Beautiful, haunting and so whimsical. Reads like a fever dream. Beautiful prose and stunning descriptions. Loved the narrator.

Tenderly, I Am Devoured was strange and unlike any romantasy I’ve read (although I haven’t read many). It was beautifully written and had a fairy tale quality to it. I’ve read and enjoyed all three of Clipstone’s other books and this was no exception.

As always, Clipstone’s writing was vivid and lyrical. I absolutely loved all the descriptions in this book, from sights to smells, down to what the characters were wearing. I felt full immersed in the world of Verse, especially because I was also listening to the audiobook. At times I felt like I was right there with the characters at Saltswan, looking out at the sea. The author stated that they were inspired by Saltburn and I can definitely see how it influenced this book. Tenderly, I Am Devoured stands on it’s own, though.

The book wasn’t super plot heavy, it was more about the emotional journey the characters go on. The story goes from the present to different points of Lark’s past. I really enjoyed the time spent with Lark at Marchmain Academy and I would have liked if we had gotten more. I wanted to spend more time during the beginning of the relationship between Lark and the Felimath siblings as well. I found the salt priests and gods to be interesting and would have liked to know more, especially about Therion. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Lark’s world.

The book includes a romantic plot involving polyamory which isn’t something that I’ve often seen depicted. Kudos to the author for representing poly relationships. The intimate scenes were handled very well and weren’t graphic. The book was more about Lark finding herself so I didn’t think any more intimate scenes were needed.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. If you’re looking for a summer read you can get lost in while you listen to the ocean waves or drink some tea, this is it. I’d recommend this to readers who like romantasy with a dash of horror (this author is known for writing flower threaded horror). Also, if you’ve never read Lyndall Clipstone’s other books I highly suggest you do. My suggestion is to read Unholy Terrors next! Thank you to the author and Mcmillan Children’s Publishing Group for providing me with an ARC for review.

AUDIOBOOK:
As far as the audiobook goes, the narrator did an excellent job of bringing the book to life. I really liked listening to the story. Each character had their own distinct voice. I particularly liked the voiced used for Therion. The way Therion would say “Lacrimosa” was just perfect. I’d recommend listening to the audiobook while reading the physical or ebook at the same time. I’d like to thank the author and Spotify Audiobooks for providing me with an ALC of the audiobook.

Unfortunately, I don’t think this book is for me. I’m not invested, and I didn’t care for the audio narrator. Maybe I’ll come back to it in the future.

Thank you for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first read by Lyndall and it won’t be my last. Her World at Lake’s Edge series has been on my tbr since the first book released and will now be moved up the list! I really enjoyed the narration. The love triangle was a bit unhinged, but it really brought something more to the story. I see why it’s advertised to people who like Saltburn. Also, the cover is to die for. Thank you so much to the publisher and to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen in exchange for a review.

Nothing about this book really wowed me. It didn’t feel gothic to me, and the ending was so slow. I just finished and I don’t know what else to even say about it. Meh 🫤

firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc and an alc!

tenderly, i am devoured was a fantastic queer, dark academia novel with an emphasis on art and a mythical chtonic god called therion.

the only thing i couldn’t wrap my head around? — the polyamorous couple including siblings… that aspect was not for me at all.

as for the audio — the narrator did a great job!

New adult romantasy where most characters are bisexual and it’s pretty normalized in the culture. A why choose that also has Persephone/Hades vibes. It was entertaining enough but was lacking in world building for my tastes. But if you want short and sweet, standalone, and jumps-right-to-the-point fantasy- this is perfect.

Absolutely stunning. Tenderly I Am Devoured is everything I want in a book, achingly lyrical prose, rich worldbuilding, and a story that seamlessly weaves together dark academia, fantasy, and LGBTQIA+ themes.

Lark, the main character, returns home in disgrace from her academic life, only to find her family teetering on the edge of ruin, and at the center of it all is the boy who was once her best friend. What unfolds is a story drenched in secrets, gods, cults, forbidden knowledge, and the beautifully fraught path from enemies back to something like love.

The enemies-to-lovers dynamic is so well done, slow burn, emotionally complex, and deeply satisfying and the queer representation is heartfelt and nuanced.

This book devoured me. I couldn’t put it down, and even now I’m still haunted in the best way. Lyndall Clipstone has written something both tender and brutal, and I can’t recommend it enough.

Perfect for fans of Tamsyn Muir, Leigh Bardugo, or those who love their fantasy with heart, teeth, and a touch of the divine.

This is my second read-through of Tenderly I Am Devoured, now in audiobook (ALC) form. I’ve included my first review of the eARC below as well.

The audiobook was a magical way to reread Lyndall Clipstone’s 4th published novel! Emily Lawrence does a wonderful job capturing the ethereal and atmospheric tone of the story as well as the characters. It’s very fitting. The production quality was excellent.

Since I listen to a lot of audiobooks and finish them quickly, I did find the few areas of weaknesses in my first read through remained prevalent in my mind specifically Camille’s character. I did find romance and Therion’s part in the story rushed more in this listen as well as Lark’s expulsion from the school less detailed. I also wished a synonym for chthonic was used after a while.

Thank you Spotify Audiobooks, NetGalley, and Lyndall Clipstone for this ALC!

Initial eARC review: 4.5 Stars!

Did Lyndall write this with chthonic liquor, because I consumed this novel. 🦋

Thank you Lyndall Clipstone (Henry Holt and Co. and Fierce Reads) for gifting me with this digital ARC! All opinions are my own.

Lyndall’s poetic writing pulled me in like the ocean tide from the start of the story. I wanted to keep unraveling the mysteries presented once I put it down for the night. I was excited for the next day so I could return to Verse which is big since much of my reading has been audiobooks. There was a natural flow of tension, mystery, and reveals that gave a continuous pace to the story. Themes of idolization, the power of three, perspective/interpretation, expectations, and love are interlaced throughout. I liked the tender relationship between Lacrimosa “Lark” and Alastair (and Camille.) You can see the depth and emotion that entangle them. While reading I did want to learn more about Camille as I felt like I knew her the least. I think her and some of the other secondary character could have steeped more so we could get to know them. I think that could have made the ending even more impactful for me. In all, I hope Lark continues to peruse her love for art outside the pain it’s been associated with. 🖤

I think this a perfect book for fans of A Study in Drowning, Strange the Dreamer, or authors Rebecca Ross, Erin Morgenstern, Shea Ernshaw, or Allison Saft.

Maybe it is because of the narrator, but it really felt like it was connected to the Sisters of the Salt series by Erin A. Craig. I enjoyed it, however, I do think some plot points are a bit messy. It was still enjoyable though and It hit the gothic, queer vibe I needed.

Tenderly, I Am Devoured is a haunting, lyrical masterpiece and one of the most beautifully written books I’ve ever experienced. Lyndall Clipstone’s prose is so evocative and poetic, it feels like being pulled into a dark, enchanting dream.

At the heart of the story is Lacrimosa, an 18 year old who accepts a marriage proposal from the god Therion in order to save her family from a crushing debt they owe. When Lacrimosa is taken by Alastair on her wedding day, she unwittingly finds herself breaking her marriage vow to stay with Therion. She finds herself allied with siblings Alastair and Camilla, and they begin to uncover family secrets, while also exploring pent up tension and feelings that they have had since childhood. The story brims with longing, mythic tension, and a yearning that burns quietly beneath every word.

Emily Lawrence’s narration is mesmerizing. Her voice is perfectly suited to the gothic atmosphere and the emotional weight of Lacrimosa’s journey. She captures every ounce of yearning, dread, and beauty in the story, making this audiobook an unforgettable listening experience. Atmospheric, romantic, and devastating in the best way.

I am obsessed with this book. It’s gothic, it’s creepy, it’s beautiful, it’s visceral. This book encompasses everything I love about Clipstone’s writing, and the audio was fantastic. It’s going to be the way I recommend devouring it.

Like a fever dream, Tenderly, I Am Devoured invites readers into a world where ancient gods and the seemingly mundane intermingle. It's atmosphere is one to simply get lost in.

The story is woven of salty cliff side mansions and sinister sea caves. It's also a deft exploration into the terrifying moment when we kiss youth goodbye and plunge into the abyss of adulthood. It's ancient gods and human horrors. It's tender,compulsive, and positively transportive!

Clipstone had succeeded in writing characters that are nuances and complicated, characters that I felt true fear for as the story unravels. Readers who like there romances complicated and with some edge will be left swooning by the ultimate outcome!!
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The narration for the book only heightened my love for it, with a thoughtful and tender tone, the narrator breathes even more mood and mystery into these words!

A cottage-core, gothic horror drenched in rich atmosphere and foreboding.

“The worst hurt doesn’t always come with open violence. Instead, there is tenderness before you’re devoured.”

Lacrimosa (Lark) is expelled from her boarding school and returns home to the brothers who raised her to find the family home and business is in financial ruin. She discovers the only way to save them is to tie herself to the chthonic swan god. When the ceremony is interrupted and lives are at stake she seeks aid from the boy who broke her heart and his enticing sister.

“He touches me like I’m a pearlescent shell laid out on an alter.”

Clipstones lush prose lures the reader along like a sirens call and the pace is soft and languid but never slow or boring.

The ending is not one that can be predicted but also makes so much sense when resolving this story in this world. It involves a borderline taboo topic that in this context doesn’t feel taboo at all and just feels like exactly the correct solution.

“A dark strand crosses her cheek, striping her smile. Framed by the ocean and sky and darkness, she’s lucent as the moon.”

I’ve also never seen a more apt book cover, the way the cover looks is exactly how the book feels - perfect vibe match.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Spotify Audiobooks for the ALC.

Audiobook review: The narrator, Emily Lawrence did a fantastic job bringing this book to life. She sets up the atmosphere of the book well, enhancing the vibes for a more immersive experience I don't think you'd get from reading the physical book on its own. A++ production quality.

