In "Tenderly I Am Devoured," the most ethereal, beautiful gothic atmosphere envelops readers from the very first page, drawing them into Lark’s home in Verse. Eighteen-year-old Lacrimosa Arriscane returns home in disgrace after being expelled from her prestigious boarding school, only to find her family teetering on the edge of financial ruin. Desperate to save them, she enters into a marriage of convenience with Therion, the chthonic god worshipped in her isolated coastal hometown—a choice that leads her into a dark and mesmerizing tale of love and sacrifice.

Clipstone excels at crafting a hauntingly beautiful narrative, where every bit seems to resonate with both beauty and melancholy. The vivid descriptions create an atmospheric tapestry that immerses readers in Lark's world, filled with folklore and the supernatural. As she seeks help from her first heartbreak, Alastair Felimath, and his enigmatic sister, Camille, the trio's exploration of dark rituals and fervent romance deepens the gothic allure, with moments that feel both intoxicating and perilous.

While the story is rich with atmospheric detail and characters I was instantly drawn to, it is not without its flaws. Some pacing issues and stilted dialogue can disrupt the otherwise immersive experience, and Camille's character could use more depth to enhance the chemistry within the group. She was my favorite character and I would have loved more of her. Nevertheless, "Tenderly I Am Devoured" is a beautifully flawed book that captivates with its haunting narrative and emotional depth. If you’re drawn to gothic tales that linger in the mind and heart, this novel offers a mesmerizing journey through love, despair, and the shadows that bind us to the gods we worship.