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The Poisoner #3
The Cannibal
Not yet published
Expected 1 Sep 26The explosive final book in I.V. Ophelia’s darkly addictive Poisoner trilogy—a bestselling gothic romance series about a botanist who kills unsavory men, and the one man who's resistant to her deadly poisons while she finds herself intoxicated by his deadly charms...
433 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 1, 2026
About the author
I.V. Ophelia
8 books2,549 followersUSA Today Bestselling author I.V. Ophelia is known for the gothic vampire series The Poisoner. Born in small-town New England, she now haunts the streets of New York City, writing the most unhinged tales she can conjure. When not crafting gothic romance, she works as a full-time artist, hoards nineteenth-century gowns and antique furniture, dotes on her menagerie of pets, and plots her next literary transgression.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Want to Read
April 25, 2026The end is near. Welcome THE CANNIBAL is the last installment of The Poisoner Series. The Duet audiobook will be available with the standard formats on release day!
The paperback will include sprayed edges on the first print run, just like Poisoner and Arachnid.
🖤 Last book in a trilogy
🖤 Vampire Society, Hierarchies, and Biology
🖤 Drama, Tension, Revenge
🖤 Found Family
🖤 Deadly Women
🥀Release Sep 1
🥀Sprayed edges limited to the first print run
🥀Spot gloss and embossing
🥀4 POVs
🥀Custom illustrated title page and chapter headers
🥀Duet audiobook
🥀Paperback preorders open!
Shop the series: https://www.simonandschuster.com/auth...
🖤 Last book in a trilogy
🖤 Vampire Society, Hierarchies, and Biology
🖤 Drama, Tension, Revenge
🖤 Found Family
🖤 Deadly Women
🥀Release Sep 1
🥀Sprayed edges limited to the first print run
🥀Spot gloss and embossing
🥀4 POVs
🥀Custom illustrated title page and chapter headers
🥀Duet audiobook
🥀Paperback preorders open!
Shop the series: https://www.simonandschuster.com/auth...
June 29, 2026
"A love as steadfast as arsenic, a pair as deadly as so. Dreadfully, indisputably, made for each other."🥀🩸
The Cannibal is by far my most anticipated read of the year alongside The Arachnid. I'm beyond honored to have had the chance to experience the finale early in ARC form. All thoughts are completely honest. I can confidently say that it's exceeded every expectation I had and then some!
I.V. Ophelia's skill as a writer truly shines through. There's some great use of foreshadowing and dread-inducing elements throughout that build to a crescendo. Alina's nightmare/dream scenes have become something I look forward to with each book. This was the first to turn one of my biggest fears into a dream scene, and it left me extremely uncomfortable and disturbed. In a good way. Kind of.
These are the characters we know and love, yet they still surprise us at every turn. Luka grows on you like a tumor. Phoebe is her chipper self and yet you'll feel the closest to her out of all three books. Silas is his ever-handsome, yearning self and yet there are still new depths to explore. And Alina, well you'll see… There are many revelations and reveals. You'll struggle to keep your jaw off the floor!
There's a beauty in this ending, but it also feels kinda bittersweet. I feel as though I've been stabbed with this being the end of The Poisoner books (though I know Ophelia has mentioned the possibility of books set in this universe in the future). Obviously, I knew this was coming, but ultimately, the journey from reading the indie OOP cover of The Poisoner freshly published with its fashion plates, to its traditionally published ending in 2026 has been one hell of a ride! We got the last two books so quickly.
I will never forget the connections I've made through this series, the opportunities or the creativity it inspires in me. I'll still have every reason to come back to it, and it's many editions time and time again.
Tread with caution because The Poisoner series will never leave you. You'll see Phoebe in every pink dress, Alina in every poisonous bloom and Silas haunting your every dream.
And let's be honest, NO REAL MAN COULD EVER BE SILAS. But, I'm still incredibly hopeful that we'll get an adaptation the likes of IWTV.
The Cannibal is by far my most anticipated read of the year alongside The Arachnid. I'm beyond honored to have had the chance to experience the finale early in ARC form. All thoughts are completely honest. I can confidently say that it's exceeded every expectation I had and then some!
I.V. Ophelia's skill as a writer truly shines through. There's some great use of foreshadowing and dread-inducing elements throughout that build to a crescendo. Alina's nightmare/dream scenes have become something I look forward to with each book. This was the first to turn one of my biggest fears into a dream scene, and it left me extremely uncomfortable and disturbed. In a good way. Kind of.
These are the characters we know and love, yet they still surprise us at every turn. Luka grows on you like a tumor. Phoebe is her chipper self and yet you'll feel the closest to her out of all three books. Silas is his ever-handsome, yearning self and yet there are still new depths to explore. And Alina, well you'll see… There are many revelations and reveals. You'll struggle to keep your jaw off the floor!
There's a beauty in this ending, but it also feels kinda bittersweet. I feel as though I've been stabbed with this being the end of The Poisoner books (though I know Ophelia has mentioned the possibility of books set in this universe in the future). Obviously, I knew this was coming, but ultimately, the journey from reading the indie OOP cover of The Poisoner freshly published with its fashion plates, to its traditionally published ending in 2026 has been one hell of a ride! We got the last two books so quickly.
I will never forget the connections I've made through this series, the opportunities or the creativity it inspires in me. I'll still have every reason to come back to it, and it's many editions time and time again.
Tread with caution because The Poisoner series will never leave you. You'll see Phoebe in every pink dress, Alina in every poisonous bloom and Silas haunting your every dream.
And let's be honest, NO REAL MAN COULD EVER BE SILAS. But, I'm still incredibly hopeful that we'll get an adaptation the likes of IWTV.
Want to Read
December 23, 2025Oh, my god! I can’t believe we are coming to the grand finale! This series has been such an emotional ride for me, and I am so excited to see where it goes!!
June 27, 2026
Thank you so much for the ARC!
The Cannibal was a perfect ending to the Poisoner series. I went through all of the emotions, especially in the last 20% of the book. There were tears, anger that developed into all out rage, and more heartbreak but with Silas and Alina, there was no other way to end their story! I liked the multiple POVs, it adds depth to the story by getting into everyone’s head and see how they were coping with everything that was happening. I’m sad the series is over but it really was a fitting end for these two!
The Cannibal was a perfect ending to the Poisoner series. I went through all of the emotions, especially in the last 20% of the book. There were tears, anger that developed into all out rage, and more heartbreak but with Silas and Alina, there was no other way to end their story! I liked the multiple POVs, it adds depth to the story by getting into everyone’s head and see how they were coping with everything that was happening. I’m sad the series is over but it really was a fitting end for these two!
May 3, 2026
First off, thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Otherwise, I’ll keep my actual review short until closer to publication. But OMG SO GOOD 1000000/10 the last 20% of this book had my jaw on the ground. An amazing end to an incredible series!
Otherwise, I’ll keep my actual review short until closer to publication. But OMG SO GOOD 1000000/10 the last 20% of this book had my jaw on the ground. An amazing end to an incredible series!
Want to Read
December 23, 2025going to be eating this up. BUT I DONT WANT IT TO ENDD.
but i still cant wait to see what happens in this book hehehehe
but i still cant wait to see what happens in this book hehehehe
June 27, 2026
I ate this up! Absolutely devoured it!! Ecstatic to be part of Ophelia’s street team.
Usually sequels lose my interest, and the character development ends up falling flat, but Ophelia never fails to disappoint. The execution, is a hard nail on the head. These characters evolved so naturally and compelling. And Alina and Silas' hate-fucked fueled back-and-forth had me completely hooked from start to finish. I couldn't put it down!
Luka peaked for me in Cannibal and is now my favourite character. There was a scene with him that me completely hooked, and the subtle hints of depravity has me hoping he'll get a book of his own. There was just enough glimpses of trauma to leave me reeling and craving more.