As for the book, I'd never heard of the author before this book, but the cover and the title drew me in immediately. It reminds me a lot of A Study in Drowning with it's lyrical prose and folk-horror atmosphere. Only in Tenderly, I found myself rooting for the swan god instead of wanting he to go away. I wanted more of Therion. He was such an interesting character, but I don't think he was used to his full potential. The flashbacks of Lark at school with her toxic codependent ex-best friend was far more fleshed out. Which gave good backstory as to why Lark was back home, but what wasn't fleshed out? Camille's feelings for Lark. I wasn't convinced the relationship was genuine. Lark's feelings for Alastair were established; they had history. Other than Camille being Alastair's sister the relationship between her and Lark didn't feel organic. If that part of the story was not included, it would have still played out the same.

That being my biggest complaint, I really enjoyed the book overall. Definitely one I'll be recommending to others.

*I received an e-arc and an audiobook via Netgalley and the publisher for review. Thank you for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

Lyndall Clipstone has a wonderous way with words, which I think is a beautiful gift. Tenderly, I Am Devoured is like a painting, with the vivid imagery that it evokes. I could picture Verse, the town in which the story takes place, and I could picture Lark's cottage, the neighboring Saltswan manor, and the sounds of the sea with the breezes blowing on the wind. I could also feel all the feels with this story, the love, the loss, the heartache, and the pain. I was fortunate to be able to listen to the audiobook as I read the story, and the narrator does a fantastic job of bringing everything to life, including both the imagery and the intense emotions. A beautiful and atmospheric story that you don't want to miss!

Lacrimosa "Lark" Arriscane returns home in disgrace from boarding school following a violent outburst. She discovers that her family is on the brink of bankruptcy. Desperate to save them, she pledges to marry Therion, the chthonic god worshipped by her isolated town on the coast.

When her betrothal goes awry, Lark begins to vanish from the mortal world. Her only hope is to seek help from Alastair Felimath, her first heartbreak, and his alluring older sister, Camille. As the trio spends more time together, their feelings for each other begin to bloom.

As they are in the depths of a fervent romance, they perform a ritual that they hope will repair the connection between Lark and her bridegroom. Instead, they draw the ire of something more sinister that seeks to destroy Therion and Lark as well. Will they be able to save them?

I highly recommend for fans of fantasy, romance, and beautiful prose.

Happy pub day to Tenderly, I Am Devoured by Lyndall Clipstone!🌿

This book is what happens when a girl marries a god, falls for two mortals, and accidentally invites something older and darker into the world. 😵‍💫🖤 One of my all time favorite books

✨ Polyamorous bisexual romance
✨ Chthonic gods & cursed pacts
✨ Gothic folk horror atmosphere
✨ Deadly rituals, sibling tension, and queer desire
✨ Flower-laced prose that aches

Lacrimosa (Lark) is expelled, disgraced, and desperate—so when salvation comes in the form of a marriage to a god, she says yes. But the god is fading, and so is she. To survive, she’ll need the help of her brilliant, infuriating ex and his dangerously magnetic sister. What begins as a mission turns into a ritual…and a love story that defies mortal rules. 🌺🩸🔥

Big thank you to @netgalley and @spotifybooks for the audiobook ARC—I absolutely devoured (pun intended) this one. & of course the narrator Emily Lawrence who totally nailed it 🙌🏼

Um... I always try not to DNF NetGalley books, and I am very appreciative to be approved for them, but I was met with something pretty out there, 66% in, and I would rather stop now.

Voice Actor/Narrator Emily Lawrence was super good. The atmospheric tension was perfect. Prose-wise, this was very nicely written, and the worldbuilding was quite interesting. (Though I will say the pacing was sluggish.) So why a 1?

How do I put this? I can tag spoilers on goodreads so I have, but for here I’m just going to say certain elements made me feel uncomfortable and felt pretty weird…

Thanks again, NetGalley and Spotify, for the ALC in exchange for my honest review... sorry it was a DNF...

Audiobook review: Narrator Emily Lawrence did a wonderful job. The vibes were enhanced by the way the book was read, and it really provided a more immersive experience. Great production quality.

Book review: The cover is stunning and drew me in immediately! The atmospheric writing is absolutely dripping with gothic, salty, achingly beautiful imagery. Vibe readers will absolutely devour this one!

That said, the gorgeous writing and vibes sometimes can distract from what all felt a bit underdeveloped to me. The flashbacks to school and Lark's toxic codependent relationship with ex-best friend were definitely the most well-fleshed out. I was missing more of the swan god throughout the entire story. I think the doomed childhood friends/crushes relationship always has potential to be powerful and poignant, but it really didn't work with BOTH siblings here for me. Camile wasn't developed enough as a character for a meaningful relationship with Lark, she was just the one who was there.

Overall, I enjoyed the writing and vibes, but some of the depth and development fell a bit flat for me.

Thank you Netgalley and Spotify Audiobooks for the ALC.

Atmospheric and beautifully written, Tenderly, I am Devoured should have been a hit with me, but unfortunately was more of a miss.