I did not expect to cry within the first couple of chapters. This dark YA fantasy surprised me. The writing was incredible so vivid while listening to it through the audiobook. I appreciated the two POVs being two different voice actors for Mancella and Silver. This is a very unique world and magic system I enjoyed very much. The FMCs powers are different from what I've read before.


Thank You to NetGalley and MacMillian Audio for the audiobook ARC !

The Beasts We Bury is the 1st book in a duology by debut author D.L Taylor. It's a YA fantasy teeming with political Intrigue, betrayal, and a sweet enemies to lovers romance. From the first page I was hooked, the characters are so well developed that I instantly felt connected to them. Mancella, the FMC, is shackled by her father (both literally and figuratively) as she fights for not only her freedom but her kingdoms as well. And Silver, the FMC is sarcastic but loving in his own way, who is also fighting for his and his friends freedom. Together Mancella and Silver and the best combination for a couple I've seen in a book lately. The world-building and magic system are also well described and unique in a way that I haven't seen. Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who loves a high stakes, sweet romance, with the threats of looming war.

⭐⭐⭐⭐.75/5

The Beasts We Bury is a fierce, spellbinding YA fantasy with a lovely romance, an interesting magic system, and a fun plot.

Ooh, this was a good one. The magic system was my favorite part: it was a unique and emotional magic that hooked me from the beginning. Mancella was a great FMC, and I loved her personality and determination. Silver was a fantastic love interest and MMC; his golden retriever vibes and personality were top-tier. The banter and connection between Mancella and Silver was everything I hoped it would be. The pacing was great, and I adored the prose and writing style. The world was exciting and well-developed, and I enjoyed the many settings. The ending was great and has me desperate for a sequel. I highly recommend this addictive fantasy!

The audiobook narrators for this one were great. Mancella’s narrator fit her character perfectly and added a fierce depth to the story. Silver’s narrator also fit him wonderfully, and the energy he brought to Silver’s character was fantastic. This is a beautifully immersive audiobook listen!

Thank you to the publisher for the free ALC!

This book exceeded my expectations! The story focuses mainly around a girl named Mancella who has the power to summon animals. The catch? She has to kill them in order to be able to summon them. Her father abuses and manipulates her so much as he wants to be able to wield her in war and other various political tasks. I can't remember the last time that a villian actually made me dislike them as much as her father did.

The other main character in the story is a boy named Silver, who is a rebel thief. Mancella's path crosses his as Silver is trying to pull of a heist to rob the castle. As time goes on, Silver starts to care for Mancella and starts to regret his actions. I really enjoyed their relationship towards the end of the book when Silver finally starts to learn right from wrong.

There are so many twists in this book with Mancella's family that I found surprising. This audiobook had the perfect narrator's and they truly captivated me from start to finish. I loved Mancella's power and how we got to meet several of her animals and the stories behind all of them and how she obtained them. Some of the stories are truly heart breaking and Mancella is such a strong character to have endured what she has.

Thank you to Netgalley, Macmillian Audio, and D. L. Taylor for an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Set the beasts free. So many fun animal perspectives in this book. Which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Join our main character in a war torn land. She’s next in line to rule, with a deep dark secret. Which side will she end up on? Who can she trust? And what is best, for her and her people?

Treachery around every turn. Can a street rat help the princess find her way? Or will everything crumble down around them?

The entire premise of this book is extremely engaging, a young girl with magic that when she kills, a creature takes on their powers, however, it turns very dark. When you find out that not only does she take their powers, but she takes their soul..
The author really shines when she describes what it’s like to see through the eyes of each of the animals you can feel their pain and the pain of the FMC.
The MMC is an orphan who uses humor to try and cover his deep and crushing grief and anger. You feel all his feelings.

I don’t think you will hate anyone as much as her father who take the title of wurst dad/father figure firmly from Arobynn.

Parts of the book with interactions with her father are genuinely tough to read he is so evil, I found myself skimming and not wanting to feel those feelings. The author being so descriptive was definitely a catch-22 in those scenes.

All in all, I found the book very good but very very dark and I’m not sure if I’d read the next book in this series for that reason. I need more light in my books.