V.E. Schwab’s Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil is a sweeping, genre-defying marvel that left me utterly transfixed. Spanning centuries—from 16th-century Spain to Victorian London to present-day Boston—Schwab builds a rich, immersive world where traditional vampire lore is reimagined with haunting elegance. The prose is dark, lyrical, and razor-sharp.

At the heart of this novel are three women: Maria, who flees the cage of marriage and slowly becomes the ruthless Sabine; Charlotte, whose charm conceals entitlement and emotional messiness; and Alice, whose quiet grief and strength ground the story in something tender and deeply human. Each woman is shaped by her era, her choices, and an ever-present hunger—for freedom, identity, and power.

Unforgettable and deeply resonant, this novel lingers long after the final page. A triumph from Schwab, and a must-read.

I've been looking forward to this one so much I was bummed when I saw it was a preview but I can't wait to finish this book ASAP!

This audio was incredibly well done and I really enjoyed both of the main narrators and their different accents and styles. I’ll definitely be picking up the full version to finish this!

I really enjoyed listening to the first several chapters of Bury Out Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab. She writes such beautiful prose and it’s so easy to get wrapped up in the world she creates. She even makes the idea of “toxic lesbian vampires” something I’d WANT to dig into. Only Schwab could do that. I can’t wait to read/listen to the rest of the novel. If it’s anything like the first 20%, it will easily be a five star read for me!

When I requested this book I didn't notice that it was just a sneak peek. I would not leave a review until I listened to the whole thing so went and bought an audio of it.

This book is very good. While it can't hold a candle to The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, it is good. It held my attention and kept me wanting more. While it does start out just a bit slow it picks up quickly. There are three narrators and two were excellent. One didn't hold up quite as well and since I have no idea whose voice was for each person I can only say that it was the voice of Alice that was a bit of a let down. Other than that you can't go wrong if you love a good vampire story in audio.

This one deals with basically three characters. Each has a story and a reason. Their stories start out with the year they died. You learn all about them and how they are turned. What sadness and happiness they each hold. How they are turned.

The ending was very good. I think the author is excellent. She seems to give her books so much structure and feeling. I can't wait for a new book by this author.

Thank you #MacmillianAudio and #NetGalley for this audio arc. So good I highly recommend it.

I also made it my BOTM choice and added it along side Addie LaRue to my personal library.

This sneak peak was just the perfect amount of excitement! The world is hauntingly beautiful, and Schwab’s prose is nothing short of intoxicating. I’m obsessed and already craving more.

Since this was just a preview I only have a little to say. I really enjoyed the preview and I definitely want to continue with the story. It did start out very slow and I considered DNFing , but decided to carry on and am glad I did.

Absolutely delightful. I am beyond excited for the publication of this book beautiful writing intriguing characters and a luscious world to explore.

A perfect amount of the book shown in this sneak peek. This has left me wanting more, and needing to get my hands on the remainder of the book. I am very intrigued by the start of this story and how our heroines lives end up connecting. The narration is perfect. I will be slightly impatiently awaiting my library hold. I am rating this 3 stars so far, because I’m only 20% into the book and would like this review to be neutral for now.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for access to an Advanced Listeners Copy in exchange for my honest feedback.

Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil is beautifully written with haunting, lyrical prose and an eerie atmosphere that lingers. While the concept was compelling, the pacing felt uneven, and I struggled to stay fully engaged throughout. Still, it's a unique story that fans of gothic horror and sappfic vampires would appreciate.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ALC!

Great introduction. Maria story is unfolding and I want know more. Can wait to listen to rest of the story.

Haunting, lyrical, and spellbinding. YES! Even with this brief glimpse at the story, I am pulled into the rich world of VE Schwab. The narration just enhances the experience by bringing VE Schwab's signature gothic tone and emotional intensity. I am so excited for this book!

Sincere thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for a sneak peak of this advanced listener copy in exchange for an honest review.

05/22/2025 || Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil - SNEAK PEEK by V. E. Schwab Narrated by Julia Whelan, Katie Leung and Marisa Calin || #BuryOurBonesintheMidnightSoilSampler #BuryOurBonesintheMidnightSoil #NetGalley #QueerReads #HistoricalFiction

Thank you NetGalley, V.E. Schwab, and Macmillan Audio for making this sneak-peak ALC available!

Please note: This review may not be reproduced or quoted, in whole or in part, without explicit consent from the author and myself.
All of my thoughts are my own~

5 Stars
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

TOXIC VAMPIRE YURI?!?! Sign me UUUP!

Disclaimer: This current review is strictly based upon the first 2 hours available via NetGalley.

What worked for me:

I really enjoyed the multiple narration - which is something I always adore (however, shout out to those super talented narrators who do the whole book alone and alter their voices to indicate to a wide range of characters too!!!)

I must admit, this is my first V.E. Schwab book, and it did not disappoint! I really loved the writing style, the character introduction, development, and build up. The scenery and environments Schwab paints are delectable and well explained - I can see where all the characters are and what they are seeing too. All in all the writing is top notch, and I will be picking up more of Schwab's work into the future.

Unfortunately, while I love accents, I had some troubles keeping up with the narrator for Alice - the narrator has or is using an Irish accent which is fabulous, but I am hard of hearing and she unfortunately pronounces things in a way that I am not fully picking up. NOT TO FRET THOUGH - I pre-ordered a copy (omg hello??!! A signed edition too AHHHH) and will be following along in the book and re-reading over Alice's entries to make sure I fully heard.

Honestly, I am sooooo invested into this story! I cannot wait to finish it!

I am mostly invested into Maria. I want to dive back into her story line so badly!

What did not work for me:

I honestly don't have any issues with this book/audiobook or the narration - the only thing I had issues with my hearing issues with the accent as mentioned above.

Thank you so much for this sneak peak of this very anticipated new novel by V.E. Schwab! This audiobook sounds fantastic and I can’t wait to read this both physically as well with the audiobook! Thank you again for allowing me this sneak peak of one of my most anticipated books of the 2025!

Such an amazing listen to far! I love the different narrators for the different perspectives and it definitely hooks you from the very beginning. I am excited to listen to the rest and dive into this world of vampires

i loved this sneak peek and it truly made me go out to my local b&n and buy a physical to finish! the narrator was amazing and the story start was so compelling! i loved every chapter that was previewed in this!

Beautifully written. There is a depth and maturity in the narration that is often missing in this genre.

That said, I wish there had been a bit more plot. Given the three storylines along with the writing style, not much happened over 60-70% of the book. This is my first book by this author, and maybe this is just her style.

V.E. Schwab delivers yet another atmospheric and emotionally rich novel that blends historical fiction, fantasy, and gothic horror. Told through the lives of three women across three centuries, this novel weaves a powerful narrative about what we’re willing to sacrifice to survive—and to be seen. Lyrical, haunting, and deeply human, this is a bold and unforgettable read.

Lesbian vampires, say less! I can’t wait to get into the entire book because this sneak peak wasn’t enough for me. I want more. V. E. Schwab will always have me in a chokehold.

Synopsis: 3 toxic sapphic vampires through history. What more could you want?

Read this for:
- vampires
- female rage
- historical fiction
- character studies
- three perspectives

My thoughts:
I alternated between the audio and the eARC, then finished the last couple of chapters in my physical copy. I am OBSESSED with this book, instantly hooked and fully engaged from the first chapter to the last page. The audio is phenomenal, I highly recommend doing an immersive read because the narrators bring so much depth to the characters, and who doesn’t want Julia Whelan, Katie Leung, and Marisa Calin narrating your audiobook?
The characters are messy as all get out, all full of emotion, and full of secrets.

This is a must read for those who love queer vampires, can’t recommend enough.