This gothic, Aquaman-inspired fantasy thriller offers a unique and original concept, with perfectly built tension, an intriguing mystery, and a captivating sapphic romance featuring an unconventional but compelling relationship dynamic. The world-building is fantastic, with sea gods, salt priests, and an unusual romance for Lark, who has feelings for both Felimath siblings. The pacing felt a bit slow at first, but it picked up in the last third, with well-executed revelations and a satisfying conclusion.

The story follows aspiring artist Lacrimosa (Lark) Arriscane, an orphan raised by her two older brothers, who is expelled from her prestigious school, dashing her hopes of becoming a museum curator. Returning to her debt-ridden childhood home, she finds her brothers arguing with Alastair Felimath, the son of a ruthless creditor and the boy who once broke her heart. With their home on the line, the only way out of financial ruin is a marriage of convenience—but not to an ordinary man. Lark is betrothed to Therion, a sea god, who demands she live with him in another realm.

However, the marriage ceremony is abruptly interrupted, and Lark is saved by the Felimath siblings. As her brothers leave to harvest salt, Lark remains alone, threatened by dark forces, including the sea god who still wants his bride. She seeks help from the Felimaths, including Alastair, who is as aloof as ever, and his kind-hearted sister Camille, who recently returned from boarding school. The three must unite to face the looming dangers, rekindling their childhood bond as "three musketeers" while navigating an intense, entangled romance.

Overall, this book features a stunning cover, a unique storyline, slow pacing at times, but smart execution. It offers a refreshing LGBTQ representation, making it highly recommended for those who enjoy original romantasy thrillers.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group/Henry Holt and Co. for providing a digital review copy of this unique romantasy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

This is such a haunting and atmospheric novel. Loved the horror vibes and how eerie it was. It was written so beautifully. Lark isn’t your typical I can do it all fmc and I really loved that. It is told in past and present tense. I didn’t love the relationship situation with this one but other than that it was a unique and great read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for the arc!

Finally a book that is exactly what is promised!!

If I wasn’t already intrigued by the synopsis already, I definitely was by the first half of the book. In all honesty, this is definitely more on the slow burn side of gothic romantasy. The plot took a little bit for me to really latch onto, as there were so many layers to it. It’s been a hot second since I’ve read something so original, but this truly was a unique experience. Even with it being compared to things like Saltburn, there was still that element of chilling originality. This was such a trippy and immersive experience. This book is for those who love characters that aren’t just one thing. These characters have so many layers to them and change like the wind. My favorite thing about this book was that it was intentionally confusing at times. I love the flipping between past and present to really delve into this story. Thank you to the author for allowing me to read this in advance!!

This was unique and interesting! I really enjoyed this book!

This follows our main character as she returns home from school/college/I'm not sure (she's eighteen) to find that her family property needs to be sold. Her family owns a salt mine but it is now empty and they're in debt. The property is to be sold to a family that hers does not get along with, so you can imagine how happy she is about that.

But Lark (our main character) finds herself betrothed to Therion, a sea god...and you can imagine the chaos that ensues from there.

We get moments of the present mixed in with moments from the past that show how these characters got here (it also shows more information about their relationships and why they feel the way they do about each other).

This book was not what I expected, but in a good way (I think the gorgeous cover gives a different vibe than the book really does, but it's still gorgeous). This book is gothic and eerie and reminds me of Pirates of the Caribbean 2.

This was a good time and I was so captivated the whole time I was reading. I would highly recommend this book to anyone craving an eerie read. The characters were endearing and interesting (especially with their pasts) and the story felt so unique. I don't think I've ever read anything like this. And I love when that happens!

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review! My Goodreads review is up and my TikTok (Zoe_Lipman) review will be up at the end of the month with my monthly reading wrap-up.

First and foremost, this cover is breathtakingly beautiful and it (and the title) were why I immediately went to request this one. IT BLEW MY FUCKING MIND. Absolute perfection of blending horror and YA. This might have taken the top for my favorite read of the year.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. Unfortunately I don’t think this book was for me, but I do think others would enjoy it. I loved the atmosphere and the overall concept but I didn’t care for the execution. I also feel like the characters could have used more development. The pacing was also a bit slow and at times I felt my mind drifting from what I was reading.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5

Tenderly, I am Devoured is a lyrical, romantic, and sweeping YA fantasy with a breathtaking romance, beautiful prose, and a propulsive plot that hooked me from the first line.

Oh gosh, this one was magical. The characters and character development were splendid, and I adored the tender romance. The LGBTQ+ representation and romance were spectacular, and I also loved the sibling representation. Lark is a relatable main character who instantly captured me, and Alastair and Camille hooked me with their personalities and depth shortly after. Therion was also a fascinating character who added a fun aspect to this story. This is a tender and emotional story filled with love, hope, and power that was everything I needed and hoped for. The plot was terrific, and the writing was gorgeous and immersive. The pacing was great, and the vibes of this book were everything. I loved the ending and cannot wait to read more of Lyndall’s marvelous stories!

Thank you to Lyndall for the free ARC!