The Cannibal

The Poisoner #3

by I.V. Ophelia

The 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...

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Dark Romance, Gothic, Romance, Vampires, Audiobook

432 pages, Paperback

Expected publication September 1, 2026

About the author

USA 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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Reviews

[I.V. Ophelia]

The 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...

[Ashley G · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Sasha Haggerty · Rating 5 out of 5]

"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.

[Makenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[ROSIE !!]

Oh, 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!!

[whatjessreads___ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t even know where to begin. This series is by far one of my favourite series ever. It is god tier!

I was so happy to dive back into this world and be reunited with Alina and Silas again. (Even Luka, yes I have a soft spot for him!)

I loved that we still got to see the strong, fierce and independent women Alina is, but I also really enjoyed that we got to see a vulnerable side to her as well.

There is a mystery going on throughout this and I honestly couldn’t put my finger on it. Usually I am quite good with guessing but I just couldn’t figure out where this was going - in a good way!

My heart was broken, I cried, laughed, giggled whilst kicking my feet. I had the best time reading this. My jaw was on the floor at the ending. Alina and Silas just compliment each other in every way and I will truly be sad to leave this world behind.

Thank you so much for the arc I. V. Ophelia and Simon Maverick.

[Darkly · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Miya Char]

going 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

[that bookish ghoul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Simon Maverick Books and NetGalley for my ARC in return for my honest review.

I’m so sad this series is now over, but what an ending!
This was one of my most anticipated reads for the second half of 2026 and IV Ophelia did not disappoint.

I loved the fact that the characters can both have so much growth but still stay true to their roots throughout.

I was just as frustrated as Alina at being fed crumbs from everyone when it came to what on earth was going on behind the scenes and I wasn’t ready for Ophelia to drop that jaw dropping plot twist! (No spoilers, I can’t relive it again!)

Alina and Silas will forever be one of my favourite couples and I’ve loved every minute of their story.

[Kelsey 📖]

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuester for this ARC, here are my thoughts:

That last 30% was absolutely phenomenal.
I’m definitely between a 4/4.5 because it quite literally stole the show.

This was giving Jennifer’s Body.
AND I LOVED IT.

My girl Alina forever 🖤
I am and will always be obsessed with her

Also, the UNMATCHED yearning
I’m so down bad for this pair??? Like stop
Silas is one of the only blonde mmc that earned book boyfriend

I can’t believe it’s over 😭😭
But, I am so satisfied with how this ended.

What an amazing story but the twists in this one (not all did I see coming) but mannnn I was shocked lol

[Teressa Oliverio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect ending to the trilogy and I absolutely loved the entire series. Alina’s journey has been dark, intense, and completely addictive from beginning to end.

This final book delivered everything I wanted with shocking twists, dangerous alliances, betrayal, and so much emotional depth. I loved watching Alina face the darkness within herself while fighting for the people she loves. The tension between Alina, Silas, and Luka kept me hooked, and the world building was incredible.

This series was such a thrilling ride filled with vampires, romance, secrets, and characters I couldn’t get enough of. I’m so happy with how it ended and I will definitely miss this world.

[The Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!🖤🥀

[Gabriela · Rating 5 out of 5]

El cierre perfecto para la historia de Alina y su Criatura

Puntuación: 4.5 ⭐️

Muchas gracias a la autora, Simon Maverick, y NetGalley por permitirme leer una copia adelantada de este libro. Las opiniones que leerán son mías y solo mías.

No puedo creer que hace menos de dos años haya leído por primera vez The Poisoner ni cómo mi relación con esta historia ha cambiado. Leer The Cannibal fue la culminación de ese viaje y no puedo estar más satisfecha con cómo ha terminado.

Como siempre, Alina ha consolidado su lugar como una de mis protagonistas femeninas favoritas. Verla lidiar con su nueva identidad ofrece una nueva perspectiva sobre su personalidad. Me parece que en este libro muestra más vulnerabilidad sin dejar de ser la misma persona fría y distante que conocemos desde el primer libro. Su relación con la ciencia es algo que siempre me ha gustado y, aunque no tengo ni idea de si realmente es posible destilar un veneno como ella lo hace, su inteligencia es su mejor cualidad.

