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All Woven With Ivy
All she wanted was a quiet life of research. Falling for a charming socialite with dangerous secrets was never part of her plan.
Historian Zanthi Ilyston has never been likeable. She is too quiet, too plain and her strange eyes, while they allow her to see the unseen, unnerve others. All she wants is to disappear into a quiet life of research. Madoc Casca, heir to the famed healing Gardens, and Esk’s most notorious socialite, has other plans. He needs her help.
The healing waters of the Gardens are failing, and the secret to saving them is hidden in an ancient myth that refuses to be remembered. As she delves deeper into the dark waters of the past, her quiet life becomes as impossible to reclaim as Madoc is to ignore. He's as glittering and enchanting as the ballrooms he commands. She is as shadowed and quiet as the catacombs she studies. And still his gaze finds her through every crowd.
He is everything she has never let herself want, but if she can't untangle the secrets of a forgotten history, she might lose him forever. Because there is very little Madoc won’t sacrifice for his Gardens, and if the healing waters vanish into darkness, Madoc will too.
All Woven With Ivy is a fantasy romance with light academia, medium stakes, darkly cosy vibes, Orpheus & Eurydice undertones, and a glittering society steeped with the creeping unease of underworld myth. It has a bi FMC and bi MMC, and is set in a queernormative world.
It is the first book in the interconnected and overlapping Riversent series. Each book follows a different couple and has a HEA.
Historian Zanthi Ilyston has never been likeable. She is too quiet, too plain and her strange eyes, while they allow her to see the unseen, unnerve others. All she wants is to disappear into a quiet life of research. Madoc Casca, heir to the famed healing Gardens, and Esk’s most notorious socialite, has other plans. He needs her help.
The healing waters of the Gardens are failing, and the secret to saving them is hidden in an ancient myth that refuses to be remembered. As she delves deeper into the dark waters of the past, her quiet life becomes as impossible to reclaim as Madoc is to ignore. He's as glittering and enchanting as the ballrooms he commands. She is as shadowed and quiet as the catacombs she studies. And still his gaze finds her through every crowd.
He is everything she has never let herself want, but if she can't untangle the secrets of a forgotten history, she might lose him forever. Because there is very little Madoc won’t sacrifice for his Gardens, and if the healing waters vanish into darkness, Madoc will too.
All Woven With Ivy is a fantasy romance with light academia, medium stakes, darkly cosy vibes, Orpheus & Eurydice undertones, and a glittering society steeped with the creeping unease of underworld myth. It has a bi FMC and bi MMC, and is set in a queernormative world.
It is the first book in the interconnected and overlapping Riversent series. Each book follows a different couple and has a HEA.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 12, 2025
7 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
May 22, 2025
4.5⭐️
All Woven with Ivy is a super cute soft academia fantasy romance novel that takes place in the world of Esk. This Orpheus & Eurydice-esque story introduces Zanthi Ilyston, an introverted scholar trying to find her place in the world, and Madoc Casca, a charming socialite who has a problem: the Garden's healing waters are failing and he needs Zanthi's help to uncover a dark secret. If the healing waters vanish, Madoc might too.
This was my very first ARC novel and I am glad I spent the time to read this amazing story of Zanthi and Madoc. This was the first book I've read by Thea Hawthorne, but it certainly won't be my last. The story was super cozy and low-stakes. I gave my review four stars because there were a couple of aspects of the world that I did not feel were explained in enough depth. Perhaps I feel this way because I have not read her other Esk novels, but All Woven with Ivy is a good standalone! I also wanted a little more character development from Zanthi and even from some of the minor characters like Theron and Emlyn. Overall, I LOVE this book and will be spreading the word for everyone to preorder it!
All Woven with Ivy is a super cute soft academia fantasy romance novel that takes place in the world of Esk. This Orpheus & Eurydice-esque story introduces Zanthi Ilyston, an introverted scholar trying to find her place in the world, and Madoc Casca, a charming socialite who has a problem: the Garden's healing waters are failing and he needs Zanthi's help to uncover a dark secret. If the healing waters vanish, Madoc might too.
This was my very first ARC novel and I am glad I spent the time to read this amazing story of Zanthi and Madoc. This was the first book I've read by Thea Hawthorne, but it certainly won't be my last. The story was super cozy and low-stakes. I gave my review four stars because there were a couple of aspects of the world that I did not feel were explained in enough depth. Perhaps I feel this way because I have not read her other Esk novels, but All Woven with Ivy is a good standalone! I also wanted a little more character development from Zanthi and even from some of the minor characters like Theron and Emlyn. Overall, I LOVE this book and will be spreading the word for everyone to preorder it!
June 14, 2025
A slow burn, opposites attract romantasy set in a world dripping in magic that has forgotten its past…this is the setting of All Woven With Ivy.
Set at a slower pace than many novels, this story delivers some incredibly rich world building. It is reminiscent of Bridgerton at times, of Orpheus and Eurydice at others. I love that our heroine is a scholar and it falls to her to save the day.
Written by an Aussie author (I will always support local talent!), this book also comes with an overbearing but loving older brother, a running joke about burning toast, nosy gossip columnists, a dog named Susan, lots of plans to take tea that fall through, and secret ruins under the city. The book is mostly closed door/fade to black, though there is one scene that gives a little more detail (in no way graphic).
This is the first book in a promising new series. It is a stunning tale, woven together with skill and tenderness - and, of course, ivy.
Set at a slower pace than many novels, this story delivers some incredibly rich world building. It is reminiscent of Bridgerton at times, of Orpheus and Eurydice at others. I love that our heroine is a scholar and it falls to her to save the day.
Written by an Aussie author (I will always support local talent!), this book also comes with an overbearing but loving older brother, a running joke about burning toast, nosy gossip columnists, a dog named Susan, lots of plans to take tea that fall through, and secret ruins under the city. The book is mostly closed door/fade to black, though there is one scene that gives a little more detail (in no way graphic).
This is the first book in a promising new series. It is a stunning tale, woven together with skill and tenderness - and, of course, ivy.
June 6, 2025
AWWI was a lovely read by an even lovelier author.
Thea has created something magical with this book and I loved delving back into the world of Esk, after finishing Windfall.
Zanthi and Madoc shouldn't work together, they're both from widely different backgrounds — Zanthi, a scholar and Madoc, a socialite. But time and time again they find themselves drawn to one another and become intricately entangled within one another.
I'm greatly looking forward to Thea's next novel and while I wait I will get my Esk fix with her two novellas.
Thea has created something magical with this book and I loved delving back into the world of Esk, after finishing Windfall.
Zanthi and Madoc shouldn't work together, they're both from widely different backgrounds — Zanthi, a scholar and Madoc, a socialite. But time and time again they find themselves drawn to one another and become intricately entangled within one another.
I'm greatly looking forward to Thea's next novel and while I wait I will get my Esk fix with her two novellas.
May 28, 2025
Current rating: 4.25 stars
This was such a lovely book! The slow pace might not be for everyone, but it really worked for me. It was so cozy (especially when I read it with a cup of tea on a rainy day) and the writing style only served to enhance that and immerse me into the world of Esk. I loved how I was able to read a few chapters whenever I could, and when I jumped back in, I didn't feel lost.
The characters were intriguing, the setting was wonderful, the romance was sweet, and the lore was captivating! I will definitely be checking out Thea Hawthorne's other books, and I can't wait for the next story in the Riversent series!
Thank you so much to the author for the eARC!
This was such a lovely book! The slow pace might not be for everyone, but it really worked for me. It was so cozy (especially when I read it with a cup of tea on a rainy day) and the writing style only served to enhance that and immerse me into the world of Esk. I loved how I was able to read a few chapters whenever I could, and when I jumped back in, I didn't feel lost.
The characters were intriguing, the setting was wonderful, the romance was sweet, and the lore was captivating! I will definitely be checking out Thea Hawthorne's other books, and I can't wait for the next story in the Riversent series!
Thank you so much to the author for the eARC!
June 13, 2025
Full rtc but for now I’ll just say it’s such an AMAZING read I cry
June 3, 2025
ALL WOVEN WITH IVY by Thea Hawthorne
“He makes it very easy, loving him. He makes it make perfect sense.”
Historian Zanthi Ilyston prefers solitude and silence, but when the healing Gardens begin to fail, she’s pulled into a search for answers buried in myth. With rakish socialite Madoc Casca at her side and time running out, Zanthi must uncover the truth before the waters—and Madoc—are lost.
