10 reviews for Anathema (The Eating Woods)

1. 

   Alyscia – October 1, 2024

   Keri has a way of creating worlds that suck you in and hold you captive all while begging for more. And this book is no exception to that.. if anything it might be her most captivating book I’ve read so far and I am going to be going insane waiting for book 2 because this was no where near enough of Maevyth and Zevander’s story.I love a good fantasy book throw in some gothic vibes, with found family aspects and a dash of horror. Sold. I seriously feel like Keri read my mind and found all the little things I like in a book and found a way to incorporate them here.I’m a sucker for a broken hero and Zevander has that role down to a T. He easily climbed up towards the top of my collection book boyfriend and I can’t see him coming down anytime soon. I’m also a sucker for a good nickname and Lunamiszka is just swoon.I can’t wait to see more of Maeve and figure out what her powers fully entail because I know this book has only scratched the surface of what she’s going to end up being and I am here for it.

2. 

   Emily – October 1, 2024

   one of my favourite books i’ve ever read, the story was captured so beautifully with so much detail that it was effortless to visualise everything that went on, i cannot wait for book 2 i need it now!!!!

3. 

   Zoeb – October 1, 2024

   Dark and enchanting!Keri absolutely blows me away with every new book she writes.I am in awe of this world and its characters and creatures, Keri’s had me so invested in this story, I did not want this first book to end.This is so well written, even with it being an unknown world with mortals, immortals and new creatures to learn, I’ve found it’s come easy to pick up meanings, as she’s explained it so well when needed. I am so down for more of this kind of story telling, I’ve lived and loved it from start to end.Maevyth and Zevanders story is a slow burn, but that’s exactly what is needed to ensure the back story and history’s are told, it’s building the bigger picture. But oh man when they are brought together, as much as he wants to deny any feeling, it’s to overwhelming for them both.Lots of heartache and heartbreak in this one, some back story’s are emotional and devastating.Maevyth has so much to learn about what she is and what her purpose is, there is still so much we don’t know and I’m so excited to be on this journey to find out.The final book can’t come quick enough.Lots of fantastic characters within this and I do hope Keri decides to spend more time in this world once this book is finish, assuming we have said characters left…..I think we will be left wanting more of this world 😏

4. 

   VGreedyReader – October 1, 2024

   A superbly crafted Gothic fantasy tale, a world filled with mystery, adventure and magic, the intriguing story is a continuous journey through interconnected worlds. Different breeds, humans and creatures live with cohabit in this mystical universe. Each page is a unique experience a reading journey like no other and a definite must read for all readers fond of the genre.

5. 

   Morgan – October 1, 2024

   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!

6. 

   Keri Daniels – October 1, 2024

   Keri Lake never disappoints
   I feel like no review I could write could embody how much I loved this book. Keri Lake is one of those authors where I will immediately read anything she writes. She always delivers, and this time was no different. I could tell you how swoon-worthy the main characters are (and the side characters!). I could tell you about the beautifully executed slow burn. I could tell you about the endless suspense. I could attempt to describe this elaborate world that Keri has created. Instead, I implore you to just read it and see for yourself!

7. 

   Shivaani Mahabir – October 1, 2024

   Gothic fantasy that haunts you long after the story ends!
   This book was everything I hoped for and more! Keri Lake is an automatic buy for me. Some of her stories are darker and can make me feel sad at times – but the compassion with which she constructs her character arcs is unparalleled. This gothic fantasy is book 1 of a duology that follows Zevander and Maeve- two characters whose journeys are equally compelling. The world building is excellent and the gothic style she expertly wields did not disappoint!There were a few moments that haunted me (pun intended) long after I put the book down. *Spoilers ahead* The scenes between Maeve and Branimir were heart wrenching. The complexity of his situation was so impactful- and though he has the least time on page, he forms the crux of the motivation Zevander has to get a cure. I shed tears thinking of Branimir’s life and his grinning face when he heard the song Maeve sang.This is what Keri Lake does for us in her stories – she weaves complex emotions together and after each novel, there is one thread that sticks with you and lives on long after the details of the story fade. Each story brings a unique twist and I’m hopeful for a satisfying resolution of this journey in book 2! Highly recommend this book to the strong of heart and fans of gothic fantasy! Perfect for spooky season! Enjoy!

8. 

   Kindle Customer – October 1, 2024

   The world of which nightmares come to life
   The world of which nightmares come to life!A beautiful torment of sacrifices, curiosity and faith. How ones own hands can become one’s own prison.Allow yourself to fall into the darkness and take the path of the unknown with this captivating story.

9. 

   S. P. – October 1, 2024

   phenomenal
   This book elicited so many emotions while reading it.The world building was incredible, the creatures that Keri created as well as the languages and the magic systems were uniquely beautiful and terrifying all at the same time. The characters were amazing. Meavyth is a fierce woman with her heart of gold even tho she’s been subjected to the worst of situations and people. Zevander with his undying loyalty to the ones he loves. When these two tortured souls cross paths the story explodes with an indescribable journey of heartache, terror, adventure, laughter, love and so much more. The side characters are just as intriguing as the main character. They all have background and depth that build a solid foundation for this tale. The way everything wove together was like a masterfully crafted piece of art. I found myself crying for some of them, laughing with them, and my heart bursting with pride and admiration. This is a story that’s meant to be savored.

10. 

    TM – October 1, 2024

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