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The Nocturne #1
Antiletum
Delaney has lived a quiet life, hiding from her past at an estate that deals in the reversal of magic. But her sequestering has little to do with the lie of legacy her parents sold. She holds a secret gift. Taboo. Arcane. Previously thought to be as extinct as the owl they pray to. After untimely deaths pull her away from all she knows, Delaney finds herself in a position meant for her sister: bride to a Lord. Head of their faction. But her sliver of hopefulness is shattered by a dream.
Don’t trust him.
Val’s driving desires are inarguably reasonable: for his arranged wife to love him and to use his necromancy—held on a pedestal unlike Delaney’s—to make a difference and set his people free. If only he can get through the veil of denial his darling wife clings to like a lifeline. And the gentle suggestions of his deceased sister-in-law that he is not to be trusted. With his obsession at war with his secrets, Val races against a ticking clock to opportunity, a chance to change the world.
Don’t trust him.
Val’s driving desires are inarguably reasonable: for his arranged wife to love him and to use his necromancy—held on a pedestal unlike Delaney’s—to make a difference and set his people free. If only he can get through the veil of denial his darling wife clings to like a lifeline. And the gentle suggestions of his deceased sister-in-law that he is not to be trusted. With his obsession at war with his secrets, Val races against a ticking clock to opportunity, a chance to change the world.
441 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2025
12 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 31, 2025
I am so excited to share my first gothic romance story with the world! I started writing this book as a creative exercise when I desperately needed a break from my epic fantasy series. I was heavily inspired by 2 different 6⭐️ reads for me. One with bird shifters and one with arranged marriage. The idea really took off in my mind shortly after drafting the prologue showing the macabre wedding of an arranged marriage and I really leaned into this story as a healthy outlet during a very difficult season of life. Loneliness is a huge theme because while drafting, that’s the most intense loneliness I have experienced in a lot of years and I found comfort and solace in this world and these characters.
This book is a dark gothic fantasy romance with necromancers, a barn owl shifter, a tyrannical government and underground resistance that wants to take them down. Magic is bound and measured by clocks. The gods are nocturnal animals. Wedding rings can’t be removed even when you ☠️ and will slowly, painfully end you if you’re unfaithful. Secrets. So much angst and trauma. Make out sessions in a graveyard. An unhinged, delulu absolute walking 🚩of an MMC with a gut wrenching back story whose devotion knows no bounds. I know I shouldn’t have favorites, but I think Val is my favorite out of all my books.
This book is the most fun I have ever had writing and I hope you all enjoy it as much as I enjoyed creating it.
This book is a dark gothic fantasy romance with necromancers, a barn owl shifter, a tyrannical government and underground resistance that wants to take them down. Magic is bound and measured by clocks. The gods are nocturnal animals. Wedding rings can’t be removed even when you ☠️ and will slowly, painfully end you if you’re unfaithful. Secrets. So much angst and trauma. Make out sessions in a graveyard. An unhinged, delulu absolute walking 🚩of an MMC with a gut wrenching back story whose devotion knows no bounds. I know I shouldn’t have favorites, but I think Val is my favorite out of all my books.
This book is the most fun I have ever had writing and I hope you all enjoy it as much as I enjoyed creating it.
January 6, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️- sloowww burn but WHOA
“𝓕𝓸𝓻 𝔂𝓸𝓾, 𝓘 𝓬𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓵𝓭.”
Do you love a morally (Dark) grey man who is obsessed with her? Who would unalive for her? Look.no.further. This is hands down the BEST book I have ever read.
Val will come in and make you blush just by being in the room, right from the incredible Prologue. (Seriously the prologue is my favorite maybe ever) You will question your morals as you fall deeply in love with him and Delaney.
“𝙇𝙞𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚, 𝘿𝙚𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙚𝙮,” 𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙡𝙮 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙥𝙨. 𝙃𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙘𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚. 𝘾𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙞𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙢𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙡𝙞𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙙 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧. 𝙈𝙮 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙨, 𝙢𝙮 𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙯𝙚𝙨 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙞𝙣𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙚. “𝙏𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙢𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙞𝙩. 𝙄 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪.”
I had the absolute privilege to Alpha, Beta, and ARC read this book, and I’m here to tell you it went straight to the top of my All Time Favorites list. Lindsey truly shines as an author in this book, and it has stolen my morally grey heart. From the unique magic system, political intrigue, conflicted emotions, and a love story for the ages, it is truly a spectacular work of art.
The political intrigue and world building is so unique, interesting, and well built but easy to follow! It kept me guessing from the beginning and the plot twists had me gasping in surprise. I am frothing at the mouth to find out what happens next.
Lindsey has never shied away from the darkness, or from emotional pain in her work and this is no exception. Both Val and Delaney have gone through so much, are both grieving…especially our girl Delaney. Her internal struggle to balance her grief and guilt over wanting to acknowledge her husband but feeling like she can’t is so realistic and so gut wrenching.
