I had high expectations for this since the first book was one of my favorite reads of 2021. Since I don’t read nearly as much young adult anymore, that means it must be exceptional. I’m sure I’ll be in the minority when I say I didn’t like this one as much. I was excited to read about Neve’s side of the story after she is trapped in the Shadowlands. I loved the lore side of this story that expounded on many of the plot points of book one and two. The worldbuilding remained exceptional but the pace felt much slower to me. I had to keep coming back to finish it a few chapters at a time. I felt like Neve and Solmir don’t get time to form the same connection that Red and her Wolf created in book one. I loved Red in book one, but her actions while attempting to rescue Neve were frustrating. I didn’t enjoy Neve in book one, but I found a way to like her is this one, especially with her seemingly insurmountable task of defeating the Kings with Solmir‘s help. Raffe, the Wolf, and Solmir were the characters that remained the same for me in both. This wasn’t for me, but I am sure plenty of other people will love it. (3/5 rating)
Tag: by Hannah F. Whitten
Book Review – For the Wolf (Wilderwood #1) by Hannah F. Whitten
This was the first novel by author Hannah F. Whitten. This book was set in a fantasy realm set with enchanted forests and unexpected guardians. Red is our female protagonist, who is the second daughter born to their queen in centuries and she will be handed out over to the Wolf as she comes of age. Her sister and their first born, will be next in line for the throne. Red spends the first half of her life preparing for her death, to meet the Wolf. When she finally meets him however, nothing is as it seems. This was billed as a retelling, but I thought her magic system was original, not to mention the ending uncovers the Wolf’s hidden enemy and the drama surrounding their relationship. I was surprised to love this as much as I did and if you choose to give it a try, I suggest you read it was an open mind from the beginning. (4/5 rating)
