ARC Review

‘The Other Side’ by C. Hebert offers readers an enthralling dive into a dark fantasy realm filled with rich world-building and complex characters. The story centers around Cypress, a scheming and soul-eating goddess of the underworld, and Iris-Marie, a conjurer of souls with powerful voodoo magic. The book expertly blends dark fantasy elements such as shadows and magic with sapphic romance and the classic villain retelling trope, creating a compelling narrative that explores themes of betrayal, revenge, and the intimate dynamic of forced proximity. The depiction of underworld mythology is both fresh and immersive, evoking vivid imagery often described as a live-action retelling in readers' minds. Side characters like Bastien and Tuft add depth and emotional nuance, with Tuft's backstory particularly engaging readers’ empathy and curiosity, indicating that future stories could expand this intriguing universe further. Readers who appreciate strong female-led narratives and rich fantasy worlds will find this novel appealing, especially those searching for stories featuring diverse LGBTQ+ relationships. The sapphic romance is tenderly woven into the plot, balancing supernatural conflict with emotional depth. The author’s association with cover artists @artscandare and @s.seidel.art highlights the aesthetic appeal accompanying the novel, enhancing the overall immersive experience. For further enjoyment, fans are encouraged to check out related retellings such as 'Wicked Depths' by Melissa McAuthor and 'Off With Her Head' by Dana Lee Ann, which share thematic kinship in dark fantasy and romance. For those seeking recommendations, 'The Other Side' stands out as an excellent addition to collections of dark fantasy, sapphic books, and compelling villain retellings. Mental health matters are acknowledged in the book's warnings, reflecting thoughtful consideration of readers’ emotional safety. Readers can find and purchase the book via retailers such as Amazon (https://a.co/d/eQhABvO) and track reviews on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/223258664). This combination of fantasy, romance, and mythological intrigue makes ‘The Other Side’ a notable read for fans of the genre looking for emotionally engaging and richly developed stories.