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kimalah's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book was just up my alley. Dread and ominous atmosphere mixed with devoted sisters inside of some type of fractured fable. It was very good, and I am very glad that I just got the next book from my library.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm and Blood
beccaand's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
the feral forest witch vibes? impeccable
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Self harm, Blood, Religious bigotry, and Death of parent
Moderate: Body horror and Sexual content
laura_mcloughlin's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Reread to jog my memory before reading the sequel. I remembered the beginning and the end of the book but there were parts in the middle that I had completely forgotten, so it was good that I reread it.
Similar in premise to Uprooted. I liked it for the most part but the world building was not as strong as it really should have been. Characters would learn facts that completely threw their understanding of the world out the window and then they would ask zero follow up questions.
I still don't really understand the nature of the Wilderwood and the original bargain between the first Second Daughter and the Wolf.
I did like the aspects of Red Riding Hood, Beauty and the Beast, and Snow White (and Rose Red) that were included in the story.
Similar in premise to Uprooted. I liked it for the most part but the world building was not as strong as it really should have been. Characters would learn facts that completely threw their understanding of the world out the window and then they would ask zero follow up questions.
I still don't really understand the nature of the Wilderwood and the original bargain between the first Second Daughter and the Wolf.
I did like the aspects of Red Riding Hood, Beauty and the Beast, and Snow White (and Rose Red) that were included in the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Self harm, and Blood
noblelandmermaid's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gore, Self harm, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
adancewithbooks's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
4.0
For the Wolf is one that has been making the rounds in the last year and when it was added to my twitter challenge by one of my twitter friends it ended up on my yearly tbr. But it wasn't until I got the sequel in my hands that I actually picked it up. I certainly enjoyed For the Wolf. It isn't perfect though.
For the Wolf initially seems to be a red riding hood fairytale, even more so hinted at by the cover. Yet as we continue the story it feels more like a Beaty and the Beast retelling. Red is the beauty and our wolf who is just human, is the beast for his monstrous connections. But he isn't really. He is just trapped in a cage not of his own making. Once Red enters, things start to change. She seems to be the second daughter that will change everything. Except you know, he doesn't want to hear that. Save me from stuborn men.
But I ended up falling for the basic story and the mystery. What did everything mean? Who are these kings? What is this land? What are these woods? The author made it an atmosperic read with a creepy wood which is what I like in my wood stories. And in the end I quite liked our main characters the wolf and red. They aren't nessecarily the most captivating characters once you start the book but they both grow throughout in their own way and towards each other.
However I do think the book was a bit too long. Certainly some things could have been cut. There were also the interlude chapters towards Red's sister who is trying to save her. I understand the need for the look at what is happening there as it is so important for the ending and the next book. But it pulls away from the story that is happening. It could have been dealt with differently.
And lastly I feel like we should have gotten a bit more on our side characters. They were there for so long with the Wold and clearly they are important to him. But then why not show that connection a bit more?
For the Wolf initially seems to be a red riding hood fairytale, even more so hinted at by the cover. Yet as we continue the story it feels more like a Beaty and the Beast retelling. Red is the beauty and our wolf who is just human, is the beast for his monstrous connections. But he isn't really. He is just trapped in a cage not of his own making. Once Red enters, things start to change. She seems to be the second daughter that will change everything. Except you know, he doesn't want to hear that. Save me from stuborn men.
But I ended up falling for the basic story and the mystery. What did everything mean? Who are these kings? What is this land? What are these woods? The author made it an atmosperic read with a creepy wood which is what I like in my wood stories. And in the end I quite liked our main characters the wolf and red. They aren't nessecarily the most captivating characters once you start the book but they both grow throughout in their own way and towards each other.
However I do think the book was a bit too long. Certainly some things could have been cut. There were also the interlude chapters towards Red's sister who is trying to save her. I understand the need for the look at what is happening there as it is so important for the ending and the next book. But it pulls away from the story that is happening. It could have been dealt with differently.
And lastly I feel like we should have gotten a bit more on our side characters. They were there for so long with the Wold and clearly they are important to him. But then why not show that connection a bit more?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Self harm
Moderate: Gore and Blood
Minor: Death of parent
Parental Neglect | Hallucinations |thehushedearth's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This story is insanely unique and inventive in a sea of fairy tale retellings. It somehow seamlessly blends a Little Red Riding Hood and Beauty and the Beast retelling into one.
The world: I found that the writing in this book was beautiful and lyrical. The prose reminded me of many of the dark fairy tales that I have read without being overtly dark to accomplish this feat. Whitten brings her world, setting, and characters to life in startling and fresh detail. I found that the dichotomy of beauty and darkness, light and shadow, in this novel were as fascinating as they were lovely.
The characters: All of Whitten's characters have a fierceness about them in one way or another that I loved. The cast of characters in this book are diverse and full of strong voices. Each of the cast of side characters had an interesting story and were unique to themselves. I would have liked to see a little more development or involvement of some of the side characters.
Red (Redarys) was born a second daughter and was therefore destined for the Wolf. While at first, I was a little put off by Red's attitude, her tenacity and strength won me over in the end. She can be a little crass, stubborn, and selfish at times, but overall I feel like this lends to her being human and flawed which makes her more relatable.
Neve (Neverah) is the first daughter and therefore, for the throne. She comes off as kind and cares for her sister in such a fierce way. Over the course of the book, we watch her character make an arc from a more meek and gentle girl to a powerful and determined woman.
I enjoyed the bond between Red and Neve, the fierce loyalty and protectiveness that the sisters share. It did lead to some less than smart decisions on both of their parts admittedly. But overall, I feel like the bond that they had was formidable and added much needed tension throughout the story as they were being pulled back together by the love that they shared.
The Wolf I think was my favorite character. He was the perfect mixture of brooding, mysterious, protective, and kind. He is the character type that I am the most in love with: the dark, intimidating, mysterious one that is secretly the sweetest, kindest person who only wants to take care of those that he loves. He is made flawed and more relatable in his awkwardness and his almost fundamental need to protect those that he cares for by himself.
Overall, I loved the story and cannot wait to see how it unfolds further in the second book.
The world: I found that the writing in this book was beautiful and lyrical. The prose reminded me of many of the dark fairy tales that I have read without being overtly dark to accomplish this feat. Whitten brings her world, setting, and characters to life in startling and fresh detail. I found that the dichotomy of beauty and darkness, light and shadow, in this novel were as fascinating as they were lovely.
The characters: All of Whitten's characters have a fierceness about them in one way or another that I loved. The cast of characters in this book are diverse and full of strong voices. Each of the cast of side characters had an interesting story and were unique to themselves. I would have liked to see a little more development or involvement of some of the side characters.
Red (Redarys) was born a second daughter and was therefore destined for the Wolf. While at first, I was a little put off by Red's attitude, her tenacity and strength won me over in the end. She can be a little crass, stubborn, and selfish at times, but overall I feel like this lends to her being human and flawed which makes her more relatable.
Neve (Neverah) is the first daughter and therefore, for the throne. She comes off as kind and cares for her sister in such a fierce way. Over the course of the book, we watch her character make an arc from a more meek and gentle girl to a powerful and determined woman.
I enjoyed the bond between Red and Neve, the fierce loyalty and protectiveness that the sisters share. It did lead to some less than smart decisions on both of their parts admittedly. But overall, I feel like the bond that they had was formidable and added much needed tension throughout the story as they were being pulled back together by the love that they shared.
The Wolf I think was my favorite character. He was the perfect mixture of brooding, mysterious, protective, and kind. He is the character type that I am the most in love with: the dark, intimidating, mysterious one that is secretly the sweetest, kindest person who only wants to take care of those that he loves. He is made flawed and more relatable in his awkwardness and his almost fundamental need to protect those that he cares for by himself.
Overall, I loved the story and cannot wait to see how it unfolds further in the second book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Self harm, Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Minor: Confinement
Blood and self-harm used for magic purposes, not due to mental health issues.ldermer's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Emotional abuse, Self harm, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Suicide and Alcohol
kyradannalee's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
the writing is beautiful.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Blood, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual content
toriwatson's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Blood, and Death of parent
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Sexual content
sabrinz's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
This story is a re-teilling of Red Riding Hood. However, it is different enough and includes some hints of other fairy tales to stand on its own without leaning too much into Red Riding Hood.
At the beginning, the story is slightly complicated to follow, as you have the "Bond" with the Wilderwood from the past and in the present, the meaning and full story has been lost and re-told so many times that only parts of it remain true. As the book continues you get to piece together what really happend and what's going on. While some twists are more predictable than others, I did enjoy this story and its characters.
And I am definitely hooked for book 2. I want to know ALL about the Five Kings and the Shadowlands.
At the beginning, the story is slightly complicated to follow, as you have the "Bond" with the Wilderwood from the past and in the present, the meaning and full story has been lost and re-told so many times that only parts of it remain true. As the book continues you get to piece together what really happend and what's going on. While some twists are more predictable than others, I did enjoy this story and its characters.
And I am definitely hooked for book 2. I want to know ALL about the Five Kings and the Shadowlands.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Self harm, Blood, Grief, and War
Minor: Suicide attempt and Death of parent