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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
ARC Review
Release Date: 9/20/2024
“𝘐’𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘰 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺, 𝘙𝘰𝘸𝘢𝘯.”
“𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸. 𝘐 𝘢𝘮.”
I’ve been sitting here for an alarming amount of time trying to put into words how much I love this book. It’s like Sheila wrote it just for me: a sassy, angry FMC and the saddest, gooiest cinnamon roll MMC? YES PLEASE. I couldn’t put this book down. I wanted to call off a date just so I could finish it.
Rowan’s story may be fantasy, but there are so many elements that are all too real that pulled me apart and put me back together again. We all know I love angst, and SotDW has it in spades. It also has fear, hope, loss, love, feminine rage, a demon BFF, scheming gods, sisterhood, and YEARNING. I really can’t express how thoroughly I enjoyed Rowan’s journey. It hurt so good, and that is a compliment of the highest order.
Now, be a good lass for me and add this phenomenal book to your fall TBR🌲🐺👻♥️🎶
𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘮𝘦.
adventurous
challenging
dark
inspiring
mysterious
sad
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
Thank you, Sheila Masterson for this amazing ARC!!!!
This was so beautiful, tragic, and empowering!! I highlighted so many lines in the ebook!
This was the most perfect Little Red Riding Hood x Beauty and the Beast x Hades and Persephone mash-up I didn't know I needed in my life and I ADORED EVERY BIT OF IT!!! It had the perfect balance of angst, female empowerment, and tragedy!
I enjoyed the dual pov scattered throughout the book! I loved seeing how Conor was handling everything on his end in addition to Rowan's pov.
This story felt so precious and treasured to me, and it was the perfect fairytale to kickstart autumn!!
This was so beautiful, tragic, and empowering!! I highlighted so many lines in the ebook!
This was the most perfect Little Red Riding Hood x Beauty and the Beast x Hades and Persephone mash-up I didn't know I needed in my life and I ADORED EVERY BIT OF IT!!! It had the perfect balance of angst, female empowerment, and tragedy!
I enjoyed the dual pov scattered throughout the book! I loved seeing how Conor was handling everything on his end in addition to Rowan's pov.
This story felt so precious and treasured to me, and it was the perfect fairytale to kickstart autumn!!
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Misogyny, Sexual harassment
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
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
*♡Thank you to Sheila Masterson and The Realm Archives for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion♡*
4.5⭐
What a ride this book took me on! If you're looking for a fantasy stand alone, please pick this one ♡
The basis behind the story is loosely Little Red Riding Hood × Hades and Persephone, it is told so well that makes it feel truely unique and captivated me from the very start. I would have devoured this in a day if i was able! 😉
The characters are loveable and I found myself routing for Rowan from the very beginning. You always know a character is written well when you dont immediately trust them, but find yourself doing so as the story goes on. That is how I felt with Connor and he know goes onto the list of my favourite book boyfriends 🩶
It ticks so many boxes that, in my opinion, make a fantasy story a must read.
Feminine rage against a male dominated, oppressive religious system. Badass FMC fighting to demolish that system, with a descent into villiany 😈 Grumpy MMC who is soft only for the FMC, falls first and has a touch her and die mentality. Forbidden romance, with an amazing spicy payoff 🫠 and a unique music magic system that is easy to understand.
Please, please, please if you only take one recommendation from me this year, read this book 🩶
4.5⭐
What a ride this book took me on! If you're looking for a fantasy stand alone, please pick this one ♡
The basis behind the story is loosely Little Red Riding Hood × Hades and Persephone, it is told so well that makes it feel truely unique and captivated me from the very start. I would have devoured this in a day if i was able! 😉
The characters are loveable and I found myself routing for Rowan from the very beginning. You always know a character is written well when you dont immediately trust them, but find yourself doing so as the story goes on. That is how I felt with Connor and he know goes onto the list of my favourite book boyfriends 🩶
It ticks so many boxes that, in my opinion, make a fantasy story a must read.
Feminine rage against a male dominated, oppressive religious system. Badass FMC fighting to demolish that system, with a descent into villiany 😈 Grumpy MMC who is soft only for the FMC, falls first and has a touch her and die mentality. Forbidden romance, with an amazing spicy payoff 🫠 and a unique music magic system that is easy to understand.
