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Fallow Creek #3
The Binding Season
Cassandra Reilly has faced monsters and devastating losses. Now she’s overcome death itself, completing the rite to become the Witch of Fallow Creek.
It’s a shame it didn’t work.
Cass has survived the rite, but with an unexpected she can’t control her magic. Haunted by ghosts and struggling with her damaged family, she already has enough to deal with when a body is found in the woods, and the local Fae task her with tracking down the killer.
But this murder is more than it seems. Power never comes unchallenged, and not everyone is happy about the new Witch.
This challenge might be more than Cass can handle.
Content warnings can be found on the author's website.
It’s a shame it didn’t work.
Cass has survived the rite, but with an unexpected she can’t control her magic. Haunted by ghosts and struggling with her damaged family, she already has enough to deal with when a body is found in the woods, and the local Fae task her with tracking down the killer.
But this murder is more than it seems. Power never comes unchallenged, and not everyone is happy about the new Witch.
This challenge might be more than Cass can handle.
Content warnings can be found on the author's website.
383 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2023
4 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
Claudia Cain
7 books71 followersClaudia Cain is the author of the Silver and Bone trilogy and the Fallow Creek series. She currently lives in New Zealand, and when not writing stories full of magic and monsters, she can usually be found reading them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 30, 2024
This is the third book in the series and to me…each one keeps getting better and better!
I loved the direction The Binding season went. We got a deeper step into the land of fae….the kind of fae I enjoy — as our main characters must fight against a rising evil growing in the woods.
Tensions are as high as ever and our characters still haven’t recovered from the trauma of the last two books. The family dynamic is very realistic, especially for siblings who are more honest than we’d like them to be.
This is the most romantic of the series and I can’t say I’m mad about it. I had to re read a few paragraphs because they were truly so lovely and pure and I ADORE this patient and kind love interest!! I love that even though this isn’t a romance focused the slow build was authentic to the characters and has been so worth it.
If you like witches, curses, horror elements, the fight against evil, a touch of romance and raw family dynamics then you need to pick up this series! I binge these books so quickly and I am generally a slower reader. I am so excited for the upcoming final book in the series!
*this book has moderate strong language, and just kissing. Some graphic horror violence elements as well but with a beautifully horrific way of writing them.
I loved the direction The Binding season went. We got a deeper step into the land of fae….the kind of fae I enjoy — as our main characters must fight against a rising evil growing in the woods.
Tensions are as high as ever and our characters still haven’t recovered from the trauma of the last two books. The family dynamic is very realistic, especially for siblings who are more honest than we’d like them to be.
This is the most romantic of the series and I can’t say I’m mad about it. I had to re read a few paragraphs because they were truly so lovely and pure and I ADORE this patient and kind love interest!! I love that even though this isn’t a romance focused the slow build was authentic to the characters and has been so worth it.
If you like witches, curses, horror elements, the fight against evil, a touch of romance and raw family dynamics then you need to pick up this series! I binge these books so quickly and I am generally a slower reader. I am so excited for the upcoming final book in the series!
*this book has moderate strong language, and just kissing. Some graphic horror violence elements as well but with a beautifully horrific way of writing them.
November 29, 2023
How does this series not have more exposure?! Y'ALL!!! I need you to get up in this because it's the exact witch/fae combo that delivers the GOODS!
Ok hear me out on this. I LOVE Romantasy! It's the best of both worlds. I do not, however, love when Romantasy books are dominated by the romance, which kind of seems to be a thing as of late. THIS HOWEVER! PLOT! It's Fantasy that is able to spread it's wings while giving you that little tasty taste of witch/fae romance! AND I LOVE IT! There is so much STORY in this series! I mean, I read Book 2 in one sitting. Like, these are unputdownable! And this one holds true to that! Not to put romance-dominated Romantasies down because I do enjoy it from time to time. But this has such good balance!
Plant horror?! Ok I have never read anything with plant horror in it but holy dandelion I am OBSESSED! Henny grab me the Weed-X because these flowers be EATING!!! In the literal sense. How did I not know about this trope before?? I will never look at a rose the same, and honestly not mad about it. Like, the fact that a little stem can instill so much wtf-ness in a book! And this book GOES there with the horrors these plants reap! Again, not at all mad about it!
Now listen, female MC that don't need NO MAN to fight her battles or telling her what to do! Intrigued? You should be :) Because Cass is letting everyone know she IS that bitch! I am SO over the men in fantasy books telling the woman what's best for HER and what she should be doing and when and how and BOY BYE! In this book, Merich lets Cass simply be her. Supports her in her decisions, never stops her from pursuing ideas, let's her fight on equal footing, APPRECIATES HER! Because he knows her worth and what she can do! And I just love everything she can do! Henny he's sitting next to us with his popcorn with that big ol grin on his face saying "that's my girl" as a supportive man should :)
Y'all want another fae daddy, that also wields shadows (though this daddy did it first:)) like another certain shadow wielder I know?? Then please meet my friend Merich :) Omg I LOVE how much we got of Merich in this book! We get all degrees of M daddy in this book: his battle prowess, his sweet little heart, his cleverness, and his weaknesses. Honestly one of my favorite fae characters of all time! He's so fun and witty one minute, and the next his slinging shadow scythes at one unfortunate being, or plant, or spirit, or all the other effed up creatures in Fallow Creek. HAWT!
Also, I love Cain's mic drop moments at the end of each book, aka cliffhanger af! Because they are entirely gag worthy and have you YEARNING for the next book!
Also, do refer to TWs for this one because there are quite a bit!
Ok hear me out on this. I LOVE Romantasy! It's the best of both worlds. I do not, however, love when Romantasy books are dominated by the romance, which kind of seems to be a thing as of late. THIS HOWEVER! PLOT! It's Fantasy that is able to spread it's wings while giving you that little tasty taste of witch/fae romance! AND I LOVE IT! There is so much STORY in this series! I mean, I read Book 2 in one sitting. Like, these are unputdownable! And this one holds true to that! Not to put romance-dominated Romantasies down because I do enjoy it from time to time. But this has such good balance!
Plant horror?! Ok I have never read anything with plant horror in it but holy dandelion I am OBSESSED! Henny grab me the Weed-X because these flowers be EATING!!! In the literal sense. How did I not know about this trope before?? I will never look at a rose the same, and honestly not mad about it. Like, the fact that a little stem can instill so much wtf-ness in a book! And this book GOES there with the horrors these plants reap! Again, not at all mad about it!
Now listen, female MC that don't need NO MAN to fight her battles or telling her what to do! Intrigued? You should be :) Because Cass is letting everyone know she IS that bitch! I am SO over the men in fantasy books telling the woman what's best for HER and what she should be doing and when and how and BOY BYE! In this book, Merich lets Cass simply be her. Supports her in her decisions, never stops her from pursuing ideas, let's her fight on equal footing, APPRECIATES HER! Because he knows her worth and what she can do! And I just love everything she can do! Henny he's sitting next to us with his popcorn with that big ol grin on his face saying "that's my girl" as a supportive man should :)
Y'all want another fae daddy, that also wields shadows (though this daddy did it first:)) like another certain shadow wielder I know?? Then please meet my friend Merich :) Omg I LOVE how much we got of Merich in this book! We get all degrees of M daddy in this book: his battle prowess, his sweet little heart, his cleverness, and his weaknesses. Honestly one of my favorite fae characters of all time! He's so fun and witty one minute, and the next his slinging shadow scythes at one unfortunate being, or plant, or spirit, or all the other effed up creatures in Fallow Creek. HAWT!
Also, I love Cain's mic drop moments at the end of each book, aka cliffhanger af! Because they are entirely gag worthy and have you YEARNING for the next book!
Also, do refer to TWs for this one because there are quite a bit!
November 26, 2023
I think my favorite aspect of Cain's novels is how she never shies away from how grief can change a person—how the act of killing someone can change a person.
Cassandra and her family have been through a lot, and they all cope and fail to cope with it in different ways. There were times when as a reader it could be frustrating, but as a person, it was completely understandable.
I am intrigued by the fae, and I wish we had gotten to know a bit more about them. Merich was lovely as always. His and Cass's relationship and the trust between them really shows in this installment.
The ending was absolutely wild, and I'm curious to see how the family will get passed this new obstacle.
A huge thank you to the author for sending me a copy to review!
Cassandra and her family have been through a lot, and they all cope and fail to cope with it in different ways. There were times when as a reader it could be frustrating, but as a person, it was completely understandable.
I am intrigued by the fae, and I wish we had gotten to know a bit more about them. Merich was lovely as always. His and Cass's relationship and the trust between them really shows in this installment.
