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Autumn Decay: A Gothic Fantasy Romance
At death's brink, Clove Helrose is faced with a choice: die at the hands of her jealous lover or become indebted to a feral god and live.
The wayward witch has no intention of honoring the magical debt, but when the deity’s first command sends her to her childhood home, a place where the woods whisper names and sirens lure men into the tumultuous sea, she can’t help but be intrigued.
After a life of thievery, Clove expects judgment and disapproval upon her return. Instead she’s attacked by an Angel of Death, whose dreamy eyes and devious intentions leave her craving his kiss of death.
With dark forces gaining power, Clove must decide what kind of witch she wants to the villain she always has been or the hero her town needs.
The wayward witch has no intention of honoring the magical debt, but when the deity’s first command sends her to her childhood home, a place where the woods whisper names and sirens lure men into the tumultuous sea, she can’t help but be intrigued.
After a life of thievery, Clove expects judgment and disapproval upon her return. Instead she’s attacked by an Angel of Death, whose dreamy eyes and devious intentions leave her craving his kiss of death.
With dark forces gaining power, Clove must decide what kind of witch she wants to the villain she always has been or the hero her town needs.
599 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2025
33 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
July 6, 2025
Beneath the blistering summer sun, I slipped into the shadows of Alyissa’s Autumn Decay—a gothic fantasy romance draped in beauty and sorrow. The scorching heat, the endless daylight—none of it could pull me from this decadent, dusky world. In my mind, it was always Samhain. I was dancing with ghosts, whispering to spirits, brushing shoulders with gods of the Old.
Clove is so much more than a witch, and Uriah is so much more than an angel of Death. They are tortured souls, haunted by their pasts, their circumstances, and their choices.
Clove carved a place in my heart. Shaped by a fractured childhood and a weary present, yet still reaches for the light ahead. Fierce, but not invincible. Vulnerable, aching, learning to let herself heal.
And Uriah… my sweet, sorrow-drenched death angel. At times, I wanted nothing more than to hold him, to whisper that it’s not too late. He bears his flaws with aching grace. He wants to be better—for Clove, yes—but also for himself. He isn’t without fault or sin—but who among us is?
A witch and a death angel, burdened by inner demons, bound by duty, and tethered to one another by their growing bond.
This is a tale of hurt and hunger, of vengeance and forgiveness, of love that bleeds and still endures. A story far from finished—but unforgettable already.
Thank you, Alyissa, for letting me walk through this graveyard garden of a tale before the world. It’s a gift I’ll treasure.
Clove is so much more than a witch, and Uriah is so much more than an angel of Death. They are tortured souls, haunted by their pasts, their circumstances, and their choices.
Clove carved a place in my heart. Shaped by a fractured childhood and a weary present, yet still reaches for the light ahead. Fierce, but not invincible. Vulnerable, aching, learning to let herself heal.
And Uriah… my sweet, sorrow-drenched death angel. At times, I wanted nothing more than to hold him, to whisper that it’s not too late. He bears his flaws with aching grace. He wants to be better—for Clove, yes—but also for himself. He isn’t without fault or sin—but who among us is?
A witch and a death angel, burdened by inner demons, bound by duty, and tethered to one another by their growing bond.
This is a tale of hurt and hunger, of vengeance and forgiveness, of love that bleeds and still endures. A story far from finished—but unforgettable already.
Thank you, Alyissa, for letting me walk through this graveyard garden of a tale before the world. It’s a gift I’ll treasure.
June 27, 2025
Have you ever read something and then just sat and digested the fact that it's over?
This epic Gothic dark fantasy is filled with the old gods and creatures who go bump in the night. This nearly 600-page book is a fantastic debut novel. If you love a healthy dose of varying mythologies, paganism, and Halloween/Samhain, then this book is for you. I absolutely loved and devoured it🤎🖤🍁🎃 The FMC Clove Helrose must make a choice, but all choices bear the weight of consequence. This book will have you walk through that journey with her. All that I will say are things are not as they would seem, and pretty prose, especially when dealing with the Gods might not be the salvation it portrays. My advice is to enjoy this ride. I will be impatiently waiting for the next offering.
I so wish I could reread this again for the first time.
I was given an advanced copy for an honest review.
