What do you think?
Rate this book
Honey in Her Veins
Not yet published
Expected 7 Apr 26Arthur Connoway desperately wants to free himself from the monster inhabiting his mind. Instead, he is rapidly losing control of it following his mother’s death. In a last-ditch effort to feel whole again—and to lay his mother’s memory to rest—Arthur decides to return to the quiet bee farm he once called home, hoping their sacred honey can heal him in more ways than one.
Eight years ago, Eva Moreau's flora magic caused a terrible accident, harming her father in the process. Now, she’s desperate to find a way to heal him, but her attempts only seem to do the opposite. If she could just learn to control her magic, she might be able to save her father and leave the past behind.
When Arthur returns to town looking for absolution, Eva once again loses control of her magic, putting everyone she loves in danger. Together, the pair decides to trek to the source of her family’s magic to find a cure for both Arthur and her father. But there’s a mysterious ghost haunting the forest, and it won’t let Arthur and Eva leave the woods without confronting the secrets of their past...
Eight years ago, Eva Moreau's flora magic caused a terrible accident, harming her father in the process. Now, she’s desperate to find a way to heal him, but her attempts only seem to do the opposite. If she could just learn to control her magic, she might be able to save her father and leave the past behind.
When Arthur returns to town looking for absolution, Eva once again loses control of her magic, putting everyone she loves in danger. Together, the pair decides to trek to the source of her family’s magic to find a cure for both Arthur and her father. But there’s a mysterious ghost haunting the forest, and it won’t let Arthur and Eva leave the woods without confronting the secrets of their past...
429 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 7, 2026
16 people are currently reading
5852 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Want to read
September 24, 2025All righty! Which of you author friends was it that wrote a story with bee and honey magic I was enthralled by and loved so much it may or mayn't be the reason I requested and was granted the ARC for this book?
Come forward and fess up, please.
Come forward and fess up, please.
March 27, 2026
I will forever scream about this book!! 🐝✨
Not only is Honey in her Veins extremely original but we follow a haunting, magical story that had me hooked to every line!!
This is one of those books where not everything is spelled out for you. There’s mystery and suspense and as you keep reading you put all the puzzle pieces together for such a rewarding ending!!! That’s exactly what I look for in a book.
We follow our main characters Arthur and Eve and their beautiful love story. Arthur is very much a complicated person with a monster in his head (which for me represents SO much) and it’s heartbreaking and lovely to see his character grow and want to live and honestly just be so much better. Eve is literally his whole sky and world and you feel that, through the pages. Where he is literally bringing death to everything he touches, she’s the complete opposite, bringing life to everything! (Absolutely loved that!!!)
We also have fabulous side characters and a side romance that I truly appreciated because it gave me even more insight to the family vibe.
The setting was perfect and original, I was living through it all and couldn’t be happier 🐝✨
I could talk about this book for days, it’s absolutely stunning in every way and not to mention the writing was phenomenal!
I cannot wait for more from Ruth 🫶
You can expect a masterpiece but check triggers because of course in every beautiful, heart wrenching story, they’re some deep traumas 💛
Not only is Honey in her Veins extremely original but we follow a haunting, magical story that had me hooked to every line!!
This is one of those books where not everything is spelled out for you. There’s mystery and suspense and as you keep reading you put all the puzzle pieces together for such a rewarding ending!!! That’s exactly what I look for in a book.
We follow our main characters Arthur and Eve and their beautiful love story. Arthur is very much a complicated person with a monster in his head (which for me represents SO much) and it’s heartbreaking and lovely to see his character grow and want to live and honestly just be so much better. Eve is literally his whole sky and world and you feel that, through the pages. Where he is literally bringing death to everything he touches, she’s the complete opposite, bringing life to everything! (Absolutely loved that!!!)
We also have fabulous side characters and a side romance that I truly appreciated because it gave me even more insight to the family vibe.
The setting was perfect and original, I was living through it all and couldn’t be happier 🐝✨
I could talk about this book for days, it’s absolutely stunning in every way and not to mention the writing was phenomenal!
I cannot wait for more from Ruth 🫶
You can expect a masterpiece but check triggers because of course in every beautiful, heart wrenching story, they’re some deep traumas 💛
March 15, 2026
I want to start by thanking Goodreads and everyone involved in this giveaway, I was very excited to have won!
After reading Honey in Her Veins I thought the love story it contained between Arthur and Eva was amazing! I really enjoyed the way Ruth McKell built this relationship and made it unfold. Unfortunately, I felt like at times the story needed to move along a little more quickly, but it was still a very fascinating story that drew me into this world full of honey and beekeepers. I truly enjoyed this book and will remember these characters for a really long time! The only thing that kept me from giving this book a five star rating is the number of unanswered questions I had when I finished reading it. In the end, I would still like a few more answers, but I will definitely recommend this book anyway because it is amazing!
After reading Honey in Her Veins I thought the love story it contained between Arthur and Eva was amazing! I really enjoyed the way Ruth McKell built this relationship and made it unfold. Unfortunately, I felt like at times the story needed to move along a little more quickly, but it was still a very fascinating story that drew me into this world full of honey and beekeepers. I truly enjoyed this book and will remember these characters for a really long time! The only thing that kept me from giving this book a five star rating is the number of unanswered questions I had when I finished reading it. In the end, I would still like a few more answers, but I will definitely recommend this book anyway because it is amazing!
Did not finish
March 13, 2026Unfortunately, this was not the story for me...I am a mood reader by trade, (not by choice) and I really struggled to finish this, trying multiple times to start again, but the lack of answers and the choppy pacing left me wanting more, and yet wanting less. This has rave 5 star reviews from everyone else it seems, but "it's gonna be a no from me dawg." The monster part was intriguing, and it very much is an atmospheric book, but it just was not what I was wanting to actively read, and forcing myself to finish things that I don't want to spend the time or energy on is not fair to me or the book. Maybe it's a, it's not you, it's me, since everyone else is into it. I just do not care to finish past 40% and by that part, I should at least care about a character but I don't.
Thanks for the ARC Little, Brown and Company, I really do appreciate it, and I was really looking forward to this, so thanks for the opportunity.
Thanks for the ARC Little, Brown and Company, I really do appreciate it, and I was really looking forward to this, so thanks for the opportunity.
October 17, 2025
The story opens slow and steady, at a welcome pace. Theres a mystery here, narrative the reader has not earned yet. Something happened eight years ago and we need to know what. It's sickeningly sweet, being kept in the dark about the tragedy that must have occurred. The POV switches between characters, but also between time, as the mystery from eight years ago is unraveled for us. In present day, Arthur's mother is dead. Upon her last wishes he brings her to the bee farm, to scatter her ashes. Arthur is struggling. The mystery we don't yet know about is weighing on him. A burden it seems, blanketing everyone is a layer of grief and resentment. Arthur left 8 years ago and never looked back. He's struggling now that he is back, for his mother's sake, despite the fact that he believes she never truely loved him. The monster inside of Arthur, upon being attacked, has taken control, and he's hurt Jack, the honeyman. The sheriff is in their house, attempting to arrest Arthur. In an attempt to save Jack, Arthur and Eva run to the woods for what they believe will heal Jack. Out in the woods, desperate, hurt, and alone, the three of them bloom further than they thought possible.
The authors words are very raw, and real. Clearly someone steeped in reality, without any rose colored lenses. It's definitely an ode to self love and overcoming your demons, as well as rebuking selfishness and embracing found family. While this was an okay story, I was hoping for more regarding the mystery of what was out in the woods. I did struggle to finish it but feel that was only because it wasn't my preferred genre or topic.
The authors words are very raw, and real. Clearly someone steeped in reality, without any rose colored lenses. It's definitely an ode to self love and overcoming your demons, as well as rebuking selfishness and embracing found family. While this was an okay story, I was hoping for more regarding the mystery of what was out in the woods. I did struggle to finish it but feel that was only because it wasn't my preferred genre or topic.
September 23, 2025
There are no words for how this book has imprinted itself within me. The concept of befriending the monster within us instead of casting it out is so incredibly powerful. This book leaves readers feeling seen, validated, & like all their worst thoughts about themselves are ones that still deserve space to breathe because smothering them only makes them fester & rot. Bonus - Ruth writes some of the most atmospheric, evocative, breathtaking prose I’ve ever read! She will forever be an auto-buy author from me after this breakout debut!
September 23, 2025
This is one of the most beautiful and creative books I’ve read in a long time. Atmospheric writing with a really interesting plot. It was suspenseful and kept me guessing until the very end. I fell in love with the characters and their story. Ruth McKell is a MUST read author for me now and forever. Highly recommended! A million stars!
Review of advance copy
2.5 stars rounded down.
The first third of this book was so fun and compelling. Then we reached the middle, where the pacing dragged too much for my liking. And finally I got to the end, where many of the choices made were a disappointment in terms of characters’ agency and characters’ choices (which I explain more in the spoiler section below).
There were parts of this book that I really enjoyed, especially in the first third like I mentioned. There were also twists and turns sprinkled in that I liked and didn’t see coming. But I feel like the latter half of the book was such a slog, that I didn’t feel all that compelled to pick the book up whenever I set it down. And it took me much longer to finish reading than I initially expected.
The writing on a line level is really great though. And I enjoyed most of the characters (with the exception of one relationship that felt kind of wrong to me personally—more in the spoilers section).
All in all, I think many people will enjoy this novel. I was just expecting more than what I got.
NOTES I TOOK WHILE READING:
The first third of this book was so fun and compelling. Then we reached the middle, where the pacing dragged too much for my liking. And finally I got to the end, where many of the choices made were a disappointment in terms of characters’ agency and characters’ choices (which I explain more in the spoiler section below).
There were parts of this book that I really enjoyed, especially in the first third like I mentioned. There were also twists and turns sprinkled in that I liked and didn’t see coming. But I feel like the latter half of the book was such a slog, that I didn’t feel all that compelled to pick the book up whenever I set it down. And it took me much longer to finish reading than I initially expected.
The writing on a line level is really great though. And I enjoyed most of the characters (with the exception of one relationship that felt kind of wrong to me personally—more in the spoilers section).
All in all, I think many people will enjoy this novel. I was just expecting more than what I got.
NOTES I TOOK WHILE READING:
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars rounded up! The entire time I was reading this, I was thinking that it felt like an Adrienne Young book. It made me smile when I read the acknowledgements, and, sure enough, the author thanked Adrienne for her writing community. So, yeah, if you love Adrienne Young like I do, you will definitely enjoy this haunting and magical debut!
IMO, this is less a romance than it is adult fiction. Although certainly the second chance love story between Arthur Connoway (25) and his "Bee Girl" Eva Moreau (25) is the thread that ties the various timelines and all the characters together, the book doesn't really feel like it's mainly about that. The book is heavy, and very metaphorical. The book is written with complex, literary prose and has a number of interwoven themes. I think that readers who are looking for a straight forward romance are going to be surprised at the serious vibes. This is much more a heavier, darker The Unmaking of June Farrow than it is a cozy cottage magic The Spellshop.
The chemistry between Arthur and Eva is impeccable and builds perfectly as the story unfolds in flashbacks and in present day. I love that Eva is Arthur's polar opposite, and has the power to harness nature's ability to grow things from the earth.
The atmosphere, settings, and descriptions are absolutely breathtaking, as are the horror elements incorporated into the story with respect to how nature responds to Eva and Arthur's emotions. Reading this book transported me straight into the story, and the author's ability to create an atmosphere that becomes its own character is a testament to her writing talent.
I also liked all of the characters and felt that I really got to know them.
Well, except for Lottie. Which brings me to my only real issue with the book. There is a lot of world-building and past history, and a tree embedded in Jack, that ultimately didn't end up going anywhere.
For example, we don't ever really find out who Arthur is, or where he came from, only that he was at some point, for unknown reasons, possessed by a "monster" who navigates and interprets much of his sensory and emotional experience of the world.
We also never find out whether the monster cursed Arthur with a "death-touch" -- meaning that Arthur's skin kills all living things, including flora and fauna -- or whether the monster is the curse's avatar. All we do know is that Arthur and the monster experience a feeling of well-being and health as a result of each life force "they" extinguish.
Another example: I still have no idea what the deal was with Charlotte Connoway? Was she human? Was she actually Arthur's mother? Why did hell break loose in Audrey when she died? Why was she inhabiting the forest as some kind of creature made of trees? Why was she so mad about everything?
And what do you mean Jack Moreau and Lottie had a "long history"?
At the end of the book I was left feeling like I now possess an entire novel's worth of information about a bunch of people, with no idea why it matters. Cue: serious reader frustration.
Thank you NetGalley and Little Brown for the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to publication. All opinions are my own.
IMO, this is less a romance than it is adult fiction. Although certainly the second chance love story between Arthur Connoway (25) and his "Bee Girl" Eva Moreau (25) is the thread that ties the various timelines and all the characters together, the book doesn't really feel like it's mainly about that. The book is heavy, and very metaphorical. The book is written with complex, literary prose and has a number of interwoven themes. I think that readers who are looking for a straight forward romance are going to be surprised at the serious vibes. This is much more a heavier, darker The Unmaking of June Farrow than it is a cozy cottage magic The Spellshop.
The chemistry between Arthur and Eva is impeccable and builds perfectly as the story unfolds in flashbacks and in present day. I love that Eva is Arthur's polar opposite, and has the power to harness nature's ability to grow things from the earth.
The atmosphere, settings, and descriptions are absolutely breathtaking, as are the horror elements incorporated into the story with respect to how nature responds to Eva and Arthur's emotions. Reading this book transported me straight into the story, and the author's ability to create an atmosphere that becomes its own character is a testament to her writing talent.
I also liked all of the characters and felt that I really got to know them.
Well, except for Lottie. Which brings me to my only real issue with the book. There is a lot of world-building and past history, and a tree embedded in Jack, that ultimately didn't end up going anywhere.
For example, we don't ever really find out who Arthur is, or where he came from, only that he was at some point, for unknown reasons, possessed by a "monster" who navigates and interprets much of his sensory and emotional experience of the world.
We also never find out whether the monster cursed Arthur with a "death-touch" -- meaning that Arthur's skin kills all living things, including flora and fauna -- or whether the monster is the curse's avatar. All we do know is that Arthur and the monster experience a feeling of well-being and health as a result of each life force "they" extinguish.
Another example: I still have no idea what the deal was with Charlotte Connoway? Was she human? Was she actually Arthur's mother? Why did hell break loose in Audrey when she died? Why was she inhabiting the forest as some kind of creature made of trees? Why was she so mad about everything?
And what do you mean Jack Moreau and Lottie had a "long history"?
At the end of the book I was left feeling like I now possess an entire novel's worth of information about a bunch of people, with no idea why it matters. Cue: serious reader frustration.
Thank you NetGalley and Little Brown for the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to publication. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Heat Index: 6/10
—Appalachian magic
—childhood sweethearts
—romance with just a bit of folkloric horror
The Basics:
Haunted by his mother's death—and the monster in his head—Arthur returns to the bee farm he once lived in, seeking out the remedies of mythical honey. Meanwhile, Eva, the girl he was besotted with years ago, seeks to control her magic after accidentally hurting her father. Just as Arthur returns, Eva loses control once more, and they have no choice but to team up and find a cure for Arthur and Eva's father... all while a ghost threatens them in the woods beyond.
The Review:
Chalk this one up to "beautifully written, but maybe I'm not the right audience, or perhaps not the right audience at this MOMENT".
This is a folklore-feeling, horror-flavored fantasy-ish paranormal-ish romance with vivid descriptions in spades. It's lyrical and lovely to read if you're someone who simply loves prose. I do; I just also love story, and this was a story that I couldn't fully invest in emotionally. Which doesn't mean I disliked it. I just think there was a combination of me feeling a little detached with the narrative, and maybe even some mood stuff happening.
I appreciated the way this centered the love story and stuck to genre conventions, while at the same time playing with eerie imagery and magic. Eva's floral magic and Arthur's inner monster contrasted nicely to the tenderness they showed each other, adding an edge to what was otherwise a sweet dynamic.
Yet the overall setting makes what is in some ways a quiet story bigger, steeping it in power that serves as both plot and metaphor. (There's a lot of stuff going on here about mental health, inner turmoil, returning to where you just might belong—regardless of the supernatural shenanigans afoot.)
I do want to reread this book at some point, perhaps when I'm more in the mood for something on the slower, methodically unfurling side. Because I really did like the components; they just didn't fully come together for me, and I will say that some of it could've been on me.
The Sex:
I actually didn't expect explicit sex in this book, and yet there it is! Nothing super racy, nothing super over the top. But authentically intimate in a way that felt true to our leads and their sweet, sometimes sorta sad dynamic.
The Conclusion:
With some nature-based body horror, POVs from people who aren't our main couple (including the monster), and an at times literary vibe, I think Honey in Her Veins will draw a lot of attention from people who don't feel romance is their "thing". But if you're a romance reader and the blurb sounds up your alley, give it a shot. The writing itself is worth exploring, and you might be in just the right spot to love it.
Thanks to Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
—Appalachian magic
—childhood sweethearts
—romance with just a bit of folkloric horror
The Basics:
Haunted by his mother's death—and the monster in his head—Arthur returns to the bee farm he once lived in, seeking out the remedies of mythical honey. Meanwhile, Eva, the girl he was besotted with years ago, seeks to control her magic after accidentally hurting her father. Just as Arthur returns, Eva loses control once more, and they have no choice but to team up and find a cure for Arthur and Eva's father... all while a ghost threatens them in the woods beyond.
The Review:
Chalk this one up to "beautifully written, but maybe I'm not the right audience, or perhaps not the right audience at this MOMENT".
This is a folklore-feeling, horror-flavored fantasy-ish paranormal-ish romance with vivid descriptions in spades. It's lyrical and lovely to read if you're someone who simply loves prose. I do; I just also love story, and this was a story that I couldn't fully invest in emotionally. Which doesn't mean I disliked it. I just think there was a combination of me feeling a little detached with the narrative, and maybe even some mood stuff happening.
I appreciated the way this centered the love story and stuck to genre conventions, while at the same time playing with eerie imagery and magic. Eva's floral magic and Arthur's inner monster contrasted nicely to the tenderness they showed each other, adding an edge to what was otherwise a sweet dynamic.
Yet the overall setting makes what is in some ways a quiet story bigger, steeping it in power that serves as both plot and metaphor. (There's a lot of stuff going on here about mental health, inner turmoil, returning to where you just might belong—regardless of the supernatural shenanigans afoot.)
I do want to reread this book at some point, perhaps when I'm more in the mood for something on the slower, methodically unfurling side. Because I really did like the components; they just didn't fully come together for me, and I will say that some of it could've been on me.
The Sex:
I actually didn't expect explicit sex in this book, and yet there it is! Nothing super racy, nothing super over the top. But authentically intimate in a way that felt true to our leads and their sweet, sometimes sorta sad dynamic.
The Conclusion:
With some nature-based body horror, POVs from people who aren't our main couple (including the monster), and an at times literary vibe, I think Honey in Her Veins will draw a lot of attention from people who don't feel romance is their "thing". But if you're a romance reader and the blurb sounds up your alley, give it a shot. The writing itself is worth exploring, and you might be in just the right spot to love it.
Thanks to Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for this ARC.
📝 Short Summary
Arthur returns to his childhood bee farm, hoping the sacred honey can quiet the darkness inside him after his mother’s death. Eva is struggling to control her dangerous flora magic, desperate to heal her father but only making things worse. When their paths collide again, they set out together into a haunted forest in search of healing, but what they find forces them to face everything they’ve been trying to outrun.
Review
This book completely pulled me under in the best way. There was something so raw and almost aching about the way this story unfolded that I felt it in my chest the entire time I was reading. It’s one of those books where you don’t just read the words, you feel them, and at times it honestly felt hard to breathe because of how deeply it pulled me into Arthur and Eva’s world.
Arthur’s struggle with the “monster” inside him was written with such emotional depth that it felt painfully real, and Eva’s journey with her magic was equally heartbreaking. Watching her try so hard to fix something she loves, only to feel like she’s making it worse, hit on such a human level. Their connection carried this quiet intensity that built slowly, and I loved how it wasn’t rushed. It felt earned, layered, and full of history.
The atmosphere in this book is absolutely stunning. The bee farm, the sacred honey, the forest with its haunting presence… everything felt alive, almost like the setting itself was another character. There’s this beautiful blend of softness and danger throughout the entire story, where something gentle can turn unsettling in a second, and it kept me completely immersed.
Ruth McKell’s writing is honestly just gorgeous. There’s a lyrical, almost dreamlike quality to it, but it never loses its emotional grounding. Every scene felt intentional, every emotion felt heightened, and I found myself slowing down just to take it all in. It’s the kind of writing that makes you pause, reread lines, and just sit in the feeling for a second.
This story is about grief, control, healing, and facing the parts of yourself you’d rather avoid. It’s emotional, a little haunting, and incredibly beautiful all at once. By the end, I felt like I had been through something with these characters, not just read about them.
✅ Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely. If you love emotional, atmospheric stories with magical elements and deep character work, this one is going to stay with you.
Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for this ARC.
📝 Short Summary
Arthur returns to his childhood bee farm, hoping the sacred honey can quiet the darkness inside him after his mother’s death. Eva is struggling to control her dangerous flora magic, desperate to heal her father but only making things worse. When their paths collide again, they set out together into a haunted forest in search of healing, but what they find forces them to face everything they’ve been trying to outrun.
Review
This book completely pulled me under in the best way. There was something so raw and almost aching about the way this story unfolded that I felt it in my chest the entire time I was reading. It’s one of those books where you don’t just read the words, you feel them, and at times it honestly felt hard to breathe because of how deeply it pulled me into Arthur and Eva’s world.
Arthur’s struggle with the “monster” inside him was written with such emotional depth that it felt painfully real, and Eva’s journey with her magic was equally heartbreaking. Watching her try so hard to fix something she loves, only to feel like she’s making it worse, hit on such a human level. Their connection carried this quiet intensity that built slowly, and I loved how it wasn’t rushed. It felt earned, layered, and full of history.
The atmosphere in this book is absolutely stunning. The bee farm, the sacred honey, the forest with its haunting presence… everything felt alive, almost like the setting itself was another character. There’s this beautiful blend of softness and danger throughout the entire story, where something gentle can turn unsettling in a second, and it kept me completely immersed.
Ruth McKell’s writing is honestly just gorgeous. There’s a lyrical, almost dreamlike quality to it, but it never loses its emotional grounding. Every scene felt intentional, every emotion felt heightened, and I found myself slowing down just to take it all in. It’s the kind of writing that makes you pause, reread lines, and just sit in the feeling for a second.
This story is about grief, control, healing, and facing the parts of yourself you’d rather avoid. It’s emotional, a little haunting, and incredibly beautiful all at once. By the end, I felt like I had been through something with these characters, not just read about them.
✅ Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely. If you love emotional, atmospheric stories with magical elements and deep character work, this one is going to stay with you.
October 14, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
This book hooks you in from the first page and never lets go. Creative, heartfelt, and filled with hope, Honey in Her Veins is an exciting debut that takes you on a wild and adventurous ride until the very end.
Both Arthur and Eva have uncontrollable secret abilities that are a mirror image to each other. When an unfortunate accident takes place, Arthur is forced to leave abruptly and never look back. Now 8 years later, he’s back in town to honor his mother’s wishes and spread her ashes on Eva’s family bee farm. He was not prepared for the consequences of the fateful night he left to confront him.
I loved the magical world that McKell created, and her vivid descriptions bring it to life. I could smell the earth and flowers and taste the honey. She paints a visceral portrait you can’t help but get lost in. Her characters are complex and messy, and you can’t help but have a tremendous amount of empathy for them. I really wanted Arthur and Eva to have their second chance, and the flashbacks added a poignant layer to their present. These two are meant to be together.
I especially loved the characterization of Arthur’s monster. He was more complex than what even Arthur knew him to be. He was his protector, and I couldn’t help feel connected to him too. He wasn’t evil, just the counterbalance that’s part of nature. I loved the fun moments when he and Arthur would banter.
The switch in POV between first and third person is interesting. I’m not quite sure how I feel about it as a literary device. I noticed this in another book as well. To be honest, I don’t think it really adds much to the story. It just seems like a new trend on the horizon.
Aside from that little quibble, I really enjoyed this novel. It’s creative and heartfelt with complex characters and a compelling narrative.
This book hooks you in from the first page and never lets go. Creative, heartfelt, and filled with hope, Honey in Her Veins is an exciting debut that takes you on a wild and adventurous ride until the very end.
Both Arthur and Eva have uncontrollable secret abilities that are a mirror image to each other. When an unfortunate accident takes place, Arthur is forced to leave abruptly and never look back. Now 8 years later, he’s back in town to honor his mother’s wishes and spread her ashes on Eva’s family bee farm. He was not prepared for the consequences of the fateful night he left to confront him.
I loved the magical world that McKell created, and her vivid descriptions bring it to life. I could smell the earth and flowers and taste the honey. She paints a visceral portrait you can’t help but get lost in. Her characters are complex and messy, and you can’t help but have a tremendous amount of empathy for them. I really wanted Arthur and Eva to have their second chance, and the flashbacks added a poignant layer to their present. These two are meant to be together.
I especially loved the characterization of Arthur’s monster. He was more complex than what even Arthur knew him to be. He was his protector, and I couldn’t help feel connected to him too. He wasn’t evil, just the counterbalance that’s part of nature. I loved the fun moments when he and Arthur would banter.
The switch in POV between first and third person is interesting. I’m not quite sure how I feel about it as a literary device. I noticed this in another book as well. To be honest, I don’t think it really adds much to the story. It just seems like a new trend on the horizon.
Aside from that little quibble, I really enjoyed this novel. It’s creative and heartfelt with complex characters and a compelling narrative.
March 18, 2026
4.5/5 stars! For fans of Adrienne Young and Erin A. Craig comes a story to make your heart ache. Ruth McKell’s writing is steeped in honey and summer sunshine, but it doesn’t come without its darker moments. Honey in her Veins is a story haunted by the past with characters desperate for a second chances. The romances are a central plot to the story. (Though one is definitely more prevalent than the other) What I appreciated was that both relationships had a solid friendship at the heart of them. You could truly tell how deeply they cared for one another, even in flashback scenes. Arthur and Eva’s story made my heart ache. I’m not big into horror elements in books, but I really enjoyed the botanical body horror aspects in the story. For me, plants make the horrific moments more digestible. The main family in the story are bee keepers and have been for generations. I really enjoyed hearing the process of bee keeping and making honey. McKell’s writing is truly beautiful. I highlighted so many passages. Her words hit home. Her imagery and descriptions reminded me a lot of Erin A. Craig’s writing, as well as Adrienne Young’s. The writing is so incredibly atmospheric you will feel like you are in Pennsylvania in the summer, tending to the bees. I loved the very slight folkloric references in the story regarding bees. I do wish some aspects of the story had more explanation, particularly in regard to Jack and Lottie as well as Arthur and his “monster.” I didn’t really understand the origins of the relationships fully or how they came about. Nevertheless, it did not deter my enjoyment of this novel. Like a lot of folklore, the magic isn’t always explained. It just is. That’s how you have to treat the story as well. This was truly a beautiful book and one that will be on my mind for a while. I look forward to what the author writes next!
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!*
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!*
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Honey in Her Veins is one of the more unique fantasy novels that I've read in quite some time. It's part fantasy, part romance, a little bit of horror, some mystery, and rural mythology with a sprinkling of cottagecore aesthetic. The writing is atmospheric. I could feel the sticky-sweetness of a hot summer in deep in the woods of Appalachia. Everything teemed with multiple layers of life within this story: soil, flesh, and soul.
The story is told in multiple points of view across two timelines. A mystery from a tragic event 8 summers ago unfolds piece-by-piece while we race along with Eva, Arthur, Jack, and Isobel in the current day. The story is paced well and has plenty of tension and action.
The story has good character development, with a FMC and MMC you want to root for. Eva and Arthur are nuanced and likable main characters, each with a unique magic within them that calls to one another. They are like darkness and light to one another. As their relationship blossoms, they fill up spaces within each other, much like the pieces of a puzzle fit together for wholeness.
My only wish for this story was for it to have a bit more clarity around other magical elements of the book, especially the monster that lives with Arthur. His presence is poetic and powerful, yet I wanted more of the background of how he came to be and what exactly he is. For now, he remains a bit more indistinct in my mind (which, I admit, may have been the author's point).
Overall, I'd highly recommend Honey in Her Veins by Ruth McKell. It is a wonderfully magical story.
Honey in Her Veins is one of the more unique fantasy novels that I've read in quite some time. It's part fantasy, part romance, a little bit of horror, some mystery, and rural mythology with a sprinkling of cottagecore aesthetic. The writing is atmospheric. I could feel the sticky-sweetness of a hot summer in deep in the woods of Appalachia. Everything teemed with multiple layers of life within this story: soil, flesh, and soul.
The story is told in multiple points of view across two timelines. A mystery from a tragic event 8 summers ago unfolds piece-by-piece while we race along with Eva, Arthur, Jack, and Isobel in the current day. The story is paced well and has plenty of tension and action.
The story has good character development, with a FMC and MMC you want to root for. Eva and Arthur are nuanced and likable main characters, each with a unique magic within them that calls to one another. They are like darkness and light to one another. As their relationship blossoms, they fill up spaces within each other, much like the pieces of a puzzle fit together for wholeness.
My only wish for this story was for it to have a bit more clarity around other magical elements of the book, especially the monster that lives with Arthur. His presence is poetic and powerful, yet I wanted more of the background of how he came to be and what exactly he is. For now, he remains a bit more indistinct in my mind (which, I admit, may have been the author's point).
Overall, I'd highly recommend Honey in Her Veins by Ruth McKell. It is a wonderfully magical story.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you so much to Little Brown for the eARC of this book via NetGalley.
Honey in Her Veins is a beautifully written story full of natural magic and found family, hidden secrets and love lost-then-found-again. The comps relating it to The Unmaking of June Farrow and One Dark Window are 100% accurate, between the almost-lyrical prose and the monster hidden within Arthur.
The story was super intriguing and I really enjoyed reading about Arthur and his bee girl, Eva, as well as all the family secrets that surround them. I loved how the monster was the snarky sidekick, and it's commentary was so much fun to read.
However, a few things kept this from being a 5 star read for me:
This book is multi-POV, which is not an issue; however Arthur's POV is written in 1st person, whereas the rest are written in 3rd, which kept throwing me off a bit. I wondered if there was a reason why Arthur is the only 1st person POV, but was unable to find the reasoning within the pages of the eARC.
The inclusion of the Isobel side plot also threw me a bit. I struggled to understand why it was woven into the main plot the way it was. At times it almost felt unnecessary, or at least maybe just a bit too in depth when it comes to Isobel and Dane? I kind of wish the book focused more on Eva and Arthur's story without such a strong sideplot overshadowing the main plot.
And while I adored the magical realism, like some other reviewers, I wish there was a bit more about it. Some of the magic is explained for some of the characters, but for others, it still feels like I'm a little bit in the dark in terms of trying to understand a few things.
Overally it's a lovely debut, and I'll be keeping my eyes out for more books from Ruth McKell.
Honey in Her Veins is a beautifully written story full of natural magic and found family, hidden secrets and love lost-then-found-again. The comps relating it to The Unmaking of June Farrow and One Dark Window are 100% accurate, between the almost-lyrical prose and the monster hidden within Arthur.
The story was super intriguing and I really enjoyed reading about Arthur and his bee girl, Eva, as well as all the family secrets that surround them. I loved how the monster was the snarky sidekick, and it's commentary was so much fun to read.
However, a few things kept this from being a 5 star read for me:
This book is multi-POV, which is not an issue; however Arthur's POV is written in 1st person, whereas the rest are written in 3rd, which kept throwing me off a bit. I wondered if there was a reason why Arthur is the only 1st person POV, but was unable to find the reasoning within the pages of the eARC.
The inclusion of the Isobel side plot also threw me a bit. I struggled to understand why it was woven into the main plot the way it was. At times it almost felt unnecessary, or at least maybe just a bit too in depth when it comes to Isobel and Dane? I kind of wish the book focused more on Eva and Arthur's story without such a strong sideplot overshadowing the main plot.
And while I adored the magical realism, like some other reviewers, I wish there was a bit more about it. Some of the magic is explained for some of the characters, but for others, it still feels like I'm a little bit in the dark in terms of trying to understand a few things.
Overally it's a lovely debut, and I'll be keeping my eyes out for more books from Ruth McKell.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Honey in Her Veins by Ruth McKell is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that lingers long after the final page. It’s a story that weaves together themes of identity, resilience, and the quiet strength it takes to confront the past.
What stood out most to me was the richness of the writing. McKell has a lyrical, almost poetic style that draws you deeply into the character’s inner world. There’s a strong sense of introspection throughout the novel, and the emotions feel raw, honest, and deeply personal. It’s the kind of book that asks you to slow down and really sit with what the characters are feeling.
The main character’s journey is both complex and compelling. As her past begins to surface, layer by layer, you start to understand the experiences that have shaped her. I appreciated how the story didn’t rush this process—each revelation felt meaningful and added depth to her character. There’s a powerful exploration of healing here, and it’s handled with care and nuance.
The pacing is more of a slow burn, especially in the first half, which may not work for everyone. However, I found that the gradual unfolding of the story made the emotional impact stronger. The tension builds quietly, focusing more on internal conflict than external drama.
There were a few moments where the narrative felt slightly heavy with introspection, but overall it contributed to the depth and tone of the novel rather than detracting from it.
Overall, Honey in Her Veins is a thoughtful, atmospheric, and emotionally rich read. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven stories with lyrical prose and a deep exploration of personal growth, memory, and resilience.
What stood out most to me was the richness of the writing. McKell has a lyrical, almost poetic style that draws you deeply into the character’s inner world. There’s a strong sense of introspection throughout the novel, and the emotions feel raw, honest, and deeply personal. It’s the kind of book that asks you to slow down and really sit with what the characters are feeling.
The main character’s journey is both complex and compelling. As her past begins to surface, layer by layer, you start to understand the experiences that have shaped her. I appreciated how the story didn’t rush this process—each revelation felt meaningful and added depth to her character. There’s a powerful exploration of healing here, and it’s handled with care and nuance.
The pacing is more of a slow burn, especially in the first half, which may not work for everyone. However, I found that the gradual unfolding of the story made the emotional impact stronger. The tension builds quietly, focusing more on internal conflict than external drama.
There were a few moments where the narrative felt slightly heavy with introspection, but overall it contributed to the depth and tone of the novel rather than detracting from it.
Overall, Honey in Her Veins is a thoughtful, atmospheric, and emotionally rich read. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven stories with lyrical prose and a deep exploration of personal growth, memory, and resilience.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What can I even say about this book that would be worthy of it? I was so lucky to get to meet Ruth years ago in a writers group that would change my life. Even back then I knew she was something special. The way she talks about writing and books, the lyrical way the ideas come to her...I feel like I met my book soulmate. I've read a few iterations of this book, but I was so excited to get my hands on an advance copy of the finished product. I was also given a chance to listen to this book via audio and ohhhh how beautiful Ruth's words are spoken aloud. I savored every minute of listening to this book. I felt completely immersed in the world of Arthur and his "Bee girl".
Arthur is returning to the town of Audrey to fulfill his mother's last wish and bury her with the bees. Returning, however, means grappling with all he left behind eight years ago when he fled Eva and the family that had become his own. Now back in Audrey, Arthur has to grapple with the past and the monster inside him. Full of love and magic, this is easily one of the most special books I've read. Arthur and Eva and the rest of the family are broken by the events from 8 years ago and getting to watch them piece themselves back together was an absolute honor. I practically CRAVED honey as I read this book and as much as I wanted it, I could practically taste the sweet crystals on my tongue as this book magically propelled me to this beautiful town and the words of Ruth McKell.
If you love romance and second-chance lovers, stories about grief and the monsters within, then please do yourself a favor and pick up this magical book.
Thank you so much to McKell, NetGalley and Little Brown for the opportunity to read an early copy of this book.
Arthur is returning to the town of Audrey to fulfill his mother's last wish and bury her with the bees. Returning, however, means grappling with all he left behind eight years ago when he fled Eva and the family that had become his own. Now back in Audrey, Arthur has to grapple with the past and the monster inside him. Full of love and magic, this is easily one of the most special books I've read. Arthur and Eva and the rest of the family are broken by the events from 8 years ago and getting to watch them piece themselves back together was an absolute honor. I practically CRAVED honey as I read this book and as much as I wanted it, I could practically taste the sweet crystals on my tongue as this book magically propelled me to this beautiful town and the words of Ruth McKell.
If you love romance and second-chance lovers, stories about grief and the monsters within, then please do yourself a favor and pick up this magical book.
Thank you so much to McKell, NetGalley and Little Brown for the opportunity to read an early copy of this book.
October 6, 2025
From its first page, Honey in Her Veins casts a spell. The prose is breathtaking—every sentence feels like a drop of honey -- sweet and sticking to you. The novel is deeply atmospheric, infused with a quiet magic that lingers long after you close the book.
The premise feels like folklore retold through modern bones: the theft of something beautiful brings a curse, and in that transgression lies both warning and wisdom. The balance between life and death, creation and destruction, pulses through the story—especially in the fragile bond between Arthur and Eva. Their magic, in opposition and in union, underscores a truth: only in needing each other can balance be forged.
I was particularly struck by the portrayal of the “monster” in Arthur's — the dark, restless piece you cannot wholly slay nor wholly deny. This internal monster becomes a companion, adversary, mirror. To see how McKell approached this as something to be understood, not just vanquished, felt deeply validating for anyone wrestling with mental health and identity. There is sorrow in these pages, but also tenderness, acceptance, and the fierce longing to be seen.
The tone is emotional, magical, and deeply human. It is a book about love and acceptance, but also about the hidden hollows we carry. There is a cottage-core softness to parts of it, but never naive: darkness always lurks just behind the petals and moss.
I closed this book feeling as though I had wandered through a dream and carried home a wild seed—small, fragile, yet alive with possibility.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The premise feels like folklore retold through modern bones: the theft of something beautiful brings a curse, and in that transgression lies both warning and wisdom. The balance between life and death, creation and destruction, pulses through the story—especially in the fragile bond between Arthur and Eva. Their magic, in opposition and in union, underscores a truth: only in needing each other can balance be forged.
I was particularly struck by the portrayal of the “monster” in Arthur's — the dark, restless piece you cannot wholly slay nor wholly deny. This internal monster becomes a companion, adversary, mirror. To see how McKell approached this as something to be understood, not just vanquished, felt deeply validating for anyone wrestling with mental health and identity. There is sorrow in these pages, but also tenderness, acceptance, and the fierce longing to be seen.
The tone is emotional, magical, and deeply human. It is a book about love and acceptance, but also about the hidden hollows we carry. There is a cottage-core softness to parts of it, but never naive: darkness always lurks just behind the petals and moss.
I closed this book feeling as though I had wandered through a dream and carried home a wild seed—small, fragile, yet alive with possibility.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
📖𝐸-𝒜𝑅𝒞 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌📖
𝐻𝑜𝓃𝑒𝓎 𝒾𝓃 𝐻𝑒𝓇 𝒱𝑒𝒾𝓃𝓈 ʙʏ ʀᴜᴛʜ ᴍᴄᴋᴇʟʟ
𝑅𝒶𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔: 🥀🥀🥀🥀 ᴏᴜᴛ ᴏғ 𝟻 ᴇɴᴄʜᴀɴᴛᴇᴅ ʀᴏsᴇs
𝒮𝓅𝒾𝒸𝑒 𝑅𝒶𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔: 🌶🌶 ᴏᴜᴛ ᴏғ 𝟻
✨ 𝐻𝑜𝑜𝓀✨
𝒯𝓌𝑜 𝒷𝓇𝑜𝓀𝑒𝓃 𝓈𝑜𝓊𝓁𝓈—𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝒽𝒶𝓊𝓃𝓉𝑒𝒹 𝒷𝓎 𝒶 𝓂𝑜𝓃𝓈𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃, 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑜𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝒷𝓎 𝓊𝓃𝒸𝑜𝓃𝓉𝓇𝑜𝓁𝓁𝒶𝒷𝓁𝑒 𝓂𝒶𝑔𝒾𝒸—𝒿𝑜𝓊𝓇𝓃𝑒𝓎 𝒾𝓃𝓉𝑜 𝒶 𝒸𝓊𝓇𝓈𝑒𝒹 𝒻𝑜𝓇𝑒𝓈𝓉 𝓉𝑜 𝒻𝒾𝓃𝒹 𝒶 𝒸𝓊𝓇𝑒, 𝑜𝓃𝓁𝓎 𝓉𝑜 𝒸𝑜𝓃𝒻𝓇𝑜𝓃𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓉𝓇𝓊𝓉𝒽𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎’𝓋𝑒 𝒷𝑒𝑒𝓃 𝓇𝓊𝓃𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒻𝓇𝑜𝓂.
𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌:
ʜᴜɢᴇ ᴛʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴏ ʟɪᴛᴛʟᴇ, ʙʀᴏᴡɴ & ᴄᴏᴍᴘᴀɴʏ ғᴏʀ ɢɪғᴛɪɴɢ ᴍᴇ ᴛʜɪs ᴇ-ᴀʀᴄ!
𝒮𝑜𝓂𝑒 𝓂𝒶𝑔𝒾𝒸 𝒽𝑒𝒶𝓁𝓈… 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒 𝓂𝒶𝑔𝒾𝒸 𝒹𝑒𝓈𝓉𝓇𝑜𝓎𝓈 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒾𝓉 𝓉𝑜𝓊𝒸𝒽𝑒𝓈.
ᴛʜɪs sᴛᴏʀʏ ɪs sᴏғᴛʟʏ ʜᴀᴜɴᴛɪɴɢ, ᴇᴍᴏᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴇᴇᴘʟʏ ɪɴᴛɪᴍᴀᴛᴇ.
ᴀʀᴛʜᴜʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴇᴠᴀ ᴀʀᴇɴ’ᴛ ᴊᴜsᴛ ʙᴀᴛᴛʟɪɴɢ ᴇxᴛᴇʀɴᴀʟ ғᴏʀᴄᴇs—ᴛʜᴇʏ’ʀᴇ ғɪɢʜᴛɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇᴍsᴇʟᴠᴇs, ᴛʜᴇɪʀ ɢʀɪᴇғ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴏɴsᴇǫᴜᴇɴᴄᴇs ᴏғ ᴛʜᴇɪʀ ᴘᴀsᴛ. ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴀɢɪᴄ sʏsᴛᴇᴍ ғᴇᴇʟs ᴀʟᴍᴏsᴛ ᴏʀɢᴀɴɪᴄ—ʀᴏᴏᴛᴇᴅ ɪɴ ɴᴀᴛᴜʀᴇ, ᴘᴀɪɴ, ᴀɴᴅ ɪᴍʙᴀʟᴀɴᴄᴇ—ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ғᴏʀᴇsᴛ sᴇᴛᴛɪɴɢ ᴀᴅᴅs ᴛʜɪs ᴇᴇʀɪᴇ, ʟɪɴɢᴇʀɪɴɢ ᴛᴇɴsɪᴏɴ.
ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ ɪs ɢᴇɴᴛʟᴇ ʙᴜᴛ ʜᴇᴀᴠʏ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴍᴇᴀɴɪɴɢ. ɪ��’s ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴜɴᴅᴇʀsᴛᴀɴᴅɪɴɢ, ғᴏʀɢɪᴠᴇɴᴇss, ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ғᴇᴀʀ ᴏғ ʜᴜʀᴛɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴇᴏᴘʟᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ʟᴏᴠᴇ. ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ɢʜᴏsᴛʟʏ ᴘʀᴇsᴇɴᴄᴇ ᴡᴏᴠᴇɴ ᴛʜʀᴏᴜɢʜ ᴛʜᴇ sᴛᴏʀʏ? ᴀᴅᴅs ᴊᴜsᴛ ᴇɴᴏᴜɢʜ ᴜɴᴇᴀsᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴋᴇᴇᴘ ᴛʜɪɴɢs ғʀᴏᴍ ғᴇᴇʟɪɴɢ ᴛᴏᴏ sᴏғᴛ.
ᴛʜɪs ɪs ʟᴇss ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ sᴘᴇᴄᴛᴀᴄʟᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ʜᴇᴀʟɪɴɢ, ɢᴜɪʟᴛ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʀᴀɴsғᴏʀᴍᴀᴛɪᴏɴ.
𝒯𝓇𝑜𝓅𝑒𝓈 & 𝒱𝒾𝒷𝑒𝓈:
✨ ɴᴀᴛᴜʀᴇ-ʙᴀsᴇᴅ ᴍᴀɢɪᴄ
🍯 ɢʀɪᴇғ & ᴇᴍᴏᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟ ʜᴇᴀʟɪɴɢ
✨ ʜᴀᴜɴᴛᴇᴅ ғᴏʀᴇsᴛ
🍯 “ᴡᴇ ᴀʀᴇ ʙᴏᴛʜ ʙʀᴏᴋᴇɴ” ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
✨ sᴏғᴛ ғᴀɴᴛᴀsʏ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴅᴀʀᴋ ᴇᴅɢᴇs
🍯 ɪɴɴᴇʀ ᴅᴇᴍᴏɴs x ʟᴏss ᴏғ ᴄᴏɴᴛʀᴏʟ
✨ ǫᴜᴇsᴛ ғᴏʀ ᴀ ᴄᴜʀᴇ
🍯 ғᴏᴜɴᴅ ғᴀᴍɪʟʏ
✨ ʜɪᴅᴅᴇɴ sᴇᴄʀᴇᴛs
🍯 ʟᴏᴠᴇ ʟᴏsᴛ-ᴛʜᴇɴ-ғᴏᴜɴᴅ-ᴀɢᴀɪɴ
𝐹𝒾𝓃𝒶𝓁 𝓋𝑒𝓇𝒹𝒾𝒸𝓉:
sᴏғᴛ, ʜᴀᴜɴᴛɪɴɢ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴇᴍᴏᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟʟʏ ʀɪᴄʜ—ᴀ ǫᴜɪᴇᴛ ғᴀɴᴛᴀsʏ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ɢʀɪᴇғ, ʜᴇᴀʟɪɴɢ, ᴀɴᴅ ʟᴇᴀʀɴɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ʟɪᴠᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴀʀᴛs ᴏғ ʏᴏᴜʀsᴇʟғ ʏᴏᴜ ғᴇᴀʀ ᴍᴏsᴛ.
ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ʀᴇᴀᴅɪɴɢ!
𝒜𝓈𝒽𝓁𝑒𝓎
ʙᴏᴏᴋsᴛᴀɢʀᴀᴍ: @ᴛʜᴇᴛᴀᴛᴛᴇʀᴇᴅᴘᴀɢᴇ
𝐻𝑜𝓃𝑒𝓎 𝒾𝓃 𝐻𝑒𝓇 𝒱𝑒𝒾𝓃𝓈 ʙʏ ʀᴜᴛʜ ᴍᴄᴋᴇʟʟ
𝑅𝒶𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔: 🥀🥀🥀🥀 ᴏᴜᴛ ᴏғ 𝟻 ᴇɴᴄʜᴀɴᴛᴇᴅ ʀᴏsᴇs
𝒮𝓅𝒾𝒸𝑒 𝑅𝒶𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔: 🌶🌶 ᴏᴜᴛ ᴏғ 𝟻
✨ 𝐻𝑜𝑜𝓀✨
𝒯𝓌𝑜 𝒷𝓇𝑜𝓀𝑒𝓃 𝓈𝑜𝓊𝓁𝓈—𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝒽𝒶𝓊𝓃𝓉𝑒𝒹 𝒷𝓎 𝒶 𝓂𝑜𝓃𝓈𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝓌𝒾𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃, 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑜𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝒷𝓎 𝓊𝓃𝒸𝑜𝓃𝓉𝓇𝑜𝓁𝓁𝒶𝒷𝓁𝑒 𝓂𝒶𝑔𝒾𝒸—𝒿𝑜𝓊𝓇𝓃𝑒𝓎 𝒾𝓃𝓉𝑜 𝒶 𝒸𝓊𝓇𝓈𝑒𝒹 𝒻𝑜𝓇𝑒𝓈𝓉 𝓉𝑜 𝒻𝒾𝓃𝒹 𝒶 𝒸𝓊𝓇𝑒, 𝑜𝓃𝓁𝓎 𝓉𝑜 𝒸𝑜𝓃𝒻𝓇𝑜𝓃𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓉𝓇𝓊𝓉𝒽𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎’𝓋𝑒 𝒷𝑒𝑒𝓃 𝓇𝓊𝓃𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒻𝓇𝑜𝓂.
𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌:
ʜᴜɢᴇ ᴛʜᴀɴᴋ ʏᴏᴜ ᴛᴏ ʟɪᴛᴛʟᴇ, ʙʀᴏᴡɴ & ᴄᴏᴍᴘᴀɴʏ ғᴏʀ ɢɪғᴛɪɴɢ ᴍᴇ ᴛʜɪs ᴇ-ᴀʀᴄ!
𝒮𝑜𝓂𝑒 𝓂𝒶𝑔𝒾𝒸 𝒽𝑒𝒶𝓁𝓈… 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒 𝓂𝒶𝑔𝒾𝒸 𝒹𝑒𝓈𝓉𝓇𝑜𝓎𝓈 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒾𝓉 𝓉𝑜𝓊𝒸𝒽𝑒𝓈.
ᴛʜɪs sᴛᴏʀʏ ɪs sᴏғᴛʟʏ ʜᴀᴜɴᴛɪɴɢ, ᴇᴍᴏᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴇᴇᴘʟʏ ɪɴᴛɪᴍᴀᴛᴇ.
ᴀʀᴛʜᴜʀ ᴀɴᴅ ᴇᴠᴀ ᴀʀᴇɴ’ᴛ ᴊᴜsᴛ ʙᴀᴛᴛʟɪɴɢ ᴇxᴛᴇʀɴᴀʟ ғᴏʀᴄᴇs—ᴛʜᴇʏ’ʀᴇ ғɪɢʜᴛɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇᴍsᴇʟᴠᴇs, ᴛʜᴇɪʀ ɢʀɪᴇғ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴏɴsᴇǫᴜᴇɴᴄᴇs ᴏғ ᴛʜᴇɪʀ ᴘᴀsᴛ. ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴀɢɪᴄ sʏsᴛᴇᴍ ғᴇᴇʟs ᴀʟᴍᴏsᴛ ᴏʀɢᴀɴɪᴄ—ʀᴏᴏᴛᴇᴅ ɪɴ ɴᴀᴛᴜʀᴇ, ᴘᴀɪɴ, ᴀɴᴅ ɪᴍʙᴀʟᴀɴᴄᴇ—ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ғᴏʀᴇsᴛ sᴇᴛᴛɪɴɢ ᴀᴅᴅs ᴛʜɪs ᴇᴇʀɪᴇ, ʟɪɴɢᴇʀɪɴɢ ᴛᴇɴsɪᴏɴ.
ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ ɪs ɢᴇɴᴛʟᴇ ʙᴜᴛ ʜᴇᴀᴠʏ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴍᴇᴀɴɪɴɢ. ɪ��’s ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴜɴᴅᴇʀsᴛᴀɴᴅɪɴɢ, ғᴏʀɢɪᴠᴇɴᴇss, ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ғᴇᴀʀ ᴏғ ʜᴜʀᴛɪɴɢ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴇᴏᴘʟᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ʟᴏᴠᴇ. ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ɢʜᴏsᴛʟʏ ᴘʀᴇsᴇɴᴄᴇ ᴡᴏᴠᴇɴ ᴛʜʀᴏᴜɢʜ ᴛʜᴇ sᴛᴏʀʏ? ᴀᴅᴅs ᴊᴜsᴛ ᴇɴᴏᴜɢʜ ᴜɴᴇᴀsᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴋᴇᴇᴘ ᴛʜɪɴɢs ғʀᴏᴍ ғᴇᴇʟɪɴɢ ᴛᴏᴏ sᴏғᴛ.
ᴛʜɪs ɪs ʟᴇss ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ sᴘᴇᴄᴛᴀᴄʟᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ʜᴇᴀʟɪɴɢ, ɢᴜɪʟᴛ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʀᴀɴsғᴏʀᴍᴀᴛɪᴏɴ.
𝒯𝓇𝑜𝓅𝑒𝓈 & 𝒱𝒾𝒷𝑒𝓈:
✨ ɴᴀᴛᴜʀᴇ-ʙᴀsᴇᴅ ᴍᴀɢɪᴄ
🍯 ɢʀɪᴇғ & ᴇᴍᴏᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟ ʜᴇᴀʟɪɴɢ
✨ ʜᴀᴜɴᴛᴇᴅ ғᴏʀᴇsᴛ
🍯 “ᴡᴇ ᴀʀᴇ ʙᴏᴛʜ ʙʀᴏᴋᴇɴ” ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
✨ sᴏғᴛ ғᴀɴᴛᴀsʏ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴅᴀʀᴋ ᴇᴅɢᴇs
🍯 ɪɴɴᴇʀ ᴅᴇᴍᴏɴs x ʟᴏss ᴏғ ᴄᴏɴᴛʀᴏʟ
✨ ǫᴜᴇsᴛ ғᴏʀ ᴀ ᴄᴜʀᴇ
🍯 ғᴏᴜɴᴅ ғᴀᴍɪʟʏ
✨ ʜɪᴅᴅᴇɴ sᴇᴄʀᴇᴛs
🍯 ʟᴏᴠᴇ ʟᴏsᴛ-ᴛʜᴇɴ-ғᴏᴜɴᴅ-ᴀɢᴀɪɴ
𝐹𝒾𝓃𝒶𝓁 𝓋𝑒𝓇𝒹𝒾𝒸𝓉:
sᴏғᴛ, ʜᴀᴜɴᴛɪɴɢ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴇᴍᴏᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟʟʏ ʀɪᴄʜ—ᴀ ǫᴜɪᴇᴛ ғᴀɴᴛᴀsʏ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ɢʀɪᴇғ, ʜᴇᴀʟɪɴɢ, ᴀɴᴅ ʟᴇᴀʀɴɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ʟɪᴠᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴀʀᴛs ᴏғ ʏᴏᴜʀsᴇʟғ ʏᴏᴜ ғᴇᴀʀ ᴍᴏsᴛ.
ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ʀᴇᴀᴅɪɴɢ!
𝒜𝓈𝒽𝓁𝑒𝓎
ʙᴏᴏᴋsᴛᴀɢʀᴀᴍ: @ᴛʜᴇᴛᴀᴛᴛᴇʀᴇᴅᴘᴀɢᴇ
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the perfect cottagecore fantasy I needed this spring. Like a fairytale, it beautifully blends light and dark elements into a story filled with depth and hope. I am completely in awe that this is a debut; Ruth McKell is an author to watch!
The story follows Arthur and Eva; he is a man with a monster in his head, and she is a girl with powerful plant magic she struggles to control. As the two begin a quest for redemption via finding the source of the magic, they find themselves inevitably drawn to each other; but they will have to confront more than their own demons along the way.
This book is hard to define, in a very good way. It feels like magical realism, folklore, cozy fantasy, horror-tinged fantasy, romance, fairytale… all at once! But somehow, none of these elements fight the other; the story feels like it is exactly what it should be. Much like the bees that dip in and out of the story, this book is both life-giving and life-affirming; it gives an unflinching view of the darkness within us all, but also shines with the hope of redemption, healing, and love. It is impossible not to root for Arthur and Eva, individually and as a couple, and I think every reader will see some element of themselves in the character’s internal journeys. I really loved this book, and I cannot wait to see where this author goes in the future!
I would recommend Honey in Her Veins to readers who love cottagecore, floral fairytales, and sweet romances.
Thank you to NetGalley & Little Brown & Company for the digital arc! All thoughts & opinions in the review are my own.
The story follows Arthur and Eva; he is a man with a monster in his head, and she is a girl with powerful plant magic she struggles to control. As the two begin a quest for redemption via finding the source of the magic, they find themselves inevitably drawn to each other; but they will have to confront more than their own demons along the way.
This book is hard to define, in a very good way. It feels like magical realism, folklore, cozy fantasy, horror-tinged fantasy, romance, fairytale… all at once! But somehow, none of these elements fight the other; the story feels like it is exactly what it should be. Much like the bees that dip in and out of the story, this book is both life-giving and life-affirming; it gives an unflinching view of the darkness within us all, but also shines with the hope of redemption, healing, and love. It is impossible not to root for Arthur and Eva, individually and as a couple, and I think every reader will see some element of themselves in the character’s internal journeys. I really loved this book, and I cannot wait to see where this author goes in the future!
I would recommend Honey in Her Veins to readers who love cottagecore, floral fairytales, and sweet romances.
Thank you to NetGalley & Little Brown & Company for the digital arc! All thoughts & opinions in the review are my own.
October 21, 2025
I was immediately drawn to this story because my own family has a generational bee farm in the rural south so this instantly became a must read and I am so glad I did. This story is written so beautifully that at times it almost seems poetic. One of the best things about this novel is the lush, gothic atmosphere. The author does an amazing job at creating a melancholic and intimate feel that blurs the line between myth and reality creating an incredibly immersive read.
The pacing may feel slow in some places but I believe this is due to prioritizing world building and atmosphere. So in some cases I can very much appreciate what the author did but again there are some moments that did drag a bit towards the middle of the novel. The Magic its self is left ambiguous with not very much explanation given but I believe that adds to the over feel of the story and does not necessarily take away from it. But I would have liked a bit more explained. I loved that it explores the power and pain that is passed down through bloodlines over generations. Reveling just how steeped in superstition rural areas can be. We have family trauma, half-buried secrets, whispered curses, and the double edged sword that is inherited power.
Overall Honey in Her Veins is dark yet lyrical with a blend of gothic fantasy and a helping of generational folklore that is done incredibly well.
The pacing may feel slow in some places but I believe this is due to prioritizing world building and atmosphere. So in some cases I can very much appreciate what the author did but again there are some moments that did drag a bit towards the middle of the novel. The Magic its self is left ambiguous with not very much explanation given but I believe that adds to the over feel of the story and does not necessarily take away from it. But I would have liked a bit more explained. I loved that it explores the power and pain that is passed down through bloodlines over generations. Reveling just how steeped in superstition rural areas can be. We have family trauma, half-buried secrets, whispered curses, and the double edged sword that is inherited power.
Overall Honey in Her Veins is dark yet lyrical with a blend of gothic fantasy and a helping of generational folklore that is done incredibly well.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book pre-release! All opinions are my own.
Rating 3.5 stars
This is the book for you if you want:
* A fantasy mystery set in a wonderful cottage in the middle of the woods
* Lush magic bringing life and death to nature, surrounded by honeybees
* Coming of age love story with found family
There was something in my chemistry with this book that made the first 30% drag on a bit even as I fell in love with the town of Aubrey and Eva's family. I loved the honeybee farm setting, the depictions of the sprawling meadows of flowers and how the sisters & father ran the Honey Shoppe.
Perhaps I found the plot dragging a bit because we know there is mystery surrounding Arthur's hidden monster and the inciting incident that happened in the past, but it takes a few chapters to start getting to the root of it.
This was one of those rare books where I think I enjoyed the middle more than the beginning and end. I remember tearing through the middle chapters, not wanting to put it down as we learned more about the past and rooted for the characters in the present. The ending did a good job putting it all together but it felt straightforward.
All in all, this was a nice cottagecore fantasy that just wasn't the right fit for me, but could be for you!
Rating 3.5 stars
This is the book for you if you want:
* A fantasy mystery set in a wonderful cottage in the middle of the woods
* Lush magic bringing life and death to nature, surrounded by honeybees
* Coming of age love story with found family
There was something in my chemistry with this book that made the first 30% drag on a bit even as I fell in love with the town of Aubrey and Eva's family. I loved the honeybee farm setting, the depictions of the sprawling meadows of flowers and how the sisters & father ran the Honey Shoppe.
Perhaps I found the plot dragging a bit because we know there is mystery surrounding Arthur's hidden monster and the inciting incident that happened in the past, but it takes a few chapters to start getting to the root of it.
This was one of those rare books where I think I enjoyed the middle more than the beginning and end. I remember tearing through the middle chapters, not wanting to put it down as we learned more about the past and rooted for the characters in the present. The ending did a good job putting it all together but it felt straightforward.
All in all, this was a nice cottagecore fantasy that just wasn't the right fit for me, but could be for you!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There is a monster in his head, and death in his touch... and she is the embodiment of wild life. they haven't seen each other in years, and when they do reunite, the past and the present clash in violence that might very well kill her father. this book was A-MA-ZING. i laughed, and cried, and cursed. i threw my kind across the room in a rage (yes i'm being dramatic) this Cottagecore/gore book held me in a death grip in more ways than one! trying to peice together what happened in the past, and how it connects to what is happening in the now was thrilling, exciting, and gut wrenching. i had theories that came through, and theories that didn't, and even though we didn't get every answer, it feels absolutely real. not every question eneds an answer, so long as the one you love, stays in the end. and what an ending it was! i cried it was so perfect. watching Arthur learn to love himself as much as he loves Eva was thrilling, and seeing how it all turned out was exhilarating. this is an intensely emotional book in all the best ways, and i'm not sure how i'm going to be able to move on from this one. this is definitely going to be a book i read over and over again. for fans of Jaysea Lynn's "For Whom the Belle Tolls" and Sydney J. Shields "The Honey Witch".
Thank you to Little, Brown and Company and Netgalley for this ARC
Thank you to Little, Brown and Company and Netgalley for this ARC
September 29, 2025
Honey in Her Veins is so beautifully written, with such an interesting concept and magic system. The story follows Arthur, who carries a monster within him, and Eva, whose rare gift allows her to create life and coax plants to bloom. They are opposite sides of a coin, one tied to taking and the other to giving. This world explores what it means to live with darkness inside you, and it felt raw, real, and powerful. I loved how it showed the struggle of accepting that part of yourself instead of trying to cast it out.
Arthur and Eva’s relationship was breathtaking. They are truly made for each other, and their love felt so genuine. Then there is Dane and Isobel, whose friendship slowly blossoms into something deeper and tender. Watching their bond shift added another heartfelt layer alongside the main romance.
This book is emotional, magical, and deeply human. It is about love, acceptance, and the balance of light and dark. I highly recommend, such a beautiful and creative debut.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Arthur and Eva’s relationship was breathtaking. They are truly made for each other, and their love felt so genuine. Then there is Dane and Isobel, whose friendship slowly blossoms into something deeper and tender. Watching their bond shift added another heartfelt layer alongside the main romance.
This book is emotional, magical, and deeply human. It is about love, acceptance, and the balance of light and dark. I highly recommend, such a beautiful and creative debut.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Little, Brown & Co and NetGalley for the ARC.
Oddly my second life/nature magic & death magic book this year (the first was Green & Deadly Things). I think this one was largely better as the narrative feels more comprehensive. There's a cool atmosphere (though it doesn't feel like Pennsylvania to me, and I am from PA) with the honey farm, the weird forest, etc. I do think "what happened at the wedding" should have come out a bit earlier, nearer the halfway mark rather than the 80% mark, and that we could have used a BIT more of an explanation of where Eva and Arthur's respective powers came from. It feels like it's going for a magical realism vibe, where you don't really have to explain things, they just ARE, but the events are a bit TOO BIG and paranormal for that to entirely work. Still, I really enjoyed this overall and could see it being a great summer read.
Oddly my second life/nature magic & death magic book this year (the first was Green & Deadly Things). I think this one was largely better as the narrative feels more comprehensive. There's a cool atmosphere (though it doesn't feel like Pennsylvania to me, and I am from PA) with the honey farm, the weird forest, etc. I do think "what happened at the wedding" should have come out a bit earlier, nearer the halfway mark rather than the 80% mark, and that we could have used a BIT more of an explanation of where Eva and Arthur's respective powers came from. It feels like it's going for a magical realism vibe, where you don't really have to explain things, they just ARE, but the events are a bit TOO BIG and paranormal for that to entirely work. Still, I really enjoyed this overall and could see it being a great summer read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A charming romance with a horror feel - a feat not easily pulled off. Arthur has been abandoned by his reckless mother with some family friends who harbor secrets of their own. Arthur can drain life with a touch - while the family gives life instead. Arthur's relationship with the youngest girl, Eva, becomes perilous when a jealous rival tries to interfere with their blooming romance, and the consequences turn deadly.
I was expecting a horror novel, not a romance, but I was sucked into a genre I don't usually choose on my own. The novel alternates between Eva's third-person voice and Arthur's first-person voice, and McKell does an excellent job of giving each character their own unique voice and motivations. Arthur's struggle to deal with the voice of the "monster" inside him echoes all of us who struggle with gifts that often feel like a curse. And Eva's anger tempers her gift of growth between nurturing and danger. Recommended for romance readers and people who don't like romances but enjoy some magical realism instead.
I was expecting a horror novel, not a romance, but I was sucked into a genre I don't usually choose on my own. The novel alternates between Eva's third-person voice and Arthur's first-person voice, and McKell does an excellent job of giving each character their own unique voice and motivations. Arthur's struggle to deal with the voice of the "monster" inside him echoes all of us who struggle with gifts that often feel like a curse. And Eva's anger tempers her gift of growth between nurturing and danger. Recommended for romance readers and people who don't like romances but enjoy some magical realism instead.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Fans of Small Favors and Flowerheart will enjoy this heart-warming romantic story. Each sentence was beautifully crafted and heavy with emotional weight.
Arthur was easily the most complex character with the most development - I liked Eva and Isobel too, but didn't connect with them very deeply. I also really loved the monster's story as Arthur came to accept himself as he was.
I did find the setting to be a little jarring at first, but the contemporary setting fit the story. I do wish there had been more Appalachian folklore woven into the story, which would have made it more atmospheric and added to the lushness of the writing.
I really enjoyed the focus on mental health in this story - it was subtle enough to fit the story but still managed to be comforting and gentle. Arthur and Eva's story was really beautiful, and I was so glad to see their happy ending. Thank you so much to NetGalley and Little Brown and Company for the eARC!
Arthur was easily the most complex character with the most development - I liked Eva and Isobel too, but didn't connect with them very deeply. I also really loved the monster's story as Arthur came to accept himself as he was.
I did find the setting to be a little jarring at first, but the contemporary setting fit the story. I do wish there had been more Appalachian folklore woven into the story, which would have made it more atmospheric and added to the lushness of the writing.
I really enjoyed the focus on mental health in this story - it was subtle enough to fit the story but still managed to be comforting and gentle. Arthur and Eva's story was really beautiful, and I was so glad to see their happy ending. Thank you so much to NetGalley and Little Brown and Company for the eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I found this to be an enjoyable read overall!
The writing was one of the best bits about it. It was lovely without being purple prose, and I really felt immersed in this small town with a spooky forest. It was haunting when it needed to be, and touching when it needed to be. (And I loved the nature-based lore around the town and the magic system!)
I loved following this cast of characters. Eva and Arthur’s relationship was truly precious, and it was wonderful to see them come back together and try to work through their issues after eight years apart. It was nice to get chapters from both Isobel and the monster as well, for it allowed us to see how the story affects more than just Eva and Arthur.
There were a few places where I felt the pacing could be tightened up. But I still really enjoyed this story, and think others will too.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Little Brown for allowing me to read the eARC!
The writing was one of the best bits about it. It was lovely without being purple prose, and I really felt immersed in this small town with a spooky forest. It was haunting when it needed to be, and touching when it needed to be. (And I loved the nature-based lore around the town and the magic system!)
I loved following this cast of characters. Eva and Arthur’s relationship was truly precious, and it was wonderful to see them come back together and try to work through their issues after eight years apart. It was nice to get chapters from both Isobel and the monster as well, for it allowed us to see how the story affects more than just Eva and Arthur.
There were a few places where I felt the pacing could be tightened up. But I still really enjoyed this story, and think others will too.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Little Brown for allowing me to read the eARC!
November 13, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review an Advance Reader Copy of Honey in Her Veins.
This is a book you sit in quiet with after you finish. Honey in Her Veins moved me and touched vulnerable and raw pieces of me I thought I kept well under wraps. And what a beautiful and breathtaking experience that is.
It’s a slow paced, emotional and painfully human story told through beautifully dark lyrical prose. That moved me to tears on more than one occasion.
Gothic fantasy intertwined with Appalachian folklore creating a book that took root in my soul. I believe McKell did a wonderful job creating a bridge of mental health and magic. I adored the magic system and the connection to emotion.
This story is beautifully human and a reminder there is always hope and keep choosing life even when it feels too heavy to go on.
This is a book you sit in quiet with after you finish. Honey in Her Veins moved me and touched vulnerable and raw pieces of me I thought I kept well under wraps. And what a beautiful and breathtaking experience that is.
It’s a slow paced, emotional and painfully human story told through beautifully dark lyrical prose. That moved me to tears on more than one occasion.
Gothic fantasy intertwined with Appalachian folklore creating a book that took root in my soul. I believe McKell did a wonderful job creating a bridge of mental health and magic. I adored the magic system and the connection to emotion.
This story is beautifully human and a reminder there is always hope and keep choosing life even when it feels too heavy to go on.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Honey in Her Veins is full of atmospheric writing and is able to hook the reader from the first page in it’s quiet, soft, and steady pace. So much about this story is beautiful and haunting... the nature inspired magic system, the intimacy we get to know these characters as they face challenges, both internal and external, the quiet moments that pack as much of a punch as the tense ones... I could go on about the little moments that bring Arthur and Eva off the page and the vulnerability in the story, captured in both the writing and in the characters perspectives. Honey in Her Veins is a beautiful magical realism story that allows the reader to sink in, and I know I’ll be returning to it in the future.
Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced digital copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced digital copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews