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Flesh & Bone
Flesh & Bone, Book One in the Hollowborn Duology.
A gothic fantasy romance.
Necromancy rules the world. Bones and dust, rot and decay.
Cursed, Caius Veyne is turning to bone, his body crumbling with every breath. No magic can save him. No power can undo what's already begun.
Until her.
A girl pulled from the noose, memories forgotten, with a soul that does not belong.
Serene should be hollow like all the others, but she isn't.
She breathes.
She gives.
Life and Death were never enemies.
Just two sides of the same coin, waiting for the moment they'd fall together.
A gothic fantasy romance.
Necromancy rules the world. Bones and dust, rot and decay.
Cursed, Caius Veyne is turning to bone, his body crumbling with every breath. No magic can save him. No power can undo what's already begun.
Until her.
A girl pulled from the noose, memories forgotten, with a soul that does not belong.
Serene should be hollow like all the others, but she isn't.
She breathes.
She gives.
Life and Death were never enemies.
Just two sides of the same coin, waiting for the moment they'd fall together.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 26, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 2, 2025
4.5 ⭐
I loved the dynamics between the two main characters!
The healer and the necromancer. For once our FMC was wasn’t a simpering wet wipe, she was strong and capable. The MMC was dark and brooding without being over bearing. I love them! I felt their yearning and wanted a HEA. Now I don’t know how that can be???
The world building and storyline were “chefs kiss”.
I could feel myself being drawn into a world of rot and decay! I was absorbed into a dark world of magic and death.
That cliffhanger is a killer!! I need book 2 immediately!
Thank you so much for sending me this arc, I really loved it.
A recommended read for people who love dark fantasy, unique magic, yearning and enemies to lovers.
I loved the dynamics between the two main characters!
The healer and the necromancer. For once our FMC was wasn’t a simpering wet wipe, she was strong and capable. The MMC was dark and brooding without being over bearing. I love them! I felt their yearning and wanted a HEA. Now I don’t know how that can be???
The world building and storyline were “chefs kiss”.
I could feel myself being drawn into a world of rot and decay! I was absorbed into a dark world of magic and death.
That cliffhanger is a killer!! I need book 2 immediately!
Thank you so much for sending me this arc, I really loved it.
A recommended read for people who love dark fantasy, unique magic, yearning and enemies to lovers.
October 8, 2025
Disclosure: I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book in exchange for an honest review. As someone who loves supporting indie authors, I always aim to share thoughtful, fair feedback. While I have personal reading preferences like a love for fantasy, horses, or specific tropes, I never let that impact my rating unless it is relevant to the book’s intent or audience. I review with the genre and readership in mind.
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice rating: 0,5🌶️
Darkness/Bloodiness: 🖤 Please check content warning!
Lately I got into this dark, eerie and gothic sort of reading mood and I already read from the author so I jumped into the story very happily. I think the cover incredibly well matches what you can expect from the book, dark topics like death, undead and the otherworld have a really strong presence in the book.
This was my first time reading a sort of amnesia story, the Fmc doesn't remember exactly what happened to her and why. This setting really felt so smooth, as there was quite a focus on world building, there were a lot of information sprinkled all over and with this amnesia it felt smooth, realistic, not forced and it was gradual so I didn't feel overwhelmed.
I would say you should be okay with immediate attraction, as the characters get very close really fast due to some circumstances. They are very unique in my opinion, I specially liked the fmc and how the world of the book sees her. I have never ever seen a healer portrayed as forbidden and I loved the history and explanation behind that, it really made sense and I love that in books.
You should be ready for an eerie read, the writing style brough most of those vibes, also slightly mysterious feelings, there is always just a piece of the puzzle we never see. I felt that the lyrical tools were a bit overused for my taste and that was a bit difficult for me to read, but the story was so worth it!
If you need a dark read with romance, you should absolutely pick up this book!
Some Tropes:
-Insta attraction
-Necromancer vs Healer
-Amnesia
-Dark Fantasy
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice rating: 0,5🌶️
Darkness/Bloodiness: 🖤 Please check content warning!
Lately I got into this dark, eerie and gothic sort of reading mood and I already read from the author so I jumped into the story very happily. I think the cover incredibly well matches what you can expect from the book, dark topics like death, undead and the otherworld have a really strong presence in the book.
This was my first time reading a sort of amnesia story, the Fmc doesn't remember exactly what happened to her and why. This setting really felt so smooth, as there was quite a focus on world building, there were a lot of information sprinkled all over and with this amnesia it felt smooth, realistic, not forced and it was gradual so I didn't feel overwhelmed.
I would say you should be okay with immediate attraction, as the characters get very close really fast due to some circumstances. They are very unique in my opinion, I specially liked the fmc and how the world of the book sees her. I have never ever seen a healer portrayed as forbidden and I loved the history and explanation behind that, it really made sense and I love that in books.
You should be ready for an eerie read, the writing style brough most of those vibes, also slightly mysterious feelings, there is always just a piece of the puzzle we never see. I felt that the lyrical tools were a bit overused for my taste and that was a bit difficult for me to read, but the story was so worth it!
If you need a dark read with romance, you should absolutely pick up this book!
Some Tropes:
-Insta attraction
-Necromancer vs Healer
-Amnesia
-Dark Fantasy
October 1, 2025
What a great fall/halloween read. In the first chapters I didn't know what to expect, but the story pulled me in and I was heavily invested. The story was fast paced and the author had a great writing style. Loved the banter between all the rot and death. It is the first book in a duet and ends on a cliffhanger.
About the story📚
The story takes place in a world were the necromancers rule and the god of death is worshipped. Serene is a girl that is sentenced to death because she is light, but Caius a necromancer saves her. Serene has no memories of who she is and together they go on a journey to find some answers. Total opposites, light and darkness but drawn to each other.
☠Necromancer
☠ Death
☠Bone magic
☠Slowburn
☠Cursed/Marked
☠Spice
Favorite quotes📖✍
"I don't want to die-but how do you fight for your life when you don't even remember who you are?"
"Are you always this violent with inanimate objects? a voice says, soft and steady, or is it just books that offend you?"
"For someone so terrifying, you do drop like a corpse afterwards."
"I cannot turn away. I would walk through rot and ruin, through death itself, just to keep you safe. Even if it destroys me."
"She sealed him away not because she stopped loving him, but because she still did. Love, real love, sometimes means closing a door you ache to keep open."
About the story📚
The story takes place in a world were the necromancers rule and the god of death is worshipped. Serene is a girl that is sentenced to death because she is light, but Caius a necromancer saves her. Serene has no memories of who she is and together they go on a journey to find some answers. Total opposites, light and darkness but drawn to each other.
☠Necromancer
☠ Death
☠Bone magic
☠Slowburn
☠Cursed/Marked
☠Spice
Favorite quotes📖✍
"I don't want to die-but how do you fight for your life when you don't even remember who you are?"
"Are you always this violent with inanimate objects? a voice says, soft and steady, or is it just books that offend you?"
"For someone so terrifying, you do drop like a corpse afterwards."
"I cannot turn away. I would walk through rot and ruin, through death itself, just to keep you safe. Even if it destroys me."
"She sealed him away not because she stopped loving him, but because she still did. Love, real love, sometimes means closing a door you ache to keep open."
October 2, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed the story of this book! I loved the characters, the fact that it contained necromancers. I've not personally read a story like this before so it was very interesting. It ends on a cliffhanger so now I'm dying for the next book! Highly recommend!!
December 26, 2025
Thank you to H.R. Leigh for gifting me a review copy! This has in no way influenced my reading experience.
A healer x necromancer gothic romantasy is such a banger concept, I'm not gonna lie. The visuals alone were stunning, and the tropes were a perfect fit to my tastes—there was no way I wasn’t going to want this book. So when I got the opportunity to read it before release, I jumped at it without hesitation.
The first few chapters completely pulled me in. I was deeply invested in the mystery, convinced that Flesh and Bone was about to send me into a brutal reading slump. You know, the kind where you can’t stop thinking about the characters, the romance, the magic system, and the worldbuilding long after you’ve closed the book? Based on the blurb and tropes alone, my expectations were sky-high. Unfortunately, as I read further, almost all of those expectations fell apart.
To start with, the worldbuilding and magic system felt generic and predictable. There was nothing particularly distinctive about them. That may just be the result of me reading too much fantasy, but it’s hard not to notice when familiar elements are borrowed without being reimagined or elevated in a meaningful way.
The story also suffered from a dual POV structure that simply didn’t work. The chapters were short and did very little to build tension, deepen the mystery, or let twists breathe. Instead of heightening suspense, the dual POVs often deflated it. Any lingering doubt or intrigue would be immediately resolved in the next chapter from the other character’s perspective. This constant release of tension made the story feel anticlimactic, which I found especially frustrating given how much dramatic potential the premise had.
Honestly, I don’t know how to feel about the writing. It felt clunky and inconsistent, with repetitive sentence structures that became distracting and grating. The reliance on a specific writing formula was overused to the point of annoyance, and there was far too much telling compared to showing. On top of that, there were plot holes that were hard to ignore.
The author, however, was really good at writing character portraits and painting individual scenes. It’s very poetic and lyrical. I couldn’t help but think this story might have worked better as a novel-in-verse. If the author ever explores that format in the future, I’d absolutely be interested—she seems like a natural at it.
The sexual tension between Caius and Serene was too intense not to mention. It’s hot. It’s palpable. It’s downright addictive. Their mere proximity to each other drives them insane, and it was genuinely fun to read. The angst, the yearning, the constant push and pull—oh, it was delicious! If I could ignore the book’s other flaws, I’d rate it significantly higher for their sheer chemistry alone. It’s easily the strongest aspect of the novel. I mean, it is a romantasy, after all!
Unfortunately, beyond that tension and the forbidden romance you can’t help but root for, there wasn’t much else about the rest of the characters. Most of the supporting cast felt flat and underdeveloped. Riven, in particular, came across like a corny cartoon villain, and the story struggled to establish a truly compelling or intimidating antagonist. None of the villains felt especially threatening, which made it hard to care about the stakes. Except Elira, I guess. Despite her limited page time, she felt layered and intriguing. Her conversation with Serene was one of my favorite moments in the book and left me wishing we’d seen more of her.
Overall, this was a disappointing read. I really wanted to love it, and I tried hard to appreciate what it was doing, especially given how much I adored the healer x necromancer dynamic. I think readers who prioritize romance above all else (and who are more forgiving of weak plot execution, rushed worldbuilding, plot holes, and clunky prose) will likely enjoy this far more than I did. As someone who prefers their romantasy well-balanced between romance and everything else, this just didn’t hit the mark for me.
A healer x necromancer gothic romantasy is such a banger concept, I'm not gonna lie. The visuals alone were stunning, and the tropes were a perfect fit to my tastes—there was no way I wasn’t going to want this book. So when I got the opportunity to read it before release, I jumped at it without hesitation.
The first few chapters completely pulled me in. I was deeply invested in the mystery, convinced that Flesh and Bone was about to send me into a brutal reading slump. You know, the kind where you can’t stop thinking about the characters, the romance, the magic system, and the worldbuilding long after you’ve closed the book? Based on the blurb and tropes alone, my expectations were sky-high. Unfortunately, as I read further, almost all of those expectations fell apart.
To start with, the worldbuilding and magic system felt generic and predictable. There was nothing particularly distinctive about them. That may just be the result of me reading too much fantasy, but it’s hard not to notice when familiar elements are borrowed without being reimagined or elevated in a meaningful way.
The story also suffered from a dual POV structure that simply didn’t work. The chapters were short and did very little to build tension, deepen the mystery, or let twists breathe. Instead of heightening suspense, the dual POVs often deflated it. Any lingering doubt or intrigue would be immediately resolved in the next chapter from the other character’s perspective. This constant release of tension made the story feel anticlimactic, which I found especially frustrating given how much dramatic potential the premise had.
Honestly, I don’t know how to feel about the writing. It felt clunky and inconsistent, with repetitive sentence structures that became distracting and grating. The reliance on a specific writing formula was overused to the point of annoyance, and there was far too much telling compared to showing. On top of that, there were plot holes that were hard to ignore.
The author, however, was really good at writing character portraits and painting individual scenes. It’s very poetic and lyrical. I couldn’t help but think this story might have worked better as a novel-in-verse. If the author ever explores that format in the future, I’d absolutely be interested—she seems like a natural at it.
The sexual tension between Caius and Serene was too intense not to mention. It’s hot. It’s palpable. It’s downright addictive. Their mere proximity to each other drives them insane, and it was genuinely fun to read. The angst, the yearning, the constant push and pull—oh, it was delicious! If I could ignore the book’s other flaws, I’d rate it significantly higher for their sheer chemistry alone. It’s easily the strongest aspect of the novel. I mean, it is a romantasy, after all!
Unfortunately, beyond that tension and the forbidden romance you can’t help but root for, there wasn’t much else about the rest of the characters. Most of the supporting cast felt flat and underdeveloped. Riven, in particular, came across like a corny cartoon villain, and the story struggled to establish a truly compelling or intimidating antagonist. None of the villains felt especially threatening, which made it hard to care about the stakes. Except Elira, I guess. Despite her limited page time, she felt layered and intriguing. Her conversation with Serene was one of my favorite moments in the book and left me wishing we’d seen more of her.
Overall, this was a disappointing read. I really wanted to love it, and I tried hard to appreciate what it was doing, especially given how much I adored the healer x necromancer dynamic. I think readers who prioritize romance above all else (and who are more forgiving of weak plot execution, rushed worldbuilding, plot holes, and clunky prose) will likely enjoy this far more than I did. As someone who prefers their romantasy well-balanced between romance and everything else, this just didn’t hit the mark for me.
October 24, 2025
I’ve been following H. R. Leigh on social media for a while, and honestly, I fell in love with the artwork and aesthetic for Flesh & Bone long before I started reading. It’s absolutely stunning. Moody, macabre, and perfectly gothic. So when I got the chance to read an e-ARC, I jumped straight in, hoping the story would be as hauntingly beautiful as the visuals promised.
And to be fair, the concept had me hooked immediately. A world built on necromancy, a cursed man turning to bone, and a mysterious girl who shouldn’t be alive? That’s exactly my kind of dark fantasy. The writing is lush and lyrical, the atmosphere dripping with rot, magic, and melancholy. So much so that you can practically feel the dust in your lungs.
But somewhere along the way, I started to lose my footing, and I was gutted. I really, really wanted to love this! The book is incredibly descriptive, and while I appreciate immersive worldbuilding, it tipped over into too much at times. Every scene was filled with sensory detail about how things looked, smelled, or felt, and I found myself getting lost in the language rather than the plot. The pacing suffered a bit because of it, and I had to reread a few sections just to make sure I hadn’t missed something important.
Caius and Serene had so much potential, but their story never quite hit emotionally for me. Maybe because I was too wrapped up in all the descriptive writing. I wanted to feel their connection, but it got buried under the flowery prose. That said, I loved the underlying theme of life and death being two sides of the same coin.
It’s one of those books where the bones (pun intended) of a great story are absolutely there, but it just needed stripping back a little. Less fluff, more punch. However, if you love really atmospheric, descriptive fantasy and don’t mind a slower pace, you’ll probably enjoy this one. For me, it was a beautiful idea that just got tangled up in its own words.
I’m definitely curious to see where Leigh takes the second book.
I'm just hoping it’s a bit tighter and lets the story shine through all that gorgeous gloom.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
And to be fair, the concept had me hooked immediately. A world built on necromancy, a cursed man turning to bone, and a mysterious girl who shouldn’t be alive? That’s exactly my kind of dark fantasy. The writing is lush and lyrical, the atmosphere dripping with rot, magic, and melancholy. So much so that you can practically feel the dust in your lungs.
But somewhere along the way, I started to lose my footing, and I was gutted. I really, really wanted to love this! The book is incredibly descriptive, and while I appreciate immersive worldbuilding, it tipped over into too much at times. Every scene was filled with sensory detail about how things looked, smelled, or felt, and I found myself getting lost in the language rather than the plot. The pacing suffered a bit because of it, and I had to reread a few sections just to make sure I hadn’t missed something important.
Caius and Serene had so much potential, but their story never quite hit emotionally for me. Maybe because I was too wrapped up in all the descriptive writing. I wanted to feel their connection, but it got buried under the flowery prose. That said, I loved the underlying theme of life and death being two sides of the same coin.
It’s one of those books where the bones (pun intended) of a great story are absolutely there, but it just needed stripping back a little. Less fluff, more punch. However, if you love really atmospheric, descriptive fantasy and don’t mind a slower pace, you’ll probably enjoy this one. For me, it was a beautiful idea that just got tangled up in its own words.
I’m definitely curious to see where Leigh takes the second book.
I'm just hoping it’s a bit tighter and lets the story shine through all that gorgeous gloom.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 27, 2025
3.5 🌟 rounded up as I enjoyed it.
I love a gothic, eerie romance. So straight away, I was excited for Flesh & Bone.
The scene and world building is creative and descriptive. Although, at the same time, repetitive. I understand everywhere smells of rot. The way the world is described is poetic and I could really imagine the setting. It just sometimes felt too much. There could of been more dialogue between characters, to give us more understanding and world building.
Serene is suffering from lack of memory. The plot focuses around her search for who she is, while discovering the secrets of the town built upon necromancy, that worships the God of Death. She is a healer, to be sacrificed. That she is a healer and the enemy is a unique twist. They're usually the heroes. So I liked that about this.
Caius, he came off as quite basic to me. I liked him. I liked the protectiveness he gave off. But it felt stale and just there to check box the tropes. However, his situation really intrigued me. His curse. It's awful. I wish there had been more background on his arrival. Perhaps more discussion with his brother about their upbringing. The brother feels like he is in command, head of the house? They've no other family representatives? Unless I've missed that. How are 2 men, the most powerful family.
The spice, was lacking for me. I expected it to be darker. It is also very much an instant attraction vibe. Which I don't mind. In this, they both knew that and waited until it felt like a genuine lust/love. Cute 😊
The ending. It really picked up here. I thought the whole pacing of the story was fast anyway and probably skipped over minute details I'd of appreciated. Yet the end, my heart was racing along with them. The ending has me waiting for book 2. This is really enjoyable read, and when I could get some time to read (mum duties) I was looking forward to picking this up.
It's a beautiful, well written concept. Those just entering their gothic era should definitely pick this up.
Thank you to H.R Leigh for the e-ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
I love a gothic, eerie romance. So straight away, I was excited for Flesh & Bone.
The scene and world building is creative and descriptive. Although, at the same time, repetitive. I understand everywhere smells of rot. The way the world is described is poetic and I could really imagine the setting. It just sometimes felt too much. There could of been more dialogue between characters, to give us more understanding and world building.
Serene is suffering from lack of memory. The plot focuses around her search for who she is, while discovering the secrets of the town built upon necromancy, that worships the God of Death. She is a healer, to be sacrificed. That she is a healer and the enemy is a unique twist. They're usually the heroes. So I liked that about this.
Caius, he came off as quite basic to me. I liked him. I liked the protectiveness he gave off. But it felt stale and just there to check box the tropes. However, his situation really intrigued me. His curse. It's awful. I wish there had been more background on his arrival. Perhaps more discussion with his brother about their upbringing. The brother feels like he is in command, head of the house? They've no other family representatives? Unless I've missed that. How are 2 men, the most powerful family.
The spice, was lacking for me. I expected it to be darker. It is also very much an instant attraction vibe. Which I don't mind. In this, they both knew that and waited until it felt like a genuine lust/love. Cute 😊
The ending. It really picked up here. I thought the whole pacing of the story was fast anyway and probably skipped over minute details I'd of appreciated. Yet the end, my heart was racing along with them. The ending has me waiting for book 2. This is really enjoyable read, and when I could get some time to read (mum duties) I was looking forward to picking this up.
It's a beautiful, well written concept. Those just entering their gothic era should definitely pick this up.
Thank you to H.R Leigh for the e-ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
October 26, 2025
H.R. Leigh has written an absolute beauty of a book here! I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it sure wasn't feeling every emotion under the sun, whilst crying my heart out! My only complaint is that now I have to wait til next year for book 2 🥺
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Flesh & Bone is a fast paced, slow burn, gothic romance, based in a world where necromancy rules, and anything else is quickly snuffed out or sacrificed.
Our MMC Caius is a necromancer, whilst our FMC Serene is a healer, but with no memory of who she is or how she came to be. When Serene is hung for treason, Caius saves her, but at a cost to himself, and also forming a forbidden bond. Working together they venture into the depths of the city and Mire, to try and recover Serene's memories; all while figuring out how to save her from the other 'old families' who want to use her as a sacrifice to the God of Death, to show their devotion. But, what happens when Caius and Serenes bond is severed, yet they still crave each other? Will Caius use Serene in the name of his God of Death? Or, will Serene sacrifice herself like the Goddess of Life has told her, in order to reseal the tomb and protect the world from the God of Death? You will have to read and find out!
Grab some tissues people, you will need them! The way H.R. Leigh writes these characters, and the settings, you feel as if you are there. At times you hold your breathe with them, and swear you feel exactly what they do. I have read a few good books this year, some exceptional... but this, if I could give it more than 5 stars, I would! The spice is minimal, but it's placement within the story is perfect, and I wouldn't change a thing!