This epic Gothic dark fantasy is filled with the old gods and creatures who go bump in the night. This nearly 600-page book is a fantastic debut novel. If you love a healthy dose of varying mythologies, paganism, and Halloween/Samhain, then this book is for you. I absolutely loved and devoured it🤎🖤🍁🎃 The FMC Clove Helrose must make a choice, but all choices bear the weight of consequence. This book will have you walk through that journey with her. All that I will say are things are not as they would seem, and pretty prose, especially when dealing with the Gods might not be the salvation it portrays. My advice is to enjoy this ride. I will be impatiently waiting for the next offering.
I so wish I could reread this again for the first time.
I was given an advanced copy for an honest review.
July 12, 2025
This was a great read. This included all sorts of things that I enjoy in a book: Gothic fantasy, Paranormal Creatures, SLOWWWWW BURN, Banter and a head strong female that I wanted to shake (in a good way, of course!)
This 600 page book started off slow for me but took off quickly after and kept me engaged from start to finish. The FMC Clove makes a deal with a nymph and is then promised to The Horned God. The Banter between the character is CHEFS KISSSSSS!!!! I love the different realms of this book as well. I have never read a book with these types of characters or settings and I would recommend this book to anyone who asked for a gripping cliffhanger!!
This 600 page book started off slow for me but took off quickly after and kept me engaged from start to finish. The FMC Clove makes a deal with a nymph and is then promised to The Horned God. The Banter between the character is CHEFS KISSSSSS!!!! I love the different realms of this book as well. I have never read a book with these types of characters or settings and I would recommend this book to anyone who asked for a gripping cliffhanger!!
July 2, 2025
I was honored to be an ARC reader for this book and I got to sayyyyyyyy!!!!! This book is 10/10! It is absolutely beautiful and emotional. There is alot of trauma to reflect on and courage to be built. The empowering nature of every being and learning one’s true self. The love interests are heart wrenching and you can feel the conflict as if you are Clove. I cannot wait to read more. There is spice and magic. And the magic is truly explored and feels like you are there and fully thrown into the world. I love it! It is so different and there are so many exciting bits to many to share. I hope the raven comes soon bearing gifts and news of more stories from this author. And this book makes me with for a witchy cottage home more and more. Wish my house was as cool as hers! And someone say pspsps to all the cats for me <3
July 3, 2025
First of all, wow. I actually had to take a small recovery period after this one. The way the author was able to convey the emotions of the main character was impeccable. Immediately, I connected with the inner turmoil of the main character and her constant battle of morality. Always wanting to be a good person, but sometimes "good" was a learned behavior. Sometimes our instinct is self-preservation, and that doesn't make us less than; it makes us human. The main character finds herself stuck in "survival mode" throughout half the story, protecting herself from everything she can, from a depressedly absent mother to domestic abuse and so much more, ultimately landing in the arms of a Death angel. In what way you ask? I guess you will have to read to find out. It's a beautiful, endearing, exhilarating roller coaster of all of the emotions. I am obsessed.
And to the author, Ms. Alyissa Lore:
Thank you. For this story, for these beautiful characters, for the healing you brought me from Clove and Ophelia. I cannot wait to see what else you do with the characters you've made. And more writing in general. Thank you for trusting me with this piece of you. I will be purchasing as soon as it is available.
Kisses, Bunny 🖤
Disclaimer: I received an advance copy, free of charge. I was not required to review it. However, I am leaving this honest review COMPLETELY voluntarily and of my own free will.
And to the author, Ms. Alyissa Lore:
Thank you. For this story, for these beautiful characters, for the healing you brought me from Clove and Ophelia. I cannot wait to see what else you do with the characters you've made. And more writing in general. Thank you for trusting me with this piece of you. I will be purchasing as soon as it is available.
Kisses, Bunny 🖤
Disclaimer: I received an advance copy, free of charge. I was not required to review it. However, I am leaving this honest review COMPLETELY voluntarily and of my own free will.
June 10, 2025
Autumn Decay by Alyissa M. Lore was such a refreshing read! It had a little bit of everything—fun banter, a slow-burn romance, and such sweet moments between Uriah and Clove that totally melted my heart. The world-building was so well done, with small details that slowly built into something really beautiful and magical. I loved how the story unfolded and how much it focused on growth and self-discovery. Just a really lovely, cozy, and meaningful read.
