1 / 2Anathema (Deluxe Edition) by Keri Lake
Anathema (Deluxe Edition) by Keri Lake is the first book in The Eating Woods, a gothic dark fantasy featuring a cursed forest, an immortal assassin and a slow-burn romance. The listing describes designed edges and a plot-heavy story with a touch of horror.
At a glance
- First book in The Eating Woods series.
- The story follows Maevyth Bronwick into the cursed Witch Knell, where she meets Zevander Rydainn, an immortal assassin bound to a dark prophecy.
- The listing describes the book as plot-heavy and atmospheric, with a unique magic system, slow-burn romance and a touch of horror.
- This deluxe edition is described as having designed edges.
Reference price: $44.99
Price checked: Nov 12, 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- Designed edges give this edition a stated visual detail beyond the story itself.
- The 624-page length offers a substantial fantasy read, and the publisher positions it as the opening of a series.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Publisher | Sourcebooks |
|---|---|
| Publication date | Sept. 23 2025 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 624 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1464261164 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1464261169 |
| Dimensions | 15.88 x 4.6 x 23.5 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 885 g |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers looking for gothic dark fantasy with an atmospheric setting and a touch of horror.
- Readers interested in a slow-burn romance alongside plot-heavy fantasy and a distinctive magic system.
- Collectors who value designed edges in a deluxe edition.
Less suited to
- Readers who prefer fast-moving romance, since customer feedback is mixed on the slow-burn pacing.
- Readers seeking a standalone story, as this is identified as the first book in The Eating Woods.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
56% 56% - 4 stars
34% 34% - 3 stars
9% 9% - 2 stars
1% 1% - 1 star
0% 0%
Customer feedback describes the story as engaging, with particular praise for its characters, world-building and descriptive writing. Readers also report being drawn into the setting and looking forward to the next instalment. Pacing is a trade-off: some find the slow burn very slow, which may matter to readers expecting a quicker-moving romance. Aggregate ratings lean positive, but ratings alone do not explain individual reactions.
Positive themes
- Readers praise the engaging story, characters, world-building and descriptive writing.
- Some readers say the story left them anticipating the next instalment.
Mixed feedback
- Opinions differ on pacing, with some readers finding the slow burn very slow.
Frequently asked questions
Is Anathema part of a series?
Yes. The listing identifies it as the first book in The Eating Woods.
What kind of story is Anathema?
It is presented as gothic dark fantasy with an atmospheric setting, a unique magic system, slow-burn romance and a touch of horror.
Does the deluxe edition have designed edges?
The listing describes this limited deluxe edition as including designed edges.
How long is the book?
The listed print length is 624 pages.
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