This book will stay with me for a very long time, and is firmly up there within my top 20 reads ever! I already recommended it to 3 different people just this morning 🖤
If you want a gothic slow burn romance with paranormal entities, curses, and marionette magic, this book is 100% the one you want.... better yet.... the one you NEED!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Flesh & Bone is a fast paced, slow burn, gothic romance, based in a world where necromancy rules, and anything else is quickly snuffed out or sacrificed.
Our MMC Caius is a necromancer, whilst our FMC Serene is a healer, but with no memory of who she is or how she came to be. When Serene is hung for treason, Caius saves her, but at a cost to himself, and also forming a forbidden bond. Working together they venture into the depths of the city and Mire, to try and recover Serene's memories; all while figuring out how to save her from the other 'old families' who want to use her as a sacrifice to the God of Death, to show their devotion. But, what happens when Caius and Serenes bond is severed, yet they still crave each other? Will Caius use Serene in the name of his God of Death? Or, will Serene sacrifice herself like the Goddess of Life has told her, in order to reseal the tomb and protect the world from the God of Death? You will have to read and find out!
Grab some tissues people, you will need them! The way H.R. Leigh writes these characters, and the settings, you feel as if you are there. At times you hold your breathe with them, and swear you feel exactly what they do. I have read a few good books this year, some exceptional... but this, if I could give it more than 5 stars, I would! The spice is minimal, but it's placement within the story is perfect, and I wouldn't change a thing!
This book will stay with me for a very long time, and is firmly up there within my top 20 reads ever! I already recommended it to 3 different people just this morning 🖤
If you want a gothic slow burn romance with paranormal entities, curses, and marionette magic, this book is 100% the one you want.... better yet.... the one you NEED!
October 7, 2025
Content Warnings;
Please read with caution & read the content warnings.
~Thank you, the author, H.R. Leigh, for the free Arc of this book. I'm leaving this review voluntarily.~
Tropes;
🖤💀𝓓𝓾𝓪𝓵 𝓟𝓞𝓥𝓼
💀🖤𝓗𝓮 𝓯𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓼 𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓼𝓽
🖤💀𝓒𝓾𝓻𝓼𝓮𝓭 𝓜𝓜𝓒
💀🖤𝓐𝓶𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓲𝓪
🖤💀𝓝𝓮𝓬𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓮𝓻 𝔁 𝓗𝓮𝓪𝓵𝓮𝓻
💀🖤𝓛𝓲𝓯𝓮 & 𝓓𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓱
🖤💀𝓟𝓪𝓻𝓪𝓷𝓸𝓻𝓶𝓪𝓵
💀🖤𝓑𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝓜𝓪𝓰𝓲𝓬
🖤💀𝓢𝓵𝓸𝔀-𝓑𝓾𝓻𝓷
💀🖤𝓒𝓾𝓻𝓼𝓮𝓭/𝓜𝓪𝓻𝓴𝓮𝓭
🖤💀𝓒𝓱𝓸𝓲𝓬𝓮 𝓿𝓼 𝓕𝓪𝓽𝓮
💀🖤𝓢𝓹𝓸𝓸𝓴𝔂 𝓢𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓸𝓷
🖤💀𝓜𝓸𝓭𝓮𝓻𝓪𝓽𝓮 𝓢𝓹𝓲𝓬𝓮
💀🖤𝓒𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓯-𝓗𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓻
𝕭𝖊𝖍𝖎𝖓𝖉 𝖒𝖊, 𝕴 𝖍𝖊𝖆𝖗 𝕮𝖆𝖎𝖚𝖘 𝖗𝖔𝖆𝖗. 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝖒𝖆𝖌𝖎𝖈 𝖎𝖓 𝖍𝖎𝖘 𝖛𝖔𝖎𝖈𝖊 𝖒𝖆𝖐𝖊𝖘 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖜𝖆𝖑𝖑𝖘 𝖙𝖗𝖊𝖒𝖇𝖑𝖊.
𝕴𝖙'𝖘 𝖋𝖆𝖉𝖎𝖓𝖌.
𝕳𝖊'𝖘 𝖋𝖆𝖉𝖎𝖓𝖌.
This is the first book in the Hollowborn duology, and it's not a long read. The plot line is easy to follow, flows smoothly, and keeps the readers' attention all throughout. There's amazing chemistry between the main FMC and MMC, Serene and Caius, and the spice is hawt. The romance gives more a slow-burn for me, which is lovely and refreshing. It certainly adds to the immersive word of the necromancy, death and bone magic, and more. I appreciate the fact that the love aspect isn't overshadowing the plot-line. And what an emotional rollercoaster does this become! The ending is a twist - I didn't expect that. Now I can't wait for book two!
Out of Fives;
💀🖤𝑪𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓: ✨✨✨✨
🖤💀𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒆: 🔥🔥🔥
💀🖤𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆: 🥀🥀🥀🥀
🖤💀𝑺𝒍𝒐𝒘-𝑩𝒖𝒓𝒏: ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
💀🖤𝑮𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒄: 💀💀💀💀💀
🖤💀𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔: 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
💀🖤𝑩𝒖𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒔: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
🖤💀𝑬𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔: 🎲🎲🎲🎲🎲
💀🖤𝑴𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒄: 💫💫💫💫💫
🖤💀𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒆 𝑭𝑴𝑪: 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
💀🖤𝑪𝒂𝒊𝒖𝒔 𝑴𝑴𝑪: 🩶🩶🩶🩶🩶
🖤💀𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆: 🎬🎬🎬🎬🎬
💀🖤𝑷𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈: ⏳⏳⏳⏳⏳
🖤💀𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕: 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
💀🖤𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝑩𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈: 🌍🌏🌍🌍🌏
🖤💀𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅: 𝒆𝑨𝑹𝑪/𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒆.
💀🖤𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔: 𝑯𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒃𝒐𝒓𝒏 𝑫𝒖𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒚, 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑶𝒏𝒆.
🖤💀𝑷𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒔: 275.
💀🖤𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒓𝒆: 𝑭𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝑮𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒄 𝑭𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒔𝒚 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆.
🖤💀𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆: 26 𝑶𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒃𝒆𝒓 2025.
💀🖤𝑾𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝑰 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅: 𝒀𝒆𝒔.
🖤💀𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Please read with caution & read the content warnings.
~Thank you, the author, H.R. Leigh, for the free Arc of this book. I'm leaving this review voluntarily.~
Tropes;
🖤💀𝓓𝓾𝓪𝓵 𝓟𝓞𝓥𝓼
💀🖤𝓗𝓮 𝓯𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓼 𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓼𝓽
🖤💀𝓒𝓾𝓻𝓼𝓮𝓭 𝓜𝓜𝓒
💀🖤𝓐𝓶𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓲𝓪
🖤💀𝓝𝓮𝓬𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓪𝓷𝓬𝓮𝓻 𝔁 𝓗𝓮𝓪𝓵𝓮𝓻
💀🖤𝓛𝓲𝓯𝓮 & 𝓓𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓱
🖤💀𝓟𝓪𝓻𝓪𝓷𝓸𝓻𝓶𝓪𝓵
💀🖤𝓑𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝓜𝓪𝓰𝓲𝓬
🖤💀𝓢𝓵𝓸𝔀-𝓑𝓾𝓻𝓷
💀🖤𝓒𝓾𝓻𝓼𝓮𝓭/𝓜𝓪𝓻𝓴𝓮𝓭
🖤💀𝓒𝓱𝓸𝓲𝓬𝓮 𝓿𝓼 𝓕𝓪𝓽𝓮
💀🖤𝓢𝓹𝓸𝓸𝓴𝔂 𝓢𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓸𝓷
🖤💀𝓜𝓸𝓭𝓮𝓻𝓪𝓽𝓮 𝓢𝓹𝓲𝓬𝓮
💀🖤𝓒𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓯-𝓗𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓻
𝕭𝖊𝖍𝖎𝖓𝖉 𝖒𝖊, 𝕴 𝖍𝖊𝖆𝖗 𝕮𝖆𝖎𝖚𝖘 𝖗𝖔𝖆𝖗. 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝖒𝖆𝖌𝖎𝖈 𝖎𝖓 𝖍𝖎𝖘 𝖛𝖔𝖎𝖈𝖊 𝖒𝖆𝖐𝖊𝖘 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖜𝖆𝖑𝖑𝖘 𝖙𝖗𝖊𝖒𝖇𝖑𝖊.