Una vez más, me hubiera gustado leer más sobre Silas. Aunque descubrimos un poco más sobre su pasado, siempre me queda la sensación de que su personaje podría haberse explorado más a fondo. Dicho esto, puede que sea un poco psicópata, pero sus declaraciones de amor hacia Alina son suficientes para derretirte el corazón.

Me pareció que la incorporación del punto de vista de Phoebe fue un auténtico acierto. Al igual que me pasó con Lukas en el libro anterior, no entendía del todo qué podía aportar a la trama, pero mis dudas se disiparon por completo a medida que se desarrollaba la historia. Phoebe se convirtió en uno de los personajes más entrañables de la trilogía.

Y ahora llegamos a Lukas. En este caso, me cuesta más explicar lo que siento. Tras el primer libro, para mí era un personaje sin posibilidad de redención. En "The Arachnid", la autora me convenció de que su punto de vista ofrecía un complemento interesante y único a la historia de Alina y Silas. Pero en este libro, no he podido evitar acabar simpatizando con él. Se ha redimido, sí, y me alegro de que la autora haya cambiado la polémica escena del primer libro indie en la versión tradicional, porque, de lo contrario, no creo que este arco de redención hubiera sido posible.

La escritura de la autora sigue siendo cautivadora. Sus descripciones crean una especie de sinestesia con el ambiente (esta vez, newyorkino) que hace que el lujo resulte opresivo o que el ajetreo constante de los preparativos parezca cobrar vida. Las entradas de Silas envueltas en humo se me grabaron vívidamente en la mente. Además, hiló muy bien cada detalle en este libro, y, llegados a cierto punto en la trama, me pareció coherente lo que sucede, incluso si fue una sorpresa para mí.

Este libro es, quizás, el menos «picante» que he leído de esta autora, que supo incluir las escenas adecuadas para mantener vivo ese aspecto de la relación entre Alina y Silas, al tiempo que daba paso a un juego político que entrelaza todas las tensiones que se han ido acumulando desde el principio.

Dicho esto, no puedo evitar señalar algunos pequeños problemas (que no afectaron a mi experiencia de lectura; aún así lo disfruté como un niño en Navidad), pero que podrían haberse explicado o desarrollado mejor. Por un lado, el reencuentro de Alina y Silas se retrasó demasiado para mi gusto, y no siempre entendí las razones que lo motivaban. Luego, a medida que avanza la trama y se revelan los detalles de la nueva identidad de Alina, hay una pregunta importante (y, en mi opinión, absolutamente crucial para entender lo que está sucediendo) que queda sin respuesta. Hay intentos de explicación que dejan las cosas un poco en el aire, pero la sensación persistente de curiosidad insatisfecha sigue acechándome.

En cualquier caso, terminar esta trilogía me hace sentir feliz de haberle dado una segunda oportunidad a la historia. Siempre recordaré a la brillante Alina y sus peculiaridades, y solo puedo esperar que, si te adentras en este mundo, lo disfrutes tanto como yo.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The perfect ending to the story of Alina and her Creature

Rating: 4.5 ⭐️

Many thanks to the author, Simon Maverick, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book. The opinions you’ll read here are mine and mine alone.

I can’t believe it’s been less than two years since I first read "The Poisoner", nor how my relationship with this story has changed. Reading "The Cannibal" was the culmination of that journey, and I couldn’t be happier with how it ended.

Once again, Alina has cemented her place as one of my favorite female protagonists. Watching her struggle with her new identity offers a fresh perspective on her personality. I feel like in this book she shows more vulnerability without ceasing to be the same cold, distant person we’ve known since the first book. Her relationship with science is something I’ve always enjoyed, and even though I have no idea if it’s actually possible to distill a poison the way she does, her intelligence is her best trait.

