
Anathema
The Eating Woods, Book 1
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Buy Now for $33.99
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Narrated by:
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James Cassidy
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Melissa Barr
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By:
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Keri Lake
About this listen
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.
©2024 Keri Lake (P)2025 Podium AudioDark and moody story
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Great narration and can’t wait for the second book
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Thoroughly enjoyable
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BUT, the complexity of it also proved to be a detriment, to the point that I found myself needing a quick cheat sheet of sorts. I lost track of the story a few times with all the unique names, different places, races, species, gods, gifts and magic involved. Referring to the glossary on Keri Lake’s website was very helpful, but not always practical.
I understand it is just the first book, and of course there is a lot to set out at this point. But there are SO many unanswered questions and unexplained storylines, I’m frustrated, and frankly a bit worried wondering if it can all be explained in just one more book.
Don’t get me wrong, Anathema is still an amazing book. It got me obsess over all every little detail. I’m just frustrated because it was mostly about the questions, and hopefully we’ll get the answers in Eldritch. Like, why are Maevyth’s parts are in first person POV, but Zevander’s are in third? It’s a very interesting choice and I can’t wait to find out the reason behind it. I’m going to do a reread before the second book, and I’m sure I’ll devour Eldritch within a week, too.
Audible specific review:
Both voice actors’ performances were amazing! Melissa Barr really brought Maevyth to life. James Cassidy was also great, and I loved them both very much. The only problem with the audiobook was that Zevander’s parts sometimes had a bit too much bass, it affected the clarity of his speech, and sometimes hurt my ears. I hope it can be fixed in the next book.
Very complex story, great narration
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I waited for the audiobook to drop before reading it, and it finally did! The world-building throughout the book exuded a perfectly dark and gothic vibe, which I thoroughly enjoyed. However, the two main characters lacked a strong connection, even though they were destined to be together, which was different. It’s a slow burn, which, for me, was a downside and contributed to the unnecessarily length of the book. Nevertheless, I appreciated the cliffhanger at the end and will continue reading the duology when the second book is released.
Tropes:
Gothic dark fantasy
Some horror scenes
Slow burn
Fated mates
One bed
Found family
Magic
If you love a slow burn with gothic vibes this is for you
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Sets the bar for Dark Fantasy Romance
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Performance was great!
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Amazing
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Loved this gothic romantacy!
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His voice!!
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