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Sons of Salem #1
Hallowed Bones
Not yet published
Expected 6 Oct 26Win a free print copy of this book!
14 days and 23:35:18
50 copies available
U.S. only
The first in The Sons of Salem series, a witchy dark romance by USA Today bestselling author Lucy Smoke.
Four men. One girl. Five families accused of witchcraft. A dark secret they all hide.
Their souls are damaged, hiding secrets and harboring just as much hate as I am.
Ezra Bishop
Cameron Goode
Lyall Corey
Reyes Scott
And me. Haven Wardwell.
They are the monsters hidden in the shadows, but I am no novice when it comes to monsters.
We are all legacies, but there’s one grand difference between us. I am the first female witch born in four hundred years.
Now that I’m here, there’s no telling what the dark gods will ask for in return.
Death and ghosts haunt the corridors of Ipswich Academy. If I’m not careful, I might become one of them.
Four men. One girl. Five families accused of witchcraft. A dark secret they all hide.
Their souls are damaged, hiding secrets and harboring just as much hate as I am.
Ezra Bishop
Cameron Goode
Lyall Corey
Reyes Scott
And me. Haven Wardwell.
They are the monsters hidden in the shadows, but I am no novice when it comes to monsters.
We are all legacies, but there’s one grand difference between us. I am the first female witch born in four hundred years.
Now that I’m here, there’s no telling what the dark gods will ask for in return.
Death and ghosts haunt the corridors of Ipswich Academy. If I’m not careful, I might become one of them.
384 pages, Paperback
Expected publication October 6, 2026
11899 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Smoke
84 books2,978 followersLucy Smoke, also known as Lucinda Dark for her fantasy works, has a master’s degree in English and is a self-proclaimed creative chihuahua. She enjoys feeding her wanderlust, cover addiction, as well as her face, and truly hopes people will stop giving her bath bombs as gifts. Bath’s get cold too fast and it’s just not as wonderful as the commercials make it out to be when the tub isn’t a jacuzzi.
When she’s not on a never-ending quest to find the perfect milkshake, she lives and works in the southern United States with her beloved fur-baby, Hiro, and her family and friends.
When she’s not on a never-ending quest to find the perfect milkshake, she lives and works in the southern United States with her beloved fur-baby, Hiro, and her family and friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 8, 2026Another DNF @ 26% 😭
This was my first book by Lucy Smoke, and probably my last. I picked this up because it was a Why Choose, but the writing style is not my favorite. I’m struggling with the insta lust, the info dumps, and the stiff dialogue. If you like fast paced romance with spicy scenes right from the start (all it took was 4 chapters!), you might like this.
⬫ ⬪ ⬫
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!
This was my first book by Lucy Smoke, and probably my last. I picked this up because it was a Why Choose, but the writing style is not my favorite. I’m struggling with the insta lust, the info dumps, and the stiff dialogue. If you like fast paced romance with spicy scenes right from the start (all it took was 4 chapters!), you might like this.
⬫ ⬪ ⬫
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!
May 9, 2026
Thank you to St. Martins Press and NetGalley for the eARC
It was well written.
It has The Covenant vibes plus reverse harem.
I did find it hard to differentiate between the men. I do wish there had been more physical descriptions for them.
The cliffhanger was a surprise. Will definitely read the second in the series.
It was well written.
It has The Covenant vibes plus reverse harem.
I did find it hard to differentiate between the men. I do wish there had been more physical descriptions for them.
The cliffhanger was a surprise. Will definitely read the second in the series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's for the ARC!
I loved Lucy Smoke's Sick Boys series, so hearing that she had written a gothic why-choose with witches had me running over. The setting is decadently gothic academia, set in a college in Salem where witches are real, and the coven of Salem specifically has been cursed since the Witch Trials to have no female witches and to eventually die out. Enter, Haven, a traumatized girl who doesn't understand all the creepy things that keep happening around her, but who is legacy here in Salem, and the Sons of Salem immediately recognize her and want to claim her.
Of the four Sons of Salem, I loved Ezra best (sorry, I love a broody shadow wielder, what can I say?) He's the leader of the coven and the one most conflicted about what Haven's identity means for their coven as a whole, and he is often torn between his duties to the coven and wanting to give freedom to his brothers and Haven herself. Lyall is fun as the wild werewolf-witch, most open in his desires and hopeful about Haven showing up here. Reyes is mysterious, and Cameron is a bookish beautiful nerd, and all of them get charged moments with Haven .
Haven is not quite as much fun as Avalon Manning from the Sick Boys series, and it takes awhile for her to accept the existence of witches and that she is one, but it's somewhat understandable, even if it slowed down the pace a lot. She has a core of strength about her though, and I look forward to seeing how she develops. Her relationship with the boys does start off fast, but it develops more gradually, and you do understand why they're all so drawn to her since she might be the savior they're all looking for.
The worldbuilding of the setting is beautifully gothic and intricate, with a new magic system set up and all sorts of creepy monsters creeping in from the Veil. I look forward to seeing where all this goes in the next book, and definitely check out this latest from Lucy Smoke!
I loved Lucy Smoke's Sick Boys series, so hearing that she had written a gothic why-choose with witches had me running over. The setting is decadently gothic academia, set in a college in Salem where witches are real, and the coven of Salem specifically has been cursed since the Witch Trials to have no female witches and to eventually die out. Enter, Haven, a traumatized girl who doesn't understand all the creepy things that keep happening around her, but who is legacy here in Salem, and the Sons of Salem immediately recognize her and want to claim her.
Of the four Sons of Salem, I loved Ezra best (sorry, I love a broody shadow wielder, what can I say?) He's the leader of the coven and the one most conflicted about what Haven's identity means for their coven as a whole, and he is often torn between his duties to the coven and wanting to give freedom to his brothers and Haven herself. Lyall is fun as the wild werewolf-witch, most open in his desires and hopeful about Haven showing up here. Reyes is mysterious, and Cameron is a bookish beautiful nerd, and all of them get charged moments with Haven .
Haven is not quite as much fun as Avalon Manning from the Sick Boys series, and it takes awhile for her to accept the existence of witches and that she is one, but it's somewhat understandable, even if it slowed down the pace a lot. She has a core of strength about her though, and I look forward to seeing how she develops. Her relationship with the boys does start off fast, but it develops more gradually, and you do understand why they're all so drawn to her since she might be the savior they're all looking for.
The worldbuilding of the setting is beautifully gothic and intricate, with a new magic system set up and all sorts of creepy monsters creeping in from the Veil. I look forward to seeing where all this goes in the next book, and definitely check out this latest from Lucy Smoke!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️
I absolutely devoured this in one sitting! If you liked the 2006 movie, The Covenant, this one is for you!! I think it’s partially why I liked it so much, ‘cause it gave me nostalgia. It was like getting an adult expanded edition- the R rated, instead of the PG-13 from 2006. & I don’t know if the easter eggs in the book were intentional but as someone who has watched the movie time and time again, I saw them! Examples:
✨in the book the mmcs are referred to as the Sons of Salem (in the movie it’s Sons of Ipswich).
✨Lyall drives a hummer (one of the mmcs in the movie drives a hummer).
✨There is mention of White Zombie playing on the radio (White Zombie is on the soundtrack of the movie!!).
✨There’s a shower scene in each that are a bit similar.
✨Lastly, the whole concept that if you use too much magic it can destroy/weaken you, and having a character to that effect (also the same as the movie).
I had so much fun reading this one. It was exactly what I was looking for to read. & look, I’m usually the first to say, a book doesn’t need to be 600 pages but tbh I would have gladly devoured an extra 200 pages of this one. I was left with so many questions (which felt intentional but still lol)!! I feel like we’re just skimming the surface and there is so much more to learn about not only the plot, but the characters too. All to say, this one left me wanting more, and that cliffhanger?! My jaw was on the floor.
All in all, I really enjoyed the writing, the plot, the characters, etc. This was my first read by the author and it certainly won’t be my last! If you’re looking for a fun witchy fall read - would def highly recommend!
Thank you so much St. Martin’s Press & Netgalley for the eARC!!
What to Expect:
✨Mystery
✨Cliffhanger
✨Multiple POV
✨Why Choose
✨Witches, Shifters, etc.
✨Academia Setting
2/5 🌶️
I absolutely devoured this in one sitting! If you liked the 2006 movie, The Covenant, this one is for you!! I think it’s partially why I liked it so much, ‘cause it gave me nostalgia. It was like getting an adult expanded edition- the R rated, instead of the PG-13 from 2006. & I don’t know if the easter eggs in the book were intentional but as someone who has watched the movie time and time again, I saw them! Examples:
✨in the book the mmcs are referred to as the Sons of Salem (in the movie it’s Sons of Ipswich).
✨Lyall drives a hummer (one of the mmcs in the movie drives a hummer).
✨There is mention of White Zombie playing on the radio (White Zombie is on the soundtrack of the movie!!).
✨There’s a shower scene in each that are a bit similar.
✨Lastly, the whole concept that if you use too much magic it can destroy/weaken you, and having a character to that effect (also the same as the movie).
I had so much fun reading this one. It was exactly what I was looking for to read. & look, I’m usually the first to say, a book doesn’t need to be 600 pages but tbh I would have gladly devoured an extra 200 pages of this one. I was left with so many questions (which felt intentional but still lol)!! I feel like we’re just skimming the surface and there is so much more to learn about not only the plot, but the characters too. All to say, this one left me wanting more, and that cliffhanger?! My jaw was on the floor.
All in all, I really enjoyed the writing, the plot, the characters, etc. This was my first read by the author and it certainly won’t be my last! If you’re looking for a fun witchy fall read - would def highly recommend!
Thank you so much St. Martin’s Press & Netgalley for the eARC!!
What to Expect:
✨Mystery
✨Cliffhanger
✨Multiple POV
✨Why Choose
✨Witches, Shifters, etc.
✨Academia Setting
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This rating is actually 3.5 stars.
I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to seeing where the series goes. the setting being in a college in Ipswich is more for the dark vibes than a dark academic plot as much of the book, beyond talking about the look of the school at this point, there is no reason for the school other than a plot point to get the Main Female Character into Ipswich. The start of the book especially the introduction of the Main Male Characters gave strong Covenant (2006 Movie) Fanfic vibes, but as someone who loved that movie, I was ok with it.
The pacing of the book was ok, however, it did feel as though things were a bit rushed in the last few chapters of the book with it ending on a good cliffhanger. The relationship building was good with the FMC having trauma that has her feeling standoffish to the MMCs, and them figuring out how to gain her trust and help her work through it. However, the underlying feeling of magically forced attraction did feel awkward at times; the number of times nethers ‘twitched’ or ‘heat pooled’ in non-intimate situations was a bit much, especially for a book that is not sex heavy (1 scene at the end of the book). It could also have been due to the constant POV changes throughout the book, with 5 POV 4 being the MMCs, sometimes it felt that things were left to fall flat or jumped around too much going from character to character. I did like that each character was unique in their personalities and that they weren’t always in agreement or acting in a one mind thinking alike causing internal conflicts and showing how they still support and understand each other with their different personalities.
Overall, it was a good book and a decent start to a series and did set a good foundation for things to hopefully pick up pace in the next and other future books.
I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to seeing where the series goes. the setting being in a college in Ipswich is more for the dark vibes than a dark academic plot as much of the book, beyond talking about the look of the school at this point, there is no reason for the school other than a plot point to get the Main Female Character into Ipswich. The start of the book especially the introduction of the Main Male Characters gave strong Covenant (2006 Movie) Fanfic vibes, but as someone who loved that movie, I was ok with it.
The pacing of the book was ok, however, it did feel as though things were a bit rushed in the last few chapters of the book with it ending on a good cliffhanger. The relationship building was good with the FMC having trauma that has her feeling standoffish to the MMCs, and them figuring out how to gain her trust and help her work through it. However, the underlying feeling of magically forced attraction did feel awkward at times; the number of times nethers ‘twitched’ or ‘heat pooled’ in non-intimate situations was a bit much, especially for a book that is not sex heavy (1 scene at the end of the book). It could also have been due to the constant POV changes throughout the book, with 5 POV 4 being the MMCs, sometimes it felt that things were left to fall flat or jumped around too much going from character to character. I did like that each character was unique in their personalities and that they weren’t always in agreement or acting in a one mind thinking alike causing internal conflicts and showing how they still support and understand each other with their different personalities.
Overall, it was a good book and a decent start to a series and did set a good foundation for things to hopefully pick up pace in the next and other future books.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Hallowed Bones by Lucy Smoke
Reyes. That’s it. That’s the review.
I read this in 48 hours and honestly could have finished it faster if real life didn’t keep interrupting me.
This book was dark, chaotic, addictive, and threw me directly into a cursed academy full of witches, secrets, ghosts, and emotionally damaged men — which apparently is exactly my thing.
The vibes in this were SO good. Dark academia, creepy hallways, ancient witch bloodlines, strange magic, tension everywhere, and the constant feeling that something terrible is about to happen.
I loved the dynamic between all of the characters. Everyone feels messy in the best way, like they’re all hiding ten different secrets while pretending everything is completely fine. The multiple POVs made it even more addictive because every time I thought I understood someone, another chapter proved me wrong.
Haven was such a strong FMC too. I loved that she wasn’t overly polished or perfect. She feels angry, isolated, powerful, and honestly a little unhinged at times, which made me connect to her even more.
The writing was ridiculously easy to binge. Even at almost 600 pages I flew through it because every chapter gives you another piece of the mystery without fully answering anything. You keep saying “one more chapter” and suddenly it’s 2am.
And THAT ending…
actually criminal behavior.
If you love:
🖤 dark academia
✨ witches & magic
👑 secret societies
🔥 why choose romance
👻 ghosts & creepy vibes
⚔️ emotionally damaged MMCs
🌙 gothic atmosphere
you need this immediately.
Thank you St. Martin's Press & NetGalley for the ARC!
Reyes. That’s it. That’s the review.
I read this in 48 hours and honestly could have finished it faster if real life didn’t keep interrupting me.
This book was dark, chaotic, addictive, and threw me directly into a cursed academy full of witches, secrets, ghosts, and emotionally damaged men — which apparently is exactly my thing.
The vibes in this were SO good. Dark academia, creepy hallways, ancient witch bloodlines, strange magic, tension everywhere, and the constant feeling that something terrible is about to happen.
I loved the dynamic between all of the characters. Everyone feels messy in the best way, like they’re all hiding ten different secrets while pretending everything is completely fine. The multiple POVs made it even more addictive because every time I thought I understood someone, another chapter proved me wrong.
Haven was such a strong FMC too. I loved that she wasn’t overly polished or perfect. She feels angry, isolated, powerful, and honestly a little unhinged at times, which made me connect to her even more.
The writing was ridiculously easy to binge. Even at almost 600 pages I flew through it because every chapter gives you another piece of the mystery without fully answering anything. You keep saying “one more chapter” and suddenly it’s 2am.
And THAT ending…
actually criminal behavior.
If you love:
🖤 dark academia
✨ witches & magic
👑 secret societies
🔥 why choose romance
👻 ghosts & creepy vibes
⚔️ emotionally damaged MMCs
🌙 gothic atmosphere
you need this immediately.
Thank you St. Martin's Press & NetGalley for the ARC!
May 2, 2026
Oh. My. God. This book was absolutely incredible and everything I could’ve possibly wanted.
Synopsis: At Ipswich Academy, the Sons of Salem are four men (witches, to be exact) who are descendents of those accused of witchcraft in the Salem witch trials. Haven is the new freshman, sent here after a string of “weird occurrences” that have been haunting her. What she doesn’t know is that she is the first female witch to be born in the last four hundred years, and the Sons of Salem aren’t sure whether to take her in and train her as part of their coven, or steer clear of her due to her inexperience and vulnerability. With danger plaguing the area, Haven must face who she truly is, and get her magic under control, before it’s too late.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I cannot begin to explain how addicting this book was. This is going to be an incredible series. This book was the perfect amount of dark, eerie, and suspenseful, but still showed so much tension between Haven and the Sons. The pacing was perfect, and the romantic aspects were woven into the story so well. I’m glad there was still so much actual plot to this, in addition to the romance. We get a POV from multiple different characters, and there wasn’t a single one I didn’t enjoy reading. This literally had all of my favorite things in a single book. Academic setting, powerful witches, dark mysteries and danger, all set in the backdrop of Salem. I am so excited to have read this and I can’t wait to see what comes next in the series.
A HUGE thank you to St. Martin’s Publishing Group and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Synopsis: At Ipswich Academy, the Sons of Salem are four men (witches, to be exact) who are descendents of those accused of witchcraft in the Salem witch trials. Haven is the new freshman, sent here after a string of “weird occurrences” that have been haunting her. What she doesn’t know is that she is the first female witch to be born in the last four hundred years, and the Sons of Salem aren’t sure whether to take her in and train her as part of their coven, or steer clear of her due to her inexperience and vulnerability. With danger plaguing the area, Haven must face who she truly is, and get her magic under control, before it’s too late.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I cannot begin to explain how addicting this book was. This is going to be an incredible series. This book was the perfect amount of dark, eerie, and suspenseful, but still showed so much tension between Haven and the Sons. The pacing was perfect, and the romantic aspects were woven into the story so well. I’m glad there was still so much actual plot to this, in addition to the romance. We get a POV from multiple different characters, and there wasn’t a single one I didn’t enjoy reading. This literally had all of my favorite things in a single book. Academic setting, powerful witches, dark mysteries and danger, all set in the backdrop of Salem. I am so excited to have read this and I can’t wait to see what comes next in the series.
A HUGE thank you to St. Martin’s Publishing Group and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
NOTE: I would actually rate this 3.5 stars.
This story hooked me from the start. The dark, gothic vibes leapt off the page as we meet the FMC Haven Wardwell as she's arriving at Ipswich Academy to start college. The school is pure New England gothic. I found the writing flowed well and was descriptive without being overly wordy. Be warned, this is a first book in a series and the story is a slow burn. We get small bread crumbs throughout the book of danger lurking in the shadows, we're not quite sure if Haven's magic is for good or bad, this mysterious coven that the four MMCs are part of, and by the end I felt like I was just starting to get a peek at what's going on. I definitely have a lot of questions and not many answers, but I'm intrigued and would be curious to see where things go.
I do wish that the academy setting was more integral to the story, but it's really just a minimal location in the overall story, but maybe it will play a bigger part later. I also would have liked to see a bit more of the backgrounds of the FMC and the MMCs. I would expect more will be revealed in future books.
Anyone who likes witchy, creepy, gothic vibes might enjoy this book.
I got an eARC copy through NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.
This story hooked me from the start. The dark, gothic vibes leapt off the page as we meet the FMC Haven Wardwell as she's arriving at Ipswich Academy to start college. The school is pure New England gothic. I found the writing flowed well and was descriptive without being overly wordy. Be warned, this is a first book in a series and the story is a slow burn. We get small bread crumbs throughout the book of danger lurking in the shadows, we're not quite sure if Haven's magic is for good or bad, this mysterious coven that the four MMCs are part of, and by the end I felt like I was just starting to get a peek at what's going on. I definitely have a lot of questions and not many answers, but I'm intrigued and would be curious to see where things go.
I do wish that the academy setting was more integral to the story, but it's really just a minimal location in the overall story, but maybe it will play a bigger part later. I also would have liked to see a bit more of the backgrounds of the FMC and the MMCs. I would expect more will be revealed in future books.
Anyone who likes witchy, creepy, gothic vibes might enjoy this book.
I got an eARC copy through NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Hallowed Bones by Lucy Smoke is the first book in The Sons of Salem dark academia fantasy romance series, and I was completely hooked from the beginning. Lucy Smoke did an incredible job painting the setting so vividly, that I could picture myself wandering the streets of Salem alongside the characters.
This story is filled with mystery, lore, magic, ancient witch covens, and shifters woven together in such an immersive way. Every chapter pulled me deeper into the secrets surrounding the FMC Haven, The Sons Salem, and the history hidden within these five families.
The characters themselves are so intriguing and likeable. Their origins, the hidden truths, and the history between them all kept me desperate for answers. I never fully knew what was coming next, which made this such an exciting and suspenseful read.
I was also pleasantly surprised to discover this is a why choose romance, and I loved it. The tension between the FMC and the four MMCs is intense, addictive, and perfectly slow burn. The romance develops gradually, which made every interaction feel meaningful and exciting.
This book completely consumed me. It was fun, dark, atmospheric, and impossible to put down. And that cliffhanger? Absolutely brutal. I desperately need the rest of this series immediately.
This story is filled with mystery, lore, magic, ancient witch covens, and shifters woven together in such an immersive way. Every chapter pulled me deeper into the secrets surrounding the FMC Haven, The Sons Salem, and the history hidden within these five families.
The characters themselves are so intriguing and likeable. Their origins, the hidden truths, and the history between them all kept me desperate for answers. I never fully knew what was coming next, which made this such an exciting and suspenseful read.
I was also pleasantly surprised to discover this is a why choose romance, and I loved it. The tension between the FMC and the four MMCs is intense, addictive, and perfectly slow burn. The romance develops gradually, which made every interaction feel meaningful and exciting.
This book completely consumed me. It was fun, dark, atmospheric, and impossible to put down. And that cliffhanger? Absolutely brutal. I desperately need the rest of this series immediately.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Hollowed Bones was one of those books where I kept reading because I wanted to understand where everything was going, even while feeling unsure about parts of it. The gothic atmosphere and mystery pulled me in immediately, and I finished the book fairly quickly because the writing kept me engaged.
This is definitely a reverse harem/why choose romance, which personally is not usually my thing. I struggled a little with connecting to the romance dynamics because I tend to prefer one strong MMC instead of multiple love interests. I also spent a lot of the book trying to figure out the direction of the overall plot.
Now the ENDING? The spice at the end was honestly SO good. Like unexpectedly good. But it almost felt dropped in out of nowhere because the majority of the book had a very different pacing and romantic buildup. It went from tension and confusion to suddenly very spicy very fast. I enjoyed it, but it did not fully flow naturally for me with the rest of the story.
The cliffhanger ending will probably hook a lot of readers into book two. For me, I am not desperately counting down the days for the next release, but I also did not regret reading this one. It was entertaining enough that I would still try another book from Lucy Smoke in the future.
This is definitely a reverse harem/why choose romance, which personally is not usually my thing. I struggled a little with connecting to the romance dynamics because I tend to prefer one strong MMC instead of multiple love interests. I also spent a lot of the book trying to figure out the direction of the overall plot.
Now the ENDING? The spice at the end was honestly SO good. Like unexpectedly good. But it almost felt dropped in out of nowhere because the majority of the book had a very different pacing and romantic buildup. It went from tension and confusion to suddenly very spicy very fast. I enjoyed it, but it did not fully flow naturally for me with the rest of the story.
The cliffhanger ending will probably hook a lot of readers into book two. For me, I am not desperately counting down the days for the next release, but I also did not regret reading this one. It was entertaining enough that I would still try another book from Lucy Smoke in the future.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Holy cow. I freaking loved reading all of that. 4.6. I sat down to read and did not stop. I am a sucker for a magic book, especially a witches magic book. This one delivered everything I needed and more. And oh my god, CLIFFHANGER? I have to wait for answers? I honestly might not survive the wait.
This is a slowburn, magical, why choose masterpiece. Haven is everything you want in a new to a magical world FMC. She's curious and booksmart and a sweet person. The four men interested in the new girl? Straight up sin. Each one brings something exciting to the table. Each one brings exactly what Haven needs in that moment. These characters are fleshed out super well. Complete with good, bad, and character complexities galore. The yearning and the burning have my heart clenched in a vice, waiting for something to break.
I absolutely adore a gothic setting. The architecture is always so beautiful when described well, and Lucy did a phenomenal job at it. I want to attend this college so bad now. I also love that it is set in Salem. So many witchy books have no mention of the trials, so when the rare one comes along that does, it is a real treat. Especially when it is so carefully crafted and obviously researched. I am so looking forward to what happens next in this series.
This is a slowburn, magical, why choose masterpiece. Haven is everything you want in a new to a magical world FMC. She's curious and booksmart and a sweet person. The four men interested in the new girl? Straight up sin. Each one brings something exciting to the table. Each one brings exactly what Haven needs in that moment. These characters are fleshed out super well. Complete with good, bad, and character complexities galore. The yearning and the burning have my heart clenched in a vice, waiting for something to break.
I absolutely adore a gothic setting. The architecture is always so beautiful when described well, and Lucy did a phenomenal job at it. I want to attend this college so bad now. I also love that it is set in Salem. So many witchy books have no mention of the trials, so when the rare one comes along that does, it is a real treat. Especially when it is so carefully crafted and obviously researched. I am so looking forward to what happens next in this series.
May 10, 2026
Thank you St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this eARC.
Hallowed Bones by Lucy Smoke needs to go on your spooky season why choose TBR IMMEDIATELY because this book had me completely obsessed.
Dark academia? ✔️
Salem witch descendants? ✔️
Creepy monsters lurking around every corner? ✔️
Emotionally damaged men with tension everywhere? Unfortunately yes. But boy do they yearn.
This book is SO atmospheric. The entire time it feels like something terrible is about to happen and I ate that up. Lucy Smoke pulls you into this dark, witchy world and genuinely does not let you leave until you finish. I kept saying “one more chapter” and suddenly it was over.
The coven brotherhood dynamic was everything I love in a why choose. The relationships are messy, intense, protective, chaotic, and full of secrets. And Haven was such a good FMC because she actually thinks for herself. She’s angry, stubborn, powerful, makes mistakes, grows so much throughout the story, and never feels like she’s just there to orbit the men.
The slow burn tension in this book??? Painful in the best way. Every POV adds another layer and somehow makes everyone more irritating and more attractive at the same time.
Perfect October release honestly. Witchy, addictive, dark, and impossible to put down.
Hallowed Bones by Lucy Smoke needs to go on your spooky season why choose TBR IMMEDIATELY because this book had me completely obsessed.
Dark academia? ✔️
Salem witch descendants? ✔️
Creepy monsters lurking around every corner? ✔️
Emotionally damaged men with tension everywhere? Unfortunately yes. But boy do they yearn.
This book is SO atmospheric. The entire time it feels like something terrible is about to happen and I ate that up. Lucy Smoke pulls you into this dark, witchy world and genuinely does not let you leave until you finish. I kept saying “one more chapter” and suddenly it was over.
The coven brotherhood dynamic was everything I love in a why choose. The relationships are messy, intense, protective, chaotic, and full of secrets. And Haven was such a good FMC because she actually thinks for herself. She’s angry, stubborn, powerful, makes mistakes, grows so much throughout the story, and never feels like she’s just there to orbit the men.
The slow burn tension in this book??? Painful in the best way. Every POV adds another layer and somehow makes everyone more irritating and more attractive at the same time.
Perfect October release honestly. Witchy, addictive, dark, and impossible to put down.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this novel!
The best part of this book is how easy it is to read—I devoured this book in two sittings (but could’ve easily done it in one if my schedule permitted).
I’m a sucker for a compelling story inspired by the Salem Witch Trials, and this book definitely delivers on that. Combine that with dark academia vibes and gothic vibes, and I really liked the aesthetic of this story.
The characters were all great to read about as well. I loved that we got POVs from multiple different characters. Also, this is my first time reading a why choose romance in a romantasy book, and I was pleasantly surprised by it!
I will say that I think the book could have been trimmed a bit for length (as 600 pages is rather long). But that is just a preference thing, and I’m sure many readers will eat up every word regardless of length.
This is the first book in a series, and I look forward to reading future books to get answers to remaining questions and see what happens next (especially after that cliffhanger ending)!
Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for letting me read the eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this ARC.
I need a hard copy of this book and the release of book 2...like now.
Think The Covenant movie but for adults. It was so good, I couldn't put it down.
I like Haven, our FMC, but sometimes I feel like I just needed to reach into the story and slap the girl. If someone tells you to run, then run girl! I'm excited to see where her story leads.
What's going to happen after that ending?
The 4 MMC's were great.
Ezra is still a bit of a brooding mystery, so I'm really interested in seeing more about him.
Lyall is my favorite. He's feels reliable and he wears his heart on his sleeve.
I picture Cameron like Milo from the movie Atlantis The Lost Empire. 😅 I need more about him and that book The Picture of Dorian Gray. It was brought up a few times but we never really delved into why?
Reyes. Ohhh boy. His entrance to the book is what really hooked me. I want to learn more about his powers too. We didnt get much of him I feel like (from his own perspective).
10/10 book for me. Ill read any prequels, sequels, and more thats put out about this universe created within Hallowed Bones.
I need a hard copy of this book and the release of book 2...like now.
Think The Covenant movie but for adults. It was so good, I couldn't put it down.
I like Haven, our FMC, but sometimes I feel like I just needed to reach into the story and slap the girl. If someone tells you to run, then run girl! I'm excited to see where her story leads.
What's going to happen after that ending?
The 4 MMC's were great.
Ezra is still a bit of a brooding mystery, so I'm really interested in seeing more about him.
Lyall is my favorite. He's feels reliable and he wears his heart on his sleeve.
I picture Cameron like Milo from the movie Atlantis The Lost Empire. 😅 I need more about him and that book The Picture of Dorian Gray. It was brought up a few times but we never really delved into why?
Reyes. Ohhh boy. His entrance to the book is what really hooked me. I want to learn more about his powers too. We didnt get much of him I feel like (from his own perspective).
10/10 book for me. Ill read any prequels, sequels, and more thats put out about this universe created within Hallowed Bones.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you so much to St. Martin's Press, the author, and NetGalley for the eArc.
Hallowed Bones by Lucy Smoke leans fully into dark fantasy romance, with a heavy focus on trauma, revenge, and morally gray characters. This is a story that doesn’t shy away from violence, power struggles, or darker emotional arcs so definitely check your trigger warnings. The plot centers on survival and vengeance in a world where relationships are complicated and often dangerous, and while the premise is compelling, it’s very much driven by character dynamics rather than a tightly structured external storyline.
I was intrigued by the raw, messy emotions and the darker romance dynamics, but also struggled to connect with characters who make questionable or frustrating choices. The pacing is also character driven - so it felt uneven, with heavy, intense scenes layered between slower stretches of internal conflict. World-building takes a backseat to the emotional and romantic elements.
Rating: 3 stars. It’s a dark, emotionally charged read with strong intensity and high-stakes relationships, but the uneven pacing and polarizing characters won’t work for everyone.
Hallowed Bones by Lucy Smoke leans fully into dark fantasy romance, with a heavy focus on trauma, revenge, and morally gray characters. This is a story that doesn’t shy away from violence, power struggles, or darker emotional arcs so definitely check your trigger warnings. The plot centers on survival and vengeance in a world where relationships are complicated and often dangerous, and while the premise is compelling, it’s very much driven by character dynamics rather than a tightly structured external storyline.
I was intrigued by the raw, messy emotions and the darker romance dynamics, but also struggled to connect with characters who make questionable or frustrating choices. The pacing is also character driven - so it felt uneven, with heavy, intense scenes layered between slower stretches of internal conflict. World-building takes a backseat to the emotional and romantic elements.
Rating: 3 stars. It’s a dark, emotionally charged read with strong intensity and high-stakes relationships, but the uneven pacing and polarizing characters won’t work for everyone.
May 4, 2026
Thank you Netgalley for my arc copy!
I went into this with really high expectations, I’m not too familiar with this author and the idea of a spooky witch, romance, was everything that I wanted!
But unfortunately this book just really didn’t do it for me, the pacing seemed strange, they were referring to the which trials being done 300 years ago, but they were talking, dressing and acting line it was this year? There was also smut on chapter 4 already, and I’m very much a slow burn reader (my opinion!! Lots of people are the complete opposite of me). I unfortunately didn’t connect and care about any of the characters, and it just felt kind of messy to me.
I absolutely loved the idea behind this story and I’m definitely going to keep a close eye on this author, as I’m definitely very interested to see what she’ll do next! This ARC has a lot of good reviews all ready, so it’s definitely just me. But that’s what an opinion is for :)
I went into this with really high expectations, I’m not too familiar with this author and the idea of a spooky witch, romance, was everything that I wanted!
But unfortunately this book just really didn’t do it for me, the pacing seemed strange, they were referring to the which trials being done 300 years ago, but they were talking, dressing and acting line it was this year? There was also smut on chapter 4 already, and I’m very much a slow burn reader (my opinion!! Lots of people are the complete opposite of me). I unfortunately didn’t connect and care about any of the characters, and it just felt kind of messy to me.
I absolutely loved the idea behind this story and I’m definitely going to keep a close eye on this author, as I’m definitely very interested to see what she’ll do next! This ARC has a lot of good reviews all ready, so it’s definitely just me. But that’s what an opinion is for :)
May 5, 2026
This ARC was provided by St Martin’s Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review!
Wow. Just wow. This book had me absolutely feral. I devoured it in 24 hours, and honestly, if sleep weren’t a necessity, I would’ve finished it even faster.
Hallowed Bones follows Haven on a journey of self‑discovery at Ipswich College, where she encounters four mysterious men known as the Sons of Salem. They may hold the key to uncovering what’s happening to her, and the truth is darker and deeper than she ever expected. Set in Salem, MA, the capital of all things witchy, this story is steeped in gothic atmosphere, complete with covens and a chilling cast of otherworldly beings that kept me hooked from start to finish.
I’m genuinely devastated that this book doesn’t release until October, because that means an even longer wait for book two. And after that ending???
Wow. Just wow. This book had me absolutely feral. I devoured it in 24 hours, and honestly, if sleep weren’t a necessity, I would’ve finished it even faster.
Hallowed Bones follows Haven on a journey of self‑discovery at Ipswich College, where she encounters four mysterious men known as the Sons of Salem. They may hold the key to uncovering what’s happening to her, and the truth is darker and deeper than she ever expected. Set in Salem, MA, the capital of all things witchy, this story is steeped in gothic atmosphere, complete with covens and a chilling cast of otherworldly beings that kept me hooked from start to finish.
I’m genuinely devastated that this book doesn’t release until October, because that means an even longer wait for book two. And after that ending???
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I absolutely devoured this witchy why choose that Lucy has gifted us in Hallowed Bones, Book 1 in the Sons of Salem series.
I was immediately hooked on Haven’s story arriving at the mysterious Ipswich college after being kicked out of multiple schools due to unexplainable events.
But there is more to Haven than meets the eye and when the Sons of Salem set their sights on her, there is no going back.
Ezra, Lyall, Reyes and Cameron are the last witches of their coven and they need Haven. I loved the broodiness of Ezra not wanting anything to do with her even though he really does. Lyall is such a gooey puppy dog on the inside, I loved Reyes dirty side and Cameron our little book worm.
They each bring such a balance to Haven that I love in a why choose and will do anything to protect her. With learning the truth of what she is, the mysterious murders and the events leading up to cliffhanger ending, I cannot wait to see what happens next!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I was immediately hooked on Haven’s story arriving at the mysterious Ipswich college after being kicked out of multiple schools due to unexplainable events.
But there is more to Haven than meets the eye and when the Sons of Salem set their sights on her, there is no going back.
Ezra, Lyall, Reyes and Cameron are the last witches of their coven and they need Haven. I loved the broodiness of Ezra not wanting anything to do with her even though he really does. Lyall is such a gooey puppy dog on the inside, I loved Reyes dirty side and Cameron our little book worm.
They each bring such a balance to Haven that I love in a why choose and will do anything to protect her. With learning the truth of what she is, the mysterious murders and the events leading up to cliffhanger ending, I cannot wait to see what happens next!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Lucy Smoke and NetGalley for the ARC of Hallowed Bones!
I absolutely devoured this book. The haunted, witchy, eerie atmosphere was EVERYTHING and the gothic suspense mixed with dark academia vibes had me hooked from the very first chapter. The mystery and history unfolding throughout the story kept me completely invested, and every new reveal made me need to know more immediately.
Haven and the guys were perfection. Each of the four cursed heirs brought something completely different to the dynamic, and together they delivered the ultimate why choose tension, chemistry, and chaos. The magic, secrets, desire, and constant twists made this impossible to put down.
And that ending??? I genuinely do not know how I’m supposed to wait for book two because I need answers RIGHT NOW.
If you love witchy vibes, secret societies, forced proximity, gothic suspense, dark academia, cursed heirs, and plot twists for days, you need to pick this up immediately.
Thank you to Lucy Smoke and NetGalley for the ARC of Hallowed Bones!
I absolutely devoured this book. The haunted, witchy, eerie atmosphere was EVERYTHING and the gothic suspense mixed with dark academia vibes had me hooked from the very first chapter. The mystery and history unfolding throughout the story kept me completely invested, and every new reveal made me need to know more immediately.
Haven and the guys were perfection. Each of the four cursed heirs brought something completely different to the dynamic, and together they delivered the ultimate why choose tension, chemistry, and chaos. The magic, secrets, desire, and constant twists made this impossible to put down.
And that ending??? I genuinely do not know how I’m supposed to wait for book two because I need answers RIGHT NOW.
If you love witchy vibes, secret societies, forced proximity, gothic suspense, dark academia, cursed heirs, and plot twists for days, you need to pick this up immediately.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Haven lost her parents in a fire and feels responsible for their deaths. She is not comfortable with her life, but this is a new start. When she ends up at a college near Salem, MA her life takes a turn. She meets four male witches and when they realize she is of their line, they are excited to finally have a female witch in their coven, which could be good news or bad news, only time will tell.
I really enjoyed the four male witches, they were each so different and the way they interacted with Haven is also different. Haven's roommate in college was an outgoing, cheerful woman who immediately jumped into Haven's life, which was exactly what Haven needed.
My thanks to St. Martin’s Publishing Group and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest review.
I really enjoyed the four male witches, they were each so different and the way they interacted with Haven is also different. Haven's roommate in college was an outgoing, cheerful woman who immediately jumped into Haven's life, which was exactly what Haven needed.
My thanks to St. Martin’s Publishing Group and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars. This spicy, dark, paranormal, young adult novel has elements of horror, magic, romance, pathos and despair. The FMC is a female witch who is unaware of her legacy as the only child of one of the few remaining members of a cursed Salem coven. Her parents have died unexpectedly and tragically when she was 17 and she arrives at Ipswich college at 18 because she has nowhere else to go. The book switches from the viewpoint of the FMC to the 4 MMCs by chapter. While the actual writing is decent, the plot is confusing despite the foreshadowing that suggests what may ultimately come to pass. This book ends on a cliffhanger so none of the plot points are resolved when the book ends which I found very frustrating. Trigger warnings as there are many dark and emotional elements to this book.
The advance digital copy of this book was provided by NetGalley; all opinions are my own.
The advance digital copy of this book was provided by NetGalley; all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Okay, this was a why choose I was *so* excited to start because anything with witches and powers already has my attention. I loved the dynamics between everyone and how each relationship had its own small moments that made them feel different and important.
I was also really happy with who she ended up having her first time with out of the four of them, which honestly made me even more invested in where all the relationships are going next.
What I liked most was that this didn’t feel rushed. She wasn’t instantly all in with every single guy in the first book, and I actually appreciated that because it made the connections feel more natural and gave each relationship space to develop.
And that cliffhanger??? Absolutely wild. Now I need the next book immediately because I have to know what happens next and where all these relationships go from here.
I was also really happy with who she ended up having her first time with out of the four of them, which honestly made me even more invested in where all the relationships are going next.
What I liked most was that this didn’t feel rushed. She wasn’t instantly all in with every single guy in the first book, and I actually appreciated that because it made the connections feel more natural and gave each relationship space to develop.
And that cliffhanger??? Absolutely wild. Now I need the next book immediately because I have to know what happens next and where all these relationships go from here.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
That ending was brutal, but I forgive the author because what a fun ride to get there. I was sucked in as soon as I started reading and couldn't put it down. I really enjoyed the vibes and the beautiful and detailed writing, just the right amount to fall away from the words and into the imagery. I really loved the pacing and I literally just want more. I am really excited to see how the story develops in the next book.
The characters were all well developed and I can't say I liked one more than the other (Okay I do have a favorite - Reyes) but they were all so genuine and believable and I really loved the FMC and her back story. I instantly connected to her. Seriously, this was so good. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a dark academy about witches and a blossoming why choose.
The characters were all well developed and I can't say I liked one more than the other (Okay I do have a favorite - Reyes) but they were all so genuine and believable and I really loved the FMC and her back story. I instantly connected to her. Seriously, this was so good. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a dark academy about witches and a blossoming why choose.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks for the ARC NetGalley & St. Martin's Publishing Group!
I really really enjoyed this one.
Orphaned and surrounded by weird occurrences, Haven is shipped off to a school just bordering Salem. Steeped in mystery and old tales of witches, Ipsum school makes Haven question everything, and the Sons of Salem are both helpful and confusing.
The storyline here is great, I did feel like not a lot was happening or answered in this book. We still don't really understand her magic or what happened with their parents. Who or what is murdering the townfolks. But boy do we have tension in this little witchy why choose.
I will be reading the next one.
Hopefully there's a happier ending out there....
I really really enjoyed this one.
Orphaned and surrounded by weird occurrences, Haven is shipped off to a school just bordering Salem. Steeped in mystery and old tales of witches, Ipsum school makes Haven question everything, and the Sons of Salem are both helpful and confusing.
The storyline here is great, I did feel like not a lot was happening or answered in this book. We still don't really understand her magic or what happened with their parents. Who or what is murdering the townfolks. But boy do we have tension in this little witchy why choose.
I will be reading the next one.
Hopefully there's a happier ending out there....
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Oh my god??!! The moment I started this book I couldn’t put it down. The cliffhanger?! Why choose? Witches and shifters!!! All I could want in a book!! I had so much fun reading this book, it was so addicting I already want to read it again. I can’t wait for the second book I need it now!! The tension between the Haven & the sons wowww!! The writing was perfect , the setting was everything ( Dark Academia setting ) I can’t wait to buy a physical copy of this book it’s definitely a top 5 ! I’m very thankful I was able to get an arc of this book ♡
Thank you St. Martin’s Press & NetGalley for the eARC 💛
Thank you St. Martin’s Press & NetGalley for the eARC 💛
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks, NetGalley, for an early copy of this book.
I really enjoyed this novel, and it had me hooked pretty quick. The author was able to create a very atmospheric environment that I could fully visualize. I found the characters relatable in many ways, and happily, we have a bit of a slow burn whychoose. I find in many why chooses books, the characters get together very quickly, but in this, it had great build up.
The mental and emotional journeeys for all characters are very intriguing, and i can't wait to see where it goes in future books. I think this would be great for someone wanting to dabble with a whychoose if you like supernatural themes.
I really enjoyed this novel, and it had me hooked pretty quick. The author was able to create a very atmospheric environment that I could fully visualize. I found the characters relatable in many ways, and happily, we have a bit of a slow burn whychoose. I find in many why chooses books, the characters get together very quickly, but in this, it had great build up.
The mental and emotional journeeys for all characters are very intriguing, and i can't wait to see where it goes in future books. I think this would be great for someone wanting to dabble with a whychoose if you like supernatural themes.
May 8, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s for the ARC!
Hallowed Bones by Lucy Smoke is BINGE WORTHY. Omg this was so good, I didn’t want to put it down. ALL OF THE STARS. Now this is what I wanted Zodiac Academy to be. And can we talk about Cameron? I don’t want to say I have a type…. But I have a type I fear.
Hallowed Bones is dark, creepy, mysterious, and witchy. And can we talk about that ending? That was not how I was expecting this book to end at all. I need book 2 NOW. But book one doesn’t even come out until October… Godspeed y’all.
Booktok and Bookstagram get ready, I think this is going to be one of the top reads of fall 2026.
Hallowed Bones by Lucy Smoke is BINGE WORTHY. Omg this was so good, I didn’t want to put it down. ALL OF THE STARS. Now this is what I wanted Zodiac Academy to be. And can we talk about Cameron? I don’t want to say I have a type…. But I have a type I fear.
Hallowed Bones is dark, creepy, mysterious, and witchy. And can we talk about that ending? That was not how I was expecting this book to end at all. I need book 2 NOW. But book one doesn’t even come out until October… Godspeed y’all.
Booktok and Bookstagram get ready, I think this is going to be one of the top reads of fall 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Loved reading the mesmerizing and spellbinding story. When Haven's parents die, she is sent to live with her aunt who doesn't want her, can't wait to get rid of her, Haven ends up going to Ipswitch Academy near Salem and meets four handsome men, the Sons oof Salem. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written full of twists and turns, captivating characters, and a must read riveting story. Can't wait to read the next story in the series!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5⭐️ I was completely enveloped in this book.
This was my first Lucy Smoke book, but it was really well written and she really has a way with describing scenes.
“I see it in the way the shadows curl around her, soft as a lovers touch. I see it in the way the wind listens when she moves, in the shiver of the treetops like they know what she is too.”
The cliffhanger was a surprise, but I’ll definitely read the next in the series!
This was my first Lucy Smoke book, but it was really well written and she really has a way with describing scenes.
“I see it in the way the shadows curl around her, soft as a lovers touch. I see it in the way the wind listens when she moves, in the shiver of the treetops like they know what she is too.”
The cliffhanger was a surprise, but I’ll definitely read the next in the series!
May 4, 2026
This was great! Loved all of the world building and there was so much going on with the plot. Plus who doesn’t love four spicy forbidden and then not forbidden guys 🤭It was definitely a quick read but the one thing that threw me off was how abruptly it ended. I was expecting a bit more build up before the cliffhanger that I got in the last few pages.
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