A Deadly Blooming

by Daphne Fama

Lured into a terrifying inheritance competition when returning home for her mother's funeral, a young woman must reckon with her mother’s secrets and a town’s past of deathly sacrifice.

Be careful of what grows here…

Maria's strongest memory of her hometown Talalora is crying as her mother sent her away. But when the sudden news of her mother’s death leaves Maria in shock, she returns. She’ll close old wounds for good and claim the inheritance her mother left behind; the home they once shared and a fresh start.

But Talalora isn't what Maria remembers. Once lush fields are barren; the flowers are withered. The townspeople are devoted to a lone priest, Father Benito, who declares her mother’s inheritance must be earned. To stake her claim, Maria must brave a series of trials pitting her against relatives she's never known.

Each trial, crueler than the last, tests Maria in the ways of the babaylan, healers that commune with the spirits. And with each trial passed Talalora's plants grow faster and stranger. But Maria’s progress brings memories of her mother. Now a childhood friend, a beautiful woman who shakes Maria’s heart, insists her mother's death was planned.

And Maria remembers the Diwata, a spirit and goddess who's ensured Talalora's fertile land for decades. She now wanders Talalora at night, twisted and strange, leaving flowers and ruin in her wake. Maria's fight for her inheritance becomes a search for the buried truth of Talalora, her mother, and a curse that threatens them all. What's been buried must bloom.

Genres: Horror, Fiction, Adult, Horror Thriller

352 pages, Paperback

Expected publication March 9, 2027

Reviews

[Mai T. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Filipino American History Month 2026 #1

Halloween 2026 #4

There are a lot of positive reviews here. Maybe read those. This is one I requested for 1) the beautiful cover (that's on me), and because 2) Asian horror does it for me more than the other Asian genres, namely, fantasy.

And while this started off on a positive note, it slowly began to sour. At the beginning of the book, I was riveted by Maria's story. Why is she in debt? Why does she work as a bar girl (no shaming)? Why did her mother send her away? What's the drama with her father?

Some of these things are answered. Some are not. Usually I'd care, but what began as an interesting mystery that could've turned scary just...didn't.

After being sent away from her mother's hometown when she was young, Maria never returned. What she thinks are debt collectors come to the bar she is working at to find her. When she makes her way to this town, Father Benito seems to hold all the answers. I'm immediately suspicious. Never trust a man. Definitely never trust a Catholic priest.

And then things get weirder. There's a contest. And they explain what it's for, but I'm not sure why the women are volunteering/getting volunteered. And a monster. But the real monster is obviously Father Benito, who doesn't even make a good villain. We've also got a little cousin incest, because why not?

Overall, worth the read if you're trying to support a Filipina American woman and learn about Filipino mythology. But for me, this lost the plot.

[Quilted.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been DYING for a good horror thriller and this was exactly what I was hoping for. If you’re looking for something creepy to add to your spooky season TBR definitely put this one on your list. The story follows Maria, who returns to her hometown of Talalora after her mother’s death, hoping to claim the home her mother left behind and finally put the past to rest. But things in Talalora are very different from what she remembers. Her inheritance comes with a catch: Maria has to compete in a series of increasingly disturbing trials against relatives she never even knew existed. As she moves through the trials, strange things begin happening around town, memories of her mother start coming back, and Maria begins to uncover the truth about the town’s history, the mysterious Diwata, and what really happened to her mother.This had everything I wanted from a horror thrillercreepy small town secrets, family mysteries, a curse, and that feeling that something is VERY wrong but you can’t quite figure out what until it’s too late. I loved how the horror was mixed into the history and folklore of Talalora.give this one a chance. This definitely scratched my horror itch.

[Ashley Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Advanced copy received by NetGalley

Female rage, horrifying creatures, and a love that refuses to die. Yeah...this one got me.

A Deadly Blooming follows a young woman whose grief, family, and growing rage become tangled with dark forces rooted in Filipino history and folklore. As the horror begins to bloom around her, she encounters terrifying creatures and a darkness that forces her to confront just how far grief, rage, and love can reach.

The female rage running through this story was probably one of my favorite parts. There is something so satisfying about watching rage grow from pain, grief, injustice, and everything a woman has been forced to endure. It felt raw, powerful, and I was HERE FOR IT.

