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lolaslalaland's review
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The Second Daughter will be sent to the Wolf in the Wilderwood in the hopes of appeasing him and granting the Kings their freedom so they may return and be the gods of the people once more.
Redarys unfortunately was born second after her twin, Neverah. But when Red goes to the Wilderwood and meets the Wolf, things are not as she thought they would be.
I was very excited to read this one, but found myself a little bit disappointed which is why I couldn't give it a full 4 stars.
First off, this book was super atmospheric! I felt like I was there in the woods, in the cold, surrounded by magic. I genuinely loved how the setting and the magic were tied together and it just made it that much more enthralling. I had zero qualms with the writing or the setting or the eldritch magic. It was awesome!
But I did have some issues with the pacing which ended up lessening my enjoyment of other things such as plot and characters.
So, if you've heard about this book at all, you know it is spoken of as being a fantasy romance but also with political intrigue. And it is, but I felt like it wasn't very well balanced. As I said before, I loved the fantasy aspect. The romance was probably my least enjoyed part mainly due to the age gap, but also because it felt a lot more YA than adult. Finally, the political/historical side felt very underdeveloped and rushed.
Basically, I really enjoyed this book, I liked reading it, but it felt weak in multiple areas. I am still excited to read the sequel, I actually feel like it might end up pleasing me more.
Recommend for: mild romance, mild political intrigue, eldritch magic, haunted forest, shadow creatures, sister bond, atmospheric (winter/fall), manipulation.
TW: self-harm, large age gap relationship.
Redarys unfortunately was born second after her twin, Neverah. But when Red goes to the Wilderwood and meets the Wolf, things are not as she thought they would be.
I was very excited to read this one, but found myself a little bit disappointed which is why I couldn't give it a full 4 stars.
First off, this book was super atmospheric! I felt like I was there in the woods, in the cold, surrounded by magic. I genuinely loved how the setting and the magic were tied together and it just made it that much more enthralling. I had zero qualms with the writing or the setting or the eldritch magic. It was awesome!
But I did have some issues with the pacing which ended up lessening my enjoyment of other things such as plot and characters.
So, if you've heard about this book at all, you know it is spoken of as being a fantasy romance but also with political intrigue. And it is, but I felt like it wasn't very well balanced. As I said before, I loved the fantasy aspect. The romance was probably my least enjoyed part mainly due to the age gap, but also because it felt a lot more YA than adult. Finally, the political/historical side felt very underdeveloped and rushed.
Basically, I really enjoyed this book, I liked reading it, but it felt weak in multiple areas. I am still excited to read the sequel, I actually feel like it might end up pleasing me more.
Recommend for: mild romance, mild political intrigue, eldritch magic, haunted forest, shadow creatures, sister bond, atmospheric (winter/fall), manipulation.
TW: self-harm, large age gap relationship.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship
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