Val’s desperation to have Delaney and have a life together pushes him to reckless and obsessive behavior, and I am HERE.FOR.IT! Their push and pull banter had me giggling and cackling several times, when I wasn’t blushing and squealing from the tension between them.
“𝘛𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱.”
“𝘋𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱.”
Please do your dark heart a favor and pick up this book IMMEDIATELY! You will not regret it.
🌶️🌶️🌶️- sloowww burn but WHOA
“𝓕𝓸𝓻 𝔂𝓸𝓾, 𝓘 𝓬𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓵𝓭.”
Do you love a morally (Dark) grey man who is obsessed with her? Who would unalive for her? Look.no.further. This is hands down the BEST book I have ever read.
Val will come in and make you blush just by being in the room, right from the incredible Prologue. (Seriously the prologue is my favorite maybe ever) You will question your morals as you fall deeply in love with him and Delaney.
“𝙇𝙞𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚, 𝘿𝙚𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙚𝙮,” 𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙡𝙮 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩 𝙢𝙮 𝙡𝙞𝙥𝙨. 𝙃𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙘𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚. 𝘾𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙞𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙢𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙡𝙞𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙙 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧. 𝙈𝙮 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙨, 𝙢𝙮 𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙯𝙚𝙨 𝙝𝙞𝙢 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙞𝙣𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙚. “𝙏𝙚𝙡𝙡 𝙢𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙞𝙩. 𝙄 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪.”
I had the absolute privilege to Alpha, Beta, and ARC read this book, and I’m here to tell you it went straight to the top of my All Time Favorites list. Lindsey truly shines as an author in this book, and it has stolen my morally grey heart. From the unique magic system, political intrigue, conflicted emotions, and a love story for the ages, it is truly a spectacular work of art.
The political intrigue and world building is so unique, interesting, and well built but easy to follow! It kept me guessing from the beginning and the plot twists had me gasping in surprise. I am frothing at the mouth to find out what happens next.
Lindsey has never shied away from the darkness, or from emotional pain in her work and this is no exception. Both Val and Delaney have gone through so much, are both grieving…especially our girl Delaney. Her internal struggle to balance her grief and guilt over wanting to acknowledge her husband but feeling like she can’t is so realistic and so gut wrenching.
Val’s desperation to have Delaney and have a life together pushes him to reckless and obsessive behavior, and I am HERE.FOR.IT! Their push and pull banter had me giggling and cackling several times, when I wasn’t blushing and squealing from the tension between them.
“𝘛𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱.”
“𝘋𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱.”
Please do your dark heart a favor and pick up this book IMMEDIATELY! You will not regret it.
July 31, 2025
I am extremely grateful that I was able to beta read this book, and let me tell you, this story blew me out of the water. One of those stories that pulled me out of a slump just to throw me right back into one, and left me thinking about it for weeks.
A hauntingly beautiful book with Owls, magical clocks, Victorian era setting, a slow burn for the ages, Valledyn—VALLEDYNNNNN, & piercings—PIERCINGSSSSS. Goodness. I need everyone to read this as soon as it drops.
Lindsey, you savage, thank you for continuing to grace us readers with amazing stories.
A hauntingly beautiful book with Owls, magical clocks, Victorian era setting, a slow burn for the ages, Valledyn—VALLEDYNNNNN, & piercings—PIERCINGSSSSS. Goodness. I need everyone to read this as soon as it drops.
Lindsey, you savage, thank you for continuing to grace us readers with amazing stories.
October 3, 2025
Just three things.
1.) Necromancy
2.) Owl Shifters
3.) DOWN BAD MMC
I mean….do you REALLY need something else to convince you to read this? BECAUSE I SURE DIDN’T.
And if you like dark fantasy, you shouldn’t either.
Go read this.
1.) Necromancy
2.) Owl Shifters
3.) DOWN BAD MMC
I mean….do you REALLY need something else to convince you to read this? BECAUSE I SURE DIDN’T.
And if you like dark fantasy, you shouldn’t either.
Go read this.
August 12, 2025
A dark, whimsical world filled with dark secrets and dark pasts. The story is rich and unique with a very intriguing twist to necromancy as a “gift.” The characters are rich and complicated and stubborn at times, but the slow burn is worth all that 1,000 times over. If you want something darker, intense, and deliciously spicy, then this book is for you!!
July 31, 2025
Dark, romantic, and intricately layered fantasy that had me hooked from the first chapter! Honestly the prologue. Set in a world where necromancy is tightly controlled by a corrupt Parliament, the story follows Val and Delaney, two powerful necromancers whose arranged marriage sets off a chain of events that could reshape their entire hold on magic.
Val is determined to win the heart of his new bride. His obsession runs DEEP, fueled by a history that Delaney has yet to remember. Together, they awaken forces long dormant, starting with the heartstone, a magical relic central to the fate of their world.
The novel weaves political intrigue, rebellion, and ancient magic with a romance that is dark and dangerous. The hints of shifter lore, with Val’s rare owl form, add another layer of mystery to this world where magic is both a gift and a weapon.
Antiletum is perfect for readers who love morally grey characters, obsessive romance, and slow-unfolding secrets. I can’t wait to see where the next heartstone leads them!!
Val is determined to win the heart of his new bride. His obsession runs DEEP, fueled by a history that Delaney has yet to remember. Together, they awaken forces long dormant, starting with the heartstone, a magical relic central to the fate of their world.
The novel weaves political intrigue, rebellion, and ancient magic with a romance that is dark and dangerous. The hints of shifter lore, with Val’s rare owl form, add another layer of mystery to this world where magic is both a gift and a weapon.
Antiletum is perfect for readers who love morally grey characters, obsessive romance, and slow-unfolding secrets. I can’t wait to see where the next heartstone leads them!!
August 30, 2025
This book is PERFECT. NO NOTES.
love the gothic vibe, the unique magic system, the politics, EVERYTHING.
This MMC is everything. He’s a beautiful traumatized murdery simp and I love him. Lindsey is the queen of the imperfect hero, and she gives such depth and complexity to her characters. Her world building and magic systems are always tied up so neatly with no loose ends. 10/10
love the gothic vibe, the unique magic system, the politics, EVERYTHING.
This MMC is everything. He’s a beautiful traumatized murdery simp and I love him. Lindsey is the queen of the imperfect hero, and she gives such depth and complexity to her characters. Her world building and magic systems are always tied up so neatly with no loose ends. 10/10
August 3, 2025
Yup…. Lindsey did that! Holy moly, that was such a great read.
I’m going to have to collect my thoughts and come back to write more, but for now just know that I’m swooning, I’m BLUSHING from all that 🌶️🌶️🌶️ and slow burn, the setting, the magic, all of it is just so good.
The end literally had me saying “you little shit” because Lindsey just does cliffhangers that well 👏🏼
I’m going to have to collect my thoughts and come back to write more, but for now just know that I’m swooning, I’m BLUSHING from all that 🌶️🌶️🌶️ and slow burn, the setting, the magic, all of it is just so good.
The end literally had me saying “you little shit” because Lindsey just does cliffhangers that well 👏🏼
August 3, 2025
Dark Romantasy with gothic vibes, necromancy, and shifters! So good!
October 12, 2025
5 ⭐️
3.5🌶️
This book was GOOOOD. Though the story was dark, the writing was poetic & had plenty of lighthearted moments (mainly the inner workings of Val’s mind) that had me giggling more than once. I adored Val & his manic devotion to his new wife from the start. Poor Delaney was so conflicted in how to feel, but I just loved the push/pull between the two (and the slow burn was delicious). The ending was utterly satisfying, while still leaving us with a plethora of new questions to be answered in book two. I cannot wait for this series to continue.
3.5🌶️
This book was GOOOOD. Though the story was dark, the writing was poetic & had plenty of lighthearted moments (mainly the inner workings of Val’s mind) that had me giggling more than once. I adored Val & his manic devotion to his new wife from the start. Poor Delaney was so conflicted in how to feel, but I just loved the push/pull between the two (and the slow burn was delicious). The ending was utterly satisfying, while still leaving us with a plethora of new questions to be answered in book two. I cannot wait for this series to continue.
August 17, 2025
A deliciously gothic tale of taboo gifts, obsessive love, and rebellion: slow burn romance has never been this worth it!
Easily the BEST story I've read in a long time! Lindsey Willingham has truly outdone herself, her writing just keeps getting better and better. Antiletum is dripping with Victorian gothic vibes; the setting feels like stepping straight into the gloom, grime, and grandeur of that era. The atmosphere alone will transport you, but it’s the characters and romance that stole my entire dark little heart.
Delaney, our quiet and sheltered FMC, has spent her life hidden away, haunted by anxiety and the secret taboo gift she carries. And then there's Val…Oh, Val. A rags-to-riches Lord that reminds me of an unhinged Victorian version of my beloved street rat Aladdin. He's DELULU to the max, emotionally reckless, obsessive, absolutely a walking red flag; and yet you will LOVE him with every fiber of your being. His devotion is gut-wrenching, his obsession is dangerous, and I couldn't get enough of him!
The magic system is fascinating: Certain magic is revered, other arcane gifts bound or forbidden, and creepy clocks ticking as markers of power. It's unique, easy to follow, and seamlessly woven into the story. Add in gods tied to nocturnal animals, owl shifter lore, wedding rings that punish betrayal, and political intrigue with a corrupt Parliament? This book is bursting with originality.
What about the romance you ask? It is perfection. The slowest of slow burns that nearly brought me to tears, but oh, the payoff is so worth it. The banter, the angst, the graveyard make-outs, the devastating tenderness between them! It's everything I crave in a romantasy. Lindsey never sacrifices plot for spice; instead, she balances political rebellion, grief, secrets, and obsession with one of the most addictive love stories I've read in ages.
I need book two immediately!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Key Points:
💀 Dark gothic romantasy
🧟♀️ Victorian-inspired world with necromancy & forbidden gifts
🎩 Morally grey, obsessive MMC (your new fav book boyfriend 🚩)
🥀 Sheltered FMC with a secret taboo power
💍 Wedding rings with deadly consequences
🕰️ Political intrigue + rebellion
❤️🔥 The slowest of slow burns (but trust me, SO worth it)
Easily the BEST story I've read in a long time! Lindsey Willingham has truly outdone herself, her writing just keeps getting better and better. Antiletum is dripping with Victorian gothic vibes; the setting feels like stepping straight into the gloom, grime, and grandeur of that era. The atmosphere alone will transport you, but it’s the characters and romance that stole my entire dark little heart.
Delaney, our quiet and sheltered FMC, has spent her life hidden away, haunted by anxiety and the secret taboo gift she carries. And then there's Val…Oh, Val. A rags-to-riches Lord that reminds me of an unhinged Victorian version of my beloved street rat Aladdin. He's DELULU to the max, emotionally reckless, obsessive, absolutely a walking red flag; and yet you will LOVE him with every fiber of your being. His devotion is gut-wrenching, his obsession is dangerous, and I couldn't get enough of him!
The magic system is fascinating: Certain magic is revered, other arcane gifts bound or forbidden, and creepy clocks ticking as markers of power. It's unique, easy to follow, and seamlessly woven into the story. Add in gods tied to nocturnal animals, owl shifter lore, wedding rings that punish betrayal, and political intrigue with a corrupt Parliament? This book is bursting with originality.
What about the romance you ask? It is perfection. The slowest of slow burns that nearly brought me to tears, but oh, the payoff is so worth it. The banter, the angst, the graveyard make-outs, the devastating tenderness between them! It's everything I crave in a romantasy. Lindsey never sacrifices plot for spice; instead, she balances political rebellion, grief, secrets, and obsession with one of the most addictive love stories I've read in ages.
I need book two immediately!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Key Points:
💀 Dark gothic romantasy
🧟♀️ Victorian-inspired world with necromancy & forbidden gifts
🎩 Morally grey, obsessive MMC (your new fav book boyfriend 🚩)
🥀 Sheltered FMC with a secret taboo power
💍 Wedding rings with deadly consequences
🕰️ Political intrigue + rebellion
❤️🔥 The slowest of slow burns (but trust me, SO worth it)
September 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gothic romance is right at the top of my favourite genres. So when lindsey sprung secret project ‘hoot hoot’ on her street team several weeks back, I jumped at the chance to beta read. And OH. MY. GOTHIC. LOVING. GOSH!!! 🙌🧎🏻♀️➡️
Antiletum is a hauntingly beautiful, poetic, dark, gothic, slow burn romance, with necromancy magic and owl shifters! DO I NEED TO CONTINUE FURTHER?? I don’t think so, but I will….
We are thrown straight into a deliciously dark atmospheric Victorian-vibe world, amongst THE most crazy, beautiful, spicy wedding scene I’ve read.
Delaney has been hidden away her whole life and told her magic is forbidden from others' knowledge.
Until one day after certain events, she is to be married.
Val has sad-boy energy and is utterly unhinged, has a past that uncurls throughout the story. The pining this man does. The devotion to Delaney is *chefs kiss*. However, some of the ways Val tries to receive Delaneys love is just hilariously funny, totally insane and completely delusional. He had me laughing out loud so many times.
I absolutely bloody loved this book, and I can’t wait for book two. Thank you, lindsey, for having me on your street team and gifting me your incredible, stunning, amazing books!🧎🏻♀️➡️🙏🖤
This book is a perfect spooky season read! 💀🖤
“Being in love is its own form of insanity. And it is a madness I will choose until we rot in the ground-together.”
Gothic
Victorian Vibes
Political Intrigue
Bound/Forbidden Magic
Necromancy
Spicy piercings
Spooky Clocks
Owl Shifter
Unravelling Secrets
Sacrifices
Unhinged, Morally Black MMC
Slow Burn
Spice
‘Swept from the floor, Delaney’s legs kick in the air. For a brief moment, she screeches. Caught. Angry. Fighting with all her might. It’s fucking glorious. I think I might have moaned into her neck.’
Gothic romance is right at the top of my favourite genres. So when lindsey sprung secret project ‘hoot hoot’ on her street team several weeks back, I jumped at the chance to beta read. And OH. MY. GOTHIC. LOVING. GOSH!!! 🙌🧎🏻♀️➡️
Antiletum is a hauntingly beautiful, poetic, dark, gothic, slow burn romance, with necromancy magic and owl shifters! DO I NEED TO CONTINUE FURTHER?? I don’t think so, but I will….
We are thrown straight into a deliciously dark atmospheric Victorian-vibe world, amongst THE most crazy, beautiful, spicy wedding scene I’ve read.
Delaney has been hidden away her whole life and told her magic is forbidden from others' knowledge.
Until one day after certain events, she is to be married.
