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As the year wraps up, I can confidently say that Anathema is my favourite book of 2024, surpassing even Powerless and Quicksilver. Despite my initial unfamiliarity with gothic themes, and admittedly finding the first 30% unsettling, I was completely hooked. The story’s intricate plot and deeply engaging characters pulled me in and wouldn’t let go.
At first, the gothic atmosphere was challenging, with its dark, eerie setting and unsettling descriptions. However, the storyline’s mystery and depth compelled me to keep going. I’m so glad I did because the rest of the book was phenomenal. Keri Lake’s writing is both immersive and accessible—despite the included glossary, the world-building felt surprisingly intuitive and easy to follow.
Character Development that Shines
One of the standout aspects of Anathema is the character development. Watching Maeve’s transformation as she uncovers the truth about herself was incredibly satisfying. Equally compelling is Zevander, our morally grey MMC whose tragic backstory adds layers of complexity. Learning about his struggles and witnessing his growth made me appreciate his character even more. He has officially taken the top spot on my list of favourite male characters ever!
A Romance Worth the Wait
The slow-burn romance between Maeve and Zevander was beautifully done. I would say this book has mild spice—there are some explicit scenes, but they aren’t the central focus of the story. Instead, the gradual build-up was essential for these characters to truly grow closer. Watching Zevander trying to deny his feelings was so entertaining; he was so obviously smitten with Maeve that even his sister, Rykaia, saw it and constantly tried to push them together.
There’s a particularly memorable scene toward the end of the book where Zevander and Maeve share a moment of laughter and happiness despite the chaos and danger looming outside. It was such a tender, genuine moment that I wanted to wrap them in a protective bubble and keep them safe. They truly deserved that brief escape from their harrowing reality.
Side Characters that Steal the Show
Rykaia, Zevander’s sister, was another highlight for me. Her unapologetic personality and resilience despite her past made her an unforgettable character. I’m also eager to learn more about Zevander’s Letalisz companions, Torryn and Kazhimyr, in the sequel.
Anticipating Book 2
With book two slated for release in January 2025, I’m counting down the days to see where the story leads. I’m especially looking forward to delving deeper into the dynamics among the Letalisz and learning more about the lingering mysteries from Anathema.