. But every time I picked it up, I couldn’t seem to get started. So I read nightshade by Keri Lake instead and decided I’d come back to this one. Tried it again after Thanksgiving and I just could not get drawn in during the first couple chapters. So I decided to do something I typically don’t do and try reading it WHILE listening to the audiobook. And boy did I hit the jackpot. The audiobook is in the Duet style and boy did James Cassidy and Melissa Barr absolutely kill the reading of this book! The audio experience elevated this book and had me binging right after NYE. At first, Anathema reminded me of Nightshade due to the religious undertones and some of the underworld aspects. But this is where Ms. Lake thrives - world building. She created a completely New World with a completely unique magic system, with beautifully gothic undertones and this is why the book is beefy. There is no room for confusion. And I was SAT for every bit of this book once I found my stride. All in all, what a great read to start 2026. Keri Lake writes some of the most dense fiction without it being overwhelming or stuffy. I’m still sad we won’t be getting a second book in the Nocticadia world. (I’m sure she is tired of our tears lol) This is one is definitely a gothic romance but it’s no less horror coded than her other works. But onwards to Eldritch! I’ll order the physical copy and sit on it until the time is right lol.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the next. The gothic layers and world building was so satisfying. I enjoyed the characters, specifically RyKaia and hope to see more of her story.

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.

This book is phenomenal, perfect spooky, gothic read.

My copy is missing pages...

Al primo tentativo ho rinunciato, ma ho concesso al libro una seconda prova e questa volta l'ho apprezzato tanto che leggerò il secondo volume. Non si divora in un boccone, ma si lascia gustare pagina dopo pagina. Non è semplice in inglese come lo sono altri libri, ma dandogli la dovuta attenzione scorre via. Da leggere