But Not Too Bold

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!

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.

Oh, to be a recently-promoted staff member in a funky mansion falling in love with the ancient spider lady who lives on the top floor...

This novella is a delightfully eerie sapphic Gothic romance. It reads like a fairy tale. The atmosphere is a bit macabre but still almost cozy, the language is beautiful, and the relationship is compelling. For a monstrous humanoid spider who has eaten all of her previous brides, Anatema has no right to be as likable as she is. I can still feel her voice reverberating in my head. I guess I like spiders now?