In Northern England there is a secret line of supernatural beings that consume books for sustenance and retain their information. The few remaining book eater women are forced to bear children, nurse them for a short while, and then move onto their next assignment without seeing their children again. THE BOOK EATERS follows Devon Fairweather, a book eater princess who grew up on a strict diet of fairytales and cautionary stories. It isn’t until Devon becomes a mother herself that she realizes how powerless she truly is. When her second child is born a mind eater, Devon has no choice but to flee with him and track down a drug that will save his life.

This was a brilliant coming-of-rage gothic fantasy novel. The intricate world building, complex characters and lyrical prose came together to craft a unique and nuanced story. The non-linear narrative and rich writing had me immersed and I pictured each scene vividly. There is so much to contemplate over as Dean explores Devon’s moral dilemma with Cai’s predicament, her loss of bodily autonomy, her fight for freedom and identity, her sexual awakening, and the lengths she will go to keep her children safe. This is a dark, atmospheric page-turner full of exciting twists and turns, secrets and betrayals, dark humor and queer love. Available on 8/2.