About the Book

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.

Review

Anathema was my first fantasy of the year, and it was a solid four stars. It put me in the fantasy mood, and I’m locked in to read the next installment. Straight from the beginning, Lake managed to capture my attention. The plot is unique, thrilling, and well-thought-out.

As for the characters—wow. Maevyth was incredible. She’s such a kind, compassionate, strong, resilient individual who has been dealt with awful cards. In the beginning, the only person that she had was her sister—Aleysia. And she’ll do anything to make sure that she is safe. The romance is super slow-burn, and they don’t meet until almost the middle half of the book. Maevyth and Aleysia’s relationship made up for the lack of romance. Sibling bonds are a major theme within the book.

Zevander—the brooding and tortured MMC— and his siblings’ relationship was one of my favorites as well. His sister—Rykaia—was a breakout character, and I’d love for Lake to dive more into her psyche. Zevander and his siblings have such a tortured and heartrending past. His behaviors are heavily influenced by the tragically, and it’s clear that Rykaia is still coping with what happened.

As mentioned previously, this is a severely slow burn. Zevander and Maevyth cross paths by fate, and instantly notice that something is different about each other. There’s an immediate hatred for each other—which is completely understandable for how they met. They are forced to be in close contact with each other. It’s difficult for them both; however, neither gives up nor do they let the other one win. I enjoyed their back and front, and their eventual coupling.

Final Thoughts

Anathema was a thrilling fantasy that captured my attention from the first page. From the world-building to the lore to the romance, everything was so rich. There was never a second when I was bored. Lake did not waste a single page and kicked off the series with a bang.

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