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4.06 AVERAGE
4.06 AVERAGE
I’ll start with what I liked: The setting of the village and the Dark Woods, the magic, the role of the Red Maiden as a ferry of souls between the Mother and Death.
Unfortunately I was just frustrated with the entire book. There are major pacing issues. So much that 90% of the book I’m frustrated and feeling like we’re not getting anywhere, and then the final 10% of the book was a total cluster eff. Like things escalated to the WTF point so quickly.
There were also some storytelling decisions that also frustrated me, like keeping us in the dark about certain things (and not in a good way, in a way that made me feel confused like I was missing something) and I can’t even tell you how many villains popped up throughout the story.
Finally, the author relied too much on exposition to spell out everythingggg for the reader. It was redundant and poorly executed when we were following one character’s POV but reading what the other character thought/felt.
Unfortunately I was just frustrated with the entire book. There are major pacing issues. So much that 90% of the book I’m frustrated and feeling like we’re not getting anywhere, and then the final 10% of the book was a total cluster eff. Like things escalated to the WTF point so quickly.
There were also some storytelling decisions that also frustrated me, like keeping us in the dark about certain things (and not in a good way, in a way that made me feel confused like I was missing something) and I can’t even tell you how many villains popped up throughout the story.
Finally, the author relied too much on exposition to spell out everythingggg for the reader. It was redundant and poorly executed when we were following one character’s POV but reading what the other character thought/felt.
I had high expectations after reading the blurb, but Masterson still managed to blow me away. I found myself instantly transported into Rowan's world, and wrapped up in her story. The world-building is top tier, and you're eased into everything at a good but not overwhelming pace. If you love strong FMCs who aren't afraid to challenge authority and stand up fir themselves and others, you'll love Rowan as much as I do. She's brilliant, and despite some (truly horrible) things she's seen and experienced, she follows what her heart deems right. Conor is absolutely fantastic, and a great match for her. The plot moves along at a good pace, and while there are some very dark moments that were well-written, they still might be a little difficult for some to read. There are also a few twists, and I can honestly say you won't see at least some of them coming. Perfect for anyone who enjoys FMCs who refuse to back down, no matter what society expects.
Sheila Masterson’s Song of the Dark Wood is a hauntingly beautiful tale that expertly weaves together themes of feminine rage, forbidden romance, and the eerie allure of a haunted forest. From the very first page, I was drawn into a world where the darkness of the woods mirrors the tumult of the protagonist's emotions.
Masterson crafts a powerful female lead whose journey is fueled by her anger and desire for freedom. Her rage is palpable and relatable, a force that propels the narrative forward and challenges societal norms. As she navigates the treacherous paths of the Dark Wood, the forest becomes a character in its own right—both a sanctuary and a source of terror, filled with whispers of the past and lingering spirits.
The forbidden romance adds an intoxicating layer to the story. The chemistry between the leads is electric, fraught with tension and longing, making their stolen moments all the more poignant. Their relationship, set against the backdrop of the ominous forest, is both passionate and fraught with danger, heightening the stakes in a beautifully crafted way.
Masterson’s lyrical prose and vivid imagery immerse the reader in a world where love and rage coexist, and the haunting presence of the woods lingers long after the last page is turned. This book is a testament to the strength of female voices and the complexities of love in a world shrouded in darkness. A must-read for anyone who appreciates a richly woven narrative filled with emotion and intrigue. Highly recommended!
Masterson crafts a powerful female lead whose journey is fueled by her anger and desire for freedom. Her rage is palpable and relatable, a force that propels the narrative forward and challenges societal norms. As she navigates the treacherous paths of the Dark Wood, the forest becomes a character in its own right—both a sanctuary and a source of terror, filled with whispers of the past and lingering spirits.
The forbidden romance adds an intoxicating layer to the story. The chemistry between the leads is electric, fraught with tension and longing, making their stolen moments all the more poignant. Their relationship, set against the backdrop of the ominous forest, is both passionate and fraught with danger, heightening the stakes in a beautifully crafted way.
Masterson’s lyrical prose and vivid imagery immerse the reader in a world where love and rage coexist, and the haunting presence of the woods lingers long after the last page is turned. This book is a testament to the strength of female voices and the complexities of love in a world shrouded in darkness. A must-read for anyone who appreciates a richly woven narrative filled with emotion and intrigue. Highly recommended!
"Nothing was more threatening to a man than a woman who wanted nothing to do with him."
I present to you feminine rage: Song of the Dark Wood, a little red riding hood X Hades and Persephone romantasy retelling. This book also reminded me a bit of that movie from the early 2000's called The Village, I really enjoyed this one!
While the first 20-25% was a little slow for me, once I hit the quarter mark I didn't want to put this book down and was dying to see what was going to unfold next!
While this book has elements that feel familiar in the sense of there being a big bad wolf and a God of Death that can be likened to Hades, this book felt so original in the world building, the magic system, and the way everything unfolds in this story.
I loved the FMC and how she continued to go against the grain and the way she wanted to make sacrifices for the betterment of future women that could end up in her position.
Tropes:
Unique Magic
Touch Her & Die
Hades x Persphone Retelling
Feminine Rage
Found Family
Dark Fairy Tale
I present to you feminine rage: Song of the Dark Wood, a little red riding hood X Hades and Persephone romantasy retelling. This book also reminded me a bit of that movie from the early 2000's called The Village, I really enjoyed this one!
While the first 20-25% was a little slow for me, once I hit the quarter mark I didn't want to put this book down and was dying to see what was going to unfold next!
While this book has elements that feel familiar in the sense of there being a big bad wolf and a God of Death that can be likened to Hades, this book felt so original in the world building, the magic system, and the way everything unfolds in this story.
I loved the FMC and how she continued to go against the grain and the way she wanted to make sacrifices for the betterment of future women that could end up in her position.
Tropes:
Unique Magic
Touch Her & Die
Hades x Persphone Retelling
Feminine Rage
Found Family
Dark Fairy Tale
Thank you Realm Studios & Sheila Masterson for the gifted arc!
I loved this book! Sometimes with fantasy standalones, I feel like the pacing is off or the plot and characters aren’t fully hashed out. That is absolutely not the case with this book. The pacing was perfect, and I got immersed into the world almost immediately. The characters and their relationships developed so organically, and I truly fell in love with this story. It’s such an interesting take on the little red riding hood.
Rowan’s development in this book was PHENOMENAL. I loved seeing her grow and come into her own power and finally have agency over her own life. Conor going from cold and withdrawn to warm and loving was another highlight. I truly just loved how they helped each other grow and change.
I loved this book! Sometimes with fantasy standalones, I feel like the pacing is off or the plot and characters aren’t fully hashed out. That is absolutely not the case with this book. The pacing was perfect, and I got immersed into the world almost immediately. The characters and their relationships developed so organically, and I truly fell in love with this story. It’s such an interesting take on the little red riding hood.
Rowan’s development in this book was PHENOMENAL. I loved seeing her grow and come into her own power and finally have agency over her own life. Conor going from cold and withdrawn to warm and loving was another highlight. I truly just loved how they helped each other grow and change.
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
BRACE YOURSELVES FOR THIS ONE! TODAY IS RELEASE DAY!!!!
I am a major Sheila fan and she can do no wrong! I was immediately pulled into this one. This is a Red Riding Hood retelling and it’s PERFECTION! The story is dynamic and fresh. It covers some issues I feel like we as women experience in the current climate of society. We get to follow the main character and she comes into herself and stands for what’s right. She makes a better world for all of her fellow women. The romance is this story is also unmatched. I wish this wasn’t a stand alone! I wanted more! But I can’t wait for the other stand alones in this world that are to come. There’s a large musical component and I loved that, too. This novel blew me away and I will continue to devour every single thing Sheila writes!!
Some of my favorite quotes:
“What beautiful eyes you have”
“All the better to see you with, lovely.”
“What big teeth you have”
“All the better to eat you up, Rowan Cleary. You smell divine.”
(A delicious tie in of Little Red!!)
“All right, why don’t I sing you a song? I’ll sing your favorite. The about the Storm Prince and his Princess.” (A beautiful nod to her previous series)
I am a major Sheila fan and she can do no wrong! I was immediately pulled into this one. This is a Red Riding Hood retelling and it’s PERFECTION! The story is dynamic and fresh. It covers some issues I feel like we as women experience in the current climate of society. We get to follow the main character and she comes into herself and stands for what’s right. She makes a better world for all of her fellow women. The romance is this story is also unmatched. I wish this wasn’t a stand alone! I wanted more! But I can’t wait for the other stand alones in this world that are to come. There’s a large musical component and I loved that, too. This novel blew me away and I will continue to devour every single thing Sheila writes!!
Some of my favorite quotes:
“What beautiful eyes you have”
“All the better to see you with, lovely.”
“What big teeth you have”
“All the better to eat you up, Rowan Cleary. You smell divine.”
(A delicious tie in of Little Red!!)
“All right, why don’t I sing you a song? I’ll sing your favorite. The about the Storm Prince and his Princess.” (A beautiful nod to her previous series)
This Red Riding Hood retelling was like a warm cup of cider on a dark and windy night! It gave me spooky vibes and female empowerment wrapped up with a folklore bow. I ate it up!
I loved the FMC, Rowan. Her strength and vulnerability was so moving and the romance between her and The Wolf was wrought with tension! The music based magic system in this book was so cool too! As a musician it was amazing to think of my performance having power (other than making my ears hurt
I loved the FMC, Rowan. Her strength and vulnerability was so moving and the romance between her and The Wolf was wrought with tension! The music based magic system in this book was so cool too! As a musician it was amazing to think of my performance having power (other than making my ears hurt
do you:
a) love when a hot death god gets on his knees for the FMC?
b) have 8th house or scorpio placements?
c) have a green thumb — or wish you did?
d) enjoy the sound of a feminine-rage inspired little red riding hood retelling with a dash of hades/persephone?
e) all of the above?
THEN RUN, DON’T WALK TO KINDLE UNLIMITED AND READ THIS ONE RN.
y’all this was delicious. not only was it fun and fresh — song-based magic! sentient forests! soul-ferrying maidens in red cloaks! — and it’s written with such lovely prose (in typical sheila fashion) that every single quote i want imprinted on my own TTPD-inspired dress.
the concept here is that rowan — a red maiden, one of many throughout time — is plucked from her childhood of poverty to be raised as a town sacrifice to the wolf of the dark wood — the god of death. her responsibilities? ferrying departed souls to his keep for Processing, and being devoured by him in every way imaginable. sign me up. respectfully.
there’s a beautiful story told here about societal expectations of women, about no longer whittling parts of yourself down to appease the masses, and about stepping into who you are unapologetically and filled with righteous rage over years of being looked at as an object.
TLDR, IT HAS LAYERS, PEOPLE. DELICIOUS ONES. it’s spicy, romantic, spooky, twisty, and satisfying in that primal rage sort of way that any person who’s ever been taught to shrink themselves, to shut up and do as they're told, will find deeply relatable.
pick this up if you’re looking for a standalone romantasy that hits all the best trope boxes while also fueling the pyre of your feminist rage in a painfully allegorical way.
a) love when a hot death god gets on his knees for the FMC?
b) have 8th house or scorpio placements?
c) have a green thumb — or wish you did?
d) enjoy the sound of a feminine-rage inspired little red riding hood retelling with a dash of hades/persephone?
e) all of the above?
THEN RUN, DON’T WALK TO KINDLE UNLIMITED AND READ THIS ONE RN.
y’all this was delicious. not only was it fun and fresh — song-based magic! sentient forests! soul-ferrying maidens in red cloaks! — and it’s written with such lovely prose (in typical sheila fashion) that every single quote i want imprinted on my own TTPD-inspired dress.
the concept here is that rowan — a red maiden, one of many throughout time — is plucked from her childhood of poverty to be raised as a town sacrifice to the wolf of the dark wood — the god of death. her responsibilities? ferrying departed souls to his keep for Processing, and being devoured by him in every way imaginable. sign me up. respectfully.
there’s a beautiful story told here about societal expectations of women, about no longer whittling parts of yourself down to appease the masses, and about stepping into who you are unapologetically and filled with righteous rage over years of being looked at as an object.
TLDR, IT HAS LAYERS, PEOPLE. DELICIOUS ONES. it’s spicy, romantic, spooky, twisty, and satisfying in that primal rage sort of way that any person who’s ever been taught to shrink themselves, to shut up and do as they're told, will find deeply relatable.
pick this up if you’re looking for a standalone romantasy that hits all the best trope boxes while also fueling the pyre of your feminist rage in a painfully allegorical way.