A review by myranda_the_bookwyrm
The Wolf and the Woodsman by Ava Reid

adventurous dark slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

If I was rating this book by the last third, maybe even the last half, it would definitely have scored higher. The pacing of the book felt uneven, however, with the first half being a slog with just enough potential to keep me from consigning to the DNF pile (that is, it came close enough this was a second attempt, as I'd started and put it aside after about a third more than a year ago). Part of the issue is that things felt-more heavy handed and repetitive in trying to show the world-building and character development, to the point where I was essentially going, "I get it already, move the story on!" and some of the buildup didn't lead to the payoff expected of it as a result. Still, I gave the book a second chance and I will give the author another chance, as there is definitely that sparkle of potential in this book and the author's writing, that perhaps a different editor or a little more time might serve better.
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