SFF

The Wolf and the Woodsman

by Ava Reid
Harper Voyager. Jun. 2021. 432p. ISBN 9780062973122. $27.99. FANTASY
COPY ISBN
DEBUT Lacking magical powers, Évike has never been valued by her village. When the king’s Woodsmen come to the village for a human tribute, Évike’s foster mother offers her up. The Woodsmen take Évike on a long, hard journey to the city, during which she and the crew’s one-eyed captain slowly come to rely on each other. It comes out that he is Gáspár, the heir to the king. But Gáspár’s bastard half-brother wants the throne, and their evil tyrant of a father is likely to acquiesce. Should Évike help Gáspár? He might be her best hope to save herself, her long-lost father, and her persecuted Yehuli community.
VERDICT This dark, YA-crossover, coming-of-age fairy tale really only has its Eastern European atmosphere going for it. The action focuses almost exclusively on Évike and Gáspár, who are very two-dimensional. Readers expecting something like the Grishaverse or Naomi Novik’s books will be disappointed.
Reviewed by Laurel Bliss, San Diego State Univ. Lib , Jul 01, 2021
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

FICTION

Dreadful
by Rozakis, Caitlin
FICTION

Running Close to the Wind
by Rowland, Alexandra
FICTION

In the Shadow of the Fall
by Ogundiran, Tobi
FICTION

The Daughters’ War
by Buehlman, Christopher
FICTION

The Spice Gate
by Srivatsa, Prashanth
FICTION

The Bright Sword: A Novel of King Arthur
by Grossman, Lev
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?