2.5 STARS

**Possible spoiler alert: Specific plot details outside of what the book's synopsis has already shared are excluded, but details surrounding some of the relationships are shared.**

The book started out amazingly. I like when not all of the details are immediately revealed and there is a timeline jump from the present to the past, and bits are slowly revealed as the present day storyline unravels. It had some mystery, which made me hyper-diligent in my reading because I was actively gathering clues to figure out why certain things were occurring.

The bulk of the writer's writing style was BEAUTIFUL! "There will always be a scar on me in the shape of the truth." She is definitely talented in the way she weaves words to tell her story.

It had so many great moving parts, all parts that gave this story great potential. The plot as a whole is where this book faltered for me. It felt like all of the pieces didn't fit together. The "throuple" situation with the brother and sister duo was icky and weird. There was a moment where Lark is kissing Alistair (the brother) while his sister, Camille, is caressing Lark's neck. It is weird as heck to imagine my sibling and I dating the same person, much less them stroking any part of that person's body while I'm being kissed by them. I just could NOT get on board with this, and it ruined the suspense and slow burn of her and Alistair reconnecting. By the time they kissed, I was so icked out I didn't even care.

This book had a beautiful chance to be a place for young adults who are in these situations, where they're experiencing bisexuality and aren't fully formed in their identities or sexuality, yet, and it could have served as a soft landing place for them to begin to explore those thoughts and feelings conceptually if they weren’t already exploring them on a physical level. But all of the relationships weren’t fully fleshed out. We kept being told about how Lark connected with these characters without the author having scenes to flesh out how those connections were built. As much details were shared about Lark’s relationship with Allistair and Damson, even significantly less was shared about Camille. That relationship surprised me and it didn’t make sense to me. It made me take Lark less seriously.

I LOVED Larks’ brothers. I would not change anything about them. I adored them for their deep love for Lark and the selflessness they showed in caring for her. Her initial anger did not make sense to me, not at the level she harped at her brothers about regarding the secret they were guarding. If they hadn’t done what they did, she would not exist. They were selling off everything in their house to be able to support themselves and support her while she was away at school. They never asked her for a thing. And they not once tried to manipulate or persuade her to marry Therion. SHE did, despite their multiple attempts to dissuade her. So her being mad? It seemed bratty and immature. Feeling like her trust and connection with them was minimally frayed because they withheld that information from her would have made more sense than the temper tantrum she had. They were willing to sell their home and their land so that she didn’t have to be forced into a marriage with Therion. They were not the bad guys. She was a drama queen and unlikeable with how she handled her initial reaction. Again, an unfriendly reaction would, of course, have been warranted. The level at which she blew up did not feel justified.

There was a scene where Hugo, Allistair, Camille, and Lark were having dinner with Allistair and Camille’s cruel father. At some point, the father demands Allistair accompany him upstairs, and it is obvious Mr. Felimath is angry. Lark KNOWS the man is most likely going to physically abuse Allistair. But she decides to make out with Camille first, and THEN go upstairs to try to intercept any abuse that the father might inflict on Allistair. I did not understand HOW she could be slightly in the mood to kiss ANYONE knowing what could possibly be happening to Allistair upstairs. There was no urgency in her trying to get to him. I did really like this line: “I am small and soft, nothing but a fierce heart and a borrowed dress, but in this moment I know I would tear out MARCUS FELIMATH’S throat with my own blunt teeth before I let him put his hands on Alistair again.” (I guess unless it gets in the way of a mini make-out sesh with Allistair’s sister downstairs, but THEN when she's done, she will tear out his throat and blah blah blah.)

The ending of the book began to pick up again. There was another weird moment where Camille and Lark kiss, I think while they’re trying to connect to Therion, and it made zero sense. Everything about those two being romantically involved felt incredibly forced and like she just wanted someone in the book to have a female on female relationship. I felt like Damsen and Lark fulfilled that box if it was something the author was trying to check off. Even though they were not a fleshed out couple for me, they made sense to me because Lark was coming off of a rejection and broken heart from the boy she loved, so I was not surprised she latched onto Damesen the way she did.

