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Fallow Creek #1
Lovely, Dark and Deep
It’s a beautiful day in autumn, and a little girl has gone missing…
She’s not the first.
Hannah Hendricks is the fourth child to disappear from the small town of Fallow Creek in the past two months. Search parties comb the woods and vigils are held, yet there is no trace of the missing children, as if they have vanished off the face of the earth.
Cassandra Reilly is certain there is magic involved, but few people trust the word of a witch, and fewer still want her help. As an outsider to the rest of the town, it seems there is little she can do – until Hannah’s parents arrive on her doorstep, begging for magical aid.
Cass is tired of doing nothing, but agreeing to help is more dangerous than she knows. Something evil is at work in Fallow Creek, and if she isn’t careful, she’ll lead it back to her own door…
Content warnings for this book can be found on the author's website.
She’s not the first.
Hannah Hendricks is the fourth child to disappear from the small town of Fallow Creek in the past two months. Search parties comb the woods and vigils are held, yet there is no trace of the missing children, as if they have vanished off the face of the earth.
Cassandra Reilly is certain there is magic involved, but few people trust the word of a witch, and fewer still want her help. As an outsider to the rest of the town, it seems there is little she can do – until Hannah’s parents arrive on her doorstep, begging for magical aid.
Cass is tired of doing nothing, but agreeing to help is more dangerous than she knows. Something evil is at work in Fallow Creek, and if she isn’t careful, she’ll lead it back to her own door…
Content warnings for this book can be found on the author's website.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2021
23 people are currently reading
1695 people want to read
About the author
Claudia Cain
7 books71 followersClaudia Cain is the author of the Silver and Bone trilogy and the Fallow Creek series. She currently lives in New Zealand, and when not writing stories full of magic and monsters, she can usually be found reading them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
July 25, 2025
If you have a chance to read this book you should grab it with both hands and hold on fiercely because it is SO damn good! I’m always a sucker for a good witchy story and honestly, this is one of the very best I’ve read. It’s dark and grim and actually quite terrifying at some parts which I totally wasn’t expecting but absolutely LOVED. Think House of Hollow vibes mixed with a little bit of Holly Black and you have the magic that is Lovely, Dark and Deep. You’ve got witches and fae and monsters and children disappearing and pretty much everything else you could want in a story like this, it’s just filled to the brim with excellence and I can’t praise it or recommend it enough. My instant reaction after finishing was to message the author to ask when the next book was because I need more of this dark deliciousness in my life and I need it stat!
February 9, 2024
A shoutout to my witchy, spooky, dark things in the woods kind of readers: This one is for you!
I was interested in the "Unmaking of June Farrow" comparison. This book definitely has that small town feeling...with a religious divide and dark mystery clinging to the air. When children start to go missing...and a gate appears in the middle of the woods....there's a darkness stirring and only a family of witches turn the tide to prevent things from going horribly wrong.
I definitely also got a "Stranger Things" vibe with this book. It leaned into just enough of the horror aspects to have my fearful interest but never did I feel like it would prevent me from sleeping at night. I really loved the witchy vibes/magic. I feel like this would make an awesome atmospheric fall read. It also felt like something I hadn't read before which is a vibe that I am always chasing.
I found the family dynamics to be endearing...much like the interactions of a REAL family. There is a immortal character I definitely have my eye on...because (while this book has no romance) I SENSE a slow burn romance coming and I am here for it.
All in all this just feels like a book series that is going to continuously get better and better. I can't wait to continue the series and I ADORED the EERIE cliff hanger ending. Goosebumps!
I was interested in the "Unmaking of June Farrow" comparison. This book definitely has that small town feeling...with a religious divide and dark mystery clinging to the air. When children start to go missing...and a gate appears in the middle of the woods....there's a darkness stirring and only a family of witches turn the tide to prevent things from going horribly wrong.
I definitely also got a "Stranger Things" vibe with this book. It leaned into just enough of the horror aspects to have my fearful interest but never did I feel like it would prevent me from sleeping at night. I really loved the witchy vibes/magic. I feel like this would make an awesome atmospheric fall read. It also felt like something I hadn't read before which is a vibe that I am always chasing.
I found the family dynamics to be endearing...much like the interactions of a REAL family. There is a immortal character I definitely have my eye on...because (while this book has no romance) I SENSE a slow burn romance coming and I am here for it.
All in all this just feels like a book series that is going to continuously get better and better. I can't wait to continue the series and I ADORED the EERIE cliff hanger ending. Goosebumps!
August 22, 2024
[ 3.75 Stars ]
this book has the perfect mix of mystery and fantasy and the perfect autumn vibes.
it’s a short book, so some things weren't thoroughly explained, but the characters were so charismatic and unique that I was enthralled with the story nonetheless. It features a spooky small town, witches, the fae, and monsters!
also, the highlight of the book for me: Merich and Cass's relationship!! omg the romantic tension! I’m feeling a slow burn building, and I'm here for it.
It’s the perfect book if you want something simple, where you don’t have to think too hard, with spooky and autumn vibes and that’s truly entertaining and funny.
this book has the perfect mix of mystery and fantasy and the perfect autumn vibes.
it’s a short book, so some things weren't thoroughly explained, but the characters were so charismatic and unique that I was enthralled with the story nonetheless. It features a spooky small town, witches, the fae, and monsters!
also, the highlight of the book for me: Merich and Cass's relationship!! omg the romantic tension! I’m feeling a slow burn building, and I'm here for it.
It’s the perfect book if you want something simple, where you don’t have to think too hard, with spooky and autumn vibes and that’s truly entertaining and funny.
September 19, 2021
a huge thank you to the author for sending me a copy to review.
lovely, dark and deep is a book that follows the adventures of the reilly family, as they solve the mystery regarding the missing children in town.
this book has a strong start, which continues the whole way through. the plot is entertaining, and i enjoyed learning about the characters strengths and weaknesses.
cass is our main character, who is loveable and unique. i found a particular attachment towards merich, the fae of the story. he was intriguing and mysterious - i wish he had a little more screen time so i could learn more of his backstory!!
next, we have the siblings: theo, louisa, and penelope. normally, when a cast gets too big, there's characters who i dislike. however, i didn't feel this way about lovely, dark and deep! i loved everyone fairly equally (except merich, he's special).
i really enjoyed learning about the witches, and the gap (a mysterious and dangerous place). i particularly enjoyed seeing cass fill her role in protecting the missing children.
PLUS, the ending??? a cliffhanger??? should i take offense?? i need to know what happens next! i love how just one line managed to turn a sweet ending into something dark. the ending have me chills!!
lovely, dark and deep is a book that follows the adventures of the reilly family, as they solve the mystery regarding the missing children in town.
this book has a strong start, which continues the whole way through. the plot is entertaining, and i enjoyed learning about the characters strengths and weaknesses.
cass is our main character, who is loveable and unique. i found a particular attachment towards merich, the fae of the story. he was intriguing and mysterious - i wish he had a little more screen time so i could learn more of his backstory!!
next, we have the siblings: theo, louisa, and penelope. normally, when a cast gets too big, there's characters who i dislike. however, i didn't feel this way about lovely, dark and deep! i loved everyone fairly equally (except merich, he's special).
i really enjoyed learning about the witches, and the gap (a mysterious and dangerous place). i particularly enjoyed seeing cass fill her role in protecting the missing children.
PLUS, the ending??? a cliffhanger??? should i take offense?? i need to know what happens next! i love how just one line managed to turn a sweet ending into something dark. the ending have me chills!!
February 16, 2023
If Kingdom of the Wicked and ACOTAR had a baby...it's this book! In an attempt to keep the gate between worlds closed, a family of witches, along with the help of a drop dead gorgeous Fae, must do what they can to protect their domain. And what better way to do so than by means of the spooky gate in the middle of the woods where children continue to go "missing"??
The thing I loved the most about this book was it was not focused on the romance. Oftentimes I read books with witches and fae and every other page is talking about a "mate" or a "honeyed heat deep in my belly" and child...I'm over it. Cain flipped the script on this one and focused on a lush plot alongside a rich pool of characters. It isn't completely void of romance, as there are flirtatious advances throughout, but it is certainly not a focal point. We get a high-stakes fantasy with and plenty of creatures that go bump in the night! Plus, a spooky forest with children-snatching creatures seeping through the barrier between worlds?? HERE. FOR. IT.
I was thoroughly pleased with the magic and action in this book. Because the book wasn't so focused on the romance, we were able to truly see what these witches, fae, and monsters were capable of. Which I love! I hate it when a book is like "oh she's a witch" and then all she does is light a candle in the study...but in THIS BOOK we get fireballs to the face, a nifty dark magic that is the only thing capable of actually hurting the evil-doers, crazy ass forest fae magic, locator spells, and so much more. And they're actually utilized in life-or-death situations! THIS is how magic-users should be portrayed.
The characters encompass such a broad spectrum of personality types that make each and every one of them feel so special to the story. Cass: our MC with an interesting and powerful type of magic that will stop at nothing to save these kids. Merich: the hot, powerful fae that happens to be lord of the forest. Louisa: the overprotective guardian. Theo: the goodie-goodie, gay, powerful witch with a slight sense of rebellion and so dedicated to his sister. Will: the cute, protective best friend. Pen: the fireball-slinging sister that is completely over being treated like a child. I loved each and every one of them!
This one ends on the BIGGEST cliffhanger so you best believe I will be immediately jumping into Book 2! I am so hyped for this series and if you're a fan of anything similar to ACOTAR, you should definitely check this out!
The thing I loved the most about this book was it was not focused on the romance. Oftentimes I read books with witches and fae and every other page is talking about a "mate" or a "honeyed heat deep in my belly" and child...I'm over it. Cain flipped the script on this one and focused on a lush plot alongside a rich pool of characters. It isn't completely void of romance, as there are flirtatious advances throughout, but it is certainly not a focal point. We get a high-stakes fantasy with and plenty of creatures that go bump in the night! Plus, a spooky forest with children-snatching creatures seeping through the barrier between worlds?? HERE. FOR. IT.
I was thoroughly pleased with the magic and action in this book. Because the book wasn't so focused on the romance, we were able to truly see what these witches, fae, and monsters were capable of. Which I love! I hate it when a book is like "oh she's a witch" and then all she does is light a candle in the study...but in THIS BOOK we get fireballs to the face, a nifty dark magic that is the only thing capable of actually hurting the evil-doers, crazy ass forest fae magic, locator spells, and so much more. And they're actually utilized in life-or-death situations! THIS is how magic-users should be portrayed.
The characters encompass such a broad spectrum of personality types that make each and every one of them feel so special to the story. Cass: our MC with an interesting and powerful type of magic that will stop at nothing to save these kids. Merich: the hot, powerful fae that happens to be lord of the forest. Louisa: the overprotective guardian. Theo: the goodie-goodie, gay, powerful witch with a slight sense of rebellion and so dedicated to his sister. Will: the cute, protective best friend. Pen: the fireball-slinging sister that is completely over being treated like a child. I loved each and every one of them!
This one ends on the BIGGEST cliffhanger so you best believe I will be immediately jumping into Book 2! I am so hyped for this series and if you're a fan of anything similar to ACOTAR, you should definitely check this out!
October 28, 2021
I. loved. this. book. This is the kind of story that goes overlooked because it isn't flashy and shiny and dramatic. It's beautiful and steady and twisty and dark and every character, every moment feels real and true. It caught me from the very first page and never slowed down. The writing is so beautiful and so thoughtful that I found myself stopping to appreciate it over and over again. Claudia Cain finds a way to put words to little feelings or moments that I would never have known to describe or never realized were important until she pegged them so perfectly.
Cassandra is such a relatable and real main character and each of the side characters feel so tangible and multi-dimensional as well. I loved how we got to see all sides of Cass - her determination and her power but also her fear and doubt. And Merich. I fell for him from the first page and I cannot wait to see where things go in book 2... There is a hint of a love triangle but I felt that it was tastefully done and I normally don't like love triangles much. This felt realistic and not overdone.
The system of magic is amazing. I loved the idea of "magic has a price." So twisty and cool and sort of creepy too! That played in well with one of the reveals too.
My favorite part of this book was the family dynamic. Cassandra's family is dysfunctional and messy and they're holding onto a lot of pain. Pen felt a little bit flat to me (though she's great comic relief) but I'm hoping we'll learn more about her in the next installment. Louisa and Theo were so well done, so complex and multi-faceted, like they'd been plucked right out of our world and written onto the page. Claudia perfectly captured that brother-sister relationship between Theo and Cass, the way they have shared trauma and pain but also struggle to communicate that emotionally. Louisa was a fascinating character and her conversation with Cass at the end of the book had me in tears (I want to say more but no spoilers). I want to go back to Fallow Creek just to learn more about Louisa and the family. I'd read this story for them alone.
And finally... those twists! The adventure was amazing and I loved seeing Cass learn to use her magic more confidently, but it was the twists and reveals (Will!!) that got me. That ending left me SHOCKED. And now I must read book two ASAP!!
Cassandra is such a relatable and real main character and each of the side characters feel so tangible and multi-dimensional as well. I loved how we got to see all sides of Cass - her determination and her power but also her fear and doubt. And Merich. I fell for him from the first page and I cannot wait to see where things go in book 2... There is a hint of a love triangle but I felt that it was tastefully done and I normally don't like love triangles much. This felt realistic and not overdone.
The system of magic is amazing. I loved the idea of "magic has a price." So twisty and cool and sort of creepy too! That played in well with one of the reveals too.
My favorite part of this book was the family dynamic. Cassandra's family is dysfunctional and messy and they're holding onto a lot of pain. Pen felt a little bit flat to me (though she's great comic relief) but I'm hoping we'll learn more about her in the next installment. Louisa and Theo were so well done, so complex and multi-faceted, like they'd been plucked right out of our world and written onto the page. Claudia perfectly captured that brother-sister relationship between Theo and Cass, the way they have shared trauma and pain but also struggle to communicate that emotionally. Louisa was a fascinating character and her conversation with Cass at the end of the book had me in tears (I want to say more but no spoilers). I want to go back to Fallow Creek just to learn more about Louisa and the family. I'd read this story for them alone.
And finally... those twists! The adventure was amazing and I loved seeing Cass learn to use her magic more confidently, but it was the twists and reveals (Will!!) that got me. That ending left me SHOCKED. And now I must read book two ASAP!!
September 28, 2021
Oh, how I do enjoy a good book about witches.
Love, Dark and Deep is a spooky story that follows the Reilly family as they try to solve the mystery surrounding the disappearance of children in their small town. It was very creepy and at times unsettling, but very fun!
I adored Theo, and am very intrigued by Merich. Our main character Cass was also a delight if a bit impulsive in her decisions. She has her reasons, of course, she wants to be accepted by these people who’ve shunned her and her family all their lives, but most of all, she wants to help the missing children.
I would have liked a bit more development for the other characters, though the book isn’t that long to begin with. We get introduced to a lot of them: Pen, the loud and fiery youngest witch, their sister Helen whose left the family, Louisa who's protective and paranoid for reasons not fully discussed, Will who felt very typical best friend, and Stephanie, his fiancé, who seemed to serve little purpose other than to dislike Cass.
Still, I think they have a lot of potential! And I do know Cain can write some amazing and memorable characters. If you’ve read any of her other work, a familiar face gets mentioned, which was such a lovely surprise!
Overall, Lovely, Dark and Deep is a great book for the autumnal season. It ends in the most creepy cliffhanger, and I’m excited for the sequel! If you’re a fan of mystery and magic with twists, I definitely recommend checking it out. And if you like urban fantasy with a wonderful protagonist, Cain's other book, Silver and Bone, was super entertaining as well!
A huge thank you to the author for sending me a copy to review!
Love, Dark and Deep is a spooky story that follows the Reilly family as they try to solve the mystery surrounding the disappearance of children in their small town. It was very creepy and at times unsettling, but very fun!
I adored Theo, and am very intrigued by Merich. Our main character Cass was also a delight if a bit impulsive in her decisions. She has her reasons, of course, she wants to be accepted by these people who’ve shunned her and her family all their lives, but most of all, she wants to help the missing children.
I would have liked a bit more development for the other characters, though the book isn’t that long to begin with. We get introduced to a lot of them: Pen, the loud and fiery youngest witch, their sister Helen whose left the family, Louisa who's protective and paranoid for reasons not fully discussed, Will who felt very typical best friend, and Stephanie, his fiancé, who seemed to serve little purpose other than to dislike Cass.
Still, I think they have a lot of potential! And I do know Cain can write some amazing and memorable characters. If you’ve read any of her other work, a familiar face gets mentioned, which was such a lovely surprise!
Overall, Lovely, Dark and Deep is a great book for the autumnal season. It ends in the most creepy cliffhanger, and I’m excited for the sequel! If you’re a fan of mystery and magic with twists, I definitely recommend checking it out. And if you like urban fantasy with a wonderful protagonist, Cain's other book, Silver and Bone, was super entertaining as well!
A huge thank you to the author for sending me a copy to review!
March 22, 2023
Thank you to the author for the gifted review copy!
4.5 stars. I flew through this paranormal fantasy that skirts the lines between mystery, thriller, and horror with witches, Fae, and otherworldly dark magic deep in the woods.
The spooky atmosphere sucked me into the story, while the strong characters and compelling writing kept me invested on the edge of my seat. Cass is a relatable heroine, I adore Theo, and oh how I need so much more of Merich. I do hope my slow burn ship sails in book 2.
This book is full of chilling and thrilling twists and turns. The backstory reveals were artfully executed to build suspense throughout the book, although I do still have some lingering questions. I am such a sucker for a last minute reveal after it seems like everything has been resolved, and this ending gave me GOOSEBUMPS! Very excited to continue this series!
Blog | Instagram
4.5 stars. I flew through this paranormal fantasy that skirts the lines between mystery, thriller, and horror with witches, Fae, and otherworldly dark magic deep in the woods.
The spooky atmosphere sucked me into the story, while the strong characters and compelling writing kept me invested on the edge of my seat. Cass is a relatable heroine, I adore Theo, and oh how I need so much more of Merich. I do hope my slow burn ship sails in book 2.
This book is full of chilling and thrilling twists and turns. The backstory reveals were artfully executed to build suspense throughout the book, although I do still have some lingering questions. I am such a sucker for a last minute reveal after it seems like everything has been resolved, and this ending gave me GOOSEBUMPS! Very excited to continue this series!
Blog | Instagram
February 2, 2023
A huge thank you to the author for reaching out to me and sending me your wonderful book 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒚, 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑫𝒆𝒆𝒑.
I’m very rusty with writing reviews but I’m here to say a couple things:
• a fae
• small town
• disappearing children
• haunted woods
• witches
I was obsessed with this book from the very first page. I adore the relationship between Merich and Cass. THE BANTER. I mean, who doesn’t love a gorgeous fae hanging out in the woods?!?
The atmosphere was everything I could have ever wanted. I felt like I was sitting in my cozy cottage in the woods, and enjoying my herbal tea while reading this.
It ends on a HUGE cliffhanger, so of course I’ll be grabbing 𝑾𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝑾𝒂𝒍𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 very very soon.
This book would be best read right around Autumn. It just has the perfect vibes, the right amount of spooky, and fulfills the witchy quota!
I’m very rusty with writing reviews but I’m here to say a couple things:
• a fae
• small town
• disappearing children
• haunted woods
• witches
I was obsessed with this book from the very first page. I adore the relationship between Merich and Cass. THE BANTER. I mean, who doesn’t love a gorgeous fae hanging out in the woods?!?
The atmosphere was everything I could have ever wanted. I felt like I was sitting in my cozy cottage in the woods, and enjoying my herbal tea while reading this.
It ends on a HUGE cliffhanger, so of course I’ll be grabbing 𝑾𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝑾𝒂𝒍𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 very very soon.
This book would be best read right around Autumn. It just has the perfect vibes, the right amount of spooky, and fulfills the witchy quota!
March 29, 2024
Your next perfect spooky read for fall or whenever!
