Anathema

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.

TRIGGER WARNINGS - May contain spoilers






 

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Praise for Anathema

She blew my expectations out of the water …
Anathema was dark and delicious with well-placed horror elements, all the while riddled with palpable tension between Maevyth and Zevander. Their romance is a delectably delicious slow burn and will continue into the second book in the Eating Woods duology.
— Annica, Goodreads reviewer
BE STILL, MY GOTHIC HEART …
I’m a huge fan of the Brothers Grimm, and this story had me feeling as though I stepped through a portal right into one of those atmospheric and disturbing tales. But more complex and intense... and romantic. This exceptional blend of true darkness and horror with classic elements of fantasy and romance is absolutely intoxicating to me and exactly what I want when I reach for “dark fantasy romance”!
— Tatianna, Goodreads reviewer
The depth of the world is riveting, astounding and crafted with such attention to detail, the reader cannot help but be fully engaged … Anathema was everything my soul has been searching for. My new obsession. My happy place. My dream world.
— Sarietales, Goodreads reviewer
Riveting storytelling with the elements of fantasy, tortured dark heroines and heroes, mages, monsters, and Eating Woods.
The extravagant world-building keeps the reader engrossed, challenged, and on baited breath every chapter. I did not want to put it down!
— Amuse Me Books Blog