Were you drawn to this book because of the cover? Well I'm here to tell you that the story within these pages is just as ethereal and beautiful as the cover.

Lyndall has such a talent for crafting divinely beautiful stories, her writing is lyrical and flows so beautifully she really is a stand out with her writing style.

Tenderly is a story with Cthonic themes, Hades x Persephone & six swans but at its roots the true bones of this story is all about relationships, familial relationships, platonic relationships, forced relationships & of course the relationship at this stories core is the one between Lark, Alistair & Camille. Their relationship is so tender and delicate but all consuming and codependent, they are three but really they are just three parts of a whole and it is so beautiful seeing they face down Gods and salt priests whilst weaving their souls around one another strengthening their relationship which was once torn apart.

I'm struggling to put into words just have beautiful this story was, I haven't read anything that strikes up such a strong aesthetic in a long time. it's gothic and dainty, with teacups and seashells and swans and its just such a vibe.

This is not a plot heavy book as it mainly focuses on our characters specifically Lark as we get flashbacks to her time in School and see the relationship she formed there and how it impacts who she is now and the choices she makes.

For such a short read it really packs a punch in it's beauty and I highly recommend, utterly original and captivating.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Gothic romance is my thing. Sprinkle some horror in there and I'm sold. This was as beautiful and haunting as the cover. I hadn't read anything else by this author and now I want to! I felt the Saltburn and Midsommar vibes because I love both of those movies as well.

This felt like an atmospheric fever dream in a small town filled with complicated relationships and mythology.

Verse is a small town in every way that I need it to be. It felt real and cozy with layers of history just waiting for you. Small towns bring a unique element to the story you just can’t get anywhere else and that rang true here. The stories within the town were rich and kept me engaged at every twist and turn.

I’m not always a fan of flashbacks because at times they lead me to lose interest, however, here I found them pulling me farther into the story and by the end of the chapter, I was left yearning for more.

I love how distinct the authors voice is along with the atmosphere she creates. That feeling is one I chase in every new book I pick up.

I will say, there were a few times I wanted a little more description in some of the scenes. The simplistic nature was not at all grating, it just at times left me wanting.

One thing that took me out of the story was the lack of jealousy and the strange nature of this love triangle/love quad? It felt out of place, confusing, and at times, a bit twisted. I’m still not sure how I feel about the book overall, despite enjoying it so much, because I’m still not sure how I feel about this particular element.

I have sat on this review for far too long even after reading this book twice but I have found it difficult to find the words to reflect such a unique piece of work.
Perhaps let’s start this review in a slightly different way to usual.
When I think of words that represent this book, these come to mind - soft, ethereal, whimsical, dreamlike, tender, bespoke and beautiful.

This isn’t the sort of book that will appeal to every reader and that is okay because it makes it feel even more special in my eyes. Because I’m sick of the same mediocre books. It’s difficult to pin Tenderly into special genres and tropes. Yes it’s a love story, but it also veers into horror and does so in the most beautiful way. Tenderly mesmerised me with its poetic writing. It enveloped me into a hazey dreamlike state that I didn’t want to leave anytime soon.

Read this if you have watched and enjoyed - Saltburn and Midsommar.

I have been a fan of Lyndall’s since the very beginning and I will continue to read everything she writes. It is always a privilege to read such beautiful words.

Thank you so much to the team of Penguin Australia and the author for my beautiful ARC package.

A stellar YA gothic read. I’ve recently felt like, especially in YA, gothic reads are becoming harder to find. So I was thrilled to find this one. As an ocean lover, it scored even higher for me. A delightful, Sapphic, found family story.

I want to first start off by saying a huge thank you, to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this arc. I’m very appreciative of the opportunities this platform brings!

On to the review;
I have a rule where I always give the book till the 25% mark before DNFing, to give it a fair chance. But I’m absolutely gutted to say that this book couldn’t hold my attention past that first 25% 💔

This was one of my most anticipated reads, and I’ve had the arc since last year (!) and I’ve tried 3 times now to read it (I am a mood reader after all) but I still can’t get into it. I think it’s mainly the writing for me, it’s not to my tastes at all and as a result I don’t feel immersed in the story.

As for the characters — they’re ok! I understand that this is a YA book so I didn’t expect some major depth there, but I had wished that the side characters in particular were more fleshed out.

The pacing is so slow I felt like the clocks stopped working, which I don’t necessarily think has to be a bad thing — it did fit the sort of eerie, dreamy vibes of the book, but in this case, paired with the writing and boring dialogue/characters, it was all just a snooze fest for me.

So why 3 stars? Well, because I DO think this book has its audience, I just don’t think that audience includes me. It’s in no way a bad book, the author clearly knows her craft, it was more the case of me expecting something else and instead getting something that was just not to my tastes.

I think that if you enjoyed A Dark and Drowning Tide by Alison Saft, or A Treachery of Swans by A.B Poranek, then you might also like Tenderly, I am Devoured.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

2.75 stars rounded up. This book feels immensely self-indulgent, in both good and bad ways. The prose is pretty and sets up the atmosphere well but can get very repetitive, with a lot of repeated descriptors and metaphors (I feel like we only really need to establish that the character's changed eye is amber or Camille's perfume is syrupy like, once, maybe twice to be generous).

I love the initial concept of there being a bisexual polyamorous romance including a dark swan god, but the execution was lacking for me. Camille and her relationship with Lark were really underdeveloped in comparison to Alastair (you're telling me they're deeply attracted and in love with each other when they haven't even communicated since they were like, eight?), and I felt like you could for the most part cut her out of the story without any major changes because she never had a significant role doing anything. I feel like it could've been a tighter romance if it had just been between Lark, Alastair, and Therion, especially considering later developments. Though for that matter, Lark's relationships with Alastair and Therion could've used more development as well; Alastair's attitude change from cold and unwilling to help to tender-hearted and deeply in love was too fast for me to understand, and I wish Therion had more screentime. The side characters were also kind of under-developed. I like Lark's relationship with her brothers, but the brothers aren't really well-defined from each other, like they could've been the same person. Marcus is pretty one-note and also kind of cartoonishly evil with the things he says, with it feeling like he was only as abusive as the plot demanded him to be. Hugo was interesting at first but his role as the antagonist felt too quickly resolved...and also slightly pointless given his reaction afterwards. Weirdly, the most three-dimensional character seemed like it was Damson.

Also, everyone in this book is so goddamn weepy and trembling all of the time; it felt like every chapter someone was crying, which really took away from moments that were supposed to be heart-wrenching, especially in the last 50%. Lark especially is extremely tender-hearted, and while I have no issue with soft heroines, her love interests describe her as brave and fearless and her inner monologue has some lines that go hard about how she's strong and more powerful than what people think of her...only for her to burst into tears a page or two later. She also doesn't really...do much; aside from her decision to marry Therion, she comes off as rather passive and ineffective, feeling as though she's being carried along by the other characters. For that matter, most of the characters are pretty passive, and what little plot there is feels kind of meandering. The book is mostly held up by its vibes. In that regard, I find the comparison to A Study in Drowning to be pretty apt from what I've read of it, so if you liked that, you will probably enjoy this.

*thank you to Netgalley and McMillan for the early ebook*

I DNF at 50%. The book was too slow for me. At 50% she had married Therion kind of? but that was about the only thing that happened. I found the writing to be too flowery as well. Once I realized that they were going to try and make a love triangle with Lark our main character and Alistar and his sister Camille I had to stop. I've seen spoilers so I know the siblings do not do anything but it just felt off for this book. If you like flowery writing that kinda has to do with folk tale-ish books you might like this one.

When I think of gothic, atmospheric and painfully beautiful, I will think of Devoured. On her 18th birthday and scorned by life as it is, Lark finds herself wanting to bind herself to the god of Salt & Wood in order to bring back a wealthy salt season back to her family mines and in order to pay a debt. However on the night of her betrothal, the ritual is interrupted by her former friend and enemy, Alastair Felimath. From the pains of being away in university to what must happen now to tether Lark to the mortal realm and not disappear with the God who has his claim on her, she must work together wtih Alastair and his sister to uncover the truth. Just so marvelous I can't sing enough praises.

Eighteen year old Lacrimosa Arriscane is on her way back to her coastal home town after being expelled from her private boarding school.To top off her ruin to her family name she sees upon arrival that their financial situation is in dire restraints. With little hope in site Lark decides the only way to save her family is to enter into a deal of marriage to the towns worshipped god, Therion.However as her predicament turns darker Lark finds herself haunted by visions forcing her to seek out aid from her arrogant and alluring neighbors,the Felimath siblings Alastair and Camille.The more the trio dive into the lore of their worshipped gods the closer they become enwrapping them in romance as darkness looms over them.

This book was such a surprisingly interesting slow burn with its gothic romance mixed with dark academia and folklore vibes,unique magic,poetic immersive writing,whimsical atmospheric plot, chosen family elements,loads of art induced metaphors,why choose friends to lovers aspect,haunting forest scenes,and swan gods.Just from looking at the cover alone I knew I was in for a fever dream YA read and wow did this dual timeline story absolutely not disappoint.The world building and detailed descriptive language not only brought this work to life but goes farther by wholly enveloping you as you follow the slow ethereal pacing and twists that this moody gothic romance book delivers.The characters were relatable with Lark especially being a more soft FMC.The romance showcases a poly M/F/F pairing and explores identity and life long bonds.And while yes this book is a tad on the slower side I feel this is essential to truly let yourself be fully absorbed by the detailed writings.If you are a fan of works like House of the Hollow,House of Salt & Sorrows,The Secret History, A Study in Drowning and books that combine gothic atmospheric worlds and characters along with a bit of haunting horror,folklore,and dark academia then you will adore this slow sweepingly immersive book.

Tenderly I am Devoured comes out July 1st,2025. Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The atmosphere from the start is lush and dark and you can smell the salt in the air.

Lacrimosa has been scorned by love twice and it’s ruined her life. First it pushed her away from the only friends she had, and then it ended in expulsion from a school that would have secured her and her families future.
The only things she has left are her brothers and the house she’s always lived in, but her brothers are late on payments and they’re selling the house.
What else does she have to lose by agreeing to marry a Chthonic God and be whisked away to the underworld like Persephone during the harvest?

What a beautiful name, Lacrimosa.
This whole book is drowning in poetry and prose, it’s so moody you can feel it in the air. I love it!

Giving this 4 stars because I didn’t realize it was a romance between her and blood related siblings and that’s unsettling.

Tenderly, I am Devoured by Lyndall Clipstone is a young adult, gothic romance with  mythological and horror elements. The story follows Lark Arriscane after she leaves boarding school and returns home to help her family out of financial ruin. In the midst of meddling with the gods to save her home, Lark reunites with her childhood friends, Alastair and Camille. The trio works to unravel their past while trying to change the future.  

Clipstone’s prose in this book is utterly captivating and beautiful. Her ability to set a seaside, gothic ambiance with her words is outstanding. The poetic nature of her writing combined with the dark academia setting of her story creates a rich and other-worldly atmosphere. 

Tenderly, I am Devoured highlights a wide spectrum of relationship dynamics. We see childhood friendships, familial bonds, high-school relationships, and more mature, unconditional types of romantic love. The book has bi/poly representation which is much needed in modern literature; however, the specific way this relationship is crafted misses the mark in my opinion. The idea of siblings being involved in sharing Lark as a love interest (even though the siblings do NOT have any romantic interaction at all) feels like a misstep. I mention this because I think a trigger warning should be provided to readers in this instance. I can see how the arrangement could have been intended as an ode to the ancient stories of the gods or classic gothic literature, but without explicitly stating that, we’re assuming young adult readers have a strong working knowledge of these thematics which may not be the case. Separately, I find Lark’s individual relationships with Alastair and Camille to be substantial. Camille and Lark are incredibly tender and sweet, while Alastair and Lark are full of yearning and that “invisible string” type love. There are a few other LGBTQIA+ relationships in the story between supporting characters as well, but they are not very developed. 

One of my favorite parts about the book is the way Clipstone is able to balance originality with a mythological retelling. She seems to draw heavily from a Persephone/ Hades influence; however, she also creates her own interesting lore and rules within the world she builds. In many stories involving mythology, we find that characters are puppets to the gods, and there is only an illusion of choice on their personal journeys. Tenderly, I Am Devoured is unique in the sense that it focuses more on the characters ability to exercise free will in a world where gods exist. The intensity and path of Lark’s relationship to Therion, although inevitable to some extent, is very much dictated by how and what Lark is willing to give. I like that she and her friends have agency in both the mortal world and the otherworld.

Family is a significant theme in this book. Clipstone highlights how family can be something that is built through history and trust, and is not necessarily limited to the bloodline we are born into. Darker themes such as abuse and family secrets are also present. Breaking generational patterns and separating oneself from your upbringing is also expressed here. 

Overall, I very much enjoyed Tenderly, I Am Devoured. The lyrical prose and premise alone solidified it being a contender for one of the best gothic novels of 2025. The references to art and the imagery associated with the gods was an added element that contributed to the ethereal feeling I was left with after reading. Thank you to NetGalley, Henry Holt & Co. (BYR)/ Macmillan, and Lyndall Clipstone for allowing me to read this copy in advance.

I went into this one mostly blind and ended up really enjoying it. The writing is soft, strange, and beautifully eerie. It felt like slipping into a dream you’re not sure you want to wake up from. If you liked A Study in Drowning, this one will pull you in the same way.

The atmosphere was probably my favorite part. I liked the emotional weight behind the romance and the way everything felt slightly off in a haunting, intentional way. I just wish we got to know Therion more. He was fascinating but stayed a little distant. Camille and Alastair could’ve used more depth too.

Still, it was a beautifully written, quietly unsettling story that lingered after the last page.

Unfortunately, this book just wasn't for me. It started off great. I loved the atmosphere, very gothic and dark academia. I didn't really believe the character's motivations, but I overlooked it. I really enjoyed her background at the school she attended, and I really empathized with her. However, around the 50-60% mark, this book absolutely started to drag. I felt like nothing happened, and I could barely force myself to read. When I did, I couldn't even get through a full chapter before I was bored and had to put it down.

What could be more bewitching than an engagement with a god, needing help from a rival family, and having to confront our first heartbreak? Tenderly, I Am Devoured begins with running. We all know too well the desire to not speak about something aloud, to not have to confront it. At times reading Tenderly, I Am Devoured my heart broke, the rage crested, and my heart ached. All the pains of love and the things we can do in the name of love, in the name of family, for community. With the Then POV, we witness not only went wrong, but the depth of those feelings, the cliffs from which we fell.

Tenderly, I Am Devoured is atmospheric and beautifully written, and started out so strong, but this fell a bit flat for me. I think it was just a bit too gloomy for me.

I was already so excited to read this after loving Lakesedge, and overall, the cover and synopsis already had me hooked. I originally started this in February before putting it on pause until the beginning of June. The only thing that had me nervous was the fact that I don’t tend to like movies like Saltburn but House of Hollow is one if not my favorite book of all time so my hopes were high. The beginning of the book was great and it had me hooked from the start (yes I did spend a large amount of time giggling like an idiot whenever Alastair was mentioned or appeared just because of his name and my obsession with Hazbin Hotel oh well). The writing style had all the same parts I enjoyed while reading Lakesedge while still feeling the growth in it. The different mysterious undertones of the plot were really intriguing and made me want to keep going, I just needed to know. Lark’s expulsion and why she was expelled, what happened with the other girl (forgot her name but screw her she doesn’t matter), why does this god want her as his bride, why did Alastair switch up on her, all these questions really kept me excited for what’s to come.

