What do you think?
Rate this book
Unburied
When what calls to her most often is Death…
Ghadra is being rebuilt. The devouring forest is content. And Lux Thorn has set out to keep a promise made to those she’s come to care for.
Lux understands the mysterious buyers of lifeblood to be rich and well-connected. When she encounters an intriguing book collector of a prestigious institution, she cannot ignore her suspicions over the wealthy company he keeps. Seizing the chance to investigate, she accepts an invitation to his remote estate.
Mothlock Manor sits on rugged cliffs. Surrounded by venomous brambles, unsettling statues, and a breathtaking view of the sea, Lux experiences a true sense of belonging for the first time in her life. But in her quest to uncover if it houses the secret she searches for, her thoughts begin to twist and darken in its halls. An eerie voice whispers in her head. Her nightmares manifest. And Lux’s brilliance falters in a dramatic way. The book collector is one of an old Society promising a cure for her diseased mind; she fears she cannot trust a single one. Worst of all—she can no longer trust herself.
For fans of the Belladonna series and A Sorceress Comes to Call, Unburied is the final book in the Dark Brilliance Duology, a YA gothic fantasy that follows a young necromancer as she accepts an invitation to a remote estate in order to investigate the prestigious Society that resides there. While uncovering buried pasts and corrupt allegiances, Unburied explores themes of acceptance and friendship in a macabre world. Welcome to Mothlock.
Ghadra is being rebuilt. The devouring forest is content. And Lux Thorn has set out to keep a promise made to those she’s come to care for.
Lux understands the mysterious buyers of lifeblood to be rich and well-connected. When she encounters an intriguing book collector of a prestigious institution, she cannot ignore her suspicions over the wealthy company he keeps. Seizing the chance to investigate, she accepts an invitation to his remote estate.
Mothlock Manor sits on rugged cliffs. Surrounded by venomous brambles, unsettling statues, and a breathtaking view of the sea, Lux experiences a true sense of belonging for the first time in her life. But in her quest to uncover if it houses the secret she searches for, her thoughts begin to twist and darken in its halls. An eerie voice whispers in her head. Her nightmares manifest. And Lux’s brilliance falters in a dramatic way. The book collector is one of an old Society promising a cure for her diseased mind; she fears she cannot trust a single one. Worst of all—she can no longer trust herself.
For fans of the Belladonna series and A Sorceress Comes to Call, Unburied is the final book in the Dark Brilliance Duology, a YA gothic fantasy that follows a young necromancer as she accepts an invitation to a remote estate in order to investigate the prestigious Society that resides there. While uncovering buried pasts and corrupt allegiances, Unburied explores themes of acceptance and friendship in a macabre world. Welcome to Mothlock.
410 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2026
8 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 1, 2026
ARC REVIEW (a bit late!) 4.5/5 ⭐️
Thank you so so much Gloria for allowing me into this world <3!!
Oh, how I’ve loved this duology. The characters are so well written, each with their own depth, but Lux truly stood out to me. The quote “despite everything, it is still you” fits her perfectly—she’s such a beautifully complex character. Her growth felt so alive and genuine, and her vulnerability really stayed with me. And Shaw oh my GOD I could go on forever about his supportiveness!!! Watching the way he stood by Lux was EVERYTHING.
It felt quite different from the first but in a good way. The cult aspect added such an eerie, almost haunting atmosphere that pulled me in completely (I genuinely gasped more than once). The tension was so well crafted and the plot managed to be intricate without ever becoming confusing.
I was scared of a potential love triangle (not a fan at all) but bless the gods there was none. Though I cannot deny that Corvin did make me giggle from time to time… Yes…
I also loved seeing more of Shaw’s brilliance in action. The way his mind works, especially in high-stakes moments, was fascinating to witness and added another layer to the story. Also loved how there’s always fire involved when he’s around 😭😭
Overall, this was such a captivating and atmospheric read. I’m definitely going to be checking the author’s other works!!
However… If I could get Lux & Shaw back I wouldn’t mind at all……
Thank you so so much Gloria for allowing me into this world <3!!
Oh, how I’ve loved this duology. The characters are so well written, each with their own depth, but Lux truly stood out to me. The quote “despite everything, it is still you” fits her perfectly—she’s such a beautifully complex character. Her growth felt so alive and genuine, and her vulnerability really stayed with me. And Shaw oh my GOD I could go on forever about his supportiveness!!! Watching the way he stood by Lux was EVERYTHING.
It felt quite different from the first but in a good way. The cult aspect added such an eerie, almost haunting atmosphere that pulled me in completely (I genuinely gasped more than once). The tension was so well crafted and the plot managed to be intricate without ever becoming confusing.
I was scared of a potential love triangle (not a fan at all) but bless the gods there was none. Though I cannot deny that Corvin did make me giggle from time to time… Yes…
I also loved seeing more of Shaw’s brilliance in action. The way his mind works, especially in high-stakes moments, was fascinating to witness and added another layer to the story. Also loved how there’s always fire involved when he’s around 😭😭
Overall, this was such a captivating and atmospheric read. I’m definitely going to be checking the author’s other works!!
However… If I could get Lux & Shaw back I wouldn’t mind at all……
March 30, 2026
Oh, how I have missed Lux and her charming personality! This book was such a perfect conclusion to this gothic duology. So much happens and the plot keeps you on your toes. My jaw dropped so much that I looked like a gapping fish. This story will not disappoint!!I don’t want give away any spoilers so I will only be able to say so much.
Lux sets out to keep promises made and to finally set eyes on the sea. She was not expecting to exchange a fingernail for…something or make sort of friends with bandits or meet a charming collector of books and rare objects. One who promises to help with her newfound ailment with her brilliance. Lux accepts the invitation to the mysterious manor by the sea for many reasons and she discovers a lot more than she could have ever thought. Lux is surrounded by nightmares, faceless statues, venomous brambles and empty people. She longs for Shaw and is constantly questioning herself. She finds a little abandoned cottage in the cove that unveils much about her past, present and future. HEA
Thank you to the author for this gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Lux sets out to keep promises made and to finally set eyes on the sea. She was not expecting to exchange a fingernail for…something or make sort of friends with bandits or meet a charming collector of books and rare objects. One who promises to help with her newfound ailment with her brilliance. Lux accepts the invitation to the mysterious manor by the sea for many reasons and she discovers a lot more than she could have ever thought. Lux is surrounded by nightmares, faceless statues, venomous brambles and empty people. She longs for Shaw and is constantly questioning herself. She finds a little abandoned cottage in the cove that unveils much about her past, present and future. HEA
Thank you to the author for this gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 7, 2026
This is book 2 in this duology and wow it pairs so well. I love a dark fantasy!
Lux is one of my favorite book charecter and she really shows why in this one. She’s tougher than she seems, smart, and takes no crap from anyone. I love it.
The magic, or “brilliance”, in this book is so fascinating - I love the way we continue to see the depths of different abilities, as well as the darkness behind the lifeblood.
The writing drags me right into the book and I love every minute. This is a read that flies right by because I’m so absorbed.
I love this book, and love this duology. Highly recommend.
Lux is one of my favorite book charecter and she really shows why in this one. She’s tougher than she seems, smart, and takes no crap from anyone. I love it.
The magic, or “brilliance”, in this book is so fascinating - I love the way we continue to see the depths of different abilities, as well as the darkness behind the lifeblood.
The writing drags me right into the book and I love every minute. This is a read that flies right by because I’m so absorbed.
I love this book, and love this duology. Highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Spice: none
Romance: 3/5
Established relationship
Third person POV
One love interest
Brown hair MMC
RATING: 1 million out of 5
I deliberately took my time reading this book wanting to savor each and every page and yet despite my best efforts, I find myself feeling utterly heartbroken and yearning for more. This conclusion was not only everything I had hoped for but also exceeded my expectations in countless ways. I was so happy I got to witness Lux's journey of personal growth as she gradually began to embrace and believe in herself. It was so nice to see her have a happy ending but I'm still not ready to say goodbye to her.
Shaw, as always, was a true gentleman. The romantic connection between him and Lux was portrayed with such tenderness and passion that I could feel every one of their raw emotions. He constantly lifts her up and is always supporting her in every decision that you can't help but also fall in love with him.
I'm so sad to leave this world forever and secretly hope Gloria Bottelman will make another Dark Brilliance book because i need ittttttttttttttttttt!
The most gracious and heartful thank you to Gloria Bottelman for providing me with an ARC of this phenomenal book, you have no clue what it meant to me to be able to read this.
Romance: 3/5
Established relationship
Third person POV
One love interest
Brown hair MMC
RATING: 1 million out of 5
I deliberately took my time reading this book wanting to savor each and every page and yet despite my best efforts, I find myself feeling utterly heartbroken and yearning for more. This conclusion was not only everything I had hoped for but also exceeded my expectations in countless ways. I was so happy I got to witness Lux's journey of personal growth as she gradually began to embrace and believe in herself. It was so nice to see her have a happy ending but I'm still not ready to say goodbye to her.
Shaw, as always, was a true gentleman. The romantic connection between him and Lux was portrayed with such tenderness and passion that I could feel every one of their raw emotions. He constantly lifts her up and is always supporting her in every decision that you can't help but also fall in love with him.
I'm so sad to leave this world forever and secretly hope Gloria Bottelman will make another Dark Brilliance book because i need ittttttttttttttttttt!
The most gracious and heartful thank you to Gloria Bottelman for providing me with an ARC of this phenomenal book, you have no clue what it meant to me to be able to read this.
April 3, 2026
Thank you to Gloria Bottelman for gifting me a review copy! This has in no way influenced my reading experience.
It feels like just yesterday I stepped into this world of dark brilliances, carnivorous plants, and mysterious illnesses for the first time with Untethered. And now, after finishing Unburied, the final book in a YA gothic fantasy duology, I’m left with that strange mix of (positive) emotions that only truly unforgettable stories can leave behind.
Gloria Bottelman never fails to create beautifully immersive worlds with her gorgeous prose, compelling characters you’ll keep thinking about, and a riveting storyline that’ll have you turning pages faster before you know it. The third book in her catalog, Unburied is yet another proof of her brilliance (pun intended).
I’d say this book is even better than the first for a lot of reasons. It’s definitely one of those series whose sequel is better. Unburied is more macabre, more haunted, more bone-chillingly unpredictable.
Her versatility is unmatched and I am impressed just thinking about it. Unburied almost reads like a standalone, if it weren’t for the plot. There were more new characters introduced and the events unfolded far away from Ghadra. Even the vibes were different compared to the first book, where I felt constricted and claustrophobic in the city’s eerie isolation. In the sequel, I was faced with endless possibilities—the vast unknown of a sea and by extension, the world.
It was the same world that I—perhaps morbidly—fell in love with in the Untethered. With Lux traveling to places like Verity and the Mothlock Manor, encountering new sentient plants and magical items, and unlocking secrets and lore with conversations from strangers, the worldbuilding only became richer. And so did our knowledge of dark brilliances and Lux’s family history.
Reading this seaside gothic was quite a trippy experience. What better place for a young woman to be haunted by her deepest fears and nightmares than in a manor by the sea? With Lux as our narrator, I don’t even know what was real or not. If there’s anything I learned from reading Potions & Peculiarities, it’s that Gloria Bottelman is adept at writing unreliable narrators and subtly misleading her readers. I just knew nothing was to be trusted.
Despite my guards being up, I was still blown away by the twists and betrayals. Unburied is a page-turning read, for sure, with all the revelations that come to light. But I found myself closing my e-reader app so often to breathe and pace my room back and forth to calm down and process what on earth I just read.
This is perhaps the most well-paced book Gloria Bottelman wrote thus far. There was no chapter where I wasn’t hooked or struggled to get through. Like Untethered, the climax in this book was just as clever, heart-pounding, and action-packed!
Unburied picks up almost a month after the events of the first book, and Lux Thorn has come a long way since. I was heavily invested with her story and well-being from the start, and Unburied made me fall in love with her even more. Her obsession with the sea endeared her even more to me. Her constant strength and determination to be selfless, compassionate, just, and to do the right thing were admirable. Refreshing, even. Lux’s character arc was, without a doubt, the heart of the A Dark Brilliance duology for me. It was masterfully well-written and beautiful to witness. She’s like a dear friend to me now and I am proud of how far she's grown.
We’re also introduced to a new cast of characters—loveable ones, despicable ones, morally gray ones, and those in between. As always, I love how none of them felt like cookie cutter characters. They always have some sort of ✨ personality and/or quirk ✨ that makes them feel like real people to me. Even crazier, the majority of the characters in this book made their debuts in the same book!
There’s not a lot (and most of them are pretty unlikeable), but I missed the characters that were introduced in the first book. I think it’s a testament to Gloria Bottelman’s impeccable skill in creating complex characters—no matter how small their role in the story—that I actually missed them. But most especially Shaw. He took a little too long to show up. I was so worried Lux might have gotten a new love interest.
Unburied is a gothic fantasy first and foremost, but my heart still aches that we did not get as many LuxShaw moments as I hoped. Their chemistry could rival several romantasy books by a long shot—and Shaw was only physically with Lux in barely a half of the book. Apart, the yearning and tension tugged at my heart strings in all the right places. Their moments together? Worth. Every. Second. There’s barely friction in the relationship and I’m perfectly fine with that. Lux deserves all the love and support she could get after everything she’s been through! For all their sharpness and edges, LuxShaw were always soft and tender of each other. I am going to sorely miss following these characters so, so much!
And the new villains? Oh, don’t even get me started. Trust me when I say no one writes them better than the Gloria Bottelman. She has consistently introduced incredibly layered sinister villains since her debut—and the ones you’re going to meet in Unburied are absolute scums! If anything they remind me of a lot of Christian nationalists with their cult-like behavior, and tech overlords with god complexes and hubris reaching the skies. I mean, is it even a certified Gloria Bottelman book if she’s not dragging the wealthy elites across the mud and back? I guess not (for now, at least).
Also, Riselda, you can never make me form a proper opinion on you. Go rot and leave LuxShaw alone. They swan, you cockroach (for those who don’t get it, this is a meme).
Unburied was the perfect finale to one of my all-time favorite duologies. So few could neatly tie and wrap up the stories neatly in a bow—I could only think of three, this book included. I couldn’t ask for a better conclusion. From the whimsigoth promise of its first chapters to the final ones of its sequel, this duology never once loosened its grip on me. Everything the first book has been building towards paid off here, and I finished it completely overwhelmed, yet satisfied all the same.
Alongside Potions & Peculiarities, the A Dark Brilliance books have officially earned a special place in my heart. Truthfully, I could go on and on about Gloria Bottelman’s writing brilliance (once again, pun intended), but I fear I lack the words and the talent to describe how in love I am with anything she writes. Whatever they are, I look forward to supporting them because the saints above know how easy it is to fall in love with her stories. ♥️
Many thanks to the author for letting me into your whimsical worlds (for free), and may many readers find them!
It feels like just yesterday I stepped into this world of dark brilliances, carnivorous plants, and mysterious illnesses for the first time with Untethered. And now, after finishing Unburied, the final book in a YA gothic fantasy duology, I’m left with that strange mix of (positive) emotions that only truly unforgettable stories can leave behind.
Gloria Bottelman never fails to create beautifully immersive worlds with her gorgeous prose, compelling characters you’ll keep thinking about, and a riveting storyline that’ll have you turning pages faster before you know it. The third book in her catalog, Unburied is yet another proof of her brilliance (pun intended).
I’d say this book is even better than the first for a lot of reasons. It’s definitely one of those series whose sequel is better. Unburied is more macabre, more haunted, more bone-chillingly unpredictable.
Her versatility is unmatched and I am impressed just thinking about it. Unburied almost reads like a standalone, if it weren’t for the plot. There were more new characters introduced and the events unfolded far away from Ghadra. Even the vibes were different compared to the first book, where I felt constricted and claustrophobic in the city’s eerie isolation. In the sequel, I was faced with endless possibilities—the vast unknown of a sea and by extension, the world.
It was the same world that I—perhaps morbidly—fell in love with in the Untethered. With Lux traveling to places like Verity and the Mothlock Manor, encountering new sentient plants and magical items, and unlocking secrets and lore with conversations from strangers, the worldbuilding only became richer. And so did our knowledge of dark brilliances and Lux’s family history.
Reading this seaside gothic was quite a trippy experience. What better place for a young woman to be haunted by her deepest fears and nightmares than in a manor by the sea? With Lux as our narrator, I don’t even know what was real or not. If there’s anything I learned from reading Potions & Peculiarities, it’s that Gloria Bottelman is adept at writing unreliable narrators and subtly misleading her readers. I just knew nothing was to be trusted.
Despite my guards being up, I was still blown away by the twists and betrayals. Unburied is a page-turning read, for sure, with all the revelations that come to light. But I found myself closing my e-reader app so often to breathe and pace my room back and forth to calm down and process what on earth I just read.
This is perhaps the most well-paced book Gloria Bottelman wrote thus far. There was no chapter where I wasn’t hooked or struggled to get through. Like Untethered, the climax in this book was just as clever, heart-pounding, and action-packed!
Unburied picks up almost a month after the events of the first book, and Lux Thorn has come a long way since. I was heavily invested with her story and well-being from the start, and Unburied made me fall in love with her even more. Her obsession with the sea endeared her even more to me. Her constant strength and determination to be selfless, compassionate, just, and to do the right thing were admirable. Refreshing, even. Lux’s character arc was, without a doubt, the heart of the A Dark Brilliance duology for me. It was masterfully well-written and beautiful to witness. She’s like a dear friend to me now and I am proud of how far she's grown.
We’re also introduced to a new cast of characters—loveable ones, despicable ones, morally gray ones, and those in between. As always, I love how none of them felt like cookie cutter characters. They always have some sort of ✨ personality and/or quirk ✨ that makes them feel like real people to me. Even crazier, the majority of the characters in this book made their debuts in the same book!
There’s not a lot (and most of them are pretty unlikeable), but I missed the characters that were introduced in the first book. I think it’s a testament to Gloria Bottelman’s impeccable skill in creating complex characters—no matter how small their role in the story—that I actually missed them. But most especially Shaw. He took a little too long to show up. I was so worried Lux might have gotten a new love interest.
Unburied is a gothic fantasy first and foremost, but my heart still aches that we did not get as many LuxShaw moments as I hoped. Their chemistry could rival several romantasy books by a long shot—and Shaw was only physically with Lux in barely a half of the book. Apart, the yearning and tension tugged at my heart strings in all the right places. Their moments together? Worth. Every. Second. There’s barely friction in the relationship and I’m perfectly fine with that. Lux deserves all the love and support she could get after everything she’s been through! For all their sharpness and edges, LuxShaw were always soft and tender of each other. I am going to sorely miss following these characters so, so much!
And the new villains? Oh, don’t even get me started. Trust me when I say no one writes them better than the Gloria Bottelman. She has consistently introduced incredibly layered sinister villains since her debut—and the ones you’re going to meet in Unburied are absolute scums! If anything they remind me of a lot of Christian nationalists with their cult-like behavior, and tech overlords with god complexes and hubris reaching the skies. I mean, is it even a certified Gloria Bottelman book if she’s not dragging the wealthy elites across the mud and back? I guess not (for now, at least).
Also, Riselda, you can never make me form a proper opinion on you. Go rot and leave LuxShaw alone. They swan, you cockroach (for those who don’t get it, this is a meme).
Unburied was the perfect finale to one of my all-time favorite duologies. So few could neatly tie and wrap up the stories neatly in a bow—I could only think of three, this book included. I couldn’t ask for a better conclusion. From the whimsigoth promise of its first chapters to the final ones of its sequel, this duology never once loosened its grip on me. Everything the first book has been building towards paid off here, and I finished it completely overwhelmed, yet satisfied all the same.
Alongside Potions & Peculiarities, the A Dark Brilliance books have officially earned a special place in my heart. Truthfully, I could go on and on about Gloria Bottelman’s writing brilliance (once again, pun intended), but I fear I lack the words and the talent to describe how in love I am with anything she writes. Whatever they are, I look forward to supporting them because the saints above know how easy it is to fall in love with her stories. ♥️
Many thanks to the author for letting me into your whimsical worlds (for free), and may many readers find them!
April 2, 2026
Unburied is THE perfect sequel. Gloria Bottelman is an incredibly talented writer, who I will never tire of. Her ability to capture my attention and make me feel so deeply, is beyond impressive. The way her writing comes alive on the page and in my brain cannot be outdone by any other author I have read. I adore her writing and I urge you to pick up every single one of her books.
Mothlock Manor is a hauntingly beautiful setting. I was swept away along with Lux at how marvellous everything was. The descriptive writing was so immersive, I loved the gothic setting. I wanted to savour every page. The plot was very interesting, I liked that it followed on from Untethered without being repetitive. Whilst it started slow, the pace picked up quite a bit once we hit the middle. The 'Brilliances' were developed in a really cool way, the madness addition was super cool. The society behind the Collectors was so interesting, I liked learning about the history behind them and Mothlock. The Grimrooks were especially captivating, Riselda is an enigma, dare I say I loved her a little?
Boy have I missed Lux. Her stubbornness was not lacking. I missed her wit and her brilliance. She is an excellent character, she is one of my favourite characters of all time. Her personality never wavered, I truly care for her and how she ended up. Lux's journey felt authentic and also necessary. I love her an incredible amount, her personal growth was extremely well written. Shaw was perfect. The chemistry between the two was unmatched, this couple is one of my all time favourites. They're both such great characters, both broken but made whole by each other. The side characters were necessary to the story but didn't overpower the plot or Lux. There was definitely an element of found family I loved. I don't want to be done with this world, I want more. A story about Alline would be incredible, but I would honestly love stories on every character possible.
I will never stop recommending Gloria's books. I am lucky enough to have read all of her books as ARC's and I will do so for as long as she allows. If you love dark, gothic fantasies, with elements of horror, madness and suspense, you will love the Dark Brilliance duology. Packed full of betrayals, emotion and hope, this book is beyond difficult to put down.
Mothlock Manor is a hauntingly beautiful setting. I was swept away along with Lux at how marvellous everything was. The descriptive writing was so immersive, I loved the gothic setting. I wanted to savour every page. The plot was very interesting, I liked that it followed on from Untethered without being repetitive. Whilst it started slow, the pace picked up quite a bit once we hit the middle. The 'Brilliances' were developed in a really cool way, the madness addition was super cool. The society behind the Collectors was so interesting, I liked learning about the history behind them and Mothlock. The Grimrooks were especially captivating, Riselda is an enigma, dare I say I loved her a little?
Boy have I missed Lux. Her stubbornness was not lacking. I missed her wit and her brilliance. She is an excellent character, she is one of my favourite characters of all time. Her personality never wavered, I truly care for her and how she ended up. Lux's journey felt authentic and also necessary. I love her an incredible amount, her personal growth was extremely well written. Shaw was perfect. The chemistry between the two was unmatched, this couple is one of my all time favourites. They're both such great characters, both broken but made whole by each other. The side characters were necessary to the story but didn't overpower the plot or Lux. There was definitely an element of found family I loved. I don't want to be done with this world, I want more. A story about Alline would be incredible, but I would honestly love stories on every character possible.
I will never stop recommending Gloria's books. I am lucky enough to have read all of her books as ARC's and I will do so for as long as she allows. If you love dark, gothic fantasies, with elements of horror, madness and suspense, you will love the Dark Brilliance duology. Packed full of betrayals, emotion and hope, this book is beyond difficult to put down.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What an amazing end to the Dark Brilliance Duology!
If Untethered was the eerie, fog-drenched introduction to this world, Unburied is the breathtaking, high-stakes expansion that I didn't know I needed. Gloria Bottelman has written a sequel that manages to be more atmospheric, more emotional, and even darker than the first.
We leave the familiar streets of Ghadra behind and journey to the looming cliffs of Mothlock. The gothic vibes here are immaculate—think crashing waves, ancient manors with hidden doors, and a pervasive sense of dread that is "hauntingly beautiful". The world-building around "Dark Brilliance" and the "Collectors" is expanded in such a clever way, exploring the horrific cost of necromancy and the manipulation of lifeblood.
The heart of this book is Lux Thorn’s journey from a girl who "begged to be invisible" to a woman reclaiming her power. Her internal struggle with the "broken" parts of herself—and the realization that she was perhaps only "buried"—is one of the most moving character arcs I’ve read in fantasy recently.
And Shaw? His unwavering loyalty and the "hurt/comfort" dynamics between him and Lux are the absolute soul of this story. The way he supports her as she unearths her past—and the literal nightmares that come with it—is everything.
What I loved most was how the "body horror" and psychological abuse elements are handled with a deft hand, making the stakes feel visceral and real. The introduction of new allies like Aline and the complex, "cockroach-like" resilience of Riselda added so much depth to the narrative really solidifying the found family trope for me.
Unburied is a story about justice, healing, and the choices we make when our legacies try to define us. It’s bittersweet to say goodbye to Lux and Shaw, but this was a perfect conclusion to their journey.
Tropes:
* Dark Academia & Gothic Fantasy
* Grumpy x Sunshine (with a deadly edge)
* Hurt/Comfort
* Necromancy & Secret Societies
* "Hidden in plain sight" Magic
If you like your romantasy with a heavy dose of shadows and a side of vengeance, you need this duology on your shelf!!!
If Untethered was the eerie, fog-drenched introduction to this world, Unburied is the breathtaking, high-stakes expansion that I didn't know I needed. Gloria Bottelman has written a sequel that manages to be more atmospheric, more emotional, and even darker than the first.
We leave the familiar streets of Ghadra behind and journey to the looming cliffs of Mothlock. The gothic vibes here are immaculate—think crashing waves, ancient manors with hidden doors, and a pervasive sense of dread that is "hauntingly beautiful". The world-building around "Dark Brilliance" and the "Collectors" is expanded in such a clever way, exploring the horrific cost of necromancy and the manipulation of lifeblood.
The heart of this book is Lux Thorn’s journey from a girl who "begged to be invisible" to a woman reclaiming her power. Her internal struggle with the "broken" parts of herself—and the realization that she was perhaps only "buried"—is one of the most moving character arcs I’ve read in fantasy recently.
And Shaw? His unwavering loyalty and the "hurt/comfort" dynamics between him and Lux are the absolute soul of this story. The way he supports her as she unearths her past—and the literal nightmares that come with it—is everything.
What I loved most was how the "body horror" and psychological abuse elements are handled with a deft hand, making the stakes feel visceral and real. The introduction of new allies like Aline and the complex, "cockroach-like" resilience of Riselda added so much depth to the narrative really solidifying the found family trope for me.
Unburied is a story about justice, healing, and the choices we make when our legacies try to define us. It’s bittersweet to say goodbye to Lux and Shaw, but this was a perfect conclusion to their journey.
Tropes:
* Dark Academia & Gothic Fantasy
* Grumpy x Sunshine (with a deadly edge)
* Hurt/Comfort
* Necromancy & Secret Societies
* "Hidden in plain sight" Magic
If you like your romantasy with a heavy dose of shadows and a side of vengeance, you need this duology on your shelf!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 Stars
Dark, atmospheric, and yet full of whimsy, Unburied is the brilliant conclusion to the Dark Brilliance Duology.
Following the events of Untethered, Lux is now on a journey to discover the truth behind the Lifeblood. We leave the familiar streets of Ghadra and travel to the seaside manor of Mothlock, where secrets run deep and truth may be enough to drive our young necromancer out of her mind.
I loved this book. Lux's character development across the two novels is perfection. Going from an outcast girl trying to stay largely invisible in a society in which she is shunned to a confident necromancer coming into her own is a sight to behold. Lux really is such a relatable character. She's irritable and a little grumpy, but is also good and does what she believes is right. She shows self-doubt, but perseveres.
Shaw is a favorite book boyfriend. He is always there for Lux. There is so much tenderness between the two of them, that I couldn't help but squeal with delight at every scene between the two of them. The teasing. The banter. It was everything.
I mean:
"'I haven't been goaded into a dare ever. I have nothing to prove. His eyes dipped to her mouth. She could feel every point of pressure from his fingertips like a brand on her chin. 'But I think I would like to argue this one.'
She only managed a meager gasp before his lips came down on hers."
Swoon.
The writing is beautiful and atmospheric - a blend of creepy and dark with the whimsical. The character development is on point. The ending felt like a lot happened all at once, but I enjoyed the story the whole way through. I can't wait to see what comes next from Gloria Bottelman.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.
Dark, atmospheric, and yet full of whimsy, Unburied is the brilliant conclusion to the Dark Brilliance Duology.
Following the events of Untethered, Lux is now on a journey to discover the truth behind the Lifeblood. We leave the familiar streets of Ghadra and travel to the seaside manor of Mothlock, where secrets run deep and truth may be enough to drive our young necromancer out of her mind.
I loved this book. Lux's character development across the two novels is perfection. Going from an outcast girl trying to stay largely invisible in a society in which she is shunned to a confident necromancer coming into her own is a sight to behold. Lux really is such a relatable character. She's irritable and a little grumpy, but is also good and does what she believes is right. She shows self-doubt, but perseveres.
Shaw is a favorite book boyfriend. He is always there for Lux. There is so much tenderness between the two of them, that I couldn't help but squeal with delight at every scene between the two of them. The teasing. The banter. It was everything.
I mean:
"'I haven't been goaded into a dare ever. I have nothing to prove. His eyes dipped to her mouth. She could feel every point of pressure from his fingertips like a brand on her chin. 'But I think I would like to argue this one.'
She only managed a meager gasp before his lips came down on hers."
Swoon.
The writing is beautiful and atmospheric - a blend of creepy and dark with the whimsical. The character development is on point. The ending felt like a lot happened all at once, but I enjoyed the story the whole way through. I can't wait to see what comes next from Gloria Bottelman.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
It is only fitting Brilliance is in the duology title, because these books are bloody brilliant!
Lux Thorn set off on her travels to live up to her promise of investigating the lifeblood that caused Ghadra tragedy. When she encounters a hopeful lead, she accepts the invitation to Madlock Manor in hopes of unlocking secrets, but as quickly as the sense of belonging begins, darkness emerges, causing nightmares so strong, they drive a necromancer mad.
Lux is one of my favorite characters! Gloria writes with impressive emotional depth. I could feel Lux’s annoyance at every inconvenience, the self doubt increasing as horrors persisted and her soft spot only for Shaw helping her reclaim confidence and restore internal balance. Her cursing and being scolded by others kept me giggling because she’s so relatable for that.
Gloria writes eerie and moody masterfully! I’m such a fan of her writing and gothic storytelling. Her words come to life setting the scenes of crashing waves against dark cliffs, walking the mansion paths avoiding the venomous bramble and wafting the mustiness of stacked books in an abandoned hallway.
I enjoyed the sequel at Mothlock while still having the ties to Ghadra weaved throughout creating the perfect conclusion! I was on the edge of my seat to the very end, but all the pieces came together for a hauntingly satisfying and beautiful ending to Lux and Shaw. 🖤
Inside the pages, you’ll find:
🌊 Seaside manor
🐦⬛ A crow as an unlikely alley
🌊 Hallowed banquet
🐦⬛ Curses
🌊 Old society
🐦⬛ Creepy x darkly cozy vibes
Lux Thorn set off on her travels to live up to her promise of investigating the lifeblood that caused Ghadra tragedy. When she encounters a hopeful lead, she accepts the invitation to Madlock Manor in hopes of unlocking secrets, but as quickly as the sense of belonging begins, darkness emerges, causing nightmares so strong, they drive a necromancer mad.
Lux is one of my favorite characters! Gloria writes with impressive emotional depth. I could feel Lux’s annoyance at every inconvenience, the self doubt increasing as horrors persisted and her soft spot only for Shaw helping her reclaim confidence and restore internal balance. Her cursing and being scolded by others kept me giggling because she’s so relatable for that.
Gloria writes eerie and moody masterfully! I’m such a fan of her writing and gothic storytelling. Her words come to life setting the scenes of crashing waves against dark cliffs, walking the mansion paths avoiding the venomous bramble and wafting the mustiness of stacked books in an abandoned hallway.
I enjoyed the sequel at Mothlock while still having the ties to Ghadra weaved throughout creating the perfect conclusion! I was on the edge of my seat to the very end, but all the pieces came together for a hauntingly satisfying and beautiful ending to Lux and Shaw. 🖤
Inside the pages, you’ll find:
🌊 Seaside manor
🐦⬛ A crow as an unlikely alley
🌊 Hallowed banquet
🐦⬛ Curses
🌊 Old society
🐦⬛ Creepy x darkly cozy vibes
Review of advance copy received from Author
Unburied by Gloria Bottelman is a bone chilling mystery that fills the dark crevices of your mind.
