3.5 stars! this was such a unique book! tenderly, i am devoured is full of beautiful imagery & writing that creates a lovely coastal, gothic atmosphere. the aesthetic throughout the entire story is perfect!

the main character, lacrimosa (i’m OBSESSED with this name!!), is soft & gentle which is such a nice change of pace from a lot of fantasy fmcs. alastair was well-developed too, but i wish we got more from the rest of the characters, especially camille. i wasn’t completely sold on the romance aspect of this story; i’m all for a polycule but the siblings thing was a little odd for me (no weird stuff happened lol).

i enjoyed this beautiful story but i think better developed characters and/or romance would have really taken this to the next level!

thank you to netgalley, macmillan children’s publishing group, & henry holt & co. for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Flower-threaded horror romance story Tenderly, I Am Devoured will sweep you away to Lark’s windblown cottage on the coast of Verse, a place rich with folklore and presided over by Therion, the swan god Lark’s family has worshipped for generations.

Lark Arriscane returns home from school in shame on her eighteenth birthday expecting to fall into a familiar rhythm with her brothers, but when she arrives, she receives a chilly greeting from her former childhood friend Alistair Felimath. Alistair has come to collect on her family’s debt, abruptly and without clemency.

Lark calls on Therion for aid, entering into a bargain sealed with a kiss - Therion will deliver her family into prosperity, and she will become his bride. However, Lark’s betrothal ceremony doesn’t go as planned, and she has no choice but to accept the help of Alistair and his bewitching sister, Camille, to restore her bond with Therion before it’s too late.

I loved everything about this - complex, multifaceted characters, a rich and immersive setting, a slow burn poly romance, and a bittersweet gothic story that kept me on my toes until the end.

I want to tuck these characters into my heart and keep them safe forever! Lark is so relatable and I wished I could hold her hand through it all. She suffered some deep heart wounds at the hands of those she held most dear, but never lost her empathy and her tender soul. Camille and Alistair are a perfect pair - light and dark, sensual and strong, and the three of them together really are a complete picture. And Therion?? I love a chthonic immortal who’s on his knees, begging please.

The atmosphere is incredibly immersive - I could smell the salt on the sea air and the sacred smoke from Therion’s altar, Camille’s strawberry perfume and the fragrance of black tea steeping on Lark’s kitchen table. The history, architecture, and art of Astera were described so clearly and it was easy to imagine Lark strolling along the streets, perusing flower stalls and dipping her feet into the river.

As a character-driven reader who adores a romantic gothic tale, I couldn’t dream of a more perfect book to read on a stormy evening.

Lacrimosa, Lark, was expelled from her boarding school and returns home to a near empty house and ruin on the horizon. To save her family she agrees to marry the chthonic god of the sea. When the ritual is interrupted by an unknown figure, she must seek help from Alistair the boy who broke her heart and his captivating sister Camille. Her longing to be accepted by them grows into something much deeper as they race to fix whatever was broken by the unfinished ceremony.
Dark and lyrical this book creates a world wrapped in mystery and magic. Fast paced and twisty, this horroromance kept me guessing till the end. Get swept away as a girl is trying to figure out if she still wants the boy who broke her heart... or his sister. Or both? A creepy angst-filled ride into the depths of longing.
Friends. This book is gorgeous. The dark whimsy and gothic seaside aesthetics are perfect for discovering the reality behind the local folklore. Lark has learned a hard lesson and comes home seeking comfort and refuge only for her very foundations to be shaken. She must weigh the cost of her own heart against her family and her search for the answer leads her into unknown waters of all sorts. It’s a beautiful story of being haunted by your own desires and the power in claiming them.
The mystery is fabulous. I was honestly guessing until the end. I had so many theories and it was a surprise at every turn. It’s a perfect balance of horror, romance, folklore, and suspense all with dreamy prose and toe-curling chemistry.

Tenderly, I Am Devoured is my first book by Lyndall Clipstone.

Her writing is so beautiful. The way she describes the characters and their worlds makes you almost feel like you're right there with them. I really enjoyed the folklore that was threaded into the story. It made it even more unique.

Lark was very likable, as were Alastair and Camille. Her brothers were as well, and I could feel how much they loved her. The relationship between Lark, Camille, and Alastair was interesting, and I was quite invested in how that would progress throughout the story.
I liked that there were also characters that were villainous, especially the ones that you wouldn't expect to turn out that way.