Val has sad-boy energy and is utterly unhinged, has a past that uncurls throughout the story. The pining this man does. The devotion to Delaney is *chefs kiss*. However, some of the ways Val tries to receive Delaneys love is just hilariously funny, totally insane and completely delusional. He had me laughing out loud so many times.
I absolutely bloody loved this book, and I can’t wait for book two. Thank you, lindsey, for having me on your street team and gifting me your incredible, stunning, amazing books!🧎🏻♀️➡️🙏🖤
This book is a perfect spooky season read! 💀🖤
“Being in love is its own form of insanity. And it is a madness I will choose until we rot in the ground-together.”
Gothic
Victorian Vibes
Political Intrigue
Bound/Forbidden Magic
Necromancy
Spicy piercings
Spooky Clocks
Owl Shifter
Unravelling Secrets
Sacrifices
Unhinged, Morally Black MMC
Slow Burn
Spice
‘Swept from the floor, Delaney’s legs kick in the air. For a brief moment, she screeches. Caught. Angry. Fighting with all her might. It’s fucking glorious. I think I might have moaned into her neck.’
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2025
🦉 Antiletum🦉
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“There is no world, no lifetime in which I would ever let you go.”
“Being in love is its own form of insanity. And it is a madness I will choose until we rot in the ground—together.”
This is the first book in a dark, gothic, fantasy romance duology; Nocturne. We follow Delaney, who lives in hiding at an estate that specialises in reversing magic, however she is hiding a secret - a forbidden, arcane gift once thought extinct, linked to the owl deity her people worship. When tragedy strikes, Delaney is thrust into an arranged marriage meant for her sister to the powerful necromancer, Val. Val seems noble but everything tells Delaney not to trust him.
Well this was exactly what I needed to kick off spooky season. It’s no secret I think Lindsey is one of the most talented fantasy writers currently and am obsessed with the Willowbane Saga so I can’t believe I’m saying this but I think I loved this even more. I am partial to a dark, gothic romance and this had me in a chokehold from chapter one, we have shifters, gods, necromancy, an insanely unique magic system and sumptuous world building. (Wedding rings are cursed to lead to a slow and painful death in the event of unfaithfulness which I would very much like to implement absolutely love this.) Val is twisted and unhinged in the best possible way and a perfect morally black MMC who absolutely yearns for Delaney plus the portrayal of her grief was so visceral and real. THE CLIFFHANGER JESUS CHRIST I need the next book injected directly into my veins immediately, definitely one of the best books of the year for me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“There is no world, no lifetime in which I would ever let you go.”
“Being in love is its own form of insanity. And it is a madness I will choose until we rot in the ground—together.”
This is the first book in a dark, gothic, fantasy romance duology; Nocturne. We follow Delaney, who lives in hiding at an estate that specialises in reversing magic, however she is hiding a secret - a forbidden, arcane gift once thought extinct, linked to the owl deity her people worship. When tragedy strikes, Delaney is thrust into an arranged marriage meant for her sister to the powerful necromancer, Val. Val seems noble but everything tells Delaney not to trust him.
Well this was exactly what I needed to kick off spooky season. It’s no secret I think Lindsey is one of the most talented fantasy writers currently and am obsessed with the Willowbane Saga so I can’t believe I’m saying this but I think I loved this even more. I am partial to a dark, gothic romance and this had me in a chokehold from chapter one, we have shifters, gods, necromancy, an insanely unique magic system and sumptuous world building. (Wedding rings are cursed to lead to a slow and painful death in the event of unfaithfulness which I would very much like to implement absolutely love this.) Val is twisted and unhinged in the best possible way and a perfect morally black MMC who absolutely yearns for Delaney plus the portrayal of her grief was so visceral and real. THE CLIFFHANGER JESUS CHRIST I need the next book injected directly into my veins immediately, definitely one of the best books of the year for me.
January 8, 2026
My heart is still tingling, and my soul is still reeling after finishing Antiletum, Book 1 of Lindsey's Nocturne duology. I feel the pulse drumming in my ears, and I don't want it to stop. Not after experiencing this gothic necromancer owl-shifter romance in all its gore and in all its glory. I want, no, I need this feeling to last, at least until the finale is safely in my arms.
So, Antiletum. A gothic, Bridgerton-esque setting, a society driven by power and politics, and a world where nobody is safe. A girl and a boy with necromancer powers: one driven into the spotlight, the other hidden and almost forgotten. But not by everyone.
She could never be forgotten by him, as there is no world in which he wouldn't find her. He is ruthless. He is unhinged. And yet, he is also a hopeless romantic, one who will grovel at her feet begging for mercy. He is pitch black, almost unforgivable. And therein lies his allure. His blackness shines.
And she? A girl hidden in the shadows, lost in her grief and desperation. Drowning in self-loathing, yet still needing to step into the light. Needing to learn to breathe again. Shackled by her doubts and fears, frightened by her own feelings. Wanting to be loved and running from it.
