Thank you NetGalley for a free eArc in exchange for an honest review!

This author’s writing style is so pretty and descriptive, but this one isn’t my favorite of their books. The characters and plot were boring and honestly didn’t have much depth. There wasn’t much that kept me interested, but it was a quick read at the very least.

3.5⭐️

Tenderly, I am Devoured was an entrancing read; Atmosphere was so good- dark, mysterious, strange magic at hand, questionable reality, betrayals and healing... author’s writing was beautiful i really enjoyed the prose, though at times a bit repetitive with descriptors (lots of use of lilac lol), but you really feel transported and i loved that about this book. I’m really interested in picking this up when it’s published to see what made it through to the final draft.

The biggest drawback for me however, was the (romantic) relationships. This might be on me for not really paying attention to the blurb but I was not expecting a poly relationship, I had assumed the primary would be with the god. I just couldn’t really get past the fact that the two love interests were siblings (while there was no incest). Camille just did not work, nothing convincing between them besides what were told of their past over a decade ago, she should have been left as more of a sister figure as it wasn’t until the end I enjoyed her presence as support for Lark. I mean they were separated for a decade then back together like nothing happened. Alastair was a bit more convincing, but there should have been more plot between them actually hashing things out (though Lark is so real, if a cute angsty boy I used to love comes crawling back I too would be A-okay with it).

I think romance removed though, all the characters make sense and do their job needed for the plot or as the monsters from Lark’s past she’s done everything to run from. Because eventually you have to face said monsters, which should have been what Camille and Alastair were used for and close bonds. Then perhapssss a hopefully romance between her and Alastair. Damson did her job as a fleshed out character but god i hated her hahaha (I mean that was definitely intended, poor Lark had a total narcissist latch onto her whilst she struggled to find her place at school). Seriously we need a revenge arc to see Damson and Jeune’s downfall!! And then Hugo at the end also worked, though I wished he was introduced a little earlier.

I really enjoyed the dynamic between Lark and her brothers, I was really happy to see a more healthy dynamic, not assholes for older brothers.

Lark was definitely relatable and strong in a non-traditional way. I mean to have your life constantly stripped to the bones and uncertain who to trust with constantly betrayals… She definitely needed a hug and therapy lol. Like I’m so peeved for her about what she went through at school.

I think fans of ‘a study in drowning’ will definitely love vibes of this book! (and the main character too). I can’t speak to if it’s good for fans of Saltburn like it is said, I have not seen the movie lol.

Lyndall Clipstone’s rate of writing books with worlds you just want to fall into and live in now scores a four out of four, because I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t want to live in the land of Verse and the small, seaside village the Arriscanes and the Felimaths call home. If you’re in love with the idea of a book set in a place where it’s simultaneously The Hamptons both in High Season and off, then this is it: parties full of rich people wearing fancy clothing and jewelry while eating expensive food at Saltswan (the Felimath’s manor house); and then the more relaxed, intimate, low-key atmosphere of the cottage where the Arriscane’s live that might as well be the definition of cottagecore in the best way.

Lacrimosa Arriscane, Alistair Felimath, and Camille Felimath went to the same school as small children, thrown together by geographical circumstance before class and familial duty put walls between them. Self-identity is one of the largest themes in TIAD, and the lifelong bonds the core three characters of this book share are essential to the plot and to their character development. Small towns can breed small minds and often it's only the people who have known you best and for the longest that can rescue you when you feel like you’re drowning and home starts to feel like a foreign word.

This book is soft, hazy, whimsical, dark, lush, romantic, and saturated with Clipstone’s stunning prose. It’s overflowing with atmosphere and vibes and is a feast for those who love a read full of aesthetics. Light some candles, sit beside an open window, read on a beach, pack a picnic. Let the light in. 4⭐️



I was provided a digital copy of this title by the author and publisher via Netgalley. I was also provided a gifted copy of the physical ARC by the author and the folks at Books Forward PR. Thanks very much. All of my thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone.

File Under: Coming of Age/Dark Fantasy/Fantasy/Romantasy/Folk Fantasy/Forbidden Romance/LGBTQ Fantasy/Polyamorous Romance/Sapphic Romance/Standalone/YA Fantasy/YA Romantasy/YA Fiction

This book was really intersting. I don't think I've read something like this in quite some time and I still don't 100% know what to make of it. It was well-written, moody, atmospheric, and the mystery of everything kept me intrigued while never getting frustrating. The characters were really interesting and it was a quick read overall.

That said, there almost feels like there's something missing. The story comes in at just 300 pages and while there is a lot packed in, there also felt like there were a lot of missed opportunities and dare I say plot holes. I felt like there were some inconsistencies in characters' actions and the pacing was a bit choppy. Also, and I'm not here to yuck anyone's yum, but Alastair and Camille being siblings and BOTH of them being with Lark was weird for me and I wasn't a huge fan.

In general, this is an interesting story and while it had a lot of aspects that I did enjoy, at the end of the day it wasn't totally for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC - all opinions are my own.

Lyndall Clipstone’s TENDERLY, I AM DEVOURED is a highly engaging gothic romance that will appeal to any YA horror fan.

This book is exactly what it sounds like - a YA gothic title - and I liked it slightly better than A Study in Drowning. (I know for certain I'm not the only one who saw those parallels). Some of the characterization didn't work for me, especially regarding Camille, but this was an enjoyable read and I would recommend it to a younger reader.

I am obsessed with this book I am in love with this book I want every word of it tattooed on my eyelids so every time I shut my eyes I can read it over again.

A Study in Drowning mixed with Cthonic gods, betrayal, worship, a girl who wants to be more and two alluring siblings, Tenderly I am Devoured, was so good. Lark returns home from her school after being betrayed, to find her family’s salt mine is failing. Her two older brothers who raised her are going deep into debt and need to sell the house. Lark agrees to marry a god, Therion, so he will replenish their salt mines. But when the ceremony is interrupted, Lark begins to slip between reality and a Cthonic world. Her groom is trapped and she is being trapped with him. With the help of Alastair, a cold boy who broke her heart and his sister, Camille, who Lark has not seen since childhood, she works to save her husband and in doing so save herself. This was very reminiscent of a Study in Drowning, for those who loved that like me. I can already see this book becoming the next big fantasy dark academia novel and I’m here for it. The writing was so poetic and beautiful, it draws you into this world of magic and keeps you there.

This is a gothic fantasy book that is inspired by Aquaman. I thought it was really unique and original with great world building from start to finish. The horse was beautiful and I thought the characters had great development. I also really liked the queer representation.

This book is the absolute essence of scary and sexy. Lacrimosa (Lark) is an aspirational and gorgeous artistic soul — so stunning that she attracts the attention of a god, Therion, who's giving swan Howl. Brother and sister, Alastair and Camille, are just as enraptured with Lark and are willing to endure much to keep her in the mortal realm and in their lives. What pain and pleasure these lovers will come to know...

Shifting back and forth in time, the story slowly exposes the abuse and agony of insincere love, the shame of being untrue to ourselves and others, and the fear of being seen candidly.
In alluring antithesis, the reader also witnesses the courage and safety that can be found in learning to trust those who truly care. This intoxicating tale leaves you questioning the lengths love will go and how bitter chthonic liquor must be to swallow.

This was a 5 star read for me. It was the first time I had to stay up to finish the last 100 pages. The way it easily flowed from the past to the present made it so easy to connect everything. Walking through Lark's journey from being displaced from school, reuniting with her family, bringing together old friendships, trying to save her life as well as her family's and then all while trying to figure herself out. Just amazing! The lover triangle between Lark, Camille and Alastair was well written. Yes is it a little weird because Camille and Alastair are siblings, but it is written so well that you can see and feel the love between all of them. Adding the god aspect into it was an interesting part that gave the story more complexity but it wasn't the whole story line. Lyndall Clipstone did a fantastic job with her writing and I will continue to read anything that she writes.

thank you netgalley for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

this book deserves 5 stars based on the writing style and the aesthetics alone. but sadly, i found the description of the book misleading and therefore my expectations weren’t met. the plot was too slow paced for my liking and quite repetitive… very sad because it had the potential of becoming a new favourite book.

3.5 stars

First of all, everyone needs to take notes on how to design a cover bc this is GORGEOUS.

