Lady of the Grave

by F.S. Autumn

~Death by faith in fantasies~

Octavia, unaware of her mentor Malik's manipulations, carries the burden of using her Goddess-born blood to protect their coven. When an unauthorized book offers a glimpse of freedom, she can't ignore its call. Along the way, she encounters Throwen, a mesmerizing bard who promises adventure and a chance to meet the only other Goddess-born in Theldea. Throwen's charm captivates her, leaving her entranced and puzzled by his every move as they travel through the covens. With the past and future converging, Octavia must decide how to save herself, her new friends, and her coven.

~Heart of a bard, mind of an assassin~

Throwen wields his unique magic to work alongside his siblings under their mentor Whynnie, a Goddess-born, to make Theldea a safer place for all witches. Performing in taverns and hunting Malik's necromancers has grown tedious until he learns of another Goddess-born. Befriending Octavia brings thrilling challenges, and he flounders as his heart begins to play a new tune. Can the magic blossoming between them be the key to protecting their covens? Or will it threaten to be their destruction?

Lady of the Grave is a piece of fiction that focuses on the effects of being in a cult and the trauma that comes with it. This is a dark fantasy intended for mature audiences and contains content that may be triggering or inappropriate for some readers. You can find the full list of warnings -with spoilers- on my website.

Genres: Fantasy

520 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 13, 2024

About the author

F.S. Autumn writes stirring fiction infused with tension. She enjoys the oddities of life, especially the morbid side of things. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2018, she is an advocate for mental health and suicide awareness and prevention. When not consumed by writing down the stories that live rent-free in her mind, she spends quality time with her husband, child (who she lovingly refers to as her baby bat), or enjoys her other passions, which include creating art for other indie authors, reading, and binge-watching the latest shows.

Reviews

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that F.S. Autumn has created something beautiful with this book. They have created characters that are messy but love fiercely, flaws and all. Throwen is the charming bard but man does he have layers! Octavia is on the run from the cult she used to be a part of and the girl is learning (and unlearning) while healing. Each character makes you love them (except for the bad guys obviously) and this was a treat to read. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, this is like a dnd campaign run by an unproblematic DM (IYKYK).

One thing I would have liked more of was just a bit more world building. I think this was more character driven so I understand focusing more on character arc than the world itself but I like a balance of the two.
3.5 stars
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If you like found family, charming bards, healing characters, and adventures then you might like this book.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up

I was so incredibly fortunate to be a beta reader for this story. Faith’s writing is emotional and her characters are so lovely. I really enjoyed this story and exploring the world that Faith created. The different covens were so cool. Echo and Kallan have my heart.

An updated review will be posted once I’ve read the final book 💜

[Mar · Rating 5 out of 5]

As to no surprise, Lady of the Grave is very well-written. This may be F.S. Autumn's debut novel, but she is a seasoned writer of short stories.

I don't want to spoil anything, so I will keep it brief.

This book gives the perspectives of Octavia, a goddess-born necromancer, and Throwen the bard assassin. As Octavia's world is turned upside down from what she once new as home is revealed to be a cult, she struggles through what is real and what isn't, deconstructing everything she new all the while falling in love and running away from evil and punishment. Along side Throwen, their journey through Theldea is emotional and dangerous.

I could feel how precious the bonds that Octavia creates with those she was once told to be awful deviants, but really, some of the best people she ever knew. The side characters where each unique and memorable. Very easy to become attached to.

Throwen is an easy character to be fond of. He is multitalented and has impressive dark magic unique to him.

This is a great book for found family, revenge, and lots of magic! I did find this book to have cozy elements in addition to being a dark fantasy romance. With that said, please check the content list. I love the mental health representation that the author weaved into this story and its characters.

This has been my honest E-ARC review. Congratulations on the debut, F.S. Autumn!

[Vanessa]

The moon had always comforted me, letting me know I wasn't the only one stuck repeating my many phases over and over.

Genuinely gorgeous debut full of rich details and messy, big, and I mean BIG, emotions. I'm a silly person who reads romantasy not for the romance (though if you're normal and therefore here for that, I assure you that you'll be satisfied), so the main draws for me were:

- The world: a series of coven-societies inspired by a nice range of (thank goodness!) non-European cultures, like Northern Canada/the Arctic and the bayou. I loved exploring with these guys. It would be awesome to one day see short stories or companion tales to learn more about the covens and their witches.

- Octavia: through her we explore a topic I've never seen in a fantasy before--cult deprogramming. Magical & religious cult deprogramming, oh hell yeah. Her inner conflict, pain, depression, and trauma are all vivid and wonderfully suffocating. Girl needs a hug. And a bath. And so much therapy. I liked the decision to have us mainly learn about the cult via its contrasts to the new world around her and her intrusive thoughts in Malik's controlling voice.

- The magic: a softer-ish magic system focusing on spirits and all the considerations that comes with 'using' spirits for their power and your will--communication, consent, so on.

Overall, very rich in detail and feeling. Also ADORED the illustrations the author put on every single chapter header. I'd love to read more about this world and the gang after this story :D!!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid romantasy with Witcher and D&D vibes- perfect for fans of SJM or Jennifer Armentrout!

This book is a great representation of living with mental illness. Octavia experiences hallucinations and panic attacks. But her struggles do not define her! They are simply another part who she is - a power witch who loves her found-family and fights for her community. It's a lovely, kind and authentic take on living with mental illness.

For a debut self-published novel, it was extremely well done. The copy editing is on point. Chapters are logically constructed. I loved the cute graphics at the beginning of the chapters. It was clearly constructed with a professional eye and a deep affection for the craft.

The ending was chefs KISS. I loved the storytelling/perspective of the final battle - it was incredibly inventive. I also appreciated the realistic aftermath of violence and manipulation - peace and recovery take hard work.

A huge thank you to F.S. Autumn for the ARC <3

[J.A.L. Solski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be chosen as an early reader for this title! I loved every second of it, and this is my favourite read of 2024!

This author weaves together emotional storytelling with tragic backstory and hopeful prospects.

This gothic vibes novel, with hopeless romantic entanglement, is sure to set your heart pounding! Gripping action scenes, tantalizing sensuality, and empowerment of all good varieties attempting to dismantle the imbalances of malice and greed. Excellent stuff!

We need more authors like F.S. Autumn. Can't wait to read the author's next publication!