The Wolf and the Woodsman

By Ava Reid

Adult Fiction/Fantasy

Reviewed by Raina-Miami Branch Administrator

     Évike is from a small and secluded pagan village located deep within a very dark and dangerous forest that is filled with blood thirsty monsters.  The women of the village, called wolf girls, are all gifted with special powers, except for Évike, who is loathed for not having any powers at all.  When the Huntsmen from the capital arrive to claim a wolf girl for the king's annual blood sacrifice, Évike is offered up willingly by her people.

    As Évike and her new travelling companions begin to make their way towards the capital, they quickly learn exactly what types of monsters reside within the wild landscapes.  When their band is attacked, they are left with only two survivors, Évike and a one eyed huntsman.  Except it's not just any huntsman, but actually the disgraced prince Gáspár Bárány.  As the only two left, they make a reluctant agreement that forces them to rely on one another as they continue their journey and work towards a common goal: prevent Gáspár's brother from taking the throne, and ensure the King retains his pagan's powers without a blood sacrifice.

    The Wolf and The Huntsman is a lyrical and fairytale-esque story with roots in Jewish history and Hungarian mythology.  Filled with heavy themes like religious persecution and ethnic identity, on top of the already harsh and unforgiving society the characters reside in, this novel will leave you feeling both unsettled and horrified.  The slow pace of this book leaves lots of time for intricate world building and character development, and lets the reader truly soak up the rich and descriptive writing style.  You will most likely find yourself rooting for the protagonists of this story as they navigate a forbidden romance with deadly consequences, and learn their way around a very complicated court.

    I would personally recommend this for anyone who loves a dark and twisted fairy tale.

    Tigger warnings: Self harm, gore, animal death, generally quite graphic. 

Place this book on hold here.