A review by camiclarkbooks
Lore of the Wilds by Analeigh Sbrana

adventurous mysterious tense 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? No

4.0

I think this might be the next big fantasy series! 

Sbrana wrote an engaging high fantasy tale that was loaded with everything a reader could want—and enchanted library, fantastical beings, a love triangle, and a shocking twist.  “Lore of the Wild” also adds some desperately needed diversity to the genre.

The book had some pacing problems and I got a little lost on the timeline near the last quarter of the story, but this is probably more of a reviewer problem than a reader problem.

A few times in the book I got whiplash from the story swinging back and forth from YA to New Adult. The majority of the book felt more YA—in the best possible way—but there were definitely places tailored for older audiences. They felt shoehorned in, like Sbrana had intended to write a YA book but her team recommended New Adult instead. 

Despite those two complaints, I loved the “Lore of the Wilds!” The titular character of Lore was absolutely sensational! She was so realistic for a high fantasy heroine. It was extremely refreshing to read a fantasy about a twenty-something year old heroine, instead of the usual sixteen or seventeen year old. Lore handled everything Sbrana threw at her with human ingenuity and determination, which was the perfect juxtaposition to her being trapped in the land of her enemies. 

Overall, “Lore of the Wild” was a wonderful fantasy story about human resilience and am so excited for the sequel—I have to know what happens after the twist!

I received a digital ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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