Grave Matter is a fabulous gothic twist of genres. It's 2 parts science fiction, 1 part horror, 1 part dark romance.

The vibes I loved about this book and why you should read it:
- foggy west coast island
- spooky forest
- creepy wild animals
- science fiction mystery
- sketchy research
- 'can't escape' genre horror
- great plot twists
- fungal horror
- stormy atmosphere

The first third is a slower pace and then it ramps up. I found myself mostly driven to know what was going on with the mushroom research. I HAD to know. I was not as motivated by the horror and even less so by the dark romance between Sydney and Kincaid. I found the relationship unconvincing, which is explained later in the book. But until those last few chapters, the two had no chemistry. So I wouldn't consider this a romance. The horror does pick up the pace towards the middle of the book. I was nail bitingly nervous for Syd! It might be more 2 parts horror, 1 part science fiction though. Because I didn't think the plot twist was as well explained as it might have been in, leaving me feeling there were plot holes.

Overall, four stars! I enjoyed it and I didn't see the plot twist coming!

I went into this book completely blind and suggest you do the same! At no point did I know how the book was going to end. The plot twist completely took me by surprise. That rarely happens for me! I was confused right alongside Sydney. I’m still reeling quite honestly. The mystery of the gloomy Madrona Foundation was broken up by extremely hot scenes of Sydney and Dr. Kincaid. I was getting whiplash. Sometimes, I wanted to shake Sydney. Focus, girl! What’s going on?! This book kept me engaged and on my toes. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a mystery that is also a spicy romance story.

This book had me SWEATING for more reasons than one. 🔥

This was such a wonderful mash-up of genres. It's a creepy, atmospheric - and at times downright weird - blend of sci-fi, horror, thriller, and romance... that is also unmistakably hot.

Sydney arrives on Vancouver Island at Madrona Lodge with pretty much nowhere else to go. As a poor student with no remaining family, she's seized what seems like a lifetime opportunity to study at the tight-lipped research facility.

Early on, you can tell that our FMC is a bit of an unreliable narrator. She's a little bit in the dark, but what she does know is that she has an intense and insatiable desire for Professor Kincaid... the hot neurosurgeon and resident psychologist.

Professor Kincaid is just *fans self*.... Karina Halle sure can write a MMC. The steamy scenes are perfect and throughout the entire book, there are no dull moments.

Some of the happenings are a little bit far-fetched, but the author writes it in a way that you don't question what is happening (although I had a lot of OMG & WTF moments). I would've finished this one sooner if I wasn't too scared to read it after dark.

Overall I thought this story felt reminiscent of "What Moves The Dead" by T. Kingfisher but with a sexy student × professor trope and set in the modern day on Vancouver Island. Also - fungal Horror is quickly becoming one of my favourite story elements.

𝓣𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓴 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓽𝓸 𝓝𝓮𝓽𝓰𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝔂 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓚𝓪𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓪 𝓗𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓪𝓷 𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓫𝓸𝓸𝓴 𝓲𝓷 𝓮𝔁𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓶𝔂 𝓱𝓸𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀.

A aspiring mycologist gets a dream opportunity to work for a prestigious foundation looking to cure Alzheimers... but on this exclusive trip to the island she soon finds herself in over her head as dead bodies begin dropping, her sanity is tested, and her connection to the mysterious professor runs deeper than she could have ever imagined. Sydney Denik just lost her scholarship to Stanford... but that's not going to stop her from going to the exclusive research trup for the Madrona Foundation she was accepted into while she had her scholarship.. she just has to hope no one finds out. Yet from the moment Sydney lands at the foundation students begin disappearing and she also finds herself strangely attracted to the extremely off limits but hot psychologist/professor, Wes. Sydney and Wes have a connection but she can't figure out why she is constantly drawn to a man who she knows she can't be with. Then theres the matter of the voices and visions Sydney has begun hearing and seeing, the dead students that appear, and the horrors that have begun to unfold around her... but is it all in her head or is the foundation doing something to her. Can Sydeny find the truth... and when she gets it can she survive it? This was definitely a really fun gothic horror romance with a fun mystery at the heart of it. I am a sucker for a horror romance and this one was such a fun read. I loved the nature horror and the gothic mystery with a mysterious island setting. The romance was also fun to read and honestly I just had a great time reading this and would absolutely recommend this book for fans of horror romances with a bit of mystery!!

Release Date: October 23,2024

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Metal Blonde Books for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Because of the author, I went in assuming this was romance, but though it had a romance at the core, it was more of a thriller. And I'm not usually into gothic either, but because I have really enjoyed so many Karina Halle books, I decided to give it a try. and wow, I'm glad I did. One of the most surprising plot twists I've seen this year - unexpected, but I totally saw the clues once I knew. She really made the story thrilling. It started a little bit slow for me, in terms of my interest in reading (though I never really considered putting it down), but it gathered steam until being unputdownable by the 2nd half or last 1/3 or so. very enjoyable!

Wow, one of the best books I've read this season.
It kept me sitting in my chair so deeply into the story that any noise around it startled me. An awesome read, like everything else that comes out of Karina's hands.

"The Madrona Foundation harbors more than brilliant minds. Everyone around her is hiding a terrible secret—including the resident psychologist she’s falling in love with"

“Don’t try to change the lodge. Let the lodge change you.” 🍄


Enchanting. Lush. Moody as hell. Stepping into The Entire Compound known as Madrona Lodge, is like stepping into a Grimm fairy tale. It’s a biologist’s fever dream. And exactly why Sydney is there. Then there’s a phrase that she's heard at least three times since she's been there: 'This place can play tricks on you.'
🍄 Another spin on fungi/fungal horror. You'll enjoy this if shroomy horror doesn't give you the ick. Timely since I just recently finished Mexican Gothic and I am obsessed with it. Also loved T Kingfisher's 'What Moves The Dead' (reimagining of The Fall of The House of Usher). This also has strong Shutter Island Vibes - iykyn
Darkly sensual , atmospheric, and inventive.
Deep and complex characters. Trippy and experimental. Dripping with mystery, secrets and dread. Will have you in a chokehold.
Tropes:
🍄 Slow burn WTF did I just read
🍄 Women in STEM
🍄Research and findings on dark fungi ; mycelia
🍄 Nature VS Nurture
🍄 Neurodivergent Issues and topics / ADHD rep
🍄 Morally gray characters
🍄 Elements of Body horror / sci-fi
🍄 🌶️Cy / forbidden romance / cottagecore
🍄 Professor x student
🍄 Forced proximity / isolated PNW setting
🍄 Ghosts / haunted forest

Bonus:
I love and appreciate it when an author includes a Spotify playlist of various songs or soundtracks they listen to for inspiration whilst writing the book.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publishers and Karina Mackenzie for the arc 🖤

First off thank you Karina Halle and NetGalley, I am so grateful for this ARC! I loved this book and it was perfect for the spooky season. If "The Last of Us' was turned into a spicy romance, this would be it! I now have an irrational fear of fungi/mushrooms, and permanent goosebumps. Sydney was such a great character and really connected with her. Kincaid is spicy, enough said! The research that must have been involved to bring out the scientific vibe of this book is chef's kiss. Go into this read blind, the twist will keep you up at night! Loved this so much and can not wait to see what Karina comes up with next! Definitely going to recommend this book to dark romance/suspense readers.

EASIEST five stars I’ve ever given for a thriller/horror. This book had me SAT. I couldn’t stop thinking about it, couldn’t put it down, couldn’t stop theorizing. Every twist was perfectly executed and I was incredibly creeped out SEVERAL times.

It takes a lot to scare me in books but the eerie, unsettling vibes were immaculate. the PNW setting made it even creepier and I just…I wish I could rewire my brain to read this again for the first time.

And the ENDING was so well done that I feel so much relief and safety while also still being unsettled.

AMAZING work, Karina Halle 👏🏼

Endless thank yous to the author for an advanced copy!! This baby is out officially so go read it!!! (Check triggers just in case! The romance gets a bit dark and there is some body/animal horror! Karina has a content warning page right at the beginning of the book to make this easier!)

Absolutely haunting and chilling story! I could not put it down! This book was the perfect spooky, twisty, and thrilling read. Karina Halle has the most amazing way of really pulling readers into her settings and making forget I am reading. This is no exception!

In the remote Canadian wilderness, Sydney accepts a summer study at a mysterious, but innovative, mycology research facility. The minute she steps off the plane she is having creepy experiences. She meets her handsome professor Wes and immediately she is drawn to him. She begins to realize things are not quite what they appear to be after seeing Wes watching her at night, odd run ins with another student, and a creepy encounter with a wolf in the woods. Sydney starts to untangle a very dangerous and scary web that changes everything she thinks she knows.

RUN! Do not walk. You need this immediately. I absolutely DEVOURED it. Hella moody and so vibey. It’s The White Lotus meets The Last of Us but make it dark academia. Karina Halle’s prose is so descriptive and beautifully grotesque when the story calls for it. And we all know I do love supporting a fellow Canadian. Thank you NetGally for the ARC copy! Highly recommend 🍄

Where do I begin? This book had me stressing so much! This was a great spooky read that left me shocked and surprised with all the twists and turns. This one definitely had me double guessing myself because every time I thought I knew the direction the plot was going, it snaked in a different direction. I don’t want to give too much away but I would highly recommend you go in blind with this one if you like dark academia, psychological thrillers, and suspense.

Thank you Metal Blond Books and Karina Halle for the arc.

Grave Matter by Karina Halle
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

First of all I want to TRULY thank Karina & Netgalley for the opportunity to read this beautiful masterpiece before release. (Thanking the book gods hard for this one because everytime Karina posted a teaser I was on my knees already begging for it)

This was incredible and I’m not over exaggerating. Like truly such a great read all the way through.
This was the perfect gothic psychological thriller spooky romance vibes for this lovely spooky season. I was soo captivated and engaged in this whole mindfuck and loving the romance (& smut) in this book very much.
I can’t fully say a lot because I truly don’t want to give away anything and I want y’all to experience this read yourselves!

Tropes include:
🍄Professsor x Student
🍄‍🟫Forced Proximity
🍄Fun with Fungi
🍄‍🟫Only one tent
🍄Isolated PNW Setting
🍄‍🟫BDSM elements
🍄Slow Burn
🍄‍🟫Degradation (and some Praise) Kink
🍄Dark Cottagecore and Academia
🍄‍🟫Obsessed Hero
🍄Stalker
🍄‍🟫WTF did I just read
🍄 Haunted Forest
🍄‍🟫Massive Dynamic Vibes (ifykyk)
🍄Morally Grey Characters
🍄‍🟫He Falls First
🍄Woman in STEM

I have read one other book by Karina Halle & after the opportunity of reading this one I am so definitely going to read many of her books now because her writing was so addicting and just wow.

“I don’t trust her. I don’t trust my mind. I don’t trust this place.” 🖤🍄

Grave Matter is my first Karina Halle read, after what feels like forever of seeing and hearing her name, I finally read one. I can wholeheartedly say, this will not be my last time reading one of her books. There’s twists and turns, a seamless blend of sci-fi and romance, student x professor, BDSM, and thrilling topics throughout this one. This is so unique and different from anything else I’ve read, yet I found myself drawn to it like a moth to a flame and I simply couldn’t put it down. This was hot as hell, but still left me creeped out and questioning everything. Dr. Kincaid could ruin my life and I’d happily thank him.. 🫠

Thank you so much, Karina Halle and Netgalley for an ARC and allowing me to read this in advance! 🖤 This was perfect for October and spooky season, and a spicy little palette cleanser from what I normally read due to the sci-fi / fantasy feels.

Thank you to Karina Hale, Metal Blonde Books, and NetGalley for this eARC (and such last minute too!!!) in exchange for an honest review.

Karina Halle's Grave Matter follows former grad-student and aspiring mycologist Sydney Denik as she essentially attends an elite mushroom summer camp in hopes to find the cure to Alzheimers. Enter the Madrona Foundation, those who are running said mushroom summer camp on an isolated lodge. Cut off from the rest of the world with no access to internet, their phones, or society, what can go wrong?

When strange unexplainable things start to happen, nobody really seems to notice. Students appear to be missing and said to be "sent home" and Sydney begins to have the strangest dreams. The research they are doing seems to be busywork, and the wildlife on the island don't really look or act natural. Pair that with a main character who we may or may not be able to rely on, and both Sydney and you as the reader will begin to question her own reality. Ultimately the idea of memories and the way in which our memory may or may not change over time are big themes in this paranormal sci fi horror mashup.

I initially had issue with the writing of certain character relationships, but--without spoiling anything-- I learned to trust the process as everything made sense by the story's conclusion. This might just be me, but while I enjoyed the story itself, I found that it was the actual writing that took me out of the story. Oftentimes the themes of the story had to be said outright by the main character . This is an issue of telling things outright (like "maybe I should not trust my memories") rather than showing. I just wish that the Halle trusted the reader more to make their own conclusions with the information provided.

That being said, this is still a fun and unique read that is perfect for spooky season!

Grave Matter is an awesome mash up of genres - psychological thriller, gothic horror romance - it's got it all, and it's a perfect read for the spooky season!

Grave Matter doesn't waste any time in getting straight into the plot. It was instantly creepy and unsettling, and that built up over the course of the book. It was unpredictable and you never know what's real, who's lying, or what's going to happen next. I didn't think there was any filler in this book, and everything that's in there is necessary in the end - the clues are subtle and well spaced, and I hurtled through the story.

It's definitely an Adult novel, with some spice in there for sure, but that doesn't detract from the story at all and it was a pretty perfect blend of all its components!

Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley but this is my voluntary and honest review.

WTF DID I JUST READ???!” Is exactly right. This book was an absolute mind fuck from beginning to end and I ATE IT UP. Karina Halle’s ability to combine sci-fi, dark romance, and horror is absolutely incredible and I cannot believe how well done this was! Can’t wait to read more from this author and thank you so much to both Karina and NetGalley for providing me an arc copy!

What to expect:

🍄 student x professor
🕸️ forced proximity
⛓️ neurodivergent rep
🍄 fun with fungi
💀 only one tent
🕸️ isolated PNW setting
⛓️ BDSM elements
🍄 slow burn
🐺 degradation k!nk
🕸️ dark cottagecore
⛓️ obsessed hero
🍄 stalker
🪦 WTF did I just read???
🕸️ haunted forest
⛓️ massive dynamic vibes (iykyk)
🍄 morally grey characters
💀 he falls first
🕸️ women in STEM

Mushrooms, ghosts, and mad scientists - oh my! I am the furthest thing from a horror girlie, but “Grave Matter” by Karina Halle immediately pulled me in and wouldn’t let me go until I finished it. Maybe it was because I was incredibly creeped out and needed to know how it ended. Maybe it was because the spice level was off the charts. Maybe it was because Halle’s storytelling was so smooth and addicting. Either way, this was the perfect read for October for my mycology loving heart!
Readers follow along with Sydney, a self-proclaimed mad scientist who is searching for a fungal Alzheimer's cure. There’s an immediate sense of unease while Sydney navigates her new research space located on a secluded island. Questions arise as new discoveries and strange situations appear. The pacing simply enhanced the uncomfortable tension. I needed to know why Sydney was so “special,” what was going on with visions of missing girls, and if there was anyone at the lodge she could actually trust.
Thank you so much, Karina Halle, NetGalley, and Metal Blonde Books for sharing an advanced copy of this creepy and unsettling (in the best way) read in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first Karina, and it won't be the last. What I loved most about this book is how well she mixed smut, mystery and horror.
I'm a sucker for horror and I was in the mood for something spooky, but like, please scare me spooky. Having this book in my hands was the answer to my prayers!
The characters are so well-written, each one with their own secrets and story, a mixture of cultures and personalities. You can never know who to trust, not even when everything is coming to an end.
The fact that at some point during the buddy reading with my club, I send a voice message with a theory and it was 70% correct, send me reeling.
All in all, the plot twists and the horror kept me at the edge, waiting to read what would happen next and I found myself saying "sleep is for the weak", way too often 😅
Also, a huge thank you to Mrs Hale for creating Wes Kincaid 🫠

Oh. My. GOODNESS.
This was the PERFECT spooky season read and that twist? Mwah. Chefs kiss.

This book has the greatest balance of mystery, thriller, spice and romance and I honestly have not found a Karina Halle book I didn't like and this was no exception.

I do think it felt a bit slow paced in the beginning but once the action began I could not put this down...overall this is a perfect 5 stars for me! 😍

Thank you to Netgalley and Karina Halle for this ARC in return for my honest review *full in depth review to come!*