🍄• 𝙶𝚛𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝙼𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚋𝚢 𝙺𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚊 𝙷𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚎•🍄

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

TROPES:

Professor (doctor) X Student (patient)
Forced Proximity
Only one tent
Isolated PNW setting
Slow burn
Obsessed hero
Stalker
¿ WTF did I just read

I’m super thankful for @authorhalle and @netgalley for sending me this ARC. This book was hard to put down. The intensity, slow burn, twists and turns that was taken during this book just left me speechless. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Kincaid so so so much. 🥲

This was SO GOOD. I don't read thriller/horror often, but this book combined those genres with romance so well that I couldn't miss this. It was already on my TBR, but I was eager to read the ARC! The worldbuilding, and absolutely spooky vibes are perfect. Reading it in the dark (especially the ENDING) was not my best idea. I was spooked.

I loved the romance, mystery and how I felt like I was going crazy alongside the main character. I didn't see the final reveal coming (I've never figured out plot twists well though) and I wanted to SCREAM.

Thank you so much for allowing me to read an e-arc in exchange for a free and honest review!

Right away I was creeped out and Grave Matter got more unnerving as time went on. It had a lot of modern phrases in it, which bothered me and took away from the story.

Listen, you need to add this to your fall tbr immediately. The creepy/spooky, mystery thriller vibes in this book? Immaculate.

I had no idea the ride I was about to be on when I started this book. I literally did not trust a single person in this book, even the mc at times. Everything was super secretive and all these creepy things kept happening with no explanation. It kept me on the edge of my seat, trying to figure out wtf was actually going on 😅 I guessed some of the twists, but the ending? Mindblown 😵‍💫

The pacing was a bit slow at times, but the pay off was insanely worth it. If you’re like me, and you like books like Gothikana and The Coven, but make it darker and a thriller, then this will be right up your alley. I firmly believe it’s best to go into this one blind, but it is dark so check your triggers.

Thank you to Karina Halle and NetGalley for providing me with an arc! ✨

🍄‍🟫 Student/Patient x Professor/Doctor
🍄‍🟫 Neurodivergent/ADHD rep
🍄‍🟫 Dark Academia
🍄‍🟫 Haunted Forest
🍄‍🟫 Women in STEM
🍄‍🟫 Isolated PNW setting

I have had the Dark Eyes, Dracula Duet and Gothic Shades of Romance series on my TBR for a while now, however I have not gotten around to reading them, so this is the first book by Karina I have read.

Grave Matter did not disappoint and I will definitely be picking up those other books.

This book is a mix of gothic/dark academia, horror, sci fi, thriller, and fantasy.

Sydney Denik, is an aspiring mycologist. She gets a chance to work with some of the best scientists that have the cure for Alzheimer’s at the Madrona Foundation.

After losing her scholarship at Stanford, her family, and financial support, Syd commits herself to the research position at Madrona. She just hopes she doesn't get thrown out when they find out she lost her scholarship.

Everly, the main researcher becomes her guide and mentor.

Even though she knows she shouldn't, she finds herself drawn to Wes Kincaid, her psychologist and her professor. Even though she has only just met him, she feels like she knows him.

She starts to realise Madrona isn't what it seems and that something sinister is going on when she starts seeing disturbing visions of Amina, a girl who was on her flight, but can then never be found and Clayton, who she doesn't get along with. She is told Amina was sent home as she was homesick and Clayton was dismissed.

So how is she still seeing them??

As well as visions of people who aren't there, she sees animals that are alive....but shouldn't be!!!

The plot of this book is unique and I haven't read anything like it before, however it does have a really slow start before it picks up the pace. I have to admit I almost DNF'd but I'm so glad I stuck with it especially for that ending. Be prepared and don't give up, it's definitely worth it.

Unfortunately, many mushroom puns are in spore taste.

Sorry, I had to. But OMG WHAT WAS THIS BOOK??!?!! I was SO SURE I had figured out the ending and was not prepared for just how wrong I was. I was also not prepared for how much I loved this--fungi jokes and all.

Okay, that's not true because I LOVED Nocticadia by Keri Lake, and this is what you would get if Nocticadia and What Moves The Dead by T. Kingfisher had a baby. This is my *exact* brand of dark academia and I need a million more books like this STAT.