The ending was absolutely wild, and I'm curious to see how the family will get passed this new obstacle.
A huge thank you to the author for sending me a copy to review!
July 29, 2025
I don’t even know where to start with this review because I just loved this book so damn much! Cain’s writing and storytelling keeps getting better and better with each book in the series and this one is by far the best one yet. I feel privileged to get an advanced review copy because if I had to wait for the publishing date the wait would just be unbearable. And I’ve felt that way since finishing the first book and this is now the third in the series. This book is by far the darkest and grittiest (and also the most heartbreaking) in the series so far and I absolutely lived for it and devoured each page greedily. I could honestly go on and on about how good this book and this series are but just do yourself a favour a read it yourself!
November 19, 2023
In the Binding Season we find ourselves back at Fallow Creek with our well loved witch Cassandra who is struggling to control her magic and protect the town.
This one felt even darker than the first two books in the series and incorporates elements of botanical horror which I am always here for. Give me all the dark, twisty plant horror. The entire book feels very eerie and has the most incredible dark nature imagery.
I love Merich as a character so I was thrilled to find him to be a strong presence again. Together Merich and Cass are a dream team!
If you enjoy dark fantasy, mysteries and witchy reads then you need to pick this series up!
Thank you so much to the author for gifting me an advance copy of the Binding Season to read and review.
This one felt even darker than the first two books in the series and incorporates elements of botanical horror which I am always here for. Give me all the dark, twisty plant horror. The entire book feels very eerie and has the most incredible dark nature imagery.
I love Merich as a character so I was thrilled to find him to be a strong presence again. Together Merich and Cass are a dream team!
If you enjoy dark fantasy, mysteries and witchy reads then you need to pick this series up!
Thank you so much to the author for gifting me an advance copy of the Binding Season to read and review.
July 22, 2024
Ok, Claudia! How am I supposed to sit with that ending!? And how is every book in this series so damn good?
Cains writing and storytelling never ceases to amaze me. There are few authors that hold my attention in such a vice grip, but every book by Cain is a top read for me. There is just the right amount of horror, magic, and characterization. The world building has been fantastic since book one and is flawlessly executed throughout the entire series.
I loved Merich just as much as the first time I met him in book one. The relationship between him and Cass is swoon worthy, and I can't get enough! Cass is just as badass in this book, but I loved how this book shows how trauma and loss can really take a toll on you in many aspects. But in all honesty, every character has a spot in my heart.
I loved getting to know more about the Fae. They were so interesting and unique in so many ways with interesting gifts. Also, can we talk about Buzz! Can I snuggle him, please!?
This book had me at the edge of my seat. There was so much action and gory horror. Beware the woods! They are much darker and more disturbing than you could ever imagine. My heart was ripped out more than once! 👀 💔
Cain has such a wonderful imagination and is fantastic at describing everything she sees as she's writing. The descriptions are perfectly written, just enough detail without making the story feel bogged down, yet so much that you can visualize everything happening as you read.
So many secrets revealed, new characters and grotesque(ness). I have questions/theories about Cass's father that I need answers to.... Please tell me there is so much more to this story. I don't ever want it to end!
𝑨𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 ★★★★★
Cains writing and storytelling never ceases to amaze me. There are few authors that hold my attention in such a vice grip, but every book by Cain is a top read for me. There is just the right amount of horror, magic, and characterization. The world building has been fantastic since book one and is flawlessly executed throughout the entire series.
I loved Merich just as much as the first time I met him in book one. The relationship between him and Cass is swoon worthy, and I can't get enough! Cass is just as badass in this book, but I loved how this book shows how trauma and loss can really take a toll on you in many aspects. But in all honesty, every character has a spot in my heart.
I loved getting to know more about the Fae. They were so interesting and unique in so many ways with interesting gifts. Also, can we talk about Buzz! Can I snuggle him, please!?
This book had me at the edge of my seat. There was so much action and gory horror. Beware the woods! They are much darker and more disturbing than you could ever imagine. My heart was ripped out more than once! 👀 💔
Cain has such a wonderful imagination and is fantastic at describing everything she sees as she's writing. The descriptions are perfectly written, just enough detail without making the story feel bogged down, yet so much that you can visualize everything happening as you read.
So many secrets revealed, new characters and grotesque(ness). I have questions/theories about Cass's father that I need answers to.... Please tell me there is so much more to this story. I don't ever want it to end!
𝑨𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 ★★★★★
November 3, 2023
The Binding Season by Claudia Cain is the third book in the Fallow Creek series. This might honestly be my favorite book in the series so far, and that's saying a lot because I loved the first two. One of my favorite sub genres this year has been plant horror so I was pleasantly surprised to find so much of it in this book. The author's writing style and clever use of imagery made my skin crawl while I read. This had such eerie and sinister vibes laced into every page. I couldn't get enough! But I think what really made this five stars for me was the healing from trauma arc Cass has. I was so worried about Cass after the events of Wicked Walking so it was really refreshing to witness the character growth and healing. And a huge shoutout to Merich for being a sexy and supportive and wonderful. There are so many things I want to say about this book but to avoid spoilers I'll just highly recommend you give this series a try!
Thank you to Claudia Cain for this arc in exchange for an honest review. This book is set to release November 30, 2023!
Thank you to Claudia Cain for this arc in exchange for an honest review. This book is set to release November 30, 2023!
December 2, 2023
Thank you to the author for the gifted eARC!
4.5 stars! Book 3 in the Fallow Creek series does it again! I highly recommend this series for lovers of all things dark and creepy. This book explores the fantasy side of this world with the far playing a larger role, but it still delivers the chills.
The character development in this series is excellent. I love the sibling dynamics (although I do wish they were better at communicating with each other) as they discover dark family secrets and deal with their grief and trauma following the events of the previous book. Cass and Merich’s slow burn relationship is the perfect soft counterbalance to the horrors of Fallow Creek.
I think the story does a great job of balancing multiple plot lines. The twists and action left me reeling, and the cliffhanger ending left me anticipating (and dreading) the next installment.
Blog | Instagram
4.5 stars! Book 3 in the Fallow Creek series does it again! I highly recommend this series for lovers of all things dark and creepy. This book explores the fantasy side of this world with the far playing a larger role, but it still delivers the chills.
The character development in this series is excellent. I love the sibling dynamics (although I do wish they were better at communicating with each other) as they discover dark family secrets and deal with their grief and trauma following the events of the previous book. Cass and Merich’s slow burn relationship is the perfect soft counterbalance to the horrors of Fallow Creek.
I think the story does a great job of balancing multiple plot lines. The twists and action left me reeling, and the cliffhanger ending left me anticipating (and dreading) the next installment.
Blog | Instagram
December 10, 2023
Claudia Cain kindly sent me an ARC for The Binding Season which is the third book set in Fallow Creek.
I started it today, and could barely put it down. I am unsurprised, as I had the same reaction reading the previous two. I feel quite lost now i’ve finished it so quickly, but you know a book is good when you can’t take your eyes away!
I just LOVE how Claudia writes, and tells a story. This series has action, love, emotion, laughter. Its a world that sucks you in, and leaves you routing for the Reilly siblings and Merich.
Cass and Merich are arguably my favourite part. I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing their relationship bloom. Its beautiful to read. I especially loved the link to flowers, and their symbolism. If you know you know 👀!
I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves to read about Witches, the supernatural, loves a family trope and a slow burn. Plus badass characters - this story is not short of those. The addition of Helen was very very welcomed.
Thank you Claudia! ☺️
I started it today, and could barely put it down. I am unsurprised, as I had the same reaction reading the previous two. I feel quite lost now i’ve finished it so quickly, but you know a book is good when you can’t take your eyes away!
I just LOVE how Claudia writes, and tells a story. This series has action, love, emotion, laughter. Its a world that sucks you in, and leaves you routing for the Reilly siblings and Merich.
Cass and Merich are arguably my favourite part. I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing their relationship bloom. Its beautiful to read. I especially loved the link to flowers, and their symbolism. If you know you know 👀!
I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves to read about Witches, the supernatural, loves a family trope and a slow burn. Plus badass characters - this story is not short of those. The addition of Helen was very very welcomed.
Thank you Claudia! ☺️
March 2, 2025
Honestly, maybe it’s the feeling of just finishing the book and reading chapter 31, but I’m so mad. I don’t know why I hated this ending.
Yes, I suppose Elizabeth would have returned at some point in the future, but Pen going behind their backs like that and ruining the wards, betraying them? Hated it.
Yes, Pen was mostly ignored throughout the book and did not take part in the “activities”, but it was done for her protection. I never thought her to be that stupid. Could her siblings have done a better job? Yes. Would she still be an immature teenager? Also yes. But would she believe them if they told her the truth? No.
Honestly, Pen got on my nerves a lot. For almost an 18-year-old she is very childish and annoying. But apart from that, it was a nice and interesting read.
Having that in mind, I liked the book, the whole series actually (until now). Just learned today that there will be a 4th, final book, coming the second part of this year. I will be tapping into that, and definitely recommend the series. It’s underhyped for sure.
Yes, I suppose Elizabeth would have returned at some point in the future, but Pen going behind their backs like that and ruining the wards, betraying them? Hated it.
Yes, Pen was mostly ignored throughout the book and did not take part in the “activities”, but it was done for her protection. I never thought her to be that stupid. Could her siblings have done a better job? Yes. Would she still be an immature teenager? Also yes. But would she believe them if they told her the truth? No.
Honestly, Pen got on my nerves a lot. For almost an 18-year-old she is very childish and annoying. But apart from that, it was a nice and interesting read.
Having that in mind, I liked the book, the whole series actually (until now). Just learned today that there will be a 4th, final book, coming the second part of this year. I will be tapping into that, and definitely recommend the series. It’s underhyped for sure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2025
Loved this series!!! Can't wait for the final book!
August 16, 2025
Fallow Creek series is the perfect series to binge read, now that we are approaching autumn spooky season 😍🍂 It’s been more than a year since I read Wicked Walking and somehow it feels like not much time has past? The story picks up right where it left off and I found myself enjoying the series even more 😏
I loved the tender scenes between Cass & Merich, the tension, fight scenes and the sibling dynamic 🥹 Claudia never fails to deliver an entertaining read and I was desperate to get to the end of the book towards the end! (I stayed up till 1am 🤭) I also need the backstory of all siblings’ fathers please 👀
Claudia is also amazing with endings and cliff hangers! I cannot wait to read the last book in the series!
Lastly, thank you so much Claudia for sending me a review copy for an honest review 🫶🏼
I loved the tender scenes between Cass & Merich, the tension, fight scenes and the sibling dynamic 🥹 Claudia never fails to deliver an entertaining read and I was desperate to get to the end of the book towards the end! (I stayed up till 1am 🤭) I also need the backstory of all siblings’ fathers please 👀
Claudia is also amazing with endings and cliff hangers! I cannot wait to read the last book in the series!
Lastly, thank you so much Claudia for sending me a review copy for an honest review 🫶🏼
November 30, 2023
Thank you to the author for an eARC.
NEW SERIES FAVORITE.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
Y’ALL. THIS BOOK.
This is definitely my new favorite of the series and ohhhh my gosh I loved it so much. My favorite (of course) was how much romantic development I finally got! This slow burn was going to end me and YAYYYYYYYY. Basically my giddy little self this entire book. Merich must be protected at all costs.
I loved this edition and how we got to see a little more of the world and characters in the woods. While focusing on one issue I loved seeing the hints toward the final showdown coming in book four. The complex sibling dynamics are wonderful as always. I love how they protect each other and fight and love and all the things a tight knit family unit does.
This is as gruesome as always (and I’m not even a horror reader, THESE are my exception). The Binding Season is an hidden gem that I need more readers to get their hands on.
Overall audience notes:
- Paranormal / Horror + Romance
- Language: a little
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: mild body horror, near death experiences, blood/gore depiction
NEW SERIES FAVORITE.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
Y’ALL. THIS BOOK.
This is definitely my new favorite of the series and ohhhh my gosh I loved it so much. My favorite (of course) was how much romantic development I finally got! This slow burn was going to end me and YAYYYYYYYY. Basically my giddy little self this entire book. Merich must be protected at all costs.
I loved this edition and how we got to see a little more of the world and characters in the woods. While focusing on one issue I loved seeing the hints toward the final showdown coming in book four. The complex sibling dynamics are wonderful as always. I love how they protect each other and fight and love and all the things a tight knit family unit does.
This is as gruesome as always (and I’m not even a horror reader, THESE are my exception). The Binding Season is an hidden gem that I need more readers to get their hands on.
Overall audience notes:
- Paranormal / Horror + Romance
- Language: a little
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: mild body horror, near death experiences, blood/gore depiction
November 8, 2023
Claudia has done it again. This book is gorgeous and terrifying and simple and complex and no review will do it justice. Cassandra is one of my all-time favorite characters and her growth throughout this book is perhaps the best of the three. I really enjoyed seeing the shifts among the four siblings and learning more about Helen. The presence of the fae was an interesting and exciting change from the first two books, and Cain does a great job of revealing more about their world a little at a time. This story felt like one big disguise, convincing us that we were reading about the hunt for a murderer when we were really discovering the secrets and memories of the past. So, while the quest to stop this installment's "big bad" was exciting, the real journey was the Louisa of it all. And I loved that. Merich continues to be wonderful and sexy and sweet and his relationships with all four siblings is so fun to watch.
Another big cheer for how incredible Cain's writing is. It reads effortlessly while packing an incredible punch at every turn. Reading these books feels like pulling back the layers of your own brain and understanding things that were always there. I will read them again and again and again.
Finally, I want to highlight the trigger warnings. Cain advertises these, but this third book is significantly darker than the last two and parts did take me by surprise. The violence is more graphic and gory. If you are concerned about it, check with someone about which pages to skip!
Another big cheer for how incredible Cain's writing is. It reads effortlessly while packing an incredible punch at every turn. Reading these books feels like pulling back the layers of your own brain and understanding things that were always there. I will read them again and again and again.
Finally, I want to highlight the trigger warnings. Cain advertises these, but this third book is significantly darker than the last two and parts did take me by surprise. The violence is more graphic and gory. If you are concerned about it, check with someone about which pages to skip!
December 15, 2023
THE BINDING SEASON - 5/5 STARS
- Mild spoilers ahead -
I finished Lovely, Dark and Deep in March and Wicked Walking in April and loved both, but there's something about reading this one during the cold and dark of December that added a whole new level of spooky to it. Because damn, Claudia knows how to write horror.
The Binding Season was yet another masterclass of the descriptive writing style I've come to know and love in her works. She draws you in with vivid imagery, making it easy—perhaps a little too easy—to imagine the creepy plants and monsters that play a role in the third instalment of the Fallow Creek series. I flew through this book, constantly gripped by the next series of events, be it an attack, a revelation, or a new bit of lore about the Reilly family.
We once again follow Cass and her siblings, Helen, Theo, and Penn, along with fae Warden (and my favourite character) Merich. In the aftermath of a sea of trauma and grief, they face another mystery, this time involving the fae. As a result, provided more insight into Merich's world, which I found incredibly interesting. We are provided with a look into fae dynamics and learn more about the race, its laws, and its magic—including the length to which it can stretch before it snaps.
And speaking of Merich... If you adore slow-burn romances as much as I do, please do yourself a favour and pick up these books. Cass and Merich are now firmly in my top 5 favourite couples. Their relationship felt real, tangible, and perfectly paced. They complement each other, provide each other the space they need to grow and heal, yet try to keep each other safe without suffocating the other. They are flawed but aware of their flaws and care for each other regardless. I love them so much.
And, as an added bonus, I somehow thought this would be the last book in this series, but I was blissfully wrong. I'm already looking forward to another book about this family of witches because I'm far from done with going on adventures with them—even if Claudia keeps my fear levels at a constant high.
I was given a review copy by the author in exchange for my honest review. This did not influence my opinion.
"The world is hard enough, Cass. You've already lost enough. Don't rob yourself of something good because your guilt tells you to."
- Mild spoilers ahead -
I finished Lovely, Dark and Deep in March and Wicked Walking in April and loved both, but there's something about reading this one during the cold and dark of December that added a whole new level of spooky to it. Because damn, Claudia knows how to write horror.
The Binding Season was yet another masterclass of the descriptive writing style I've come to know and love in her works. She draws you in with vivid imagery, making it easy—perhaps a little too easy—to imagine the creepy plants and monsters that play a role in the third instalment of the Fallow Creek series. I flew through this book, constantly gripped by the next series of events, be it an attack, a revelation, or a new bit of lore about the Reilly family.
We once again follow Cass and her siblings, Helen, Theo, and Penn, along with fae Warden (and my favourite character) Merich. In the aftermath of a sea of trauma and grief, they face another mystery, this time involving the fae. As a result, provided more insight into Merich's world, which I found incredibly interesting. We are provided with a look into fae dynamics and learn more about the race, its laws, and its magic—including the length to which it can stretch before it snaps.
And speaking of Merich... If you adore slow-burn romances as much as I do, please do yourself a favour and pick up these books. Cass and Merich are now firmly in my top 5 favourite couples. Their relationship felt real, tangible, and perfectly paced. They complement each other, provide each other the space they need to grow and heal, yet try to keep each other safe without suffocating the other. They are flawed but aware of their flaws and care for each other regardless. I love them so much.
And, as an added bonus, I somehow thought this would be the last book in this series, but I was blissfully wrong. I'm already looking forward to another book about this family of witches because I'm far from done with going on adventures with them—even if Claudia keeps my fear levels at a constant high.
I was given a review copy by the author in exchange for my honest review. This did not influence my opinion.
November 30, 2023
“Anybody who believes dying is easy has clearly never done it. Or maybe it’s coming back that’s hard.”
Thank you to the author for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
With no more options available to her, Cassandra Reilly performs the rite to become the Witch of Fallow Creek. There’s just one problem—she might not have done it correctly. Her magic is unreliable at best, creating sketchy situations for her and her family. What’s worse, there’s a new danger lurking in the woods, drawing on power they shouldn’t have and threatening everything that Cass holds dear.
The third installment in the Fallow Creek series, The Binding Season takes readers on another wild and haunting ride full of magic, evil creatures and some truly grotesque scenes. It’s full of plant and body horror (and as the author puts it, “sometimes both!”) that had me squirming in my seat and flinching at imagined pain. True to books 1 and 2, The Binding Season is also chock-full of death—Cass and the reader are both haunted by the pain and suffering from the previous novels, and I was particularly scared for the fates of a few characters (we love an author who’s not afraid to ax their favs for funsies, no matter HOW MUCH it hurts).
Beyond the creepy and the crawly, The Binding Season gives us a lot of character growth. Cass is forced to reckon with her decisions and make new ones to protect the ones she loves, but she learns that pushing everyone away isn’t the solution she wants it to be. I loved the closer family dynamic between her, Theo, Helen, Merich and Pen, but more than that, I appreciated how the decisions these characters make actually have consequences in the overarching plot.
Cain does a great job at unraveling mysteries and planting the seeds for plot twists gradually, so nothing feels too out of left field while still being surprising. One of the big revelations in this book had me sitting with my mouth open for a good few seconds. I think this is my favorite of the three so far, and I cannot wait to see what happens next.
If you like horror and fantasy, magical families, a little bit of romance and setting descriptions that make you think “ewwww,” check out the Fallow Creek series!
Thank you to the author for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
With no more options available to her, Cassandra Reilly performs the rite to become the Witch of Fallow Creek. There’s just one problem—she might not have done it correctly. Her magic is unreliable at best, creating sketchy situations for her and her family. What’s worse, there’s a new danger lurking in the woods, drawing on power they shouldn’t have and threatening everything that Cass holds dear.
The third installment in the Fallow Creek series, The Binding Season takes readers on another wild and haunting ride full of magic, evil creatures and some truly grotesque scenes. It’s full of plant and body horror (and as the author puts it, “sometimes both!”) that had me squirming in my seat and flinching at imagined pain. True to books 1 and 2, The Binding Season is also chock-full of death—Cass and the reader are both haunted by the pain and suffering from the previous novels, and I was particularly scared for the fates of a few characters (we love an author who’s not afraid to ax their favs for funsies, no matter HOW MUCH it hurts).
Beyond the creepy and the crawly, The Binding Season gives us a lot of character growth. Cass is forced to reckon with her decisions and make new ones to protect the ones she loves, but she learns that pushing everyone away isn’t the solution she wants it to be. I loved the closer family dynamic between her, Theo, Helen, Merich and Pen, but more than that, I appreciated how the decisions these characters make actually have consequences in the overarching plot.
Cain does a great job at unraveling mysteries and planting the seeds for plot twists gradually, so nothing feels too out of left field while still being surprising. One of the big revelations in this book had me sitting with my mouth open for a good few seconds. I think this is my favorite of the three so far, and I cannot wait to see what happens next.
If you like horror and fantasy, magical families, a little bit of romance and setting descriptions that make you think “ewwww,” check out the Fallow Creek series!
December 7, 2023
I’ve honestly been thinking through this review for the past few days, trying to even sort out where to begin to talk about this incredible book. I’ll start by saying this—it may be my favorite in the series so far, and that means a ton because I am still frequently thinking about the way Claudia ended book one, even two years later.
Claudia is an extremely gifted writer. This series is a dark fantasy/light horror/magical mashup, and it works beautifully. I don’t read scary books except for these (thanks @allysonbar for encouraging me to give these a try). It’s not that they aren’t intense or dark. They definitely are, but Claudia’s writing has a beautiful, ethereal quality to it, and she creates a world and characters that are magical and yet deeply relatable and realistically portrayed.
The Binding Season is part three of the series, and picks up with book 2’s cliffhanger ending. Cass, Merrich, Helen, Theo, and Pen face a new threat, and the twisted magic of one who seeks to usurp the power and position of the Witch. This book is graphically violent, more so than the first two, but even in the worst scenes, I was amazed at how incredibly lush the prose was, and the way Claudia interweaves the twisting of power/nature/order and the breaking of nature itself was absolutely breathtaking.
This book had all of the intensity of the first two, and it dealt with the mental health fallout that would reasonably come after with a great deal of care and grace. The found family aspect of this one, and the exploration of deep guilt, loss, and loneliness come together in an incredibly simple but beautiful way. And somehow, in the midst of all this hardship and violence and trauma and uncertainty, Claudia manages to incorporate laugh-out-loud humor, the sweetest of love stories, and the bond of family in the most organic ways. I laughed out loud, cringed, put the book down, cheered, and had my heart broken over and over in this book, and I absolutely cannot wait to see what magic Claudia weaves in book 4.
Thanks so much @cainbooks for the chance to read this stunning story in exchange for my honest review.
Claudia is an extremely gifted writer. This series is a dark fantasy/light horror/magical mashup, and it works beautifully. I don’t read scary books except for these (thanks @allysonbar for encouraging me to give these a try). It’s not that they aren’t intense or dark. They definitely are, but Claudia’s writing has a beautiful, ethereal quality to it, and she creates a world and characters that are magical and yet deeply relatable and realistically portrayed.
The Binding Season is part three of the series, and picks up with book 2’s cliffhanger ending. Cass, Merrich, Helen, Theo, and Pen face a new threat, and the twisted magic of one who seeks to usurp the power and position of the Witch. This book is graphically violent, more so than the first two, but even in the worst scenes, I was amazed at how incredibly lush the prose was, and the way Claudia interweaves the twisting of power/nature/order and the breaking of nature itself was absolutely breathtaking.
This book had all of the intensity of the first two, and it dealt with the mental health fallout that would reasonably come after with a great deal of care and grace. The found family aspect of this one, and the exploration of deep guilt, loss, and loneliness come together in an incredibly simple but beautiful way. And somehow, in the midst of all this hardship and violence and trauma and uncertainty, Claudia manages to incorporate laugh-out-loud humor, the sweetest of love stories, and the bond of family in the most organic ways. I laughed out loud, cringed, put the book down, cheered, and had my heart broken over and over in this book, and I absolutely cannot wait to see what magic Claudia weaves in book 4.
Thanks so much @cainbooks for the chance to read this stunning story in exchange for my honest review.
November 30, 2023
The Binding Season is book 3 in a dark urban fantasy series set in the small town of Fallows Creek. It has witches, fae, and an eerie dark forest that is honestly a character in and of itself. Laced together with elements of body and plant horror, the fast paced and complex plot will have you grasping the pages with eye wide anticipation.
Honestly, I don't think my words will do it justice! This series and Claudia's writing excel with each new edition, I cannot believe there is not more hype around these books! Bookstagram, you need to get on this right now!!!
The Binding Place is certainly the darker of the three books to date. Death is everywhere. The explications of botanical horror breathe malevolence entwined with haunting beauty, so intensely graphic yet captivating at the same time. I've never read anything quite like it. Claudia has such a unique voice. Her prose and imagery just grab you, pulling you deep into this dark and twisted world that blooms before your eyes.
The slow burn romance between Cass and Merich is building in a way that may feel slow for romantasy lovers, but to me feels just right. Cass has such a heavy weight of responsibility and is still processing the trauma that ripped her world apart at the end of book two. Cass's character development through the series and especially in this book, is what stands out for me. Her grief is all consuming and with her magic of the fritz, she still finds the strength to stand up for herself as The Witch, letting no man (or fae) fight the battle for her.
I also adore the family unit of Cass, Helen, Theo, Pen and now little Buzz 🐇🐝. There is still so much to explore between them as individual characters and the way the book ended gives me hope that we will get a deeper look into the past and Cass's mysterious dark anchors. I felt something was brewing and I am loving the direction it is headed. I anticipate that the 4th book will be a reckoning. 😱
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Happy Pub Day @cainbooks 🥳 What a masterpiece!👏👏 Now the countdown begins for book 4 🕓
.
Honestly, I don't think my words will do it justice! This series and Claudia's writing excel with each new edition, I cannot believe there is not more hype around these books! Bookstagram, you need to get on this right now!!!
The Binding Place is certainly the darker of the three books to date. Death is everywhere. The explications of botanical horror breathe malevolence entwined with haunting beauty, so intensely graphic yet captivating at the same time. I've never read anything quite like it. Claudia has such a unique voice. Her prose and imagery just grab you, pulling you deep into this dark and twisted world that blooms before your eyes.
The slow burn romance between Cass and Merich is building in a way that may feel slow for romantasy lovers, but to me feels just right. Cass has such a heavy weight of responsibility and is still processing the trauma that ripped her world apart at the end of book two. Cass's character development through the series and especially in this book, is what stands out for me. Her grief is all consuming and with her magic of the fritz, she still finds the strength to stand up for herself as The Witch, letting no man (or fae) fight the battle for her.
I also adore the family unit of Cass, Helen, Theo, Pen and now little Buzz 🐇🐝. There is still so much to explore between them as individual characters and the way the book ended gives me hope that we will get a deeper look into the past and Cass's mysterious dark anchors. I felt something was brewing and I am loving the direction it is headed. I anticipate that the 4th book will be a reckoning. 😱
.
Happy Pub Day @cainbooks 🥳 What a masterpiece!👏👏 Now the countdown begins for book 4 🕓
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June 12, 2024
Summary: entertaining and easy read but with infuriating character choices that only serves to further the plot.
Honestly wanted to give the book three stars because of the adventure and endearing characters. The book was an easy read, though much slower than the previous two books.
So why two stars? Why are the characters in this book so bent on keeping secrets and underestimating Pen? it doesn't make sense and the ending that resulted from the cumulation of these choices seem so forced. the author tried to set it up! but i just can't understand the logic of it. And how is Cass so smart but so dense and so selfless but so selfish at the same time? hesitating to kill a ruthless killer who has done everything possible to not only kill her enemies but innocent by standers because Cass just could not deal with being a killer? she did it in the last book to her best friend….but when it comes to this total stranger she could not. was this mean to show her empathy? or perhaps because this time there is a chance of reasoning with the antagonist? how did no one think Elizabeth was alive? from the scene in the woods where Theo wound back time that convenient ends before anyone sees if she survived i already had a hunch. The set up was a bit too convenient. perhaps it made sense from the character's POV to assume she was dead, but from the reader's POV the literary set up was too obvious. and this was only one example. For much of the book I was waiting fir the characters realizations to catch up with me instead of uncovering the mysteries with them as the novel unfolded like for the last two books. the original charm of the earlier books, with its witty characters and interesting deductions are missing.
The book left me exhausted with frustration as to why the characters choose to do what they do. perhaps im the wrong audience if i cannot relate to their choices but it just seems to me like the narrative was just convenient to set up the plot for this novel and the next one.
Honestly wanted to give the book three stars because of the adventure and endearing characters. The book was an easy read, though much slower than the previous two books.
So why two stars? Why are the characters in this book so bent on keeping secrets and underestimating Pen? it doesn't make sense and the ending that resulted from the cumulation of these choices seem so forced. the author tried to set it up! but i just can't understand the logic of it. And how is Cass so smart but so dense and so selfless but so selfish at the same time? hesitating to kill a ruthless killer who has done everything possible to not only kill her enemies but innocent by standers because Cass just could not deal with being a killer? she did it in the last book to her best friend….but when it comes to this total stranger she could not. was this mean to show her empathy? or perhaps because this time there is a chance of reasoning with the antagonist? how did no one think Elizabeth was alive? from the scene in the woods where Theo wound back time that convenient ends before anyone sees if she survived i already had a hunch. The set up was a bit too convenient. perhaps it made sense from the character's POV to assume she was dead, but from the reader's POV the literary set up was too obvious. and this was only one example. For much of the book I was waiting fir the characters realizations to catch up with me instead of uncovering the mysteries with them as the novel unfolded like for the last two books. the original charm of the earlier books, with its witty characters and interesting deductions are missing.
The book left me exhausted with frustration as to why the characters choose to do what they do. perhaps im the wrong audience if i cannot relate to their choices but it just seems to me like the narrative was just convenient to set up the plot for this novel and the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2023
If you are looking for a fantasy read with some dark elements and a bit of a horror twist, then this series is for you! The third book, The Binding Season, is hands down the best one (and the other two was really good).
I'm not sure how she manages to get creepier than the Child, but she did. I adored the subversion and twisting of nature into something terrible. It definitely was an experience!
Claudia's prose is beautiful and weaves the perfect atmosphere for a book about witches, Fae and the dark, creepy things that hide deep in the forest and on the other side of magic doorways.
I loved Cassandra's growth from book one, and her relationship with Merrich, that refreshingly did not feel like a power imbalance so common with these tropes.
I especially love that Cass becoming the Witch didn't magically solve all their problems (and the reason why) and that the emotional trauma wasn't downplayed.
I was happy to finally get some answers to my burning questions. But oh, Claudia tortures you right along with Cass and her siblings, making you pay for these answers. I felt all the anxiety, frustration, rage and desperation right along with our characters!
The sibling dynamics was a perfectly complex mixture of love and resentment and all the emotional burden that fits perfectly with everything they have experienced.
Seeing the Fae was another thing I really loved. They were crafted to be beautiful and terrible, alien and otherworldly and I absoloutely adored the strangeness of these characters.
My only complaint is that I didn't have time to re-read the first two before this one, because you will want to, but that's my failing, not the authors. I do, however, blame Claudia Cain for THAT ENDING and making me want more right now!
I am an ARC reviewer and this is my honest review.
I'm not sure how she manages to get creepier than the Child, but she did. I adored the subversion and twisting of nature into something terrible. It definitely was an experience!
Claudia's prose is beautiful and weaves the perfect atmosphere for a book about witches, Fae and the dark, creepy things that hide deep in the forest and on the other side of magic doorways.
I loved Cassandra's growth from book one, and her relationship with Merrich, that refreshingly did not feel like a power imbalance so common with these tropes.
I especially love that Cass becoming the Witch didn't magically solve all their problems (and the reason why) and that the emotional trauma wasn't downplayed.
I was happy to finally get some answers to my burning questions. But oh, Claudia tortures you right along with Cass and her siblings, making you pay for these answers. I felt all the anxiety, frustration, rage and desperation right along with our characters!
The sibling dynamics was a perfectly complex mixture of love and resentment and all the emotional burden that fits perfectly with everything they have experienced.
Seeing the Fae was another thing I really loved. They were crafted to be beautiful and terrible, alien and otherworldly and I absoloutely adored the strangeness of these characters.
My only complaint is that I didn't have time to re-read the first two before this one, because you will want to, but that's my failing, not the authors. I do, however, blame Claudia Cain for THAT ENDING and making me want more right now!
I am an ARC reviewer and this is my honest review.
November 30, 2023
Actual Rating: 4.5⭐
This book feels different compare to the previous two books, it feels a lot more emotional and the stakes are even higher.
The world building expanding and addition of a couple new characters are a great touch for this series!
Merich and Cassandra along with her siblings face an even more challenging villain that they needed the help from Merrich’s people – the Fae. I wish we get to see more of them as the series progresses.
There’s a lot of time when I feel frustrated with the characters but at the end of it all it was worth it and I get to understand their feelings and why they acted that way.
I really enjoy the character growth of Cassandra as she struggle to defeat the villain while also dealing with the grief and shock of discovering a new dark secret from her past.
Thankfully, there’s Merrich whose always supported Cassandra throughout the story and I absolutely love him. He’s such a badass but can turn into a sweetheart at the same time!
The last few chapters are quite intense with an epic battle of power between the villain and the heroes.
Moreover, that epilogue had me screaming and also scared to know what’s gonna happen next…
Overall, this is a great addition to this series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, a great combination of fantasy and thriller!
I thought this one was gonna be the last in this series, but judging by that epilogue we haven’t seen the last from these characters!
Now I just have to wait patiently until the next book comes out.. I hope it's soon!
I received an advanced review copy for free from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: Violence, death, depictions of injury, significant gore and body horror. Mentions of suicide, and depictions of depression and anxiety.
This book feels different compare to the previous two books, it feels a lot more emotional and the stakes are even higher.
The world building expanding and addition of a couple new characters are a great touch for this series!
Merich and Cassandra along with her siblings face an even more challenging villain that they needed the help from Merrich’s people – the Fae. I wish we get to see more of them as the series progresses.
There’s a lot of time when I feel frustrated with the characters but at the end of it all it was worth it and I get to understand their feelings and why they acted that way.
I really enjoy the character growth of Cassandra as she struggle to defeat the villain while also dealing with the grief and shock of discovering a new dark secret from her past.
Thankfully, there’s Merrich whose always supported Cassandra throughout the story and I absolutely love him. He’s such a badass but can turn into a sweetheart at the same time!
The last few chapters are quite intense with an epic battle of power between the villain and the heroes.
Moreover, that epilogue had me screaming and also scared to know what’s gonna happen next…
Overall, this is a great addition to this series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, a great combination of fantasy and thriller!
I thought this one was gonna be the last in this series, but judging by that epilogue we haven’t seen the last from these characters!
Now I just have to wait patiently until the next book comes out.. I hope it's soon!
I received an advanced review copy for free from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: Violence, death, depictions of injury, significant gore and body horror. Mentions of suicide, and depictions of depression and anxiety.
November 25, 2023
"Anyone who believes dying is easy has clearly never done it. Or maybe it's coming back that's hard."
*A huge thank you to Claudia for a ARC of The Binding Season!! All thoughts and comments are my own.*
OMG!! The Fallow Creek series is back with a bang!! Cain once again ups the ante on the threats to the Reilly family and inhabitants of Fallow Creek. The woods and nature itself becomes the horror at the center of this story. Cain has taken what's beautiful and serene, and made it your worst nightmare.
The Binding Season sees all of the Reilly siblings back together in the house they grew up in. The sibling dynamics are top notch! Their back and forth is so relatable and witty. The plot is fantastic, and the pacing is perfect. The story moves swiftly and keeps you on the tip of your toes! More family secrets are revealed and discovered throughout the story and sets up an absolutely brutal cliffhanger! I loved every single bit of it!!
Cass continues to be one of my favorite female characters. Through in a sarcastic, handsome fae Warden of the Woods, and you get one spectacular relationship! Cass and Merich...SWOON!! Their relationship development over the course of the three books in the series is absolute perfection! Merich is the ULTIMATE book boyfriend! Cass and Merich's banter is the best I've ever read. It makes me laugh and smile every time!
The Binding Season is everything I wanted and more from the next installment in the Fallow Creek series. This is an absolute must read!! If you haven't started the series, get yourself a copy of Lovely, Dark, and Deep and dive right in!!
"It's been years since my siblings and I lived under the same roof. I thought those days were over, but while some people gather for Christmas or Thanksgiving, we reunite when people are murdered."
"Thinking about you is never a waste of my time."
"That's strangely adorable of you."
"I am adorable," he says. "I'm also devastatingly attractive. I multi-task."
"The world is hard enough, Cass," he says gently. "You've already lost enough. Don't rob yourself of something good because your guilt tells you to."
*A huge thank you to Claudia for a ARC of The Binding Season!! All thoughts and comments are my own.*
OMG!! The Fallow Creek series is back with a bang!! Cain once again ups the ante on the threats to the Reilly family and inhabitants of Fallow Creek. The woods and nature itself becomes the horror at the center of this story. Cain has taken what's beautiful and serene, and made it your worst nightmare.
The Binding Season sees all of the Reilly siblings back together in the house they grew up in. The sibling dynamics are top notch! Their back and forth is so relatable and witty. The plot is fantastic, and the pacing is perfect. The story moves swiftly and keeps you on the tip of your toes! More family secrets are revealed and discovered throughout the story and sets up an absolutely brutal cliffhanger! I loved every single bit of it!!
Cass continues to be one of my favorite female characters. Through in a sarcastic, handsome fae Warden of the Woods, and you get one spectacular relationship! Cass and Merich...SWOON!! Their relationship development over the course of the three books in the series is absolute perfection! Merich is the ULTIMATE book boyfriend! Cass and Merich's banter is the best I've ever read. It makes me laugh and smile every time!
The Binding Season is everything I wanted and more from the next installment in the Fallow Creek series. This is an absolute must read!! If you haven't started the series, get yourself a copy of Lovely, Dark, and Deep and dive right in!!
"It's been years since my siblings and I lived under the same roof. I thought those days were over, but while some people gather for Christmas or Thanksgiving, we reunite when people are murdered."
"Thinking about you is never a waste of my time."
"That's strangely adorable of you."
"I am adorable," he says. "I'm also devastatingly attractive. I multi-task."
"The world is hard enough, Cass," he says gently. "You've already lost enough. Don't rob yourself of something good because your guilt tells you to."
November 30, 2023
Review: The Binding Season 📖
THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!
Disturbingly gorgeous and horrifyingly magical. ✨
Claudia Cain writes insanely mesmerizing stories that leave your mind ensnared with her vivid descriptions and make you feel all the things: the good/bad, the creepy, the real, the triumphs, the defeats, EVERYTHING.
This book has been my favorite of the three in the series—though they’re all absolutely brilliant. In this one, we get to see more of the fae world and we get more of the family dynamics of the Reilly siblings—of which there’s never a dull moment.
It has some great banter and funny moments, such as:
“Magic rarely features on the true crime podcasts,” he agrees.
I squint at him. “How do you know what a podcast is?”
“I’m fae, not Amish.”
And can I just say, that for someone who reads and loves fantasy books and looks for worlds that take me far away—I find myself completely content in the setting of these books. It’s set in real time, in a world we could very well live in today, as real and tangible and with every aspect of a normal humans life, but it has all the fantasy aspects: things like the fae, and witches and a magic system that is so believeable you’d almost think it could truly happen in real life. The personal struggles and secrets behind each character just make it that much more wonderfully complex.
I seriously can’t describe how unique this book was—or this series for that matter. The prose is divine. The haunting descriptions gave me literal chills so many times while reading it!
Example: “Flowers bloom in the grass around us, slow as a threat, their petals red as viscera, violet as exposed organs.”
Like WHAT? Ew, but YES! I don’t know how to make it make sense. MAKE IT MAKE SENSE! It’s amazing and I didn’t want to put it down once I started reading it. If you’re looking for a series unlike anything you’ve ever read, please 👏🏼 read 👏🏼 these 👏🏼 books!
Book 1: Lovely, Dark and Deep
Book 2: Wicked Walking
Book 3: The Binding Season
Note there are some trigger warnings for gore, blood, etc.
THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!
Disturbingly gorgeous and horrifyingly magical. ✨
Claudia Cain writes insanely mesmerizing stories that leave your mind ensnared with her vivid descriptions and make you feel all the things: the good/bad, the creepy, the real, the triumphs, the defeats, EVERYTHING.
This book has been my favorite of the three in the series—though they’re all absolutely brilliant. In this one, we get to see more of the fae world and we get more of the family dynamics of the Reilly siblings—of which there’s never a dull moment.
It has some great banter and funny moments, such as:
“Magic rarely features on the true crime podcasts,” he agrees.
I squint at him. “How do you know what a podcast is?”
“I’m fae, not Amish.”
And can I just say, that for someone who reads and loves fantasy books and looks for worlds that take me far away—I find myself completely content in the setting of these books. It’s set in real time, in a world we could very well live in today, as real and tangible and with every aspect of a normal humans life, but it has all the fantasy aspects: things like the fae, and witches and a magic system that is so believeable you’d almost think it could truly happen in real life. The personal struggles and secrets behind each character just make it that much more wonderfully complex.
I seriously can’t describe how unique this book was—or this series for that matter. The prose is divine. The haunting descriptions gave me literal chills so many times while reading it!
Example: “Flowers bloom in the grass around us, slow as a threat, their petals red as viscera, violet as exposed organs.”
Like WHAT? Ew, but YES! I don’t know how to make it make sense. MAKE IT MAKE SENSE! It’s amazing and I didn’t want to put it down once I started reading it. If you’re looking for a series unlike anything you’ve ever read, please 👏🏼 read 👏🏼 these 👏🏼 books!
Book 1: Lovely, Dark and Deep
Book 2: Wicked Walking
Book 3: The Binding Season
Note there are some trigger warnings for gore, blood, etc.
December 14, 2023
The first two books in the Fallow Creek series ruined the woods for me and left me feeling like the darkness outside my windows had eyes. But the third book, The Binding Season, ruined all plant life—mushrooms and exotic flowers especially. In the best way possible, Claudia Cain freaked me out, and I loved it.
There ain't no rest for the wicked, and unfortunately, monsters don't magically disappear—much to Cass's chagrin. Once again, our motley crew of Reilly siblings and Merich get tangled (literally) in unnatural foliage plaguing the forest of Fallow Creek.
I could feel the humidity in this book. Like the last two, Cain's writing proves to be immersive and atmospheric.
I LOVE that ALL the Reilly siblings were in this together. Seeing their relationships play out on each page was fantastic. The sibling banter and familial bonds were just perfect. We get little tidbits of Helen's past, and it gives Buffy Slayer vibes. Helen is a badass, and I secretly hope she gets her own book in the future 👀.
I love how raw Cass's character is. She is moody, angry and doesn't want anything to do with the woods, but she does it all anyway.
Merich. He's practically perfect in every way. Cass and Merich's relationship is dysfunctional and unconventional, but it's absolutely adorable, and I am obsessed.
While the themes in this book are dark and filled with raw emotions of depression and loss, it is broken up with lighthearted commentary and sarcastic remarks. Claudia Cain tackled Cass's trauma from the first two books with expert plotting skills and authentic character arcs.
There ain't no rest for the wicked, and unfortunately, monsters don't magically disappear—much to Cass's chagrin. Once again, our motley crew of Reilly siblings and Merich get tangled (literally) in unnatural foliage plaguing the forest of Fallow Creek.
I could feel the humidity in this book. Like the last two, Cain's writing proves to be immersive and atmospheric.
I LOVE that ALL the Reilly siblings were in this together. Seeing their relationships play out on each page was fantastic. The sibling banter and familial bonds were just perfect. We get little tidbits of Helen's past, and it gives Buffy Slayer vibes. Helen is a badass, and I secretly hope she gets her own book in the future 👀.
I love how raw Cass's character is. She is moody, angry and doesn't want anything to do with the woods, but she does it all anyway.
Merich. He's practically perfect in every way. Cass and Merich's relationship is dysfunctional and unconventional, but it's absolutely adorable, and I am obsessed.
While the themes in this book are dark and filled with raw emotions of depression and loss, it is broken up with lighthearted commentary and sarcastic remarks. Claudia Cain tackled Cass's trauma from the first two books with expert plotting skills and authentic character arcs.
December 17, 2023
“I can’t deny it. I can be as afraid of it as I want, paralyzed by it, but I can’t pretend the feeling isn’t there, growing through me like a vine, until the idea of losing him is world-ending. I can’t pretend I’m not in love.”
Cain delivers another exquisitely haunting nightmare of a book with The Binding Season. I was equal parts terrified and intrigued flipping every page faster than the last. With Cain’s writing, you anticipate the horror, but you’re still not quite ready for the vivid, goosebump-inducing, skin-crawling detail that will have you up all night. The Binding season follows Cassandra, now The Witch of Fallow Creek, through her trials and tribulations as she navigates her newfound power and how to control it. The family drama and unveiling of secrets continue as Cassandra, and her siblings unearth more lies about their past and fight against a new enemy, even more horrifying than the last. The Binding Season dives even deeper into the romance between Cassandra and the Fae warden Merich, who has gotten even more swoon-worthy; I am in love with their relationship and how it evolves into something even more meaningful in this book. Cain is the master of creating eerie monsters, hair-raising fight scenes, and heartbreaking character development. If you loved the first two books, you will love The Binding Season even more; it’s darker and far more intense, with an ending that will have you begging for the next.
Thank you to Claudia Cain for the chance to read and review an arc.
Cain delivers another exquisitely haunting nightmare of a book with The Binding Season. I was equal parts terrified and intrigued flipping every page faster than the last. With Cain’s writing, you anticipate the horror, but you’re still not quite ready for the vivid, goosebump-inducing, skin-crawling detail that will have you up all night. The Binding season follows Cassandra, now The Witch of Fallow Creek, through her trials and tribulations as she navigates her newfound power and how to control it. The family drama and unveiling of secrets continue as Cassandra, and her siblings unearth more lies about their past and fight against a new enemy, even more horrifying than the last. The Binding Season dives even deeper into the romance between Cassandra and the Fae warden Merich, who has gotten even more swoon-worthy; I am in love with their relationship and how it evolves into something even more meaningful in this book. Cain is the master of creating eerie monsters, hair-raising fight scenes, and heartbreaking character development. If you loved the first two books, you will love The Binding Season even more; it’s darker and far more intense, with an ending that will have you begging for the next.
Thank you to Claudia Cain for the chance to read and review an arc.
August 19, 2024
“𝐼 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑝 𝑎 𝑘𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑟. 𝐴 𝑘𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑟 𝑐𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑢𝑚𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑖𝑛���� 𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑝𝑠𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑜 𝑎 𝑏𝑒𝑒ℎ𝑖𝑣𝑒.”
The lyrical writing, atmospheric prose, immense plot & complex characters have grown on me much like the monstrous plants in this book to their prey. Claudia has once again given us a brilliantly haunting novel filled with vivid nightmarish imagery, dark magic & a twist of wicked spooky ✨🌲
“𝐼 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑝 𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑎 𝑓𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑛 𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑐ℎ, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼 𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑖𝑡 𝑡𝑤𝑖𝑡𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑠, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑠𝑛𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑠. 𝑂𝑣𝑒𝑟ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑠 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ℎ𝑖𝑠𝑠.”
This in intricate magic system grows like venomous vines as you weave your way through the series. It unfolds like poisoned petals in a terrifying & infatuating manner that you’re simply entranced to keep reading in order to fully grasp it. Vile Spirits that morph into a form they see fit - becoming flesh & bone? Genius! I loved all the marvellous yet grotesque creatures we met from this!
My favourite character is the vile spirit known as the bumblebeeXbunny ‘buzz’ & nothing will change my mind 🐰🐝
🥀𝐷𝑎𝑟𝑘 𝑓𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑠𝑦 𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠 (𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘3）
🌲𝐶𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒𝑠 ＆ 𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑘 𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑖𝑐
🥀𝑃𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑔𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑋 ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟
🌲𝑆𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑏𝑢𝑟𝑛 𝑟𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑠𝑢𝑏𝑝𝑙𝑜𝑡
🥀𝐹𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑖𝑡𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑠
🌲𝑊𝑖𝑡𝑐ℎ 𝐹𝑀𝐶 𝑥 𝐹𝑎𝑒 𝑀𝑀𝐶
🥀“𝑭𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒔 ＆ 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒔 ＆ 𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒓”
🌲𝑉𝑖𝑙𝑒 𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑟𝑖𝑡 𝑝𝑒𝑡
“𝐼𝑣𝑦 𝑖𝑛 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑓𝑙𝑒𝑠ℎ, 𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑖𝑛 ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑒. 𝑊ℎ𝑜 𝑑𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑠𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑜?”
I have adored getting to be apart of the ARC reads for the fallows creek series! I’m always recommending it as I genuinely love these books & believe it’s perfect for those after an atmospheric cozy, yet dark & eerie mystery-to-solve plot with a sweet slow burn (subplot).
I cannot wait for book 4!! 😻🍂
The lyrical writing, atmospheric prose, immense plot & complex characters have grown on me much like the monstrous plants in this book to their prey. Claudia has once again given us a brilliantly haunting novel filled with vivid nightmarish imagery, dark magic & a twist of wicked spooky ✨🌲
“𝐼 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑝 𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑎 𝑓𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑛 𝑏𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑐ℎ, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼 𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝑖𝑡 𝑡𝑤𝑖𝑡𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑠, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑤𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑠𝑛𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑠. 𝑂𝑣𝑒𝑟ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑟𝑠 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ℎ𝑖𝑠𝑠.”
This in intricate magic system grows like venomous vines as you weave your way through the series. It unfolds like poisoned petals in a terrifying & infatuating manner that you’re simply entranced to keep reading in order to fully grasp it. Vile Spirits that morph into a form they see fit - becoming flesh & bone? Genius! I loved all the marvellous yet grotesque creatures we met from this!
My favourite character is the vile spirit known as the bumblebeeXbunny ‘buzz’ & nothing will change my mind 🐰🐝
🥀𝐷𝑎𝑟𝑘 𝑓𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑠𝑦 𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠 (𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘3）
🌲𝐶𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒𝑠 ＆ 𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑘 𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑖𝑐
🥀𝑃𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑔𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑋 ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟
🌲𝑆𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑏𝑢𝑟𝑛 𝑟𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑠𝑢𝑏𝑝𝑙𝑜𝑡
🥀𝐹𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑖𝑡𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑠
🌲𝑊𝑖𝑡𝑐ℎ 𝐹𝑀𝐶 𝑥 𝐹𝑎𝑒 𝑀𝑀𝐶
🥀“𝑭𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒔 ＆ 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒔 ＆ 𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒓”
🌲𝑉𝑖𝑙𝑒 𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑟𝑖𝑡 𝑝𝑒𝑡
“𝐼𝑣𝑦 𝑖𝑛 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑓𝑙𝑒𝑠ℎ, 𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑠 𝑖𝑛 ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑒. 𝑊ℎ𝑜 𝑑𝑖𝑒𝑠 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑠𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑜?”
I have adored getting to be apart of the ARC reads for the fallows creek series! I’m always recommending it as I genuinely love these books & believe it’s perfect for those after an atmospheric cozy, yet dark & eerie mystery-to-solve plot with a sweet slow burn (subplot).
I cannot wait for book 4!! 😻🍂
December 1, 2023
An Urban fantasy/horror series featuring super creepy things in the woods and a family with magical abilities who lives between the woods and the town, trying to keep the town safe despite the towns people being pretty unfriendly towards them for the most part.
In The Binding Season main character Cass (early 20s) and her siblings are pretty traumatised by the events from book two, Wicked walking. They are trying to live as normally as possible under the circumstances but of course there are bodies turning up in the woods again, a new evil entity to battle, fae warriors wanting their help and some VERY scary plants and insects.
If you liked House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland and/or The Luminaries by Susan Denard and enjoy being on an emotional roller-coaster and having your heart mauled then this series is for you.
The whole series starting with Lovely, dark and deep and Wicked walking are available in paperback and ebook. Also check out the author's earlier urban fantasy series Silver and bone which features a female detective who is also a vampire.
Trigger warnings
The Binding Season is a fantasy thriller, with horror leanings. It contains death, violence, mild gore and depictions of injury, as well as mild body horror. It also includes mentions of suicide and depictions of anxiety and depression.
In The Binding Season main character Cass (early 20s) and her siblings are pretty traumatised by the events from book two, Wicked walking. They are trying to live as normally as possible under the circumstances but of course there are bodies turning up in the woods again, a new evil entity to battle, fae warriors wanting their help and some VERY scary plants and insects.
If you liked House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland and/or The Luminaries by Susan Denard and enjoy being on an emotional roller-coaster and having your heart mauled then this series is for you.
The whole series starting with Lovely, dark and deep and Wicked walking are available in paperback and ebook. Also check out the author's earlier urban fantasy series Silver and bone which features a female detective who is also a vampire.
Trigger warnings
The Binding Season is a fantasy thriller, with horror leanings. It contains death, violence, mild gore and depictions of injury, as well as mild body horror. It also includes mentions of suicide and depictions of anxiety and depression.
November 26, 2023
The Binding Season by Claudia Cain is the third book in the Fallow Creek series and the author describes it as a “fantasy thriller with horror leanings”, which I think is pretty accurate. It’s like rural urban witches meets House of Hollow, plus throw some fae in for good measure.
The first book in the series is Lovely, Dark and Deep which was a ✨5 star read✨ for me (which is rare for me, 5 stars are special!) and I think it is criminally underrated. If urban fantasy with mild horror and creepy forest vibes make you go “gimme!”, I REQUIRE you to pick this series up. They do need to be read in order.
I didn’t love the second book in the series quittteeeee as much but The Binding Season had everything I loved about the first one and more 😍 It’s one of those books that somehow manages to turn plants and flowers into the creepy-crawliest, most horrifying things and honestly I don’t know if I’ll ever look at nature quite the same way and I’m here for it. It’s pretty dark with some body horror so be warned - but there’s also a fae sweetheart called Merich that you WILL fall in love with.
The seeds have been firmly planted (heyyyyyy 🌿) for this series to continue and I couldn’t be happier to read as many of these books as the author can write!
The first book in the series is Lovely, Dark and Deep which was a ✨5 star read✨ for me (which is rare for me, 5 stars are special!) and I think it is criminally underrated. If urban fantasy with mild horror and creepy forest vibes make you go “gimme!”, I REQUIRE you to pick this series up. They do need to be read in order.
I didn’t love the second book in the series quittteeeee as much but The Binding Season had everything I loved about the first one and more 😍 It’s one of those books that somehow manages to turn plants and flowers into the creepy-crawliest, most horrifying things and honestly I don’t know if I’ll ever look at nature quite the same way and I’m here for it. It’s pretty dark with some body horror so be warned - but there’s also a fae sweetheart called Merich that you WILL fall in love with.
The seeds have been firmly planted (heyyyyyy 🌿) for this series to continue and I couldn’t be happier to read as many of these books as the author can write!
January 2, 2024
“The family works as a unit; to respect the Witch, you must respect them all.” -The Binding Season 🫶🏽
Big thank you to the author for gifting me this ARC. This is the third book of the Fallow Creek series. I describe it as a horrific take on fae and magic instead of beautiful and whimsical. And I am here for it. I absolutely loved it. It gave off House of Hollow vibes and I devoured the heck out of this.
I loved the family dynamic and seeing the MC find her place. There’s love, friendship, and internal struggles. I loved learning about each of the MC’s siblings, though I would love to know more about the brother. I am so happy to see more of Merich! He is so badass and learning to love in a way I don’t think he is used to being Fae. 😍
There is a lot of death in this book, Cain beautifully shows how the trials the MC and her family goes through is tiresome and wearing on them physically and mentally. The beginning is a little slow moving, but that comes with any good story set up. The MC grows a ton in this book and it shows.
It was very easy for me to get lost in this story. And I’m hoping with how it ends that maybe… just maybe… there might be another book? 🤞🏽
Big thank you to the author for gifting me this ARC. This is the third book of the Fallow Creek series. I describe it as a horrific take on fae and magic instead of beautiful and whimsical. And I am here for it. I absolutely loved it. It gave off House of Hollow vibes and I devoured the heck out of this.
I loved the family dynamic and seeing the MC find her place. There’s love, friendship, and internal struggles. I loved learning about each of the MC’s siblings, though I would love to know more about the brother. I am so happy to see more of Merich! He is so badass and learning to love in a way I don’t think he is used to being Fae. 😍
There is a lot of death in this book, Cain beautifully shows how the trials the MC and her family goes through is tiresome and wearing on them physically and mentally. The beginning is a little slow moving, but that comes with any good story set up. The MC grows a ton in this book and it shows.
It was very easy for me to get lost in this story. And I’m hoping with how it ends that maybe… just maybe… there might be another book? 🤞🏽
January 2, 2024
THIS BOOOK!!! Omggg, sooooo good!
This is the 3rd instalment of the series, so if you know the trials and tribulations so far, you know there is a lot of grief and recovery for the characters. This was done very well, very realistically rather than being quickly put to the side.
Cass is now THE witch with all of that entails, plus the added misfortune of her magic not quite working as she was expecting or not at all. And there's a murderer.
This book has gripped me soooo much. As always the writing is beautiful, the characters compelling and I adore the spooky/horror elements in this one (especially) - I seem to have a thing for body horror. I flew through this book, the pacing is is good, plenty of action and quiet moments of introspection. We learn more about the Fae in this one and I am very happy about that as she has made them fearsome creatures. AND THAT CLIFFHANGERRRRR!!!!
As always, read the trigger warnings, and then please read this book.
I need the last book in this series like yesterday! I am going to forever read this author as I love her work. This was a gifted copy, however my opinions in no way influenced.
xoxo
This is the 3rd instalment of the series, so if you know the trials and tribulations so far, you know there is a lot of grief and recovery for the characters. This was done very well, very realistically rather than being quickly put to the side.
Cass is now THE witch with all of that entails, plus the added misfortune of her magic not quite working as she was expecting or not at all. And there's a murderer.
This book has gripped me soooo much. As always the writing is beautiful, the characters compelling and I adore the spooky/horror elements in this one (especially) - I seem to have a thing for body horror. I flew through this book, the pacing is is good, plenty of action and quiet moments of introspection. We learn more about the Fae in this one and I am very happy about that as she has made them fearsome creatures. AND THAT CLIFFHANGERRRRR!!!!
As always, read the trigger warnings, and then please read this book.
I need the last book in this series like yesterday! I am going to forever read this author as I love her work. This was a gifted copy, however my opinions in no way influenced.
xoxo
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