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A review by bookishntea
Anathema by Keri Lake
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Tropes:
⚔️ Found family
✨ Slow Burn
⚔️ Reluctant Hero
✨ Forced Proximity
⚔️ One Bed
✨ High Stakes
⚔️ Training Sequence
✨ Magical creatures and powers
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
World building: 🌎🌎🌎🌎
Rating: ⭐4.75⭐
________________________________________
Larger powers, corrupt kings, revolting societies and ancient secrets unravel in this thrilling Gothic romantasy tale. Characters from distinct worlds study and fight to figure out how to save their worlds, the ones they love, and, hopefully, themselves.
I will admit, when I opened this book to multiple pages of definitions, I was thrown back into my college years, and I was a bit nervous. For those of you like me, no worries; just keep on keeping on, but just know there is a lot of world-building in Anathema to get through, but it's very much worth it. The storyline and plot are very detailed, and there are a lot of moving pieces and characters. This is not your mind-numbing book; it's an extremely immersive story. The world-building is exquisite, and the visuals that the author brings to the reader through her writing are absolutely stunning. I slightly got One Dark Window vibes in regards to the setting, but Keri Lake's writing and plot setting were both just so much more atmospheric and vibrant.
The FMC and MMC personalities are beautifully written; even the personalities of the side characters are all so distinct and clear. The FMC Maevyth is smart, witty, and tired of dealing with being the outcast of her society. Then step aside, Rhysand; here comes Zevander, our broody, grumpy MMC who lets no one in. I loved the character development and the relationship development between the main characters as well as the side characters. The found family trope in this book is top tier.
If you're looking for an atmospheric, slow burn, Gothic romantasy weighing heavily on the fantasy aspect, then you'll probably love Anathema.
⭐4.75⭐
_________________________________________
Check out my profile for other reviews and my socials
IG: @bookish.n.tea
Tiktok: @bookish.n.tea
⚔️ Found family
✨ Slow Burn
⚔️ Reluctant Hero
✨ Forced Proximity
⚔️ One Bed
✨ High Stakes
⚔️ Training Sequence
✨ Magical creatures and powers
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
World building: 🌎🌎🌎🌎
Rating: ⭐4.75⭐
________________________________________
Larger powers, corrupt kings, revolting societies and ancient secrets unravel in this thrilling Gothic romantasy tale. Characters from distinct worlds study and fight to figure out how to save their worlds, the ones they love, and, hopefully, themselves.
I will admit, when I opened this book to multiple pages of definitions, I was thrown back into my college years, and I was a bit nervous. For those of you like me, no worries; just keep on keeping on, but just know there is a lot of world-building in Anathema to get through, but it's very much worth it. The storyline and plot are very detailed, and there are a lot of moving pieces and characters. This is not your mind-numbing book; it's an extremely immersive story. The world-building is exquisite, and the visuals that the author brings to the reader through her writing are absolutely stunning. I slightly got One Dark Window vibes in regards to the setting, but Keri Lake's writing and plot setting were both just so much more atmospheric and vibrant.
The FMC and MMC personalities are beautifully written; even the personalities of the side characters are all so distinct and clear. The FMC Maevyth is smart, witty, and tired of dealing with being the outcast of her society. Then step aside, Rhysand; here comes Zevander, our broody, grumpy MMC who lets no one in. I loved the character development and the relationship development between the main characters as well as the side characters. The found family trope in this book is top tier.
If you're looking for an atmospheric, slow burn, Gothic romantasy weighing heavily on the fantasy aspect, then you'll probably love Anathema.
⭐4.75⭐
_________________________________________
Check out my profile for other reviews and my socials
IG: @bookish.n.tea
Tiktok: @bookish.n.tea