July 27, 2025
Autumn Decay is a gothic dark romantasy with a little bit of spice! (slow burn with some spicy scenes) AND plot! A story about a modern day witch who dies and is brought back by a God and for whom she owes a debt to. There's an underlying theme of self discovery, as she sees parts of herself in some of the other characters. I seriously hope this indie book gets recognized for the wonderful writing and story that lies in these pages!!!! There's magic, nymphs, witches, haunts, angels, gods, monsters. This book has me in its clutches!!
I just finished reading the ARC for Autumn Decay, by Alyissa Lore and I'm in literal tears. I'm crying from heartbreak, the characters, the depth of this story, and I'm sad that it's over! 😭 The first half of this book takes you through the life and background of a modern day witchling (which is absolutely a necessary part of building this storyline!) and then BAM...the second half is so intense, chaotic, and suspenseful, I could NOT put this book down! I think everyone who reads this will see a little bit of themselves in the main characters, and that makes this story so relatable, even in the setting of a gothic dark fantasy book like this! If you love other gothic dark fantasy books like author Keri Lake, you will MELT over indie author, Alyissa Lore! This is a 5 star read! Running to buy this as a hard copy to add to my collection!
I just finished reading the ARC for Autumn Decay, by Alyissa Lore and I'm in literal tears. I'm crying from heartbreak, the characters, the depth of this story, and I'm sad that it's over! 😭 The first half of this book takes you through the life and background of a modern day witchling (which is absolutely a necessary part of building this storyline!) and then BAM...the second half is so intense, chaotic, and suspenseful, I could NOT put this book down! I think everyone who reads this will see a little bit of themselves in the main characters, and that makes this story so relatable, even in the setting of a gothic dark fantasy book like this! If you love other gothic dark fantasy books like author Keri Lake, you will MELT over indie author, Alyissa Lore! This is a 5 star read! Running to buy this as a hard copy to add to my collection!
June 29, 2025
Clove Helrose is an untrained witch who hasn't had an easy life and has dealt with this by running from everything. A close brush with death leaves her indebted to an unknown god for an unknown favor. This twist ultimately brings her back to her childhood home and the friends she thought she had lost long ago. Now she needs to train with the Angel of Death to learn her powers, fulfill her debt to the god, and protect her home. The characters are impossible to hate, have intricate stories of their own, and the world of gods and magic is beautifully written. There were so many times where I said "just one more chapter" and had hours pass before I even realized I was still fully engrossed in the pages of this book. There is happiness and heartbreak, times you will want to cry or throw the book across the room, and an ending that leaves you wanting so much more. I can't wait to see the next chapter of Clove's story!
Tropes:
✔️PNR (ghosts, witches, gods, & monsters)
✔️Angel of Death
✔️Strong FMC
✔️the list keeps going!
Spice:
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
✔️PNR (ghosts, witches, gods, & monsters)
✔️Angel of Death
✔️Strong FMC
✔️the list keeps going!
Spice:
🌶️🌶️🌶️
July 3, 2025
What a path the FMC of this book takes!!! I'm not one who reads a lot of "witchy" stories, but this book isn't just focused on that aspect. It's a journey of a woman fighting herself through past trauma and learning to love herself despite her past decisions. She learns who she is and how much strength she actually has. Of course, having a gorgeous death angel watching over her and becoming her support (along with others) brings a delicious aspect to the story. And the ending? Just know it ended the way it needed to end.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
July 2, 2025
This book was so good. I enjoyed every minute of it
June 23, 2025
A story told in the tone of lore of old times with a variety of mythical beings,all part of Clove's tale.
In a never ending of things happening,Clover uncovers secrets,unravels her own feelings in a journey of self knowing, reflection and maybe finding love with Uriah.
But ends in a maddening cliffhanger ….
In a never ending of things happening,Clover uncovers secrets,unravels her own feelings in a journey of self knowing, reflection and maybe finding love with Uriah.
But ends in a maddening cliffhanger ….
August 19, 2025
3.4 stars
This book has A LOT going on. If you want a chaotic book, pick this one up lol.
I think the writing style is quite good.
At times, many things reminded me of the book series "Jaga and the Devil".
However, not enough to complain. The concept of the book at the beginning was pretty interesting.
I see a lot of reviews saying the beginning was slow, but in my opinion it was not.
I don't think the author is the strongest in writing characters, but it's not the worst either.
My main problem is how CONFUSING this book is.
SEVERAL times through out, I asked myself "How tf did we get here?!"
What happens at the beginning almost has nothing to do with what happens at the end whatsoever. Just a lot going on, man... Very jumbled.
Another item, I want to warn everyone about: This book uses real religion and NOT in a good light. I do think it is slightly lazy to write a fantasy book that obviously uses real religion and concepts but then some that are fake. Some people may be offended by this, just be aware.
This book starts to slow down for me around 67% but I stayed interested enough to finish it. I am NOT a fan of the ending tbh. I don't know that I will read the next one, we will see.
To end this, I do admit there are some very creative plot ideas and even some poetic writing skills used. It was very enjoyable to read for the majority of the book. I recommend to give it a shot, just be prepared for a long book.
This book has A LOT going on. If you want a chaotic book, pick this one up lol.
I think the writing style is quite good.
At times, many things reminded me of the book series "Jaga and the Devil".
However, not enough to complain. The concept of the book at the beginning was pretty interesting.
I see a lot of reviews saying the beginning was slow, but in my opinion it was not.
I don't think the author is the strongest in writing characters, but it's not the worst either.
My main problem is how CONFUSING this book is.
SEVERAL times through out, I asked myself "How tf did we get here?!"
What happens at the beginning almost has nothing to do with what happens at the end whatsoever. Just a lot going on, man... Very jumbled.
Another item, I want to warn everyone about: This book uses real religion and NOT in a good light. I do think it is slightly lazy to write a fantasy book that obviously uses real religion and concepts but then some that are fake. Some people may be offended by this, just be aware.
This book starts to slow down for me around 67% but I stayed interested enough to finish it. I am NOT a fan of the ending tbh. I don't know that I will read the next one, we will see.
To end this, I do admit there are some very creative plot ideas and even some poetic writing skills used. It was very enjoyable to read for the majority of the book. I recommend to give it a shot, just be prepared for a long book.
July 14, 2025
Autumn Decay….the world of Clove, gods, goddesses, ghosts, souls, a world where the veil thins and angels of death fall in love with witches. There was so much happening in this book, in a god way. Be prepared to jump into this book and be carried away into another time and while the book ends on a cliffhanger of sorts you will feel satisfied with it. This was a great debut book and am looking forward to the next book by the author.
June 17, 2025
When I started this book there was no time to get comfortable. The action starts at the beginning and doesn't let up. The journey that Clover goes on is one of despair, curiosity, happiness, and self reflection. I wanted for her and Uriah to have a happy ever after, but it ends on a cliffhanger I. regards to their relationship.
July 4, 2025
•Gothic Fantasy
•Paranormal Creatures
•Mythology
•Past DV
•Morally Grey FMC
•Slow Burn
•Tension/Banter
•Feral Gods
•Death Angel
•Cliffhanger
•🌶🌶🌶
♡ARC READ♡
Y'all.. Y'ALL!! This book was *chef's kiss 🤌🏻* It has everything I LOVE in it.. Paranormal beings, mythology, magic, etc! This story follows Clove Helrose and how she's ultimately trying to heal from her past with DV (she quite literally has to fight with her shadow self to heal). She ended up making a deal with a decay nymph to save her life and, at a later date, would become a champion for The Horned God. There's a whole story behind why she was chosen by this God.. but I'm not telling you. You'll have to read it to find out! Just.. UGH! SO MUCH HAPPENED IN THIS BOOK. I literally can't put every detail in this review, or it'll get spoiled. But note this... When Clove meets the Death Angel... the tension and back and forth banter is everything! I loved every second. I gasped, I screamed, I cried. Ohhh, did I cry! The last quarter of this book was ROUGH and CHAOTIC. It's going to be one of those books that I wish I could read again for the first time! This book drops on August 1st.. I highly suggest reading it when it comes out!
•Paranormal Creatures
•Mythology
•Past DV
•Morally Grey FMC
•Slow Burn
•Tension/Banter
•Feral Gods
•Death Angel
•Cliffhanger
•🌶🌶🌶
♡ARC READ♡
Y'all.. Y'ALL!! This book was *chef's kiss 🤌🏻* It has everything I LOVE in it.. Paranormal beings, mythology, magic, etc! This story follows Clove Helrose and how she's ultimately trying to heal from her past with DV (she quite literally has to fight with her shadow self to heal). She ended up making a deal with a decay nymph to save her life and, at a later date, would become a champion for The Horned God. There's a whole story behind why she was chosen by this God.. but I'm not telling you. You'll have to read it to find out! Just.. UGH! SO MUCH HAPPENED IN THIS BOOK. I literally can't put every detail in this review, or it'll get spoiled. But note this... When Clove meets the Death Angel... the tension and back and forth banter is everything! I loved every second. I gasped, I screamed, I cried. Ohhh, did I cry! The last quarter of this book was ROUGH and CHAOTIC. It's going to be one of those books that I wish I could read again for the first time! This book drops on August 1st.. I highly suggest reading it when it comes out!
January 19, 2026
I have struggled with this one, it was not compelling. It took me 2 months to finish it, not because I am slow but it was just that boring. To give you a synopsis if you want to read it - the story is everywhere all at once. I didnt see any good connecting points that will bring plot(s) together or make it coherent in the end. It was exhausting to read it and trying to connect the dots ALL THE TIME. Writing feels** (and dare I say) very AI-ish. Things keep happening to FMC and she keeps making dumb decisions but also the very important task that was assigned to her in the beginning by a god is sidelined all the time. New characters keep getting introduced who have no reason to be in the story. There are some unsettling creepy moments but they are not done well. I keep questioning why it's happening to her and why do I need to know all of this and I realized - because author has just written whatever has come to her mind and forgot to follow up with it. Its not a good book honestly, idk where all the good reviews coming from. Even the cliffhanger is not well thought, tried to be dramatic but it didn't land well
July 19, 2025
Clove the FMC, is in a whole lot of problems, man, a nymph who can rot flesh from bones following her.
So Clove pretty much goes or wants to go into things with w3@pons blazing without reading the manuals, or learning to steps to handle it. She likes skipping steps or relying on the easy side of things. Which only ends up making things harder for her when the situations don’t work out (cause she went in 100% unprepared, uninformed, and unaware to pretty much every situation).
This book is chaos, are the who are the villains, who can be trusted, how does Clove know whats real. The battles she faces are remarkable.
And are you freak-in kidding me with that ending. Rip my heart out and stomp on it why don’t you, OMG. Absolute must read your heart will not thank you though.
Absolute banger, this is how you write a strong independent half crazed female character without the frustrations of being stupidly stubborn. Although clove is stubborn, but she is at least open and trying to learn.
Key points in no particular order:
- @-buse
- Feral hidden gods
- Spirits
- Gods & Goddesses
- Broken promises
- Yearning
- MMC is death
- Ghosts
- Cliff hanger
- Plot Twists
- Zombies
- paganism
- cycle of nature
So Clove pretty much goes or wants to go into things with w3@pons blazing without reading the manuals, or learning to steps to handle it. She likes skipping steps or relying on the easy side of things. Which only ends up making things harder for her when the situations don’t work out (cause she went in 100% unprepared, uninformed, and unaware to pretty much every situation).
This book is chaos, are the who are the villains, who can be trusted, how does Clove know whats real. The battles she faces are remarkable.
And are you freak-in kidding me with that ending. Rip my heart out and stomp on it why don’t you, OMG. Absolute must read your heart will not thank you though.
Absolute banger, this is how you write a strong independent half crazed female character without the frustrations of being stupidly stubborn. Although clove is stubborn, but she is at least open and trying to learn.
Key points in no particular order:
- @-buse
- Feral hidden gods
- Spirits
- Gods & Goddesses
- Broken promises
- Yearning
- MMC is death
- Ghosts
- Cliff hanger
- Plot Twists
- Zombies
- paganism
- cycle of nature
July 21, 2025
~*~ Arc in exchange for honest review~*~
alyissa.lore
Your book made me weep !!!
Just finished this book and I took my time savoring g each beautiful dark shadowed glimmer of its autumn winds , the love the loss the facing of our own inner pain to find wher that pain made the character stronger and how sometimes we judge ourselves with a heavy hand and need to forgive and embrace our shadowed selves to be able to move to a brighter better future.
This book is written for the lost and broken chaos girls the ones who raised themself and made hard dark choosing searching for someone anyone to love them and find them worthy. And the learn they must first find worth within themselves. And in so doing find a home of their own.
This book is
chaos and cosmos
gods and goddesses
anger and grief
life and death
Choices that are not black and white
May these two ravens find their wings together !
alyissa.lore
Your book made me weep !!!
Just finished this book and I took my time savoring g each beautiful dark shadowed glimmer of its autumn winds , the love the loss the facing of our own inner pain to find wher that pain made the character stronger and how sometimes we judge ourselves with a heavy hand and need to forgive and embrace our shadowed selves to be able to move to a brighter better future.
This book is written for the lost and broken chaos girls the ones who raised themself and made hard dark choosing searching for someone anyone to love them and find them worthy. And the learn they must first find worth within themselves. And in so doing find a home of their own.
This book is
chaos and cosmos
gods and goddesses
anger and grief
life and death
Choices that are not black and white
May these two ravens find their wings together !
July 22, 2025
This book took me on a roller coaster ride and I went along for the ride! There's a little bit of everything, magic, mystery, witches, monsters, ghosts, and other magical creatures, which are my favorite types of stories. I would like to know more about her friend Nessa, the backstory about James, and about the rocky relationship with Clover and her mother. I loved the chemistry with her and Uriah. I was a little lost when reading the Samhain Ball scenes but got the gist of it. Overall, really enjoyed this book. It kept me interested and entertained, with all the twists and turns, and going "WHAT?!?" (in a good way) often throughout the story. Looking forward to what comes next for Clover!
July 23, 2025
'I had forgotten how good adrenaline felt when you weren’t fighting for your life. It exploded inside me like glitter, and I licked my lips. “I’m always up for an adventure.”'
This book was an adventure. The lore was amazing and it was hard to put down. The plot was so good to get sucked into. You could feel what Clover was feeling with how well Alyissa wrote the character. I connected with Clover because of her past relationship. If you enjoy fantasy and mythology pick up this book you won't regret it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was an adventure. The lore was amazing and it was hard to put down. The plot was so good to get sucked into. You could feel what Clover was feeling with how well Alyissa wrote the character. I connected with Clover because of her past relationship. If you enjoy fantasy and mythology pick up this book you won't regret it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 31, 2025
This is definitely a book for those who like their fantasy a little feral. I was so happy to receive an advanced copy of this book - what a ride!
Clove Helrose is such a refreshing heroine, and I loved entering her dark world. She's gritty, real, and she doesn't just lean into danger, she runs straight towards it. The emotional healing she has to do felt so genuine and was executed so well. Her world is moody and atmospheric, and I could never predict what was going to happen next - just had to keep reading. This book is for you if you love gothic fantasy, all the gods, and cliffhangers.
Clove Helrose is such a refreshing heroine, and I loved entering her dark world. She's gritty, real, and she doesn't just lean into danger, she runs straight towards it. The emotional healing she has to do felt so genuine and was executed so well. Her world is moody and atmospheric, and I could never predict what was going to happen next - just had to keep reading. This book is for you if you love gothic fantasy, all the gods, and cliffhangers.
August 1, 2025
Autumn Decay is a haunting, atmospheric fantasy that delivers everything I love—morally grey witches, eerie magic, and slow burn romance with a deadly twist. Clove Helrose is fierce, flawed, and utterly captivating as she returns to a hometown steeped in folklore and danger. The world Alyissa Lore builds is lush with decay and beauty, and the Angel of Death? Dark, brooding perfection.
This is a story about survival, power, and choosing who you want to be—villain, hero, or something in between. A must read for fans of gothic fantasy and witchy, aching romance!
This is a story about survival, power, and choosing who you want to be—villain, hero, or something in between. A must read for fans of gothic fantasy and witchy, aching romance!
October 15, 2025
I'm not even sure what I just read. Yet I still kept reading and wanted to finish. I got very weird vibes with this one, from the ceremony/sacrifice to the decay nypmh that kept following Clove.
Clove is indepted to this God. However, I don't see where the other Gods fit it. I did love the chemistry between her and the death angel. The spice was nice. The Halloween feel made for a great atmosphere.
Clove is indepted to this God. However, I don't see where the other Gods fit it. I did love the chemistry between her and the death angel. The spice was nice. The Halloween feel made for a great atmosphere.
July 25, 2025
A gritty, magical gothic fantasy with serious fall vibes. Full of tension, action, and just the right touch of spice, Autumn Decay beautifully blends modern magic with rich witchcraft and mythology. I was hooked by the atmosphere and lore—dark, immersive, and totally addictive. Perfect for fans of modern witchy reads!
September 14, 2025
This story was very emotionally gripping, with a plenty of spice, it kept me engaged from the very first chapter! It's a great, fast paced, quick read that keeps you glued to the pages from the very beginning. The characters, storyline and the writing style all make this book really really good. The action and twists and turns were engaging. I loved this book and would definitely recommend it. I definitely want to read more books from the author.
November 7, 2025
While I thought I would enjoy reading this book I was surprised by how much. It is much different than any other book I have read, and I loved it. While this is a fantasy novel it really is about growth and healing in a way that really resonated with me. As someone who started their own journey with shadow work, a lot of the thoughts Clove had rung true for me. As she began to heal there were many insights shared that were valuable to me as they pointed out issues in my own thought processes and helped me view my own situation from a healthier perspective, including in areas I had not previously thought much about. I really wish I could better articulate how meaningful and impactful the story was for me but hopefully I at least got the point across.
As far as the plot of the book I loved it as well. I love stories pertaining to gods/goddesses, but I especially have an interest in older gods and this book had a lot of great ones I hope to see a lot more of in the next book. Without spoiling anything the introduction of the main god of interest in this book was great. The importance of ritual and the role the gods played in it really comes across as Clove begins her healing process and I absolutely loved it. I enjoyed the humanizing perspective on the bad guy, it is hard not to understand their pain, even though we can still see where they went wrong. To that effect I also really valued the perspective presented on good/bad people in general. How we view these labels sets us up for failure and makes it harder to accept the parts of us that have done wrong keeping us from changing and healing from it.
I am not sure of the right word for it but the aesthetics(?) of this book are everything. I enjoyed how the world was built up, how magic works, the house and the library, and all the little details that bring everything together. There are so many nuances to how the author built up the world that really showed the love and care she put into building it that made me love it even more. I was so caught up in what Clove was feeling after a hard plot point that I was lured into a state where I forgot crucial details that were revealed and BAM, the cliffhanger just punched me in the gut. It does leave the story at an exciting point for book two, which the author thankfully assured would be coming. I cannot wait to see what happens next and I am really excited for the next book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As far as the plot of the book I loved it as well. I love stories pertaining to gods/goddesses, but I especially have an interest in older gods and this book had a lot of great ones I hope to see a lot more of in the next book. Without spoiling anything the introduction of the main god of interest in this book was great. The importance of ritual and the role the gods played in it really comes across as Clove begins her healing process and I absolutely loved it. I enjoyed the humanizing perspective on the bad guy, it is hard not to understand their pain, even though we can still see where they went wrong. To that effect I also really valued the perspective presented on good/bad people in general. How we view these labels sets us up for failure and makes it harder to accept the parts of us that have done wrong keeping us from changing and healing from it.
I am not sure of the right word for it but the aesthetics(?) of this book are everything. I enjoyed how the world was built up, how magic works, the house and the library, and all the little details that bring everything together. There are so many nuances to how the author built up the world that really showed the love and care she put into building it that made me love it even more. I was so caught up in what Clove was feeling after a hard plot point that I was lured into a state where I forgot crucial details that were revealed and BAM, the cliffhanger just punched me in the gut. It does leave the story at an exciting point for book two, which the author thankfully assured would be coming. I cannot wait to see what happens next and I am really excited for the next book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 25, 2025
This take of the witchy world is incredible. The detail of the powers and how it all works is so neat. I always love when authors describe more about how the powers work and the witch's inner feeling on it.
The plot is great and the pacing is perfect. Highly recommend giving this a read!
The plot is great and the pacing is perfect. Highly recommend giving this a read!
August 5, 2025
Absolutely devoured this dark, Gothic fantasy and everything it entailed. Clove and Uriah's story leapt off the page and into my heart! Wonderful writing, detail and depth packed into a mythical romantasy!
September 8, 2025
Spooky and fun story! Highly recommend for those looking for a spooky read to set the mood for fall.
I received a copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 16, 2025
Witches, ghosts, demons, gods, hunters? Yes, please. This book was a rollercoaster of emotions, and I was completely hooked. Dark and gothic, with heartbreak, magic, and smut that smutted. I did get a little lost at times, but the atmosphere, tension, and sheer intensity more than made up for it. I was so invested, and I can’t wait to read more from this world.
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