This was riveting and very beautifully written.

I loved just about everything about this book. I loved the plot and how well balanced it was, it was neither too big or too small, too overly complicated, and it was well paced and balanced with all the other threads in the novel.

I loved the setting, Clipstone is really good at setting the scenes. The imagery is so vivid. The isolated nature of the houses, the cave, and the lush scenery made for a really transportive read. I felt like I was there, or like I’ve been there before.

I loved the characters! I did like the romance too, but I did find the relationship between the three of them a little weird. While nothing happened between the siblings, it was strictly Lark involved with them both, I couldn’t help but find it a little weird.

I wish we got a little more fleshing out of Larks relationship with her brothers, with Therion, and we re-visited her time at school a bit more (I was particularly hoping some characters would get their comeuppance at the end). While the latter was more of a desire of mine, I think the former two would have given the book more emotional stakes and depth. It was so sad we had all these God(s), yet hardly even got to explore it at all!

Overall though, this book surprised me and I really did like it.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review!

3 Stars!

I really enjoyed the atmospheric writing, Verse felt so dreamy and I could really picture the beautiful scenery which I usually struggle with. I loved the idea of a polyamorous relationship as I haven't read about that before. To me it was a little odd that it was with siblings (nothing happens between them).

The concept was really intriguing however it did miss the mark for me. I wasn't invested or feel connected to the romance, especially with Camille, to me it felt forced. To me, none of the relationships were fully fleshed out.

I wanted more from Therion, I was so excited about Lark going to his world and when that fell through I was a bit disappointed.

Overall, it was a fun time and I really enjoyed Clipstone's writing. I would be interested to see what she comes out with next.

This is tough for me to rate and talk about because on the one hand I was really intrigued by the premise and at times found the story to be compelling and beautiful, but unfortunately most of the time I was just bored. I found the character’s actions and motivations to be inconsistent and didn’t really feel any chemistry between the MC and either of the love interests. A lot of plot points felt unbelievable and super overdramatic which really took me out of the story overall. It’s a shame because I wanted to love this but unfortunately I think it just wasn’t meant for me.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an eARC of Tenderly, I Am Devoured by Lyndall Clipstone.

To save her family’s salt mine, Lark makes a desperate pact with a chthonic god, agreeing to become his bride. But as ancient forces stir and secrets rise, her once-close schoolmates—Alastair and Camille Felimath—return, colliding with the unraveling threads of Lark’s already fragile life.

Tenderly, I Am Devoured is a salt-soaked, emotional YA folk-horror fantasy that drips with atmosphere. The tone is haunting and ethereal, with unsettling chthonic elements that evoke an eerie, otherworldly dread. Clipstone has a talent for crafting environments that are both lush and deeply isolating—perfectly suiting the story’s haunting themes.

Lark’s complex relationships with both Alastair and Camille were beautifully written. Though never directly addressed, the bisexual and polyamorous representation felt seamlessly woven into the fairytale-like narrative, adding depth to the emotional stakes and enhancing the dreamlike tone of the novel.

The world, while fantasy-adjacent, grounds its magic in mythic, folkloric roots that feel ancient and strange in all the right ways. The folk-horror elements stand out the most—delivering a story that feels like it’s always just on the edge of unraveling.

Fans of Saltburn, A Study in Drowning, and Midsommar will find something to love in this dark, lyrical tale. Tenderly, I Am Devoured is a standout addition to the folk horror genre and a gripping, shadowy read for YA audiences looking for something more unsettling and emotionally charged.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC.

It felt like Clipstone saw the winter version of me and said, “Here’s this yearning, light, gothic romance for your summer.” And I absolutely adored it.

Tenderly, I am Devoured is laced with folklore and longing. The prose is lyrical and slow, like being gently pulled under a calm body of water. The romantic dynamic was tender and taboo, but it never felt forced—just honest and aching.

Lark (Lacrimosa) our fmc is a soft albeit wild character. She is caught between who she was and who she’s becoming. Her grief, love, and betrayal are all tangled up, and it’s only when she lets herself feel it all that she starts to surface.

The ending was beautiful, and this whole book was haunting, and exactly what I needed. I could see myself sat at a lake with some elderflower fizz, reading this book.

Overall 4.5 star!

Tenderly I Am Devoured was such an enchanting read. I adored the writing style that instantly entrapped me in the tale and wouldn’t let go. The plot and pacing were fantastic and unique but what really stood out for me was the characters. I quickly became attached to them and their stories. Lavishly written and beautifully executed this is a wonderful gothic romance that I think any reader, despite their favoured genre will enjoy reading.
As always thank you to Bonnier Books for the advanced copy to review, my reviews are always honest and freely given.

Okay so I really dislike doing this but I’m going to have to DNF at 50%.

I read through quite a lot of other early reviews, both positive and negative, and ultimately decided that I agree with essentially all the negative reviews & there’s not much point in me continuing this read because it seems unlikely that my opinion will change. Having also read some spoilers, I know for a fact that I wouldn’t have liked the way the storyline went anyway so I don’t feel like I’ve missed out on anything.

Anyways - my main takeaways are that the book itself, versus the blurb & the way the book is advertised, are completely different. I didn’t get any horror at all.

About 15% through I got so excited thinking this would be an amazing read but it kind of went downhill from there. The whole idea of Lark marrying a god happened way too early on in the book and from then on it felt like it just focused on this (what I later learned through spoilers) weird incestual trio. Just not my vibe.

Nonetheless thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book really is once of a kind, from the dark, mysterious and hopefully vibes all the way to the unlikely of romances.

This book may not be for everything, but I really enjoyed it. The book was unique to all the other books I have read. The writing was so poetic and really lulled me into reading, especially with the worldbuilding and romance, to me it felt like a lake on a foggy morning.

Lark is full of love whether that’s for her brothers, her god or her childhood best friends Alastair and Camille. I loved how with everything she has gone through she still loves and still will do anything for them.

The chemistry between Lark and without spoiling it current her female lover wasn’t really there, maybe it’s because that character didn’t have a lot of time with her in the flashbacks and before they got together so she felt underdeveloped and just there for Lark.

The first 50% is really slow, but then it does pick up. That being said there were times where it was rushed. Some of the flashbacks I felt were fillers and didn’t add to the story.

Tenderly, I Am Devoured is a gothic horror-romance that follows Lark, a girl that grew up in a chthonic religion, after she is expelled from her arts school. When she arrives home, she discovers that her family's salt mine is struggling and they are destitute. In desperation she offers herself as a bride to her religion's swan-god, but the betrothal goes awry and she is forced to seek help from her family's rivals.

I loved the world building and thought that the religious system was especially well done. I really enjoyed learning more about it through Lark's love for art. It also tied into the horror elements really well and was very atmospheric.

It took me a little while to get into the book, but once it hooked me in I was really invested. I think this is largely due to the writing style. I think there is a fine line between prose being beautifully crafted and evocative and it being overdone, and I unfortunately found that this book is a touch heavy-handed with the flowery prose. That being said, I don't think it's unreadable by any means and I still had a good time reading it.

I enjoyed the flashbacks between “then” and “now” as a way to understand Lark's life and how she got to where she is at the time the book starts. One thing I will note is that the “now” chapters are written in present tense, which I personally dislike in novels. However, I do recognise this is personal preference and may not be a deal breaker for all readers.

The romance in this book is an MFF relationship and while I did enjoy it, I found myself wishing there was a bit more relationship development between the characters. While the relationships were believable, I think they would have benefitted from more build up/tension in the beginning. Another important thing to add is that the relationship could be considered borderline-taboo. Lark is romantically involved with siblings (a brother and sister). While the siblings are never romantically involved and the romantic scenes between them and Lark take place one-on-one and not as a trio, I can see how some individuals might find the relationship off-putting. It personally did not bother me, but it is something to be aware of.

Overall, Tenderly, I Am Devoured was an enjoyable read. While I don't think the book is the best the horror romance genre has to offer, I did enjoy it and would recommend it.

A unique gothic romance that will keep you glued to the pages!!

I'll admit, I was hesitant to start because I've not read anything by this author before, the blurb intrigued me and I'm a huge gothic lover so I thought I'd give it a go..................I'm so glad I did ♥️

Lyndall's writing is beautifully poetic, the attention to detail is fantastic, this book was a pleasure to read!

I really, really enjoyed Tenderly I am Devoured, in a book world full of alot of the same tropes and storylines this book was a breath of fresh air , I'm looking forward to reading more from this author!

ITenderly, I Am Devoured is a hauntingly beautiful novel that will pull you into its richly atmospheric world from the very first page.

Lyndall Clipstone’s lyrical writing vividly evokes the wild coastal setting imagine the scent of sea spray, the salty breeze, and the mist curling around ancient stones. The atmosphere is thick with tension and dark secrets, creating a backdrop that feels as alive as the characters themselves.

At the heart of the story is Lacrimosa, a young woman returned home under difficult circumstances, facing family struggles and the shadows of her past. Her journey woven with themes of sacrifice, identity, and love is both tender and fraught, exploring emotional depths rarely captured so beautifully. The relationships she navigates are complex and nuanced, bringing an intoxicating mix of heartbreak, healing, and fierce devotion.

The novel’s pace leans into a slow-burn unfolding, allowing the world-building and folklore to sink deep. Overall, Tenderly, I Am Devoured is a gorgeously written, gothic fairy tale that melds horror, romance, and folklore with exquisite craft. It’s a richly immersive read that will haunt you, captivate you, and stay with you.

A gorgeous salt-soaked fantasy with the dreamiest vibes.

Clipstone writes like a poet, I was absolutely drooling at some of the descriptions in this book. The whole thing felt like some glorious daydream that I never wanted to end.

When I saw sapphic romance, I was interested, when I was chthonic gods, I was obsessed and by the time I saw polyamourous relationship, I was frothing at the mouth for this book.

If you like gothic romantasy that swerves every single trope and stereotype, and dreamy, whismigoth vibes then you will adore this book.

10/10 no notes, read it now.

Wow! What makes this book great is its stunning, atmospheric writing that perfectly balances gothic romance with folk horror. Clipstone crafts a world that feels both haunting and intoxicating, drawing you in with a sense of mystery and dark beauty that lingers long after you finish. The emotional depth is incredible - this isn't just a spooky story, but a richly layered exploration of love in its many forms, particularly within a polyamorous and bisexual relationship that feels authentic and nuanced. The characters are complex and flawed, which makes their desires, conflicts and connections all the more compelling. What sets it apart is how it challenges and expands traditional gothic tropes, blending horror with deep emotional resonance and identity exploration. It is a rare book that feels both unsettling and tender, making it a truly memorable read.

A atmospheric, moody gothic romance with queer characters and a hauntingly beautiful plot line.

This was incredle. I was fully swept into the story and it really hit hard.
I did find some bits hard to read due to personal triggers so I definitely recommend looking those up to begin with.

I cant describe the way this book impacted me, it was beyond words. The plot and characters were both captivating and interesting.

Highly recommend.

I’m so here for this Gothic lit summer renaissance we’re having, and this was such a prime example. As our heroine Lark is expelled from school, losing her dream life to be sent home to her family’s struggling salt mine, she’s forced to confront everything she wanted to leave behind. Like Alastair, her former best friend to whom her family is massively in debt, and his alluring sister Camille who’s been exiled to boarding school. The only way to fix all her family’s problems is to betroth herself to a cthonic god, but when the ritual doesn’t go exactly as planned, she must reunite with the Felimath siblings to try and expel the dark presence now invading her life. It was lovely to see a Gothic heroine who retains her softness while still possessing so much agency, knowing exactly what she wants and willing to do whatever it takes to get it. I also found it very refreshing how Lark’s sexuality (and that of other characters, of whom the large majority are queer) was a natural and unimportant part of the story. Our love interests (two, and not in a love triangle, but a polycule!) perfectly complimented each other, Alastair’s practised stoicism against Camille’s carefree warmth, both bringing out the best in Lark in their own different ways. But my favourite aspect was the darkly rich atmosphere created through Clipstone’s expert prose and immersive worldbuilding, and it was that which really led me to tenderly devour this book.

It’s safe to say that I’m absolutely obsessed with this book and I can’t wait for its release, so that I can get my hands on a physical copy. I’ve never wanted to annotate a book as much as I want to with this one.

I requested this book without seeing this cover because I love Lyndall Clipstone's other works and I loved it so much. The cover is stunning. As for the story, the author's writing style is so captivating, with lyrical and vivid descriptions. The characters are also well developed and I loved every moment of the story. Tenderly, I Am Devoured is the perfect gothic romantasy for me, and I highly recommend it to everyone. Thanks to NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I'll post my review closer to the publication date.

DNF at 30%.

This just fell flat for me. The characters had no depth to them, the plot wasn't there and it just read like someone trying to cash in on the romantasy boom to me.

Such an unusual read and quite other worldly. Rather an ambitious plot line with some interesting sections but not necessarily for me. Great concept but not executed as well as I needed as I easily got confused.

4.8/5

✧ F/f/m polyamory relationship
✧ Dark academia
✧ Light gothic
✧ Betrothed to god
✧ Folklore

It reminds me of "A Study in Drowning", because of its light gothic fiction and a bit of a sea. And of course, my favourite type of tender feverish dream. Atmosphere in this book gives a bit of melancholic imagery, with threads of romance.

Self-sacrifice
This is an incredibly central theme in this book, and sometimes it's literal. Loyalty to family or significant others, daddy issues (Hello, Alistair). Each of them made their own sacrifice that had consequences.

Heartbreak
Actually, there are quite a few in this book, for different reasons, for different people. And both of them are completely different, some of them to protect, some of them... to gain their own benefit. And it's truly heartbreaking when people who are important to you stab you in the heart with words or actions, for any of the reasons.

Polyamorous Relationships
Yes, yes and yes. I love the representation of polyamorous relationships in books, and it's incredibly rare to see young people in such relationships. They all seem painfully tender. Camilla, Lark and Alistair were incredible together and complemented each other. Their actions were sweet and innocent. As a polyamorous person, I wish there were more books like this.

P.S. And one more little detail I noticed: "Neriad" is a bit reminiscent of "Iliad", or I'm just too fixated on TSH, which... is most likely true.