Anathema (The Eating Woods)

*This limited deluxe edition includes designed edges*

Banished beyond the dreaded Witch Knell, Maevyth Bronwick stumbles into a cursed realm--and into an immortal assassin sworn to keep her hidden...or kill her.

With her blood tied to a sleeping evil and his to a dark prophecy, their fates are bound by secrets, temptation, and a love that could doom them both.

From New York Times bestselling author Keri Lake comes a spellbinding gothic dark fantasy.

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 the first book in The Eating Woods. 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.

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Published Sep 12, 2024

688 pages

Average rating: 7.65

232 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Kandy.Keller
Jan 02, 2026
8/10 stars
I liked the book. Has a darker more gothic feel and the relationship takes time to develop but I would recommend this book.
brueckta
Dec 30, 2025
7/10 stars
I really enjoyed Part 1 of the book, which was engaging and well-paced. Unfortunately, Part 2 felt unnecessarily long, with very little actually happening. If the book had been about 200 pages shorter, I think I would have enjoyed it much more.
Laura
Dec 17, 2025
10/10 stars
Another great book by Keri Lake and intriguing world building in this new Dark Gothic Romantasy ! I plan to read Eldritch next and I heard she was changing this to a trilogy instead of a duo-logy ! For those who love a slow burn - this one is also for you. The two main leads pine for each other for most of the book and you can quickly guess that they will be fated mates and will do just about anything for one another - which makes this book - right up MY alley. I love any romance novel that gushes with the deep and dark passion two souls feel for one another. Hence, why it is a fantasy, right? lol -

5 Stars!
soulzone
Dec 13, 2025
9/10 stars
Yes. Read the author’s message to the reader and believe her! World-building, slowww burn with plot twists, shadows, good on MMC and steady FMC, others predictable but satisfying and needed. The last 1/3 grips you. We need book #2. Great audio performances.
JTD
Oct 22, 2025
6/10 stars
[finger hovering perilously over the "F" key after typing "D" and "N"]

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