Yes, a girl and a boy destined to meet. Destined to change the world. They are not your typical heroes, nor do they need to be. They are raw. They are real. They bleed and hurt themselves and others. And they are relentless, each in their own way. They will haunt your days and your nights, and you will welcome them in.
Delaney and Val. Meet them. Remember them. They are here to stay.
So, Antiletum. A gothic, Bridgerton-esque setting, a society driven by power and politics, and a world where nobody is safe. A girl and a boy with necromancer powers: one driven into the spotlight, the other hidden and almost forgotten. But not by everyone.
She could never be forgotten by him, as there is no world in which he wouldn't find her. He is ruthless. He is unhinged. And yet, he is also a hopeless romantic, one who will grovel at her feet begging for mercy. He is pitch black, almost unforgivable. And therein lies his allure. His blackness shines.
And she? A girl hidden in the shadows, lost in her grief and desperation. Drowning in self-loathing, yet still needing to step into the light. Needing to learn to breathe again. Shackled by her doubts and fears, frightened by her own feelings. Wanting to be loved and running from it.
Yes, a girl and a boy destined to meet. Destined to change the world. They are not your typical heroes, nor do they need to be. They are raw. They are real. They bleed and hurt themselves and others. And they are relentless, each in their own way. They will haunt your days and your nights, and you will welcome them in.
Delaney and Val. Meet them. Remember them. They are here to stay.
November 14, 2025
Antiletum is a dark gothic necromancer owl shifter fantasy romance! This is the first book in a new series by Lindsey Willingham. I saw the author recently describe it as dark/gothic fantasy Bridgerton and it is definitely that!
WOW this book is amazing, one of my favourite books of 2025 and one of the best dark/gothic fantasy books around. I devoured it!! The writing is beautiful, descriptive and immersive. It sucks you right in and you feel all the emotions. The magic system is unique and fresh. There is a corrupt government, restrained magic bound by clocks, necromancy and shifters!
The book starts with a bang, an arranged marriage followed by a deranged wedding ceremony between necromancers Val and Delaney. They are both complex characters with traumatic backstories.
Val is morally black, completely feral and to say I am OBSESSSED would be an understatement. They are combustible together (is that even a thing?). But hot damn, my new book boyfriend has arrived. This book has the slowest of burns and boy does it burn! There is so much pining, tension, secrets and betrayals. There is a hot graveyard scene and one that involves piercings that even made me blush.
I loved the ending! I cannot wait for Book 2 and to see how this world expands and develops.
WOW this book is amazing, one of my favourite books of 2025 and one of the best dark/gothic fantasy books around. I devoured it!! The writing is beautiful, descriptive and immersive. It sucks you right in and you feel all the emotions. The magic system is unique and fresh. There is a corrupt government, restrained magic bound by clocks, necromancy and shifters!
The book starts with a bang, an arranged marriage followed by a deranged wedding ceremony between necromancers Val and Delaney. They are both complex characters with traumatic backstories.
Val is morally black, completely feral and to say I am OBSESSSED would be an understatement. They are combustible together (is that even a thing?). But hot damn, my new book boyfriend has arrived. This book has the slowest of burns and boy does it burn! There is so much pining, tension, secrets and betrayals. There is a hot graveyard scene and one that involves piercings that even made me blush.
I loved the ending! I cannot wait for Book 2 and to see how this world expands and develops.
December 20, 2025
LONG OVERDUE! I’M SORRY!
This beautiful book is a gothic romance with necromancy, barn owl shifters (even though ya girl is afraid of birds!), unique magic, a tyrannical government and the resistance fighting to take them down. I was lucky enough to beta read this and it completely blew my mind! You are absolutely sucked in right from the prologue. HANDS DOWN the best prologue I have ever read.
This book was so refreshing and so different! For example - wedding rings can’t ever be removed and will slowly, painfully k!Il if you’re unfaithful. I meannnnnn!
And you KNOW Lindsey KNOWS how to write an MMC! Val is everythinggggg! [I refuse to say he’s my favorite so they tie! I’m a why choose girl so I don’t make the rules 🤷🏻♀️]
But if you loveee when the male is so mother fxcking down bad – this is the book for you!
And would it be a Lindsey book if you didn’t get a swift punch to the gut? Because the painnn in this one – let’s just say I’m 3 for 3 crying in her books.
Just do yourself a favor and go read this!!
I NEEEED to know what happens next!
This beautiful book is a gothic romance with necromancy, barn owl shifters (even though ya girl is afraid of birds!), unique magic, a tyrannical government and the resistance fighting to take them down. I was lucky enough to beta read this and it completely blew my mind! You are absolutely sucked in right from the prologue. HANDS DOWN the best prologue I have ever read.
This book was so refreshing and so different! For example - wedding rings can’t ever be removed and will slowly, painfully k!Il if you’re unfaithful. I meannnnnn!
And you KNOW Lindsey KNOWS how to write an MMC! Val is everythinggggg! [I refuse to say he’s my favorite so they tie! I’m a why choose girl so I don’t make the rules 🤷🏻♀️]
But if you loveee when the male is so mother fxcking down bad – this is the book for you!
And would it be a Lindsey book if you didn’t get a swift punch to the gut? Because the painnn in this one – let’s just say I’m 3 for 3 crying in her books.
Just do yourself a favor and go read this!!
I NEEEED to know what happens next!
January 8, 2026
I loved this book! I am a sucker for gothic romance. Now, yes, some of the magic was a little confusing. I hope Book 2 clarifies some of that. It starts off a little slowly. You don’t really know what you’re getting yourself into. It felt like this book was largely focused on their relationship and more action will happen in Book 2. That’s my impression/guess.
The love story was so endearing. I loved Val and Delaney. Val is unhinged, without a doubt. But I felt for him throughout this book. The author made me like him so much that I was sad when he was devastated (or the painting scene). I also felt like Delaney had a realistic response to certain things and I was also sad for her during specific parts.
The book overall reminded me a little of Fairydale (for the enduring love and quirkiness of the story) and… maybe(?)Anathema. Maybe it was just their relationship that reminded me of Anathema. But parts of the magic system are different than other things I’ve read and I really liked that.
The love story was so endearing. I loved Val and Delaney. Val is unhinged, without a doubt. But I felt for him throughout this book. The author made me like him so much that I was sad when he was devastated (or the painting scene). I also felt like Delaney had a realistic response to certain things and I was also sad for her during specific parts.
The book overall reminded me a little of Fairydale (for the enduring love and quirkiness of the story) and… maybe(?)Anathema. Maybe it was just their relationship that reminded me of Anathema. But parts of the magic system are different than other things I’ve read and I really liked that.
September 13, 2025
ANTILETUM by indie author Lindsey Willingham is book one in The Nocturne series, which is a dark gothic fantasy romance with Victorian era vibes.
Willingham credits Liv Zander’s Court of Ravens duet and The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen for inspiring her to write this story. Even still — Antiletum remains wholly unique while tackling themes of betrayal, political intrigue, and morally black MMCs.
Willingham doesn’t just paint a picture for her readers but rather an emotionally intense landscape littered with mines. This book is dark, macabre and complex. At its core is a devout and obsessive love that’s gut wrenching and dangerous.
Antiletum is perfect for fans of slow unfolding secrets, tragic backstories, dark gothic vibes, necromancy powers and political intrigue.
P.S. This book starts with the most hardcore wedding scene ever, which brilliantly sets the stage for what’s to come!
Willingham credits Liv Zander’s Court of Ravens duet and The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen for inspiring her to write this story. Even still — Antiletum remains wholly unique while tackling themes of betrayal, political intrigue, and morally black MMCs.
Willingham doesn’t just paint a picture for her readers but rather an emotionally intense landscape littered with mines. This book is dark, macabre and complex. At its core is a devout and obsessive love that’s gut wrenching and dangerous.
Antiletum is perfect for fans of slow unfolding secrets, tragic backstories, dark gothic vibes, necromancy powers and political intrigue.
P.S. This book starts with the most hardcore wedding scene ever, which brilliantly sets the stage for what’s to come!
October 11, 2025
I will read anything Lindsey writes so admittedly I didn’t think I would love this book going into but I believer wholeheartedly in the author. Wow! Once again I was proven wrong. This story was so good! I’m hooked, tell me more, I need the next one now. The politics, the twists, the obsession and devotion. I love it all, the characters own issues and how they work through them. Read it and then talk to me because I haven’t stopped thinking about them.
December 10, 2025
There were many parts of this book that I thoroughly enjoyed, but there were also places where it dragged, and I believe that the pacing could have been tighter. I'm a big fan of slow burn, but this book took it to a place where I was just getting angry at the characters and mentally shouting, "Just do it already!"
The world-building is exquisite, and I loved the owl, which is truly adorable, and the interaction between it and Delaney.
The world-building is exquisite, and I loved the owl, which is truly adorable, and the interaction between it and Delaney.
December 28, 2025
I had a great time reading this book and I loved the dark Gothic Fantasy vibes.
It was an easy read and if it wasn't for the fact I started reading this just before Christmas, with such little time for reading, I would've finished this a lot sooner!
The pacing around the middle could've been a bit tighter, it dragged a little but but it honestly wasn't anything major. This story was full of mystery, a down-bad MMC, and lies. So many lies it would make your head turn.
It was an easy read and if it wasn't for the fact I started reading this just before Christmas, with such little time for reading, I would've finished this a lot sooner!
The pacing around the middle could've been a bit tighter, it dragged a little but but it honestly wasn't anything major. This story was full of mystery, a down-bad MMC, and lies. So many lies it would make your head turn.
August 24, 2025
4.5!!
Obsessed lovers? ✔️
Necromancy? ✔️
Spicy piercings? ✔️
Gothic sense of dread? ✔️
“My wife” with a fun twist? ✔️
The most metal wedding scene you’ve ever read? ✔️
Shifters? ✔️
As always the author’s prose is so beautiful and she never fails to make me laugh out loud at least once per book. This is a delightful choice for spooky season reading! Thank you for letting me beta read this!
Obsessed lovers? ✔️
Necromancy? ✔️
Spicy piercings? ✔️
Gothic sense of dread? ✔️
“My wife” with a fun twist? ✔️
The most metal wedding scene you’ve ever read? ✔️
Shifters? ✔️
As always the author’s prose is so beautiful and she never fails to make me laugh out loud at least once per book. This is a delightful choice for spooky season reading! Thank you for letting me beta read this!
December 11, 2025
I I had such a good time with this read. I loved the dark Gothic fantasy vibes. It was easy to get lost in between the magic and political intrigue. The romance was just as high on the list. Val was absolutely obsessed and I was here for it. The man would literally do anything. Definitely a lot of push and pull at times between him and Delaney. The plot kept me hooked the whole time.
January 3, 2026
What. A. BOOK. This is everything I wanted in a story from the atmospheric prose and gothic setting to the slow burn romance to die for and multilayered plot. I well and truly sacrificed my sleep because I had to know what happened. Now I need the second book because oh my god. I love an unhinged MMC with a major softness—Val delivers every bit of that.
August 28, 2025
I’m so grateful to have Beta read this story! Antiletum is filled with darkly gothic Victorian vibes, necromancy, and slow burn, owls, lip rings… 🔥 This story is deliciously dark and equally entertaining!
If you like obsessive, morally gray romance and wonderfully damaged characters, this one is un-put-downable! A must read as we slide into spooky season 🖤
The main characters of the story have beautifully broken pasts, Val is wonderfully twisted in his unhinged devotion to Delaney, and hilariously oblivious on how to woo her in the beginning (picture marriage advice discussions and playful prodding in convos over a sacrifice’s body; lots of fun dark humor mixed in)!
If you like obsessive, morally gray romance and wonderfully damaged characters, this one is un-put-downable! A must read as we slide into spooky season 🖤
The main characters of the story have beautifully broken pasts, Val is wonderfully twisted in his unhinged devotion to Delaney, and hilariously oblivious on how to woo her in the beginning (picture marriage advice discussions and playful prodding in convos over a sacrifice’s body; lots of fun dark humor mixed in)!
December 3, 2025
This was great, full of mystery, longing and lies. It kept me on my toes waiting for all of the lies to catch up and for the magical mysteries to be solved.
The only issue I had, the middle of the book slowed down and became a bit repetitive but overall it was a great read.
The only issue I had, the middle of the book slowed down and became a bit repetitive but overall it was a great read.
January 2, 2026
Has trigger warnings. Author is a good writer, however, this book was way more intense than I was expecting. Right off the bat the book throws you in the story and from there the adventure begins.
September 4, 2025
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
I'm honestly so blessed to have been given the chance to Beta read this for Lindsey. Honestly, thank you so much this has become one of my favorite reads of the year and I can't wait for more people to read it. I wish GRs would allow me to give it more stars.
Lindsey knows how to write beautifully damaged souls finding their way back to one another. These characters are so easy to fall in love with and Lindsey did not disappoint with her MMC again. Val is my favorite MMC of the year and my new book husband. Lindsey knows how to write these in-depth characters, Val and Delaney have such intense start to their relationship/marriage.
As Delaney buries herself deeper into her denial for her wanting her husband, denying her wants due to her sister's warning, Val on the other hand is desperately waiting for his wife to see him and accept him just like he does her. Lindsey has an expertise in cliffhangers and now I need book 2.
I have absolutely fallen in love with these characters and I can't wait to get a physical copy of this stunning and beautifully written book.
I'm honestly so blessed to have been given the chance to Beta read this for Lindsey. Honestly, thank you so much this has become one of my favorite reads of the year and I can't wait for more people to read it. I wish GRs would allow me to give it more stars.
Lindsey knows how to write beautifully damaged souls finding their way back to one another. These characters are so easy to fall in love with and Lindsey did not disappoint with her MMC again. Val is my favorite MMC of the year and my new book husband. Lindsey knows how to write these in-depth characters, Val and Delaney have such intense start to their relationship/marriage.
As Delaney buries herself deeper into her denial for her wanting her husband, denying her wants due to her sister's warning, Val on the other hand is desperately waiting for his wife to see him and accept him just like he does her. Lindsey has an expertise in cliffhangers and now I need book 2.
I have absolutely fallen in love with these characters and I can't wait to get a physical copy of this stunning and beautifully written book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2025
A dark romantasy with gothic elements, this novel is that and so much more. Releasing just in time for a fall release. I had the honor to beta read this novel and oh, my stars. I devoured this story.
This novel is an experience! My gothic heart is full.
This novel is an experience! My gothic heart is full.
November 7, 2025
The writing is refreshingly detailed but not in the goes on for no reason way, and that’s tough to do. I love the characters this author creates.
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