Without spoiling anything, I also came to the surprising realization that, despite knowing I absolutely shouldn't have been rooting for the villain... I was completely captivated. There's just something about a wicked smirk paired with impeccable tailoring that makes resisting impossible.
Usually sequels lose my interest, and the character development ends up falling flat, but Ophelia never fails to disappoint. The execution, is a hard nail on the head. These characters evolved so naturally and compelling. And Alina and Silas' hate-fucked fueled back-and-forth had me completely hooked from start to finish. I couldn't put it down!
Luka peaked for me in Cannibal and is now my favourite character. There was a scene with him that me completely hooked, and the subtle hints of depravity has me hoping he'll get a book of his own. There was just enough glimpses of trauma to leave me reeling and craving more.
Without spoiling anything, I also came to the surprising realization that, despite knowing I absolutely shouldn't have been rooting for the villain... I was completely captivated. There's just something about a wicked smirk paired with impeccable tailoring that makes resisting impossible.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I’m part of I.V Ophelia’s street team and omg I loved the story. It’s 6 stars for me. It was also heartbreaking and I had some tears. I really recommend this book. Put this book on your TBR!🖤🥀
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Recieved an e-arc from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
After reading the cliffhanger that was The Arachnid I was soooo excited to finally finish the series and read The Cannibal. This was genuinely a wonderful finale, and so many questions were answered and resolved in a truly dark and gothic manner. I.V. Ophelia is a true lover of Gothic and dark literature.
The beginning was a bit slow, but once the story moves it moves. I just couldn't get enough of Alina and Silas. I really really really loved to see their growth and relationship in this. I kept remembering just how different their relationship was in The Poisoner, and now to this. It made me want to reread the whole series once my physical copy comes in the mail.
I will admit, I was always pretty lukewarm when it comes to Phoebe and Luka, but this book really made me care more for them. I still think Luka is a bit underdeveloped, and his POV didn't seem to add much to the story in my opinion, but it was nice to see the whole group's relationship blossom throughout the series.
I just wish it was longer, purely for my own selfish desire of seeing more between Alina and Silas. And maybe even more of her coming in and taking iniative, similar to how she was in book 2, even if it would be after the climax. Could we pretty please one day get more from this poisonous couple one day???
After reading the cliffhanger that was The Arachnid I was soooo excited to finally finish the series and read The Cannibal. This was genuinely a wonderful finale, and so many questions were answered and resolved in a truly dark and gothic manner. I.V. Ophelia is a true lover of Gothic and dark literature.
The beginning was a bit slow, but once the story moves it moves. I just couldn't get enough of Alina and Silas. I really really really loved to see their growth and relationship in this. I kept remembering just how different their relationship was in The Poisoner, and now to this. It made me want to reread the whole series once my physical copy comes in the mail.
I will admit, I was always pretty lukewarm when it comes to Phoebe and Luka, but this book really made me care more for them. I still think Luka is a bit underdeveloped, and his POV didn't seem to add much to the story in my opinion, but it was nice to see the whole group's relationship blossom throughout the series.
I just wish it was longer, purely for my own selfish desire of seeing more between Alina and Silas. And maybe even more of her coming in and taking iniative, similar to how she was in book 2, even if it would be after the climax. Could we pretty please one day get more from this poisonous couple one day???
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Cannibal was one of my most anticipated reads, and it did not disappoint! I adore this series and its characters so much a the characters growth from book one to this final third book is incredible. I loved Silas, Alina, Phoebe and Luka even more in this one!
Lukas redemption arc? Outstanding. I can't believe how much i ended up loving his character after hating him in book one. We have four POVs in The Cannibal and honestly it added even more depth to the characters and story.
This was an emotional rollercoaster! I was laughing, tearing up and on the edge of my seat. @ophallic writing is truly beautiful and i love that i can never predict where the story will go. I thought this book wrapped up Silas and Alinas story absolutely perfectly, and got very emotional at the end.
Every single one of these books has been five star reads for me and i already can't wait to do a reread. Incredible series from start to finish.
Massive thanks to the author and NetGalley for the Earc
Lukas redemption arc? Outstanding. I can't believe how much i ended up loving his character after hating him in book one. We have four POVs in The Cannibal and honestly it added even more depth to the characters and story.
This was an emotional rollercoaster! I was laughing, tearing up and on the edge of my seat. @ophallic writing is truly beautiful and i love that i can never predict where the story will go. I thought this book wrapped up Silas and Alinas story absolutely perfectly, and got very emotional at the end.
Every single one of these books has been five star reads for me and i already can't wait to do a reread. Incredible series from start to finish.
Massive thanks to the author and NetGalley for the Earc
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I just finished The Cannibal and my jaw is on the floor. Like it’s fallen OFF. I knew this was going to be a wild ride, but man…..the ending has me so shocked that I’m gunna be doing an immediate re-read of this series.
The ending…well I don’t know how to explain the ending other than say I felt every emotion humanly possible in the last 20% of this book. But I loved it. My twisted little brain finds the ending to this series to be so hauntingly beautiful.
Luka….oh how you became one of my favorites in this book. I loved him in The Arachnid, but this truly made me want an entire book about him.
The yearning in this book between Silas and Alina was next level…..I mean you’ll see when you read. Some parts had me sobbing one moment and giggling and kicking my feet the next.
The constant unanswered questions throughout the book left such a feeling of doom in me while reading. I was on the edge of my seat every page. What a wild ride and perfect ending to The Poisoner Series🖤
Now I can OFFICIALLY say…..this is my favorite creature romance series of all time👏🏻
The ending…well I don’t know how to explain the ending other than say I felt every emotion humanly possible in the last 20% of this book. But I loved it. My twisted little brain finds the ending to this series to be so hauntingly beautiful.
Luka….oh how you became one of my favorites in this book. I loved him in The Arachnid, but this truly made me want an entire book about him.
The yearning in this book between Silas and Alina was next level…..I mean you’ll see when you read. Some parts had me sobbing one moment and giggling and kicking my feet the next.
The constant unanswered questions throughout the book left such a feeling of doom in me while reading. I was on the edge of my seat every page. What a wild ride and perfect ending to The Poisoner Series🖤
Now I can OFFICIALLY say…..this is my favorite creature romance series of all time👏🏻
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was the perfect conclusion to the series.
The ups and downs hooked me right in, and I finished this in two and a half days!!
I loved the build up at the end leaving you on the edge of your seat, one final hurrah!
Silas and Alina will always hold a dear place in my heart god I love them so much...
The ups and downs hooked me right in, and I finished this in two and a half days!!
I loved the build up at the end leaving you on the edge of your seat, one final hurrah!
Silas and Alina will always hold a dear place in my heart god I love them so much...
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Shout out to Edelweiss for approving me to ARC read this early!
Four stars because the 4th POV threw me off a bit but I am SAD it is over.
I cannot WAIT to do this review closer to the release date!
Four stars because the 4th POV threw me off a bit but I am SAD it is over.
I cannot WAIT to do this review closer to the release date!
Review of advance copy received from Author
So excited for this conclusion 😁🎉
Want to Read
June 24, 2026*hyperventilating* Excited but terrified to start this!
Want to Read
June 24, 2026sooo excited to read this book
Review of advance copy received from Author
doing a 24 hour readathon, review to come
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
This was a perfectly done ending for the series!
That 4th POV was surprising to me but definitely made things hit even closer to home.
10/10 I'm sad it's over but it was a satisfying ending!
Full review to come closer to release!
That 4th POV was surprising to me but definitely made things hit even closer to home.
10/10 I'm sad it's over but it was a satisfying ending!
Full review to come closer to release!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews