I struggled with the rating on this one. I absolutely loved the writing, and will gladly pick up this author’s next work. I was also a big fan of the characters and worldbuilding. I think that was the problem. I wanted this to be a novel. It had the potential, but it seemed over before it had a chance to really get into the meat of things. It was like jumping into a body of water expecting to sink all the way in, but having misjudged the depth, only get wet up to your ankles.

You know how it is when you've been raised in an art nouveau mansion to become the chatelaine for its owner, a monstrous arachnoid lady, only to fall in love with her and be courted as her bride, right? Oh, you don't? Well, Dalia does, and if you read her story, you will, too.

I don't know if horror romance will ever be my favorite thing, but I love how it is bringing a SpecFic look at the monster romance genre. If an eerie sapphic romance with only a hint of physical intimacy sounds like your jam, you definitely want to check this one out.

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novella.

4.25/5. Releases 2/11/25.

The Vibes: monster romance, lesbian spider ladies, servant/mistress, "maybe she'll eat me but the question is... in what way...?"

Heat Index: 0/10

The Basics:

The keeper of the keys serves the Lady of the Capricious House—Anatema, a massive humanoid spider whose main interests are laudanum, making memories (you'll get it later) and beautiful brides. And she's actually eaten the most recent keeper (much as she eats her brides), which leaves Dalia for the task. Dalia was raised to do this, despite the high risk of death that comes with it... even higher now that it appears someone is stealing from Anatema. Her key to survival is uncovering the true culprit. But even if she does, can Anatema resist devouring a beautiful woman?

The Review:

First off: This is a novella, so you run through it quickly, but boy do you run through it effectively as well. Not a word is wasted. The writing is lyrical, the descriptions are both horrifying and lovely, and the characterization swings between melancholy and touching.

Second: Yes, this is about a lesbian spider. Good For Her.

If you're squeamish about spiders (and I am, but apparently not enough) you may find this a it disturbing. I mean, in general you might find it disturbing. Anatema's spider-ness is not light, and there's a lot of upfront consciousness of who she eats, her unique take on morality, the inherent threat Dalia lives with whenever they're together...

But honestly? There's a lovely, folkloric, sapphic romance in here. Anatema and Dalia develop a bond that, despite the book's brevity, feels fleshed out. It goes a long way toward humanizing Anatema and her insecurities and desires. In a way, Dalia is the somewhat more oblique character, but it fits the tone.

And this is a very TONE HEAVY novella. Which I'm good with. You aren't going to get this wealth of swoony romance. Some of it is sort of "read between the lines"-necessary. There isn't any sex (though, like... Dalia is down for it...)

It's a spooky, soft, compelling, wistful love story, infused with Brazilian folklore and the taste of magical realism. And a lot of tarantulas. But frankly, it's much more interesting than most of the monster romances I've read... and the great writing takes it to another level.

So while this won't be for everyone, if you'd like your sapphic romance to include some extra limbs (and who doesn't) as well as the whole "how's she gonna eat me" threat... Try this out!

Thanks to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Content Warnings: Spiders, Drug Use (Opioids), Power Imbalance

For the sex averse, there are no explicit sex scenes.

This novella is a gem. I immediately fell in love with the lusciously described setting of the the Capricious House, home of color-coded servants serving a monstrous Archaic One, overrun with poppies and tarantulas. The primary character, Dália, likewise was an immediate draw. Her outlook on her life in general, as well as her adjustment to taking on the role of Keeper of the Keys, and how she interacts with everyone in the Capricious House made me feel like I was right beside her in this world.

Some may want more spiciness/explicit romance than this novella provides, but I liked that the romance was focused only on the complicated relationship between Anatema and Dália and each of their intriguing personalities. The tension and chemistry pull through the work, wrapped up some in mystery and then eventually in acceptance. For my tastes, it was the perfect blend of horror, fantasy, and romance.

I cannot wait to add this novella to my physical book shelf when it gets released, and I think lots of people are in for a treat when they pick it up.

4.5 stars
I already know several folks who are going to love this horrific delight!

A spider woman in want of a bride. A keeper of keys who must uncover a theft. A hunger between them that may end in passion or death.
This short story packs a intriguing idea with a well rounded fantasy world and delivers on the eerie delights that we love in horror.
This is intelligent and gothic and short and sweet. Perfect read!

I usually have a hard time with novellas because either the pacing feels off or I want more information, but not with this one. Hache Pueyo paced this short little tale so well. It had all the atmosphere and plot that it needed to feel like a complete story. I loved the descriptions of the house and the way it ran. I had never read a book where spiders are such a prominent feature, but I really liked it. Everyone having a lil pet tarantula was honestly so cute. I think I've decided that stories with a sapphic monster romance in the background are something I'm going to look for more. I love the dynamic of monster being very aggressive with their love because they just do not understand their human. I can see this being enjoyable to a lot of readers looking for gothic atmosphere that's just a little different than we normally see it. I could see this being enjoyed by avid horror readers but also readers who don't read much horror.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.