When I finished the book my foremost thought was why this book isn’t everywhere on Bookstagram because this was such a good Indie fantasy with slight horror crossover. Lovely, Dark and Deep snagged my attention from the very beginning and what I liked most is the pacing, it never slows down or has any filler content. The story shoots straight from chapter 1 with such a gripping story line. It felt like I am reading something the falls between The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina(newer one) and Stranger things which are two of my fav shows
The twists were really well done, I loved the central theme of an eerie formidable forest and dark forces lurking just outside your fence. It definitely made me shudder at times with the ambient scene setting and unsettling tone. The otherworldliness was just so well when the story takes you deep into the forest , the magic system is simple yet effective and the sinister abomination that our witchling Cass had to face off gave me creeps.
There was an endearing family dynamic which I hope will be explored more in the next book and a budding romance with a mysterious man, I am absolutely going to read the next one as soon as I can
When I finished the book my foremost thought was why this book isn’t everywhere on Bookstagram because this was such a good Indie fantasy with slight horror crossover. Lovely, Dark and Deep snagged my attention from the very beginning and what I liked most is the pacing, it never slows down or has any filler content. The story shoots straight from chapter 1 with such a gripping story line. It felt like I am reading something the falls between The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina(newer one) and Stranger things which are two of my fav shows
The twists were really well done, I loved the central theme of an eerie formidable forest and dark forces lurking just outside your fence. It definitely made me shudder at times with the ambient scene setting and unsettling tone. The otherworldliness was just so well when the story takes you deep into the forest , the magic system is simple yet effective and the sinister abomination that our witchling Cass had to face off gave me creeps.
There was an endearing family dynamic which I hope will be explored more in the next book and a budding romance with a mysterious man, I am absolutely going to read the next one as soon as I can
December 30, 2021
I picked this up on a whim and it blew me away from the first page with how good the writing was.
If you're looking for something atmospheric with kind of a creepy, monsters in the woods vibe then this is just right.
It's about a family of witches who keep themselves apart from the local townspeople who shun them, but when children start going missing in the woods, they decide to help. There was a horror aspect to this that I wasn't expecting but I thought it was really well done.
I really like all the characters, they each have their quirks and different strengths with their magic. And magic has a price. Really enjoyed this, and can't wait for more.
If you're looking for something atmospheric with kind of a creepy, monsters in the woods vibe then this is just right.
It's about a family of witches who keep themselves apart from the local townspeople who shun them, but when children start going missing in the woods, they decide to help. There was a horror aspect to this that I wasn't expecting but I thought it was really well done.
I really like all the characters, they each have their quirks and different strengths with their magic. And magic has a price. Really enjoyed this, and can't wait for more.
November 7, 2021
Spooky season may be “technically” over but it’s never over in our hearts. If you want to continue the spooky season with your reading, this is the perfect book for it. It’s a slightly creepy fantasy novel that just released today! It’s got witches and fae and creepy monsters! And the author is one of my friends on Instagram, Claudia Cain (find her @cainbooks there). She asked if people would like to review her book, and I said yes! My friendship with her doesn’t affect my review in any way.
I read this in one sitting, and I think that speaks to the strength of the pacing of this novel. The reveals happened at just the right time. Slowly enough to keep you intrigued, but fast enough to not lose readers and have people lose interest. Pacing can be a really hard thing to nail down, and I’m really impressed with Claudia’s ability in this regard.
The cast of characters was a good size, though I do wish the novel had been a bit longer so that we could get to know each character more. We spend the most time getting to know our main character Cass, and we learn a lot about her friend Will, but I’d really like to know more about her family. The ending is definitely a setup for a sequel (or more) and so I’m hoping we explore the siblings and Cass’ aunt in the next book. It would be great to see how the siblings interact with each other more as well. Especially Pen! Since she’s under 18, her family tried to keep her out of the action in this book for the most part. But what I saw of her, I loved. I’d read a book starring Pen!
I love a good novel featuring siblings, even if it didn’t have quite the depth I wanted. Having grown up with a brother, the tension and love feel so familiar and comforting to read about haha.
Claudia’s writing was beautiful and easy to read. It flowed really well! I also think she did a great job of with the creepiness factor and atmosphere. The tension was there, and definitely had me on edge, but didn’t scare me TOO much (which is because I’m baby).
Overall this was a fun read, and I’m looking forward to the next book! Because that very last page….rude LOL.
I read this in one sitting, and I think that speaks to the strength of the pacing of this novel. The reveals happened at just the right time. Slowly enough to keep you intrigued, but fast enough to not lose readers and have people lose interest. Pacing can be a really hard thing to nail down, and I’m really impressed with Claudia’s ability in this regard.
The cast of characters was a good size, though I do wish the novel had been a bit longer so that we could get to know each character more. We spend the most time getting to know our main character Cass, and we learn a lot about her friend Will, but I’d really like to know more about her family. The ending is definitely a setup for a sequel (or more) and so I’m hoping we explore the siblings and Cass’ aunt in the next book. It would be great to see how the siblings interact with each other more as well. Especially Pen! Since she’s under 18, her family tried to keep her out of the action in this book for the most part. But what I saw of her, I loved. I’d read a book starring Pen!
I love a good novel featuring siblings, even if it didn’t have quite the depth I wanted. Having grown up with a brother, the tension and love feel so familiar and comforting to read about haha.
Claudia’s writing was beautiful and easy to read. It flowed really well! I also think she did a great job of with the creepiness factor and atmosphere. The tension was there, and definitely had me on edge, but didn’t scare me TOO much (which is because I’m baby).
Overall this was a fun read, and I’m looking forward to the next book! Because that very last page….rude LOL.
November 29, 2024
"It's a glorious autumn afternoon, and the woods are about to swallow a girl whole."
Lovely, Dark and Deep follows Cass, a witch in the town of Fallow Creek, as she works to solve the mystery of five children who have gone missing in the woods behind her house. Ostracized by the community, she and her family of witches struggle to help the townspeople without appearing suspicious. But Cass knows she has the ability to find the children. She just doesn't know how. Filled with family drama, nightmarish eldritch monsters, and a handsome forest guardian hell-bent on NOT helping Cass (until he does), this book checked all of my boxes and I can't wait to continue with the series!
Let's chat for a minute about this one. First, I have to talk about Cass. Sarcastic, competent, and unaware of her own strength, she makes a great literary heroine. I felt myself rooting for her the entire book, despite the fact that she could be a little bit rash at times. I loved her fire and her passion to do the right thing, even at the expense of her own safety.
In addition to Cass, Cain has written a slew of interesting and entertaining side characters: Theo and Pen, her siblings; Will, her best friend; Louisa, her over-protective aunt; and Merich, the black-eyed fae/guardian of the forest who made my stomach do constant somersaults. I found myself connecting with each of them individually, completely invested in them and their subplots. Theo especially, because I'm a sucker for a dramatic brother/sister dynamic.
But Merich... heaven help me. If he doesn't get more page time in the upcoming books I will RIOT.
This book has been on my TBR for AGES and I hate myself for not getting to it sooner. When I finished it, my heart was racing. My skin was crawling. My stomach was full of butterflies. I absolutely loved it.