It is not often that I find a book that leaves me completely speechless—I am, after all, a very tough crowd. But it feels like All Woven With Ivy was tailored to my tastes. Despite my speechlessness, I will attempt at a rather long explanation of why AWWI deserves to be in your hands.
This book felt like being submerged in a dream—sometimes bright, sometimes cold, often unsettling, and always beautiful. I’ve read over forty books so far this year, and this is the one I keep thinking about, the one that truly felt like mine. I highlighted so many lines I lost count, and smirked more times than I care to admit. It is, in every sense of the word, a favourite.
Zanthi is one of the most memorable narrators I’ve read in a long time: wry, guarded, quietly ferocious. Her voice had so much bite to it that I would’ve followed her anywhere, even into the dark (which we do). I loved how layered she felt, brilliant and difficult, devoted to her research and her people in equal measure, and constantly at war with her own restraint. Watching her interact with her family and Madoc were some of the many joys of this book. Their banter, especially in the first half, had me grinning like a fool.
“You may have the whole of me and I would have the whole of you.”
Madoc himself is... well. I think I might be half in love with him. From his first appearance, he captured my attention entirely. He was so much more than I expected; complicated, charming, burdened, and deeply human. Their dynamic—Zanthi with her jagged edges, Madoc with his easy warmth—was a study in balance. I never doubted for a second that these two people would find something essential in one another, even when it felt they appeared to be from different worlds.
Beyond the romance, All Woven With Ivy is steeped in atmosphere. Thea Hawthorne has created a world that feels ancient and alive, mysterious yet oddly familiar. The setting shifts and breathes like a living thing, from the sacred strangeness of the Gardens to the silence of the archives, to dampened passageways and flickers of nearly forgotten gods. There’s a quiet, unsettling undertone to everything—death and mythology, grief and sacrifice—that lingers like the echoing of bells. Yet it never becomes overwhelming. The esoteric and historical elements are woven in with such care that they feel less like exposition and more like memory. I can smell every street, feel how the mist leaves drops on my skin.
While this is a full-length novel, it exists within a broader universe that returning readers will recognise, but prior knowledge isn’t necessary. That said, if you have read The Muse of Missing Pieces or A Reverie of Roses, you’ll find subtle threads here that enrich everything: glimpses of familiar names, places, stories.
I wouldn’t call this a cosy read—there’s grief, there’s tension, there’s a storm brewing from the very first page—but it is a deeply rewarding one. The pace is deliberate, the prose lush, the themes complex. And underneath it all, there’s a steady heartbeat of longing for meaning, for connection, for something more than what’s been handed to you. While the main plotline does get a resolution in this book, there are many lingering questions about this world and these characters that will demand answers in further books.
I won’t speak of the plot (you deserve to experience it as I did), but I will say that this is a book that rewards patience. It's meant to be savoured, not rushed. If you’re someone who loves ancient myths, forgotten rituals, sharp heroines, slow-burn romance, and the quiet unraveling of secrets—this book may have been written for you. It certainly was written for me.
**Thank you to Thea Hawthorne for providing me with the eARC. All opinions are my own.**
Instagram: @librisinetenebris
“He makes it very easy, loving him. He makes it make perfect sense.”
Historian Zanthi Ilyston prefers solitude and silence, but when the healing Gardens begin to fail, she’s pulled into a search for answers buried in myth. With rakish socialite Madoc Casca at her side and time running out, Zanthi must uncover the truth before the waters—and Madoc—are lost.
It is not often that I find a book that leaves me completely speechless—I am, after all, a very tough crowd. But it feels like All Woven With Ivy was tailored to my tastes. Despite my speechlessness, I will attempt at a rather long explanation of why AWWI deserves to be in your hands.
This book felt like being submerged in a dream—sometimes bright, sometimes cold, often unsettling, and always beautiful. I’ve read over forty books so far this year, and this is the one I keep thinking about, the one that truly felt like mine. I highlighted so many lines I lost count, and smirked more times than I care to admit. It is, in every sense of the word, a favourite.
Zanthi is one of the most memorable narrators I’ve read in a long time: wry, guarded, quietly ferocious. Her voice had so much bite to it that I would’ve followed her anywhere, even into the dark (which we do). I loved how layered she felt, brilliant and difficult, devoted to her research and her people in equal measure, and constantly at war with her own restraint. Watching her interact with her family and Madoc were some of the many joys of this book. Their banter, especially in the first half, had me grinning like a fool.
“You may have the whole of me and I would have the whole of you.”
Madoc himself is... well. I think I might be half in love with him. From his first appearance, he captured my attention entirely. He was so much more than I expected; complicated, charming, burdened, and deeply human. Their dynamic—Zanthi with her jagged edges, Madoc with his easy warmth—was a study in balance. I never doubted for a second that these two people would find something essential in one another, even when it felt they appeared to be from different worlds.
Beyond the romance, All Woven With Ivy is steeped in atmosphere. Thea Hawthorne has created a world that feels ancient and alive, mysterious yet oddly familiar. The setting shifts and breathes like a living thing, from the sacred strangeness of the Gardens to the silence of the archives, to dampened passageways and flickers of nearly forgotten gods. There’s a quiet, unsettling undertone to everything—death and mythology, grief and sacrifice—that lingers like the echoing of bells. Yet it never becomes overwhelming. The esoteric and historical elements are woven in with such care that they feel less like exposition and more like memory. I can smell every street, feel how the mist leaves drops on my skin.
While this is a full-length novel, it exists within a broader universe that returning readers will recognise, but prior knowledge isn’t necessary. That said, if you have read The Muse of Missing Pieces or A Reverie of Roses, you’ll find subtle threads here that enrich everything: glimpses of familiar names, places, stories.
I wouldn’t call this a cosy read—there’s grief, there’s tension, there’s a storm brewing from the very first page—but it is a deeply rewarding one. The pace is deliberate, the prose lush, the themes complex. And underneath it all, there’s a steady heartbeat of longing for meaning, for connection, for something more than what’s been handed to you. While the main plotline does get a resolution in this book, there are many lingering questions about this world and these characters that will demand answers in further books.
I won’t speak of the plot (you deserve to experience it as I did), but I will say that this is a book that rewards patience. It's meant to be savoured, not rushed. If you’re someone who loves ancient myths, forgotten rituals, sharp heroines, slow-burn romance, and the quiet unraveling of secrets—this book may have been written for you. It certainly was written for me.
**Thank you to Thea Hawthorne for providing me with the eARC. All opinions are my own.**
Instagram: @librisinetenebris
June 5, 2025
All Woven With Ivy by Thea Hawthorne absolutely stole my heart. This was everything I was looking for—lush, dreamy, full of soft intrigue and forgotten history. A gothic academia meets Greek mythology meets Ghibli magic kind of read.
The pacing felt just right: a slow, steady unravelling, with moments that left me drifting just above the unknown, completely immersed in this beautifully built world filled with aethereal dark archives and verdant gardens.
Zanthi and Madoc are the kind of opposites that pull you in completely—her shadowed, quiet-academia vibe against his glittering, golden-boy socialite charm—and together they gave me that delicious ache of tension and tenderness. And for a low-spice book, I was breathless in parts. The first kiss?? I had to physically close the book and just feel it for a second.
The whole story is steeped in a beautiful queer-normative coding—gentle, unspoken, and quietly radical. It doesn’t ask to be accepted, it just is—and that felt so refreshing and comforting, especially for bisexual representation, which is often misconstrued or used as a plot device. This just was.
This is the kind of book you curl up with and don’t want to leave. One of my favourites of the year. I wasn’t even halfway through before my brain lit up with, “Yep. 5 stars”. Absolutely adored it, and I can’t wait for the next one in the Riversent series! 🌿
Thea Hawthorne cannot thank you enough for the ARC – I will 100% be signing up for the next one and binging anything you have published while I wait. Oh, and as if I could forget. The illustrations! Stunning. I won’t spoil it for your readers Thea, but I loved every embellishment and the fact you did all of them yourself – I love seeing an author who illustrates, it just fills me with joy.
The pacing felt just right: a slow, steady unravelling, with moments that left me drifting just above the unknown, completely immersed in this beautifully built world filled with aethereal dark archives and verdant gardens.