Once again, I would have liked to read more about Silas. Although we learn a little more about his backstory, I’m always left with the feeling that his character could have been explored further. That said, he may be a bit of a psychopath, but his declarations of love for Alina are enough to make you swoon.

I thought the addition of Phoebe’s point of view was a real stroke of genius. Just as I felt with Lukas in the previous book, I didn’t fully understand what he could bring to the plot, but my doubts were thoroughly dispelled as the story unfolded. Phoebe became one of the most endearing characters in the story after that book.

And now we come to Lukas. Here, my feelings are harder to explain. After the first book, to me he was a character with no possible redemption. In "The Arachnid", the author convinced me that his point of view offered an interesting and unique complement to Alina and Silas’s story. But in this one, I couldn’t help but end up liking him. He redeemed himself, yes, and I’m glad the author changed the controversial scene from the first indie book in the traditional version, because otherwise, I don’t think this arc of redemption would have been possible.

The author’s writing remains captivating. Her descriptions create a kind of synesthesia with the setting (this time, New York) that makes luxury feel oppressive or the constant bustle of preparation seem alive. Silas’s smoke-filled entrances felt vivid inside my head.

This book is, perhaps, the least “spicy” one I’ve read by this author, who knew just how to include the right scenes to keep that aspect of Alina and Silas’s relationship alive, while making way for a political game that ties together all the tensions that have been building since the beginning.

That said, I can’t help but point out a few minor issues—which didn’t affect my reading experience (I still enjoyed it like a kid at Christmas)—but that could have been explained or developed better. For one thing, Alina and Silas’s reunion was delayed far too long for my taste, and I didn’t always understand the reasons behind it. Then, as the plot progresses and the details of Alina’s new identity are revealed, there’s a major question (and, in my opinion, one that’s absolutely crucial to understanding what’s happening) that remains unanswered. There are attempts at explanations that leave things a bit up in the air, but the lingering feeling of unfulfilled curiosity still haunts me.

In any case, finishing this trilogy makes me happy that I gave the story a second chance. I’ll always remember the brilliant Alina and all her quirks, and I can only hope that if you dive into this world, you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

My most anticipated read of the year, and what a journey it’s been! This series has always been suspenseful in many ways, but The Cannibal has really kept me on my toes from beginning to end. If I could give this book 6 stars, I would. And it was so worth the wait.

We’re all so used to the confidence of Alina. Her strong wits and clever mind, so to see her light dim was hard to read. In this new world of hers, I was learning everything alongside her while the biggest trial was happening. Alina struggled to find her footing, to gain information, and trust of others. She had lost herself in many ways, and relearning everything was surely an interesting ride. Her body wasn’t her own anymore, and I could only feel sad when she struggled. The survival she once knew, was a completely different ball game.

Even when it came to her one and only Creature.

“All my life, if you choose to forgive me—it belongs to you.”

Is it bad that I craved to see Silas and Alina’s little game? Their relationship isn’t your typical love, no, it ruins deeper. Wicked. Violent to the core. Raw in the way that they share these emotions and vulnerability. Through the hunt, the chase, and mutual stalking, lies an underlying connection that can only be understood between the two.

“The way we loved would always be vicious. As long as we vowed to take care of each other, knowing this about ourselves, we would always come together in the end.”

Speaking of Silas, it was so nice to see a different side of him. We have always been able to see his thoughts, know how he feels. But this is different. He’s broken and vulnerable, along with everyone else. For once, Silas felt human to me. So much so, it scared me because I knew the end was near for this lovely creature.

We have watched these character grow into something bigger, their relationship becoming stronger. I didn’t know what to really expect for the ending when everyone else had lost hope in something good. And everything that lead up to the end, what I learned in the process, was something so shocking, I didn’t mentally prepare myself for such a twist. But boy was the rest so, so, SO sweet.

I will miss Alina, Silas, Phoebe, and Luka, just as much as I’ll miss this world. I’m so grateful to have received this arc and to have met such an amazing set of characters.

[Damsel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A huge thank you to I.V. Ophelia, Simon Maverick, and NetGalley for the earc to The Cannibal, the final installment in The Poisoner series.

The Cannibal will consume your heart and entire being.


I’m rating The Cannibal 6 out of 5 stars.

We are following Alina’s story as she navigates new surroundings in NYC and comes to terms with how far her life has changed since the events in Buffalo. There is a high-stakes trial called ‘The Appraisal’ known in the Vipera society, which Alina has to prepare for along with Silas for the mass murder of the London nest. On top of the trial, our characters must help Alina, who is suffering through an ailment that could claim her life.

The pacing is slower at the start of the book and, in true I.V. Ophelia style, chaos ensues with more plot, much like petrol added into a roaring bonfire. The book encapsulates moments that felt like nostalgia from previous books. You do see character growth and their inner thoughts more clearly with the added POVs. There were depths of intense emotions, drama, trauma, suspense, and betrayal layered in the pages that had me in a locked chokehold.

Reading about Alina and Silas’s dynamic and their intense romantic chemistry in this book had me in shambles. They are feverish and completely passionate towards each other almost to the point of insanity. I loved the spice and kinks of this book, some of the best I’ve ever read. Their love is so moving that I was brought to tears by their passion in several moments.

Huge congratulations to the author; she deserves her flowers for such a captivating trilogy. I’m very excited for future works on the horizon from the author. I view The Poisoner series as a sweeping, dark, gothic romance to outlast lifetimes.

Will recommend this series for people who crave a true love/hate dynamic couple, excellent S-tier banter, hidden vampire societies, women in STEM, a growing feminine rage, and an appreciation of a darker kind of romance.

[Chara · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Review before the publication)

!🩸 A detailed review will be published after the publication! 🩸

First I want to thank the publisher and my favourite gothic romance queen for offering me this opportunity to be part of the epilogue of Alina's story. I will always be grateful for reading this series and introducing other people to it! For me Alina, Silas and Phoebe were for at least two years my favourite safe space, I would always come fo these books and characters when things became hard and now their story is finished. While reading the final book I laughed, got angry, shocked , cried and red from all the blushing. The conclusion of the whole story, was done perfectly, justice was served and katharsis was delivered. Our favourite venomous couple got their HEA after everything they've been through getting the found family they deserved. Alina finally understood that she can let her people share her burdens, ask for help and not torture herself anymore. Silas found his mate, the person who can complete him and make him a better version of himself.
We get the POV of Phoebe which adds more depth to the story and finally the mysteries of the past get all unravelled...
Mister Astor finally shows his true colours and we see how evil he is (I hate him)
For a third time, the author's writing is so atmospheric and poetic. It's scene is filled with emotions that is impossible to not react . I have to say that , there was this chapter, in which I felt like the end for someone was coming like they knew that this was the end and it stuck with me, like I was feeling the grief from the pages ...

[Nya · Rating 4 out of 5]

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???

[AnnaTheBookBabe · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 4/5

☠️ multi POV
🩸 stalker MMC
☠️ dark romantasy
🩸 historical setting
☠️ found family
🩸 slow burn
☠️ plot twists
🩸 betrayals
☠️ enemies-to-lovers
🩸 redemption arc

This was a highly anticipated read for me. I loved the other two books in this series, however, I must admit thus one didn’t serve AS much as they did. I felt kinda bored through parts of this one and not much seemed to happen for a good while. It wasn’t bad, I just had to not that.

Other than that, I did enjoy this book a LOT. I love when a series is completed, despite how heartbreakingly this one concluded. Technically there’s a HEA, but not for everyone. That’s all I’ll say for the sake of avoiding spoilers. I love the violent love between the MMC and FMC—it’s unique and degrading and their passion for it is something to be admired. Passionate and bloody…but always with a safe word.

I was also happy to see Alina’s friendship growth with all the supporting characters, some of which didn’t necessarily deserve a second chance, but were given one nonetheless. They did not waste it, either.

Very excited for this book to release so I can have my shelf trophy. I adore how stunning these paperbacks have been.

‼️POTENTIAL SPOILER BELOW‼️
How on earth I did not figure out where the overarching dilemma would go based on the title alone is shocking. I am truly disappointed in myself for being so blind. 😂🤦🏼‍♀️ I mean for fuck’s sake, the damn book is called “The Cannibal” 🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️

[Second Chapter Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

If you've made it this far into The Poisoner trilogy, clear your schedule because you're not putting this one down.

I.V. Ophelia delivers a finale that is dark, emotional, haunting, and completely unforgettable. Every twist feels earned, every reveal hits exactly when it should, and the tension never lets up. This isn't just a satisfying ending - it elevates the entire trilogy.

One of the things I appreciated most was how every character continued to grow. The relationships felt authentic, the emotional stakes were incredibly high, and the gothic atmosphere was as immersive as ever. The author has created a world that is equal parts beautiful and disturbing, and I found myself completely absorbed from beginning to end.

The writing is sharp, cinematic, and packed with details that reward readers who have followed the series from the start. By the final chapters, I wasn't ready to say goodbye to these characters or this world.

As an independent bookstore owner, this is exactly the kind of series I love recommending. It's dark romantasy done right, with unforgettable characters, gorgeous world-building, and an ending that sticks with you long after you've turned the last page.

This is absolutely a series that should be read in order, and The Cannibal is a phenomenal conclusion. Five stars without hesitation.

[Iris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited to jump into The Cannibal after finishing the first two books because I really wanted to see how Alina and Silas's story would end.

The opening took the story in a direction I wasn’t expecting, and it took me a little while to adjust to the shift. It felt different from the previous books, and while I was curious to see where everything was leading, I didn't feel quite as immediately pulled in as I had before.

This installment didn't completely captivate me the way the first two did, but I was still invested in seeing how the story would conclude. I especially enjoyed the central mystery, and I liked how everything gradually came together. Some of the bigger reveals were fairly easy to anticipate, but there was one final twist that genuinely surprised me and left me thinking long after I finished.

Overall, this was a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy, even if it wasn't my personal favorite of the three. Readers who enjoy gothic, atmospheric vampire stories with lyrical prose, dark romance, and haunting imagery will likely appreciate what this book has to offer. While it didn't reach the same highs for me as the earlier books, I was satisfied to see Alina and Silas's journey come to a close

[Ellie Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is no secret that I love this series, now its complete, I feel like its taken a part of me with it.

This was beautifully written, not only poetic but was able to induce so much dread and fear into the story. The nightmare sequences were a paticular favourite, bringing the horror elements in a surprising way.

The characters continue to grow in the story, Alina trying to cope with her new reality, Luka continuing to be one of my favourites, Silas still yearning and Phoebe smiling through it all. I really enjoyed learning more about the family dynamics at play and how it influences everyone's actions.

The plot delves back into the complexities of Vipera society and still maintaining scientific investigations and discoveries that made me fall in love with The Poisoner.

There are still many revelations within the story that had me turning the pages as quickly as I possibly could. The story did not fail in making me cry. Everything was closed out beautifully.

I am so sad this trilogy is over and desperately want more from this world but I loved every minute of it.

[Nicole Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohhh, so THAT’S why it’s called Cannibal 👀

I had the privilege of reading this as an ARC and this BY FAR had to be the best way to conclude the series. My butt cheeks were clenched for the entirety of the book. I NEVER saw the plot twists coming and it was just so well thought through in every way, shape, and form that my jaw hit the floor at one point. You can feel the raw emotions from the characters vibrating through the pages - so hauntingly beautiful through these devastating scenes.. it made me want to rip my own heart out and hand it to I.V. Ophelia, just in case she needed a replacement after writing this emotional masterpiece. This finale delivered everything I could’ve hoped for and then some. An unforgettable ending to an incredible series. Solid 5 stars for me 😮‍💨

My honorable mention quote from the book:
“Whether we lived or died rode on our will.
God forbid those who would come between us”

[Alyssa M · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cannibal was one of my most anticipated releases of the year, and it was the perfect finale to the Poisoner trilogy.

I was torn between binge-reading it and savoring every last moment with Silas and Alina.

What I loved:
♥ addition of Phoebe's pov
♥ "my wife" moments
♥ yearning between Silas and Alina

This is a delicious slow burn that picks up right where The Arachnid leaves off. There was heartbreak. There were twists I didn't see coming. There were tears. And I spent far too much of this book convinced my heart was about to be broken by the ending.

And Luka! His character growth completely surprised me. Tell me why I ended this book absolutely loving him?

The ending was everything I could have hoped for and more. It was the perfect bittersweet conclusion.

Infinite thank yous to IV Ophelia, Simon Maverick, Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Chloe Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Stephany Escoto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Simon & Schuster and IV Ophelia for the opportunity to read an ARC of The Cannibal! 🥀🩸

I’ll be honest, the beginning was a little slow for me, and it took some time to fully pull me in. But once the story found its pace, I was completely invested.

Luka was, without a doubt, my favorite character. His growth throughout the story was one of the biggest highlights for me, and watching his journey unfold was incredibly rewarding.

I also really enjoyed the multiple POVs. They added so much depth to the story and kept me engaged with each character’s perspective. And every interaction between Alina and Silas? I was hooked. Their dynamic had me looking forward to every scene they shared.

The Cannibal delivered a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy, and I enjoyed seeing the characters’ journeys come full circle. 🖤

[Chelsea Reinmiller · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an ending for the trilogy, and for Silas and Alina! The story wraps up well, which I honestly was not expecting. I didn’t know what was in store for the characters or what fates awaited them, but the story was wrapped up better than I anticipated.

The second half of the book really took off after a little bit of a slow start. We got to really see how the Nests operate and their way of conducting trials for broken laws.

I loved not only getting Silas, Alina, and Luka’s perspectives, but also getting Phoebe’s. This is a book where secondary characters really shine.

As usual, Ophelia’s writing is captivating, unique and inspiring. The way she tells a story is unlike anything else I have read. The details, imagery, dialogue, setting and characters are all so well done.

I’m sad to say goodbye to this trilogy, but definitely excited to read more of Ophelia’s work!

[Keeley Ribchester · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cannibal was one of my most anticipated reads, and after loving the first two books, I couldn’t wait to see how this series would end. Thankfully, it did not disappoint.
This series has somehow gotten better with every book, and The Cannibal was the perfect finale. The story kept me hooked from beginning to end with its dark, gothic atmosphere, shocking twists, and constant sense of unease. Even when I thought I knew where things were heading, I was still surprised.
I loved being back with Alina and Silas. Their relationship remains one of my favourite parts of the series, and I was completely invested in everything they faced throughout this book.
Most of all, I loved how everything came together in the end. It was emotional, satisfying, and the perfect way to say goodbye to these characters.
An easy five star read and a fantastic ending to a series I’ll miss very much. 🖤📚✨

[bookshelfofash · Rating 5 out of 5]

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👏🏻

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fear I may never emotionally recover. This is such a beautifully written story and the perfect ending to this god tier trilogy.
I loved that we got the explore more of the Vipera society and customs. I adored the additional POV in the story. I feel we got to see more of characters we know and love. I adored both Phoebe & Luka through the story. I loved Silas & Alina, I feel the ending was perfect for them.
The twists and turns was an emotional roller-coaster - they had my jaw on the floor, laughing and crying!
IV Ophelia's writing style is beautiful, elegant and her skills as a writer really shine throughout her books and The Cannibal is no different.

I really hope we get to explore more of this world in the future!

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silas and Alina's story is so hauntingly beautiful and The Cannibal was the perfect conclusion.

I loved learning more about both of their families. Not everything was as clear as it seemed and a lot more was at play than I anticipated.

Alina and Silas have both had many hardships in their lives, but Alina using her wits and brains to save herself time and time again via experiments and science was so fitting.

The descriptions I.V. Ophelia uses truly transports you into all of the scenes. I particularly loved the gothic settings of the nests and Botanical Gardens.

I honestly have no remaining questions but I will definitely miss these characters.

Thank you to Simon Maverick for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.