I knew Victoria Schwab would be able to break the streak of mediocre reads and I was right! This book was AMAZING. Toxic vampire ex girlfriends? Enraged, complex women who drive the narrative along? Schwab knows how to pack so many punches into one book. I had said in my review of Addie LaRue, but her writing can only be described as delicious and this book did not disappoint in that department! I have been thinking about this book for well over a week and cannot stop thinking on it! Definitely one of her best, which is really saying something because Schwab never disappoints.

This book is not for the faint of heart, as Schwab does not shy away from the gruesome parts of being a vampire. Similar to Addie, she makes you really consider how lonely immortality truly is. And her vampire lore with time eventually killing pieces of you until you are nothing but a monster ready to kill was a great take on the folklore.

I could not recommend this book more!!

Thank you Netgalley for providing me an ARC.

4.5 stars

Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil is a stunning showcase of VE Schwab’s talent as a writer. This book immediately consumed me, and it has further cemented VE Schwab as my favorite author of all time.

Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil is a lyrical contemplation of womanhood, power, and violence. These characters, with their raw, visceral emotions bleeding onto the page, feel so real. (I am not making vampire puns on purpose, I swear.) I am amazed by the way that VE Schwab managed to give each POV character such a distinct narrative voice. The story would shift from Sabine’s absolute certainty to Alice’s frantic, timid anxiety. Their personalities were so apparent in the different narrative styles of their perspectives.

VE Schwab masterfully weaves together the perspectives and timelines of the three women. Not only was there a really interesting contrast between each woman’s response to her newfound immortality. But there were also moments where the timelines felt like warped mirrors of each other. The parallels between certain scenes make me want to dissect this book.

This book is genuinely a beautiful read. But there was something that didn’t quite work for me. And I still don’t know if I can tell you exactly what the problem was. Every time I think I have pinned down something that I didn’t like, I think about it a different way, and it seems like the perfect choice for the story.

Now I admit that I am speaking as a huge VE Schwab stan. And I can recognize that my rose colored glasses may be making me rationalize away anything that might seem like a criticism of one of her books. Additionally, The Invisible Life of Addie Larue falls in the middle of my VE Schwab ranking. Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil truly feels like it is in conversation with Addie. Readers who like Addie the best likely won't share my slightly ambiguous feelings.

The only concrete thing about Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil that I can point to as something that didn’t work for me is the ending. After the slow-building violence and obsession of this story, the ending felt a bit rushed and almost too easy. Now, there is something to be said about the ease of the final confrontation. I can see it as an intentional commentary on the mortality of monsters. But it was a bit anticlimactic, bordering on unbelievable.

I also would have loved to see the three women’s stories intertwine more directly in the present day. I think there is a lot more that could have been done with Sabine and Alice in particular.

That being said, I do love where the story leaves all of the characters.

The strong writing, atmosphere, and thematic messaging make Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil an incredibly enjoyable read. However, I don’t know if this will be everyone's new favorite Schwab book.

Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil was the sapphic vampire book I didn’t know I needed. 6 stars!

Told through alternating timelines, we follow Maria, Alice and Lottie as they navigate the world as women. In the 1500s, Maria dreams of a life outside the confines of her small village. Her beauty is a blessing when she captures the eye of a Viscount, but life as a married woman is just a different type of cage. When Maria meets Sabine, a widow who doesn’t appear to age, she may have found the key to the life she so desires.

The women in this story were all so different, but the theme of freedom and being allowed to chose the life you want for yourself runs throughout and is so powerful. I took my time reading this book and that allowed me to appreciate it so much. It’s hard to say which timeline I enjoyed most because I really did love them all and am glad Schwab shared so much of these characters with us. While this book was long I really can’t imagine any part of this story being removed.

This is my first V.E. Schwab book and I am so pleased that I have her whole backlist to explore. It may finally be time for me to read Addie LaRue.

Thank you SO much to Tor and NetGalley for a review copy.

Sapphic vampires? You already know I’m gonna eat it up. This book was both beautiful and heartbreaking, following 3 women and their histories in both life and death and how they all are linked. This was my first Schwab book and certainly won’t be my last. That ending had me absolutely shook!

