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A review by stress_reader
Song of the Dark Wood by Sheila Masterson
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
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? No
5.0
Song of the Dark Wood by Sheila Masterson is an exciting, unique re-telling of Little Red Riding Hood that takes you on a journey that let's the reader decide if they want to think deeper about the themes within, or just enjoy it for the beautiful tale that it is.
📖 I loved the plot. I found it enthralling and couldn't stop reading. I appreciate the twists and turns it took me on. This was my 1st Sheila Masterson book and I can't wait to read more of her books! The meaning of the MCs names and the importance names carry was a nice, unexpected topic.
I love that Masterson focuses on ensuring the FMC gives consent - the ways that can look and the impact it can have on a person. I adore one of the ways she wove one aspect of consent into the plot. The good vs evil discussion is great. Maybe my favorite is how Masterson touches on choice, privilege, being a true ally vs staying silent. It really makes you think and re-evaluate your life.
⏳️ The pacing is great. I would've read it in one sitting if life had allowed.
🗺 I loved the world building and felt it was immersive. A nice fantasy-land to get lost in. I appreciate that Masterson described everything well as a big picture, but at times left itty-bitty, inconsequential details up to the reader. Things that genuinely don't matter and would be tedious to read (especially more than once), like door colors, or intricate details of clothing, decor, etc.
🔮 I thought the magic was unique and well designed. I love the sentient forest, and how each maiden has their own special gift.
🪟 I loved the book so much that it didn't matter to me that the magic wasn't super thoroughly explained. To me, I didn't feel the specifics of it mattered. However, I know some would disagree. I would've loved a bit more explanation, but I'm fine with it as is.
✍️🏼 I love the way Masterson writes. It almost feels like a good friend telling you a story. It's clear and concise, with details added but not full of unnecessary detail or info.
The way Masterson worked in a number of "wolf" related and/or adjacent words was masterful (😆) and I really got a kick out of it. Lupine, as in lupine smile, is the only one I can think of right off.
👥 The characters are divine, so well done. They're so packed with personality and nuance that, to me, they're real. Rowan is so strong and resilient, so full of love and magic. When she speaks up to the elders and tells them it's her turn to talk now, I wanted to full on cheer. And the Wolf (Conor) - There's so much I want to say but I don't want to risk spoilers. He's great. I appreciate the LGBTQ+ rep in the cast.
The book has a handful of character art scenes and I really appreciate that.
💞 I enjoyed the romance a lot - especially the kinda, sorta, maybe love triangle situation. I feel like triangles are so hard to do well, but this one worked quite well for me. Maybe partially due to it not being a true love triangle, idk.
🌶 I'm take it or leave it, generally, with spice in fantasy. The build up is delicious and when it finally goes into spice that is so well done - perfection. It's well timed, placed, and realistic. The tension is palpable in the build up, morphing into visceral once the spice occurs.
CW/TW: Please be advised this does contain SA (to FMC but not by MMC) and 💀 of a child (not cause by MCs). Masterson handles both with grace, and provides an extensive list in the beginning of the book.
📚 If you like book 1 of ACOTAR, One Dark Window, Belladonna, The Familiar, A River Enchanted, From Blood & Ash, and/or The Foxglove King - I think you would enjoy this book.
Thank you @sheilareadsandwrites for the opportunity to read this eARC. Opinions expressed are my my own and I'm choosing to give them.
📖 I loved the plot. I found it enthralling and couldn't stop reading. I appreciate the twists and turns it took me on. This was my 1st Sheila Masterson book and I can't wait to read more of her books! The meaning of the MCs names and the importance names carry was a nice, unexpected topic.
I love that Masterson focuses on ensuring the FMC gives consent - the ways that can look and the impact it can have on a person. I adore one of the ways she wove one aspect of consent into the plot. The good vs evil discussion is great. Maybe my favorite is how Masterson touches on choice, privilege, being a true ally vs staying silent. It really makes you think and re-evaluate your life.
⏳️ The pacing is great. I would've read it in one sitting if life had allowed.
🗺 I loved the world building and felt it was immersive. A nice fantasy-land to get lost in. I appreciate that Masterson described everything well as a big picture, but at times left itty-bitty, inconsequential details up to the reader. Things that genuinely don't matter and would be tedious to read (especially more than once), like door colors, or intricate details of clothing, decor, etc.
🔮 I thought the magic was unique and well designed. I love the sentient forest, and how each maiden has their own special gift.
🪟 I loved the book so much that it didn't matter to me that the magic wasn't super thoroughly explained. To me, I didn't feel the specifics of it mattered. However, I know some would disagree. I would've loved a bit more explanation, but I'm fine with it as is.
✍️🏼 I love the way Masterson writes. It almost feels like a good friend telling you a story. It's clear and concise, with details added but not full of unnecessary detail or info.
The way Masterson worked in a number of "wolf" related and/or adjacent words was masterful (😆) and I really got a kick out of it. Lupine, as in lupine smile, is the only one I can think of right off.
👥 The characters are divine, so well done. They're so packed with personality and nuance that, to me, they're real. Rowan is so strong and resilient, so full of love and magic. When she speaks up to the elders and tells them it's her turn to talk now, I wanted to full on cheer. And the Wolf (Conor) - There's so much I want to say but I don't want to risk spoilers. He's great. I appreciate the LGBTQ+ rep in the cast.
The book has a handful of character art scenes and I really appreciate that.
💞 I enjoyed the romance a lot - especially the kinda, sorta, maybe love triangle situation. I feel like triangles are so hard to do well, but this one worked quite well for me. Maybe partially due to it not being a true love triangle, idk.
🌶 I'm take it or leave it, generally, with spice in fantasy. The build up is delicious and when it finally goes into spice that is so well done - perfection. It's well timed, placed, and realistic. The tension is palpable in the build up, morphing into visceral once the spice occurs.
CW/TW: Please be advised this does contain SA (to FMC but not by MMC) and 💀 of a child (not cause by MCs). Masterson handles both with grace, and provides an extensive list in the beginning of the book.
📚 If you like book 1 of ACOTAR, One Dark Window, Belladonna, The Familiar, A River Enchanted, From Blood & Ash, and/or The Foxglove King - I think you would enjoy this book.
Thank you @sheilareadsandwrites for the opportunity to read this eARC. Opinions expressed are my my own and I'm choosing to give them.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse, Child death, Sexual assault