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Anathema

The Eating Woods, Book 1

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Anathema

By: Keri Lake
Narrated by: James Cassidy, Melissa Barr
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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 Audio
Dark Fantasy Fantasy Gothic Horror Magic Magic Users Witchcraft
All stars
Most relevant
The dual narration of this novel was perfect. The males POV was my favourite, with both really breathing life into the characters. Thoroughly enjoyed this one

Dark and moody story

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Love these two in a duet, great narration. A little predictable some parts but didn’t guess the ending which was great. Can’t wait for the next book.

Great narration and can’t wait for the second book

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I loved the spooky vibes and slow burn romance. The magic system was interesting and I thoroughly enjoyed the story. The voice actors were fantastic, filling the roles perfectly.

Thoroughly enjoyable

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This was a really good book with the world building and Keri Lake’s beautiful writing. Complexity of the story and the details of the world got me hooked from the start.

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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⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ .5

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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This book is everything I expected from the write up and more. The plot is rich and descriptive but not boring, the characters are fantastic and omg the mmc is like no other and with James Cassidy’s voice is a chefs kiss. It’s dark but not cringeworthy and with a splash of horror to keep you on your toes. The narration is top class and perfectly cast and it’s a duet!!! You nailed this Keri Lake and podium audio, I can’t wait for the next book

Sets the bar for Dark Fantasy Romance

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Zevander's narrator was 10/10 sooo good. Story left some things to be desired but overall enjoyed it and the twist at the end was a shock.

Performance was great!

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I first read Anathema a while ago and haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since! I thought I’d give the Audiobook a go and it quickly became one of my favourites! The narrators are perfect, their voices for the different characters and the way they narrate throughout the book for all their characters is perfection! More audiobooks should be this way!! Everything about this book is perfect, I loved it even more the second time around

Amazing

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One of my favourite books, can’t wait for the next one! Great plot, great characters, very easy to be immersed in their world and story.

Loved this gothic romantacy!

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Brilliantly written and I couldn’t stop listening. I can’t wait for the next book. A wonderful world to escape from hum drum days.

His voice!!

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