A review by chiiemmi
Lore of the Wilds by Analeigh Sbrana

adventurous dark lighthearted relaxing slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for providing me with this eARC in exchange for an honest review. 

First off, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how stunningly gorgeous this cover artwork is. It’s beautiful and enchanting, and made me eager to read this debut novel as a fan of the cozy fantasy genre. Unfortunately, I am so disappointed to share that I just didn’t fall in love with this book for a number of reasons. 

1.) While I’m willing to overlook the patchy world-building and the attempt at instilling political intrigue (I accept that these aspects might be expanded in the second novel), the book almost seemed indecisive and couldn’t choose between modern and dated speech. In particular, the characters used the phrase, “thistles and sage!” to curse for maybe 40% of the book, then out of nowhere started using modern expletives. This really broke the immersion for me, and the novel just seemed disjointed in how it wanted to present the time period and vernacular. 

2.) The book is marketed as a Young Adult/Fantasy Romance, but the ending seemed to take a much darker turn that I was expecting though it maintains a cozy fantasy vibe for 90% of the story. This seemed completely out of character. The cover, setting, and premise of the story all set up a cozy fantasy novel. But it veers dramatically darker in the last 10% of the book in a way that left me feeling uncomfortable. 

3.) I wanted to see more character progression. I don’t know if this story endeared me to any of the main characters, which also made it hard to root for the romance and love triangle set up. I would’ve liked to see more time put into bringing these characters to life beyond one-dimensional descriptions. 

4.) The plot twist. There’s a difference between executing a shocking plot twist and creating something out of nothing. (SPOILERS)
If Asher was indeed Syrelle, I don’t think I fully understand why he would kill his guards, kill the people sent to kidnap Lore, hide her in this other town, and lead his own guards away from capturing her for a month, help her break into his own castle and save her people, and then turn on her as they’re leaving?? I don’t think that final reveal did enough work to convince me that all of this was part of some brilliant, nefarious scheme. I think a good plot twist needs to hold up to scrutiny—readers need to be able to look back and slowly piece together all the clues and breadcrumbs along the way. This did not do that. Never did this book set up the premise that shapeshifters even exist and it seems like a copout to establish this as the reveal was happening;
it just doesn’t have enough to suspend my disbelief. 

Though I have major issues with the story as is, I have heard that eARCs aren’t representative of the finished product and I am debating picking up the published copy. Regardless, I would consider reading future titles from this author. 
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