A review by greenteabookme
Anathema by Keri Lake

challenging dark informative mysterious sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Anathema is my first book by Keri Lake and wow what a ride! It honestly was shocking, gruesome, dark, brutal, horrific, gross, descriptive, enthralling, intriguing, beautiful, compelling, romantic, and surprising. 

⚠️Definitely check out your trigger warnings with this one ⚠️

I find myself torn about how to rate and even review the book, because the first half was slow moving, and while I was interested in the story, sometimes I had to make myself read it. I don’t think the booo had to be as long as it was. It’s was a heavy detailed and world-building/ information overload start, akin to pushing a rope up a hill at some points, even though I was super intrigued. But then, suddenly everything moved quickly and I devoured the second half of the book really fast and wish I could immediately dive into book 2 NOW. I’ll be reading the sequel ASAP once it releases later this month! 

First half was probably a 3.5-4 stars, and second half was 5 stars so I’ll go with 4.25 stars 🖤