Please, please, please if you only take one recommendation from me this year, read this book 🩶
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Sexual assault, Violence, Religious bigotry, Sexual harassment
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Received the ARC on e-book. Really enjoyed this book! It was gripping and an interesting idea
The first half of the book was really good, and I felt Sheila did a great job of showing us rowans personality, strengths and weaknesses. I also enjoyed the secondary characters.
I felt she did a very good job of dealing with the repressive culture and religious power abuse. The smut was great as well.
I liked both rowan and Conor as the main romantic leads
I felt in the second half of the book the pacing was slightly off, it suddenly sped up, the dialogue got used a bit to push the story forward and the villains ramped up quite quickly. The female rage side of things was quite in your face, but I still enjoyed it. Possibly should have been a duolog, or slightly longer (I would happily have read more)
Overall though loved the book, was really drawn in to the story, characters and romance! I would happily read it again!
I will keep reading Sheila’s books
The first half of the book was really good, and I felt Sheila did a great job of showing us rowans personality, strengths and weaknesses. I also enjoyed the secondary characters.
I felt she did a very good job of dealing with the repressive culture and religious power abuse. The smut was great as well.
I liked both rowan and Conor as the main romantic leads
I felt in the second half of the book the pacing was slightly off, it suddenly sped up, the dialogue got used a bit to push the story forward and the villains ramped up quite quickly. The female rage side of things was quite in your face, but I still enjoyed it. Possibly should have been a duolog, or slightly longer (I would happily have read more)
Overall though loved the book, was really drawn in to the story, characters and romance! I would happily read it again!
I will keep reading Sheila’s books
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Religious bigotry, Murder, Sexual harassment
adventurous
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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:
No
Thank you to The Realm Studios and Sheila Masterson for a copy of this ARC!
Song of the Dark Wood follows Rowan Cleary, a Red Maiden and spirit singer, who chafes at the boundaries her role demands of her. When she was 5 years old, she was discovered as a spirit singer, or a person who could see, speak, and sing to the dead. The faith of her realm demanded she be turned over to the elders to serve as a Red Maiden - or the one who would ferry the dead from the village to the Wolf, the god of death. Her role is one of sacrifice and she's lived her life always knowing she would die young. Until the previous Red Maiden is murdered and Rowan is thrust into her role faster than she anticipated, she's set on a path to discover a way to break the bargain that requires her sacrifice.
This book was beautifully written. It had all the elements I love in a novel - a broody god of death, forbidden romance, breaking the molds, and a fiery and headstrong FMC. I love Rowan's story, how she wove herself into the framework of the village religion and despite it being a very misogynistic society and she often felt more like an object than a person - she made herself be seen. She demanded the attention she was owed and she learned to not apologize for it. I will never forgive Sheila for the ending. That was mean. I get it, but it still hurt.
I did find some plot inconsistencies that I'm sure were done for a reason (i.e. to show how awful certain characters were) but I struggled with being told "no one can touch her because she's a Red Maiden and she belongs to the Wolf" and followed up with "I can only hug my friends in private because no one can be seen touching a Red Maiden" to having people repeatedly touch Rowan in public, and on her first ferrying "it's said to be good luck to touch the Maiden." It just seemed a little confusing.
Otherwise this is the perfect read for fall! It's a Little Red Riding Hood meets Hades and Persephone retelling, with music magic, and a perfect he falls first plot line. It's stunning.
Song of the Dark Wood follows Rowan Cleary, a Red Maiden and spirit singer, who chafes at the boundaries her role demands of her. When she was 5 years old, she was discovered as a spirit singer, or a person who could see, speak, and sing to the dead. The faith of her realm demanded she be turned over to the elders to serve as a Red Maiden - or the one who would ferry the dead from the village to the Wolf, the god of death. Her role is one of sacrifice and she's lived her life always knowing she would die young. Until the previous Red Maiden is murdered and Rowan is thrust into her role faster than she anticipated, she's set on a path to discover a way to break the bargain that requires her sacrifice.
This book was beautifully written. It had all the elements I love in a novel - a broody god of death, forbidden romance, breaking the molds, and a fiery and headstrong FMC. I love Rowan's story, how she wove herself into the framework of the village religion and despite it being a very misogynistic society and she often felt more like an object than a person - she made herself be seen. She demanded the attention she was owed and she learned to not apologize for it. I will never forgive Sheila for the ending. That was mean. I get it, but it still hurt.
I did find some plot inconsistencies that I'm sure were done for a reason (i.e. to show how awful certain characters were) but I struggled with being told "no one can touch her because she's a Red Maiden and she belongs to the Wolf" and followed up with "I can only hug my friends in private because no one can be seen touching a Red Maiden" to having people repeatedly touch Rowan in public, and on her first ferrying "it's said to be good luck to touch the Maiden." It just seemed a little confusing.
Otherwise this is the perfect read for fall! It's a Little Red Riding Hood meets Hades and Persephone retelling, with music magic, and a perfect he falls first plot line. It's stunning.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
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
SotDW is a mesmerizing tale set in world of Ballybrine, where ancient rituals bind the living and the dead in a delicate dance of power, sacrifice, and survival.
At the heart of the story is Rowan, a young woman caught in the web of tradition and expectation. Her journey from a sheltered life into the murky depths of the Dark Wood is both thrilling. The author paints Rowan's internal struggles with vivid detail, showcasing her strength and vulnerability as she navigates her fate as the next Red Maiden. The emotional depth of her character resonates throughout the novel, making her determination to defy the odds and protect her newfound family relatable.
The world-building is exceptional. Wolf adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. Initially shrouded in darkness and fear, he transforms into a nuanced character whose motivations and desires are intricately woven into Rowan's fate. Their growing attraction is palpable, charged with both danger and desire, and serves as a catalyst for the unfolding events.
This fantasy blends romance, adventure, and deep emotional resonance into a tale that lingers long after you put it down. The author has crafted a hauntingly beautiful story that speaks to the power of love, sacrifice, and the courage to challenge fate.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this early review copy. All thoughts are my own.
At the heart of the story is Rowan, a young woman caught in the web of tradition and expectation. Her journey from a sheltered life into the murky depths of the Dark Wood is both thrilling. The author paints Rowan's internal struggles with vivid detail, showcasing her strength and vulnerability as she navigates her fate as the next Red Maiden. The emotional depth of her character resonates throughout the novel, making her determination to defy the odds and protect her newfound family relatable.
The world-building is exceptional. Wolf adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. Initially shrouded in darkness and fear, he transforms into a nuanced character whose motivations and desires are intricately woven into Rowan's fate. Their growing attraction is palpable, charged with both danger and desire, and serves as a catalyst for the unfolding events.
This fantasy blends romance, adventure, and deep emotional resonance into a tale that lingers long after you put it down. The author has crafted a hauntingly beautiful story that speaks to the power of love, sacrifice, and the courage to challenge fate.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this early review copy. All thoughts are my own.
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
I don't know how to describe this better than a blend of heart, yearning, darkness, rage, and humor all wrapped up in one. I finished reading it all in one day because I could not put it down and I plan to read it again when I get a physical copy of the book. It was medium paced and not too long but without feeling like I was missing anything. Perfect for a stand alone.
I loved watching the character growth of both main characters, they were so very different in their journeys but together seeing them change was amazing. In addition to the main characters we even had a few side characters that were amazing, but don't get too attached to anyone, not everything is as it seems. Which adds a fun layer of suspense to this novel.
For all that many of the topics and scenes are serious, the author manages to inject humor and fun as well. I cried twice, but I also laughed out loud a few times and only once did I throw the book in frustration.
It's written in dual POV with clearly labeled chapters. This book also has 8 beautiful illustrations included. All the little details, both in the writing and the illustrations show a great collaboration between the author and the artist and really add to the book.
Looking for
- Feminine rage
- Dark forest vibes
- Fairy tale retelling
- Stand alone
- Dual POV
This is a good book for you
2.5/5 peppers
I loved watching the character growth of both main characters, they were so very different in their journeys but together seeing them change was amazing. In addition to the main characters we even had a few side characters that were amazing, but don't get too attached to anyone, not everything is as it seems. Which adds a fun layer of suspense to this novel.
For all that many of the topics and scenes are serious, the author manages to inject humor and fun as well. I cried twice, but I also laughed out loud a few times and only once did I throw the book in frustration.
It's written in dual POV with clearly labeled chapters. This book also has 8 beautiful illustrations included. All the little details, both in the writing and the illustrations show a great collaboration between the author and the artist and really add to the book.
Looking for
- Feminine rage
- Dark forest vibes
- Fairy tale retelling
- Stand alone
- Dual POV
This is a good book for you
2.5/5 peppers