Zanthi and Madoc are the kind of opposites that pull you in completely—her shadowed, quiet-academia vibe against his glittering, golden-boy socialite charm—and together they gave me that delicious ache of tension and tenderness. And for a low-spice book, I was breathless in parts. The first kiss?? I had to physically close the book and just feel it for a second.
The whole story is steeped in a beautiful queer-normative coding—gentle, unspoken, and quietly radical. It doesn’t ask to be accepted, it just is—and that felt so refreshing and comforting, especially for bisexual representation, which is often misconstrued or used as a plot device. This just was.
This is the kind of book you curl up with and don’t want to leave. One of my favourites of the year. I wasn’t even halfway through before my brain lit up with, “Yep. 5 stars”. Absolutely adored it, and I can’t wait for the next one in the Riversent series! 🌿
Thea Hawthorne cannot thank you enough for the ARC – I will 100% be signing up for the next one and binging anything you have published while I wait. Oh, and as if I could forget. The illustrations! Stunning. I won’t spoil it for your readers Thea, but I loved every embellishment and the fact you did all of them yourself – I love seeing an author who illustrates, it just fills me with joy.
May 29, 2025
★★★★☆
rating: 4.5 stars
i had the pleasure and privilege of having this book be my first arc!
.𖥔 ݁ ˖
first of all, this is the first fantasy i’ve read that was written in an academic setting which i loved. i also really enjoyed the affinity towards water and the mentions of ivy as beautiful and intricate because ive always thought it so.
as a main character, i did love Zanthini, though she always felt as if she wasn’t quite in the moment and was always distracted. i do generally love the mirrorball type academic achiever characters though, so maybe i’m a bit biased to say i liked her.
Casta was such a honey tongued love interest, but i must admit i fell for his charm. Casta and Zanthini, although opposites, make perfect sense to me and i love their relationship.
tried as i might, i was never quite able to figure out the plot, answers and ending, and when i thought i had, turned out id only gotten one part right.
the book felt reminiscent to a fairytale in a way, though i’m not sure that’s the best way to describe it.
safe to say i will be now reading through the author’s entire backlog of books.
rating: 4.5 stars
i had the pleasure and privilege of having this book be my first arc!
.𖥔 ݁ ˖
first of all, this is the first fantasy i’ve read that was written in an academic setting which i loved. i also really enjoyed the affinity towards water and the mentions of ivy as beautiful and intricate because ive always thought it so.
as a main character, i did love Zanthini, though she always felt as if she wasn’t quite in the moment and was always distracted. i do generally love the mirrorball type academic achiever characters though, so maybe i’m a bit biased to say i liked her.
Casta was such a honey tongued love interest, but i must admit i fell for his charm. Casta and Zanthini, although opposites, make perfect sense to me and i love their relationship.
tried as i might, i was never quite able to figure out the plot, answers and ending, and when i thought i had, turned out id only gotten one part right.
the book felt reminiscent to a fairytale in a way, though i’m not sure that’s the best way to describe it.
safe to say i will be now reading through the author’s entire backlog of books.
June 22, 2025
❛𝘏𝘦'𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘨𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘮𝘴 𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴. 𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘦𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘣𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘦𝘴. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘦𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘢𝘻𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘥.❜
I fell in love with the author's writing style.
This book was giving me ‘whimsical/cozy with a touch of death’ vibes.
I admit I was unfamiliar with certain things (the function of aether, being one) and I suppose it would be better explained if I read her other books. So it took me a bit to understand it. Towards the end did kinda clear up one question I had though.
I adored the couple Zanthi and Madoc. The word ‘soulmates’ stands out in my mind–as cliche as that sounds–when I think of them.
I enjoyed the lost/forgotten god aspect of the story!
Zanthi trying to figure out the god's name and his stories in hopes of restoring everyone's memories, and balance.
Madoc's priesthood and the way the author describes him during the midsummer festivities and ritual. The wild, uninhibited way they danced and kissed and revered him.
I also loved Zanthi's relationship with her brothers 🥺
This book will definitely be a re-read. & I cannot wait for the next book <3
I fell in love with the author's writing style.
This book was giving me ‘whimsical/cozy with a touch of death’ vibes.
I admit I was unfamiliar with certain things (the function of aether, being one) and I suppose it would be better explained if I read her other books. So it took me a bit to understand it. Towards the end did kinda clear up one question I had though.
I adored the couple Zanthi and Madoc. The word ‘soulmates’ stands out in my mind–as cliche as that sounds–when I think of them.
I enjoyed the lost/forgotten god aspect of the story!
Zanthi trying to figure out the god's name and his stories in hopes of restoring everyone's memories, and balance.
Madoc's priesthood and the way the author describes him during the midsummer festivities and ritual. The wild, uninhibited way they danced and kissed and revered him.
I also loved Zanthi's relationship with her brothers 🥺
This book will definitely be a re-read. & I cannot wait for the next book <3
November 22, 2025
Another beautiful story in the Riversent series.🥰
I’m so glad I read the prequel to this book because it added so much context that was really great to have throughout Zanthi’s story.
Zanthi was an interesting character who had a really hard time fitting in with her peers. I loved her stubbornness and how driven she was in pursuing her passions. I kinda got lost in the minutiae of her academic world, but I did enjoy her discoveries and how they entwined with Professor Hart and the larger conflict later in the story.
Madoc was a bright, charming, and brave character. I appreciated how he loved openly and generously. He had so much responsibility resting on his shoulders and he really stepped up when it mattered most.
I enjoyed the writing and how the tiny moments of foreshadowing and clues kept me hooked, eager to see what happened next. The setting was perfect and I could very clearly picture everything that was happening. I loved the imagery used for the magic, like the cloud of silver fish that had become Ethram’s shadow.
I think some things could have been simplified, just for the sake of cutting some excess detail that didn’t really end up going anywhere. I’m still a little confused on how *you know who* is connected to both the well and the springs, since those two seem opposite of each other.
Overall a great read and I’m excited to continue with the series.😊
I’m so glad I read the prequel to this book because it added so much context that was really great to have throughout Zanthi’s story.
Zanthi was an interesting character who had a really hard time fitting in with her peers. I loved her stubbornness and how driven she was in pursuing her passions. I kinda got lost in the minutiae of her academic world, but I did enjoy her discoveries and how they entwined with Professor Hart and the larger conflict later in the story.
Madoc was a bright, charming, and brave character. I appreciated how he loved openly and generously. He had so much responsibility resting on his shoulders and he really stepped up when it mattered most.
I enjoyed the writing and how the tiny moments of foreshadowing and clues kept me hooked, eager to see what happened next. The setting was perfect and I could very clearly picture everything that was happening. I loved the imagery used for the magic, like the cloud of silver fish that had become Ethram’s shadow.
I think some things could have been simplified, just for the sake of cutting some excess detail that didn’t really end up going anywhere. I’m still a little confused on how *you know who* is connected to both the well and the springs, since those two seem opposite of each other.
Overall a great read and I’m excited to continue with the series.😊
December 17, 2025
It was such a lovely book, and while "objectively" I would need to give it 3,5 stars, I just can't, because it made me feel good and it made me look forward to reading and I was giggling in delight too often.
The book has weaknesses. I'm all for revealing world building details slowly, but I do want to understand the world and the magic system and everything. Also the pacing is a bit off at times, as is the balance of non-romance-plot and romance-plot.
But can I be really upset if I adored the romance? If I was in love with all the characters? If the plot and the mystery was so intriguing that while I had some aspects figured out, I still had no idea how the story would end? It's obvious that the author was in love with the story while writing, it bleeds from every word - and I am a bit in love, too. It's not a perfect book, but it's a lovely one.
The book has weaknesses. I'm all for revealing world building details slowly, but I do want to understand the world and the magic system and everything. Also the pacing is a bit off at times, as is the balance of non-romance-plot and romance-plot.
But can I be really upset if I adored the romance? If I was in love with all the characters? If the plot and the mystery was so intriguing that while I had some aspects figured out, I still had no idea how the story would end? It's obvious that the author was in love with the story while writing, it bleeds from every word - and I am a bit in love, too. It's not a perfect book, but it's a lovely one.
May 14, 2025
What a truly beautiful book. I’ve always been a Greek mythology geek, so when Thea said she had something cooking that took pieces of my top three myths - Orpheus and Eurydice, Hades and Persephone, and a liiiiiiiiittle sprinkle of Psyche and Eros - I was ecstatic. Little did I know, it would go above and beyond my expectations.
We’ve met several of these characters before thanks to cameos in the Esk novellas, but getting the chance to really spend time with them was a pleasure (Madoc, I’m looking at you). The new characters were a delight as well. Zanthi may be my new favorite Eskan heroine, since I relate to her so heavily (a perfectionist academic, fiercely protective of her loved ones, and a bisexual disaster). I hope to see more of Fletcher and Theron, though Zanthi’s older brother took a bit longer to grow fond of than the others. (I still love him. The attitude is born of love.)
The last two forays onto Eskan grounds have been mostly isolated - a small artist’s corner circled by a river, or a mansion surrounded by trees. This story takes us all over, from the secretive Gardens at Esk’s center to a tiny cottage on the outskirts. Each location is unique, but still feels part of the same society. Thea’s prose in particular helps with keeping everything connected; it flows like the river at the center of the story, interweaving our characters’ fates through carefully chosen threads.
I can’t wait to see how the story progresses. As always, Thea has created a new enthralling installment in a spell-binding world.
We’ve met several of these characters before thanks to cameos in the Esk novellas, but getting the chance to really spend time with them was a pleasure (Madoc, I’m looking at you). The new characters were a delight as well. Zanthi may be my new favorite Eskan heroine, since I relate to her so heavily (a perfectionist academic, fiercely protective of her loved ones, and a bisexual disaster). I hope to see more of Fletcher and Theron, though Zanthi’s older brother took a bit longer to grow fond of than the others. (I still love him. The attitude is born of love.)
The last two forays onto Eskan grounds have been mostly isolated - a small artist’s corner circled by a river, or a mansion surrounded by trees. This story takes us all over, from the secretive Gardens at Esk’s center to a tiny cottage on the outskirts. Each location is unique, but still feels part of the same society. Thea’s prose in particular helps with keeping everything connected; it flows like the river at the center of the story, interweaving our characters’ fates through carefully chosen threads.
I can’t wait to see how the story progresses. As always, Thea has created a new enthralling installment in a spell-binding world.
July 8, 2025
by far, one of the prettiest books ive read this year,
such pretty writing, the setting was to die for. i live for zanthi and madoc
such pretty writing, the setting was to die for. i live for zanthi and madoc
December 16, 2025
Something about this book is beautifully done - and at the same time is lacking depth
Rounded up to 3 stars
Rounded up to 3 stars
June 19, 2025
Rating: 4.25⭐️
This was such an interesting read. We have a shy and quiet academic fmc paired with an outgoing mysterious socialite mmc. Despite this Madoc was very caring and loving towards Zanthi. The setting is very whimsical and refreshing for me. The romance between the two is so cute and heartwarming. The characters are well written and the story has good pacing. I did get lost a bit towards the ending. It’s disappointing how Zanthi’s academic research got lost in the story. I would’ve liked to have seen more of it because it was very interesting. This book gave me dark and mysterious yet cozy academia vibes.
This was such an interesting read. We have a shy and quiet academic fmc paired with an outgoing mysterious socialite mmc. Despite this Madoc was very caring and loving towards Zanthi. The setting is very whimsical and refreshing for me. The romance between the two is so cute and heartwarming. The characters are well written and the story has good pacing. I did get lost a bit towards the ending. It’s disappointing how Zanthi’s academic research got lost in the story. I would’ve liked to have seen more of it because it was very interesting. This book gave me dark and mysterious yet cozy academia vibes.
December 12, 2025
LETS GOOOO huge find. Its got forgotten gods, stories that overlap and circle on each other, and mystical rituals... ugh.. and the romance!!!!! FUCK!
4.5 Stars
4.5 Stars
June 16, 2025
3.75
Let this be a long one - because wow, I’ve got thoughts. Imagine reading a book where your biggest issue that it was TOO short.
This is a review of the unedited proof of All Woven with Ivy by Thea Hawthorne, and honestly, I’m still unpacking the vibes.
Dark academia, romantasy, a whisper of horror, and myth that creeps in at the edges - this book had all the right ingredients. And from page one, I was in. The world of Esk is haunting and lush, like stepping into a dream where forgotten gods linger and ivy crawls over everything, even the bones of old stories.
At 380 pages, it reads more like a novella - tight, focused, and clearly intentional. Hawthorne doesn’t waste words, and I admire that. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want more. The world-building had so much potential, and I kept hoping we’d dive deeper. I kept reaching for more lore, more emotional layers, more room to breathe.
Now Maddoc - yes, hello. Mysterious, intelligent, emotionally layered... if he’s not your next book crush, I don’t know what to tell you. His dynamic with Zanthi simmers quietly, and it unfolds with a kind of restraint that felt very in tune with the tone of the book. But because of the book’s brevity, I only got glimpses into their inner worlds. The connection is there, but it doesn’t quite get to stretch its legs the way I hoped it would.
And then there's Zanthi. I saw so much of myself in her. She’s so focused, so grounded in purpose. But socially? She's just a little offbeat. A bit of an outsider, not by choice but by design. And the way she’s so startled - almost in disbelief - that someone like Maddoc could find her interesting? That just made their kindling relationship all the more sweeter.
Now let’s talk about that ending. I genuinely thought it was going to be tragic - I was already grieving mid-sentence, mentally preparing for heartbreak. And then… it wasn’t. It was a happy ending. And sure, I was glad, but also weirdly detached? I kept thinking, why don’t I feel more? I realised it was the pacing - the story moved so briskly that by the time the emotional beats hit, I hadn’t fully sunk into them. Even in the moments where I thought devastation was coming, I couldn’t quite connect. The brevity, while elegant, had unintentionally kept me at arm’s length from the story’s emotional core.
Overall, All Woven with Ivy is a gorgeously written, atmosphere-heavy read that lingers like a half-remembered dream. It's elegant, eerie, and surprisingly tender in moments. Can't wait to get my hand on the paper/hard back!
Release Date: 12th June.
Let this be a long one - because wow, I’ve got thoughts. Imagine reading a book where your biggest issue that it was TOO short.
This is a review of the unedited proof of All Woven with Ivy by Thea Hawthorne, and honestly, I’m still unpacking the vibes.
Dark academia, romantasy, a whisper of horror, and myth that creeps in at the edges - this book had all the right ingredients. And from page one, I was in. The world of Esk is haunting and lush, like stepping into a dream where forgotten gods linger and ivy crawls over everything, even the bones of old stories.
At 380 pages, it reads more like a novella - tight, focused, and clearly intentional. Hawthorne doesn’t waste words, and I admire that. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want more. The world-building had so much potential, and I kept hoping we’d dive deeper. I kept reaching for more lore, more emotional layers, more room to breathe.
Now Maddoc - yes, hello. Mysterious, intelligent, emotionally layered... if he’s not your next book crush, I don’t know what to tell you. His dynamic with Zanthi simmers quietly, and it unfolds with a kind of restraint that felt very in tune with the tone of the book. But because of the book’s brevity, I only got glimpses into their inner worlds. The connection is there, but it doesn’t quite get to stretch its legs the way I hoped it would.
And then there's Zanthi. I saw so much of myself in her. She’s so focused, so grounded in purpose. But socially? She's just a little offbeat. A bit of an outsider, not by choice but by design. And the way she’s so startled - almost in disbelief - that someone like Maddoc could find her interesting? That just made their kindling relationship all the more sweeter.
Now let’s talk about that ending. I genuinely thought it was going to be tragic - I was already grieving mid-sentence, mentally preparing for heartbreak. And then… it wasn’t. It was a happy ending. And sure, I was glad, but also weirdly detached? I kept thinking, why don’t I feel more? I realised it was the pacing - the story moved so briskly that by the time the emotional beats hit, I hadn’t fully sunk into them. Even in the moments where I thought devastation was coming, I couldn’t quite connect. The brevity, while elegant, had unintentionally kept me at arm’s length from the story’s emotional core.
Overall, All Woven with Ivy is a gorgeously written, atmosphere-heavy read that lingers like a half-remembered dream. It's elegant, eerie, and surprisingly tender in moments. Can't wait to get my hand on the paper/hard back!
Release Date: 12th June.