Lovely, Dark and Deep follows Cass, a witch in the town of Fallow Creek, as she works to solve the mystery of five children who have gone missing in the woods behind her house. Ostracized by the community, she and her family of witches struggle to help the townspeople without appearing suspicious. But Cass knows she has the ability to find the children. She just doesn't know how. Filled with family drama, nightmarish eldritch monsters, and a handsome forest guardian hell-bent on NOT helping Cass (until he does), this book checked all of my boxes and I can't wait to continue with the series!
Let's chat for a minute about this one. First, I have to talk about Cass. Sarcastic, competent, and unaware of her own strength, she makes a great literary heroine. I felt myself rooting for her the entire book, despite the fact that she could be a little bit rash at times. I loved her fire and her passion to do the right thing, even at the expense of her own safety.
In addition to Cass, Cain has written a slew of interesting and entertaining side characters: Theo and Pen, her siblings; Will, her best friend; Louisa, her over-protective aunt; and Merich, the black-eyed fae/guardian of the forest who made my stomach do constant somersaults. I found myself connecting with each of them individually, completely invested in them and their subplots. Theo especially, because I'm a sucker for a dramatic brother/sister dynamic.
But Merich... heaven help me. If he doesn't get more page time in the upcoming books I will RIOT.
This book has been on my TBR for AGES and I hate myself for not getting to it sooner. When I finished it, my heart was racing. My skin was crawling. My stomach was full of butterflies. I absolutely loved it.
February 20, 2024
This was a very enjoyable read with characters I enjoyed getting acquainted with and a pretty spooky storyline. Cass and Merich make a great team with just the right amount of romantic tension. I'm dying to know more of their story and find out which of the Reilly siblings ends up becoming The Witch to protect the town of Fallow Creek.
October 11, 2022
I absolutely loved this book! It was perfect for autumn and had me completely immersed and at the edge of my seat. If you like fast paced stories about witches and high stakes, then definitely check this story out.
July 17, 2022
This was such a hidden gem of a book to find and I’m so grateful to have come across it because it truly was a beautiful read!
Incredibly atmospheric, 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒚, 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑫𝒆𝒆𝒑 would be the perfect seasonal read as it has the most gorgeous autumn vibes and aesthetic. Imagine walking down a forest path, dry autumn leaves crackling below your feet and the slight cool breeze tickling your face as you breathe in the earthy scent of the forest. Throw in a mystery, small town vibes, the fae and a witch to result in a beautiful story.
There were elements in this that have been done before but it was executed in such a unique way and the setting was enchanting.
It was much darker and spookier than I expected but in a good way. There’s something about small towns and spooky mysteries that is impossible for me to resist.
Thank you so much to the author for kindly gifting me a copy of this book to review. I am extremely excited to read the next installment!
Incredibly atmospheric, 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒚, 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑫𝒆𝒆𝒑 would be the perfect seasonal read as it has the most gorgeous autumn vibes and aesthetic. Imagine walking down a forest path, dry autumn leaves crackling below your feet and the slight cool breeze tickling your face as you breathe in the earthy scent of the forest. Throw in a mystery, small town vibes, the fae and a witch to result in a beautiful story.
There were elements in this that have been done before but it was executed in such a unique way and the setting was enchanting.
It was much darker and spookier than I expected but in a good way. There’s something about small towns and spooky mysteries that is impossible for me to resist.
Thank you so much to the author for kindly gifting me a copy of this book to review. I am extremely excited to read the next installment!
Read
June 24, 2025DNF
March 9, 2024
I wanted more from this. It was lacking… something.
September 19, 2023
First off, this book was creepy as heck which I knew, but also maybe underestimated before I got into it. But y’all-this book was incredible. The characters were insanely relatable, the settings were dark and lush, the narrative twisted in the most unexpected ways (Will! The ending!), and there was some very low key romance with some killer tension and banter.
Read if you like:
-Amazing (but super imperfect) family dynamics (Theo and Pen are some of my favorite book siblings)
-A book with creepy vibes that won’t keep you from sleeping ever again.
-Fae, witches, portals to other (darker) worlds, intricate magic systems
-Romance, mystery, and magical realism, all in the spookiest, most twisted storyline.
This one is another 10/10 for me. Go check it out-the sequel just came out, so you don’t have to live with that ending!!
Read if you like:
-Amazing (but super imperfect) family dynamics (Theo and Pen are some of my favorite book siblings)
-A book with creepy vibes that won’t keep you from sleeping ever again.
-Fae, witches, portals to other (darker) worlds, intricate magic systems
-Romance, mystery, and magical realism, all in the spookiest, most twisted storyline.
This one is another 10/10 for me. Go check it out-the sequel just came out, so you don’t have to live with that ending!!
January 19, 2022
3.5/5 ⭐️
The first thing I must point out about Lovely, Dark, and Deep, is the author’s ability to create an all-consuming atmosphere that sucks the reader in. While I was reading this book, I became immersed in this small town world afflicted by dark creatures and strange magic. The vibe of this story heavily reminded me of how I felt watching Stranger Things and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina the Teenage Witch. I absolutely loved it and would recommend this book on the strength of the atmosphere alone.
Another thing that was done well in this story was the horror aspect. My skin was crawling at some of the descriptions, and I found myself wanting to double check that my doors were locked. As someone who loves horror, but struggles to be truly affected by it, I was incredibly impressed. It added immensely to the action scenes that take place. Action is clearly another strength for this author. I was on the edge of my seat for multiple scenes. I felt like the stakes were very high, and that made me root harder for the characters while they experienced those situations.
That being said, I feel like this book could have used a little more time in development. I found myself wondering a lot about the town, the other characters, and the general lore of the creatures; however, I didn’t feel like I got many answers. I also thought the story was too slow at times. There is a pretty sizable cast of characters in this book, and I was hoping that breadth of diversity would lead to new scenarios throughout the story. It sometimes felt as though the characters were repeating experiences and conversations often. It made it difficult for me to connect with some of the characters, because I wasn’t receiving new information about them.
A quick summary for my rating: I really enjoyed certain aspects of this book. It had many elements that I love, and blended them well. I just wish that there had been more depth to the world and characters, and that there were a greater diversity of scenes. Ultimately, I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a cozy, yet spooky, autumn read. Like reading this by a fire surrounded by Halloween decorations would be such an amazing vibe!! I’m hoping that the next one comes out in autumn, because that would be absolute perfection!
The first thing I must point out about Lovely, Dark, and Deep, is the author’s ability to create an all-consuming atmosphere that sucks the reader in. While I was reading this book, I became immersed in this small town world afflicted by dark creatures and strange magic. The vibe of this story heavily reminded me of how I felt watching Stranger Things and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina the Teenage Witch. I absolutely loved it and would recommend this book on the strength of the atmosphere alone.
Another thing that was done well in this story was the horror aspect. My skin was crawling at some of the descriptions, and I found myself wanting to double check that my doors were locked. As someone who loves horror, but struggles to be truly affected by it, I was incredibly impressed. It added immensely to the action scenes that take place. Action is clearly another strength for this author. I was on the edge of my seat for multiple scenes. I felt like the stakes were very high, and that made me root harder for the characters while they experienced those situations.
That being said, I feel like this book could have used a little more time in development. I found myself wondering a lot about the town, the other characters, and the general lore of the creatures; however, I didn’t feel like I got many answers. I also thought the story was too slow at times. There is a pretty sizable cast of characters in this book, and I was hoping that breadth of diversity would lead to new scenarios throughout the story. It sometimes felt as though the characters were repeating experiences and conversations often. It made it difficult for me to connect with some of the characters, because I wasn’t receiving new information about them.
A quick summary for my rating: I really enjoyed certain aspects of this book. It had many elements that I love, and blended them well. I just wish that there had been more depth to the world and characters, and that there were a greater diversity of scenes. Ultimately, I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a cozy, yet spooky, autumn read. Like reading this by a fire surrounded by Halloween decorations would be such an amazing vibe!! I’m hoping that the next one comes out in autumn, because that would be absolute perfection!
February 2, 2023
Welcome to Fallow Creek where something unnatural lies in the woods 🌚🍂
This lovely and magical book was gifted to me by the amazing author and I devoured it in ONE SITTING. Couldn’t put it down!! Her writing is mesmerizing. Absolutely atmospheric! I have a particular fondness for authors who can write a description of something that makes me re-read sentences a second time, just because it is so eerily real within those words.
✨“”𝘊𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘢” 𝘔𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘴. 𝘗𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴. 𝘏𝘪𝘴 𝘷𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴…𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘻𝘰𝘯, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘮 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘴, 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘥. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘳.”
Our MC, Cassandra, is a witch with an oddly powerful skill for magic. When children start going missing in her small town, she’s caught between keeping a quiet, low-profile as her family has always done, or following her heart to help in any way that she can. With the help of her siblings and aunt who are also witches, and the surprising aid of Merich - a handsome Fae Warden of the Wood, Cass must navigate difficult decisions around these strange occurances to determine not only the fate of the missing children, but also for herself.
It gives spooky fall vibes, is deliciously dark, has a wonderfully unique magic system, and several surprising twists! The ending is a perfect setup for book 2 (Wicked Walking - which I can’t wait to get my hands on). I loved the characters, their dynamic, the bit of banter throughout, and I also need to see more of this intriguing character Merich because I loved him from the first time he stepped onto the page and everything that I’ve seen of him so far! 🖤
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Go grab this book! You won’t be disappointed!
This lovely and magical book was gifted to me by the amazing author and I devoured it in ONE SITTING. Couldn’t put it down!! Her writing is mesmerizing. Absolutely atmospheric! I have a particular fondness for authors who can write a description of something that makes me re-read sentences a second time, just because it is so eerily real within those words.
✨“”𝘊𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘢” 𝘔𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘴. 𝘗𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴. 𝘏𝘪𝘴 𝘷𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴…𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘻𝘰𝘯, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘮 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘴, 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘥. 𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘳.”
Our MC, Cassandra, is a witch with an oddly powerful skill for magic. When children start going missing in her small town, she’s caught between keeping a quiet, low-profile as her family has always done, or following her heart to help in any way that she can. With the help of her siblings and aunt who are also witches, and the surprising aid of Merich - a handsome Fae Warden of the Wood, Cass must navigate difficult decisions around these strange occurances to determine not only the fate of the missing children, but also for herself.
It gives spooky fall vibes, is deliciously dark, has a wonderfully unique magic system, and several surprising twists! The ending is a perfect setup for book 2 (Wicked Walking - which I can’t wait to get my hands on). I loved the characters, their dynamic, the bit of banter throughout, and I also need to see more of this intriguing character Merich because I loved him from the first time he stepped onto the page and everything that I’ve seen of him so far! 🖤
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Go grab this book! You won’t be disappointed!
February 15, 2023
ᴇᴇʀɪᴇ, ᴇʟᴅʀɪᴛᴄʜ, ᴍʏꜱᴛɪꜰʏɪɴɢ
Lovely Dark and Deep is an atmospheric read and heavily relies on setting descriptions to instill the haunting and creepy feel of the book. It is the perfect spooky, witchy read everyone covets in the Fall. It reads like a thriller movie, and I gobbled it up in three days. I could not put it down. If I was not reading, I was devising theories. I loved that small clues were sprinkled throughout the book for the reader to find and put together, but the plot remained mysterious and engaging.
Romance is a very distant subplot, but there is some tension development and future possibilities.
If you are like me and like to be emotionally attached to the side characters, then get ready to fall in love with Merich, Theo, Pen, Louisa, and Will. The side characters are well-rounded and individual in their personalities, and their banter is colorful, snarky, and perfect. Cassandra, the MFC, is a champ. She runs right into the thick of the action even while being absolutely terrified. I loved her personality and lack of mind-to-mouth filter.
I thought the concept of magic as a give-and-take relationship was unique and new. I love the idea because it fits magic into the "real" world effortlessly as though magic has always been around to create balance in the world.
Cain created the perfect blend of thriller, horror, sarcastic humor, and gore and wrote a beautifully anxiety-riddled adventure. I loved it so much that I ordered physical copies of both Lovely Dark and Deep and the sequel, Wicked Walking. Beware of the cliffhanger! It will make you want to pick up the next book immediately.
I received an e-book review copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Lovely Dark and Deep is an atmospheric read and heavily relies on setting descriptions to instill the haunting and creepy feel of the book. It is the perfect spooky, witchy read everyone covets in the Fall. It reads like a thriller movie, and I gobbled it up in three days. I could not put it down. If I was not reading, I was devising theories. I loved that small clues were sprinkled throughout the book for the reader to find and put together, but the plot remained mysterious and engaging.
Romance is a very distant subplot, but there is some tension development and future possibilities.
If you are like me and like to be emotionally attached to the side characters, then get ready to fall in love with Merich, Theo, Pen, Louisa, and Will. The side characters are well-rounded and individual in their personalities, and their banter is colorful, snarky, and perfect. Cassandra, the MFC, is a champ. She runs right into the thick of the action even while being absolutely terrified. I loved her personality and lack of mind-to-mouth filter.
I thought the concept of magic as a give-and-take relationship was unique and new. I love the idea because it fits magic into the "real" world effortlessly as though magic has always been around to create balance in the world.
Cain created the perfect blend of thriller, horror, sarcastic humor, and gore and wrote a beautifully anxiety-riddled adventure. I loved it so much that I ordered physical copies of both Lovely Dark and Deep and the sequel, Wicked Walking. Beware of the cliffhanger! It will make you want to pick up the next book immediately.
I received an e-book review copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
September 13, 2024
A family of witches live on the outskirts of town. Children are going missing in this town. Cassandra's siblings don't seem interested in helping, but perhaps if she just takes a look then she might be able to do something to help everyone. She meets a handsome fae person, more back and forth of should they or shouldn't they help, some dark powers, monsters attack, try to save the children, etc.
It's a pretty quick read with a rather simple premise. I enjoyed the magical elements and Cassandra's quickly developing her sense of identity. Eventually she has to overcome the obstacles of her family and her own sense of self before she's able to fully develop. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that concept, but honestly there's not really more to it than that. If this was intended for a younger audience, the book does a great job of introducing all of these characters. But I felt there was a lot more that could have been done. The actual dialogue lacked any depth and felt very simple, the rest of the characters lacked complexity, and the whole world felt very small since the cast of characters was extremely limited.
While I enjoyed it as it was, there was not enough here to make me want to come back for more.
It's a pretty quick read with a rather simple premise. I enjoyed the magical elements and Cassandra's quickly developing her sense of identity. Eventually she has to overcome the obstacles of her family and her own sense of self before she's able to fully develop. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that concept, but honestly there's not really more to it than that. If this was intended for a younger audience, the book does a great job of introducing all of these characters. But I felt there was a lot more that could have been done. The actual dialogue lacked any depth and felt very simple, the rest of the characters lacked complexity, and the whole world felt very small since the cast of characters was extremely limited.
While I enjoyed it as it was, there was not enough here to make me want to come back for more.
Read
January 14, 2024What. A. Story.
Children are going missing in Fallow Creek's forest without a trace.
Cassandra is a witch, and is in fact one of four witches residing in Fallow Creek. Cassandra is certain that there is dark magic causing the children's disappearance, but the town already does not trust the outcast witches. But, the parents of some of the children are desperate, and Cassandra and her family may be the only people who can find the cause of the disappearances.
The town of Fallow Creek is so atmospheric. I loved the spooky woods and the immortal being that takes up residence there. Cassandra wants to do better; to be better, and get out of the small town to live her own life. But she is determined to save these children. Theo was a protective older brother; Pen a sassy younger sister (I loved her, she was so fun). And Will is the token human of the group.
But that ENDING. I need the next book! I need to know what happens next! I'm so glad the other two books are published so I can just keep going.
Thank you so much to Claudia for reaching out with a review copy of Lovely, Dark and Deep! I'm excited to keep reading this series.
Children are going missing in Fallow Creek's forest without a trace.
Cassandra is a witch, and is in fact one of four witches residing in Fallow Creek. Cassandra is certain that there is dark magic causing the children's disappearance, but the town already does not trust the outcast witches. But, the parents of some of the children are desperate, and Cassandra and her family may be the only people who can find the cause of the disappearances.
The town of Fallow Creek is so atmospheric. I loved the spooky woods and the immortal being that takes up residence there. Cassandra wants to do better; to be better, and get out of the small town to live her own life. But she is determined to save these children. Theo was a protective older brother; Pen a sassy younger sister (I loved her, she was so fun). And Will is the token human of the group.
But that ENDING. I need the next book! I need to know what happens next! I'm so glad the other two books are published so I can just keep going.
Thank you so much to Claudia for reaching out with a review copy of Lovely, Dark and Deep! I'm excited to keep reading this series.
January 18, 2025
A most intriguing start to the series.
Cassandra is used to feeling different. Her family live outside the village and their witchcraft means they are reluctant to trust people. However, when a number of children go missing and the forest shows signs of growing decay, it seems that something has found its way into the world. It’s something that needs to be stopped, but nobody is certain how to do this.
Though reluctant to share this with people Cassandra seems to know a little about the strange events. She’s aware of a gate and is fairly certain that her special kind of magic allows her the ability to take on the evil that is venturing out.
Helped by a mysterious Fae watcher of the Woods Cassandra takes it upon herself to try to enter the gate in order to rescue the missing children. A dangerous venture, with no guarantee of success.
I enjoyed the story itself, and am intrigued by Casssandra’s family and the expectations placed on them. The developing strength of Cassandra suggests that what is to come could be challenging. And the ending, with its potential threat, definitely has me keen to read the next in the series.
Cassandra is used to feeling different. Her family live outside the village and their witchcraft means they are reluctant to trust people. However, when a number of children go missing and the forest shows signs of growing decay, it seems that something has found its way into the world. It’s something that needs to be stopped, but nobody is certain how to do this.
Though reluctant to share this with people Cassandra seems to know a little about the strange events. She’s aware of a gate and is fairly certain that her special kind of magic allows her the ability to take on the evil that is venturing out.
Helped by a mysterious Fae watcher of the Woods Cassandra takes it upon herself to try to enter the gate in order to rescue the missing children. A dangerous venture, with no guarantee of success.
I enjoyed the story itself, and am intrigued by Casssandra’s family and the expectations placed on them. The developing strength of Cassandra suggests that what is to come could be challenging. And the ending, with its potential threat, definitely has me keen to read the next in the series.
August 25, 2024
Quick read, but not my personal type of fantasy. I’d give this a 2.5 personally. But read this if you enjoy very grounded, small town life with a bit of monster survivalist story.
This felt a bit middle Grade. Lots of squabbling between everyone. Lots of repeated conversations. Lots of planning that—while realistic—just isn’t interesting to read because it’s simply reiterating the events of the story that I just read. And not much in terms of consequences—very HEA.
The love interest felt kinda forced and too adult. Cassandra acts like a teen. And the fae acts like a man. So I found their dynamic off-putting. Even if she is an adult technically—she has no experience in basically anything. She doesn’t even seem to have a job that she goes to. Frankly I half believe he is a villain simply because I don’t see what interest he could have in her if not to use her magic potential in some nefarious way.
The story itself was interesting enough but just not enough happened for me. Probably won’t continue this series.
This felt a bit middle Grade. Lots of squabbling between everyone. Lots of repeated conversations. Lots of planning that—while realistic—just isn’t interesting to read because it’s simply reiterating the events of the story that I just read. And not much in terms of consequences—very HEA.
The love interest felt kinda forced and too adult. Cassandra acts like a teen. And the fae acts like a man. So I found their dynamic off-putting. Even if she is an adult technically—she has no experience in basically anything. She doesn’t even seem to have a job that she goes to. Frankly I half believe he is a villain simply because I don’t see what interest he could have in her if not to use her magic potential in some nefarious way.
The story itself was interesting enough but just not enough happened for me. Probably won’t continue this series.
October 8, 2021
'It's a glorious autumn afternoon, and the woods are about to swallow a girl whole'
I would like to start off this review by thanking the author, Claudia Cain. I received a message via my Bookstagram page as she saw I am interested in Supernatural themed books and kindly offered me an ARC of her soon-to-be released book.
It is intended to be released on 5th November 2021.
I finished this book a short while ago and have rated it 5 stars. I feel each star is truly well deserved.
Lovely, Dark & Deep is an epic short but exciting read with a touch of magic and mystery!
Thoroughly enjoyable, perfect for October and if you wish to get enveloped in a story full of monsters, creepy vibes, witches and an attractive Fae this is your cup of tea!
The cliffhanger at the end leaves you wanting more. Purchasing the physical book when it is released is a MUST for me. I need this on my bookshelf.
It is well-paced, the world building is evenly spread out and at no point was I confused over the plot. The mystery element was well thought out and executed. I had questions upon questions at various stages, and learning them (but not all of them - some are still unknown) alongside Cass was part of the experience. I look forward to reading more about Cass' story and Fallow Creek in book 2!
A special mention needs to be said for both Pen and Merich. Both of these side characters were amazing editions to the story and I enjoyed reading the scenes slightly more when they were in the midst. It was just super good to be honest. I didn't want it to end!
What a great start to my October TBR. Thank you again, Claudia! :)
I would like to start off this review by thanking the author, Claudia Cain. I received a message via my Bookstagram page as she saw I am interested in Supernatural themed books and kindly offered me an ARC of her soon-to-be released book.
It is intended to be released on 5th November 2021.
I finished this book a short while ago and have rated it 5 stars. I feel each star is truly well deserved.
Lovely, Dark & Deep is an epic short but exciting read with a touch of magic and mystery!
Thoroughly enjoyable, perfect for October and if you wish to get enveloped in a story full of monsters, creepy vibes, witches and an attractive Fae this is your cup of tea!
The cliffhanger at the end leaves you wanting more. Purchasing the physical book when it is released is a MUST for me. I need this on my bookshelf.
It is well-paced, the world building is evenly spread out and at no point was I confused over the plot. The mystery element was well thought out and executed. I had questions upon questions at various stages, and learning them (but not all of them - some are still unknown) alongside Cass was part of the experience. I look forward to reading more about Cass' story and Fallow Creek in book 2!
A special mention needs to be said for both Pen and Merich. Both of these side characters were amazing editions to the story and I enjoyed reading the scenes slightly more when they were in the midst. It was just super good to be honest. I didn't want it to end!
What a great start to my October TBR. Thank you again, Claudia! :)
April 30, 2024
WOW!
I’m so mad at myself for letting life get in the way of me reading this eerily stunning piece of wonder!
What a truly atmospheric read!
It transported me any time I picked this book up!
Thank you so much to Claudia Cain for sending me your book this is one I will not forget!!!
It’s literally all 3 of my favorite things mashed into one book!!! Fantasy Thriller Horror!
It had twists I didn’t see coming and as a thriller lover it’s sometimes hard to surprise me but this did! It had darkness, it had its own unique magic systems that I feel like is hard to do now a days everything tends to “feel the same” NOT THIS!
I feel like the characters were so well written and developed I want more and want to see how they further develop and what they are up to in book 2!
I will be thinking about this one for a long time!
This is definitely a good one to read during spooky season but truly you can read this whenever!!
I’m so mad at myself for letting life get in the way of me reading this eerily stunning piece of wonder!
What a truly atmospheric read!
It transported me any time I picked this book up!
Thank you so much to Claudia Cain for sending me your book this is one I will not forget!!!
It’s literally all 3 of my favorite things mashed into one book!!! Fantasy Thriller Horror!
It had twists I didn’t see coming and as a thriller lover it’s sometimes hard to surprise me but this did! It had darkness, it had its own unique magic systems that I feel like is hard to do now a days everything tends to “feel the same” NOT THIS!
I feel like the characters were so well written and developed I want more and want to see how they further develop and what they are up to in book 2!
I will be thinking about this one for a long time!
This is definitely a good one to read during spooky season but truly you can read this whenever!!
February 3, 2023
“𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐲. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬.“
First of all, thank you to the lovely @cainbooks for this copy of her beautiful book. Second of all, I drank this like a big ol pumpkin spice latte—the fall vibes were immaculate. I will definitely be rereading this, and the sequel, during spooky season and I highly suggest you do too!
Full of witches and fae, magic and monsters, and gorgeous atmospheric prose, this book had me hooked from the start.
We follow our FMC Cass, who is one of a family of witches in a very small (minded) town. The story begins with children disappearing in a terrifying manner and Cass unable to let it slide. This presents a number of problems she must endure and overcome, and the chilling events that transpire are downright scary. She does however have a wonderful thrall of siblings/cousins—Theo, Pen and Louisa—who add a layer of love and depth to the story. And then we have the gorgeously dark and mysterious Fae, Merich, who I obviously instantly fell in love with. The dark, lush scenery was vivid the whole way through, and the dialogue was captivating and entrancing.
Like many great witchy stories, there was an eerie twist at the end that left the story on such a cliffhanger that I am beyond excited to read book two.
Thank you so much Claudia for letting me read this lovely book! Absolutely wonderful.
First of all, thank you to the lovely @cainbooks for this copy of her beautiful book. Second of all, I drank this like a big ol pumpkin spice latte—the fall vibes were immaculate. I will definitely be rereading this, and the sequel, during spooky season and I highly suggest you do too!
Full of witches and fae, magic and monsters, and gorgeous atmospheric prose, this book had me hooked from the start.
We follow our FMC Cass, who is one of a family of witches in a very small (minded) town. The story begins with children disappearing in a terrifying manner and Cass unable to let it slide. This presents a number of problems she must endure and overcome, and the chilling events that transpire are downright scary. She does however have a wonderful thrall of siblings/cousins—Theo, Pen and Louisa—who add a layer of love and depth to the story. And then we have the gorgeously dark and mysterious Fae, Merich, who I obviously instantly fell in love with. The dark, lush scenery was vivid the whole way through, and the dialogue was captivating and entrancing.
Like many great witchy stories, there was an eerie twist at the end that left the story on such a cliffhanger that I am beyond excited to read book two.
Thank you so much Claudia for letting me read this lovely book! Absolutely wonderful.
April 26, 2025
I think I would have been more impressed if I hadn't already watched Stranger Things, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Wednesday. The setting was nice - nothing like a small town with creepy woods and a witch family at the centre of it all. Lots of nice creepy elements and scary creatures to give one the heebie jeebies too.
But the story needed a bit more work. It felt rushed and it seemed like the author was setting the tone for the next installment and that may make for a better read I suppose.
Also, I probably sound like a crabby crone but I'm fairly tired of the human + hot otherworldly creature instant romantic-tension boogie and banter. I have nothing against hot otherworldly beings and appreciate the role they play but this seemed very formulaic or I am in fact an old, crabby crone.
But the story needed a bit more work. It felt rushed and it seemed like the author was setting the tone for the next installment and that may make for a better read I suppose.
Also, I probably sound like a crabby crone but I'm fairly tired of the human + hot otherworldly creature instant romantic-tension boogie and banter. I have nothing against hot otherworldly beings and appreciate the role they play but this seemed very formulaic or I am in fact an old, crabby crone.
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