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Sneak Peek for Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil

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Listen to a sampler of the first 12 chapters of Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil!

From V. E. Schwab, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue: a new genre-defying novel about immortality and hunger.


Santo Domingo de la Calzada, 1532.
London, 1827.
Boston, 2019.

Three young women, their bodies planted in the same soil, their stories tangling like roots.

One grows high, and one grows deep, and one grows wild.

And all of them grow teeth.

2 pages, Audiobook

Published June 10, 2025

279 people are currently reading
672 people want to read

About the author

V.E. Schwab

70 books78.9k followers
This author also writes under the name of Victoria Schwab.

VICTORIA “V. E.” SCHWAB is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty books, including the acclaimed Shades universe, the Villains series, the City of Ghosts series, Gallant, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and The Fragile Threads of Power. When not haunting Paris streets or trudging up English hillsides, she can usually be found in Edinburgh, Scotland, tucked in the corner of a coffee shop, dreaming up monsters.

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5 stars
161 (52%)
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109 (35%)
3 stars
31 (10%)
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5 (1%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
Profile Image for Bethany (Beautifully Bookish Bethany).
2,823 reviews4,707 followers
May 19, 2025
This was an extended preview including the first 12 chapters of the book, and it is SO GOOD!!! From 1500's Spain to modern day America, it follows three ambitious women and multiple timelines. I'm here for the lesbian vampires (waiting to fully see the vampire bit) but I'm completely sucked in.

In 1500's Spain, Maria wants more than the life expected of her as a poor young woman, so she schemes her way into getting a rich husband. But that life leaves her feeling trapped as well. And the only people she's actually attracted to are women.

In 2019 Alice is a nervous queer college student who has a memorable encounter with a mysterious girl named Lottie. And she has her own perspective as well - but I'm pretty sure she's been alive for a lot longer.

I'm excited to continue reading the rest of the book! The audio narration is fantastic, even with the accents they're doing a great job. I received an audio review copy via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Preslee Lynn.
140 reviews10 followers
May 25, 2025
As a major fan of V.E Schwab, I had to pick up this audiobook Sneak-Peak as an instant approval on NetGalley! It's narrated by Julia Whelan, Katie Leung, and Marisa Calin. I had a few regrets listening to the sneak-peak version, because now I have to wait until June 10th when the rest of the book comes out :( But, here's my overview of the audiobook! Which I ABSOLUTELY loved!!
OVERVIEW: Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil is a genre-defying tale that intertwines the lives of three women across centuries: Maria in the 16th-century Spain, Charlotte in 19th century London, and Alice in 21st-century Boston. Each narrative explores themes of hunger, love, and rage, connected through the metaphor of soil and roots, culminating in a sapphic vampire saga that delves into identity and desire.
The audiobook is narrated by Julia Whelan, Katie Leung, and Marisa Calin. I love these voice actors as they fit the role of each girl, the voice actor for Alice has a Scottish accent. The narration enhances the immersive experience, and although I got approved for the book I feel like I need to finish this story through the audiobook with these narrators. Meaning I'll have to wait until it comes out, totally worth it
Compared to Schwab's previous work like The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue , which also explores immortality, death, and identity, this novel is described by the author as its "Feral older sister," suggesting a more intense and unapologetic exploration of its themes. I'm all here for it!
Profile Image for Krissi.
518 reviews20 followers
May 10, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a free audio arc in exchange for an honest review.

This was a sneak peak and not the full arc. All I can really say is we get a glimpse of the points of view from the main characters, and it is interesting so far! I can't wait until this comes out to finish it!
Profile Image for Jourdan.
12 reviews12 followers
May 22, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a sneak peek audio arc.

How tortuous.. These 12 chapters left me right on edge just when I was falling over into full character attachment.. Why did I do this to myself?! I am so intrigued and we didn’t even scratch the vampire surface!

Seems like some hot messy feminine rage is on the menu and I am ready to EAT.

The narrators were wonderful and made the multiple timelines and jumps easy to follow while staying immersed in each story.
Profile Image for blank ⁺‧₊˚ ཐི⋆♱⋆ཋྀ ˚₊‧⁺.
302 reviews34 followers
June 9, 2025
Fantastic, give me 14 of them!
No, seriously, I loved this preview. V. E. Schwab's prose is stunning in this; the plot is super intriguing, and from the time I spent with the characters, they all seemed awesome. The different narrators did a great job, too! I'm incredibly excited to listen to the whole book once it comes out.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the sneak peek ALC.
Profile Image for Cayla.
172 reviews2 followers
May 9, 2025
I AM IN A MESS!

THIS IS ONLY A SNEAK PEEK AND I'M TOO FAR IN TO STOP.. help!

So, I am listening to the audiobook sneak peek and had to start it all over again. I love Maria, I love the narration.. the different timelines and spaces/places, we are actively traveling with the story.

This isn't a direct quote, but " women are like flowers, the beautiful ones tend to be poisonous".
I'm enthralled and my current favorite is Maria. 5 stars, so far! I cannot wait to listen and read the whole story!

Thank you to V.E. Schwab. Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for the peek, but now I NEED the rest!

If you're thinking about it, just do it.. trust me.
Profile Image for Tini.
644 reviews44 followers
June 2, 2025
A strong, lyrical beginning shows V. E. Schwab at her best.

Spellbinding, infused with the author’s signature rich writing, and highly addictive, the first twelve chapter of "Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil" sucked me in and made me wish I had waited until even closer to the book‘s publication date to read them, because now I have to wait until June 10 to find out how it all ends.

From the first haunting introduction to „Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil“ („Maria, died 1532“), author V.E. Schwab pulls her readers into a gorgeously dark and emotionally rich world that only she can conjure. Fans of "The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue", myself included, will feel right at home there, and yet completely unmoored in the best way. These first twelve chapters are a masterclass in atmosphere, longing, and the uncanny, with the author’s signature lyrical prose on full display. There are hints of folklore, whispers of the dead, and a mythic quality to the setting while the author continues to play with time and memory in ways that are both beautiful and brutal, each chapter a revelation.

The three female protagonists are already leaving their mark on me, with the kind of subtle development and aching vulnerability that made Addie LaRue unforgettable. Schwab has a rare gift for crafting characters who ache with want - for love, for meaning, for freedom - and this story feels like something just as timeless and devastating.

I cannot wait to see where this haunting journey leads.

The sneak peek of the audiobook, narrated by an impeccable cast lead by the formidable Julia Whelan, and also including Katie Leung and Marisa Calin, was a joy to listen to.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

„Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil“ is slated to be released on June 10, 2025.
Profile Image for Alyx Gough.
190 reviews25 followers
May 29, 2025
Wow. Just wow. I’m so sad it was a sneak peek because I need more immediately! I’ve never read anything by this author and loved the writing. I’m so intrigued with the timelines and the multiple POV’s. Plus the narrators were incredible. I will definitely need the whole book once it out!

I love how each girl is different yet they are all struggling. And they are going to be connected in some way, I just can’t figure out what it is yet.

I can already tell this will be a 5 star read once I finish it!

Thank you NetGalley for the sneak peak!
Profile Image for Pav S. (pav_sanborn_bookworm).
679 reviews23 followers
June 9, 2025
4.5 stars!

In this book, three young women from different historical times and locations—Santo Domingo de la Calzada in 1532, London in 1827, and Boston in 2019. Their lives are interconnected, with each woman having a unique growth path: one is ambitious and strives for height, one is grounded and deep, and the other is free-spirited and untamed. Despite their differences, they all possess a fierce strength, and they bite!

I had the delightful fortune of snagging a sneak peek audiobook, and let me tell you, I was thoroughly captivated by the story and the narrators! I've even put in a request for the book itself—fingers crossed that it finds its way to me soon!

Imagine if "Twilight" and "Bridgerton" had a literary love child, set in its own unique time and style. This tale is a delightful blend of suspense, insight, and intrigue. While it’s not my usual go-to genre, the buzz surrounding it was impossible to ignore, and I was eager to dive into my first book by this author—and I’m so glad I did!

Though it’s a lengthy read, every page was a treat. I can hardly wait to immerse myself in more of this author’s work!

Thank you, MacMillan Audio, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Megan.
159 reviews38 followers
May 27, 2025
Santo Domingo de la Calzada, 1532. London, 1837. Boston, 2019. Three young women, their bodies planted in the same soil, their stories tangling like roots. One grows high, and one grows deep, and one grows wild. And all of them grow teeth.
This was such a spectacular sneak peek audio teaser for the first 12 chapters of this book. Just like some of the characters, I have gotten a taste and I NEED more! All of the narrators are excellent and engaging - Julia Whelan is one of my favorite narrators so of course I love this narration. I am a huge fan of V.E. Schwab so also no surprise that I love this book and would give anything to have the rest of it! It clearly explores themes of death, immortality, and identity and her writing is so beautiful and haunting. I can already tell this is going to be an incredible read and I am definitely hooked – I cannot wait to have the opportunity to finish it and see how their stories intertwine and what happens next for each of these women! Thank you to NetGalley, V.E. Schwab, and Macmillan Audio for the gifted ALC. This is a voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Jill Jones &#x1f9e1; (Miss Willa Colyns Diary).
180 reviews30 followers
May 7, 2025
Absolutely FABULOUS! Everything I had hoped for and more and I am even more ecstatic to read this in full ESPECIALLY with audio when it releases. The writing is hauntingly beautiful and flows just like Addie’s book. I loved getting the narrator from Addie and the second voice is absolutely able to match that energy. I devoured this sneak peek and have ZERO critique, it’s masterfully narrated with timing that matches the prose. The world is easy to step into and investment in it was immediate for me. Lovers of Addie will not be able to put this down! What a joy to have that feeling again I only get from Addie, but in a fresh, new and exciting world I am dying to unpack!

Thank you so much for this sneak preview V.E. Schwab, Macmillain Audio, and NetGalley
Profile Image for Atheina Vismark.
115 reviews7 followers
June 6, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and publisher for a sneak peak of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

THIS IS GOOD? I can't wait for BOBITMS to be out in the world so I can continue this as soon as possible.

The narrators were excellent, it was the first time I enjoyed listening to an audiobook this much. The different accents made me gasp and the dictation was flawless. It nay be the first time I want to actually buy a singular audiobook both for plot/story-wise and narrators wise. Julia Whelan; Katie Leung; Marisa Calin. You three are all on my list now.

Plot wise is was purely diabolical to leave the sneak peak where it ended I'm angry at least one more chapter damn it.

Still, this, is for now is my fav Schwab book/audiobook I've ever read/heard, can't wait to sink my fangs into it.
Profile Image for JP.
684 reviews25 followers
June 2, 2025
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil - was just a sneak peek by V. E. Schwab. Narrated by Julia Whelan, Katie Leung, and Marisa Calin. And what I can say is “believe the hype”!
I believe I listened to 2 hours and 32 minutes of it. It was writing at its best. The narrators were of the highest standard, and I couldn’t get enough. If you’ve read this author before, you know what I mean by her style and how she just makes you want to do nothing but listen or read her stories. This one is going to be a bestseller. I feel it in my bones.
Thanks, Macmillan Audio, for this sneak peek via NetGalley.
Profile Image for Maddie B.
138 reviews1 follower
May 11, 2025
This was a good sneak peak!!! Enough chapters to start getting attached to the characters and now I can’t wait to read the rest once it officially releases! We meet three main characters, separated across time and space, but who knows where it will go from here…I’ve enjoyed V E Schwab’s other books, especially the Shades of Magic series, and I have a good feeling about this one! This book will be published in less than a month and I will be counting down the days.
Profile Image for Alicia.
143 reviews6 followers
May 8, 2025
“Shall we stay out here or are you planning to invite me in?”

I should have waited…cause now I have to wait…but I couldn’t wait! Absolutely fantastic teaser sneak peek! So excited to continue the story.
Profile Image for Mel | Hot Plots and One Shots.
324 reviews20 followers
May 9, 2025
"Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil" is the epitome of female rage.

I had the opportunity to preview the audiobook for Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab and--OH MY GOD--in the voice of Lizzie McGuire, this is what (audiobook) dreams are made of.

Is it possible to HEAR art??? Not music...this is van Gogh FOR YOUR EARS! The narrators of this audiobook are expert voice actors who bring these stories to life with a breathtaking performance. Katie Leung, Marisa Calin, and Julia Whelan just paved a new path for audiobook performances.

This is a story about hunger.
1532. Santo Domingo de la Calzada.

This is a story about love.
1827. London.

This is a story about rage.
2019. Boston.

This is a story about life—
how it ends, and how it starts.


I mean, can it get any more ominous? The beginning of the book starts off just like that and you can't help but to be immediately drawn into the stories of these women. I am starving for the rest of these stories! I have so many questions. The plot of Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil is in a class of its own--with unique stories that are somehow connected.

With a multi POV and multi timeline, how can this be so seamless? I was concerned about the multiple layers to this plot because I get easily confused with time jumps and abrupt setting changes. However, in Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil the transitions between the different POV's was seamless! This was expert level writing! 🤌🤌

Favorite Quotes so far:

🥀"Born restless, her father used to say. Which was fine for a son, but bad for a daughter."
🥀"Careful. In nature, beauty is a warning. The pretty ones are often poisonous."


First impression notes:
*trigger: non-con
*forced marriage
*multi pov
*multi timeline
*LGBTQ representation
*Ominous
*feminine rage
*trigger: abortion
*trigger: abuse


Catch more promos for this book on my Bookstagram!

Thank you to macmillan Audio & TOR for an ALC OF this title on NetGalley.
Profile Image for Nita.
286 reviews4 followers
May 23, 2025
The sneak peek that sank its teeth into me... and left me haunted.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for letting me get an early listen to the first 12 chapters of Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab. This has been one of my most anticipated books of 2025 since the moment it was announced—and now I’m even more obsessed.

Spanning three timelines—1532 Spain, 1827 London, and 2019 Boston—this story weaves together the lives of three women grappling with hunger, desire, rage, and impossible choices. Each timeline feels fully realized and distinct, thanks in large part to the incredible audiobook narration. Shiromi Arserio, Eilidh Beaton, and Laura Jennings absolutely nail it, breathing life into the characters and pulling you deep into each era’s mood and rhythm. It’s lush, eerie, and emotionally charged from the first chapter.

The vibe? Very Hungerstone by Kat Dunn—gothic, sapphic, bloody, and slow-burning in the best way. That creeping tension, the ache of longing, the shadows of danger lurking just out of sight… it’s all here, and it’s so good.

But here’s the catch: the preview ends right when things start to really unravel. And now I have to wait until June 9, 2025 for the full audiobook—and honestly, I’m counting the days. I can’t wait to see how the timelines converge, what secrets unfold, and what Schwab has in store for us.

Highly recommended for fans of dark feminist stories, queer historical fiction, and gothic drama that lingers long after you press pause.

Rating: 4.5 stars (based on the 12-chapter sneak peek).
If the rest of the audiobook delivers on this setup—and I fully believe it will—it’s on track to be a solid 5-star listen.
Profile Image for Gabrielle Smith.
228 reviews
June 4, 2025
*** Thank you to Tor Publishing Group and Macmillan Audio for the ARC sneak peak of the first twelve chapters***

The first twelve chapters of Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil were electric, giving us a glimpse into the lives of our three main characters. Each character had a distinct tone, making it easy to follow. Easy to follow does not mean V.E. Schwab skipped out on her beautiful writing style... No, we get her hallmark writing style that fits the story so well.

For my audiobook people, the narrators were a wonder. Each of our three characters has their own narrator, and each narrator adds such charm and life to the characters through their voice acting. Words of phrases used with just the right inflection, it feels like I'm listening to real people having conversations.

As always, I'm extremely excited for the rest of the book. V.E. Schwab is off to a great start. Not a boring start by any means, this is a book that pulls you in right away- without confusing you.
Profile Image for Zahra (Bookish_Platypus).
252 reviews15 followers
May 9, 2025
Holy Addie LaRue!!!

The vibes, the flow, the poetic prose.

V.E. Schwab has captured and enthralled me all over again.

I almost forgot that I listened to Addie LaRue until I heard the narrator and it just took me back to the magic of experiencing Addie for the first time. The other narrators and their accents complimented her (the former Addie narrator) perfectly too.

We rotate through a different woman in each chapter. Each woman lives in a different time period and has her own difficult things to deal with. There are some schemes and some struggles and varying factors for each woman.

I'm so invested in this but also kicking myself for allowing myself to get invested without being able to read/listen to the rest of the book.

This book is going to be magic, I just know it.


Thank you Macmillan Audio for the free preview of this audiobook!
Profile Image for lauren ☪︎ | litwiithlauren.
170 reviews21 followers
May 12, 2025
Many thanks to the Macmillan Audio, Netgalley, and the author for providing this amazing sneak peak of the first 12 chapters!

When I saw that Julia Whelan was one of the three narrators, I already knew it was going to be incredible. She, Marisa Calin, and Katie Leung all did a phenomenal job bringing the characters to life. While still early in the story, I can already tell this is going to be an incredible journey, especially with Schwab’s engaging writing and how the story is being told. I can’t wait to see how these storylines intertwine, and I will now continue to not-so-patiently wait for the release of this!
Profile Image for Amber A..
404 reviews3 followers
June 1, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the SNEAK PEEK of the audiobook.
Narrated by Julia Whelan; Katie Leung; Marisa Calin

Whaaat a tease (approx 3hours of the 18hour audiobook)!.. and so well done. Bury Our Bones received the Dream Team for this audiobook. I already have multiple copies (for my Schwab Shrine) of the book and the audiobook preordered. This sneak peek just made me all the more excited for release day. If you love Schwab, and especially Addie, then you'll love these toxic lesbians 🖤
Profile Image for Taikyra.tbr.
84 reviews
June 3, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for this sneak peak in exchange for my honest thoughts. As someone who DNF'd The Invisible Life of Addie Larue, I absolutely loved this. I am so distraught that my sneak peak is over and i can't consume the rest of this book right this moment. I was completely drawn in from the very beginning and can't wait to get my hands on this! Definitely recommend, I can just feel the build up of feminine rage and "they get what they deserved". One of my all time favorite tropes. The narrators are absolutely perfect too!
Profile Image for Mandy-kay.
298 reviews9 followers
June 6, 2025
Oh wow, I am SO excited for this book. The first 12 chapters have me hooked. The narrators are fantastic. The main characters are engaging and I love them all.

I want to know more NOW. I can't wait to get my hands on the full thing.

Thank you, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley, for a preview of this audiobook. I can't wait to read the rest of it!
Profile Image for Kelly✨.
60 reviews
June 9, 2025
I did not want that to end!!! I can’t wait to read the rest tomorrow! There is so much left up in the air for each character, and I’m so excited to find out what is about to happen with Maria! I love V.E.’s writing and the way these stories are starting. This left off in the perfect spot, and I hope to find more sneak peek opportunities like this! So much fun!
Profile Image for thebookishhalfling.
204 reviews15 followers
October 1, 2025
As far as sneak peeks go, this was a good one! So far I am intrigued and interested in the three women’s stories. The narrators are fantastic, it will be a very entertaining audiobook. The beginning does seem a bit on the slower side which is not much of a surprise knowing V.E. Schwabs style.

I am very excited to read the rest of Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil comes out.
Profile Image for Teresa VanCauwenberg.
59 reviews2 followers
May 20, 2025
I am not normally a fan of multiple timelines / plot lines, but I found all these characters so compelling! I couldn’t pull myself away! And I can’t wait to see what else is to come.

Thank you NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Ash .
60 reviews4 followers
May 29, 2025
Loved this sneak peek. I enjoyed the characters and the story so much that I ordered a physical copy so I can read the entire book. Thank you so much Macmillian Audio for approving my request to listen to the first 12 chapters of the audiobook, I cannot wait to read this entire story in depth.
Profile Image for Pam Mullin.
574 reviews32 followers
June 11, 2025
5 stars

I neeeeeed the rest of this book ASAP. I can't wait to find out more of what happens. I received this audiobook sneak peek from Macmillian Audio on NetGalley. The Narrators are amazing of course!!
Profile Image for Chelsea.
368 reviews4 followers
April 5, 2025
Is it torture, to start reading a book you are longing for, knowing you'll only get a taste, 100 pages of pure gold?
Yes.
Did I do it to myself regardless?
Of course.
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