This book feels like cottagecore meets dark academia. You’ve got the flower crowns, lace, and a cottage by the sea. However, it has this darker, gothic, eerie vibe and you’ve got Lark attending school in the “then” chapters, which brings in that dark academia feel. I wasn’t super invested in the characters but still really enjoyed the author’s descriptive writing style which added so much into creating this beautiful atmosphere. I also really loved the lore of this world! would recommend!

A really fascinating concept that I enjoyed. Creepy, detailed, and interesting, I can’t wait to read more

I am giving this book 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars. The prose was BEAUTIFUL and I enjoyed reading this book mostly due to Clipstone's writing style. The book is described as a "moody, monstrously Gothic romantic folk horror" but I feel that is a little misleading. It was moody and folky but very light on the horror. I would have liked it to be a lot more creepy and spooky but it is also a YA book so maybe that's not within the realm of possibility. Clipstone's world was so well built the it felt like a real place that I can go visit. I liked the characters, however I didn't feel super connected to them. Also, I was weirded out that the MC's simultaneous love interests were siblings but maybe that's just a me thing. Overall, I enjoyed the book and if you're a fan of beautiful prose and spooky books you will certainly enjoy it.

Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my review.

This young adult gothic romantic fantasy novel is just one of a kind! I really enjoyed reading this from start to finish and I loved all the elements it had in it! This came with great world building that I found to be unique. It is dark, emotional, mysterious and hopeful. It had elements of horror, complex romantic entanglements, a sapphic romance and folklore! It is well written, captivating and entertaining. This book I would say is a bit taboo, which intrigued me even more. My favorite character was Lark, I could really feel her emotions on her journey. The way this character transforms in this book is simply incredible. To me, this book is art and in many ways poetic and powerful. I highly recommend reading this one! Be sure to read the trigger warnings! I give this book a rating of a solid 4 out of 5 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley, author Lyndall Clipstone and
Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) for this electronic ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This book is expected to be published on July 1, 2025!

3.5 Stars —
This was a very odd book. Not to say that I didn’t like it, I think I mostly did, but it was very odd, and for the majority of the time I truly had no idea what was going on. It was written in a very lush, flowery, inside of Anne of Green Gables’ brain sort of way, and literally every single character is gay. As Princess Mia Thermopolis of Genovia would say, right on. I enjoyed the writing style, and how I could picture every detail of the story in my head as I read it, but the plot is incredibly cryptic. The magic system and the setting’s time period are as well. Overall, it wasn’t a terrible read, only mostly confusing, and just a bit mad. (Also, every character is in love with so many people, to the point that I feel like a chart should be made.)

I was really drawn to this book, because the cover is STUNNING. The story was okay and i didn't really feel drawn to any of the characters. The romance didn't feel developed well enough. The ending also seemed rushed.

In a word -
Sea God
Poly relationship
Horror elements
Fast burn but also not?

I loved the title, premise, and especially the cover, but this one fell flat for me. I didn't feel a strong connection to the characters, the brother/sister poly relationship kinda turned me off, and the build-up to the resolution moved entirely too fast when compared to the first half of the book. There's no explicit incest because the brother and sister are not involved with each other, but Lark going back and forth between the two felt disingenuous to the other relationship, if that makes sense? The beginning 50% is more in depth (and slow, sorry) than the last 50% so by the time I got to the middle I was already thinking of DNFing. The flashbacks were almost unnecessary because the same scenes were alluded to in the present. The flashbacks should have been expanded on or cut all together. I've seen other reviews say that this book has good bones but just needs some fleshing out, and I think that is very true! I do like most of the prose, the setting is beautiful, and the ode to the arts is fascinating. Alistair has the best backstory/motivation, Henry and Oberon make sense, but Camille and Lark confuse me because they've been apart half their lives and then just kinda jump into love? I also really wanted more of Therion (sea god), which is why I was originally interested. I really wish I liked this more. That's all my thoughts for now (I just finished), but maybe I'll think on it and come back to expand.

As always though, I'm thankful to the author/publisher/netgalley for the ARC copy!

To start with, this cover is insanely beautiful. The contents of this book? Amazing. It is a YA in all the right ways, and the prose of the book is so enchanting. It is impossible to pt down.

I think there was a lot of potential here. The premise was cool, and intriguing but ultimately the actually plotting fell a bit flat.