The creepy imagery is SO GOOD. Daphne describes creatures in such vivid, disturbing detail that I could actually picture them while reading. My brain unfortunately created an image of these things, and now I just have to live with it. The horror elements were beautifully grotesque and easily some of my favorite parts.

I also loved how much Filipino history, culture, and folklore were woven throughout the story. I felt like I was learning while also being completely immersed in this dark and horrifying world.

This book just READS SO WELL. The writing flows effortlessly, pulls you in, and makes this one of those books you genuinely don't want to put down. I kept needing to know how this story would end.

Underneath all the rage, grief, blood, and creepy creatures was something surprisingly beautiful: Love has no end.

A Deadly Blooming gave me female rage, nightmare fuel, Filipino history and folklore, heartbreak, horror, and a story about just how far love can reach.

Beautiful. Bloody. Angry. Creepy.

Exactly how I like my horror.

[Chii ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5

A bit light in the beginning, but overall enjoyed the book.

Maria returns to her hometown after her estranged mother's death, and things aren't exactly how she remembered them. Before she can claim the home that her mother left for her, Maria has to complete a variety of trials to take her mother's place as a babalyan—Priestess-like role from relatives she never knew existed. (cue my "I knew you when you were a baby!" from aunties I don't ever remember meeting as a child.) As she deals with the trials, other events are happening concurrently in town, horrifying creatures are encountered, and things start to unravel.

This may not be for most people because the primary antagonist is very obvious, very early on, especially if you're great at deducing, and also the cousin incest. At the end of the day, I thought it was a perfect spooky season read for fans who want to support a Filipina Author, learn and enjoy Filipino folklore and mythology, and are semi-casual horror/thriller readers.

Thank you Netgalley, Berkley Penguin Random House for the eARC in exchange for an honest review

[Gee · Rating 5 out of 5]

There has been a barrage of tangible monster/beast horror and tech horror lately, so this book felt like a wonderful jump in time to the 80s and early 90s when folklore and religious horror dominated the field. I loved every single second of it. There is a sense of foreboding that brings unease the entire time you are reading it by seamlessly blending biohorror with deep seeded faith as Maria navigates the loss of her mother after years of estrangement, as she evades creditors who want to collect on her serious debt.

There are plot twists I won’t delve into to remain spoiler free, but at its core: Maria faces trials with 23 other women to take her mother’s place as a babalyan— a priestess type figure who could commune & exorcise with ghosts/spirits and heal in the community. There is a lot of mystery and intrigue around this position and the Goddess of Diwata, including its origins, the trial/selection process, and the sacrifices that must be made to appease her.

This book is bursting with rot, botanical, and serpentine imagery and descriptions. They’re so lush as they straddle that line of making the natural become unnatural, that they will wrap their vines around you and drag you down into the belly of the story. There is tension laced into every chapter, with the unknown stretching out before you as you learn things as Maria does because she has been left in the dark about the reality of her mother’s role due to their alienation from one another. Nothing is as it appears and spiraling lies unravel as Maria starts tugging at loose threads she manages to find. It becomes a race against time, and you can feel the wispy sprouts of death breathing down your neck too.

I cannot wait for everyone to enjoy this unique and gorgeous horror story when it’s released on March 9, 2027! Thank you to Daphne Fama and Berkley Publishing Group for providing this eARC for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Rudi McKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I LOVED how strange and unsettling A Deadly Blooming was. 🌺🩸

This is exactly the kind of atmospheric horror I’m always looking for. Daphne Fama takes family secrets, grief, folklore, faith, and a beautiful but increasingly disturbing natural world and turns them into something genuinely creepy.

Maria returning to Talalora after her mother’s death immediately pulled me in. The inheritance competition was such a fantastic setup, and every trial made the story feel more dangerous. I loved watching the town—and especially the plants—become increasingly unnatural. There is something deeply unsettling about flowers that should be beautiful becoming symbols of something much darker.

The Filipino folklore was one of my favorite parts. It gave the horror a distinct identity and made the supernatural elements feel deeply connected to the history and people of Talalora rather than simply being there for scares.

I also really enjoyed the emotional layers surrounding Maria, her mother, her childhood memories, and the woman who helps her question everything she thought she knew. There’s grief, complicated family relationships, love, betrayal, and so many buried secrets underneath the horror.