I would not recommend this book to my friends, fellow librarians, or purchase it. If the hiccups were better developed, this could be an incredible book, and then I’d happily purchase it. I appreciate NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group/Henry Holt and Co. for the digital review copy of this unique romantasy in return for my honest feedback.

**I have a joint Goodreads account. There is a note in the post that I am posting as Josh R. Thank you again for the opportunity to read this book!**

Beautiful prose, but the reliance on sensuality as the massively overplayed note made the book feel repetitive. It was driven by who Lark would kiss next, and when two of those people were siblings who felt dangerously close to also kissing each other, it became difficult to read. I am not a fan of incest or incest-hints.

Beyond the borderline incest (the two siblings do not ever actually kiss, but the sensual tone that dominates the book carries thoroughly through their actions so it's almost less believable that they haven't), I thought the relationship with her brothers, the setting of the salt mine and the sea god were all very interesting. I would probably have adored this book, written in this style, if the focus had stayed on these facets. But Lark seemed to be under some sort of spell where anyone her age (or immortal) that she interacted with became an immediate romantic obsession, with or without reason. The overabundance of romantic interests (4!) for one MC made it difficult to sort out what made any of them unique or necessary. Alistair was my favorite, as his arc from friend to rival was mysterious and dark--but then it almost immediately just becomes a physical obsession between him and Lark (and his sister) without a clear emotional shift for him as to why. I would have loved some paring back of the other romances in order to truly focus on one, or maybe two, as Clipstone is clearly excellent at writing romantic vibes and it would be fascinating to see her dive deep into one that felt like more than just exploratory sex. The "this is exciting because we're doing it on your father's desk and he could catch us" was the most honest note in all of the relationships, because for once there was a reason for them to feel as passionate as they did.

I also desperately wanted Lark to just have a friend, but when she chooses making out over helping her brother while knowing he's being abused, there is perhaps a reason she has no friends.

I genuinely enjoyed this book. Lark’s tale had me from the beginning and I thought it was a great idea to have some chapters be distributed the way they are with flashbacks in between. It gave me the sense of having to keep going to find out what happened at her school or why she hated Alistair. Once all of that was discovered, it makes the reader understand more and then dive back to the plot.
I think this book was more character-led and still I didn’t dislike that fact. I only wish we had a bit more background on the gods/myths to understand more of the folklore in the book.
Alistair and Lark were great round characters but I also wished a little bit more for Camille. The introduction of Hugo was quite well, a side character with a bit of history. And I think Camille deserved that too. As for Lark’s school situation, I also wished we could see more of the outcome there since it was so unjust. I still liked the ending we got, they definitely deserved it.

In this book, Lyndall Clipstone displays a talent for creating a lush atmosphere that I found reminescent of A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid. The setting is excellent, the prose rich and full of beautiful imagery. The prose is the strongest point in this novel, and I did struggle connecting with the main character, Lark. Her flashbacks to her academy days were equally as intersting to read about as her bethrothal to a swan god, and gave her more life. I was actually sad when those chapters ended.

The main trio in general could have been more developed as well, but these a minor gripes. I enjoyed the story and the world-building, though I wish we could have seen more of it.

Reccomended for poetic prose, beautiful atmosphere, and interesting lore. Clipstone has put a great deal of heart into the novel, and I believe that more than shines through in the story.

4.5 stars.

Tenderly, I Am Devoured is as dark and lovely as its title and cover might suggest.

This novel is filled to the brim with longing and feels like it was written for tender-hearted dreamers, big-time yearners, folklore enthusiasts, and, of course, swan lovers.

I'm naturally skeptical of things that are compared to The Secret History and A Study in Drowning because those books are very near and dear to my heart, but I do think that there are elements of both of those in this story. This is especially true if the bacchanalia from TSH fascinated you. Clipstone's take on it is, of course, different, but hers is a gauze-draped, dreamy and surreal thing that was utterly captivating.

I think that my favorite part about this book was its characters though. Lacrimosa, Alastair, Camille, and Therion were such fascinating characters and I especially enjoyed experiencing the latter three through Lark's perspective. She's such a lover and that bleeds into every interaction she has with the important people in her life.

The romance also had me kicking my feet and giggling. There's just something about friends to rivals to lovers that hits every single time. While I wish the tension between Lark and Alastair had been left to simmer for longer (their resolution was a bit rushed in my opinion), it was still so good. I also just really loved, as an enjoyer of things that come in threes, how Lark's life was so neatly divided into trios. That recurring theme--especially as it applied to her love life--was such a well thought out detail.

I think that the only reason this book isn't a five star for me is because there were times where it felt almost a bit too repetitive. Many of the same turns of phrase were used over and over again, and while they were as lovely the second or even third time I saw them, I did wish for a bit more variety.

Overall though, this was a fantastic read. Lyndall Clipstone is on my radar and I'm eager to read her backlog -- especially if her other books are as full of as much yearning as this one was.

Thank you to Netgalley & the publisher for an early copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own :)

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.’


Tenderly, I am Devoured was such a peculiar story. Although not particularly my cup of tea, I did appreciate the tale and the prose. I just had a difficult time wrapping my head around Lark’s relationship with the siblings. What was that like? Did she swap beds nightly, going from brother to sister? I’m left curious to know exactly how that situation was peacefully & happily navigable for all.

Regardless, I am always grateful for the opportunity to read an arc. Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)!

Pub date: 7.1.2025.

"...The worst hurt doesn't always come with open violence. Instead, there is a tenderness before you're devoured."

A huge thank you to Lyndall Clipstone for allowing me to read and review this story via NetGalley. ❤️

Tenderly, I Am Devoured is my favorite work from Clipstone yet and is a reminder as to why she's one of my favorite authors. I can always find myself easily engrossed in the worlds she creates and Tenderly is certainly no exception to the case. Her prose can describe a scene and characters' emotions so vividly and beautifully, and they shine so wonderfully all throughout this story. This is the most beautifully written book I've read this year, and I just know so many other readers will fall in love with it like I did when it releases in 2025. 💗

“𝐌𝐞𝐚 𝐘𝐯𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐫𝐡” 🪷🦢✨

I finished Tenderly, I am devoured in one sitting and I am OBSESSED. As many of my pookies know I’m a huge fan of gothic fantasy, adding a sapphic element to that was all it took for me to click ‘request an arc’. Clipstone wrote a stunning, enchanting and magical novel about love, friendship and betrayal. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loved ‘A Study In Drowning’ (taste 😌💅🏼).

✨ the vibes ✨:
- art references
- m/f/f polyrelationship
- WHO DID THIS TO YOU 🧎🏼‍♀️🧎🏼‍♀️🧎🏼‍♀️🧎🏼‍♀️
- a unique magic system with gods
- dark academia-esque
- the secret history x a study in drowning

ARC.

My rating: 3.5 stars.

I really, really wanted to love this book. I did. I adored Lakesedge, Forestfall, and Unholy Terrors. So going into this book - I had high expectations.

This review is going to have spoilers. And is based on my own preferences. Regardless of my personal feelings, Tenderly, I Am Devoured, was still worth reading. I read it in one sitting, but I’m going to go into depth on why certain aspects of the book didn’t work for me.

There will be spoilers ahead.

The first major issue I had, caused me to almost quit reading. The toxic friendship/relationship between Lark and Damson really striked me as wrong right from the start, which I assume was Clipstone’s intent. There was so much gaslighting and toxic relationship building that it was as uncomfortable to keep reading sometimes - as I experienced something similar to what Lark does here. It made me feel so much for her. She was basically treated as an abuse victim - encouraged to isolate her family, gaslighted, given gifts to apologize, guilt-tripped for even mentioning her brothers, and eventually even cast aside when she performed better academically than Damson. It also made me furious that Damson got away with everything. I know in life people get away with things like this all the time - but I hurt for Lark.

The other main gripe I had with this was I almost wish there wasn’t a romance between Lark and Camille. It kind of rubbed me the wrong way that it was almost a M/F/F relationship when two of them were siblings. And sharing Lark between them, even though the romance was pretty tame, really threw me. I’m glad they didn’t lie to each other and sneak around. But to be honest, Lark desperately needs a pure friendship. A true friendship with no strings and no romantic expectations. This poor girl just needs a friend.

I really enjoyed Lark as a heroine. I know she can be kind of of a cry baby and struggles to be confident in herself. But it felt genuine considering the betrayals she went through.

I wish we had more time with Alastair/Lark and Therion/Lark, and that we got more about Alastair with Therion sharing his body and their love of Lark. (And maybe see if he helps Alastair confront his father.) Honestly, I would love a sequel or novella of just their interactions.

I felt Tenderly, I am Devoured, could have definitely used more creepy/horror moments. I liked what we got, but it seemed like this stuff was kind of brushed over, and I would have loved it if it was more in depth. Lakesedge did it really well, and I wished for more atmospheric prose like that book had.

In the end, I honestly think Tenderly, I am Devoured, wasn’t long enough. I needed more.

Thank you so much Lyndall Clipstone for an ARC!



Also, I didn’t include this on Goodreads but there was a continuity issue with larks veil. It’s indicated that it is definitely real when she finds it in her room. But later when she’s discussing all the illusions and other things that aren’t there, the veil is included. I actually went back and read the passage about the veil again because it confused me so much. I know. It’s an odd detail to cling to. But I thought I’d mention it.

YES, YES, YES to this book! It lived up to ALL its promises —a haunting, gothic, dark romantasy with a touch of folk horror.

The main heroine, Lacrimosa, is such a soft character and really shines in the book. Her relationships with Alastair and Camille felt fully developed and the world….well it was unique and I’m not quite sure I’ve ever read anything like it.

I definitely recommend this book!

I have been yearning for a book like this. Something that drums on my skull and begs to be devoured. Despite my best attempts to savour this book, I read the entire thing in one sitting. Clipstone's prose is rich and dreamy, but never dense or contrived. Clipstone writes the way I dream of writing. At several points, I was compelled to read specific lines out loud (despite my companion's protests).

The world of Tenderly, I Am Devoured hovers between a nightmare and a dream. Horror creeps in like a cold front, transforming the almost-cosy, dark academia-inspired atmosphere into something much more sinister. Despite reading this book in 30°C heat, I could feel the cool, dank air of the caves, the bite of sea spray on my cheeks, the howling wind whipping through my hair. At points, the book is almost psychedelic—leaving the reader with the same sensation as the characters as they perform a bacchanalia.

I adored the snippets of Lark's past, and the slow unravelling of the mystery surrounding her expulsion from Marchmain Academy. There are so many different threads in this book, and it was a joy to watch each one unspool. Lark herself is a compelling main character, and it was so refreshing to see a soft, crybaby (complimentary) of a girl play a leading role.

If you enjoyed A Secret History, A Far Wilder Magic, or For The Wolf, you will adore Tenderly, I am Devoured. Expect a m/f/f poly romance which will leave you with bi panic, a dreamy chthonic God, and horror as ethereal as it is haunting.

Lyndall Clipstone's latest work, Tenderly,I Am Devoured, showcases her divine prose, by creating a cinematic experience within the intricately crafted world. The story is enriched by a raw, pagan belief system that adds depth to its setting.

Lark's journey of self-discovery resonates deeply, reflecting the struggles of emerging from a toxic relationship and finding genuine love. Camille serves as a warm, grounding presence, while Alastair, with his cold yet tortured demeanor, embodies the ideal love interest—passionate and willing to sacrifice for love. The exploration of polyamory is refreshingly authentic, and the casual representation of queer relationships throughout the narrative adds to its richness. I personally have not seen this care taken with polyamory in a fiction novel.

Lacrimosa (Lark) Arriscane, an aspiring artist and orphan, who is expelled from her prestigious school. She returns home to find her family in financial trouble. She is then betrothed to Therion, a sea god. Lark's wedding is interrupted, leading her to team up with the Felimath siblings—Alastair, the aloof boy who broke her heart, and his caring sister, Camille. As they confront dark forces threatening their lives, Lark navigates a complex and captivating romance, caught between her feelings for both Felimaths. The story features rich world-building, well-timed revelations, and a satisfying conclusion, making it a highly recommended read for fans of unique romantasy thrillers.

Overall, this dark and beautiful tale weaves themes of love and identity against a backdrop of sea and salt, making it a highly anticipated read for next year.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group/Henry Holt and Co. for providing a digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Lyndall Clipstone continues to outdo herself with every book. Her prose is ethereal and delicate, perfectly setting the tone for the world she has built. It almost feels like watching a movie, with how beautifully she sets the scene. The World of Tendery, I am Devoured is thoughtfully laid out, with an intricate belief system that feels raw and pagan.
I continue to enjoy her characters as well. Lark is a character I understand. I've been 18 and reeling from a toxic relationship. I've tried to shove myself in a box to please someone else. And watching her unfurl with people who truly love her after that experience was so beautiful to read. Camille was constantly a warm balm, a calming presence to help center those around her.
And Alastair is everything I want in a love interest. Cold at first, but tortured. Desperately in love and will sacrifice anything for it. I love the romances that Lyndall Clipstone writes overall, but I am overjoyed that this one committed to polyamory with no pretense. That's something I would love to see more in stories, and it feels like many authors are still shying away from it.
The frequency and casualness of queer relationships was also very appreciated. It wasn't just one character nonchalantly mentioned. There were significantly more queer relationships than heteronormative ones.
Overall, this was a dark and beautiful story with the sea and salt interwoven on every page. I look forward to purchasing this next year when it's released.

A huge thank you to Lyndall for this ARC!
Would you marry a god to help save the livelihood of your family? To say that this book was absolutely stunning would be an understatement. The story and it’s characters were so beautifully done. Lark and the love that she had for others, her fierceness, were a joy to read. The descriptions of this world were immersive; like walking into a painting and living inside it. Loved everything about this read!

Big thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for the chance to review this book pre-release. WOW was this amazing. It had that dark heavy atmosphere like A Study in Drowning, Curious Tides and House of Salt and Sorrow. Very dark and cold, but in a way PERFECT to bundle up with in the fall. I love the romance, the unique gods/magic is intoxicating. I love the use of two timelines (each with a different tense which was an artistic touch). Once I sat down, I finished this in two quick sessions. I can't WAIT to get my hands on more by this author! A more formal review will be available on my IG/TikTok and Goodreads.

Tenderly, I Am Devoured is a quiet story. It’s the quiet of hushed voices whispering sweet words to a lover and soft waves gently caressing the shore in a beautiful cave, with fine mist delicately running its fingers over your skin.

Dark academia is one area Clipstone delves into, especially its consideration of art, and I found this element extremely fascinating. One prominent artwork reflects Lark’s path to self-discovery throughout the story, and how I envisioned this painting is engraved in my mind. It’s called The Dusk of the Gods, and I’ll leave you with your imagination to conjure a picture.

Lark must navigate her marriage to a swan god, and this god offers an endearing outsider perspective on her relationships. He comments on how interesting human behavior is, through bravery, sacrifice, and love. I would have loved to explore this theme more–what it means to be human, as it’s only accentuated toward the end.

Although the prose was beautiful, my only complaint is that some areas of the story felt too slow. I also would have liked to see more depth within the characters. Hugo was who I felt most drawn to out of the bunch.

I appreciated the little nods toward The Secret History and was fond of all the ribbons. If you loved A Study in Drowning, you’ll love this one.

Thank you, Netgalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, for sending me an e-ARC.

Thank you to the author for the e-arc!

Please check the trigger warnings before reading.

🌟🌟🌟🌟✨/5
Oh, my heart. This was absolutely delicious. Tenderly, I am Devoured is exactly what it promises to be- a haunting, gothic, romantic fantasy with a dash of folk horror. It just hit so many right spots for me!

Lacrimosa (Lark) was an amazing main character. It was refreshing to see an FMC who is soft and not one of the 'not like other girls' girls. Her character development was very well portrayed. Her relationship with Alastair and Camille never once felt like the stereotypical love triangle and was well developed. Lyndall Clipstone has created an immersive, intensely atmospheric world with breathtaking descriptions of the landscape and a unique belief system with chthonic gods at its center.

Art is a major theme in the book and it's full of art metaphors. As an art lover myself, I was here for it. Presented in a nonlinear narrative, TIAD also has a dark academia aspect to it.The author's prose is a sensuous feast. I came for the Saltburn vibes and stayed for the romance. I haven't read a good YA romance in a long time. This is what I'd call romantasy well done.

Overall, Tenderly, I am Devoured was a hit for me and I can't wait to dive into the author's backlist. I'd highly recommend this for fans of A Study in Drowning.

I knew this book would be special. One of those haunting stories that stays with you long after you put it down. Its narrative was propulsive while maintaining rich atmosphere and quiet moments throughout. I fell in love with Lark, Camille, and Alastair and even poor Hugo. With the most lush, enchanting prose I've read in a long time, Tenderly, I Am Devoured was an absolute delight from start to finish and easily one of my new favorites.

Thank you so much to Lyndall Clipstone and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) for the ARC.

This gothic, Aquaman-inspired fantasy thriller 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 fantastic, with sea gods, salt priests, and an unusual romance for Lark, who has feelings for both Felimath siblings. The pacing felt a bit slow at first, but it picked up in the last third, with well-executed revelations and a satisfying conclusion.

The story follows aspiring artist Lacrimosa (Lark) Arriscane, an orphan raised by her two older brothers, who is expelled from her prestigious school, dashing her hopes of becoming a museum curator. Returning to her debt-ridden childhood home, she finds her brothers arguing with Alastair Felimath, the son of a ruthless creditor and the boy who once broke her heart. With their home on the line, the only way out of financial ruin is a marriage of convenience—but not to an ordinary man. Lark is betrothed to Therion, a sea god, who demands she live with him in another realm.

However, the marriage ceremony is abruptly interrupted, and Lark is saved by the Felimath siblings. As her brothers leave to harvest salt, Lark remains alone, threatened by dark forces, including the sea god who still wants his bride. She seeks help from the Felimaths, including Alastair, who is as aloof as ever, and his kind-hearted sister Camille, who recently returned from boarding school. The three must unite to face the looming dangers, rekindling their childhood bond as "three musketeers" while navigating an intense, entangled romance.

Overall, this book features a stunning cover, a unique storyline, slow pacing at times, but smart execution. It offers a refreshing LGBTQ representation, making it highly recommended for those who enjoy original romantasy thrillers.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group/Henry Holt and Co. for providing a digital review copy of this unique romantasy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

This is such a haunting and atmospheric novel. Loved the horror vibes and how eerie it was. It was written so beautifully. Lark isn’t your typical I can do it all fmc and I really loved that. It is told in past and present tense. I didn’t love the relationship situation with this one but other than that it was a unique and great read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for the arc!