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alittlegreyfish's review against another edition
5.0
Thanks to Netgalley and 47North for providing this ARC.
I loved this! This is my first Charlie Holmberg book and I'll definitely be reading more.
This book follows Enna who lives on the outskirts of her village next to the Wildwood where deadly mystings roam. She owns a mysterious telling stone, which tells her when mystings are near. She lives with her father who had gone into the demon realm to obtain this safety charm for her but in doing so lost part of his mind. She is attacked by mystings and draws a summoning circle to call for aid. She ends up getting Maekallus, who is more than she bargained for.
I enjoyed the world building with all of the different demon creatures. I thought the romance arc was well done and not insta-love-y (thankfully!). I did find the beginning few chapters a bit of a slow start but once I got to Maekallus and their interactions I was hooked and read through the rest in a day. A really fun read with vibes of a Beauty and the Beast retelling.
4.5/5 rounded up.
I loved this! This is my first Charlie Holmberg book and I'll definitely be reading more.
This book follows Enna who lives on the outskirts of her village next to the Wildwood where deadly mystings roam. She owns a mysterious telling stone, which tells her when mystings are near. She lives with her father who had gone into the demon realm to obtain this safety charm for her but in doing so lost part of his mind. She is attacked by mystings and draws a summoning circle to call for aid. She ends up getting Maekallus, who is more than she bargained for.
I enjoyed the world building with all of the different demon creatures. I thought the romance arc was well done and not insta-love-y (thankfully!). I did find the beginning few chapters a bit of a slow start but once I got to Maekallus and their interactions I was hooked and read through the rest in a day. A really fun read with vibes of a Beauty and the Beast retelling.
4.5/5 rounded up.
amym84's review against another edition
3.0
After Enna’s mother was killed by a mysting near the wildwoods of their home, Enna has understood to fear them. Their presence in the wildwood increases. When one attacks Enna in the home she shares with her father, she knows only one way to stop them and that is to turn them on themselves.
Enna summons Maekallus from the Deep and bargains with him to kill the mysting coming after her. His price: a kiss. Because Maekallus is a narval, a mysting whose kiss will steal the soul from a mortal. After Maekallus seemingly completes the task for Enna, the two find themselves bound together with Maekallus unable to leave the mortal realm—which will invariably lead to his death. With the binding their futures are linked unless Enna can find a way to free them before it’s too late, or before she loses her soul completely.
The Will and the Wilds has all these really interesting pieces. The monster mythology—all the varying types of mystings—which Charlie N. Holmberg handles brilliantly. The presumptions that Enna has always lived by in regards to the mystings and then when confronted with Maekallus beginning to rethink her stance somewhat. And Maekallus himself being so influenced by Enna’s soul taking him on a transformation.
Unfortunately, I didn’t feel like it was executed in the best way. There’s supposed to be an undeniable connection between Maekallus and Enna both figuratively and literally that is only enhanced as her soul gains influence over him. I just didn’t feel the punch of that connection or influence like I believe we’re supposed to.
Also, the pacing started out at a good clip as everything is set up and there were certainly development pops that piqued my interest, but for the most part there was a lot of meandering through the wildwood. The story is told from both Enna and Maekallus’s points of view, which is typically something that I like, but here it just seems to subvert any more of those intriguing moments from taking root because there’s too much that happens that readers know about and we’re left waiting for one or the other narrators to catch up. In that regard it could feel a bit too redundant. It was enough that when I put down the book, I wasn’t too eager to pick it up again.
All of this is unfortunate because I’ve enjoyed Charlie N. Holmberg’s previous books. But it’s a reminder that not all books work for all readers all of the time. For me, I’m always quick to recommend Holmberg’s Paper Magician series and its spinoff The Plastic Magician. And regardless, I’ll still always look for what comes next.
Enna summons Maekallus from the Deep and bargains with him to kill the mysting coming after her. His price: a kiss. Because Maekallus is a narval, a mysting whose kiss will steal the soul from a mortal. After Maekallus seemingly completes the task for Enna, the two find themselves bound together with Maekallus unable to leave the mortal realm—which will invariably lead to his death. With the binding their futures are linked unless Enna can find a way to free them before it’s too late, or before she loses her soul completely.
The Will and the Wilds has all these really interesting pieces. The monster mythology—all the varying types of mystings—which Charlie N. Holmberg handles brilliantly. The presumptions that Enna has always lived by in regards to the mystings and then when confronted with Maekallus beginning to rethink her stance somewhat. And Maekallus himself being so influenced by Enna’s soul taking him on a transformation.
Unfortunately, I didn’t feel like it was executed in the best way. There’s supposed to be an undeniable connection between Maekallus and Enna both figuratively and literally that is only enhanced as her soul gains influence over him. I just didn’t feel the punch of that connection or influence like I believe we’re supposed to.
Also, the pacing started out at a good clip as everything is set up and there were certainly development pops that piqued my interest, but for the most part there was a lot of meandering through the wildwood. The story is told from both Enna and Maekallus’s points of view, which is typically something that I like, but here it just seems to subvert any more of those intriguing moments from taking root because there’s too much that happens that readers know about and we’re left waiting for one or the other narrators to catch up. In that regard it could feel a bit too redundant. It was enough that when I put down the book, I wasn’t too eager to pick it up again.
All of this is unfortunate because I’ve enjoyed Charlie N. Holmberg’s previous books. But it’s a reminder that not all books work for all readers all of the time. For me, I’m always quick to recommend Holmberg’s Paper Magician series and its spinoff The Plastic Magician. And regardless, I’ll still always look for what comes next.
amym84's review against another edition
3.0
2.5
Oringally posted at Vampire Book Club
After Enna’s mother was killed by a mysting near the wildwoods of their home, Enna has understood to fear them. Their presence in the wildwood increases. When one attacks Enna in the home she shares with her father, she knows only one way to stop them and that is to turn them on themselves.
Enna summons Maekallus from the Deep and bargains with him to kill the mysting coming after her. His price: a kiss. Because Maekallus is a narval, a mysting whose kiss will steal the soul from a mortal. After Maekallus seemingly completes the task for Enna, the two find themselves bound together with Maekallus unable to leave the mortal realm—which will invariably lead to his death. With the binding their futures are linked unless Enna can find a way to free them before it’s too late, or before she loses her soul completely.
The Will and the Wilds has all these really interesting pieces. The monster mythology—all the varying types of mystings—which Charlie N. Holmberg handles brilliantly. The presumptions that Enna has always lived by in regards to the mystings and then when confronted with Maekallus beginning to rethink her stance somewhat. And Maekallus himself being so influenced by Enna’s soul taking him on a transformation.
Unfortunately, I didn’t feel like it was executed in the best way. There’s supposed to be an undeniable connection between Maekallus and Enna both figuratively and literally that is only enhanced as her soul gains influence over him. I just didn’t feel the punch of that connection or influence like I believe we’re supposed to.
Also, the pacing started out at a good clip as everything is set up and there were certainly development pops that piqued my interest, but for the most part there was a lot of meandering through the wildwood. The story is told from both Enna and Maekallus’s points of view, which is typically something that I like, but here it just seems to subvert any more of those intriguing moments from taking root because there’s too much that happens that readers know about and we’re left waiting for one or the other narrators to catch up. In that regard it could feel a bit too redundant. It was enough that when I put down the book, I wasn’t too eager to pick it up again.
All of this is unfortunate because I’ve enjoyed Charlie N. Holmberg’s previous books. But it’s a reminder that not all books work for all readers all of the time. For me, I’m always quick to recommend Holmberg’s Paper Magician series and its spinoff The Plastic Magician. And regardless, I’ll still always look for what comes next.
Oringally posted at Vampire Book Club
After Enna’s mother was killed by a mysting near the wildwoods of their home, Enna has understood to fear them. Their presence in the wildwood increases. When one attacks Enna in the home she shares with her father, she knows only one way to stop them and that is to turn them on themselves.
Enna summons Maekallus from the Deep and bargains with him to kill the mysting coming after her. His price: a kiss. Because Maekallus is a narval, a mysting whose kiss will steal the soul from a mortal. After Maekallus seemingly completes the task for Enna, the two find themselves bound together with Maekallus unable to leave the mortal realm—which will invariably lead to his death. With the binding their futures are linked unless Enna can find a way to free them before it’s too late, or before she loses her soul completely.
The Will and the Wilds has all these really interesting pieces. The monster mythology—all the varying types of mystings—which Charlie N. Holmberg handles brilliantly. The presumptions that Enna has always lived by in regards to the mystings and then when confronted with Maekallus beginning to rethink her stance somewhat. And Maekallus himself being so influenced by Enna’s soul taking him on a transformation.
Unfortunately, I didn’t feel like it was executed in the best way. There’s supposed to be an undeniable connection between Maekallus and Enna both figuratively and literally that is only enhanced as her soul gains influence over him. I just didn’t feel the punch of that connection or influence like I believe we’re supposed to.
Also, the pacing started out at a good clip as everything is set up and there were certainly development pops that piqued my interest, but for the most part there was a lot of meandering through the wildwood. The story is told from both Enna and Maekallus’s points of view, which is typically something that I like, but here it just seems to subvert any more of those intriguing moments from taking root because there’s too much that happens that readers know about and we’re left waiting for one or the other narrators to catch up. In that regard it could feel a bit too redundant. It was enough that when I put down the book, I wasn’t too eager to pick it up again.
All of this is unfortunate because I’ve enjoyed Charlie N. Holmberg’s previous books. But it’s a reminder that not all books work for all readers all of the time. For me, I’m always quick to recommend Holmberg’s Paper Magician series and its spinoff The Plastic Magician. And regardless, I’ll still always look for what comes next.
laura_r's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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
tuliptrees's review against another edition
5.0
Another enchanting novel from Holmberg! I just love the magical worlds she weaves; this is another that I easily got lost in.
michellehenriereads's review against another edition
5.0
I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.
I've read many of Holmberg's books and there are a couple of overriding comments about why I like her writing.
1- She develops new worlds and doesn't rehash all her old ideas
2- Every magic system in the new world is unique and has a set of rules
3- How the characters don't know how to solve their problems, but they keep going anyhow
One of the strengths in The Will and the Wilds is the relationship Enna has with her father. It feels so genuine the way he is slipping away with dementia and how she guides or misdirects him because of his failing memory. When she discovers the root of his mental problem, I felt like it brought the issue to a new level.
I also enjoyed her relationship with Tennith and Maekallus. In both cases, she is tentative but for different reasons. Tennith is kind and handsome, and the boy she's crushed over, so her hesitancy is believable. Maekallus is a supernatural being with a horn and knife-like tail, so there is no need to describe her hesitancy in this case. Who does she fall for? The good boy or bad monster? The biggest component of the relationship with the possible male romantic lead characters is how Enna's compassion grows. She is multidimensional and takes the reader on a trip through all her emotions as she works out her feelings and problems.
This story was being written at the same time as The Paper Magician. I didn't know this fact until after I'd finished. The awesome thing about this is seeing how different the two worlds are.
If you're a fan of fantasy with a fairytale bent, I think you'll enjoy The Will and the Wilds.
I've read many of Holmberg's books and there are a couple of overriding comments about why I like her writing.
1- She develops new worlds and doesn't rehash all her old ideas
2- Every magic system in the new world is unique and has a set of rules
3- How the characters don't know how to solve their problems, but they keep going anyhow
One of the strengths in The Will and the Wilds is the relationship Enna has with her father. It feels so genuine the way he is slipping away with dementia and how she guides or misdirects him because of his failing memory. When she discovers the root of his mental problem, I felt like it brought the issue to a new level.
I also enjoyed her relationship with Tennith and Maekallus. In both cases, she is tentative but for different reasons. Tennith is kind and handsome, and the boy she's crushed over, so her hesitancy is believable. Maekallus is a supernatural being with a horn and knife-like tail, so there is no need to describe her hesitancy in this case. Who does she fall for? The good boy or bad monster? The biggest component of the relationship with the possible male romantic lead characters is how Enna's compassion grows. She is multidimensional and takes the reader on a trip through all her emotions as she works out her feelings and problems.
This story was being written at the same time as The Paper Magician. I didn't know this fact until after I'd finished. The awesome thing about this is seeing how different the two worlds are.
If you're a fan of fantasy with a fairytale bent, I think you'll enjoy The Will and the Wilds.
lordfarquadxi's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-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? No
4.0
numinousspirit's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
owlyreadsalot's review
3.0
Here’s a book that I didn’t even know I wanted to read. It’s also one I didn’t think would stay with me as much as it has. The world in this novel, along with the characters involved, kept me reading for pages on end, with little interruptions in-between. Which, says a lot, because I’m not one to read many novels that involve a romance. Even more so, when that romance takes over most of the book.
I have to say though, this was much more than that, with a story that caused much emotion and lingering feelings as the novel came to its end. There were, sometimes, certain aspects of the novel I could have done without, but even so I enjoyed the story created between Enna and Maekallus. And, this story had many creatures that were waiting to be discovered.
“Were all such half-bred children begotten by violence? There are many humanoid species of mysting, some my kind could even find attractive. Could such a coupling come from want or desire? My cheeks burn at the thought, and I cast it aside. Of course such a thing is impossible. Mystings are incapable of tender feelings. They don’t have souls.”
That’s what the other half of this novel had much of, mystings that filled many pages for days. Many of those, of course, were of Maekallus, but also the Goblers who shouldn’t be anywhere near the wildwoods, the Grinlers that are more ferocious than anything else, and so many more. There was the complicated nature of “The Deep”, a place where monsters roam, with no sun to light their days, and screams that fill all corners of its realm.
“I’ve always wondered what the monster realm is like. There’s no literature on the subject. At least, not that I’ve found with my limited means. Papa has never spoken of it willingly, only in occasional mumbles when he’s asleep. All I knew, until now, was vague and half-formed–that if the mortal realm is above, the monster realm is below. If that is where they live, no wonder they come here.”
There was lots to take in, pertaining to the mystings and all that it included. But, one of those things that irked me was how much time and effort was put into the romance part of it, just to be left with an ending like the one the reader is given. Yes, it’s a tear-jerker, with good meaning behind it, but sometimes a different ending is needed. And once in awhile, some parts weren’t as great as I had hoped. Even so, I very much liked this whole world and what the author shared with us.
***I received this copy from 47North, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.***
I have to say though, this was much more than that, with a story that caused much emotion and lingering feelings as the novel came to its end. There were, sometimes, certain aspects of the novel I could have done without, but even so I enjoyed the story created between Enna and Maekallus. And, this story had many creatures that were waiting to be discovered.
“Were all such half-bred children begotten by violence? There are many humanoid species of mysting, some my kind could even find attractive. Could such a coupling come from want or desire? My cheeks burn at the thought, and I cast it aside. Of course such a thing is impossible. Mystings are incapable of tender feelings. They don’t have souls.”
That’s what the other half of this novel had much of, mystings that filled many pages for days. Many of those, of course, were of Maekallus, but also the Goblers who shouldn’t be anywhere near the wildwoods, the Grinlers that are more ferocious than anything else, and so many more. There was the complicated nature of “The Deep”, a place where monsters roam, with no sun to light their days, and screams that fill all corners of its realm.
“I’ve always wondered what the monster realm is like. There’s no literature on the subject. At least, not that I’ve found with my limited means. Papa has never spoken of it willingly, only in occasional mumbles when he’s asleep. All I knew, until now, was vague and half-formed–that if the mortal realm is above, the monster realm is below. If that is where they live, no wonder they come here.”
There was lots to take in, pertaining to the mystings and all that it included. But, one of those things that irked me was how much time and effort was put into the romance part of it, just to be left with an ending like the one the reader is given. Yes, it’s a tear-jerker, with good meaning behind it, but sometimes a different ending is needed. And once in awhile, some parts weren’t as great as I had hoped. Even so, I very much liked this whole world and what the author shared with us.
***I received this copy from 47North, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.***