And that atmosphere! 🌿 The story has this gorgeous, almost hypnotic quality where you know something is terribly wrong even when everything looks beautiful on the surface.

* A Deadly Blooming* is lush, creepy, unsettling, and beautifully weird. It’s folk horror with teeth, and I absolutely loved watching everything slowly unravel.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the advanced copy.

[frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Berkley and Net Galley for a copy of this Arc

Daphne Fama is a master at turning nature monstrous be it flora or fauna.

A Deadly Blooming is a romantic horror novel that manages to explore quite a few things in its aprox 260 page count that make it feel expansive in the most delightful way.

Our Protagonist Maria is no fool and the far too real world circumstances that keep her drawn in to the central plot feel quite tangible. As a reader you want to scream don’t go, stay away while also being at the edge of your seat knowing that she must.

Fama infuses her characters with community in a way that makes her world feel full and inhabited. Maria is surrounded by connections that even when fleeting feel important and impactful. This makes the bodies that start dropping feel like they have weight to them.

The romance is full of yearning and I think captures a feeling that many gothic classic give. If you thought the real romance in the 1999 Mummy was Imhotep and Anck Su Namun then this book is for you.

The botanical horror elements are akin to the Ruins by Scott Smith with visceral descriptions that will make your skin crawl while combining elements of possession and infection all while paining a picture thats vivid as it is beautiful.

I loved this book and it has firmly planted Fama in the auto buy category for me. House of Monstrous Women was already in the running for my favorite book of the year but I think A Deadly Blooming might have just taken its place

[Thisisnotkaty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved A Deadly Blooming by Daphne Fama! This eerie body horror has a captivating blend of unsettling imagery and rich family lore, reminiscent of Ari Aster’s Midsommar, though it takes us far from Scandinavia(Sweden). The tension surrounding the trial adds an intriguing layer to the narrative.

If I had one critique, it would be that I craved even more spookiness and gore to heighten the overall experience. 👻 😈 Nevertheless, I can’t recommend this book highly enough! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5 Stars!

[Elena M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!

I adored the setting of this novel, especially the blend of Filipino folklore, jungle flora and fauna with the element of the trials. The characters and their motives were very well thought-out and the plot and pacing at the beginning was perfect. I also enjoyed how the author touched upon some more philosophical questions throughout such as the nature of worship, belonging and identity. The book did let me down in the second half, where I felt that the plot became a bit convoluted in some places and rushed in others. Additionally, and this is a purely personal preference, the "botanic gore" was slightly excessive in parts and did not add to the story. I would have preferred a deeper exploration into Filipino folklore in some places. Overall, an enjoyable read which for me could have ended in a slightly different way.

[Sequoya · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐ 4.5/5

I absolutely loved this world. I have found I am a fan of botany horror and this book delivered. The descriptions of all the flowers and smells, absolute perfection.

Our main character, Maria, is called back to a home she was kicked out of because her mother has died and there's to be a funeral. Upon coming back home, it turns out the funeral is actually an inheritance games with 23 of her other female relatives, and things are not what they seem.

I loved Maria and all her relatives. Somehow with so many extra characters, the ones Fama chooses to focus on are still fleshed out with their own personalities and motivations. It was really so lovely to see her grow closer with her aunts and Ligaya, especially considering the nature of the games.

The games were so mundane on the surface but horrifying in their nature. I really liked the addition of the "second chance" if you failed the trials, it added an extra element of horror - both physical and psychological.

The Diwata and Ligaya are such interesting characters. The descriptions of the Diwata are so haunting and beautiful at the same time. The way she is worshipped by the townspeople while simultaneously causing the Bloom is fascinating. On the flip side of the coin, you see Ligaya and how angry she is to be a vessel for the Diwata, how angry she is that her mother has become hollowed out by the Diwata. She is staring down the barrel of a gun and is still actively trying to find a way to break this curse.

I found myself wanting to know more of the Diwata. We get a pretty good history on her and subsequently can see how the Diwata is draining it's host body. I wish we got to see how the Diwata was made, what caused her to have powers of the bloom. We know her history and what drives her motivations, but I want to know how she was even created in the first place in a more technical sense.

The ending wraps up pretty quickly, but the book mostly takes place over a period of three days so I won't begrudge a quicker wrap up. I found the ending to be satisfying and make sense, but I wish we had more hints throughout for Maria specifically to get where she got.

Not a pro or a con, just different - since the book takes place over the course of three days, you stay with Maria the entire time. And I mean the entire time. Normally when a chapter ends, there's a bit of a jump to get to the start of the next chapter, but in this book the chapters pick up almost exactly where the last chapter left off. You are with Maria as she walks through the town to the next destinations. It was a little jarring at first because it feels like there shouldn't even be chapter breaks, but I quickly got used to it.

I loved this book. The descriptions of the bloom, the history of the town, the interpersonal relationships - all chefs kiss. The gradual horror of the inheritance games was done well, made all the more believable by the participants all being desperate in some way for this house and what it could change for them. Fantastic read.

Thank you to NetGalley & Berkley for the ARC!

[Crystal Beausoleil · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received an advance reader copy (ARC) from NetGalley for an honest review, and I appreciate the chance to read it early.

An atmospheric botanical folk-horror novel about the intertwined cycles of both earth and life. It reminded me of T. Kingfisher's novel What Moves the Dead, a retelling of The House of Usher. This book explores illness, grief, decay, and death. However, this book adds much more through passages about Filipino mythology, shamanic traditions, and cycles of rebirth in nature and within oneself. We see this especially in FMC Maria, as she navigates her feelings about her late mother while playing this inheritance game, investigating mysteries, being subjected to cult behaviors, and finding strength in herself. Maria is steadfast and doesn’t let her emotions consume her when tasks need doing—I admired her for that. The other characters are also expertly written. I especially enjoyed the banter between Maria and Ligaya in their deeply profound sapphic relationship.

Overall, this was a good novel, though the story seemed rushed near the end. It also features very complex, bordering-on-concerning interpersonal relationships and generational entanglements.

[Sebya Sinona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, Kalie, at Penguin Random House for the ARC.
I first read House of Monstrous Women as an ARC through the publisher and fell in love right away. I admit I am always starving for horror stories from my culture. I also admit not all of them are good. I will stop reading a book if it's not good enough to hold my attention and not annoy me. Fama is 2 for 2. I suspect she can't disappointment me. I read this one in a couple days because I didn't want to put it down. Fama is a good storyteller and I am so glad she is a writing.

Strong women, botanical folk horror, sapphic, generational curses/trauma - say less. Babaylan and Diawata - if you know, you know. If you don't know, and you are into those fungi horror books - give this one a try.

[horryndous · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the e-ARC, to Berkley for the physical ARC!

I read this in one sitting. It's got everything you could want--trials, cults, complicated mother/daughter relationship, family--I mean, you're going to have a great time with this one. I was invested from page one. It gave me major Midsommar vibes, which really only made me more curious as to how things were going to shake out! I really loved Maria and her growth throughout the book, as well as Salome, Magdalen, and Ligaya! I love the sapphic representation we get in this book, and love that the author is seemingly going to write more of that! We need sapphic horror, especially from people of color! Daphne Fama has solidified herself as an auto-buy author for me with this one, and I can't wait to see what she writes next!

Also, a moment for that cover! GORGEOUS!

[DaniPhantom · Rating 3.25 out of 5]

3.25⭐️, thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC!!

A Deadly Blooming is a Filipino horror that follows Maria, a young woman who’s down on her luck, on the run from debt collectors, and working for tips from foreigners at a bar.

She learns that her estranged mother has passed, and she might be able to inherit her estate if she is able to attend a ceremony with the rest of her family. Except, the ceremony and funeral aren’t just your normal celebrations of life.. they are a series of brutal tests to see who has what it takes to be the true matriarch and owner of the estate.

—

Maria is a very complex character. We learn she’s paying off her late father’s medical debt, and her mother kicked her and her father out of the house at a young age. I think this trauma she carries helps her to survive all the horrible things that are thrown at her throughout the book.

[Tiffany Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for my candid review.

This reminded me of how I felt while reading Mexican Gothic. There’s a dark, macabre legacy hiding in Talalora and Maria has returned home to claim her inheritance. She’s certainly down on her luck and hoping for a change. What she gets is horrifying floral carnage with a delightful side of found family.

Over 20 of her relatives have also been invited home with a chance to earn the title of babaylan (the town’s spiritual medium and healer) and a house. A series of dangerous trials await as the town suddenly blossoms and then unravels. The Diwata is such a compelling antagonist. One touch from her can choke victims in deep roots and blooming flowers from the inside out. She’s introduced as a revered deity who blesses the town with prosperity. As the story progresses I found her to be one of the most tragic characters.

What a tense read and I really enjoyed the investigation aspect of Maria searching for her mother and figuring out how to break the cycle. The ending felt a little rushed which I think diluted a major emotional moment for me. Ligaya and Maria’s banter is excellent though. I wish there was more of it to be honest.

The whole Castillo lineage can kick rocks. What they did to Maria’s family and really the whole town for the sake of power is beyond horrible.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a start to the SPOOKY SEASON with readly about a botancial demon seeking its long time revenge on a small town.

Feminie rage!
Religious rage?

Great window into the folklore of the Philippines.


thank you netgalley!

[rhododendronbees · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is botanical horror at its best. Lush descriptions of encroaching nature, of bright, captivating, sweet-scented flowers and a goddess who embodies both feminine rage and wild beauty in her floral domain. Daphne Fama's prose is fantastic in evoking a sense of something growing under your skin, her descriptions of floral body horror being both somewhat titillating and viscerally disgusting. With A Deadly Blooming Fama has written a very cinematic, visual novel that read like a whole movie unfolding before my eyes.

The core of this horror novel is (re)discovering your familial bonds and uncovering a very traumatic and dark secret. Maria, the main character, is compelling and sensible, and it was very satisfying to watch her unravel the lies of Talalora, the place she was born but barely remembers. She’s smart enough to trust her instincts and competent, too - she knows how and when to lie and pretend convincingly; Maria is also aware that she needs all the help and allies to finish the job. It did feel at times that Maria’s awareness seemed to vanish into thin air whenever the plot required for her to fall into a certain hurdle and move things along, but not too often.

Maria's development and character throughout the story are well-written, however, the whole of A Deadly Blooming takes place in three days, and three days is simply not enough time for relationships to bloom even under dire, scary circumstances. I didn't feel like Maria's connection with her aunts deserved to be as strong at the end with the little time they spent together. Three days is also not a long period for the main character to settle into a kind of rhythm at an unfamiliar place, and for her to notice when something is amiss, to feel so out of balance. The horror of this story is nature overtaking buildings and even people, and as a reader I would’ve liked for those changes in the setting to creep in slowly, to have time to feel the tension and the danger settling into the background. Daphne Fama’s prose is spectacular in captivating the reader and making them feel every terrifying thing, but the tight timeline makes scenes that are supposed to be heavy and important lack a certain depth.

Overall though, I simply consumed and devoured this book. The author made the setting feel lived-in and real, I could almost believe that a similar closed-off community exists somewhere in the world. Fama handled the themes of misogyny and generational trauma with a skilled hand, her commentary never coming across as overbearingly didactic but rather harsh in its realism. Considering the thematic gravity, the ending didn’t feel nearly cathartic or bloody enough, even coming off a little too cheesy, but the story was still wrapped up nicely and I look forward to more of Fama's work.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Filipino folklore, deadly trials, family secrets, religious fanaticism, and a town where something is VERY wrong? Yeah, this one had me intrigued from the start!

What I really enjoyed about A Deadly Blooming was how Daphne Fama blended supernatural horror with grief, generational trauma, and the complicated relationship between faith, tradition, and power. The incorporation of Filipino mythology, particularly the babaylan and Diwata, was easily one of my favorite aspects. I loved how deeply the folklore was woven into the story rather than simply serving as a backdrop.

Maria was an interesting protagonist because she’s navigating so much uncertainty, both about her mother’s past and her own place within this community. I appreciated that her journey wasn’t just about surviving the increasingly disturbing trials, but also confronting the truths that had been kept from her.

And the atmosphere? SO unsettling! The imagery surrounding the decaying town, unnatural growth, and the increasingly sinister nature of the trials created this creeping sense of dread that I really enjoyed. There’s something particularly disturbing about taking things associated with life and beauty and turning them into something grotesque.

