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Unburied
Not yet published
Expected 2 Apr 26When 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
Expected publication April 2, 2026
95 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
March 25, 2026
Review to come….
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews