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Esoterra Carnivores
In Your Darkest Depths
An ex cult-member's paranoid ramblings.
An eye for an eye for an eye…
Four centuries in a body of a monster, pillaging, eating, killing, filling a hunger that never goes away.
Do you know what that does to a man, Fontaine? It does not break just a part of him—it breaks every single thing.
You did this to me. It is only right you know what it is like to have a body that fails you, a mind that remembers nothing but pain.
You will experience the torment when your body changes for me. I will drag you under until you see no light in sight. Monsters like me are solitary, but you WILL become my mate.
The descent is terrifying, but if it’s not my esca that breaks you, it will be my hands. No matter how badly you want to escape, you are trapped here, with me, in these darkest depths.
An eye for an eye for an eye…
Four centuries in a body of a monster, pillaging, eating, killing, filling a hunger that never goes away.
Do you know what that does to a man, Fontaine? It does not break just a part of him—it breaks every single thing.
You did this to me. It is only right you know what it is like to have a body that fails you, a mind that remembers nothing but pain.
You will experience the torment when your body changes for me. I will drag you under until you see no light in sight. Monsters like me are solitary, but you WILL become my mate.
The descent is terrifying, but if it’s not my esca that breaks you, it will be my hands. No matter how badly you want to escape, you are trapped here, with me, in these darkest depths.
409 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 4, 2026
I swear Kate breaks into my bedroom at night and digs through my brain to dims my deepest and most twisted nightmares that are more like wild ass dreams and then goes home to twist them even more into a complete mind f**k so we can all experience just hope twisted and warped her imagination really is. And I love every minute of it. And this book was no exception. I sure this up and I’ll be waiting for more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
In Your Darkest Depths was strange, but in a really good way.
The novel blends a dystopian future, a family curse, cults, and group sex with two eldritch horrors. I was left with a lot of questions, but about the larger world, not the story. The book starts in a dystopian New Orleans, where we get a sense of Laura’s life. Only, as the floodwaters rise, we are quickly pulled into a much darker story.
The novel is Laura’s journey through the water to the darkest depths, and along the way she starts relationships with both Dreigg and Morgue. The intertwined backgrounds of the three are slowly revealed as they make their way down, and Laura must confront the horrors of her past as much as the realities of her future. By the end, Laura is transformed, both mentally and physically (there is definitely body horror).
One of the things I loved about the story was how much it had me guessing and then doubting myself as a reader. Between starting in a not-so-distant future and the oddities of the characters we meet above water, you already feel like you are on unsteady ground. The floor drops out from under you when Laura is captured by Dreigg, as everything feels just a little off, and you are unsure how much of what you are being told you can trust.
Definitely check the trigger warnings, as this is a pitch-black horror romance.
---
I received an advance copy of this book from IRIS Influencer Society at no charge. This is my honest, voluntary review.
The novel blends a dystopian future, a family curse, cults, and group sex with two eldritch horrors. I was left with a lot of questions, but about the larger world, not the story. The book starts in a dystopian New Orleans, where we get a sense of Laura’s life. Only, as the floodwaters rise, we are quickly pulled into a much darker story.
The novel is Laura’s journey through the water to the darkest depths, and along the way she starts relationships with both Dreigg and Morgue. The intertwined backgrounds of the three are slowly revealed as they make their way down, and Laura must confront the horrors of her past as much as the realities of her future. By the end, Laura is transformed, both mentally and physically (there is definitely body horror).
One of the things I loved about the story was how much it had me guessing and then doubting myself as a reader. Between starting in a not-so-distant future and the oddities of the characters we meet above water, you already feel like you are on unsteady ground. The floor drops out from under you when Laura is captured by Dreigg, as everything feels just a little off, and you are unsure how much of what you are being told you can trust.
Definitely check the trigger warnings, as this is a pitch-black horror romance.
---
I received an advance copy of this book from IRIS Influencer Society at no charge. This is my honest, voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
👁"Is not love itself a form of true horror?"🪼
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5-4)
🌶🌶🌶🌶
🪼Morally black MMCs
👁CNC/Dubcon
🪼Mental Health rep
👁Ex-cultist FMC
🪼Why Choose?
👁Hive Mind
🪼Forced Mates/Breeding
👁Body Horror
First I want to thank the author for letting me read an advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review.
Sypnosis: Laura Fontaine has known her whole life that her time on earth is limited, after all each Fontaine girl never made it past 35. When a storm hits and washes her shack away, she's faced with a decision that drags her down to the depths of the ocean. Her captors are cruel, forceful, and confusing at time to their direct intentions. Fighting the ever emerging memories and changes to her body, Laura is torn between two males who can't decide if they loathe or adore her.
Laura, our fmc, has never felt wanted or good about herself. Her upbringing turns her into a masochist as a means to coping (this very explicit) with the psychological trauma wrought upon her by her own family. However, she is still fierce and tough when it comes to protecting herself from others as an adult. Throughout the story we see her coming to terms with what she has buried for so long, however unlike some franchises, her pain and mental torture doesn't suddenly evaporate. Trauma lingers, and it stays with you, no matter how much you face it.
Dreigg and Morgue are our mmcs, one is a god and the other his faithful servant. Both have heinous methods, but one is considerably more sadistic than the other. They don't always agree with each other (story reasons), and as time goes on their inner turmoil of messy emotions threaten to unravel all of who they are.
Now, when I say this book is explicit I mean that, please check the trigger warnings because it's not just the spice that goes into vivid graphic detail. The psychological trauma runs deep and is presented as a main theme. Our fmc goes through it, from mental breakdowns to questioning her sanity to inflicting harm upon herself. This story takes place in the future on earth, so expect pop culture references and slang terms. Furthermore, our fmc is from Louisiana so she does talk with an accent, which made the storytelling more interesting. I had a few puzzled moments with the grammar and do wish they story hadn't wrapped up so fast, but other than that it's a solid read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5-4)
🌶🌶🌶🌶
🪼Morally black MMCs
👁CNC/Dubcon
🪼Mental Health rep
👁Ex-cultist FMC
🪼Why Choose?
👁Hive Mind
🪼Forced Mates/Breeding
👁Body Horror
First I want to thank the author for letting me read an advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review.
Sypnosis: Laura Fontaine has known her whole life that her time on earth is limited, after all each Fontaine girl never made it past 35. When a storm hits and washes her shack away, she's faced with a decision that drags her down to the depths of the ocean. Her captors are cruel, forceful, and confusing at time to their direct intentions. Fighting the ever emerging memories and changes to her body, Laura is torn between two males who can't decide if they loathe or adore her.
Laura, our fmc, has never felt wanted or good about herself. Her upbringing turns her into a masochist as a means to coping (this very explicit) with the psychological trauma wrought upon her by her own family. However, she is still fierce and tough when it comes to protecting herself from others as an adult. Throughout the story we see her coming to terms with what she has buried for so long, however unlike some franchises, her pain and mental torture doesn't suddenly evaporate. Trauma lingers, and it stays with you, no matter how much you face it.
Dreigg and Morgue are our mmcs, one is a god and the other his faithful servant. Both have heinous methods, but one is considerably more sadistic than the other. They don't always agree with each other (story reasons), and as time goes on their inner turmoil of messy emotions threaten to unravel all of who they are.
Now, when I say this book is explicit I mean that, please check the trigger warnings because it's not just the spice that goes into vivid graphic detail. The psychological trauma runs deep and is presented as a main theme. Our fmc goes through it, from mental breakdowns to questioning her sanity to inflicting harm upon herself. This story takes place in the future on earth, so expect pop culture references and slang terms. Furthermore, our fmc is from Louisiana so she does talk with an accent, which made the storytelling more interesting. I had a few puzzled moments with the grammar and do wish they story hadn't wrapped up so fast, but other than that it's a solid read.
September 19, 2026
In Your Darkest Depths - K. Sparrow
This might be one of my favorite books written by this author. Someone who has grew up and has lived with New Orleans culture all of their life having the female main character live and be from New Orleans, and the Bayou just really hit home for me. I also really enjoyed how this author wrote the why choose trope. The writing is always so fun and creative and it touches on deep and important topics, no matter what book you read. Laura, Dreigg, and Morgue were interesting characters and the way they interacted with each other was so gripping. I constantly had to know where the store was going and I could not put it down, and this is coming from somebody who typically reads multiple books at a time. This book and this author is a whole is definitely a book I recommend and I always enjoy reading.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️
🌶️ / Spice Rating ☀️
# of Pages 🌙 409 pages
Reading Dates ✨ 9/12/26 - 9/14/26
Release Date 🌟 10/3/26
Format 💫 Gifted Digital Copy
Series 🌙 Esoterra Carnivores, #2
Genre/Tropes ✨ pitch black romance, why choose, hive mind, forced mates, Eldritch monsters
Content Warning/Triggers ⭐️ Cults, soft vore, codependence, cloncest, body horror, blood play, auto/cannibalism, trauma bonding, mental health, non sexual body violation, loss of body autonomy, mutual destruction, obsession deeper than the abyss
Representation 🌙 mental health representation, MFM pairing
Favorite Character ☀️ Laura
Favorite Line 🌟 “What happened to your eyehole?!”
“They’re called tattoos, Fish Man. You have them.”
“It’s okay to weep, Laura.”
Vibes 💫 tense
Moods ⭐️ amused, sad
This might be one of my favorite books written by this author. Someone who has grew up and has lived with New Orleans culture all of their life having the female main character live and be from New Orleans, and the Bayou just really hit home for me. I also really enjoyed how this author wrote the why choose trope. The writing is always so fun and creative and it touches on deep and important topics, no matter what book you read. Laura, Dreigg, and Morgue were interesting characters and the way they interacted with each other was so gripping. I constantly had to know where the store was going and I could not put it down, and this is coming from somebody who typically reads multiple books at a time. This book and this author is a whole is definitely a book I recommend and I always enjoy reading.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Out of 5 Stars ⭐️
🌶️ / Spice Rating ☀️
# of Pages 🌙 409 pages
Reading Dates ✨ 9/12/26 - 9/14/26
Release Date 🌟 10/3/26
Format 💫 Gifted Digital Copy
Series 🌙 Esoterra Carnivores, #2
Genre/Tropes ✨ pitch black romance, why choose, hive mind, forced mates, Eldritch monsters
Content Warning/Triggers ⭐️ Cults, soft vore, codependence, cloncest, body horror, blood play, auto/cannibalism, trauma bonding, mental health, non sexual body violation, loss of body autonomy, mutual destruction, obsession deeper than the abyss
Representation 🌙 mental health representation, MFM pairing
Favorite Character ☀️ Laura
Favorite Line 🌟 “What happened to your eyehole?!”
“They’re called tattoos, Fish Man. You have them.”
“It’s okay to weep, Laura.”
Vibes 💫 tense
Moods ⭐️ amused, sad
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars
this was such a wild ride from start to finish, with body horror, ancient eldritch monsters and laura doing her absolute best to survive whatever the hell is happening to her. i really liked how the story leaned so heavily into the horror of her transformation as she gets pulled deeper and deeper into the world of these creatures, especially because it definitely wasn't the pretty kind of transformation you might expect.
i also really enjoyed the way the why choose dynamic was written, especially the second person sections from the mmcs’ perspectives, because being inside the heads of these ancient monsters as they think about laura made everything feel so much creepier and more intimate. the dynamic between all three of them was so entertaining to read, and dreigg is very much giving daddy, which is really all i need to say about that. the story kept getting more unhinged as it went on and i genuinely had no idea what was coming next, but i was absolutely along for the ride. the curtain of cadavers??? insane.
thank you k. sparrow for the arc and for letting me experience this beautifully unhinged little nightmare. all thoughts and opinions are my own.
this was such a wild ride from start to finish, with body horror, ancient eldritch monsters and laura doing her absolute best to survive whatever the hell is happening to her. i really liked how the story leaned so heavily into the horror of her transformation as she gets pulled deeper and deeper into the world of these creatures, especially because it definitely wasn't the pretty kind of transformation you might expect.
i also really enjoyed the way the why choose dynamic was written, especially the second person sections from the mmcs’ perspectives, because being inside the heads of these ancient monsters as they think about laura made everything feel so much creepier and more intimate. the dynamic between all three of them was so entertaining to read, and dreigg is very much giving daddy, which is really all i need to say about that. the story kept getting more unhinged as it went on and i genuinely had no idea what was coming next, but i was absolutely along for the ride. the curtain of cadavers??? insane.
thank you k. sparrow for the arc and for letting me experience this beautifully unhinged little nightmare. all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to read the Little Mermaid in reverse where Ariel ends up being dragged back to sea by Ursula's eels who ravage her over and over again, but the plot is so black, like pitch black, the blackest black that absorbs no light and you can't decide whether you should be turned on or absolutely disgusted and raging? No?? Well no worries because this book is exactly that. No need to wonder. The book is right here and ready to read.
For real though, this book had me absolutely messed up. One moment I was turned on and the next I would be horrified and punching my pillow. The whiplash this book was giving me over my moral compass might as well have put me in the hospital. Maybe even a mental ward.
This book at surface level was a deep dark monster smut book full of grief, gore and morally black MMCs. But the layers and layers of metaphor and symbolism was beyond incredible and took this story straight to the deepest depths. It was an incredible exploration of the human psyche and the dark effects of a cult.
I was thoroughly impressed by this book. Another book to add to the reasons of why K Sparrow is one of my absolute favorite authors.
For real though, this book had me absolutely messed up. One moment I was turned on and the next I would be horrified and punching my pillow. The whiplash this book was giving me over my moral compass might as well have put me in the hospital. Maybe even a mental ward.
This book at surface level was a deep dark monster smut book full of grief, gore and morally black MMCs. But the layers and layers of metaphor and symbolism was beyond incredible and took this story straight to the deepest depths. It was an incredible exploration of the human psyche and the dark effects of a cult.
I was thoroughly impressed by this book. Another book to add to the reasons of why K Sparrow is one of my absolute favorite authors.
September 13, 2026
I got this ARC from the author.
This... was a wild ride from start to finish.
Laura doesn't have a good life. She escaped a cult and she now needs to hide from the authorities to keep the few privileges she has. But when her luck turns, she accepts a job offer.
This is where the book starts.
Eldritch beings catch her and bring her back to their home. Every part of the book brings her deeper and deeper, where she starts "changing". And NOT in a pretty mermaid kind of way.
This is full of body horror, possessive MMCs, with Laura just trying to survive.
I was sometimes a little unsure of where we were story-wise, but as an ARC, I assume some things will be fixed as the book comes out.
I really liked how the MMCs part is written in a You perspective, so it's like we are in the head of the monsters talking about laura. That was super creepy and a cool way to read.
This... was a wild ride from start to finish.
Laura doesn't have a good life. She escaped a cult and she now needs to hide from the authorities to keep the few privileges she has. But when her luck turns, she accepts a job offer.
This is where the book starts.
Eldritch beings catch her and bring her back to their home. Every part of the book brings her deeper and deeper, where she starts "changing". And NOT in a pretty mermaid kind of way.
This is full of body horror, possessive MMCs, with Laura just trying to survive.
I was sometimes a little unsure of where we were story-wise, but as an ARC, I assume some things will be fixed as the book comes out.
I really liked how the MMCs part is written in a You perspective, so it's like we are in the head of the monsters talking about laura. That was super creepy and a cool way to read.
October 6, 2026
This book felt like stepping into an eerie, dreamlike nightmare where I wasn't always sure what was real, what to believe, or what was waiting beneath the surface.
It was such a unique combination of monster romance, dystopian horror, eldritch horror, body horror, and spice.
The romance setup is just as wild, an ex-cult member caught between the god of the cult she escaped and his executioner, with forced mates and a why choose MFM dynamic thrown into the mix.