As much as I loved this book, I can only give it a 10/10 when it comes to vibes and interest.

This book was not what I’d expected and I’m a bit sad that I didn’t love it as much as I hoped I would. I will get into the different things that I didn’t particularly enjoy and am definitely over analyzing everything but that’s just me. And although it didn’t meet my expectations, I still really enjoyed it. I loved the characters and the romance, which is surprising for me, and it definitely won’t stop me from wanting to read more of Lyndall Clipstone’s work in the future! Am even planning to reread Lakesedge and force my friends to read it with me to refresh my memory before reading Forestfall.

Like I said, I LOVED the different questions going on, however, some of the answers weren’t as exciting. (SPOILERS AHEAD)

The moment we met D in the past (it wasn’t a joke i actually cannot remember her name all i know is that it starts with a D so let's call her that), I knew the outcome already. I’ve seen so many of D’s type of character and friendship, the obvious fake and manipulative kind undertones that seems obvious to anyone but the MC (I had a friend like that 10/10 would not recommend get them away from you and thank me later), so when the betrayal came, it wasn’t a shocker. This is also where the “BEFORE” chapters end since the following is the beginning of the book. I felt like the majority of the “BEFORE” chapters could’ve been a collection of flashbacks told by Lark, since she does so anyway right after. I feel similarly when it comes to the Alastair flashbacks, but we did get a lot more information about his and Camille’s character and their dynamic before the fall out so once that wrapped and all the “BEFORE” chapters turned to D only is where those fell off for me. Especially since, to me, her manipulation and betrayal didn’t leave much of an impact on Lark. Although there are some mentions of D’s actions in regard to Lark’s trust towards Camille in particular, it didn’t feel genuine. There was no push back. The moment Camille came back into her life, they were fine. This also applied to Alastair. He was the one pushing Lark away but she still runs back to him. Overall, the boarding school storyline felt unnecessary and, like I said, could’ve been wrapped up into a single flashback.

Similarly, Lerk discovering the truth about her birth and betrothal to a god didn’t have much impact on her relationship with her brothers. She cried for a couple of pages but when she saw them again, everything was fine.

By far the one thing that bothered me the most was the lack of stakes. I never felt like the characters were truly in any danger and the hallucinations felt repetitive. I may be wrong, but I think the hallucinations were one of the inspirations from House of Hollow. However, unlike House of Hollow, these didn’t feel like a genuine threat to the character due to the repetitiveness of them. The constant water sloshing against the windows or spilling over a bathtub or sink and the seaweed binding her and snagging at her was starting to get annoying after the third time because I knew she’d be fine. This is also where I felt like the synopsis was a bit misleading. Lark “vanishing” from the mortal realm was lacking. I assume the hallucinations and things are the implied vanishing. However, once again, it never felt like any of them were ever in actual danger. I think what would’ve made a difference was that Therion was not a “kissable god” and was an actual threat. This would’ve raised the stakes when Hugo appeared as well. Not only is Therion’s link to her a lot more unnerving and threatening, but the fact that Hugo seeks to destroy him and doesn’t care if she gets caught in the crossfire would’ve raised those stakes. As much as I love the poly representation, I wish that the kissable god wasn’t so kissable and felt a bit more like D. With holding a falsely kind facade while communicating with Lark, but once things go south, actually turns on her. Even at the end, Alastair with Therionstuck inside of him, he will be fine. Everyone will be fine.

As much as I had to say about the things I disliked, without analysing things too closely, this book was fun.

I liked how Alastair actually gave off the impression he didn’t care about Lark anymore. There were no “must’ve been the wind” heart eye glances. When he thought she wasn’t listening while talking to Camille, his mask didn’t slip.

Not going to lie, after finding out how Marcus abused his some, I had a rare audible “what the fuck” come out of my mouth. The fuck ass audacity of this old man istg. And although I was nervous to read a poly relationship involving siblings, I was glad to find it wasn’t in any danger zones. I liked Alastairs sacrifice as a way for him to prove to Lark and mostly to himself that he wasn’t a coward. Camille deciding to kick her father out was good, although I would’ve chosen to, I don’t know, push em down a couple of stairs and make it look like an accident for the inheritance but of poo I guess sticking it to em is good too. I like the vibe of the ocean and forest god being a swan. Why a swan? I have no idea but I'm here for it. Just a silly little swan god with his silly little swan boat. I did like the parallels between Lark’s relationship with D and With Alastair and Camille, although it felt incomplete(?).

Overall, if you like books with oceanic mythology vibes and gays, this is for you. I do hope that all of this doesn’t stop anyone from reading it because it is a fun read in the end.

Started out really strong, with a very interesting plot. However, I grew tired of the everyone is sad and crying all the time. I know it may sound insensitive. The characters go through a lot in this book. A lot of really rough topics are brought up. I felt like that was what this book revolved around though rather than the actual plot at times.

This is definitely why choose, which I have not read before. Don’t know if it’s my cup of tea….but it could have also been the circumstances. Siblings sharing a lover is a little too much for me. BUT to each their own.

All in all, an interesting fast read. Would reccomend to anyone who enjoys dark gothic fantasy, with a why choose romance.

In Tenderly, I Am Devoured we follow Lacrimosa Arriscane, a disgraced schoolgirl who returns home after being expelled from her boarding school only to discover her family is in deep financial ruin. Of course, Lacrimosa—Lark—does the only thing one might do when found in these circumstances: she binds herself to Therion, the dangerous chthonic swan God. Naturally, things do not go to plan, so Lark enlists help in the form of her first heartbreak and his alluring sister to fix everything before it is too late.

Enchanting and captivating from the start, I truly devoured (hehe) Tenderly, I Am Devoured.

This is a book of heartbreak and change, and it felt like an incredibly intimate piece of work. At the start of the book, our lead protagonist Lacrimosa is at an emotional crossroads of sorts; she has been expelled from her prestigious boarding school and with that, her plans for the future set awry; and she has returned to her home to discover things there are just as, if not more, disastrous. We settle on a journey with Lacrimosa, with the book alternating chapters between present and past tense, as the present Lacrimosa sets her plans in motion to help save her family from financial ruin, and past Lacrimosa goes through her time at boarding school and the events that led to her expulsion. I found these alternating chapters interesting and evenly paced, leaving me desperate to continue on to discover what was to happen next in both the past and present timelines.

Of course, in Tenderly we are afforded an array of side characters; Lacrimosa’s brothers, her legal guardians, who are ever doting on Lacrimosa though have a fair amount of secrets of their own; and most notably, the Felimath siblings, Alistair and Camille, who join forces with Lacrimosa. This trio have quite the detailed past together, and despite having been distant in the years leading up to the present day, the trio soon find themselves closer than ever. I really enjoyed the polycule subplot between these three, and the intimacy, which was written both passionately and poetically.

What I loved most of all was the writing; gothic and moody, yet lyrical and captivating, Clipstone’s prose had me hung on every line. My favourite book probably ever is A Study in Drowning and I would agree strongly with those likening these two books because Tenderly really does flow much like ASID. This book was somehow my first time reading anything from the author, and it has left me eager to dive into their back catalogue for more.

I was so sure I’d love this book, and maybe it just found me at the wrong time, because while the writing was beautifully atmospheric, the rest of it ended up feeling just meh/okay. The cover and artwork are absolutely stunning, and I loved the dark academia and cottagecore vibes, with hints of horror and hidden secrets. The premise is super intriguing—Lark, the main character, returns home after being expelled from boarding school following an incident, only to find her brothers, her only remaining family, facing financial ruin. To save her family’s legacy, she’s expected to marry Therion, a hometown god. It had all the elements I usually enjoy, but the pacing was incredibly slow to the point of being boring at times, and the story became very repetitive. The romance didn’t work for me at all—there was just no chemistry—and I struggled to connect emotionally with any of the characters. It’s definitely a book I can see others falling in love with, but for me, it just didn’t quite hit the mark.