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Devoured: A Dark Monster Romance Novella
Experience this dark historical monster romance that follows a woman's transformation from victim to supernatural predator in the haunting forests of ancient Britain. Set during the blood-soaked night of Samhain, witness a tale of revenge, power, and the dangerous seduction of embracing one's darkest nature.
In the shadow of an ancient forest, survival comes at a deadly price, and some bargains are written in blood.
Flavia is the daughter of a pagan priestess enslaved to the Romans. Used and abused by her Roman lord husband and his men, she dreams of escape—any escape. When she hears the song of the ancient demon that sleeps in the dark woods of her ancestors, she cannot resist the call. The Devourer, a man-eater with no care for human pain or suffering, waits for her there. But Flavia has known many demons with the faces of men, and she flees to the forest to sacrifice herself to him, as long as she can have her revenge.
But the demon wants so much more from her than she ever imagined. What she thought would be a painful end transforms into a seduction not only of her body, but her mind and soul. What will she become as her captor shows her the power that rage can weave into destruction?
In the ancient groves where druids once walked and magic still flows like blood through the earth, Flavia must choose between the familiar hell of human cruelty and the intoxicating darkness of supernatural power. As her body changes and her hunger grows, she discovers that some transformations cannot be undone—and some appetites can never be satisfied.
Are you scared, little human? Or does my bloodthirsty bride tremble at the thought of being devoured by the darkness?Perfect for fans of dark romance and tales of feminine rage transformed into otherworldly power. If you love atmospheric historical fantasy with supernatural transformation and morally complex characters, this gothic horror romance is your next obsession.
This novella contains mature themes, graphic violence, and explicit content intended for adult readers. Reader guidance can be found at the beginning of the book.
In the shadow of an ancient forest, survival comes at a deadly price, and some bargains are written in blood.
Flavia is the daughter of a pagan priestess enslaved to the Romans. Used and abused by her Roman lord husband and his men, she dreams of escape—any escape. When she hears the song of the ancient demon that sleeps in the dark woods of her ancestors, she cannot resist the call. The Devourer, a man-eater with no care for human pain or suffering, waits for her there. But Flavia has known many demons with the faces of men, and she flees to the forest to sacrifice herself to him, as long as she can have her revenge.
But the demon wants so much more from her than she ever imagined. What she thought would be a painful end transforms into a seduction not only of her body, but her mind and soul. What will she become as her captor shows her the power that rage can weave into destruction?
In the ancient groves where druids once walked and magic still flows like blood through the earth, Flavia must choose between the familiar hell of human cruelty and the intoxicating darkness of supernatural power. As her body changes and her hunger grows, she discovers that some transformations cannot be undone—and some appetites can never be satisfied.
Are you scared, little human? Or does my bloodthirsty bride tremble at the thought of being devoured by the darkness?Perfect for fans of dark romance and tales of feminine rage transformed into otherworldly power. If you love atmospheric historical fantasy with supernatural transformation and morally complex characters, this gothic horror romance is your next obsession.
This novella contains mature themes, graphic violence, and explicit content intended for adult readers. Reader guidance can be found at the beginning of the book.
168 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2025
95 people are currently reading
649 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
October 8, 2025
Okay, I didn’t know my life needed this book, but here we are, and I am forever changed.
This short novella is not just female rage; it’s what happens when rage is reborn as devotion.
Flavia is the kind of FMC you’re instantly drawn to, timid at first, almost fragile, but her character arc? Nothing short of impeccable. Watching her transform from quiet and careful to fierce and unyielding was utterly breathtaking. She is the embodiment of female rage, the timid woman turned monster, the thing men fear when they realize what they’ve created. And honestly? I wish more books were written like this.
And then there’s Ysu, ah, this man is something else entirely. The way he speaks feels like poetry dipped in danger. His every word slithers off the page like a melody. He’s dark, he’s patient, and with his little serpent, he’s tender in a way that feels sacred. We love a monster who’s soft only for his woman.
Even though this is a novella, don’t let that fool you. The worldbuilding is lush and intoxicating, the atmosphere thick with magic and shadows. It pulls you in and refuses to let you go. Every page hums with dark devotion, power, and desire.
Ava Thorne, you’ve created something hauntingly divine, a dark fairytale reborn in blood and tenderness. I devoured every word and I’m already desperate for more.
If you love fierce heroines, poetic monsters, and the kind of stories that set your soul on fire, this is the one. Add it to your TBR immediately, and prepare to kneel for the serpent and his queen.
This short novella is not just female rage; it’s what happens when rage is reborn as devotion.
Flavia is the kind of FMC you’re instantly drawn to, timid at first, almost fragile, but her character arc? Nothing short of impeccable. Watching her transform from quiet and careful to fierce and unyielding was utterly breathtaking. She is the embodiment of female rage, the timid woman turned monster, the thing men fear when they realize what they’ve created. And honestly? I wish more books were written like this.
And then there’s Ysu, ah, this man is something else entirely. The way he speaks feels like poetry dipped in danger. His every word slithers off the page like a melody. He’s dark, he’s patient, and with his little serpent, he’s tender in a way that feels sacred. We love a monster who’s soft only for his woman.
Even though this is a novella, don’t let that fool you. The worldbuilding is lush and intoxicating, the atmosphere thick with magic and shadows. It pulls you in and refuses to let you go. Every page hums with dark devotion, power, and desire.
Ava Thorne, you’ve created something hauntingly divine, a dark fairytale reborn in blood and tenderness. I devoured every word and I’m already desperate for more.
If you love fierce heroines, poetic monsters, and the kind of stories that set your soul on fire, this is the one. Add it to your TBR immediately, and prepare to kneel for the serpent and his queen.
dnf
November 6, 2025Dnf 54%
It hurts my heart to say this, as I loved Ava’s book Neon Flux, that I read earlier this year. But this novella was just too insta lusty for me. I wanted more conflict between the leads, especially since Flavia’s ancestors cursed Ysu to be a spider demon. I’m not a big fan of the mate blindness trope in general. Even though the Romans deserved what they got, I’m also not a fan of the murder spouses trope either.