There were many twists and surprises throughout the story. I gasped in a few situations because I truly didn't expect what happened.

It was a wonderful story above love, found family, trust, sacrifice, and growing up.

Arc review!!
This book is a beautiful examination of the strengths of love and trusting others even after betrayal and heartbreak. A heroine who is soft and her softness is strength. Who is the hero of the story because of her love and kindness!

This is a beautiful spring time gothic story that I absolutely cannot wait to see hit shelves!

TWs for child abuse including physical abuse

This gothic underwater fantasy offers a unique and original concept, with perfectly built tension, an intriguing mystery, and a captivating sapphic romance featuring an unconventional but compelling relationship dynamic. The world-building is dynamicThe pacing felt a bit slow at first, but it picked up in the last third, with well-executed revelations and a satisfying conclusion.

A folk horror tale about a girl coming home to fight for what she loves most and relearn who she is in the process.

Lacrimosa "Lark" Arriscane has just been kicked out of her prestigious boarding school after the betrayal of her best friend takes a violent turn. Upon returning home, Lark soon learns that her family is broke and desperate to escape their financial debt. In a last-ditch attempt, Lark agrees to marry the swan god, Therion, in exchange for the salt mines her family runs to be refilled with their prosperous goods. Unfortunately, the betrothal doesn't quite go as planned, and Lark finds herself connected to a god who is quite literally beginning to disappear from the world. With few options remaining, Lark turns to Alastair and Camile Felimath, her childhood best friends who she hasn't spoken to amicably in years. They must do everything they can think of to restore Therion to his former glory and save Lark in the process.

"Tenderly, I Am Devoured" has been on my most anticipated read lists since December of last year. I've been sitting on the ARC for quite some time, but I finally got around to reading it. Unfortunately, I didn't adore it as much I hoped that I would, but it was still a good read. Folk horror is a genre that has greatly intrigued me, but I feel that most of them I've read aren't as great as I hoped they'd be, so maybe it's just not typically a genre for me.

The complex world, god system, and magical elements in this book are a bit ambiguous and unexplained, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. It just had me doing a double take now and again and led to me having to overly explain myself when people asked what this book was about. I think the world Clipstone crafts is really cool and that Therion was an interesting concept, despite the fact that he didn't do all that much throughout the course of the novel.

The chaotic bisexuals in this book are also pretty iconic (and I mean this is the best way possible). Lark literally kisses all the important characters that she isn't related to in this book, so I never knew what Lark was going to do romantically. I believe that this is the first poly book that I have ever read, which I also found super insightful. Lark is greatly attracted to both of the Felimath siblings, which is quite an interesting dynamic. Camile makes her thoughts on the situation obvious quite early in the novel, but I was intrigued by how Alastair was going to react to this fact. (He ended up also being a chaotic bisexual, so it all worked out in the end.)

Clipstone creates such an enthralling atmosphere. The way she writes is so lyrical and beautiful, especially when it comes to describing emotion. This became a tad frustrating at times, though, because I felt that flowery language was taking over the narrative at certain moments.

On the surface, this book is a story of a girl who must marry a swan god to save her family, but it also explores so much more. Lark has been betrayed time and time again by those she loves, so her learning to love herself and find her self-worth is a super important part of this story. Learning to trust those she loves that have wronged her in the past in another important element of this story that most readers can (sadly) relate to.

I think the biggest downfall of this one for me is the pacing. It took a while for much action to really occur, and I spent over half of this book wondering what the main plot line was. This book really reads like a magical slice of life story with some creepy moments that add to the horror-esque vibes. Some moments in this book felt a tad repetitive, too, but this wasn't a major concern of mine.

Overall, "Tenderly, I Am Devoured" is a beautifully penned folk horror novel that utilizes figurative language and a haunting atmosphere to the max. It may not have been my most favorite novel ever, but I really enjoyed learning about Lark and the Felimath siblings. I would definitely be interested in checking out more of Clipstone's work in the future and seeing if it ends up resonating with me or not.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read the eArc!

I had such a great time with this book and the writing is absolutely beautiful. It's so atmospheric and immersive. The way that Verse is described along with their dreamy coastal homes, the wind, the sea, the salt. I could just imagine it all so well. The characters are lovely and there are some villains that added a bit more to the story. The folklore was so intriguing and dark but unique.

I was also really curious how the dynamic between the three of them would play out. With Lark loving both siblings and the siblings loving Lark. I'm glad that there wasn't any jealousy or that the love triangle didn't cause conflict. Seeing Lark's relationship with Camille grow along side Lark's relationship with Alastair was equally beautiful with plenty of yearning and tension.

This book is so thoroughly unique and elegant. The world that Clipstone creates is one entirely of its own and a refreshing change to most recently published YA fantasy. I highly enjoyed the way each character’s sexuality was handled without making the novel about their sexuality, as it makes it so much more real and raw. The ending had me in tears, both happy and devastated.

Tenderly, I Am Devoured is beautifully written like the grandeur of a symphony. With the melodic waves of love, the minor notes of a variation expressing hurt and longing, and the lull of an ethereal chord that ends with a tidy sustained note. Reading this was like drifting along with the music, much like letting the tide drift you out to sea.

Lyndall Clipstone has written one of the greatest gothic romances I have ever read. It’s tender, with such a capacity of love shown with the open relationships between Camille, Lacrimosa, and Alastair. It’s raw, with the pain and emotions that come with the growing pains of coming of age and discovering yourself. It’s incredibly atmospheric, with a gothic seaside setting that is sure to sweep your deepest romantic dreams off their feet!

If this book isn’t already on your TBR, then don’t sleep in adding it and making it a top read once it releases!! It’s for sure a new comfort read for me, and I cannot wait to dip below its surface once more.

This book was very unique, in plenty of ways. The descriptions used were amazing. The atmosphere felt eerie yet cozy all at the same time. The god we get to see into this book felt so new and fresh, I hope we can maybe get a story for one of the other gods that are alluded to in the book in the future. I feel like that would be interesting. My only bone to pick with this book (which might just be my personal preference) is that our main girl Lacrimosa felt very indecisive when it came to who she wanted to be with. Which is fine, I guess if you are into potential why choose trope. I don't want to get too into it because I would hate to spoil it.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc.

I absolutely loved this book! Reading this felt like being swept away into a fairytale, it was so easy to digest and I instantly feel in love with the world, the characters and the story.

The writing is so incredibly poetic and I loved how quickly I was immersed in Lacrimosa’s world. This is spooky forests, dark hidden caves and an ocean that is basically an entirely separate character throughout this book. Our FMC Lark is such a lovely character and I thoroughly enjoyed being in her head and around her family, especially her brothers Henry and Oberon. She is so sweet and kind, but also brave and strong and I love the how much she changes based on her experiences, but in a way that makes it feel like she’s learning and growing as a person. All of the characters, especially the antagonists, evoked such emotion out of me. I found myself wanting to throw my kindle across the room multiple times because I was so mad at some of the characters, but I also love that because it means that I was emotionally attached to Lark and cared so much about her success. And each character was so dynamic and complex, they never felt like they were just there to further the story along.ie motivations felt genuine the entire time and I appreciated that so much.

The writing was also so beautiful and prosaic, I really enjoyed the flowery writing and I think it added to the overall story so much. I truly felt swept up in the fantasy. And I loved that the past was written in third person, while the present was in first person. It added so much depth to the story and while I’m not usually a fan of dual timelines, this choice made it feel so much more cohesive and less abrupt each time we went back into the past.

Definitely check your triggers as this does get quite dark at times, but if you’re a fan of A Study In Drowning by Ava Reid or Don’t Let The Forest In by L.G. Andrews then I highly encourage you to pick this up, I think you’ll thoroughly enjoy it!

Dark, moody, eternally gothic, this novel is an exquisite example of YA romantasy. The Felimath siblings jump from the page, and Lark is a disgruntled force to be reckoned with.

This book made me want to read it because of the cover alone. That cover is gorgeous to me. However, I wasn't able to get into the book. The love interest/romance part of the book felt forced and not well thought out.

Like actually - how am I supposed to review how good this book was.

The concept felt so original to me - while still holding on some of my favorite themes to read.

Lark's development in this story was what really piqued my interest. She seems so lost in the beginning by the end, you're rooting so strongly for her. The queer relationships in this story are so well done and raw.

If you're into ethereal vibes and finding a family amongst your peers, please pick up this book. I promise its as pretty as the cover.


Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Tenderly, I Am Devoured
by Lyndall Clipstone
Pub Date: Jul 01 2025

Expelled from her prestigious boarding school following a violent incident, eighteen-year-old Lacrimosa Arriscane returns home in disgrace to discover her family on the point of financial ruin. Desperate to save them, she accepts a marriage of convenience… to Therion, the chthonic god worshipped by Lark’s isolated coastal hometown.

But when her betrothal goes horribly wrong, Lark begins to vanish from the mortal realm. Her only hope is to seek help from Alastair Felimath: the brilliant, arrogant boy who was her first heartbreak, and his alluring older sister, Camille. As the trio delve into the folklore of gods, Lark falls under the spell of both Felimath siblings.

Ensnared by a fervent romance, they perform a bacchanalia with hopes the hedonistic ritual will repair the connection between Lark and her bridegroom. Instead, they draw the ire of something much darker, which seeks to destroy Therion—and Lark as well.

Featuring a polyamorous bisexual romance, lush prose, and flower-threaded horror, Tenderly, I am Devoured is a romantic folk horror that is intoxicating as chthonic liquor, and as unstoppable as the haunted tides.

The softest, most tender and vulnerable story I've read in a long, long time.

This book envelopes the reader in its waves of perfectly achieved historical atmosphere, with an interesting yet subtle world of magic and gods the author seamlessly wove throughout the pages. A romance so pure and intense that I cannot judge. The most lyrical and beautiful writing a story can have. Characters that get under your skin. A subtle darkness that lurks around them all. And a passion for life and art like I've never seen.

Tenderly, this book devoured me. Because no matter how much time passes and how many more books I read, Lark, Camille and Alastair will forever be with me.

Tenderly, I am devoured has a beautiful cover. The story was interesting and lepr me wanting to continue it. I did not car for the love interest in the book to much.

If you’re a vibes reader who loves messy but heartwarming romance, gorgeous gothic atmosphere, and poetically tortured characters, this will be a five star read for you!!! I enjoyed Clipstone’s latest well enough, but it took me months to get through my arc because the pacing was so disjointed and, ultimately, so meandering it bordered on boring to me at times. I simply could not be carried through on vibes alone. Additionally, the atmospheric prose, while lovely, took away from the plotting and actually getting to the point at times, it felt very distracted and certainly didn’t do the pacing any favours.

That said, I loved the characters and their relationships; and the moody gothic seaside vibes truly were on point from start to finish!! Everything that detracted for me will be some readers’ favourite elements, so I do absolutely recommend giving this little beauty a shot.

Deepest appreciation, of course, to Lyndall Clipstone, Netgalley, and Macmillan/Henry Holt & Co for the opportunity to read an advanced e-galley in exchange for my honest feedback!

Gothic and highly atmospheric, I could smell the ocean breeze in every page turn. Clipstone opens a door to a world you will never want to leave.

Lark's return home is cloaked with intrigue, hooking the reader from the start. Chapters switch from the present time to a few years back when Lark was attending Marchmain Academy. Lark returns home to find her brothers struggling financially; the only way to save her brothers from ruins is a pact of matrimony to a Chthonic God. But things go wrong during their marriage engagement, and the supernatural takes over Lark's life in her mortal world. She has to turn for help to the boy who broke her heart, Alastair, and his sister Camille, who might just be the one to mend it, or one of them, because why be exclusive if there's consent?

The alternating timelines serve to grow more interest in the resolution of the conflicts at hand because the characters have a lot of baggage to unpack. When you think you're caught up in the lore, the best thing to do is buckle up because it gets twisty with complications, and the ending might require a few tissues. The story is not a fast-paced one, but it has a strong current that will pull you from one chapter to the other till you reach the end.

In Tenderly, I am Devoured, the gods are not the saviors they are often portrayed to be; in fact, they are part of the problem. However, the key to resolving the central conflict lies in the characters' ability to take control and trust in themselves. Their actions are driven by a strong desire to assert control over their lives and destinies. They are fighting to break free from abuse, lack of freedom, and the burden of secrets that suppress their true selves. Even when empowered, making sacrifices does not guarantee a perfect ending. Yet, the characters embrace the lives they have fought to create, inspiring us with their resilience and determination.

The author's writing is beautiful and the descriptions of the world are vivid and romantic. Worldbuilding seems to be missing something, not beauty, but maybe a community that reflects the different structures and dynamics that surround the story. In spite of this, Verse seems like a great place to visit. Ticket for one, please!