Lyndall Clipstone's Tenderly, I Am Devoured is a mesmerizing exploration of love, sacrifice, and the intricate dance between the mortal and divine realms. Set against the backdrop of an isolated coastal town, the novel weaves a tale that is as haunting as it is enchanting, drawing readers into a world where the boundaries between reality and myth blur seamlessly.

The protagonist, Lacrimosa "Lark" Arriscane, is a character who immediately captures the reader's empathy. Expelled from her boarding school due to a violent incident, Lark returns home to find her family teetering on the brink of financial collapse. Her desperation to save them leads her to a marriage of convenience with Therion, a chthonic god revered by her hometown. This premise sets the stage for a narrative that is rich in both emotional depth and mythological intrigue.

Clipstone's portrayal of Lark is both nuanced and compelling. She is a young woman caught between duty and desire, tradition and rebellion. Her journey is one of self-discovery, as she grapples with her own identity and the expectations placed upon her. The author skillfully delves into Lark's internal struggles, making her a relatable and multi-dimensional character. Her evolution throughout the story is both believable and poignant, as she learns to navigate the complexities of love and loyalty.

The introduction of Alastair Felimath and his sister Camille adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. Alastair, with his brilliance and arrogance, is a character who initially seems to embody the archetype of the brooding, enigmatic love interest. However, Clipstone subverts this trope by imbuing him with depth and vulnerability. His relationship with Lark is fraught with tension and unresolved feelings, making their interactions charged with emotion.

Camille, on the other hand, is an alluring and enigmatic presence. Her dynamic with Lark is equally captivating, as it explores themes of attraction and rivalry. The interplay between the three characters is a testament to Clipstone's ability to craft intricate relationships that are both believable and compelling. The romantic tension between Lark and the Felimath siblings is palpable, adding an element of suspense and intrigue to the narrative.

One of the standout aspects of Tenderly, I Am Devoured is its exploration of folklore and mythology. Clipstone's world-building is meticulous and immersive, drawing on elements of ancient myths and legends to create a setting that feels both timeless and otherworldly. The rituals and beliefs of Lark's hometown are woven seamlessly into the narrative, adding depth and richness to the story. The bacchanalia, in particular, is a vivid and evocative scene that captures the hedonistic and dangerous allure of the divine.

The novel's themes of love, sacrifice, and the consequences of desire are explored with a deft hand. Clipstone examines the idea of love as both a binding and destructive force, capable of transcending the boundaries of the mortal realm. The characters' struggles with their own desires and the expectations of their society are portrayed with sensitivity and insight, making for a thought-provoking read.

In terms of style, Clipstone's prose is lyrical and evocative, capturing the haunting beauty of the coastal setting and the emotional intensity of the characters' experiences. Her use of language is both poetic and precise, creating a vivid and immersive reading experience. The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, with moments of tension and introspection interspersed with scenes of action and revelation.

Comparatively, Tenderly, I Am Devoured shares thematic similarities with works such as Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus and Madeline Miller's Circe. Like Morgenstern, Clipstone creates a world that is both enchanting and perilous, where magic and reality coexist in a delicate balance. Similarly, her exploration of myth and identity echoes the themes found in Miller's retelling of ancient myths. However, Clipstone's novel stands out for its unique blend of romance, mythology, and coming-of-age elements, making it a distinctive and memorable addition to the genre.

Overall, Tenderly, I Am Devoured is a captivating and beautifully crafted novel that will appeal to fans of fantasy, romance, and mythology. Lyndall Clipstone has created a story that is both timeless and timely, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and the search for identity in a world where the divine and mortal realms intersect. With its richly drawn characters, evocative prose, and intricate world-building, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers.