I cannot begin to explain how addicting this book was. This is going to be an incredible series. This book was the perfect amount of dark, eerie, and suspenseful, but still showed so much tension between Haven and the Sons. The pacing was perfect, and the romantic aspects were woven into the story so well. I’m glad there was still so much actual plot to this, in addition to the romance. We get a POV from multiple different characters, and there wasn’t a single one I didn’t enjoy reading. This literally had all of my favorite things in a single book. Academic setting, powerful witches, dark mysteries and danger, all set in the backdrop of Salem. I am so excited to have read this and I can’t wait to see what comes next in the series.

This ARC was provided by St Martin’s Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review!

Wow. Just wow. This book had me absolutely feral. I devoured it in 24 hours, and honestly, if sleep weren’t a necessity, I would’ve finished it even faster.

Hallowed Bones follows Haven on a journey of self‑discovery at Ipswich College, where she encounters four mysterious men known as the Sons of Salem. They may hold the key to uncovering what’s happening to her, and the truth is darker and deeper than she ever expected. Set in Salem, MA, the capital of all things witchy, this story is steeped in gothic atmosphere, complete with covens and a chilling cast of otherworldly beings that kept me hooked from start to finish.

I’m genuinely devastated that this book doesn’t release until October, because that means an even longer wait for book two. And after that ending???

I devoured Hallowed Bones by Lucy Smoke, book one in the Sons of Salem series, and I did not want to put it down. This is dark, creepy, mysterious, witchy, and completely binge worthy. All the stars.

We follow Haven as she arrives at a mysterious college in Salem after being expelled from multiple schools due to strange and unexplainable events. From the moment she steps on campus, you know there is far more to her than she understands. The atmosphere is thick with secrets, history, and something ominous lurking beneath the surface.

Then we meet the Sons of Salem, Ezra, Lyall, Reyes, and Cameron, the last witches of their coven, and they need Haven. Each of them brings a completely different dynamic to the story. Ezra is broody and resistant even when he clearly feels the pull toward her. Lyall is soft and loyal beneath his exterior. Reyes has a darker, more dangerous edge. Cameron, the quiet bookworm, absolutely stole my heart.

This is a slow burn, why choose, he falls first story with a chosen one element that unfolds as Haven learns who and what she truly is. The book balances character development, coven history, mysterious murders, and rising tension so well that I was hooked from start to finish. Learning the truth alongside Haven made the story even more immersive.

The Salem setting and the echoes of the witch trials give this book such a rich and eerie backdrop. The writing is beautifully detailed without being overwhelming, and the pacing keeps you turning the pages. The vibes are immaculate for anyone who loves a dark academy, witches, and a blossoming why choose romance with real emotional depth.

And that ending. I was not prepared. The cliffhanger had me gasping and immediately desperate for book two.

Spice level sits comfortably at three peppers, woven perfectly into the story without overpowering the plot.

This is going to be a top fall read. If you love dark academy, witches, mystery, and a cast of characters you can’t choose between, this is for you.