Anathema cover art

Anathema

The Eating Woods, Book 1

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Anathema

By: Keri Lake
Narrated by: James Cassidy, Melissa Barr
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About this listen

From the author of Nocticadia comes a spellbinding gothic dark fantasy about a shunned woman who is forced beyond the mortal realm's forbidden boundary into a terrifying world of cursed souls and grotesque creatures.

Only the banished know what lies beyond the woods...

There are whispers about what lurks in Witch Knell—the forest where sinners go to die. The villagers call it The Eating Woods because what's taken is never given back. Only those who've lost their senses would dare to go near it.

Or the banished.

Maevyth Bronwick knows better than to breach the misty labyrinth of trees, but a tragic turn of events compels her beyond the archway of bones to a boundary no mortal has crossed before. One that cloaks a dark and fantastical world that's as dangerous as it is alluring.

It's there that he dwells, the cursed lord of Eidolon. The one tasked to keep her hidden from the magehood that seeks to crucify her in the name of an arcane prophecy. Zevander Rydainn, known to his prey as The Scorpion, is the coldest, most calculated assassin in all of Aethyria, and he'd sooner toss his feisty ward to a pack of vicious fyredrakes than keep her safe.

If only he could.

Maevyth's blood is the key to breaking his despised curse and vanquishing the slumbering evil in Witch Knell. Unfortunately for Lord Rydainn, fate has other plans for the irresistible little enchantress. And his growing obsession with her threatens to destroy everything.

Including himself.

Anathema is a full-length gothic dark fantasy and the first book in The Eating Woods series. Perfect for listeners who enjoy a plot-heavy and atmospheric story with a unique magic system, a slow-burn romance, and a touch of horror.

Contains mature content. A complete list of content warnings can be found on the author's website.

Narrated in duet style.

©2024 Keri Lake (P)2025 Podium Audio
Dark Fantasy Fantasy Gothic Horror Magic Users Witchcraft

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All stars
Most relevant  
This book is a 5 star read. I am obsessed with the story, world and characters! I need book 2 asap :) duet narration with fantastic voice actors. I will be recommending this book to everyone!!!!

Fantasy romance I can’t stop thinking about.

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I want to live inside James Cassidy's voice. Phenominal performance and narration from both narrators 🔥

I want to live inside James Cassidy's voice. Phenominal 🔥

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Good story but found it very slow to start off with. Over time it gets better. Love the gothic vibes and slow burn. Keen for the second book.

Great Gothic Romance

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This is the best book I have read in a long while. That’s it! So dark mysterious and the characters are really well written. Can’t wait for the next one.

Soooo good

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This book is amazing! Wow! Gutted that I have to wait for the next one! Loved Maevyth learning about her new powers, & all the relationships. Zevander and his siblings. The narration was brilliant as well!

omg! 🤩

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This Narration is honestly one of the best I’ve ever heard, they were both absolutely phenomenal. Such talent!

Outstanding Narrators

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Dark and enchanting!

Keri absolutely blows me away with every new book she writes.

The narrator’s were absolutely spot on for this. Loved the dual narration.

I am in awe of this world and its characters and creatures, Keri’s had me so invested in this story, I did not want this first book to end.

This is so well written, even with it being an unknown world with mortals, immortals and new creatures to learn, I’ve found it’s come easy to pick up meanings, as she’s explained it so well when needed. I am so down for more of this kind of story telling, I’ve lived and loved it from start to end.

Maevyth and Zevanders story is a slow burn, but that’s exactly what is needed to ensure the back story and history’s are told, it’s building the bigger picture. But oh man when they are brought together, as much as he wants to deny any feeling, it’s to overwhelming for them both.

Lots of heartache and heartbreak in this one, some back story’s are emotional and devastating.

Maevyth has so much to learn about what she is and what her purpose is, there is still so much we don’t know and I’m so excited to be on this journey to find out.

The final book can’t come quick enough.

Lots of fantastic characters within this and I do hope Keri decides to spend more time in this world once this book is finish, assuming we have said characters left…..I think we will be left wanting more of this world 😏

Dark and enchanting!

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Absolutely my type of listening pleasure. Geeeesusss… Mary, Joseph & the donkey— that was so good.

After Nocticadia this author just gets better & better. Her slow burns latterly is absolutely fire 🔥.
Her plot driven stories & amazing characters is a thing of beauty. And her hero & heroine leaves one breathless.

Darn Right! I’ll recommend this book. All day every day.

All the twinkles in the night sky… because it has everything one desires.
Fantastic story plot. ✔️
A morally Grey Hero. ✔️
A too cute Heroine. ✔️
Amazing secondary characters. ✔️
Suspense ✔️
Very dark.✔️
With a bite on the horror ✔️
Romantasy ✔️
Delicious Slow Burn- very believable. ✔️
Magic, witches, mages & very oppressive misogyny believe systems. ✔️
And… last but not least- “Dragon Kind” and all manner of mythical & gory creatures. All in one unbelievable plot. ✔️

It doesn’t get any better.

Hellloooooooo 🫶🏽💕

Ps; Not to forget to mention ever!!! The amazing (duet) narrations made this already fantastic story … Extraordinary. (just saying) grinning !
Ciao. Xoxo

Omg 😍

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Very entertaining, great narration, thoroughly enjoyed it but it felt like it was missing something when it comes to the story. The book started off amazing, then gradually lost steam as it neared the end. Character development was somewhat lacking. Still enjoyed it though!

Really good overall

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This was a captivating read the back and forth between the FMC and the MMC made me laugh out loud the world building really built up the story in my head I can not wait until book two.

I loved the world building and character development.

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