𝕴𝖙'𝖘 𝖋𝖆𝖉𝖎𝖓𝖌.
𝕳𝖊'𝖘 𝖋𝖆𝖉𝖎𝖓𝖌.
This is the first book in the Hollowborn duology, and it's not a long read. The plot line is easy to follow, flows smoothly, and keeps the readers' attention all throughout. There's amazing chemistry between the main FMC and MMC, Serene and Caius, and the spice is hawt. The romance gives more a slow-burn for me, which is lovely and refreshing. It certainly adds to the immersive word of the necromancy, death and bone magic, and more. I appreciate the fact that the love aspect isn't overshadowing the plot-line. And what an emotional rollercoaster does this become! The ending is a twist - I didn't expect that. Now I can't wait for book two!
Out of Fives;
💀🖤𝑪𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓: ✨✨✨✨
🖤💀𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒆: 🔥🔥🔥
💀🖤𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆: 🥀🥀🥀🥀
🖤💀𝑺𝒍𝒐𝒘-𝑩𝒖𝒓𝒏: ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
💀🖤𝑮𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒄: 💀💀💀💀💀
🖤💀𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔: 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
💀🖤𝑩𝒖𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒔: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
🖤💀𝑬𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔: 🎲🎲🎲🎲🎲
💀🖤𝑴𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒄: 💫💫💫💫💫
🖤💀𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒆 𝑭𝑴𝑪: 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
💀🖤𝑪𝒂𝒊𝒖𝒔 𝑴𝑴𝑪: 🩶🩶🩶🩶🩶
🖤💀𝑷𝒍𝒐𝒕𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆: 🎬🎬🎬🎬🎬
💀🖤𝑷𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈: ⏳⏳⏳⏳⏳
🖤💀𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕: 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
💀🖤𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝑩𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈: 🌍🌏🌍🌍🌏
🖤💀𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅: 𝒆𝑨𝑹𝑪/𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒆.
💀🖤𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔: 𝑯𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒃𝒐𝒓𝒏 𝑫𝒖𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒚, 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑶𝒏𝒆.
🖤💀𝑷𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒔: 275.
💀🖤𝑮𝒆𝒏𝒓𝒆: 𝑭𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝑮𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒄 𝑭𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒔𝒚 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆.
🖤💀𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆: 26 𝑶𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒃𝒆𝒓 2025.
💀🖤𝑾𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝑰 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅: 𝒀𝒆𝒔.
🖤💀𝑶𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 10, 2025
In a world ruled by death, it takes a balance of both forces - the light and the dark - to change its course.
Flesh and Bone is a book I would recommend to lovers of eerie, elaborate atmospheres. From the very first page, the descriptives were absolutely beautiful and an amazing gothic setting was brought to mind. The eloquence of the writer stands out - even in the spicier scenes, which I am quite particular about when it comes to the way they’re written. Leigh does it well, keeping an intense mood whilst still maintaining an elegance to the literature.
At first, I struggled connecting to the characters. Their connection comes mainly from a force that isn’t their will and that force comes into play very quick. As slow burn lover, the pace was a bit fast for me. But, as the story progressed, it was great to see the connection become more genuine and I found myself truly caring for their relationship. This is not a book for lovers of a slow burn, however if you love romance in general or if you like things to get going asap, it would be right up your alley!
The writing can be repetitive at times - the same descriptives were used often throughout the book and sometimes, during perspective shifts, information was repeated that didn’t necessarily need repeating. But the two perspectives were written distinctively and the writer did an amazing job at est slushing the two separate characters without it feeling like just the same narrator.
I especially enjoyed the ending - emotions were running rampant and I greatly anticipate the next book! Thank you for the opportunity to ARC read this book.
Flesh and Bone is a book I would recommend to lovers of eerie, elaborate atmospheres. From the very first page, the descriptives were absolutely beautiful and an amazing gothic setting was brought to mind. The eloquence of the writer stands out - even in the spicier scenes, which I am quite particular about when it comes to the way they’re written. Leigh does it well, keeping an intense mood whilst still maintaining an elegance to the literature.
At first, I struggled connecting to the characters. Their connection comes mainly from a force that isn’t their will and that force comes into play very quick. As slow burn lover, the pace was a bit fast for me. But, as the story progressed, it was great to see the connection become more genuine and I found myself truly caring for their relationship. This is not a book for lovers of a slow burn, however if you love romance in general or if you like things to get going asap, it would be right up your alley!
The writing can be repetitive at times - the same descriptives were used often throughout the book and sometimes, during perspective shifts, information was repeated that didn’t necessarily need repeating. But the two perspectives were written distinctively and the writer did an amazing job at est slushing the two separate characters without it feeling like just the same narrator.
I especially enjoyed the ending - emotions were running rampant and I greatly anticipate the next book! Thank you for the opportunity to ARC read this book.
October 21, 2025
Thank you to the author for the ARC.
--
I really enjoyed this - the story was compelling without being overly complex, and the two main characters were really likeable from the start. You found yourself rooting for them almost straight away.
The FMC- Serene - is a healer in a world where death rules and healing is taboo. We meet her at her execution, where she is saved by the MMC, Caius, who is a necromancer. We soon find that Caius is cursed and is slowly calcifying, and he enlists Serene’s help to try and save him, but also to find out more about her background (which she has forgotten because of her resurrection), whilst also hiding their friendship from the high families of the necromancy world.
The plot is fast-paced but still has enough depth that you don't feel like it's rushed. Although the world-building is limited, I actually found that I enjoyed it a lot because my mental image of what was happening was centred entirely on the action, with the characters and the immediate locations almost as if they were surrounded by fog. It helped me focus on what was going on a lot more.
The love story between the two MCs is lovely - it doesn't move too fast, but it's also clear from early on that they are connected beyond even the bond that is created from Caius saving Serene. The (two) spicy scenes are beautifully written, perfectly paced, and actually very sweet - don't go expecting dark and twisted spicy scenes just because he's a necromancer!
Now, the ending!!!!! Honestly, it was a sucker punch. There's no happily-ever-after here, friends (which I should have expected given that it's a duology, but STILL) - prepare yourself for pure devastation.
I'm not going to say that this book is for everyone, but it was 10,000% for me! LOVED IT.
--
I really enjoyed this - the story was compelling without being overly complex, and the two main characters were really likeable from the start. You found yourself rooting for them almost straight away.
The FMC- Serene - is a healer in a world where death rules and healing is taboo. We meet her at her execution, where she is saved by the MMC, Caius, who is a necromancer. We soon find that Caius is cursed and is slowly calcifying, and he enlists Serene’s help to try and save him, but also to find out more about her background (which she has forgotten because of her resurrection), whilst also hiding their friendship from the high families of the necromancy world.
The plot is fast-paced but still has enough depth that you don't feel like it's rushed. Although the world-building is limited, I actually found that I enjoyed it a lot because my mental image of what was happening was centred entirely on the action, with the characters and the immediate locations almost as if they were surrounded by fog. It helped me focus on what was going on a lot more.
The love story between the two MCs is lovely - it doesn't move too fast, but it's also clear from early on that they are connected beyond even the bond that is created from Caius saving Serene. The (two) spicy scenes are beautifully written, perfectly paced, and actually very sweet - don't go expecting dark and twisted spicy scenes just because he's a necromancer!
Now, the ending!!!!! Honestly, it was a sucker punch. There's no happily-ever-after here, friends (which I should have expected given that it's a duology, but STILL) - prepare yourself for pure devastation.
I'm not going to say that this book is for everyone, but it was 10,000% for me! LOVED IT.
October 4, 2025
I received the arc to this story and I'm so grateful that I did!
Serene and Caius are an electric pair, both representing the dark and light within their realm. Serene is a healer, representing light lost in a world of dark and decay. her memories are initially gone and eventually return in trials of the dead, resulting in her regaining portions of her identity. She initially was trialed and hung, where she meets Caius, who revives her.
Caius fails to understand why he needed to save her but still chose to bond her to him by offering half of his soul. The lines are blurry to why he feels so bound to her that he chooses to bond her, this hasn't fully been explored but is foreshadowed as a reincarnate of life and death with a fated path. His curse, a calcification each time he uses his magic, is beautifully written.
this story is written with a beautiful intricacy, the word choice and imagery are stunning. the characters have a unique pull and chemistry that is gentle, fierce, and ancient - they truly are a gravitational pull to each other.
the concepts of old magic and necromancy have been done before but this book breathes new life into it with flare, the magic that Caius and Serene have is unique to their characters and contrast each other in the best of ways
the ending leaves a lot to be explored in book two and I cant wait to read it!
Serene and Caius are an electric pair, both representing the dark and light within their realm. Serene is a healer, representing light lost in a world of dark and decay. her memories are initially gone and eventually return in trials of the dead, resulting in her regaining portions of her identity. She initially was trialed and hung, where she meets Caius, who revives her.
Caius fails to understand why he needed to save her but still chose to bond her to him by offering half of his soul. The lines are blurry to why he feels so bound to her that he chooses to bond her, this hasn't fully been explored but is foreshadowed as a reincarnate of life and death with a fated path. His curse, a calcification each time he uses his magic, is beautifully written.
this story is written with a beautiful intricacy, the word choice and imagery are stunning. the characters have a unique pull and chemistry that is gentle, fierce, and ancient - they truly are a gravitational pull to each other.
the concepts of old magic and necromancy have been done before but this book breathes new life into it with flare, the magic that Caius and Serene have is unique to their characters and contrast each other in the best of ways
the ending leaves a lot to be explored in book two and I cant wait to read it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2025
Flesh and Bone by H.R. Leigh begins with an immediately captivating first page, setting the tone for a fantasy tale built on original ideas and clever worldbuilding. The story centers on necromancy, a risky art woven into a world full of secrets and magic. The dual POV structure is one of the book’s strengths, allowing readers to follow distinct perspectives and better understand the motivations and emotions of each central character. While the writing is generally solid, at times the pacing feels slow; some sections take longer to develop than necessary, which may impact the momentum for readers hoping for more action.Despite those moments, Flesh and Bone stands out for its creativity. Leigh offers inventive twists on familiar fantasy ideas, and the use of necromancy is both intriguing and atmospheric. The world, plot, and character arcs are thoughtfully crafted, supporting a sense of originality that keeps the story moving forward. For fans of slow-burn fantasy and dark magic—especially those who enjoy immersing themselves in unique magic systems—this book is definitely worth picking up. Creativity, interesting characters, and a gripping opening that pulls you into a world unlike any other.
October 16, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this book.
If I could give this 6 stars, I would. It was elegant and gothic. The pacing was fantastic, with the story moving forward through key plot points, but also navigating the beautiful romance between Serene and Caius. For being a shorter story, I felt like every moment and sentence had a purpose, there were no wasted parts. The magic system was straightforward, the romance wasn’t over complicated and the goals and actions of the MCs was clear. The beauty in this book was its simplicity; executed to perfection.
The narrative read like poetry, the language painting a beautiful and emotive picture for the reader. The story navigated twisted feelings, heightened magic and a bond between gods. I felt wrapped up with the characters, experiencing every moment with them. The relationship between the two MCs felt real and tense, with their romance and intimacy blooming without becoming vulgar and garish.
I was sorry to have finished the story quickly and wanted more. I cannot wait for the second book.
If you haven’t added this to your TBR, get it on there.
If I could give this 6 stars, I would. It was elegant and gothic. The pacing was fantastic, with the story moving forward through key plot points, but also navigating the beautiful romance between Serene and Caius. For being a shorter story, I felt like every moment and sentence had a purpose, there were no wasted parts. The magic system was straightforward, the romance wasn’t over complicated and the goals and actions of the MCs was clear. The beauty in this book was its simplicity; executed to perfection.
The narrative read like poetry, the language painting a beautiful and emotive picture for the reader. The story navigated twisted feelings, heightened magic and a bond between gods. I felt wrapped up with the characters, experiencing every moment with them. The relationship between the two MCs felt real and tense, with their romance and intimacy blooming without becoming vulgar and garish.
I was sorry to have finished the story quickly and wanted more. I cannot wait for the second book.
If you haven’t added this to your TBR, get it on there.
October 2, 2025
Flesh & Bone by H.R Leigh ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘She sealed him away not because she stopped loving him, because she still did. Love, real love sometimes means closing the door you ache to keep open.’
When she’s on the cusp of death, he saves her - threatening him to her. In a world of necromancers who worth the god of death. Serene was sentenced to death by hanging but her light, her warmth pulls at something in Caius and he has to save her. He then makes it his mission to help her remember just who she is.
So I have been craving a dark gothic romance and I can certainly say I got it! With rot and ruin mixed with death, I loved the humour of the characters to bring light to an otherwise dark book. A easy read that had me hooked and I stormed through it super quick!
A story that doesn’t let the romance overpower but the romance is still romancing with a slow burn style.
Death, bonds, bone magic and trials what more could you want!
The perfect spooky season read and I cannot wait for the next one in this duology!
Highly recommend - out 26/10/25!!
‘She sealed him away not because she stopped loving him, because she still did. Love, real love sometimes means closing the door you ache to keep open.’
When she’s on the cusp of death, he saves her - threatening him to her. In a world of necromancers who worth the god of death. Serene was sentenced to death by hanging but her light, her warmth pulls at something in Caius and he has to save her. He then makes it his mission to help her remember just who she is.
So I have been craving a dark gothic romance and I can certainly say I got it! With rot and ruin mixed with death, I loved the humour of the characters to bring light to an otherwise dark book. A easy read that had me hooked and I stormed through it super quick!
A story that doesn’t let the romance overpower but the romance is still romancing with a slow burn style.
Death, bonds, bone magic and trials what more could you want!
The perfect spooky season read and I cannot wait for the next one in this duology!
Highly recommend - out 26/10/25!!
October 26, 2025
Thank you to the author for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Wow—what an incredible debut! Flesh and Bone by Hannah Leigh completely took me by surprise. It’s beautifully written, darkly romantic, and full of heart.
This is a story about balance—between life and death, decay and essence, love and loss—and Leigh captures it all with stunning prose. The bond between the main characters is so well done: genuine, emotional, and filled with tension that builds perfectly.
The world itself is haunting and vivid, with a tone that lingers long after you’ve finished reading. It feels both intimate and epic at the same time. Leigh’s writing has that rare lyrical quality that makes you stop and reread sentences just to appreciate how beautifully they’re written.
For a debut, this was exceptional. I genuinely can’t cope with that ending—and I already can’t wait for book two!
If you love romantic fantasy, atmospheric writing, and slow-burn connections set against dark, emotional themes, add this one to your list right now. Hannah Leigh is definitely an author to keep your eye on.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Wow—what an incredible debut! Flesh and Bone by Hannah Leigh completely took me by surprise. It’s beautifully written, darkly romantic, and full of heart.
This is a story about balance—between life and death, decay and essence, love and loss—and Leigh captures it all with stunning prose. The bond between the main characters is so well done: genuine, emotional, and filled with tension that builds perfectly.
The world itself is haunting and vivid, with a tone that lingers long after you’ve finished reading. It feels both intimate and epic at the same time. Leigh’s writing has that rare lyrical quality that makes you stop and reread sentences just to appreciate how beautifully they’re written.
For a debut, this was exceptional. I genuinely can’t cope with that ending—and I already can’t wait for book two!
If you love romantic fantasy, atmospheric writing, and slow-burn connections set against dark, emotional themes, add this one to your list right now. Hannah Leigh is definitely an author to keep your eye on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2025
This is a dark romance novel with eerie and mysterious vibes. I did not know what to expect at first but as I read through the chapters, I was then invested to the concept.
Its world building and the storytelling was atmospheric and immersive yet also easy to visualise and follow through. With the characters, I liked the duality of the two mains, being opposites of each other. The contrast and the push-and-pull, it's wild how their interactions and the tension bleed through the pages.
But, it was slightly in a slower pacing for me (just my personal preference) than what I expected it to be, but I still enjoyed it all. And that ending though... I was shocked by that cliffhanger. Like, WHAT DO YOOUU MEAN?! and WHYYYYY??? were the questions I asked the author right after I finished it. 😭
So yeah, I'm definitely curious to see what happens next, I'll be right here waiting for Book 2! I recommend this to all people who love their fantasy dark, romantic, and magical. ✨️
Its world building and the storytelling was atmospheric and immersive yet also easy to visualise and follow through. With the characters, I liked the duality of the two mains, being opposites of each other. The contrast and the push-and-pull, it's wild how their interactions and the tension bleed through the pages.
But, it was slightly in a slower pacing for me (just my personal preference) than what I expected it to be, but I still enjoyed it all. And that ending though... I was shocked by that cliffhanger. Like, WHAT DO YOOUU MEAN?! and WHYYYYY??? were the questions I asked the author right after I finished it. 😭
So yeah, I'm definitely curious to see what happens next, I'll be right here waiting for Book 2! I recommend this to all people who love their fantasy dark, romantic, and magical. ✨️
December 9, 2025
Necromancy, prophecies, gods and curses 💀
Caius is a necromancer from a noble family who saves Serene who has been hung for treason. Serene has no memory of what happened or why.
The world building in this book was brilliant. So dark, decaying and full of rot. I loved it.
It was really unique, a dark world where everyone worships the God of Death and healers are banned. Caius’ curse was really interesting too, I liked how that was done and the interaction with Serene.
I’m not always the biggest fan of slow burn relationships but I did enjoy this one. Caius and Serene are drawn together. Light and dark. They had great chemistry. I loved how their relationship played out and that ending had me welling up.
Full of tension, tears and WTF moments. I need book 2 asap!!! This was 4 stars for me with 1 spice.
Caius is a necromancer from a noble family who saves Serene who has been hung for treason. Serene has no memory of what happened or why.
The world building in this book was brilliant. So dark, decaying and full of rot. I loved it.
It was really unique, a dark world where everyone worships the God of Death and healers are banned. Caius’ curse was really interesting too, I liked how that was done and the interaction with Serene.
I’m not always the biggest fan of slow burn relationships but I did enjoy this one. Caius and Serene are drawn together. Light and dark. They had great chemistry. I loved how their relationship played out and that ending had me welling up.
Full of tension, tears and WTF moments. I need book 2 asap!!! This was 4 stars for me with 1 spice.
October 7, 2025
💀💀💀 Flesh & Bone 💀💀💀
🖤 He falls first
🖤 Amnesia
🖤 Paranormal
🖤 Cursed MMC
Spice: 🌶
Stars: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Book 1 in the Hollowborn Duology
Serene Varrow faces the noose, but she has no memory of her life or what crime she committed to end up here. Her only clue, a note pinned to her clothes, "treason," but what could she have done?
In a world ruled by necromancy and the God of death, Caius Veyne is the second son of the revered house of Veyne and a powerful necromancer. However, his powers come at a cost, and he is running out of time to unravel the secrets behind his curse. Everything changes when he sees Serene at her hanging and he is compelled to act. Caius has no idea why he is drawn to this woman, but he knows he can not let her go. Two souls collide in a twist of fate, and neither can walk away from.
This book is beautifully written and the imagery @hanns uses paints really vivid pictures of the world Serene navigates. I could smell the rot in the Mire! 🤢😂 This was a great read for spooky season and such a unique story. I can't wait for book 2! Loved that Serene calls Caius "Bone Boy" whenever she doesn't know what to do with herself 🖤 This read is "darkness wrapped in decadence."
🖤 He falls first
🖤 Amnesia
🖤 Paranormal
🖤 Cursed MMC
Spice: 🌶
Stars: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Book 1 in the Hollowborn Duology
Serene Varrow faces the noose, but she has no memory of her life or what crime she committed to end up here. Her only clue, a note pinned to her clothes, "treason," but what could she have done?
In a world ruled by necromancy and the God of death, Caius Veyne is the second son of the revered house of Veyne and a powerful necromancer. However, his powers come at a cost, and he is running out of time to unravel the secrets behind his curse. Everything changes when he sees Serene at her hanging and he is compelled to act. Caius has no idea why he is drawn to this woman, but he knows he can not let her go. Two souls collide in a twist of fate, and neither can walk away from.
This book is beautifully written and the imagery @hanns uses paints really vivid pictures of the world Serene navigates. I could smell the rot in the Mire! 🤢😂 This was a great read for spooky season and such a unique story. I can't wait for book 2! Loved that Serene calls Caius "Bone Boy" whenever she doesn't know what to do with herself 🖤 This read is "darkness wrapped in decadence."
October 22, 2025
I HAD to get my skeletal fingers on this one and.... man alive!!! Or guys I'm dead!! Whichever way you prefer 😏 This tale will not disappoint.
If you are about atmospheric, gothic, mystery and intrigue with some trials, all intertwined with characters that will make your heart ache, you MUST get Flesh and Bone added to your TBR. Pre-ordered. Bought.
.
💀Dark vs light
💀Magic systems
💀Touch her and ☠️
💀Mine moments
💀One horse
💀Slow burn
.
Some mild spice in this one too 😏 Please go show Hannah and her writings some love like I know all of you amazing human beings will 🫶 I want to say a huge, massive thank you to Hannah for letting me receive an advanced reader copy even if I'm now floating in a void until book 2! 😆
If you are about atmospheric, gothic, mystery and intrigue with some trials, all intertwined with characters that will make your heart ache, you MUST get Flesh and Bone added to your TBR. Pre-ordered. Bought.
.
💀Dark vs light
💀Magic systems
💀Touch her and ☠️
💀Mine moments
💀One horse
💀Slow burn
.
Some mild spice in this one too 😏 Please go show Hannah and her writings some love like I know all of you amazing human beings will 🫶 I want to say a huge, massive thank you to Hannah for letting me receive an advanced reader copy even if I'm now floating in a void until book 2! 😆
October 12, 2025
A public hanging. But will it really bring death? Caius claims the body. When Serene wakes she has no recollection of her life.
Serene wants answers. But the answer she gets has her blood running cold.
‘Luck decides who lives and who rots. Not gods. Not sacrifice. Just cruel, blind chance.’
Serene struggles with the notion of death and how death cannot be hampered. Caius finds himself in a difficult situation.
The prose is beautiful and had me lapping up this book. I found the pacing totally on point and it kept me reading! This book gave me Belladonna vibes and I loved that about this one. The thin veil between life and death.
Serene wants answers. But the answer she gets has her blood running cold.
‘Luck decides who lives and who rots. Not gods. Not sacrifice. Just cruel, blind chance.’
Serene struggles with the notion of death and how death cannot be hampered. Caius finds himself in a difficult situation.
The prose is beautiful and had me lapping up this book. I found the pacing totally on point and it kept me reading! This book gave me Belladonna vibes and I loved that about this one. The thin veil between life and death.
October 15, 2025
Thank you to H.R Leigh for the free ARC! All opinions are my own.
Flesh & Bone is a story about a necromancer whose body is literally turning to bone. A curse that can’t be cured, or can it? Serene is a healer, the one the necromancers would love to sacrifice to their god. This is a dark romance story that ends in a cliffhanger.
This is the perfect book for spooky season. The book kept my interest the whole time and I never knew what to expect. Because it was a smaller story not much detail was focused on the world building and relationships but enough information was given that I wasn’t confused. I would definitely recommend this book and can’t wait for second!
Flesh & Bone is a story about a necromancer whose body is literally turning to bone. A curse that can’t be cured, or can it? Serene is a healer, the one the necromancers would love to sacrifice to their god. This is a dark romance story that ends in a cliffhanger.
This is the perfect book for spooky season. The book kept my interest the whole time and I never knew what to expect. Because it was a smaller story not much detail was focused on the world building and relationships but enough information was given that I wasn’t confused. I would definitely recommend this book and can’t wait for second!
October 3, 2025
I need book 2 now!!!!
This is so beautifully written........the plot moves along nicely and the tension and chemistry between the two main characters is electric 😍
There are 1 or 2 spicy scenes but they are relative to the story not just thrown in for the sake of it which I loved!
I only wish there was a little more substance to their backstory but hopefully that will come with the next book.
Beware this does end a cliffhanger 😑 but what a cliffhanger it is!!
I was lucky enough to receive an early edition of this book and all opinions are my own 😊
This is so beautifully written........the plot moves along nicely and the tension and chemistry between the two main characters is electric 😍
There are 1 or 2 spicy scenes but they are relative to the story not just thrown in for the sake of it which I loved!
I only wish there was a little more substance to their backstory but hopefully that will come with the next book.
Beware this does end a cliffhanger 😑 but what a cliffhanger it is!!
I was lucky enough to receive an early edition of this book and all opinions are my own 😊
October 21, 2025
I really enjoyed how this book views necromancy as the norm in the world and healing as forbidden as this is so different to anything I've read before. The story felt quite fast paced which kept it flowing and there never felt like there was a part that was just added for filler - every part of the book had a purpose and felt integral to the story. The connection between Serene and Caius is instant but it feels like their physical attraction is more slowburn and doesn't feel rushed 💕
Highly recommend giving this a read and I can't wait for the next book!
Highly recommend giving this a read and I can't wait for the next book!
October 26, 2025
Cadence offers delectable delivery, punching the reader with the characters inner thoughts
Mesmerising tone, reading this book feels spiritual almost, like I'm reading a gothic scripture. I'm flicking back to the start, rereading pages, forwards, backwards, any way I can.
Inspiring and devastating at the same time, knowing that this is how you'd love to write yourself, but knowing you'd never match it.
Leigh broke my heart and put it back together in The Labyrinth City, but this? She's made me a worshiper, I'm but a follower and she is my deity
Mesmerising tone, reading this book feels spiritual almost, like I'm reading a gothic scripture. I'm flicking back to the start, rereading pages, forwards, backwards, any way I can.
Inspiring and devastating at the same time, knowing that this is how you'd love to write yourself, but knowing you'd never match it.
Leigh broke my heart and put it back together in The Labyrinth City, but this? She's made me a worshiper, I'm but a follower and she is my deity
October 20, 2025
I absolutely adored this book! I went through so many different emotions throughout this whole story. The chemistry between the two main characters was written so beautifully. No spoilers but the end of the book had me welling up with tears.
For me this was perfection for a gothic fantasy read, the way life and death is written in this book is phenomenal.
This book has dual POV/necromancy/cursed & marked and is fast paced.
I need to continue this story asap!
For me this was perfection for a gothic fantasy read, the way life and death is written in this book is phenomenal.
This book has dual POV/necromancy/cursed & marked and is fast paced.
I need to continue this story asap!
October 24, 2025
I finished this book in under 24 hours. From the very first page this book hooks you in and you constantly need to know what happens next. The writing is beautiful, the story is so well thought out, and the action is amazing! I loved the magic system in this story, and the war of necromancy vs. healers. I also did NOT see the ending coming, I cannot wait to read the next book!
October 27, 2025
ARC review :) This is a perfect Fall read! It gave me Tim Burton Sleepy Hollow-esque vibes. Very dark and gloomy but with amazing world building and characters! This does end on a cliffhanger so I’m excited to see how everything comes together because I have a feeling there is a lot that has yet to be revealed!
October 6, 2025
Epic Epic EPIC.
I read this book for the plot, inevitably getting lost in the sauce.
As soon as I opened the first page I was sucked in ! I love how Ciaus and Serene come together. Immediately dragged into an emotional rollercoaster with ZERO seatbelts !
Riven was as unexpected amusement that really was the cherry on-top of this book. His swag and charismatic offer a humorous tone to what could of been a super gloomy read.
Patiently waiting for book 2 🥹
I read this book for the plot, inevitably getting lost in the sauce.
As soon as I opened the first page I was sucked in ! I love how Ciaus and Serene come together. Immediately dragged into an emotional rollercoaster with ZERO seatbelts !
Riven was as unexpected amusement that really was the cherry on-top of this book. His swag and charismatic offer a humorous tone to what could of been a super gloomy read.
Patiently waiting for book 2 🥹
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