I do have to give Ava credit for creating an original story and not shying away from the darker aspects of it. I think this could have been a great story if it were given more page time and some nuance and a slower burn romance.
I will still be reading future books written by her, even though this novella was not to my thing.
Pre-read:
Gothic horror romance that supports women’s wrongs (say no more). 👌
It hurts my heart to say this, as I loved Ava’s book Neon Flux, that I read earlier this year. But this novella was just too insta lusty for me. I wanted more conflict between the leads, especially since Flavia’s ancestors cursed Ysu to be a spider demon. I’m not a big fan of the mate blindness trope in general. Even though the Romans deserved what they got, I’m also not a fan of the murder spouses trope either.
I do have to give Ava credit for creating an original story and not shying away from the darker aspects of it. I think this could have been a great story if it were given more page time and some nuance and a slower burn romance.
I will still be reading future books written by her, even though this novella was not to my thing.
Pre-read:
Gothic horror romance that supports women’s wrongs (say no more). 👌
September 23, 2025
Female rage, monsters, knotting… and I’m now in love with a spider demon.
I’ll write a longer review once my thoughts have settled. This book rewired my brain.
I’ll write a longer review once my thoughts have settled. This book rewired my brain.
September 23, 2025
** ARC Copy **
Devoured? I did indeed. I could not put this book down. It was absolutely delicious and utterly nauseating in the best ways. Ava Thorne’s writing style is absolutely addictive. If I could have an 800 page book chalked full of her morbid metaphors I'd read it in a heartbeat. I was not expecting Flavia to have a full on metamorphosis but it was very fitting. I loved that Ava Thorne didn't shy away from the ugly parts and fully committed when writing Flavia’s trauma. I feel like a lot of authors get scared to include just how horrible and graphic their main character's trauma is so they sugar coat things and leave out the gory details, even in horror books.
Also I just wanna add when I read "I rolled my tongue back against his, and he tasted metallic with a hint of the sweetness of overripe fruit just on the edge of decay." I got so excited because I love it when authors get their morbid facts right. I was over here squealing and texting my friends (the nonreader friends that I rant to about books they'll never read because I'm not afraid of spoiling things for them and secretly hope one day I'll say enough to make them pick up a book) and saying "who's gonna tell her his mouth taste like that because he eats dead people". I love when my collection of morbid facts feels useful when I'm reading.
Devoured? I did indeed. I could not put this book down. It was absolutely delicious and utterly nauseating in the best ways. Ava Thorne’s writing style is absolutely addictive. If I could have an 800 page book chalked full of her morbid metaphors I'd read it in a heartbeat. I was not expecting Flavia to have a full on metamorphosis but it was very fitting. I loved that Ava Thorne didn't shy away from the ugly parts and fully committed when writing Flavia’s trauma. I feel like a lot of authors get scared to include just how horrible and graphic their main character's trauma is so they sugar coat things and leave out the gory details, even in horror books.
Also I just wanna add when I read "I rolled my tongue back against his, and he tasted metallic with a hint of the sweetness of overripe fruit just on the edge of decay." I got so excited because I love it when authors get their morbid facts right. I was over here squealing and texting my friends (the nonreader friends that I rant to about books they'll never read because I'm not afraid of spoiling things for them and secretly hope one day I'll say enough to make them pick up a book) and saying "who's gonna tell her his mouth taste like that because he eats dead people". I love when my collection of morbid facts feels useful when I'm reading.
November 25, 2025
Step right in Spider demon, the book boyfriend list has been waiting for you. 🖤🕸️
Read
November 15, 2025DNF.
For such a short book, I had such a mess of feelings reading this, & not in a good way.
From the first 1/3 I read, I would in no way describe this as a romance. This was pure emotional torture & random smut. Even if someone were to tell me the romantic element came later, the buildup to that (for me) was deficient.
I went in blind, as I tend to do sometimes, but just know that the beginning is tough & vile. Reading through that felt like trying to swim through jello, dragged out & tedious.
I get this is supposed to embody feminine rage & the fmc’s sexual awakening, but given all the physical trauma Flavia went through, I don’t think exploring these themes in such a short book is the best way to tackle it. I actually despise the fact that her freedom is explored by going from one “owner” to another.
“So he was no different than any other man. Control. But he was honest, at the very least. I would move from a heated cage to an ancient one. But I would have my revenge.” —{ugh! Fuck these men & their cages!}
Okay sure, he’s honest; I’m still not a fan of the mmc though. He literally first looked at her as only prey to eat… EAT! So I’m not sold on the idea of Ysu’s mindset going from “oh look prey, let me eat” - “hm, prey not dying?” - “how conveniently intriguing, let me keep & mate.” Not buying into that storyline.
And, in terms of Flavia exploring her own sexual desires & pleasures, I also despised the fact that she immediately went from being subjected to years of physical/sexual abuse to trying to suck & ride Ysu’s cocks..?? Can her body get a break? Maybe for a week? Damn. I also don’t buy into the progression of that “relationship” or bargain or whatever you wanna call it… She meets him, he attempts to kill her, she awakens & they fuck. Can I get a bit more dialogue before they jump to jumping each other?
Again, I get it’s a novella but I don’t think it should’ve been. On top of the issues I mentioned already, the folklore would’ve been clearer & better explored in a longer version. Novellas need a precise balance of things, but I don’t think that balance was reached here.
Though I appreciated aspects of the writing, I couldn’t help but pick up on certain patterns in the phrasing & the frequent use of certain words & descriptions. It was basically saying similar things over & over again. Once my brain catches things like that I can’t help but continuously notice it & it disconnects me from the story.
For such a short book, I had such a mess of feelings reading this, & not in a good way.
From the first 1/3 I read, I would in no way describe this as a romance. This was pure emotional torture & random smut. Even if someone were to tell me the romantic element came later, the buildup to that (for me) was deficient.
I went in blind, as I tend to do sometimes, but just know that the beginning is tough & vile. Reading through that felt like trying to swim through jello, dragged out & tedious.
I get this is supposed to embody feminine rage & the fmc’s sexual awakening, but given all the physical trauma Flavia went through, I don’t think exploring these themes in such a short book is the best way to tackle it. I actually despise the fact that her freedom is explored by going from one “owner” to another.
“So he was no different than any other man. Control. But he was honest, at the very least. I would move from a heated cage to an ancient one. But I would have my revenge.” —{ugh! Fuck these men & their cages!}
Okay sure, he’s honest; I’m still not a fan of the mmc though. He literally first looked at her as only prey to eat… EAT! So I’m not sold on the idea of Ysu’s mindset going from “oh look prey, let me eat” - “hm, prey not dying?” - “how conveniently intriguing, let me keep & mate.” Not buying into that storyline.
And, in terms of Flavia exploring her own sexual desires & pleasures, I also despised the fact that she immediately went from being subjected to years of physical/sexual abuse to trying to suck & ride Ysu’s cocks..?? Can her body get a break? Maybe for a week? Damn. I also don’t buy into the progression of that “relationship” or bargain or whatever you wanna call it… She meets him, he attempts to kill her, she awakens & they fuck. Can I get a bit more dialogue before they jump to jumping each other?
Again, I get it’s a novella but I don’t think it should’ve been. On top of the issues I mentioned already, the folklore would’ve been clearer & better explored in a longer version. Novellas need a precise balance of things, but I don’t think that balance was reached here.
Though I appreciated aspects of the writing, I couldn’t help but pick up on certain patterns in the phrasing & the frequent use of certain words & descriptions. It was basically saying similar things over & over again. Once my brain catches things like that I can’t help but continuously notice it & it disconnects me from the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2025
I don't know what I was expecting, but I do know Thorne blew those expectations out of the water.
I should mention that I don't read much dark romance and almost zero monster romance, but I will read anything this author writes, so here we are. I have zero regrets. The story weaves a web of dark themes and fantastical elements which capture the reader just as thoroughly as the sticky, silken threads of the monster in the woods. And good lord, that monster is delightful... as in delightfully terrifying, possessive, and passionate. An ideal match for Flavia, our damaged (but not broken), revenge seeking FMC.
A couple of my favorite lines because I really did enjoy the prose as much as anything:
"...I did not wait three centuries to share you with anything--not Romans, not gods, and certainly not the ambitious dreams of trees." - Ysu
"...I am every woman your empire ground beneath its heel, given form and fang. We do not forget. We do not forgive. We become." - Flavia
If you liked The Widow's Monster by S.M. Campbell for its gothic vibes and vengeful heroine, you'll love Devoured as well. (And vice versa, obvs!)
I should mention that I don't read much dark romance and almost zero monster romance, but I will read anything this author writes, so here we are. I have zero regrets. The story weaves a web of dark themes and fantastical elements which capture the reader just as thoroughly as the sticky, silken threads of the monster in the woods. And good lord, that monster is delightful... as in delightfully terrifying, possessive, and passionate. An ideal match for Flavia, our damaged (but not broken), revenge seeking FMC.
A couple of my favorite lines because I really did enjoy the prose as much as anything:
"...I did not wait three centuries to share you with anything--not Romans, not gods, and certainly not the ambitious dreams of trees." - Ysu
"...I am every woman your empire ground beneath its heel, given form and fang. We do not forget. We do not forgive. We become." - Flavia
If you liked The Widow's Monster by S.M. Campbell for its gothic vibes and vengeful heroine, you'll love Devoured as well. (And vice versa, obvs!)
October 4, 2025
there is 0 romance or build up to their relationship, this is just smut. We saw more personality from her Roman tormentors than we did build up and chemistry between the fmc and mmc. How boring.
October 1, 2025
I received an e-arc in exchange for an honest review 💕
This book was SUCH a good time. I would happily read another 500 pages of this book if it was longer 😂 It had all the things I love in a gothic horror-esque romance, super morbid and decrepit at times, but also beautiful in the writing style and metaphors. It was very well balanced, having both filthy yummy smut and romance, paired with realistic depictions of trauma, abuse, and feminine rage at its finest peak. Admittedly, I was drawn to this book because of the FINE ASS artwork on the authors Instagram (yea still not over how hot the MMC is) but the story itself exceeded any expectations I had going into it that it might just be a fun short little dark romance. If your thing is otherworldly MMC’s who go creepy crawly in the night and FMC’s who give a whole new meaning to the word vengeance, please pick up this book. You’ll fly through it and have a great time doing so🤩😈
This book was SUCH a good time. I would happily read another 500 pages of this book if it was longer 😂 It had all the things I love in a gothic horror-esque romance, super morbid and decrepit at times, but also beautiful in the writing style and metaphors. It was very well balanced, having both filthy yummy smut and romance, paired with realistic depictions of trauma, abuse, and feminine rage at its finest peak. Admittedly, I was drawn to this book because of the FINE ASS artwork on the authors Instagram (yea still not over how hot the MMC is) but the story itself exceeded any expectations I had going into it that it might just be a fun short little dark romance. If your thing is otherworldly MMC’s who go creepy crawly in the night and FMC’s who give a whole new meaning to the word vengeance, please pick up this book. You’ll fly through it and have a great time doing so🤩😈
September 29, 2025
This novella swept its way to the top of my favorite's list. I think Ysu will go down in history as one of my favorite MMCs in a book.
This book is for all the girlies who wished the forest would give them the power to unhinge their jaw and consume their abusive ex in one bite.
Devoured is atmospheric, dark, and beautiful. The prose is incredible, and Ava Thorne makes use of every single word, skillfully crafting a web you never want to break free from. The story of Flavia will pull on your heart strings and watching as she navigates her scars, both physical and mental, with Ysu by her side, will heal all the parts of you that weren't treated gently in the past.
The feminine rage, the desire for both love and freedom, and the sacrifices each require are all explored masterfully. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up already.
This book is for all the girlies who wished the forest would give them the power to unhinge their jaw and consume their abusive ex in one bite.
Devoured is atmospheric, dark, and beautiful. The prose is incredible, and Ava Thorne makes use of every single word, skillfully crafting a web you never want to break free from. The story of Flavia will pull on your heart strings and watching as she navigates her scars, both physical and mental, with Ysu by her side, will heal all the parts of you that weren't treated gently in the past.
The feminine rage, the desire for both love and freedom, and the sacrifices each require are all explored masterfully. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up already.
October 1, 2025
“This is for every night you held me down. This is for the burns. This is for making me watch while you—”
There has never been a more fitting title for a book than, Devoured.
Reading this in one sitting was not enough.
I read it twice! I could not get enough.
It's horrific, and it's beautiful, but this is so much more than just a monster romance.
But if this is why you are here, then you won't be disappointed. (cough... two eggplants...cough....sniff.....web bondage....sniff).
This is a story about a woman's rage so deep, so dark that it changes her...
...and sometimes becoming the monster is the happily ever after you deserve.
There has never been a more fitting title for a book than, Devoured.
Reading this in one sitting was not enough.
I read it twice! I could not get enough.
It's horrific, and it's beautiful, but this is so much more than just a monster romance.
But if this is why you are here, then you won't be disappointed. (cough... two eggplants...cough....sniff.....web bondage....sniff).
This is a story about a woman's rage so deep, so dark that it changes her...
...and sometimes becoming the monster is the happily ever after you deserve.
October 11, 2025
4.5 // Glorious female rage. Parallels men’s abuse of the natural world and men’s abuse of women. Very well done. The beginning is a difficult read so mind your triggers but the revenge is delicious. Good character growth for both MCs. Definitely recommend.
September 27, 2025
Absolutely DEVOURED this book 😉 I loved Flavia. Her story started off so tragic. She didn’t let that hold her down. It only fueled the rage inside her. Ysu definitely gives other book men a run for their money. Who knew a spider could be such a gentleman! I loved their character growth together! I wasn’t expecting this book to be so full of heart touching moments! I loved the message of this story! Definitely recommend this book! It’s perfect for spooky season!
September 25, 2025
This was 1 of 2 novellas I managed to binge in one day and 10/10 HIGHLY RECOMMEND. The feminine rage and unbridled commitment to vengeance was downright superb.
For my monster/demon lovers: this is absolutelyyy one you’re going to want to inhale. Ava has such a consistent flow to her writing and a way with making you love the characters—even in such a quick span—I need yall to read this.
For my monster/demon lovers: this is absolutelyyy one you’re going to want to inhale. Ava has such a consistent flow to her writing and a way with making you love the characters—even in such a quick span—I need yall to read this.
September 27, 2025
ARC Review
Devoured by Ava Thorne 🕷️🖤
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Wow. What an amazing read! Utter perfection. This is a dark historical monster romance and honestly one of my favourite reads of 2025. Seatbelts on, my loves, this is going to be a long one.
This is a story of survival, transformation, female rage and revenge. It is devastating and beautiful all at once.
✨ Flavia – what an incredibly strong female character. The beginning of this story gave me chills, but her depth and the way her transformation unfolded was so well done. I felt so connected to her and loved watching her come into her own. Her healing journey made me so happy; she gained true power, independence, and choice. She owned her story. 🖤
✨ Ysu (The Devourer, aka spider daddy) – wowzers. Talk about a male love interest. His history was so intriguing that I wish we’d gotten even more, but what we did get was a tortured soul, man turned monster, with an insatiable hunger… until Flavia wandered into his grove. I adored how he is soft only for her. We are reminded he is a monster, but one still capable of feeling and love. While toxic and possessive, his prioritisation of choice was powerful given his own past.
This was a beautiful story of how our pasts and traumas shape us, and how they can lead us to transform into something more, something stronger. The pacing was perfection.
🌶️ Now for the spice… guys. Listen to me when I say: YOU NEED TO READ THIS. 🤪
We have:
• Double penetration
• Web shibari
• Knotting
• Monster smut
What more could a girl ask for?
So grateful for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. This officially comes out on October 1st. Run, don’t walk, my little book gremlins.
⚠️ As always, please read the content warnings before devouring 🫶🏻
Devoured by Ava Thorne 🕷️🖤
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Wow. What an amazing read! Utter perfection. This is a dark historical monster romance and honestly one of my favourite reads of 2025. Seatbelts on, my loves, this is going to be a long one.
This is a story of survival, transformation, female rage and revenge. It is devastating and beautiful all at once.
✨ Flavia – what an incredibly strong female character. The beginning of this story gave me chills, but her depth and the way her transformation unfolded was so well done. I felt so connected to her and loved watching her come into her own. Her healing journey made me so happy; she gained true power, independence, and choice. She owned her story. 🖤
✨ Ysu (The Devourer, aka spider daddy) – wowzers. Talk about a male love interest. His history was so intriguing that I wish we’d gotten even more, but what we did get was a tortured soul, man turned monster, with an insatiable hunger… until Flavia wandered into his grove. I adored how he is soft only for her. We are reminded he is a monster, but one still capable of feeling and love. While toxic and possessive, his prioritisation of choice was powerful given his own past.
This was a beautiful story of how our pasts and traumas shape us, and how they can lead us to transform into something more, something stronger. The pacing was perfection.
🌶️ Now for the spice… guys. Listen to me when I say: YOU NEED TO READ THIS. 🤪
We have:
• Double penetration
• Web shibari
• Knotting
• Monster smut
What more could a girl ask for?
So grateful for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. This officially comes out on October 1st. Run, don’t walk, my little book gremlins.
⚠️ As always, please read the content warnings before devouring 🫶🏻
September 21, 2025
✨ My very first ARC & I’m so honored it was Devoured by Ava Thorne 🖤
If you loved Ice Planet Barbarians but wished it was darker, gothic, short & sweet, with deep rooted history. You will love this and be falling in love with a spider monster demon… this one will scratch that itch completely and it’s perfect for your spooky monster smtttt fall TBR. 🌹🩸
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 | Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I would love to hear more history on Ysu and Flavia’s and their past! Can’t wait to read what awaits!
If you loved Ice Planet Barbarians but wished it was darker, gothic, short & sweet, with deep rooted history. You will love this and be falling in love with a spider monster demon… this one will scratch that itch completely and it’s perfect for your spooky monster smtttt fall TBR. 🌹🩸
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 | Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I would love to hear more history on Ysu and Flavia’s and their past! Can’t wait to read what awaits!
October 14, 2025
Disliked how quickly they had sex. She was literally r@pped the day before. It was forced and could have at least waited 24 hours.
This book is only 177 pages and I wanted it to be over at the half way mark.
I felt bad for the MMC he was a hopeless romantic but she also just left a bad situation 2 seconds ago. This entire book is only 2 weeks until the epilogue. Insta love
This book is only 177 pages and I wanted it to be over at the half way mark.
I felt bad for the MMC he was a hopeless romantic but she also just left a bad situation 2 seconds ago. This entire book is only 2 weeks until the epilogue. Insta love
October 2, 2025
3.75/5 || Thanks to Ava’s Team for the ARC!
The ONLY negative about this, is that I think it’s better set up for novel-length, rather than a novella. So many juicy plot points just didn’t get the time they deserved because it had to wrap up quickly and I was devastated by it.
If you’re a monster girly, or a dark fantasy girly, this is a book you should pick up, like, yesterday.
Ysu is the dream male for those who crave yearning. He empowers the FMC, supports her wrongs (and rights), validates her rage, aids in her revenge, and shows her just how much she’s worth.
Flavia is a fighter. She’s been through hell and back at the hands of a man who doesn’t deserve air. She has huge trust issues, and that pesky human trait of deceit, but Ysu loves her through it all.
Really, they help each other through it all. They learn love, sacrifice, and true belonging.
•spider demon x (spoiler) fmc
•knotting
•dark, ethereal atmosphere
•female rage
•he yearns, he earns
The ONLY negative about this, is that I think it’s better set up for novel-length, rather than a novella. So many juicy plot points just didn’t get the time they deserved because it had to wrap up quickly and I was devastated by it.
If you’re a monster girly, or a dark fantasy girly, this is a book you should pick up, like, yesterday.
Ysu is the dream male for those who crave yearning. He empowers the FMC, supports her wrongs (and rights), validates her rage, aids in her revenge, and shows her just how much she’s worth.
Flavia is a fighter. She’s been through hell and back at the hands of a man who doesn’t deserve air. She has huge trust issues, and that pesky human trait of deceit, but Ysu loves her through it all.
Really, they help each other through it all. They learn love, sacrifice, and true belonging.
•spider demon x (spoiler) fmc
•knotting
•dark, ethereal atmosphere
•female rage
•he yearns, he earns
October 14, 2025
Never thought I’d be into spiders
October 13, 2025
This is a true monster romance so buckle up buttercup🔥🌶️🌶️ 🕷️🐍
November 14, 2025
This was not for me
November 4, 2025
Bite size perfection
Wow! Great mini story! I loved how it was written, so beautifully mind bending and two wonderfully damaged mcs. Gothic atmosphere • artful gore • forest horror • metamorphosis • 🌶️🌶️🌶️ • feminine revenge
Wow! Great mini story! I loved how it was written, so beautifully mind bending and two wonderfully damaged mcs. Gothic atmosphere • artful gore • forest horror • metamorphosis • 🌶️🌶️🌶️ • feminine revenge
October 1, 2025
ARC Review!
This book was soooo freaking good! If you want a book that will make you feel for the main character and her want to seek revenge against her abuser, this book is for you! The story is well written, the pacing is beautiful and seeing the relationship between the mmc and fmc develop is a treat! Absolutely spicy and dark, so please read the content warning when you go to read it! <3 <3
This book was soooo freaking good! If you want a book that will make you feel for the main character and her want to seek revenge against her abuser, this book is for you! The story is well written, the pacing is beautiful and seeing the relationship between the mmc and fmc develop is a treat! Absolutely spicy and dark, so please read the content warning when you go to read it! <3 <3
November 16, 2025
This was delicious and I devoured it. ❤️
I love when authors create such fleshed out characters and an interesting world in under 200 pages.
The growth, the rage and ultimately the revenge of the FMC was so well written. She truly became a strong character that found her own way to navigate her life. Both Flavia and Ysu were complex and fascinating characters to read.
There was a minor slump along the way where the story dragged a little for me but it quickly picked back up again. I also had some trouble imagining how all the monstrous parts fit together and some of the very detailed transformation descriptions were just not really for me.
But otherwise I truly enjoyed myself and would definitely recommend this if you’re into monster romance. Please be mindful of the content warnings though.
I received this as an ARC that was kindly sent to me by the author. TYSM ☺️
I love when authors create such fleshed out characters and an interesting world in under 200 pages.
The growth, the rage and ultimately the revenge of the FMC was so well written. She truly became a strong character that found her own way to navigate her life. Both Flavia and Ysu were complex and fascinating characters to read.
There was a minor slump along the way where the story dragged a little for me but it quickly picked back up again. I also had some trouble imagining how all the monstrous parts fit together and some of the very detailed transformation descriptions were just not really for me.
But otherwise I truly enjoyed myself and would definitely recommend this if you’re into monster romance. Please be mindful of the content warnings though.
I received this as an ARC that was kindly sent to me by the author. TYSM ☺️
October 27, 2025
2.5 stars.
DNF at 46%, then did some skimming.
Unfortunately I lost interest after the first smut scene. It was enjoyable as a guilty pleasure read, but the relationship was very superficial so I didn’t really care for the couple and their story.
Also, no SA-survivor would just sleep with a near stranger without any hesitation or trauma response.
DNF at 46%, then did some skimming.
Unfortunately I lost interest after the first smut scene. It was enjoyable as a guilty pleasure read, but the relationship was very superficial so I didn’t really care for the couple and their story.
Also, no SA-survivor would just sleep with a near stranger without any hesitation or trauma response.
September 23, 2025
✨️ARC✨️
Devoured is an unforgettable read... It’s a monster romance, sure—but it’s also a story of a woman who, through suffering, becomes something far more powerful than anyone could have imagined.
For those who enjoy their romance with a touch of the macabre and their protagonists with a healthy dose of vengeance, this book is a must-read. It’s dark, it’s seductive, and it’s a haunting journey of transformation that will keep you hooked until the very end. This captivating gothic romance masterfully intertwines supernatural horror with raw emotion, crafting a poignant tale of pain, power, and revenge that’s both heartbreaking and uplifting.
Set in the enchanting backdrop of ancient Britain, where the forests breathe ancient magic and nightfall brings blood and sacrifice, the story centers around Flavia—a woman forged by abuse who discovers strenght in the unlikeliest of places. Her journey is a profound transformation, not just physically but spiritually. After enduring relentless torment at the hands of her Roman enslavers, she escapes into the forest, seeking liberation, only to encounter the formidable Devourer. But instead of an end, she finds herself irresistibly drawn to a seductive, otherworldly force that awakens her rage and deepest desires.
What truly resonated with me in this book is Flavia's evolution from a victim of cruelty to a fierce woman who embraces her power. Her quest for revenge becomes more than just a means of retribution—it transforms into an empowering reclamation of her agency and an exploration of her previously undiscovered inner strength. Watching her transition from a broken spirit to a perfectly dangerous and confident woman is nothing short of exhilarating.
And let's not forget about Ysu. The demon who was meant to be her captor, yet is as much a prisoner as Flavia. He’s dark, complex, and utterly compelling. My heart went out to him, especially as the story unfolded. The author brilliantly layers his character with sorrow and conflict, making him far more than just a monster; he’s a tragic soul seeking companionship after centuries of solitude. There were moments where I just wanted to wrap him in a hug!
The setting of ancient Britain, alive with mystical forests and rich druidic history, forms a mesmerizing backdrop for this narrative. The supernatural elements flow through the very earth—magic surges like blood, and the forests seem to pulse with power—instilling a delightful mix of dread and wonder into every twist and turn. It’s a realm where everything feels alive, and the stakes rise with each decision.
The writing itself is lush and evocative, drawing you into a world where morality blurs. Flavia’s transformation is not just physical; it’s a deep mental and emotional journey. The powerful themes of rage, survival, and embracing one’s true self seep into every page as she navigates the darkness within and outside her.
If you're searching for a dark, passionate read that will leave you questioning what it means to be human, Devoured is an absolute must-read. Flavia's tale is one of revenge blossoming into strength, love found in unexpected corners, and the breathtaking beauty of embracing one's wildest desires. Don’t miss out on this remarkable journey!
Thank You, Ava Thorne and BookFunnel for the opportunity to read and review the wonderful story.
Devoured is an unforgettable read... It’s a monster romance, sure—but it’s also a story of a woman who, through suffering, becomes something far more powerful than anyone could have imagined.
For those who enjoy their romance with a touch of the macabre and their protagonists with a healthy dose of vengeance, this book is a must-read. It’s dark, it’s seductive, and it’s a haunting journey of transformation that will keep you hooked until the very end. This captivating gothic romance masterfully intertwines supernatural horror with raw emotion, crafting a poignant tale of pain, power, and revenge that’s both heartbreaking and uplifting.
Set in the enchanting backdrop of ancient Britain, where the forests breathe ancient magic and nightfall brings blood and sacrifice, the story centers around Flavia—a woman forged by abuse who discovers strenght in the unlikeliest of places. Her journey is a profound transformation, not just physically but spiritually. After enduring relentless torment at the hands of her Roman enslavers, she escapes into the forest, seeking liberation, only to encounter the formidable Devourer. But instead of an end, she finds herself irresistibly drawn to a seductive, otherworldly force that awakens her rage and deepest desires.
What truly resonated with me in this book is Flavia's evolution from a victim of cruelty to a fierce woman who embraces her power. Her quest for revenge becomes more than just a means of retribution—it transforms into an empowering reclamation of her agency and an exploration of her previously undiscovered inner strength. Watching her transition from a broken spirit to a perfectly dangerous and confident woman is nothing short of exhilarating.
And let's not forget about Ysu. The demon who was meant to be her captor, yet is as much a prisoner as Flavia. He’s dark, complex, and utterly compelling. My heart went out to him, especially as the story unfolded. The author brilliantly layers his character with sorrow and conflict, making him far more than just a monster; he’s a tragic soul seeking companionship after centuries of solitude. There were moments where I just wanted to wrap him in a hug!
The setting of ancient Britain, alive with mystical forests and rich druidic history, forms a mesmerizing backdrop for this narrative. The supernatural elements flow through the very earth—magic surges like blood, and the forests seem to pulse with power—instilling a delightful mix of dread and wonder into every twist and turn. It’s a realm where everything feels alive, and the stakes rise with each decision.
The writing itself is lush and evocative, drawing you into a world where morality blurs. Flavia’s transformation is not just physical; it’s a deep mental and emotional journey. The powerful themes of rage, survival, and embracing one’s true self seep into every page as she navigates the darkness within and outside her.
If you're searching for a dark, passionate read that will leave you questioning what it means to be human, Devoured is an absolute must-read. Flavia's tale is one of revenge blossoming into strength, love found in unexpected corners, and the breathtaking beauty of embracing one's wildest desires. Don’t miss out on this remarkable journey!
Thank You, Ava Thorne and BookFunnel for the opportunity to read and review the wonderful story.
September 15, 2025
4.5 stars/5
Thank you for the ARC!
It's spooky season, and this is the absolute perfect read if you're looking something to kick off that Halloween season. It's got it all: revenge, creepy forests, monsterfucking, , and of course, dark romance. Definitely mind the trigger warnings for the book, but if you're fine with all that, get ready to journey with Flavia into the dark woods as she has enough of her horribly abusive ancient Roman husband and seeks out the Devourer, a spider monster known for eating people. Of course, she gets devoured most deliciously instead ;)
Flavia is a beautifully complex main character, full of rage and despair over her desperate situation, but begins to blossom under the attentions of Ynu the Devourer and his venom. .
As Ynu puts it best about her:
And of course, our dark and deadly ML makes the novel, starting off with
but quickly developing into
and
As they grow closer, through vengeance and hunting, Ynu also grows softer, comforting Flavia with words like
This is a fast-paced romance since this is a Halloween novella, and I do wish sometimes it was both longer and a little slower, but for me at least, even this fast development between the two of them worked just because of the spooky atmosphere and how well-matched and well-paired in viciousness Flavia and Ynu are. The worldbuilding is wonderful, with the pagan Briton forest in full opposition to Roman order, and I truly loved the ending, in all its gory beauty.
This is the perfect Halloween monster dark romance read, and you should definitely check it out!
Thank you for the ARC!
It's spooky season, and this is the absolute perfect read if you're looking something to kick off that Halloween season. It's got it all: revenge, creepy forests, monsterfucking, , and of course, dark romance. Definitely mind the trigger warnings for the book, but if you're fine with all that, get ready to journey with Flavia into the dark woods as she has enough of her horribly abusive ancient Roman husband and seeks out the Devourer, a spider monster known for eating people. Of course, she gets devoured most deliciously instead ;)
Flavia is a beautifully complex main character, full of rage and despair over her desperate situation, but begins to blossom under the attentions of Ynu the Devourer and his venom. .
As Ynu puts it best about her:
"You have endured, nedir. Most would not survive what you have. But you have endured, and now I will have the pleasure of watching that pain transform into something much darker. So you are far from broken. Bent perhaps. Then reforged."
And of course, our dark and deadly ML makes the novel, starting off with
"You are my bride now, bound to me by bargain and venom."
but quickly developing into
"When I claim something, I keep it... Unmarked by others. Protected."
and
"I will devour you until the delicious nectar of your ecstasy fills this endless void of hunger within me. But you must choose to stay. There can only be pleasure if it's shared. "
As they grow closer, through vengeance and hunting, Ynu also grows softer, comforting Flavia with words like
"Your scars tell stories. They speak of endurance, of survival, of a will that would not break despite every effort to shatter it. These are not shameful marks."
This is a fast-paced romance since this is a Halloween novella, and I do wish sometimes it was both longer and a little slower, but for me at least, even this fast development between the two of them worked just because of the spooky atmosphere and how well-matched and well-paired in viciousness Flavia and Ynu are. The worldbuilding is wonderful, with the pagan Briton forest in full opposition to Roman order, and I truly loved the ending, in all its gory beauty.
This is the perfect Halloween monster dark romance read, and you should definitely check it out!
September 27, 2025
This book, my god!
Now I was immediately intrigued by the art Ava showed in her instagram, because who doesn’t love a spider monster that gives you the tools for revenge? And he has extra limbs…so of course I was all over for me.
The way this book was written needs to be mentioned, the pace, the flow, the Roman songs and Britton myths, mixed with the rage and the forests callings…so beautifully crafted and chilling. This alone made me give a 5-star rating.
BUT add in the incredible romance and spice between Ysu and Flavia and you have the 10-star rating this novella deserves. The insane growth and change of both characters independently and together. The chemistry between them and the hunger for intimacy and connection…I was the one snared and I didn’t want to get free.
Just know that this book is feminine rage, self discovery and insurmountable love all crafted into a world where ancient beings crawl in the forest and will steal and bound your soul to them.
Ava, this book is a first time read of yours to me, but I couldn’t have been happier with it. Insta read author discovered and I will reread this for years to come. Thank you for the opportunity of reading this as an ARC!!
Quotes:
"Know this, my bride, if you stay, you are mine. This pretty little body of yours is mine and I intend to use it. Every whimper you make, every time your legs shake and you seize with more pleasure than you think you can handle, it will only prove exactly how much you belong to me."
"I will devour you until the delicious nectar of your ecstasy fills this endless void of hunger within me. But you must choose to stay. There can only be pleasure if it's shared."
"You are mine, including all those pretty sounds you make. Don't you dare hold them back, they belong to me now."
"You cry my name, but I am not sure if it is a curse or an invocation. A prayer or damnation. But I will devour you, either way."
No matter the cost, I would keep her with me until the very earth cracked away beneath our feet.
The hunger in me had grown to match the hunger in him, and we had finally found a way to satiate it.
"You are nothing. A speck in the timeline of humanity. Your legacy is gone, and soon you will be too. But I...the barbarian girl you sought to control, I am every woman your empire ground beneath its heel, given form and fang. We do not forget. We do not forgive. We become."
Now I was immediately intrigued by the art Ava showed in her instagram, because who doesn’t love a spider monster that gives you the tools for revenge? And he has extra limbs…so of course I was all over for me.
The way this book was written needs to be mentioned, the pace, the flow, the Roman songs and Britton myths, mixed with the rage and the forests callings…so beautifully crafted and chilling. This alone made me give a 5-star rating.
BUT add in the incredible romance and spice between Ysu and Flavia and you have the 10-star rating this novella deserves. The insane growth and change of both characters independently and together. The chemistry between them and the hunger for intimacy and connection…I was the one snared and I didn’t want to get free.
Just know that this book is feminine rage, self discovery and insurmountable love all crafted into a world where ancient beings crawl in the forest and will steal and bound your soul to them.
Ava, this book is a first time read of yours to me, but I couldn’t have been happier with it. Insta read author discovered and I will reread this for years to come. Thank you for the opportunity of reading this as an ARC!!
Quotes:
"Know this, my bride, if you stay, you are mine. This pretty little body of yours is mine and I intend to use it. Every whimper you make, every time your legs shake and you seize with more pleasure than you think you can handle, it will only prove exactly how much you belong to me."
"I will devour you until the delicious nectar of your ecstasy fills this endless void of hunger within me. But you must choose to stay. There can only be pleasure if it's shared."
"You are mine, including all those pretty sounds you make. Don't you dare hold them back, they belong to me now."
"You cry my name, but I am not sure if it is a curse or an invocation. A prayer or damnation. But I will devour you, either way."
No matter the cost, I would keep her with me until the very earth cracked away beneath our feet.
The hunger in me had grown to match the hunger in him, and we had finally found a way to satiate it.
"You are nothing. A speck in the timeline of humanity. Your legacy is gone, and soon you will be too. But I...the barbarian girl you sought to control, I am every woman your empire ground beneath its heel, given form and fang. We do not forget. We do not forgive. We become."
September 30, 2025
The Dyslexic Reviewer - Spoil Free Reviews
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Author: @avathorne_author
POV: Duel 1st person
Gene: Historical Monster Romantasy
Triggers: Explicit & plentiful open door, on page SA, torture, graphic violance and murder.
Read Time: 3 hours
Expected Publishing Date: 10/01/2025
What I loved about this book:
❤️ World Building - For a novella, this book sure did pack a lot of world building into it! You have the feel of a Roman outpost in a distant land surrounded by an ancient and cursed forest. You can appreciate the obscureness of what lies within the dark ancient forest which triggers a primal fear of it.
❤️ The Characters - Flavia has a tragic back story which leads her into the forest to find her revenge from the Spider God, Ysu, who is trapped by a curse not to be able to permanently leave the forest. Ysu is a lonely forgotten God who has given up on ever being released from his curse and lives a life of solitude, hunting alone and never being able to fill the gaping hole of hunger he was cursed with.
❤️ The Story - The story is beautiful, it follows a long line of folk tales, pagan rituals, and secrets passed down the matrilineal line. But it is also tragic in what happens when men try to force women into molds they want them to be in, and to repress their natural selves. It’s about redemption and finding your strength when you have nothing left to lose.
❤️🔥Overall: I really enjoyed this book, so I went ahead and pre-ordered a copy for myself. It is WELL worth the read!
🐍Python Fact - Inspired by Pythonissam Filla:
Pythons have good senses of smell and sight, and most can also detect heat. Pits lying between the lip scales have receptors that are sensitive to infrared radiation and enable pythons to “see” the heat shadow of mammals and birds even during the darkest night.
I got this book free from @avathorne_author for my honest review.
Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Author: @avathorne_author
POV: Duel 1st person
Gene: Historical Monster Romantasy
Triggers: Explicit & plentiful open door, on page SA, torture, graphic violance and murder.
Read Time: 3 hours
Expected Publishing Date: 10/01/2025
What I loved about this book:
❤️ World Building - For a novella, this book sure did pack a lot of world building into it! You have the feel of a Roman outpost in a distant land surrounded by an ancient and cursed forest. You can appreciate the obscureness of what lies within the dark ancient forest which triggers a primal fear of it.
❤️ The Characters - Flavia has a tragic back story which leads her into the forest to find her revenge from the Spider God, Ysu, who is trapped by a curse not to be able to permanently leave the forest. Ysu is a lonely forgotten God who has given up on ever being released from his curse and lives a life of solitude, hunting alone and never being able to fill the gaping hole of hunger he was cursed with.
❤️ The Story - The story is beautiful, it follows a long line of folk tales, pagan rituals, and secrets passed down the matrilineal line. But it is also tragic in what happens when men try to force women into molds they want them to be in, and to repress their natural selves. It’s about redemption and finding your strength when you have nothing left to lose.
❤️🔥Overall: I really enjoyed this book, so I went ahead and pre-ordered a copy for myself. It is WELL worth the read!
🐍Python Fact - Inspired by Pythonissam Filla:
Pythons have good senses of smell and sight, and most can also detect heat. Pits lying between the lip scales have receptors that are sensitive to infrared radiation and enable pythons to “see” the heat shadow of mammals and birds even during the darkest night.
I got this book free from @avathorne_author for my honest review.
October 7, 2025
“You are nothing. A speck in the timeline of humanity. Your legacy is gone, and soon you will be too. But I…the barbarian girl you sought to control, I am every woman your empire ground beneath its heel, given form and fang. We do not forget. We do not forgive. We become.”
3.5 Stars.
As always, I am not a dark romance fan or in this case the suffering, rape, torture for us to get to the saviour hero.
“Livestock?” His laugh was dark, genuinely amused. “Little human, livestock is raised for slaughter. You, I intend to keep.”
We had feminine rage (my book buzzword of 2025) but feminine rage done well. Ysu does some of the work but Flavia doesn't fall into damsel in distress, oh-he's-here-so-I'll-let-him-revenge-on-my-behalf, which I absolutely hate. But as always, dispatch of the antagonists was snap of a finger while Flavia endured. They should have gotten sent to a parallel torture dimension.
We had wakoloni doing what wakoloni know how to do best. It was very ironic that in this case we are rooting for the pagan Briton.
“Humans lie, neidr. To others, to themselves. They wrap their cruelties in false purpose and call it kindness.”
I loved the dialogue between Flavia+Ysu.
Now, the third act break up is where the book sort of lost me. Again, a plot device that I am not a fan of but I loved that Flavia saw through the outside instigator's manipulation.
The word chitin was used waaaaaaaaaaay too much, and that's on me because after all, this is a book about a spider-man, ofcourse spider related anatomy is expected.
So, not bad. Love the setup of this eventual world that has taken place in this story but also a firm confirmation for me that I'm not a spider/moth/insect related monster fan. To make matters worse we also have the serpent, which again, that whole genre of Nagas etc I am not a fan of.
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