May 23, 2025
Thea Hawthorne’s All Woven with Ivy is a beautifully intricate novel, weaving Greek mythology, mystery, and esoteric themes into a story that lingers long after the final page. Even for readers unfamiliar with its mythological inspirations, the narrative is immersive and accessible, inviting them into a world brimming with secrets, symbolism, and quiet suspense.
The mystery at the novel’s core is masterfully crafted—layered, intelligent, and deeply compelling. The world of Esk unfolds gently yet deliberately, expanding with each revelation. While it’s not necessary to have read A Reverie of Roses or The Muse of Missing Pieces, returning readers will delight in the subtle nods to Hawthorne’s broader universe and the richness these connections add to the setting. That said, I highly recommend ARoR and TMoMP for those eager to explore more of Esk’s wonders.
At the heart of the novel is a romance that echoes the tragedy and longing of Orpheus and Eurydice. She is reserved, quietly devoted to books and knowledge, immersed in lost folklore. He, in contrast, thrives in the Gardens—navigating high society with effortless charm, yet tethered by the secret weight of his hermetic role. Their love is a bridge between two worlds: hers defined by careful study, his shaped by the shifting tides of the social season.
Through their shared pursuit of forgotten history, they each discover unexpected truths—about the past, about themselves, and about each other. She unearths myths and ancient artifacts, piecing together stories that reflect the depths she has long overlooked within herself. He, in turn, breathes life into old legends, carrying their echoes into the present with undeniable grace. What begins as a search for meaning beyond themselves becomes something greater—a revelation that, in understanding the past, they also find their place within it. They are drawn to one another like a melody reaching across time. Yet, as with Orpheus and Eurydice, the question lingers: can love endure when two souls walk different paths?
What truly elevates All Woven with Ivy is its charming, dreamlike quality. The esoteric elements never overwhelm; instead, they enrich the novel’s depth, offering readers moments of quiet contemplation and lingering wonder. It’s a book that doesn’t merely tell a story—it beckons you to unravel it, to lose yourself within its pages.
A heartfelt thank you to Thea Hawthorne for providing me with an eARC copy of All Woven with Ivy, and my sincerest congratulations on another treasured story.
The mystery at the novel’s core is masterfully crafted—layered, intelligent, and deeply compelling. The world of Esk unfolds gently yet deliberately, expanding with each revelation. While it’s not necessary to have read A Reverie of Roses or The Muse of Missing Pieces, returning readers will delight in the subtle nods to Hawthorne’s broader universe and the richness these connections add to the setting. That said, I highly recommend ARoR and TMoMP for those eager to explore more of Esk’s wonders.
At the heart of the novel is a romance that echoes the tragedy and longing of Orpheus and Eurydice. She is reserved, quietly devoted to books and knowledge, immersed in lost folklore. He, in contrast, thrives in the Gardens—navigating high society with effortless charm, yet tethered by the secret weight of his hermetic role. Their love is a bridge between two worlds: hers defined by careful study, his shaped by the shifting tides of the social season.
Through their shared pursuit of forgotten history, they each discover unexpected truths—about the past, about themselves, and about each other. She unearths myths and ancient artifacts, piecing together stories that reflect the depths she has long overlooked within herself. He, in turn, breathes life into old legends, carrying their echoes into the present with undeniable grace. What begins as a search for meaning beyond themselves becomes something greater—a revelation that, in understanding the past, they also find their place within it. They are drawn to one another like a melody reaching across time. Yet, as with Orpheus and Eurydice, the question lingers: can love endure when two souls walk different paths?
What truly elevates All Woven with Ivy is its charming, dreamlike quality. The esoteric elements never overwhelm; instead, they enrich the novel’s depth, offering readers moments of quiet contemplation and lingering wonder. It’s a book that doesn’t merely tell a story—it beckons you to unravel it, to lose yourself within its pages.
A heartfelt thank you to Thea Hawthorne for providing me with an eARC copy of All Woven with Ivy, and my sincerest congratulations on another treasured story.
June 9, 2025
Firstly, the cover is everything. I cannot wait to have a physical copy on my shelves and in my hands.
Secondly - after two novellas and this full length novel I am very happy to say Hawthorne is firmly on the list of my favorite authors. Thea Hawthorne writes as if she writes stories specifically for me, tailored for me with the stories themselves, but also the characters and the romances they have. So I might be a little bit biased but that's just how it is and it's the truth.
Spending time in Esk again was all I wanted. Spending time living amongst the pages of Thea's writing was beyond that - I smiled, laughed out loud, I loved and oh gods, did I yearn. Please and thank you for bringing back yearning to stories and romances, we desperately needed that.
Zanthi is a wonderful heroine - she is an academic and very... I would say level-headed and maybe pragmatic, but she is fierce and independent and sure of herself and what she wants and she goes for it. Brave and loyal and protective of her loved ones and someone to look up to. Madoc... The author likened him a bit like "soft-coded Howl" and - yes. In this house we love Howl very much which just means I fell in love with Madoc faster than Zanthi did probably. Words cannot explain how wonderful he was to read, with everything he is, behind the socialite mask, with his love towards Zanthi and his behaviour.
The first breakfast scene had me giggling and blushing and almost averting my gaze and made my heart so happy. Everything else in the romance was so soft, so kind, so fierce and full of love that it made my heart grew two sizes bigger. As did the parts with Zanthi's family (I may have laughed so much on the banter, several times).
As for the Esk and the story itself - I was fully immersed. I love fairytale esque settings, I love history, love solving puzzles of the story and I love everything new we learned about Esk and the Gardens, the springs and all of that throughout the seasons. Specially the Midsummer celebrations and their atmosphere where I could vividly picture everything on the page because we are now in June.
Somewhere in the ending pages a character says "Yes, my heart... I will stay." So will I, stay here in this beautifully written stories of Esk, with its equally beautifully written characters, in whichever story Hawthrone decides to gives us next.
Many thanks to the author for the eARC!
Secondly - after two novellas and this full length novel I am very happy to say Hawthorne is firmly on the list of my favorite authors. Thea Hawthorne writes as if she writes stories specifically for me, tailored for me with the stories themselves, but also the characters and the romances they have. So I might be a little bit biased but that's just how it is and it's the truth.
Spending time in Esk again was all I wanted. Spending time living amongst the pages of Thea's writing was beyond that - I smiled, laughed out loud, I loved and oh gods, did I yearn. Please and thank you for bringing back yearning to stories and romances, we desperately needed that.
Zanthi is a wonderful heroine - she is an academic and very... I would say level-headed and maybe pragmatic, but she is fierce and independent and sure of herself and what she wants and she goes for it. Brave and loyal and protective of her loved ones and someone to look up to. Madoc... The author likened him a bit like "soft-coded Howl" and - yes. In this house we love Howl very much which just means I fell in love with Madoc faster than Zanthi did probably. Words cannot explain how wonderful he was to read, with everything he is, behind the socialite mask, with his love towards Zanthi and his behaviour.
The first breakfast scene had me giggling and blushing and almost averting my gaze and made my heart so happy. Everything else in the romance was so soft, so kind, so fierce and full of love that it made my heart grew two sizes bigger. As did the parts with Zanthi's family (I may have laughed so much on the banter, several times).
As for the Esk and the story itself - I was fully immersed. I love fairytale esque settings, I love history, love solving puzzles of the story and I love everything new we learned about Esk and the Gardens, the springs and all of that throughout the seasons. Specially the Midsummer celebrations and their atmosphere where I could vividly picture everything on the page because we are now in June.
Somewhere in the ending pages a character says "Yes, my heart... I will stay." So will I, stay here in this beautifully written stories of Esk, with its equally beautifully written characters, in whichever story Hawthrone decides to gives us next.
Many thanks to the author for the eARC!
June 19, 2025
I want to start off by thanking Thea for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this beautiful story!
I don’t even know where to start with this review other than WOW. From the very first page, this book had my full attention. The first thing I noticed was the way it was written; a little different to what I was used to but in the best way! In some ways it gives me Bridgerton vibes (which I love) and has aspects of fantasy and romance, without taking away from the main story which I find a lot of books focus too much on which can somewhat take away from the main points. I usually keep notes in my phone whilst doing ARC reads so I can look back and leave a fully honest review, mostly to mention things that didn’t quite sit as well with me, but with this I was so incredibly enthralled that I didn’t even think to do that, nor did I need to. When I say this book was perfection i genuinely, truly, 100% mean it. The story and character building were impeccable and I could picture the world and the characters perfectly in my head. I have read a lot of great books this year but this one? This was just absolute perfection. I’d give it higher than 5 stars if I could!
The “opposites attract” trope was done so well and our main boy Madoc Casca is just wonderful! With this sort of trope I find it’s usually quite predictable in the sense that the FMC is often a poor, shy girl and the MMC is a rich, cocky sort who starts out quite infuriation and unlikeable which is somewhat true for this book, apart from Madoc is just so loveable from the get go! He’s kind and fun and welcomes Zanthi into his life so smoothly and easily, which I absolutely adored!
I am now DESPERATE to read Thea’s other works based in the world of Esk and can’t wait to do so, and I’m so excited knowing that there’s going to be more and we get to find out about a certain other character in the next book 👀
This was absolutely one of the BEST books I’ve read this year, if not ever! I’ve definitely found a new favourite author and I cannot praise her enough for how good this book was.
Also, THEY FINALLY GOT THEIR TEA DATE 🥳😂☕️
I don’t even know where to start with this review other than WOW. From the very first page, this book had my full attention. The first thing I noticed was the way it was written; a little different to what I was used to but in the best way! In some ways it gives me Bridgerton vibes (which I love) and has aspects of fantasy and romance, without taking away from the main story which I find a lot of books focus too much on which can somewhat take away from the main points. I usually keep notes in my phone whilst doing ARC reads so I can look back and leave a fully honest review, mostly to mention things that didn’t quite sit as well with me, but with this I was so incredibly enthralled that I didn’t even think to do that, nor did I need to. When I say this book was perfection i genuinely, truly, 100% mean it. The story and character building were impeccable and I could picture the world and the characters perfectly in my head. I have read a lot of great books this year but this one? This was just absolute perfection. I’d give it higher than 5 stars if I could!
The “opposites attract” trope was done so well and our main boy Madoc Casca is just wonderful! With this sort of trope I find it’s usually quite predictable in the sense that the FMC is often a poor, shy girl and the MMC is a rich, cocky sort who starts out quite infuriation and unlikeable which is somewhat true for this book, apart from Madoc is just so loveable from the get go! He’s kind and fun and welcomes Zanthi into his life so smoothly and easily, which I absolutely adored!
I am now DESPERATE to read Thea’s other works based in the world of Esk and can’t wait to do so, and I’m so excited knowing that there’s going to be more and we get to find out about a certain other character in the next book 👀
This was absolutely one of the BEST books I’ve read this year, if not ever! I’ve definitely found a new favourite author and I cannot praise her enough for how good this book was.
Also, THEY FINALLY GOT THEIR TEA DATE 🥳😂☕️
June 9, 2025
The beginning had me gripped with how beautifully it was written, and the dark academic setting and intrigue of the missing history had me beyond excited to turn the page. I love the main character, Zanthi, and her determination to untangle any mystery and passion for research and history as well as sharp tongue. I also loved her interactions with her brothers and friends so much! And of course Madoc too, their dynamic was so enjoyable. Emlyn's relationship with Zanthi warmed my heart, and I truly loved how truly supportive and adoring they are to each-other, genuinely being best friends. Fletcher and Theron are two characters that are not easy to forget and so easy to love, with Theron's unwavering criticisms (protective, and out of love) but still doting (and very teasing) nature toward his sister, and Fletcher who is probably one of my favorites. I loved how he interacted with Zanthi so so much and he added a lot to the scenes he was in. Madoc and Zanthi's relationship had a sweet, undeniably perfect buildup to the perfect beginning. Madoc, who is torn between worlds, blunt and showy was definitely one of my favorite MMCs. I did not see even a minor character whom I did not love (Hart, Kit, Thom, and so many others). Thea Hawthorne does an amazing job at making such charming, well written characters and even the more unremarkable ones leave a mark. Her writing is SO beautiful as well, having me entranced with the world she has created. The mystery in it had me hooked. I needed to know, to find out as Zanthi wanted to, and every bit revealed had me even more excited for the answers. The world is so well built while also keeping mystery and intrigue very potent. Between festivals, rituals, forgotten gods, and the sparkling society, it's truly an amazing story.
June 16, 2025
Thiiiiiiiis was fantastic! I’m in love with Hawthorne’s prose. I’ve read her more overtly queer, much cozier novellas, so I was not at all prepared for the dark, Dionysian elements of this longer piece. Holy heck. I love how dreamy and twisty this story was, and how the lore compounded to make the end… what it was.
Can I say with confidence exactly what happened toward the finale? Well, kinda. There’s one character in particular who is quite enigmatic in a way that I found a little hard to follow. But the imagery in those scenes was so lush and sumptuous and delicious that I’m willing to nod along.
I suspect that some readers will find Hawthorne’s prose a little over the top, or a shade to purple, and to them I say: you are objectively wrong. Give me one thousand pages of this, especially the slightly darker tone of this voyage through Esk. When I’m calling this dark, I don’t mean horror, I mean something more akin to dark academia. Where the Esk novellas are all like delicious little cream puffs, ‘Riversent’ explores a deeper mythos with a bit more teeth. Of course, readers of her shorter pieces will recognize familiar elements of Esk, but the MMC in this one is more deeply tied to the Gardens than anyone we’ve met before, so we get to explore the city from a perspective we didn’t have before. Zanthi has a fantastic character arc, and her romance with Madoc is something else. I still want to know what Susan’s deal is, though. I kept waiting to learn something about her… maybe in the next book. 🤔
Not sure how to talk about this in more specific terms without giving some level of spoiler, but I adored this. I received an ARC from the author because I am a dirty little trash gremlin already feinding for her next project.
Can I say with confidence exactly what happened toward the finale? Well, kinda. There’s one character in particular who is quite enigmatic in a way that I found a little hard to follow. But the imagery in those scenes was so lush and sumptuous and delicious that I’m willing to nod along.
I suspect that some readers will find Hawthorne’s prose a little over the top, or a shade to purple, and to them I say: you are objectively wrong. Give me one thousand pages of this, especially the slightly darker tone of this voyage through Esk. When I’m calling this dark, I don’t mean horror, I mean something more akin to dark academia. Where the Esk novellas are all like delicious little cream puffs, ‘Riversent’ explores a deeper mythos with a bit more teeth. Of course, readers of her shorter pieces will recognize familiar elements of Esk, but the MMC in this one is more deeply tied to the Gardens than anyone we’ve met before, so we get to explore the city from a perspective we didn’t have before. Zanthi has a fantastic character arc, and her romance with Madoc is something else. I still want to know what Susan’s deal is, though. I kept waiting to learn something about her… maybe in the next book. 🤔
Not sure how to talk about this in more specific terms without giving some level of spoiler, but I adored this. I received an ARC from the author because I am a dirty little trash gremlin already feinding for her next project.
May 30, 2025
This was an absolute delight to read from start to finish. It was so obvious that the author has put so much love and attention into crafting this masterpiece into something melancholic and whimsical, Devine and decadent.
Thea Hawthorne really has such a beautiful way of weaving an intriguing and magical story full of romance and intrigue into something to be savoured and appreciated.
This is a retelling of Orpheus and Eurydice (at least loosely) and it was abundantly clear that Thea has done so much research into the myth, and so much research into different areas of history to make all of the background settings and details so captivating and vivid.
Like I said this one has to be savoured, it’s perfect for a rainy day and for fans of ancient history, myths and all things academia. The romance here really is a slow burn, its a gentle collision of two distinct characters who yearn for more in their lives than what they’ve been given, and holy hell was it a treat to watch unfold. Honestly I wasn’t sure about the two of them at the beginning, but the more time they spent together working on the archives, the more it became clear that they were letting their walls down around each other, until they were naked both physically and emotionally.
I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone interested in reading this one, but I really think this is for people who enjoy a slower and more cozy dark/light academia book, still full of intrigue and strange occurrences. It was just magical.
And if the author couldn’t be any more talented they also created the cover art and all of the character art which is INSANE 🖤
Thea Hawthorne really has such a beautiful way of weaving an intriguing and magical story full of romance and intrigue into something to be savoured and appreciated.
This is a retelling of Orpheus and Eurydice (at least loosely) and it was abundantly clear that Thea has done so much research into the myth, and so much research into different areas of history to make all of the background settings and details so captivating and vivid.
Like I said this one has to be savoured, it’s perfect for a rainy day and for fans of ancient history, myths and all things academia. The romance here really is a slow burn, its a gentle collision of two distinct characters who yearn for more in their lives than what they’ve been given, and holy hell was it a treat to watch unfold. Honestly I wasn’t sure about the two of them at the beginning, but the more time they spent together working on the archives, the more it became clear that they were letting their walls down around each other, until they were naked both physically and emotionally.
I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone interested in reading this one, but I really think this is for people who enjoy a slower and more cozy dark/light academia book, still full of intrigue and strange occurrences. It was just magical.
And if the author couldn’t be any more talented they also created the cover art and all of the character art which is INSANE 🖤
June 13, 2025
Zanthi hasn't it all figured out.
Her wish to work as an historian seems to go sideways, as her research topic is deemed as rather obscure. She isn't what one would call well-liked, either: her eyes are unsettling to some people.
When she has to delve into the next best plan in order to become a researcher, Madoc Casca comes into her life. Madoc, the heir and socialite, one of Esk’s elite, needs her help in order to uncover a mystery. Madoc’s inheritance are the fabled healing Gardens that only the Casca family can guard. But their waters seem to have a problem, and Zanthi must dive deep into Esk’s most obscure myths in order to find out the solution. The more she delves into the myth, the more she and Madoc fall into trouble and each other, too.
The question that will eventually arise, is whether Madoc can survive without the Gardens, and whether Zanthi can have him even as the world as they know it is crumbling down.
Happy publication day (okay, typically it was yesterday, June 12th, but still!) for this beautiful, cosy book. Thea Hawthorne is blending folklore myths into her fantasy, making it a fascinating, heartfelt read with a healthy dose of mystery and nerdiness. I love the sketching of the characters and the extended presence of academia elements into the story. The chemistry between Zanthia and Madoc is heartwarming, and makes the reader pining for more. And of course, the old-as-time question: love or tradition, a question that runs throughout the book and gives it a dimension that makes it all the more compelling to read.
All in all, I enjoyed it greatly, and I am thankful to Thea for providing me with an ARC!
Her wish to work as an historian seems to go sideways, as her research topic is deemed as rather obscure. She isn't what one would call well-liked, either: her eyes are unsettling to some people.
When she has to delve into the next best plan in order to become a researcher, Madoc Casca comes into her life. Madoc, the heir and socialite, one of Esk’s elite, needs her help in order to uncover a mystery. Madoc’s inheritance are the fabled healing Gardens that only the Casca family can guard. But their waters seem to have a problem, and Zanthi must dive deep into Esk’s most obscure myths in order to find out the solution. The more she delves into the myth, the more she and Madoc fall into trouble and each other, too.
The question that will eventually arise, is whether Madoc can survive without the Gardens, and whether Zanthi can have him even as the world as they know it is crumbling down.
Happy publication day (okay, typically it was yesterday, June 12th, but still!) for this beautiful, cosy book. Thea Hawthorne is blending folklore myths into her fantasy, making it a fascinating, heartfelt read with a healthy dose of mystery and nerdiness. I love the sketching of the characters and the extended presence of academia elements into the story. The chemistry between Zanthia and Madoc is heartwarming, and makes the reader pining for more. And of course, the old-as-time question: love or tradition, a question that runs throughout the book and gives it a dimension that makes it all the more compelling to read.
All in all, I enjoyed it greatly, and I am thankful to Thea for providing me with an ARC!
January 17, 2026
God, I just adore Thea's writing, and this is no exception. Thea writes cozy but dark fantasy so beautifully and lyrically. It moves you, and you float through it. The world of Esk is perfect; I love the town and the mythology behind it, the mystery of the gardens' healing waters, and following the characters as they investigate and uncover dark secrets.
Madoc and Zanthi were adorable together; I love the "opposites attract" trope so much. Zanthi is a scholar who has a "side eye," otherwise known as a witch's eye in surrounding locations, which allows her to see things others may not. She prefers solitude and to stay away from society, hiding herself away within the walls of academia, deep in the underground archives, and focusing on her scholarship goals. Madoc is a socialite who is used to glimmering in the spotlight, the heir to the healing gardens.
Madoc and his gardens need Zanthi's help, and then begins this phenomenal slow-burn romance where we follow these two completely opposite people navigating their worlds whilst working together to uncover the dark secrets of Esk. Their connection felt so real; Madoc was so charming, and I loved that Zanthi kept true to herself throughout. All of the side characters were integral to the story, and you got an amazing feel for all of them too. I just truly loved all of it and couldn't fault it.
The intimacy is closed-door, fade-to-gray.
Things I loved:
Queernormative world
Underworld mythology
Opposites attract
Darkly cozy fantasy
Slow-burn romance
Light academia and mystery
Madoc and Zanthi were adorable together; I love the "opposites attract" trope so much. Zanthi is a scholar who has a "side eye," otherwise known as a witch's eye in surrounding locations, which allows her to see things others may not. She prefers solitude and to stay away from society, hiding herself away within the walls of academia, deep in the underground archives, and focusing on her scholarship goals. Madoc is a socialite who is used to glimmering in the spotlight, the heir to the healing gardens.
Madoc and his gardens need Zanthi's help, and then begins this phenomenal slow-burn romance where we follow these two completely opposite people navigating their worlds whilst working together to uncover the dark secrets of Esk. Their connection felt so real; Madoc was so charming, and I loved that Zanthi kept true to herself throughout. All of the side characters were integral to the story, and you got an amazing feel for all of them too. I just truly loved all of it and couldn't fault it.
The intimacy is closed-door, fade-to-gray.
Things I loved:
Queernormative world
Underworld mythology
Opposites attract
Darkly cozy fantasy
Slow-burn romance
Light academia and mystery
June 10, 2025
"𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓪𝓼 𝓶𝓾𝓬𝓱 𝓪 𝓶𝔂𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓻𝔂 𝓽𝓸 𝓶𝓮 𝓪𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓻𝓼."
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Thank you for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this story. I was given this book for free, this review is my ideas and thoughts, and mine alone.
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This book was such an interesting, a cozy read, I loved turning on a forest or dark academia ambience in the background and entering the world of Esk. It was such a beautiful (slight) retelling of Orpheus & Eurydice. I loved getting lost in the archives with Zanthi, and spending time in the Gardens with Madoc. I loved the inclusion of the LGBTQ+ characters and the depth of which we learned about them. I loved that they were made to be main characters and not just background side characters. We love to see the representation! Thank you, Thea, for giving me the opportunity to walk along them on their journey.
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Zanthi believes that there are mysteries hidden under the floors of her university, and she just may be correct. While on her journey to prove that her theories are backed, Zanthi is faced with many obstacles, ranging from a doubtful older brother to a flirtatious, handsome stranger, who may or may not have an overprotective mother. Zanthi must overcome her mousy, nature to save the people she cares about from danger, even if that means putting herself in harm’s way. Will she overcome the demons from her past, or will she let the darkness consume her? Pre-order today to find out. The book releases June 12th, 2025.
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Thank you for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this story. I was given this book for free, this review is my ideas and thoughts, and mine alone.
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This book was such an interesting, a cozy read, I loved turning on a forest or dark academia ambience in the background and entering the world of Esk. It was such a beautiful (slight) retelling of Orpheus & Eurydice. I loved getting lost in the archives with Zanthi, and spending time in the Gardens with Madoc. I loved the inclusion of the LGBTQ+ characters and the depth of which we learned about them. I loved that they were made to be main characters and not just background side characters. We love to see the representation! Thank you, Thea, for giving me the opportunity to walk along them on their journey.
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Zanthi believes that there are mysteries hidden under the floors of her university, and she just may be correct. While on her journey to prove that her theories are backed, Zanthi is faced with many obstacles, ranging from a doubtful older brother to a flirtatious, handsome stranger, who may or may not have an overprotective mother. Zanthi must overcome her mousy, nature to save the people she cares about from danger, even if that means putting herself in harm’s way. Will she overcome the demons from her past, or will she let the darkness consume her? Pre-order today to find out. The book releases June 12th, 2025.
May 23, 2025
If you’re after an academic cozy fantasy set in a queernorm world filled with twists and mysteries then all woven with ivy is the next book you need to read!!
The story follows our introverted historian Zanthi and our social butterfly and flirt Madoc as they work together to uncover the mysteries of Esk and uncover dark secrets about their home through their journey.
