Review of ‘Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil’ by V.E. Schwab. Discover the haunting, poetic tale of three women connected across time by grief, longing, and a desperate need to belong. This story blends love, loss, and the supernatural into something utterly unforgettable. The Dutch limited edition is not only stunning to look at but a true gem for your bookshelf. Absolutely breathtaking.
‘Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil’ by V.E. Schwab is poetic, dark and unforgettable
Synopsis
This is a story about hunger.
1532. Santo Domingo de la Calzada.
A young girl grows up wild and wily—her beauty is only outmatched by her dreams of escape. But María knows she can only ever be a prize, or a pawn, in the games played by men. When an alluring stranger offers an alternate path, María makes a desperate choice. She vows to have no regrets.
This is a story about love.
1827. London.
A young woman lives an idyllic but cloistered life on her family’s estate, until a moment of forbidden intimacy sees her shipped off to London. Charlotte’s tender heart and seemingly impossible wishes are swept away by an invitation from a beautiful widow—but the price of freedom is higher than she could have imagined.
This is a story about rage.
2019. Boston.
College was supposed to be her chance to be someone new. That’s why Alice moved halfway across the world, leaving her old life behind. But after an out-of-character one-night stand leaves her questioning her past, her present, and her future, Alice throws herself into the hunt for answers . . . and revenge.
This is a story about life—
how it ends, and how it starts.
Review
In Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil, V.E. Schwab weaves a gothic, time-bending tale about love, identity, and longing. In 2019 Boston, Alice wakes up without a heartbeat after a mysterious encounter at a party. In 1827 London, Charlotte Sutherland trades her pulse for a promise of eternal love with the beautiful but dangerous Sabine. As past and present intertwine, their stories echo with grief, desire and the fear of being forgotten. It’s dark, lyrical and unlike anything I’ve read in a long time.
And let’s just get it out there: this limited edition? A literal work of art. That cover, the pink flowers, the sprayed edges… I was obsessed before I even read a single word. Luckily, the story inside was just as hauntingly beautiful.
It’s a slow book, but in that addictive kind of way that keeps you turning the pages. Schwab’s writing is once again so poetic that I found myself lingering on every sentence. She builds an atmosphere that sinks under your skin. It’s melancholic, occasionally a bit confusing, but always captivating.
Schwab has been one of my favorite authors for a long time. I absolutely loved The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and honestly didn’t think anything else would hit me quite the same. But this one came close. In a different way, of course, but that’s the beauty of books. No two stories move you in exactly the same way.
The characters really worked for me. Maria-Sabine and Charlotte were both intense and layered, and I loved following their journey. Charlotte was my favorite by far, and I wish we had met her earlier in the book. Her setting, the Regency era, is a personal favorite of mine, so it’s no surprise she stole the spotlight for me. Alice’s story was still interesting, but it felt less lyrical. Maybe because it’s set in 2019? I think I just felt less connected to her.
Also, let’s not forget: lesbian vampires. Do I even need to say more?
Let’s talk about the length for a second. The book is pretty long, and that’s fine, but I did notice that the storylines didn’t always flow into each other seamlessly. Alice is introduced early on, but it takes a while to really get to know her. That was a bit frustrating. Charlotte doesn’t show up until later, which is a shame because she added so much depth to the book. Still, Schwab’s writing kept me fully engaged and I had no trouble staying invested.
I want to end by talking about Schwab as a writer. I’m constantly in awe of how her mind works. Her stories are never simple or predictable. They’re layered, poetic, often slow-burning, but always compelling. Whether she’s writing about forgotten girls, time-traveling thieves or emotionally complex vampires, Schwab always pulls you into her world completely. Her voice is distinct and emotionally rich.
What I love most is how much love and intention she pours into her stories. You can feel it. She writes with her whole heart and it shows. Not only is she an incredible author, she’s also a kind and generous person. I had the chance to meet her in 2021 and was blown away by how warm and down to earth she was. She truly takes the time for her readers and that has stayed with me.
Final thoughts
Whether you’re a long-time fan or picking up one of her books for the first time, Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil will sweep you away, break your heart and linger long after the final page. Schwab proves once again why she remains one of my favorite authors.
Rating
8,5/10
Details
- Trigger warnings: Death, blood, mental deterioration, vampirism, violence, betrayal, grief, suicidal thoughts, loss of identity and claustrophobic family dynamics. Some scenes may feel dark or unsettling, especially within the melancholic, gothic tone of the book.
- Themes: Memory, grief, identity and the longing for connection across time and space. There’s a strong focus on being forgotten versus being remembered, and on love that lingers even when everything else is lost. Vampirism is portrayed less as horror and more as a metaphor for loss, desire and holding on to the past.
- Representation: Strong queer representation, particularly lesbian characters and relationships. The queerness is woven naturally into the story and never feels performative. While ethnic diversity is less explicit, the queer narrative is a central and powerful element.
- Genre: Fantasy
- Pages: 535
- Publication date: June 10, 2025
- Publisher: Tor Books
- About the author:
VICTORIA “V. E.” SCHWAB is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty books, including the acclaimed Shades universe, the Villains series, the City of Ghosts series, Gallant, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and The Fragile Threads of Power. When not haunting Paris streets or trudging up English hillsides, she can usually be found in Edinburgh, Scotland, tucked in the corner of a coffee shop, dreaming up monsters.
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