My biggest critique would be the pacing. While I appreciated the gradual unraveling of the mystery, there were moments where the story felt a little repetitive, and I wanted certain revelations and character relationships to receive more development. Some of the emotional beats didn’t land quite as strongly as I would’ve liked.

That said, I really enjoyed the underlying commentary on blind devotion, exploitation, and the ways communities can weaponize tradition and belief. There was a lot more happening beneath the horror, and I appreciated that.

Overall, A Deadly Blooming was an atmospheric, disturbing, and thought-provoking folk horror that balanced supernatural terror with cultural identity and generational wounds. Not every element worked perfectly for me, but the folklore, imagery, and thematic depth made this a memorable read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[coven · Rating 5 out of 5]

i received this arc for free through netgalley and am writing this review voluntarily

ahhh!! i am reading some FANTASTIC eco/botanical horrors this year! i thoroughly enjoyed this one. this book has so much!!rich filipino folklore and mythology, creepy diwata (nature spirits), inheritance rituals, nature takeover?? what more could you want?! fama does a wonderful job pulling you into this story and making you feel like you need to know what happens next. it was hard to put this one down! a beautiful story about grief, belonging and family.

these characters are great!! there really wasn’t a single one that i didn’t care for! they’re all driving forces in this narrative with different purposes and motives. yet, all interwoven and connected in some way. it was an awesome one to read and find out how everything tied together!! i loved maria’s arc, coming to terms with her mother’s mysterious death and finding love/acceptance with her estranged aunties. and while i wouldn’t consider this a romance, i was pleasantly delighted with the quite a bit of sapphic flirting and undertones!! sapphic september for the win!! this one isn’t out until march of next year, but i WILL be adding this to my personal shelf!

[Bookworm_0413 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for this ARC of A Deadly Blooming by Daphne Fama.

When I first opened Daphne Fama’s A Deadly Blooming, I wasn’t entirely sure what to make of it. For the first half of the book, the story felt a bit surface-level. I was missing some depth. The tone seemed almost superficial, and I found myself searching for a strong emotional anchor to tie me to Maria and her journey back to Talalora.

I was worried it might remain a passive read, but I am incredibly glad I stuck with it. At about the halfway point, the narrative underwent a massive shift. It was as if a switch flipped. Here was the depth I had been looking for through the first half. The botanical folk horror elements blossomed into something truly terrifying and gripping, drawing beautifully from Filipino folklore. Once the momentum changed, the book became an absolute page-turner that I could not put down. It was the perfect balance of a grisly horror trial with a deeply moving, tender exploration of family trauma and grief.

If you pick up this book and find yourself feeling like it's a bit too light in the beginning, my best advice is to have patience and keep reading. The payoff in the second half is entirely worth it!

[Ben Pommer · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of “A Deadly Blooming.”

There’s something about the “returning home to confront sordid pasts and bringing long buried secrets to light” trope that I just cannot get enough of. In “A Deadly Blooming,” Daphne Fama provides that and so much more.
Full of atmospheric, creepy, and botanical horror, the story follows Maria who returns to the small town of Talalora after receiving word of the passing of her mother and the sizable estate she stands to inherit. When she arrives she quickly learns inheriting the estate will be no simple task. It must be paid for in blood, sacrifice, and even death.
Daphne does a spectacular job of building the suspense through every chapter. Each trial Maria is forced to endure builds incrementally think layers of suspense that would not allow me to stop until there was an end.
Blending botanical horror, body horror, and folklore from the Philippines, Daphne Fama has crafted an outstanding story that I won’t soon forget. “A Deadly Blooming” is a story of grief, familial bonds, and generational trauma. The vines will ensnare you and pull you in, another seed to plant among its soil, from start to finish in service of the Diwata.

[Bella · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

thank you netgalley, berkley publishing group, and daphne fama for the arc in exchange for review!

am i biased because im a filipino american with an obnoxious amount of pride for virtually everyone and everything that the mother country generates? absolutely. even so, "a deadly blooming" is a stunning, emotional, one-of-a-kind novel that im so grateful to have had the privilege of reading.

im not sure what i expected going into this, but in the best way, it certainly was not the level of graphic and intense nature-based body horror that fama delivers. as a trypophobe, ive never felt my fear so viscerally without any visual element, speaking to fama's storytelling capabilities. i found the parallels between the political climate of the philippines in the 80s and the spiritual presence monopolizing talalora to be particularly clever, as they added a layer of profundity to the horror at large rather than leaving it as horror for the sake of it (though it's so well-written i could see it finding a level of success on its own).

maybe this is a weird sentiment because of how dark so much of this story is but the amount of culture injected into it felt like a huge hug for my diaspora heart. more filipino literature please!!!!!!!!!!

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed A Deadly Blooming. The story was creepy, mysterious, and had a really interesting connection to Filipino folklore. I liked the small-town setting and the feeling that there was always something strange happening beneath the surface.
Maria was an interesting main character, and I enjoyed learning more about her family and her past as the story went on. Some parts were a little slow for me, and there were times when I felt like the story was a bit confusing, but the atmosphere kept me reading.

The supernatural elements and the darker parts of the story were definitely my favorite. I also liked how the book explored family, secrets, and the consequences of the choices people make.
Overall, this was a creepy and unique read with a lot of interesting ideas. It wasn't a perfect 5-star read for me, but I would definitely recommend it to readers who enjoy gothic horror, folklore, and mysterious small-town stories. I rounded up 3.75/5

Thank you to Berkley Publishers and NetGalley for this Read Now ARC and to give my honest opinion.

[Lexi Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Deadly Blooming is the kind of horror that gets under your skin slowly, letting its beauty become part of the threat. Daphne Fama creates such an eerie version of Talalora, where lush vegetation, old traditions, and family history all seem to conceal something sinister. The inheritance trials gave the story a wonderfully tense structure, while the Filipino folklore and mythology added so much richness to the supernatural elements. The diwata, the strange behavior of nature, and the increasingly unsettling transformation of the environment made the setting feel almost alive. I especially loved how the horror was rooted in culture, history, and the characters’ connection to one another rather than feeling like something simply dropped into the story for atmosphere.

What surprised me most was how much the story grew emotionally as it unfolded. Maria’s return forces her to confront painful memories, complicated relationships.

[bette perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

thank you netgalley and Berkley publishing for this arc.

folklore horror has got to be one of the best genres. daphne fama has written a masterpiece in tension, prose, action, and filling you with a sense of dread. i loved learning more about filipino legends and culture. the babaylan and the diwata were not something i’d come across before. they were so unique in a genre that’s typically filled with western style demons/dark spirits. i really liked the strong emphasis on respecting nature and family ties. i do wish there had been a bit more about the romance between maria and ligaya. overall i had a great time with this book and definitely need more sapphic horror in my life.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very rich in history and folklore. The imagery was so good!! All of it felt very lush, green and alive despite the rot within the story. Daphne Fama created such a vibrant and genuinely creepy story that handled grief beautifully. I cried :/

The body horror in this was nasty and yet so good to the point I wanted more. It almost reminded me of The Ruins, but with a cult-ish aspect.

I think my only complaint is that the relationships and some secondary characters felt a tiny bit underdeveloped. The first half also felt a little sluggish. Good but slow.

Thank you Berkley and netgalley for the e-arc!

[dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is my first time reading a Filipino horror novel and i’m obsessed. it’s full of folklore that i must read more abt immediately! the botanical descriptions were so vivid and eerie. it truly had me spooked. i really loved the “trials” competition for the inheritance, it made the steaks so high! the supporting characters were also loveable (well MOST i’m looking at u benito)

what i loved: Filipino folklore, sapphic romance, botanical horror, exploration of generational trauma

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review!

[Ticia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautifully gruesome story, i absolutely loved this book, it's hard to review without giving much of the plot away but i felt it was so rich in it's story and it's folklore, it's a haunting tale of love, loss, faith and nature. a folk horror tale dripping in atmosphere and tension, perfect for fan's of midsummer and Mexican Gothic,

[Bethel Mahoney · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

****Review of ARC received from NetGalley

DAMN!! If you’re new to the horror genre this is definitely on the heavier side so read trigger warnings. The plant imagery gore?!?! Insane!! There’s so much culture! The lore for what takes place in this universe is original and unique. I’m completely stunned after finishing this

[Amy]

An intense and culty folk horror that will have my side-eyeing my house plants for a while. The body horror manages to be both beautiful and terrifying, and I'm excited to read more from Fama.

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkeley Publishing Group for providing an Advanced Reader Copy