If you're reading this for the fungi, the dark vibes, the morally gray...well...everyone, and the pacing--you will LOVE this. This is so well paced and organized, and you truly feel like you're going as insane as Sydney by the end. I literally kept saying "there's no way there is any other way this ends. It has to be this." I can't get over how wrong I was, and how much I LOVED the real twist. The vibes were vibing and the twist was twisting.

If you're reading this for the smutty bits--you will also not be disappointed in terms of quality. As usual, ,A+ 10/10 no notes. If you're expecting LOTS of it--you also won't be disappointed! Because while there isn't a lot, I promise you won't even miss it. I was SO invested in this story from start to finish. And I have an incredibly strong urge to go play The Last of Us again. You know. No particular reason why.

I fully expect this book to be my new personality for at least the next month. MINIMUM. Great spooky season read!

I have read the synopsis of this book and was very intrigued when the author announced this book, especially when she dropped all the different trope listings. With that being said let’s begin.
Again this book with our female main character getting off a plane, excited about arriving to work with Madrona Foundation. Down on her luck after losing her scholarship and everything she’s basically worked for she’s hoping that the foundation hasn’t found out so she can continue her research. Not only does she have to give up all her electronic devices that can reach the outside world. She also has to see a psychologist while she’s there. Dr. Wes Kincaid.
No, you can tell that Dr. Wes Kincaid is going to be one of those MMCs that we just love. He’s gonna be obsessive. He’s gonna be possessive. And don’t we just love that.
This does have that dark romance vibe that edges on horror due to some of the visualizations that you get from what Sydney sees.
I thought the book was very unique and loved how Karina Halle wrote her descriptions of the animals and fungi in the book. I really hope in the future she writes another similar to this because the amount of research she had to do to write this was amazing. I absolutely loved it.

The best word to describe my feelings for the first 50-60% of this book is unnerving. The while time I knew something was off but could never figure out what. As the story progressed more things were revealed but I still did not see the twists coming (which rarely happens).
I do recommend going into this blind but check the trigger warnings if you need to.
Karina excels in so many different types of story, but I think this one might be my favourite

i don’t think i’ve ever said “what the fuck?!” so much. what a fantastic read.

i trusted absolutely nobody in this book, including the mc at times. by 80% i thought i’d figured it out, turns out i had no clue. what came after had me holding onto my seat.

karina halle knows how to write a psychological horror perfectly. creepy, eerie and unnerving.

i recommend you read this with the lights on.

🥀 adhd rep
🥀 haunted forest
🥀 dark cottagecore
🥀 degradation kink
🥀 professor x student
🥀 women in stem
🥀 what the fuck did i just read

An absolutely addictive first psychological thriller/gothic horror for Karina.

A medium paced read that speed up dramatically in the last ~20% and had you holding your breath.

Written in first person perspective, I felt really immersed in Sydney’s character. I didn’t know who to trust, including Sydney’s and her senses - a testament to great writing.

Full of twists I did not see coming this was the perfect read for spooky season and I thank Karina and NetGalley for the ARC.

Another book by Karina that I will force upon others

I went in without reading the blurb, just on the aesthetic and tropes and I'm so glad I did! For most of the book I was trying to figure out what was going on, was everything as it seems? It had this air about it that just pulled you in and gave this sci fi realm that. you simply didn't know what the future held. The last 20% had me on the edge of my seat when we started finding out the whole truth and it was not what I expected at all. It reminded me of Fringe mixed with creepy summer camp Stephen King vibes. A standout moment, for me, in this story outside of the amazing plot twist was the ADHD rep in this one. It was so refreshing how open it was discussed and how it affected the FMC, especially masking. It definitely leans into Gothic Horror/Sci-Fi so be sure to read TW if needed!

POV: 1st, Singular
Angst: Medium
Spice: 3/5

I’ve heard such good things about this author that I could resist no longer and happily dived in to this somewhat spooky story that seemed perfect for this time of year. Set on a remote island Sydney a young scientist finds herself almost immediately questioning what is happening to people around her . Are the researchers really above board and trying to find a cure for Alzheimer’s or is something more sinister going on ? It’s clear that there’s a lot of secrecy but could it be that the island is haunted or worse is Sydney losing her mind ? As more bizarre things keep happening Sydney doesn’t know who to trust but surely she can trust Wes Kincaid who she’s increasingly drawn to or can she ?
Ok I hadn’t a clue where this was going although did very quickly distrust those in charge on the island because it was clear they just weren’t on the up and up ! I very much enjoyed the idea of fungi having properties that are still untouched but at times the descriptions and ideas in play here are truly grotesque. For this reader the ‘romance’ and the steam didn’t quite hit the spot but that’s just personal. Perhaps a little slow at the start and definitely confusing with lots of possibilities in play but an ending that pulled everything together .
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

This book was everything I wanted and more and I can’t wait for more people to pick it up. Karina Halle is easily one of my favourite authors- not only does she live in Victoria (same as me!) but she writes literally everything I want to read. From Dracula retelling to sexy sleepy hollow books. When I saw she was writing a psychological thriller/horror book- well I knew this book would become my new personality.
Sydney (crazy that the FMC both lives on VI and has the same name as me, talk about kismet) goes to study fungi with the Madrona Institute for the summer. Enter Kincaid, her sexy professor/ psychologist (you know where I’m going with this). Very quickly Sydney realizes that things are not as they seem and that the organization she is working with might be into some darker things.
In the era of fungus themed horror- I am happy to add Grave Matter to my list of recommendations. I absolutely adored the characters- who were all broody and complicated. The setting was lush and atmospheric (not to mention I could picture it so perfectly, because duh I live here). I absolutely adored this book and I just know that others will too.

This was a brand new book genre for me, and it did not disappoint! Karina Halle is a fantastic writer. This book kept me on the edge of my seat, and I couldn't put it down; not only were the characters unforgettable, but the plot had me riveted! The twists and turns are all amazing! The perfect spooky read for October!

Honestly I don't even know how to process this book. I loved every second of the feel of it. Unnerving, confusing and it pulled you in. I couldn't put the book down.

SHIT Karina’s books keep getting better and better and idk what to do with myself. I was hooked from page one and I absolutely loved everything about this. It’s absolutely perfect for spooky time and ugh ITS SO GOOD

Thank you Netgalley and Metal Blonde Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

“Grave Matter” by Karina Halle is a spine-chilling blend of gothic horror, sci-fi mystery, and steamy romance that hooks you from the first page and refuses to let go. Set against the eerie backdrop of Vancouver Island, this book creates an atmospheric tale that leaves you questioning everything you think you know. It’s a wild roller coaster ride filled with twists, dark secrets, and unsettling body horror, making it the perfect read for spooky season. You definitely need to look over the content warnings for this book before diving in as there is some animal body horror throughout (involving fungi). Also, there are some unexpected sex scenes (through dreams) that I was not anticipating so early on in the book.

The story follows Sydney, an intriguing and fierce protagonist whose struggle with ADHD adds a layer of depth and relatability to her character, especially as women with ADHD are not often depicted in adult literature. As she navigates a world filled with mysterious fungi, creepy creatures, and an isolated island lab, her journey blurs the lines between reality and hallucination. Sydney's unreliable narration draws you into her confusion and horror, keeping you on the edge of your seat as you try to piece together what's real and what isn't.

The dynamic between Sydney and Dr. Kincaid, her professor and psychologist, is both thrilling and problematic. Their chemistry sizzles, with banter that keeps you engaged, but the power imbalance in their relationship adds a layer of discomfort that's hard to ignore. If this is the kind of romance you’re okay with, then you will definitely enjoy their developing relationship, especially with the various sex scenes throughout the book (there were more of them than I was expecting for a horror book). While the romance is intense and unexpected, it occasionally feels out of place in the midst of the horror elements. Still, their relationship adds complexity to the story, and the moments of spice are vivid and unforgettable.

Halle masterfully creates a dark, suspenseful atmosphere, blending gothic tropes with modern mycology, sci-fi, and psychological thrills. The fungi that seems almost alive adds an eerie sense of menace to the narrative, amplifying the book’s creepy vibes. The island setting is vividly described, transporting you into the misty, wet woods of Vancouver Island, where every shadow holds a secret and every rustle hints at something sinister lurking in the dark. After reading the vivid descriptions of the setting, I could definitely believe that people would become overwhelmed with the dreary isolation.

The book's twists and turns are jaw-dropping, especially in the last quarter. I definitely wasn’t expecting one of the big twists at the end, but there were some subtle hints to the twist that make it more satisfying when it’s revealed as you put all the puzzle pieces together. Just when you think you've figured it out, Halle throws another curveball that leaves you reeling. The pacing keeps you hooked, making “Grave Matter” a book you’ll want to devour in one sitting. The story’s sci-fi lean in the latter half is a surprising twist, merging the horrors of nature with the unsettling science of mycology in a way that feels both fresh and terrifying.
While the ending is satisfying, leaving most questions answered, it does leave a slight craving for more closure regarding the mysterious fungi.

Overall, “Grave Matter” is an absolutely exhilarating and unpredictable read. If you're a fan of psychological thrillers or spooky stories with a touch of romance, this book is a must-read. Karina Halle delivers a story that's both haunting and addictive, making it a standout in the horror-thriller genre.

Wow! The twists in this book hit me so hard, one after another! I was left speechless for a few minutes—it felt like a sucker punch!

Fact: I'm a huge fan of Karina Halle's darker works, even more than her recent romance novels about royalty or her earlier books like the Sins & Needles series and standalones. Her EIT series blew my mind, and I rooted so hard for Perry and Dex! Naturally, I jumped at the chance to read her new gothic horror set in a secluded, isolated lodge on a fog-shrouded inlet of Vancouver Island, where ghosts lurk not only in the woods but also in the creaking hallways, and mutilated animals appear as if straight out of The Last of Us set.

Sydney Denik, an aspiring mycologist, has just lost her scholarship at Stanford after an incident spiraled out of her control. She heads to Vancouver Island, where the Madrona Foundation is located—a place dedicated to curing Alzheimer’s and other terminal illnesses through the use of special fungi harvested from the indigenous land they lease.

After losing her scholarship, family support, and financial stability, Sydney’s last resort is to commit herself to research at Madrona. She's captivated by Everly, a brilliant researcher who becomes her guide and mentor. At the same time, she feels drawn to Wes Kincaid, a mysterious psychologist and her professor, who starts appearing in her highly erotic dreams. While trying to fit in, she clashes with Clayton, who always has a snarky comment, and senses that something isn’t right after seeing disturbing visions—like Amina, a recently dismissed student, or other girls appearing in eerie places. It becomes clear there’s something sinister about this place, or perhaps her own mind is betraying her. Though her chemistry with Wes is undeniable, she can't shake the feeling that he isn’t entirely trustworthy.

I’ll be honest: during the first half, I even considered stopping. The pacing was slow, the multiple plot threads left me in the dark, and I was frustrated whenever Everly insisted Sydney was "special," without any evidence to support it. The smug exchanges between Wes and Sydney had me rolling my eyes because their relationship seemed to be going nowhere. I felt lost and struggled to stay motivated through the second half. But, thanks to the glowing reviews and my trust in Halle’s talent, I kept going. And I’m so glad I did! The last third of the book felt like a bomb exploding in my face—brilliant and shocking! I didn’t see any of it coming. It may have stretched plausibility, but at least all my questions were answered and the characters' strange behavior was explained.

My initial 2 or 2.5-star rating for the first half quickly shot up to 4 stars (I even considered giving it 5, but the slow start took a bit of my enthusiasm away, even though it served a purpose). Maybe I’m just too impatient, wanting to cut to the chase quickly. That’s why waiting for the plot to pick up pace was frustrating for me.

Overall, this is a fantastic blend of sci-fi fantasy romance and gothic horror—a perfect choice for celebrating Halloween! Be patient with the pacing because the mind-blowing payoff is absolutely worth it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Metal Blonde Books for providing me with a digital review copy of this mind-bending fantasy romance in exchange for my honest thoughts.

The perfect spooky season read!

I was so intrigued by this book as I've never even thought about picking up a horror/ romance before but I am so glad I did. Karina Halle writes so many sub-genres of romance with such skill and this was no exception.

This book was creepy enough to have me thinking about the imagery after I turned the lights off at night, and mysterious enough that I was constantly trying to figure out what was going on. Even so I NEVER saw the twist coming.

Surprisingly, as a romance lover, I found the spicy scenes superfluous to the story. I didn't really feel like they added anything or moved the plot along, with the exception maybe of the first scene. I also felt, and this will be a bit vague to avoid spoilers, that there was so much more we could have unpacked relating to the things Sydney saw and felt during the story and what that actually meant for her future.

Well that was certainly a twisty turny tail that I didn’t see coming!
Very atmospheric, lots of little bread crumbs that I couldn’t make sense of until the grand reveal, I love Karina Halle’s writing style and this book was no exception.
I don’t want to say too much and risk giving anything away so do as I did and go in blind and enjoy!