Thank you so much to Tor for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A multi timeline/POV historical fantasy with toxic vampires and a stellar plot line

Book Stats:
📖: 544 pages
Genre: Historical Fanrasy
Publisher: Tor
Format: Physical ARC
Series: 🚫

Themes:
🧛🏾‍♂️ :What hunger, rage and love does to people's humanity.
🧛🏾‍♂️: Immortality

Representation:
🥀: Lesbian MC's
🥀: European Setting
🥀: Queer side characters

Tropes:
💗: Vampires
💗: Cat and mouse
💗: Lovers to Enemies


🥵: Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Potential Triggers: domestic abuse/violence, murder, sexism, toxic relationships **check authors page/socials for full list.

Short Synopsis:
Through multiple timelines and POV's a story is woven following Sabine. A young woman who wants nothing but to live a life of freedom away from the expectations of a woman. We follow Sabine through numerous relationships and timelines over the span of 500 years as she learns what it means to be human and then loses her humanity. Leaving a trail of bodies and lost love in her wake.

General Thoughts:
This book was absolutely mesmerizing and captivating. I did not expect it to be as dark as it ended up being, but it was so so good. Honestly, I'm so glad that it was darker in nature because it really added a layer of dread and apprehension to the story. Watching the unraveling of these characters and the intricate way with which their potlines wove together was completely mesmerizing. None of the POVs were boring or unnecessary to me. The themes were tackled so organically within the plot.

Sabine was an amazing character. She was fierce and determined. The slow decent of her character was almost poetic and with the character development Schwab is known for utilizing within her writing. One of the absolute best characters with in the story was undoubtedly Charlotte. I loved how you were absolutely meant to feel one way about her almost to the point where you don't notice some of the more intricate details about her character towards the end. And I'll leave it at that.

I cannot find one thing about this book. I did not enjoy. I will scream from the rooftops as this being one of my absolute favorite VE Schwab books to date.

Disclaimer: I read this book as a physical ARC through the publisher Tor. Thank you to Tor for the free physical copy. All opinions are my own. This is my honest and voluntary review.

This book had such a unique take on vampire lore, and I really loved the sapphic vibes and the complicated, messy characters. The writing was beautiful, and the shifting timelines totally worked for me, which is rare. I got super invested in some of the relationships (Sabine’s with Matteo and Alessandro especially). Some of the sexual violence felt a bit over the top and left me feeling uncomfortable, and I’m still a little sad about how rushed and unrealistic the ending felt after getting to know the characters and the story buildup. I probably would’ve rated this 4 stars at the least if not for the ending. Overall, I’d give it 3.5 stars. I couldn’t stop reading, and I’m so glad I picked it up! I’d been really looking forward to reading it.

Thank you NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book! All opinions are my own.

Spanning almost five centuries and following the lives of three women, Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soul is a beautifully written supernatural story of life and death--and all the myriad places in between. In Spain in the 1500s, Maria desires power over her future but is stymied by the constraints of her gender. When she is given the opportunity to seize control of her life, Maria’s decision ripples outward, drawing Charlotte and eventually Alice into her wake. Schwab crafts an engaging and mature tale of female independence, sapphic romance, and vampires. I didn’t want it to end!

VE Schwab is an amazing storyteller. Fans love her Shades of Magic series, her Villains series, and her 2020 releases, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, was a knock-out instant smash hit. I am so thankful that @leoprny for my gifted advanced copy, I had an absolute blast jumping into Schwab's newest adventure!

BURY OUR BONES IN THE MIDNIGHT SOIL is many things, but one major way to describe it is epic. María, Alice, Charlotte. Three women, three centuries, three burning desires—hunger, love, and rage. In 1532 Spain, María dreams of escape from a life where she’s treated as a prize, and when a stranger offers freedom, she takes it, consequences be damned. In 1827 London, Charlotte is cast out after a forbidden moment and finds herself drawn to a mysterious widow, only to learn that freedom has its price. And in 2019 Boston, Alice crosses the world to reinvent herself, but a reckless night unearths old wounds and ignites a relentless quest for truth—and revenge.

This book is a bit on the long side with a bit more fluff in it than I would want in a story, but I definitely wouldn't call it a slow-burn. Out of the three POVs, I really enjoy one more than the other two, but I would like to let you try and figure out which one is that when you're done. This story encompasses centuries of lust, murder, and freedom. Obviously, this book dives into a world that includes vampirism, but the main theme of freedom is the most centric to this story. I think if you like sapphic romance, romantasy, fantasy, or gothic novels, then BURY OUR BONES IN THE MIDNIGHT SOIL will be a perfect read for you! This book should be a staple in your 2025 June Pride Month reads!

A perfect combination of Historical fiction, romance, and a slight touch of fantasy. This standalone novel keeps you hooked from start to finish with the most beautiful and poetic ending.

If you're looking for a sapphic romance to read for the month of Pride - this book is for you.

Literally everyone will love this book. It's such a beautiful read and you will fall in love with the "villain" right when you meet them. Was so grateful to receive an ARC of this a few months ago, and I can't wait to see everyone else get excited about this after pub date. I rate this book 4.5 stars but since I can't do half stars that's why it only shows 4.

4.5 rounded up.

WOW. WOW. WOW. This was the best vampire book/show/movie I’ve ever consumed. I LOVED that it focused on the humanity/relationships and not the bloodlust like so many do. This made the story feel realistic and human.

So many incredible details, stories and emotions included with skillful writing. I was hooked right away and loved the end tremendously.

Advanced reader copy provided by Tor and NetGalley but all opinions are my own.

Another vampire novel, yet because it's written by V.E. Schwab and because the story is so beautifully written, it doesn't feel like, "Oh no, not another story about vampires."
This is a hauntingly lyrical and emotionally resonant tale that blends gothic atmosphere with rich, poetic prose. Schwab masterfully explores grief, memory, and the shadows we carry, crafting a story that is both eerie and deeply human. A beautifully written, evocative read that lingers long after the final page.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Tor for this digital e-arc.*

V.E. has yet to write a book that I haven't devoured and adored, and this one is no different. Toxic lesbian vampires? Count me in! I felt as though I should be lounging on a chaise in a gothic estate while engrossed in this story. I simply couldn't set it aside. Each female character turned out to be quite ruthless; this might not appeal to everyone. The narrative unfolds as a slow, tumultuous journey involving three women over the course of decades.

Synopsis: A story of three women spanning centuries each searching for their own type of freedom and each finding it in an unexpected way. Also, vampires.

Thoughts: I don’t even know how to describe this sweeping, genre-bending story. I absolutely loved it, though. This is how vampires should be done - the bar has been raised for every vampire book I read from here on out. The story starts with Maria in 1532, then we meet Charlotte in 1827, and finally Alice in 2019. Spanning centuries and continents, we get to see each woman’s story unfold in such a compelling and well-paced way. I could not put it down. The writing is beautiful, and the characters are just amazingly crafted. I highly recommend this book, even if vampires aren’t usually your thing!

Read this if you like:
🥀 vampires
🥀 toxic relationships
🥀 multiple timelines
🥀 multiple pov
🥀 lgbtq+ rep
🥀 historical fiction
🥀 horror

A queer vampire story told across time, with most of the characters operating in shades of gray to pitch black.

Alice in the nearest time wakes up from a one night stand...different...and has to go on a journey to both survive the change, and try to hold someone accountable.

Maria, in 1500s Spain, is desperate to live beyond the tight box women were trapped in at the time, and escape what she's had to do to survive, and figure out what she's willing to do to be free.

Lottie, in the 1800s, knows who she is when it comes to who she loves, but can't find a way out of the reality that she's going to have to marry a man. Until...

While there's all the violence and madness of a vampire tale, this is ultimately a book about toxic relationships, and the ways in which we are capable of justifying our own crap behavior because it's not as bad compared to someone else's, and the way some people change to a worse version of themselves, and others do everything not to become that monster.

A cerebral, bloody, and ultimately captivating read.

Schwab is a talented storyteller, and this book is so beautifully written. It is a character-driven tale of three lesbian vampires across three different timelines, detailing how they are turned and how their fates intertwine. The story is immersive and dark, blending elements of horror, historical fiction, and fantasy while exploring themes of obsession, possessiveness, hunger, loneliness, feminine rage, and freedom.

Each timeline was compelling, and all of them were skillfully woven together. The various settings all have an uneasy yet sumptuous atmosphere, with enough historical detail across the centuries to be interesting without bogging down the story. Each period also looked at societal norms and expectations for women.

The character development is outstanding. The three main characters are complex and flawed, and their relationships are impassioned, manipulative, and destructive. Going into the character arcs of each of them could get into spoiler territory, so I will just say watching these characters unfold was genuinely fascinating and sometimes surprising.

The book didn't feel like it was over 500 pages long. I was so drawn into this world and its drama and emotion that I found it hard to put down. I am a sucker for vampire books and always think it's fun to see how authors will depict different aspects of vampire lore. Schwab's take was fantastic, and I loved the way she played with some traditional vampire tropes. I loved this and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a moody and thought-provoking supernatural read!

Thank you to Tor Books and Netgalley for the eARC

This book is undeniably rich and deeply evocative, I was glued to these pages and these women. They are toxic and I love them for it, the stories of firing for independence and searching for that feeling of belonging were the most prevalent.

This book is bloody and loving in unique ways. I adore Schwab’s writing always and this particularly spoke to me, with the whimsy of Addie Larue and the bloodthirsty violence of vicious! I will be reading this again and again to learn more about each of these characters!!

I honestly cannot put I to words how much this book scratched my brain and warmed my heart despite the constant anxiety it gave me. I hope you all love it at much as I do!!

Content warning: blood, death, murder, mind control

3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.

This is definitely a story about toxic lesbian vampires, and they are MESSY. If you stick with the multiple POVs and timelines, Schwab has set up a great payoff on how all of the stories come together.

Spanning centuries and continents, Schwab takes readers on a journey. Most of these characters aren't meant to be likable so while there is definitely a villain, there really isn't a heroine in the traditional sense. The main characters are interesting, but I would have loved to learn more about some of the side characters.

The pacing is slow, but overall this was a solid read.

Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by NetGalley, Tor Publishing Group, and Tor Books in exchange for an honest review.

I considered rounding up on this because one element of the ending was incredibly satisfying, even as the other begged for some (a lot of..) belief. But overall? This was just okay.

In concept, though, this is very appealing; hence requesting it. And Schwab's writing is easy to get lost in. But where this failed for me was how little I felt for any of it. And unfortunately I also found these very different women felt a little too similar for all the distance between the time periods, particularly Sabine and Lottie, though maybe that's a factor of, you know, the patriarchy. And maybe that's why, in the end, we got the ending we did -- despite that it seemed like they were on opposite ends in how they viewed life and morality. Either way, their similarities, the fact that I don't think I liked any of the three, well, it made it all feel very long. And this was already a long book to begin with.

Overall, the hook is very much there : if you're looking to immerse yourself in a story with toxic lesbian vampires, jumping between both time and place, look no further. As always your mileage will vary.

2.5 stars

DNF….Schwab is still one of the best story tellers to me but this one just didn’t keep me interested. I was a bit bored ughhh I hope others love this one.

at first i thought this was gonna be my favorite schwab by far, but by the end i felt… unsatisfied.

what i liked:

- lesbian as hell
- really lovely prose
- some interesting historical settings that i enjoyed sinking into
- poignant meditation on vampirism as a state of bottomless hunger
- i thought alice’s character, and the themes of sisterhood and social anxiety, were really well-done

what i didn’t:

- plot-wise, it dragged for me from about 30% until 90%. i didn’t mind the timeline jumps and multiple POVs, but the characters didn’t have clear goals for much of the story and the pacing felt off
- i had trouble making sense of maria and lottie’s character development over the course of the book
- the (hetero) sexual trauma at the start of the book made sense for the story, but it’s always a bummer to pick up a lesbian book and be faced with that almost immediately

i think those who are in the mood for a slow, character-driven book about a bunch of toxic lesbian vampires and their self-destructive shenanigans will enjoy this read most.