Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil is a gothic historical fantasy that intertwines the lives of 3 queer women over centuries. In 16th-century Santo Domingo, María, an enslaved healer who is accused of witchcraft & sentenced to death, makes a bargain with an ancient entity, “The Soil,” that grants her immortality at a cost: eternal thirst for human blood and a memory that never fades. In Victorian London, Charlotte, a botanist, uncovers her connection to María & a lineage of women transformed by the soil. She finds solace in the company of a mysterious patroness, Sabine. In 2019 Boston, Alice, a grad student researching vampire folklore, uncovers references to “the daughters of the soil,” and strange dreams and visions guide her to meet Charlotte, now living under a new identity.

The writing is elegant and atmospheric. All historical settings are richly depicted, allowing readers to feel right there—in 16th-century sun-baked Spain, foggy Victorian London, and bustling modern day Boston—for a very immersive read. There are many powerful, captivating themes in this story—the question of immortality and the psychological toll it takes, accepting one’s real identity, and female rage and desire. The 3 timelines explors each of the characters’ experiences with vampirism, identity, and desire. The transitions between timelines are sometimes abrupt, but they eventually come together to create a beautifully woven, captivating story that will linger.

All three protagonists are complex, fascinating characters with a thirst for freedom, power, and an inner rage. Charlotte’s passionate but tragic relationship with Sabine is one of the most emotionally compelling parts of the story. As time is removed as a constraint in their lives, the cruelty that immortality can bring is vividly depicted. When Sabine, who is cursed in different ways, chooses mortality and abandons Charlotte to be alone and burdened with memories, it’s all too much to bear—for Charlotte and readers! Centuries later, when Charlotte meets Alice, she sees her as a new incarnation of Sabine and the character arcs of both women are greatly developed.

Each timeline has a slow-burn start but with rich character development and vivid world-building that makes for a very immersive reading experience. As the veil between past & present timelines thins, the three stories come crashing together in a very dramatic fashion. At the end, the women are faced with ending their immortality or embracing it, and the intensity greatly increases. “The Soil,” the ancient, sentient force, offers them each a choice—and readers will be hanging on to every word in the final chapters. The final twist is very thought-provoking and bittersweet!

While the story may not resonate with all readers because of its uneven pacing and (intricate) gothic storytelling, it’s a must-read for those who enjoy thought-provoking lyrical prose, intersecting parallel timelines, and emotional character arcs! If you’ve read Schwab’s extremely popular The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, you’ll find this book has similar themes but an even darker tone! If all this sounds intriguing, grab a copy ASAP!!