A review by tessa_talks_books
The Forest Grimm by Kathryn Purdie

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I’m still trying to decide what I thought about this book. It took me by surprise, yet it felt totally right. I don’t think I’ve ever read a retelling that took such a unique approach. I would have never expected to run into Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, Sleeping Beauty, and Rapunzel in one cohesive story. Yet, there they are, uncommonly and innovatively.

My weirdly favorite character is the forest. Yes, the forest is a character in its own right, being a living, breathing (in a sense) part of the story. And it’s very atmospheric in its being, which I just loved. It felt very Grimm - the brothers would approve, I think.

The other characters, even the main character, Clara, didn’t capture my attention as much as I would have hoped. I couldn’t relate or empathize with their personal stories, which sometimes confused me and bored me with others. And the romance, well, it confused me too. It’s a very out-there situation, and I guess I never achieved suspended disbelief and buy-in.

But, I have to admit, I am curious where book 2 of this duology will go.