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A review by tessa_talks_books
A Far Wilder Magic by Allison Saft
5.0
A Far Wilder Magic by Allison Saft is an atmospheric tale that completely immersed me in its dark and foreboding world. I loved the tone and setting as they provided a unique texture that held my focus even in the slow parts. I rarely experience this in novels, but I love when I don't need continuous action and a fast pace to keep the pages flying one right after the other. I also enjoyed that the tale is character-driven. It's told in third-person narration but with alternating POVs between Margaret and Wes, enabling the atmosphere to stay prominent while developing the characters in a delightfully intimate manner.
Evelyn, Margaret's mother, left Margaret alone while on an alchemist research trip, leaving no information of where she was or when she will be back. When the Hala emerges in the form of a white fox, Margaret hopes it will draw her mother back home, as it is a creature much sought after by alchemists, including her mother. In the meantime, Wes appears on her doorstep, looking for Evelyn in hopes of interning with her. He has political aspirations that can only be achieved if he becomes an alchemist.
The world-building is so intricately done that I found it thoroughly compelling with its religious persecution, political system based on alchemy, and Hunt tradition whenever the Hala appears. I cannot say that the world is particularly inviting, but still, I wanted to know more and more about the inner workings.
Lastly, I love how the relationship between Margaret and Wes grew and changed. I particularly loved the scenes where they became aware of changes in their feelings because it felt so very authentic that it just melted my heart.
If you are looking for an atmospheric and character is-driven fantasy that will touch your heart, then A Far Wilder Magic is just what you've been searching for.
Evelyn, Margaret's mother, left Margaret alone while on an alchemist research trip, leaving no information of where she was or when she will be back. When the Hala emerges in the form of a white fox, Margaret hopes it will draw her mother back home, as it is a creature much sought after by alchemists, including her mother. In the meantime, Wes appears on her doorstep, looking for Evelyn in hopes of interning with her. He has political aspirations that can only be achieved if he becomes an alchemist.
The world-building is so intricately done that I found it thoroughly compelling with its religious persecution, political system based on alchemy, and Hunt tradition whenever the Hala appears. I cannot say that the world is particularly inviting, but still, I wanted to know more and more about the inner workings.
Lastly, I love how the relationship between Margaret and Wes grew and changed. I particularly loved the scenes where they became aware of changes in their feelings because it felt so very authentic that it just melted my heart.
If you are looking for an atmospheric and character is-driven fantasy that will touch your heart, then A Far Wilder Magic is just what you've been searching for.