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A review by theespressoedition
The Drowned Woods by Emily Lloyd-Jones
adventurous
challenging
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? No
4.0
I just had quite a laugh at myself when I opened up my Kindle to see what I highlighted while reading The Drowned Woods. Ya girl really went and highlighted over forty times throughout the story (and let's be real, half of these highlights were about the corgi).
After reading The Bone Houses, I knew I wanted to pick up absolutely anything Emily Lloyd-Jones wrote. I love the atmospheric writing, the little bit of spookiness, the cozy vibes, and the way the characters just feel so real. That last bit was certainly the case in The Drowned Woods. I felt so connected to this cast of characters that if you'd tapped me while reading, I would've been convinced it was Fane or Mer at my shoulder.
While I was aware that the two books took place in the same world, I wasn't expecting to see so many familiar terms and elements and it was such a great surprise as I read. The ending of this one was the absolute best part for me, leaving me actually gasping with excitement about the way things connected. The epilogue was also written in the same format as The Bone Houses, which was just so much fun. It was a nice little gift to the "dedicated" reader and it tied the two together so beautifully.
Some may make the case that the protagonist of this book is Mer. However, I'd make the case that there is no true "main character." It follows a group of characters that almost all hold equal importance to the story. There are a few "honorable mentions" of sorts, and Trefor (the corgi who, in my opinion, was the best character in the book), but for the most part, each person contributes the same amount to the plot.
The plot - oh, the plot. If you're of the frame of mind that thinks "if you've read one heist book, you've read them all," you are wrong. This heist book is unlike any other. It takes you for a wild ride. It makes you think you know what's coming and then surprises the heck out of you. It makes you love morally gray characters. It will have you sneezing like Trefor at all of the magic. It's incredible.
This book is such a quick and easy read, but it won't quickly or easily leave your mind. I read it in just over a day and enjoyed every second of it. I honestly didn't want it to end. Let it be known that Emily's books are the epitome of comfort-reads! I could pick them up again and again and find something new every time.
After reading The Bone Houses, I knew I wanted to pick up absolutely anything Emily Lloyd-Jones wrote. I love the atmospheric writing, the little bit of spookiness, the cozy vibes, and the way the characters just feel so real. That last bit was certainly the case in The Drowned Woods. I felt so connected to this cast of characters that if you'd tapped me while reading, I would've been convinced it was Fane or Mer at my shoulder.
While I was aware that the two books took place in the same world, I wasn't expecting to see so many familiar terms and elements and it was such a great surprise as I read. The ending of this one was the absolute best part for me, leaving me actually gasping with excitement about the way things connected. The epilogue was also written in the same format as The Bone Houses, which was just so much fun. It was a nice little gift to the "dedicated" reader and it tied the two together so beautifully.
Some may make the case that the protagonist of this book is Mer. However, I'd make the case that there is no true "main character." It follows a group of characters that almost all hold equal importance to the story. There are a few "honorable mentions" of sorts, and Trefor (the corgi who, in my opinion, was the best character in the book), but for the most part, each person contributes the same amount to the plot.
The plot - oh, the plot. If you're of the frame of mind that thinks "if you've read one heist book, you've read them all," you are wrong. This heist book is unlike any other. It takes you for a wild ride. It makes you think you know what's coming and then surprises the heck out of you. It makes you love morally gray characters. It will have you sneezing like Trefor at all of the magic. It's incredible.
This book is such a quick and easy read, but it won't quickly or easily leave your mind. I read it in just over a day and enjoyed every second of it. I honestly didn't want it to end. Let it be known that Emily's books are the epitome of comfort-reads! I could pick them up again and again and find something new every time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Death, and Murder
Moderate: Vomit and Violence
Minor: Suicidal thoughts