A review by bookishdamzel
Forest of Souls by Lori M. Lee

adventurous dark mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

> Western Fantasy w/ Asian Rep
> Elemental Magic w/ a mixture western/pagan inspired magic
> Creepy & Dangerous Forest
> Tyrannical Government & fractured kingdoms
> Single POV

This was a fun & easy read! I enjoyed the dark atmosphere and the magic that Sirscha gains. I think Sirscha can be a little repetitive, but ultimately she's really unsure of herself from the jump. She's dealt with being an orphan, lower on the hierarchical scale, always put down for her appearance and status. She gains a power that goes beyond herself and I'm wondering how she'll handle it in the next two books! Her love for Sango is the main reason she keeps going and along the way she learns new things about the government she was once meant to serve, & about herself.

I'd definitely recommend if you want a dark ya fantasy (inspired by traditional western fantasy) written by a bipoc author!

Disclaimer: I received Forest of Souls as an arc and I'm voluntarily leaving this review.