I loved how the story keeps you questioning things alongside the characters. There’s this surreal, almost fever dream quality where you're never completely sure what to believe or where the story is going next.
This was my first read by k. Sparrow and look forward to reading more!
It was such a unique combination of monster romance, dystopian horror, eldritch horror, body horror, and spice.
The romance setup is just as wild, an ex-cult member caught between the god of the cult she escaped and his executioner, with forced mates and a why choose MFM dynamic thrown into the mix.
I loved how the story keeps you questioning things alongside the characters. There’s this surreal, almost fever dream quality where you're never completely sure what to believe or where the story is going next.
This was my first read by k. Sparrow and look forward to reading more!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the wonderful author K. Sparrow and IRIS Influencer Society for allowing me to get my hands an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book was INTENSE but intense in the way that I was completely and utterly captivated. I. Could. Not. Put. This. Down.
Seriously this isn't your typical why choose monster romance, no. It's so much more. The trauma, the body horror, the possessiveness. I mean I simply couldn't get enough of these characters.
K. Sparrow did amazing writing these intense scenes, the attention to detail was unreal. It's like I could feel everything Laura was feeling.
This surely won't be the last book by K. Sparrow I read that's for sure.
This book was INTENSE but intense in the way that I was completely and utterly captivated. I. Could. Not. Put. This. Down.
Seriously this isn't your typical why choose monster romance, no. It's so much more. The trauma, the body horror, the possessiveness. I mean I simply couldn't get enough of these characters.
K. Sparrow did amazing writing these intense scenes, the attention to detail was unreal. It's like I could feel everything Laura was feeling.
This surely won't be the last book by K. Sparrow I read that's for sure.
October 3, 2026
DO YOU LOVE WEIRD GIRL SMUT?!
Because this is DEFINITELY a series for you! I thought book one, Eat Me Alive, was out of this world, but K. Sparrow somehow brought even MORE cosmic, smutty horror to this second installment, and I enjoyed every second of this fast-paced, “WHAT THE FUCK DID I JUST READ?!” underwater adventure. If you’re brave enough for a story that will blow your mind, give you goosebumps, and simultaneously have you questioning why the hell you’re turned on... then you’ll definitely want to pick up this series!
I recieved an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Because this is DEFINITELY a series for you! I thought book one, Eat Me Alive, was out of this world, but K. Sparrow somehow brought even MORE cosmic, smutty horror to this second installment, and I enjoyed every second of this fast-paced, “WHAT THE FUCK DID I JUST READ?!” underwater adventure. If you’re brave enough for a story that will blow your mind, give you goosebumps, and simultaneously have you questioning why the hell you’re turned on... then you’ll definitely want to pick up this series!
I recieved an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
There’s something to be said about the way K Sparrow writes a book. The words are captivating, intense, draws you in so badly you CRAVE to know more, even when you’re so thoroughly weirded out in the best possible way.
That’s also exactly how I felt about Dreigg and his hive mind of creatures of the sea.
This story was weird, and off the wall, but sexy and creative and had me stuck to the page until the very last word.
I loved how there were things left up to the readers interpretation, and not explicitly put on page, such a great writing choice.
That’s also exactly how I felt about Dreigg and his hive mind of creatures of the sea.
This story was weird, and off the wall, but sexy and creative and had me stuck to the page until the very last word.
I loved how there were things left up to the readers interpretation, and not explicitly put on page, such a great writing choice.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
3.75 ⭐️
While it was a great story at times I found myself struggling to keep going just because of how things were worded. This is definitely not for anyone trying to dip their toes into darker subjects. Some parts were enough to make even me ask if I had really just read that. I did find myself get attached to the characters and wanted to throw my tablet during a certain part near the end but all is well, the situation was fixed.
3.75 ⭐️
While it was a great story at times I found myself struggling to keep going just because of how things were worded. This is definitely not for anyone trying to dip their toes into darker subjects. Some parts were enough to make even me ask if I had really just read that. I did find myself get attached to the characters and wanted to throw my tablet during a certain part near the end but all is well, the situation was fixed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars
K. Sparrow knows how to write emotional monsters so well. They are crazy and ancient and bold. Laura Fontaine always knew her life would end at 35, just like every other woman in her family.Will she surpass the others or will she succumb to the leviathan.The spicy scenes are top tier Dreigg is another fantastic mmc. Even if morgue is the worst most of the time. Was not expecting the curtain of cadavers.
K. Sparrow knows how to write emotional monsters so well. They are crazy and ancient and bold. Laura Fontaine always knew her life would end at 35, just like every other woman in her family.Will she surpass the others or will she succumb to the leviathan.The spicy scenes are top tier Dreigg is another fantastic mmc. Even if morgue is the worst most of the time. Was not expecting the curtain of cadavers.
October 3, 2026
Book 2 in K Sparrows interconnected Esoterra Carnivores series!!
This one is absolutely full of sea monster smut! Double trouble and 3 peens in total! It's trippy and thought provoking and as layered as Laura's broken psyche. 10/10 recommend it body gore is your thing - from unhinged jaws and "feeders" to body mutilation and evolution... just 10/10.
This is dark. Themes of child abuse, brain washing, self-harm, suicidal ideations/attempts and dubious consent.
This one is absolutely full of sea monster smut! Double trouble and 3 peens in total! It's trippy and thought provoking and as layered as Laura's broken psyche. 10/10 recommend it body gore is your thing - from unhinged jaws and "feeders" to body mutilation and evolution... just 10/10.
This is dark. Themes of child abuse, brain washing, self-harm, suicidal ideations/attempts and dubious consent.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! This was completely wild haha Kate really knows how to write something that makes you question everything 😂
Did i see myself being completely disgusted and in love with two sea monsters? No....no I did not. But this is what happened lol
Definitely read the trigger warnings before diving in to this book!
Did i see myself being completely disgusted and in love with two sea monsters? No....no I did not. But this is what happened lol
Definitely read the trigger warnings before diving in to this book!
October 6, 2026
The story was fun and new! I enjoyed the underwater concept and the boys were a different species that I’ve ever read. The fmc body changes were crazy and weird but in a good way..I did have a hard time with the story jumping around at times and the spicy scenes felt random. Was definitely dark and different which I really enjoyed.
arcs
September 30, 2026✨ARC Review✨
Not sure how I feel about this one. 🫠
Escaping a cult, only to be taken to the deep dark depths of the ocean...
Body modifications, slight horror, some cannibalism, monster smut, why choose I could go on.
I love a horror, but this just didn't hit for me. 😭
Not sure how I feel about this one. 🫠
Escaping a cult, only to be taken to the deep dark depths of the ocean...
Body modifications, slight horror, some cannibalism, monster smut, why choose I could go on.
I love a horror, but this just didn't hit for me. 😭
October 4, 2026
I received this book as an advanced reader copy. K. Sparrow did it again. She wrote another great book. If you were waiting for book 2 of the Eat Me Alive series, you won’t regret purchasing. She writes horror romance so well and the characters were chefs kiss!
October 5, 2026
This really wasn't my style of book. I struggled to get through the first few chapters - ended up not finishing
I received an advance review copy at no cost, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy at no cost, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️
October 6, 2026
This was my first monster dark romance book. I found myself greedily flipping the pages for more. I thought it was very well written and I couldnt put it down. I read it in a day. It had very memorable characters and the world building was extremely well developed. I highly recommend
October 6, 2026
I was an arc reader for this book. And it was strange in the best way. It is definitely not my normal read, and it could be a bit to keep up with at times. But if you like morally black mmcs, why choose and deep sea creatures, you will enjoy this.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What in the psychosis???
Edit: I only rate it 5 because the intention was clearly to f*ck with our heads.
Edit: I only rate it 5 because the intention was clearly to f*ck with our heads.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This just makes the brain work over time I can’t believe how this was so much like the first book but not it was great can’t wait to see what’s nexts
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