I absolutely loved seeing Zanthi’s growth as a character while still holding onto her strong attributes of being assertive in herself. It was really refreshing to see her let herself go and find more about what she wanted in life.
Madoc’s character isn’t the usual male lead I enjoy but his banter with Zanthi’s and learning more about him under his charming personality had me itching to read more about him and growing to love him so dearly.
I will forever love how Thea writes, it’s so beautiful constructed and keeps me wanting to turn each and every page. Her poetic writing is the perfect style for a story that mixes in Greek mythology.
I love the world of Esk and cannot wait to read more, learning more of the history and folklore of this world in Thea’s previous novellas and now this novel has me so incredibly enthralled and intrigued, wanting to learn more.
Thank you so much to Thea for giving me an arc copy to read!
The story follows our introverted historian Zanthi and our social butterfly and flirt Madoc as they work together to uncover the mysteries of Esk and uncover dark secrets about their home through their journey.
I absolutely loved seeing Zanthi’s growth as a character while still holding onto her strong attributes of being assertive in herself. It was really refreshing to see her let herself go and find more about what she wanted in life.
Madoc’s character isn’t the usual male lead I enjoy but his banter with Zanthi’s and learning more about him under his charming personality had me itching to read more about him and growing to love him so dearly.
I will forever love how Thea writes, it’s so beautiful constructed and keeps me wanting to turn each and every page. Her poetic writing is the perfect style for a story that mixes in Greek mythology.
I love the world of Esk and cannot wait to read more, learning more of the history and folklore of this world in Thea’s previous novellas and now this novel has me so incredibly enthralled and intrigued, wanting to learn more.
Thank you so much to Thea for giving me an arc copy to read!
May 30, 2025
4.5 🌟
Beautifully written, immersive read that blends gothic atmosphere, myth, and emotional depth into a slow-burning story of identity and longing.
At the heart of the novel is Zanthi Ilyston, a reclusive historian whose life has been defined by solitude, routine, and the quiet study of things long buried. Zanthi is a compelling protagonist—reserved, introspective, and shaped by her ability to see what others cannot. When she's reluctantly drawn out of her scholarly world by Madoc Casca, heir to the once-glorious healing Gardens, her life begins to unravel in both beautiful and painful ways.
Madoc, though sometimes veiled in mystery, is a vibrant counterweight to Zanthi’s stillness, and their collaboration on unlocking an ancient myth adds layers of tension and discovery.
Dreamlike, melancholic, and often poetic. For readers who value character depth, emotional atmosphere, and slow-blooming revelations, this book delivers.
All Woven with Ivy is a story about the things that bind us—to the past, to each other, and to the myths we inherit. It’s haunting and graceful.
Thea Hawthorne really nails it. Her writing is confident and vivid, and she has a great sense for the emotional undercurrents in a scene. For a debut, it’s seriously impressive—she knows exactly what kind of story she’s telling, and she tells it with style and heart.
Beautifully written, immersive read that blends gothic atmosphere, myth, and emotional depth into a slow-burning story of identity and longing.
At the heart of the novel is Zanthi Ilyston, a reclusive historian whose life has been defined by solitude, routine, and the quiet study of things long buried. Zanthi is a compelling protagonist—reserved, introspective, and shaped by her ability to see what others cannot. When she's reluctantly drawn out of her scholarly world by Madoc Casca, heir to the once-glorious healing Gardens, her life begins to unravel in both beautiful and painful ways.
Madoc, though sometimes veiled in mystery, is a vibrant counterweight to Zanthi’s stillness, and their collaboration on unlocking an ancient myth adds layers of tension and discovery.
Dreamlike, melancholic, and often poetic. For readers who value character depth, emotional atmosphere, and slow-blooming revelations, this book delivers.
All Woven with Ivy is a story about the things that bind us—to the past, to each other, and to the myths we inherit. It’s haunting and graceful.
Thea Hawthorne really nails it. Her writing is confident and vivid, and she has a great sense for the emotional undercurrents in a scene. For a debut, it’s seriously impressive—she knows exactly what kind of story she’s telling, and she tells it with style and heart.
August 11, 2025
This book didn’t just tangle me up—it wrapped me in ivy, whispered forbidden promises in my ear, and left me beautifully ensnared.
All Woven with Ivy is romantic fantasy at its finest: atmospheric, slow-burn, and steeped in intrigue. The heroine is strong in ways the world doesn’t always reward—sharp, determined, and caught between survival and surrender. The love interest? Oh, he’s brooding, dangerous, and dripping in “I’d burn for you” energy, with secrets that could topple kingdoms. Naturally, I trusted him immediately.
Set in a queernormative world, this is a fantasy romance with light academia, medium stakes, and darkly cosy vibes. Think Orpheus & Eurydice undertones, a glittering society hiding the creeping unease of underworld myth, and a bi FMC and MMC whose chemistry winds through the story like ivy—slow, deliberate, and impossible to tear away without bleeding. Every glance is a battle, every touch feels like the breaking of a vow, and the tension? Exquisite agony.
It’s also the first in the interconnected, overlapping Riversent series—each book following a different couple, each delivering its own HEA—but this one? This one feels like a spell you don’t want to break.
Final thoughts? All Woven with Ivy is lush, aching, and unforgettable. A romantic surrender, one leaf and thorn at a time. Five stars. I am wrecked.
All Woven with Ivy is romantic fantasy at its finest: atmospheric, slow-burn, and steeped in intrigue. The heroine is strong in ways the world doesn’t always reward—sharp, determined, and caught between survival and surrender. The love interest? Oh, he’s brooding, dangerous, and dripping in “I’d burn for you” energy, with secrets that could topple kingdoms. Naturally, I trusted him immediately.
Set in a queernormative world, this is a fantasy romance with light academia, medium stakes, and darkly cosy vibes. Think Orpheus & Eurydice undertones, a glittering society hiding the creeping unease of underworld myth, and a bi FMC and MMC whose chemistry winds through the story like ivy—slow, deliberate, and impossible to tear away without bleeding. Every glance is a battle, every touch feels like the breaking of a vow, and the tension? Exquisite agony.
It’s also the first in the interconnected, overlapping Riversent series—each book following a different couple, each delivering its own HEA—but this one? This one feels like a spell you don’t want to break.
Final thoughts? All Woven with Ivy is lush, aching, and unforgettable. A romantic surrender, one leaf and thorn at a time. Five stars. I am wrecked.
June 6, 2025
All Woven With Ivy is as whimsical and beautiful as you can imagine. This novel was my first read from Thea Hawthorne, and what a great first impression it has left for me.
Thea has handcrafted a beautiful fantasy world filled with magic, academia and mysteries. Each character has been so thoughtfully crafted that you can easily see the soul of each one.
Zan is an inquisitive scholar: she’s well educated, strong though cautious and is on a mission to find the answers to something she believes has been long forgotten. And Madoc, he’s a social butterfly with a deeply affectionate side and responsibilities that are not easily seen on first glance. While Zan is inexperienced and shy, she is not weak. And while Madoc is confident and determined, he’s not arrogant. I have grown so fond of both of them, and I have loved watching them grow together throughout AWWI.
The story depicts an enchanting story with light academia, long lost gods, strangers to lovers and medium stakes. While parts of the ending confused me and I wish that Zan’s research quest did not fade into the background, I enjoyed the story nonetheless and am excited to see that the story will continue!
I cannot recommend All Woven With Ivy and any work by Thea Hawthorne enough!!
Thea has handcrafted a beautiful fantasy world filled with magic, academia and mysteries. Each character has been so thoughtfully crafted that you can easily see the soul of each one.
Zan is an inquisitive scholar: she’s well educated, strong though cautious and is on a mission to find the answers to something she believes has been long forgotten. And Madoc, he’s a social butterfly with a deeply affectionate side and responsibilities that are not easily seen on first glance. While Zan is inexperienced and shy, she is not weak. And while Madoc is confident and determined, he’s not arrogant. I have grown so fond of both of them, and I have loved watching them grow together throughout AWWI.
The story depicts an enchanting story with light academia, long lost gods, strangers to lovers and medium stakes. While parts of the ending confused me and I wish that Zan’s research quest did not fade into the background, I enjoyed the story nonetheless and am excited to see that the story will continue!
I cannot recommend All Woven With Ivy and any work by Thea Hawthorne enough!!
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