The mystery of Ghadra reached even farther than anyone could imagine, a society that supposed is dedicated in preserving knowledge, does much more than that. Be ready to go on a journey where nothing makes sense, and the world is even bigger than you once thought. And be ready to choose between revenge or something even darker.
The FMC has the world to see and quests to experience alone. It thrilled me reading this book because despite the clean ending of the first book there was still many things left undone. The atmosphere of this book was beautifully dark, the inner fears and struggles reaching into the inner recesses of your mind. There was no light that seemed to shine through and no hope. But in the end it all worked out.
I recommend this book if you want a book with eerie and darkly cozy gothic fantasy this is the one for you.
Thank you to Gloria Bottelman for the free book.
The mystery of Ghadra reached even farther than anyone could imagine, a society that supposed is dedicated in preserving knowledge, does much more than that. Be ready to go on a journey where nothing makes sense, and the world is even bigger than you once thought. And be ready to choose between revenge or something even darker.
The FMC has the world to see and quests to experience alone. It thrilled me reading this book because despite the clean ending of the first book there was still many things left undone. The atmosphere of this book was beautifully dark, the inner fears and struggles reaching into the inner recesses of your mind. There was no light that seemed to shine through and no hope. But in the end it all worked out.
I recommend this book if you want a book with eerie and darkly cozy gothic fantasy this is the one for you.
Thank you to Gloria Bottelman for the free book.
April 4, 2026
thank you so much to the author for the early copy! all opinions are my own!!
a hundred times better than the first one. i adored seeing Lux in another setting, challenging herself to furfill her dream but at the same time missing her town and the special people she had. that felt super real and i had to highlight it. i enjoyed reading about the brilliances and finally figuring out the name of the duology, what exactly they mean and how important they are. the drama surrounding this secret society was truly well done, i was not expecting anything of what came after Lux met up with it. filled with dark secrets, hidden rooms, suspicious people, i had no idea who to trust, which we always appreciate. and the reappering of some old characters around the second half blew my mind for real, i had no idea how they would help out the MC but when they did, i was so happy i couldn't stop reading. it felt fast and really enjoyable. i truly enjoyed it and i'm so happy i gave this duology a chance 💜
a hundred times better than the first one. i adored seeing Lux in another setting, challenging herself to furfill her dream but at the same time missing her town and the special people she had. that felt super real and i had to highlight it. i enjoyed reading about the brilliances and finally figuring out the name of the duology, what exactly they mean and how important they are. the drama surrounding this secret society was truly well done, i was not expecting anything of what came after Lux met up with it. filled with dark secrets, hidden rooms, suspicious people, i had no idea who to trust, which we always appreciate. and the reappering of some old characters around the second half blew my mind for real, i had no idea how they would help out the MC but when they did, i was so happy i couldn't stop reading. it felt fast and really enjoyable. i truly enjoyed it and i'm so happy i gave this duology a chance 💜
April 20, 2026
Sinking into Lux's story was like seeing an old friend again - I was so happy to be back with my girl as she travels out of Ghadra on a quest to find those who have been purchasing the lifeblood that was uncovered in Untethered. Add to that a personal concern that she somehow harmed her soul when she healed herself at the end of book 1 and we have the perfect set up for book 2.
The world grows slightly larger as Lux travels, but I could quite happily hang out with her and Shaw in a single room for 100 pages and be perfectly content. The adventure they find themselves on is a great expansion from the happenings in book 1 without any repetition or anything overly familiar.
As the second book in the duology, it wrapped the story up in a way that felt authentic and correct for the rest of the story - however the fate of one character did feel slightly forced. That said, the book and series was an absolute delight and so I still feel the 5 star review is warranted.
Thank you to Gloria Bottelman for the opportunity to read and honestly review Unburied prior to its release.
The world grows slightly larger as Lux travels, but I could quite happily hang out with her and Shaw in a single room for 100 pages and be perfectly content. The adventure they find themselves on is a great expansion from the happenings in book 1 without any repetition or anything overly familiar.
As the second book in the duology, it wrapped the story up in a way that felt authentic and correct for the rest of the story - however the fate of one character did feel slightly forced. That said, the book and series was an absolute delight and so I still feel the 5 star review is warranted.
Thank you to Gloria Bottelman for the opportunity to read and honestly review Unburied prior to its release.
April 3, 2026
I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have received an advanced copy of Unburied from the author! 🫶
I am so obsessed with Unburied and truly think that this is the absolute perfect sequel to Untethered! 🥹🖤 I am crying knowing that this duology is over because I loved reading both of these books so much and I will forever be recommending them to everyone! 🫶
Gloria Bottleman does such an incredible job with creating such a beautiful gothic atmosphere that made me feel like I was in the book myself. Lux is my absolute favorite and I love her so much. She’s such a special character and her journey is this one is beautiful. Do not even begin to get me started on the plot twists and turns because I almost dropped my kindle three times while reading because I was that shocked! 😳😱🤯🙊
If you love YA gothic fantasy books, found family, morally grey characters and a book that is truly incredible then this is the one for you! 🫶
I am so obsessed with Unburied and truly think that this is the absolute perfect sequel to Untethered! 🥹🖤 I am crying knowing that this duology is over because I loved reading both of these books so much and I will forever be recommending them to everyone! 🫶
Gloria Bottleman does such an incredible job with creating such a beautiful gothic atmosphere that made me feel like I was in the book myself. Lux is my absolute favorite and I love her so much. She’s such a special character and her journey is this one is beautiful. Do not even begin to get me started on the plot twists and turns because I almost dropped my kindle three times while reading because I was that shocked! 😳😱🤯🙊
If you love YA gothic fantasy books, found family, morally grey characters and a book that is truly incredible then this is the one for you! 🫶
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved this sequel to Untethered! Unburied follows Lux as she begins a journey to finish what she started in Ghadra and uncover those involved in the harvest of lifeblood. Lux’s travels take her through mountains, villages, and forests, to a gloomy cliffside manor by the sea. At Mothlock Lux begins to uncover more secrets and discover the truth about her past and magic. The author does an amazing job continuing Lux’s story in Unburied. Just like Untethered, the writing is beautiful, and the settings are always places I long to see. The closure is so satisfying and one of my all time favorite book endings! Add this book to your must read list if you love Gothic fantasy, moody and layered characters, great banter, atmospheric settings, and a great story about the power of love, friendship, and finding your way home. Such an amazing duology by author Gloria Bottelman!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am so happy to have been able to read an ARC of "Unburied", the sequel to one of my favorite indie reads last year, "Untethered."
This was such a great wrap up of the Dark Brilliance duology, expanding on the lore, the world, and the characters. Gloria writes in such a way that just scratches the itch in my brain, everything flowing smoothly while keeping the reader submerged in the mystery of the story. I love the unique way that necromancy is approached, and getting to see that continued, but with a cult-like vibe that had me narrowing my eyes at some of the characters. We also get some familiar characters from book 1 that I was excited to see.
If you love gothic stories that explore themes of life and death, corrupt groups that seek power, eerie and mysterious atmospheres, and dynamic characters, then you will enjoy this duology.
This was such a great wrap up of the Dark Brilliance duology, expanding on the lore, the world, and the characters. Gloria writes in such a way that just scratches the itch in my brain, everything flowing smoothly while keeping the reader submerged in the mystery of the story. I love the unique way that necromancy is approached, and getting to see that continued, but with a cult-like vibe that had me narrowing my eyes at some of the characters. We also get some familiar characters from book 1 that I was excited to see.
If you love gothic stories that explore themes of life and death, corrupt groups that seek power, eerie and mysterious atmospheres, and dynamic characters, then you will enjoy this duology.
April 3, 2026
Gloria Bottelman has created a FMC that I hate to see come to an end.
Lux's journey away from Ghadra (and Shaw) to find the missing lifeblood and she thinks she must do it on her own... Big mistake! Little does she know that she is the next item being collected at Mothlock Manor and Shaw is close on her heels to make sure Lux is safe. The dynamic between Lux and Shaw is so refreshing - it's gentle with a dash of snark and a pinch of spice with them saying the right things unexpectedly and saying everything with one look. In the end, Lux realizes that she cannot do everything on her own and accepts the help of her friends, new and old.
Favorite Quote: "You stole my blood. Now give me yours."
Lux's journey away from Ghadra (and Shaw) to find the missing lifeblood and she thinks she must do it on her own... Big mistake! Little does she know that she is the next item being collected at Mothlock Manor and Shaw is close on her heels to make sure Lux is safe. The dynamic between Lux and Shaw is so refreshing - it's gentle with a dash of snark and a pinch of spice with them saying the right things unexpectedly and saying everything with one look. In the end, Lux realizes that she cannot do everything on her own and accepts the help of her friends, new and old.
Favorite Quote: "You stole my blood. Now give me yours."
March 30, 2026
Gloria, please inject any future writing directly into my eyeballs, ok? Thanks so much 😭🖤
I am so beyond grateful to have received this e-arc, long story short: I loved it so much
Unburied is the second instalment of the Dark Brilliance duology by Gloria Bottelman and it’s everything I’ve come to expect from Gloria and more! Whimsy, magic, gothic and macabre vibes, plenty of wit and beautiful writing. Lux is one of my favourite characters ever and Shaw is great and I even actually kind of love Riselda.
Honestly, everyone, if you love cosy fantasy with added creepiness and a fmc’s who are sharp and amazing, please go and read Untethered and then Unburied and then also Potions & Peculiarities 🖤
I am so beyond grateful to have received this e-arc, long story short: I loved it so much
Unburied is the second instalment of the Dark Brilliance duology by Gloria Bottelman and it’s everything I’ve come to expect from Gloria and more! Whimsy, magic, gothic and macabre vibes, plenty of wit and beautiful writing. Lux is one of my favourite characters ever and Shaw is great and I even actually kind of love Riselda.
Honestly, everyone, if you love cosy fantasy with added creepiness and a fmc’s who are sharp and amazing, please go and read Untethered and then Unburied and then also Potions & Peculiarities 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 rounded up
Once again - I adore Lux! I was so glad that I got to come and visit her again and all of the gothic, cozy, and eerie vibes that she brings and resides inside of. As a mood reader, the vibes of this world are always phenomenal and will always suck me in. I love coming to a place that is so full of mystery and whimsical eeriness! This was such a perfect ending to the duology, but I absolutely hope that we'll be brought back into this world at some point!
If you've read other books by Gloria Bottelman and loved them, then this one will live up to the hype and you'll adore it too! Fingers crossed on coming back to Ghadra at some point outside of a reread!
Once again - I adore Lux! I was so glad that I got to come and visit her again and all of the gothic, cozy, and eerie vibes that she brings and resides inside of. As a mood reader, the vibes of this world are always phenomenal and will always suck me in. I love coming to a place that is so full of mystery and whimsical eeriness! This was such a perfect ending to the duology, but I absolutely hope that we'll be brought back into this world at some point!
If you've read other books by Gloria Bottelman and loved them, then this one will live up to the hype and you'll adore it too! Fingers crossed on coming back to Ghadra at some point outside of a reread!
April 11, 2026
Gloria is at it once again! I was so excited to return to her cozy yet gothic world and continue with Lux’s story.
The beautiful writing dragged me right into the book. Shes sets the vibes perfectly. This book was so hard to put down!
Lux continues to be a fantastic character, she smart, tougher than she seems, she has to go through some /struggles/ but her growth from them is incredible.
I love a good magic system and The Brilliance Doulogy does not disappoint in that regard. I love seeing more of this magic, learning more about how it works and even getting to see new gifts was a treat.
This book was honestly an excellent ending to Lux’s story. There is so much happening, so many secrets to uncover and such a good ending.
I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be apart of the ARC team for Unburied.
The beautiful writing dragged me right into the book. Shes sets the vibes perfectly. This book was so hard to put down!
Lux continues to be a fantastic character, she smart, tougher than she seems, she has to go through some /struggles/ but her growth from them is incredible.
I love a good magic system and The Brilliance Doulogy does not disappoint in that regard. I love seeing more of this magic, learning more about how it works and even getting to see new gifts was a treat.
This book was honestly an excellent ending to Lux’s story. There is so much happening, so many secrets to uncover and such a good ending.
I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be apart of the ARC team for Unburied.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This series is in my top three indie books and probably my favorite duology of all time! The gothic vibes, magic, and just the right amount of romance make this perfect for me. Lux is such a dark, cynical, yet lovable FMC.
I wasn’t sure what was going to happen after Untethered, but Unburied went into what seemed like a whole new story and then tied everything together beautifully throughout. I also enjoyed the additional spook in this one.
My only note is that I feel like a lot happened at the end really quickly and it could have been expanded more or pared down.
I wasn’t sure what was going to happen after Untethered, but Unburied went into what seemed like a whole new story and then tied everything together beautifully throughout. I also enjoyed the additional spook in this one.
My only note is that I feel like a lot happened at the end really quickly and it could have been expanded more or pared down.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Gloria Bottelman single-handily has me falling in love with YA fantasy all over again. Unburied combines cozy fantasy with a gothic setting and mystery. And Lux? She is exactly who she thinks she is.
After Untethered, I was eager to learn more about Lux and this book delivers. She goes on this adventure to find herself outside of Ghadra and what she finds blew my mind. Gloria has a way of dropping hints in her stories without fully giving away the secrets.
Unburied is the perfect conclusion to the Dark Brilliance Duology. I look forward to seeing what she writes next!
After Untethered, I was eager to learn more about Lux and this book delivers. She goes on this adventure to find herself outside of Ghadra and what she finds blew my mind. Gloria has a way of dropping hints in her stories without fully giving away the secrets.
Unburied is the perfect conclusion to the Dark Brilliance Duology. I look forward to seeing what she writes next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5 ⭐️
It’s been over 15 months since I read book one, so while I didn’t remember much of it, I was still able to get into this one.
It was a bit confusing at first, though it improved as the story went on. However, it took a completely different direction from the first book, which threw me off. Because of that, I found myself feeling distracted most of the time.
There were moments when I was genuinely scared for Lux, but by the end, the conclusion felt somewhat unsatisfying to me.
Maybe it’s just a me thing.
It’s been over 15 months since I read book one, so while I didn’t remember much of it, I was still able to get into this one.
It was a bit confusing at first, though it improved as the story went on. However, it took a completely different direction from the first book, which threw me off. Because of that, I found myself feeling distracted most of the time.
There were moments when I was genuinely scared for Lux, but by the end, the conclusion felt somewhat unsatisfying to me.
Maybe it’s just a me thing.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I just finished and ... wow. This was a perfect second book in a duology. It elevated the story without being convoluted and it wrapped up perfectly in the end. I will forever love Lux because I see myself in her. She is full of a burning anger and a seething loneliness and neither is what she wants. There's secret societies, a descent into madness and quite frankly, some parts were spooky (hello, nightmares??) I love GB's style of writing, also. It's beautiful and whimsical, but not in a flowery and overstuffed way, if that makes sense. It leans toward a darker edge, and it's consistent throughout her other books (Untethered and Potions). If you liked Untethered, you'll like this one too! I might have even liked it more, tbh.
As always, thank you to the author for the ARC ♡
As always, thank you to the author for the ARC ♡
April 15, 2026
I am not ready to say goodbye to these characters.
Lux and Shaw absolutely have my heart.
Unburied is a perfect ending to this Duology and days after I turned the last page, I am still dreaming of the world that Gloria Bottelman created.
The prose draws you in to experience all the sights, sounds and tastes alongside Lux and inhale all the gothic beauty that this book has to offer.
I will never be able to run out of praise for this duology.
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC to read and enjoy.
Lux and Shaw absolutely have my heart.
Unburied is a perfect ending to this Duology and days after I turned the last page, I am still dreaming of the world that Gloria Bottelman created.
The prose draws you in to experience all the sights, sounds and tastes alongside Lux and inhale all the gothic beauty that this book has to offer.
I will never be able to run out of praise for this duology.
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC to read and enjoy.
April 13, 2026
What a great sequel and end to this duology! I was so happy to return to this story and absolutely loved this ending. The second half of this book had me on the edge of my seat once everything was really coming together and not knowing how it would end and the plot twists were great. This series hit gothic fantasy perfectly on the head. I love me a gothic fantasy and this definitely gave me what I want.
Review of advance copy received from Author
INCREDIBLE
I was so excited for the conclusion of this duology and it didn’t disappoint!!!
I was on the edge of my seat constantly and honestly just couldn’t put it down!
I LOVE a good mystery and that ending?!? How the series tied together was perfect!
Love secret societies, gothic whimsy, atmospheric, powers and necromancy? This is for you!!!
Thank you to Gloria for the eARC ❤️
I was so excited for the conclusion of this duology and it didn’t disappoint!!!
I was on the edge of my seat constantly and honestly just couldn’t put it down!
I LOVE a good mystery and that ending?!? How the series tied together was perfect!
Love secret societies, gothic whimsy, atmospheric, powers and necromancy? This is for you!!!
Thank you to Gloria for the eARC ❤️
March 16, 2026
A fantastic sequel and conclusion to this duology! These turn of events were delightful, drawing me in from page one. The plot twists were a tangle of character growth and hidden secrets in a way that kept me tangled in the web until the conclusion. I loved seeing the change in the characters throughout. Overall, a wonderful story and one I will be reading again!
Thank you for the arc!
Thank you for the arc!
Review of advance copy received from Author
rtc
April 6, 2026
Another great story from this author and a wonderful conclusion to this duology! Loved the characters and the settings! Thank you to the author for the ARC ✨ Can’t wait to see what they write next!
April 21, 2026
"𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒘𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒖𝒑 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒐𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒘 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂 𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆, 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆, 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒂 𝒄𝒖𝒑 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒆𝒂 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒇𝒊𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒊𝒓 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒉."
I wasn't sure I would be able to love this one as much as I did the first book but absolutely loved it just as much. The atmospheric and gothic vibes of the first book was part of my favorite things and it continues in this one. The way the first book ended had me in my feelings. I knew there would be a reunion I yearned for but was sure how it would happen.
Lux is one of my favorite female characters ever written. Shes sassy, kind and resonates in my soul. She lives in grief but fights to stay in the light. The growth and struggles she goes through in these two books makes me so happy and makes me want to give her the biggest hug. Shaw is also one of my favorite male characters written. They have such a supportive and adorable romance and it makes me kick my feet. Some of the new characters I enjoyed as well and having more on the brillance's was just as enjoyable. This was cozy and creepy! The ending of this duology wrapped together so perfectly. We started in the forest and ended up by the sea.
I received this sweet baby from the author as an arc but I've been a slow reader and missed the release date. I've been so lucky to find this author and can't wait to read the rest of her work 💚
I wasn't sure I would be able to love this one as much as I did the first book but absolutely loved it just as much. The atmospheric and gothic vibes of the first book was part of my favorite things and it continues in this one. The way the first book ended had me in my feelings. I knew there would be a reunion I yearned for but was sure how it would happen.
Lux is one of my favorite female characters ever written. Shes sassy, kind and resonates in my soul. She lives in grief but fights to stay in the light. The growth and struggles she goes through in these two books makes me so happy and makes me want to give her the biggest hug. Shaw is also one of my favorite male characters written. They have such a supportive and adorable romance and it makes me kick my feet. Some of the new characters I enjoyed as well and having more on the brillance's was just as enjoyable. This was cozy and creepy! The ending of this duology wrapped together so perfectly. We started in the forest and ended up by the sea.
I received this sweet baby from the author as an arc but I've been a slow reader and missed the release date. I've been so lucky to find this author and can't wait to read the rest of her work 💚
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews