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Enchantress Awakens #1
Through the Wicked Wood
Through the Wicked Wood is an emotionally sweeping, character driven cottage-core meets dark fantasy romance where themes of grief, guilt, and love after loss are explored. It is intended for mature audiences, please refer to the trigger warnings before reading.
Elora Leigh is in hiding.
As an Enchantress, she has spent the last several years running not only from a king that hunts magick, but from the guilt and grief of losing her mother.
Content in her solitude, Elora's life among the trees is disrupted when she crosses paths with the most unlikely of allies.
A thief determined to keep his village afloat, Sorin will do whatever it takes to provide for his people, especially now that the lands have been hit by Mother Gaia's fury. Fishing has ceased, crops won't grow, and the animals they've relied on for food have mostly disappeared leaving him desperate for a change.
When Elora and Sorin discover a common thirst for justice in the Kingdom of Valebridge, they set out on a journey to fend for those who cannot fend for themselves and take back power from the corrupt king.
But the deeper they go through the Wicked Woods, the more Elora realizes those she thought she could trust may not be who she thinks they are.
Family secrets, ancient magick, a kindling romance, and tangles of lies begin to reveal themselves. Elora must make a decision; trust this stranger to help defeat those harnessing magick in the Kingdom, or let the demons of her past push her back into hiding and away from who she was born to be.
Elora Leigh is in hiding.
As an Enchantress, she has spent the last several years running not only from a king that hunts magick, but from the guilt and grief of losing her mother.
Content in her solitude, Elora's life among the trees is disrupted when she crosses paths with the most unlikely of allies.
A thief determined to keep his village afloat, Sorin will do whatever it takes to provide for his people, especially now that the lands have been hit by Mother Gaia's fury. Fishing has ceased, crops won't grow, and the animals they've relied on for food have mostly disappeared leaving him desperate for a change.
When Elora and Sorin discover a common thirst for justice in the Kingdom of Valebridge, they set out on a journey to fend for those who cannot fend for themselves and take back power from the corrupt king.
But the deeper they go through the Wicked Woods, the more Elora realizes those she thought she could trust may not be who she thinks they are.
Family secrets, ancient magick, a kindling romance, and tangles of lies begin to reveal themselves. Elora must make a decision; trust this stranger to help defeat those harnessing magick in the Kingdom, or let the demons of her past push her back into hiding and away from who she was born to be.
422 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 20, 2023
60 people are currently reading
1204 people want to read
About the author
Kristen R. Moore
4 books80 followersHi everyone! I'm Kristen, a fantasy romance writer from the Pacific Northwest. I've always had a passion for writing and reading and in 2023 I took a leap and published my first book, Through the Wicked Wood.
If you love action packed adventure, forbidden love, and a touch of scary, the City of Lost Kings Duology is perfect for you!
If you love cozy settings, mental health rep, with swoon worthy romance and heartbreaking character arcs, I think you'll love the Enchantress Awakens Duology!
Keep up to date by following my author journey on Instagram: @authorkristenmoore
If you love action packed adventure, forbidden love, and a touch of scary, the City of Lost Kings Duology is perfect for you!
If you love cozy settings, mental health rep, with swoon worthy romance and heartbreaking character arcs, I think you'll love the Enchantress Awakens Duology!
Keep up to date by following my author journey on Instagram: @authorkristenmoore
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
August 29, 2023
Absolutely stunning fantasy debut!
If you're wondering why I haven't shut up about this book... His name is Sorin and he has a dimple. Hehe but seriously. Picture sexy Robinhood with a cheeky attitude and epic eat the rich vibes. SWOON. Who else could possibly get past the armor of our ever-scowling Elora?
This grumpy sunshine duo give Insta-love slow burn like mmm (for real I was begging). There are some pretty words from his pretty mouth that we ALL need to hear OKAY 🔥
Magick and fantasy meet startling humanity in this tale of grief and second chances. Plus an undercurrent of something a little dark, a little real, a little too close to home for those of us all too aware of our flaws and the battle of vulnerability. Elora is riddled with intrusive thoughts and broken self worth, her story a mirror and tale as old as time for many women.
Hidden truths and gut feelings keep the mystery stretching just out of reach, while the history of the oppressed gives a richer big picture view. If you love character driven fantasy that gets a little twisty turny, this one's for you.
Just, don't even get me started on the epilogue because I am SO READY. Book one is all about laying out the foundation, the stakes, the friendships... And when I say it is only the beginning, I mean it VERY excitedly and ominously.
Kristen has created something really special. An homage to the heart of fantasy with mental health rep that will skewer you deeply and romance that will pick you back up. I fell in love with this story. It speaks my language.
If you're wondering why I haven't shut up about this book... His name is Sorin and he has a dimple. Hehe but seriously. Picture sexy Robinhood with a cheeky attitude and epic eat the rich vibes. SWOON. Who else could possibly get past the armor of our ever-scowling Elora?
This grumpy sunshine duo give Insta-love slow burn like mmm (for real I was begging). There are some pretty words from his pretty mouth that we ALL need to hear OKAY 🔥
Magick and fantasy meet startling humanity in this tale of grief and second chances. Plus an undercurrent of something a little dark, a little real, a little too close to home for those of us all too aware of our flaws and the battle of vulnerability. Elora is riddled with intrusive thoughts and broken self worth, her story a mirror and tale as old as time for many women.
Hidden truths and gut feelings keep the mystery stretching just out of reach, while the history of the oppressed gives a richer big picture view. If you love character driven fantasy that gets a little twisty turny, this one's for you.
Just, don't even get me started on the epilogue because I am SO READY. Book one is all about laying out the foundation, the stakes, the friendships... And when I say it is only the beginning, I mean it VERY excitedly and ominously.
Kristen has created something really special. An homage to the heart of fantasy with mental health rep that will skewer you deeply and romance that will pick you back up. I fell in love with this story. It speaks my language.
July 9, 2024
OOOOOF, I AM FLABBERGASTED. I’VE BEEN DOUBLE WHAMMIED. SEND HELP.
Dear author Kristen, you’re so wrong and so brilliant for your sick twists 😩
Dear author Kristen, you’re so wrong and so brilliant for your sick twists 😩
August 13, 2024
I KNEW I was going to love this book and still, it surpassed my expectations! Being a nature lover myself, I am constantly looking for books that bring that to life and can transport me there. And the writing and the FMC’s connection to the mountains was so well described!!
I also connected with Elora’s internal struggle SO MUCH! Throughout the book we get her perspective and the MMC, Sorin. And that always gets me so excited to have access to the whole picture of their interactions and feelings.
How Kristen writes about grief, and social support captured my attention so thoroughly. I marked this book up because so much jumped out at me! Highly recommend!!
I also connected with Elora’s internal struggle SO MUCH! Throughout the book we get her perspective and the MMC, Sorin. And that always gets me so excited to have access to the whole picture of their interactions and feelings.
How Kristen writes about grief, and social support captured my attention so thoroughly. I marked this book up because so much jumped out at me! Highly recommend!!
September 18, 2023
“Together.”
I grew up in the PNW and that inspiration was felt throughout the entire story. I could smell the pine trees and feel the forest mists on my skin through the most delectable writing.
The world itself is built with care, never throwing too much at once. That is a skill in a fantasy book I don’t see very often and highly appreciated.
The characters… I don’t want to say too much because you must meet them yourselves but I am fully invested and need to know more.
The shock planted on my face for the last 30% of the book should have been documented because the twists just kept twisting! And I HAD no idea about any of them!!!
There is so much more to come with this story and I am both sad I have to wait (that cliffhanger is intense!) but would happily wait years if need be.
Through the Wicked Wood is truly an enchanting tale. A beautiful debut. And I cannot wait to find out what happens next.
I grew up in the PNW and that inspiration was felt throughout the entire story. I could smell the pine trees and feel the forest mists on my skin through the most delectable writing.
The world itself is built with care, never throwing too much at once. That is a skill in a fantasy book I don’t see very often and highly appreciated.
The characters… I don’t want to say too much because you must meet them yourselves but I am fully invested and need to know more.
The shock planted on my face for the last 30% of the book should have been documented because the twists just kept twisting! And I HAD no idea about any of them!!!
There is so much more to come with this story and I am both sad I have to wait (that cliffhanger is intense!) but would happily wait years if need be.
Through the Wicked Wood is truly an enchanting tale. A beautiful debut. And I cannot wait to find out what happens next.
September 18, 2023
4.5 ⭐️’s, but we all know how Goodreads works — so round it up to 5 because Kristen deserves it for this beautiful story that she told. Also a big thank you to Kristen for allowing me to be an ARC for TTWW!
Where to start, where to start? Let’s go with world building as our jumping off point. Building a fantasy world without info dumping is a hard feat, but I think Kristen pulled it off so well. As a writer, I noticed ways she wove that story building into conversations, flashbacks, anecdotes, etc. that felt SO natural it had me wanting to take notes. It’s easy to dive into this world understand the history and magic system without having to constantly flip back or reread. Pieces also feel familiar enough that it’s not hard for the reader to imagine them coming to life.
Now, let’s talk characters because TTWW has such a powerful cast. Our fierce Enchantress and main character, Elora, is a mighty force who’s been forced to battle the trauma and inner demons that have plagued her for years. As someone with anxiety who has also experienced depression — Elora’s story hits HARD in the best way. Being able to relate to things she experiences and watching her fight through the voices of doubt in her head is difficult but honestly cathartic at the same time. Anytime there’s anxiety rep in a book, I am HERE for it. Of course, Elora does not journey alone through this book; she has an incredible team of newfound friends supporting her throughout. This includes swoon-worthy Sorin, who I promise you’ll easily fall in love with (not just because of his damn dimple!). My favorite thing about Sorin is that despite the cool, tough exterior he fronts, he has such a heart of gold and openness deep down for those that he cares for deeply. It’s beautiful to see him and Elora build trust together and… okay, no spoilers! Just know that all of our cast in this book is great!
Finally, maybe my favorite part… THE TWISTS, THE TURNS, THE REVEALS!!! Caps lock was necessary there, as Kristen casually sprinkled so many amazing reveals in this book that literally had my mouth hanging open. The reveals aren’t there just for the sake of surprise; they build in such a powerful story and set up incredible things for the next book! Which I am only desperately awaiting after that ending!!
Where to start, where to start? Let’s go with world building as our jumping off point. Building a fantasy world without info dumping is a hard feat, but I think Kristen pulled it off so well. As a writer, I noticed ways she wove that story building into conversations, flashbacks, anecdotes, etc. that felt SO natural it had me wanting to take notes. It’s easy to dive into this world understand the history and magic system without having to constantly flip back or reread. Pieces also feel familiar enough that it’s not hard for the reader to imagine them coming to life.
Now, let’s talk characters because TTWW has such a powerful cast. Our fierce Enchantress and main character, Elora, is a mighty force who’s been forced to battle the trauma and inner demons that have plagued her for years. As someone with anxiety who has also experienced depression — Elora’s story hits HARD in the best way. Being able to relate to things she experiences and watching her fight through the voices of doubt in her head is difficult but honestly cathartic at the same time. Anytime there’s anxiety rep in a book, I am HERE for it. Of course, Elora does not journey alone through this book; she has an incredible team of newfound friends supporting her throughout. This includes swoon-worthy Sorin, who I promise you’ll easily fall in love with (not just because of his damn dimple!). My favorite thing about Sorin is that despite the cool, tough exterior he fronts, he has such a heart of gold and openness deep down for those that he cares for deeply. It’s beautiful to see him and Elora build trust together and… okay, no spoilers! Just know that all of our cast in this book is great!
Finally, maybe my favorite part… THE TWISTS, THE TURNS, THE REVEALS!!! Caps lock was necessary there, as Kristen casually sprinkled so many amazing reveals in this book that literally had my mouth hanging open. The reveals aren’t there just for the sake of surprise; they build in such a powerful story and set up incredible things for the next book! Which I am only desperately awaiting after that ending!!
September 16, 2023
🌲🐺🏹💫⛰️🐦⬛🗡️
“𝘉𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦? 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶? 𝘖𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶? 𝘛𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵, 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦. 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘵.”
I was honored to be given the opportunity to read this debut novel by Kristen Moore as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. And I loved it!
What a story! I loved these characters. The emotional depth and perseverance of Elora. The cocky yet kind and lovable nature of Sorin. The unfaltering loyalty of Samaria and Jarek. The stoic intelligence of Galen. The wolves! 😍😭
The last 30% of this book had me holding my breath and genuinely surprised me! The epilogue and ending made me rethink everything I thought I knew about the story. I can’t wait to see what happens in the second book of this duet! 😳
𝙆𝙚𝙮 𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨:
Romantasy
Cozy atmosphere
Quest
Fated mates
Enchantresses
Found family
Grumpy vs sunshine
Mental health rep
Twists & turns!
Character growth
Grief & loss
Betrayal
Cliffhanger ending
Mark your calendars loves, this book will be available on Kindle Unlimited and in paperback on September 20th!
“𝘉𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦? 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶? 𝘖𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶? 𝘛𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵, 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦. 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘵.”
I was honored to be given the opportunity to read this debut novel by Kristen Moore as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. And I loved it!
What a story! I loved these characters. The emotional depth and perseverance of Elora. The cocky yet kind and lovable nature of Sorin. The unfaltering loyalty of Samaria and Jarek. The stoic intelligence of Galen. The wolves! 😍😭
The last 30% of this book had me holding my breath and genuinely surprised me! The epilogue and ending made me rethink everything I thought I knew about the story. I can’t wait to see what happens in the second book of this duet! 😳
𝙆𝙚𝙮 𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨:
Romantasy
Cozy atmosphere
Quest
Fated mates
Enchantresses
Found family
Grumpy vs sunshine
Mental health rep
Twists & turns!
Character growth
Grief & loss
Betrayal
Cliffhanger ending
Mark your calendars loves, this book will be available on Kindle Unlimited and in paperback on September 20th!
September 18, 2024
Reread:
It's still a 5 star for me. A year later, all the moments still hit. The twists and turns are just as delicious. There were even some moments this time around that hit me completely differently. I caught myself getting emotional a few times. Elora is absolutely everything, and Sorin is just as swoon worthy.
There is just something special about this book! LOVE!!!
🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲
I absolutely loved this book! I don’t know what it is about strong women and wolves (and cinnamon roll guys with dimples), but I am obsessed!
I loved Elora! She goes through an incredible journey of exploring grief, healing, and acceptance through the book. Her strength was beautiful to see. I loved going on this journey with her. I also loved that she is an absolute grumpy badass. Girl, same! She is a force to be reckoned with.
Sorin is the precious cinnamon roll that balances Elora wonderfully. He is a delightful Robin Hood who crashes into Elora’s life and takes hold. He is kind and understanding. He is the support that she needs. He made a few mistakes along the way, but no one is perfect. He takes his mistakes in stride and learns from them. He sees Elora. I loved watching their relationship grow along with the two of them.
The side characters cannot be forgotten! Kristen has created an incredible cast. All of them have me excited in different ways. From the townsfolk to the traveling crew and even some forest critters. Each one has a story, and I want to know it.
Kristen has built an incredible world for her characters to play in. The magic system was interesting and easy to understand. There are still a few things left that I cannot wait to discover. The setting has me ready for autumn. I just wanted to cozy up with this book. It also had me thinking about a few recipes I want to make. I love when a book gets my cooking/baking mind going.
The ending of this book was so tasty! It’s the only way I can think to describe it. I just ate it right up! And the epilogue. There is a cliffhanger, but it’s satisfying. I am left wanting more in the absolute best way. I absolutely cannot wait to get more of this story and these characters!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It's still a 5 star for me. A year later, all the moments still hit. The twists and turns are just as delicious. There were even some moments this time around that hit me completely differently. I caught myself getting emotional a few times. Elora is absolutely everything, and Sorin is just as swoon worthy.
There is just something special about this book! LOVE!!!
🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲
I absolutely loved this book! I don’t know what it is about strong women and wolves (and cinnamon roll guys with dimples), but I am obsessed!
I loved Elora! She goes through an incredible journey of exploring grief, healing, and acceptance through the book. Her strength was beautiful to see. I loved going on this journey with her. I also loved that she is an absolute grumpy badass. Girl, same! She is a force to be reckoned with.
Sorin is the precious cinnamon roll that balances Elora wonderfully. He is a delightful Robin Hood who crashes into Elora’s life and takes hold. He is kind and understanding. He is the support that she needs. He made a few mistakes along the way, but no one is perfect. He takes his mistakes in stride and learns from them. He sees Elora. I loved watching their relationship grow along with the two of them.
The side characters cannot be forgotten! Kristen has created an incredible cast. All of them have me excited in different ways. From the townsfolk to the traveling crew and even some forest critters. Each one has a story, and I want to know it.
Kristen has built an incredible world for her characters to play in. The magic system was interesting and easy to understand. There are still a few things left that I cannot wait to discover. The setting has me ready for autumn. I just wanted to cozy up with this book. It also had me thinking about a few recipes I want to make. I love when a book gets my cooking/baking mind going.
The ending of this book was so tasty! It’s the only way I can think to describe it. I just ate it right up! And the epilogue. There is a cliffhanger, but it’s satisfying. I am left wanting more in the absolute best way. I absolutely cannot wait to get more of this story and these characters!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 27, 2024
I’ll come back for a full review. I just need to step back from the ledge and process all the terrible things that happened at the end. So much BETRAYAL!!
March 6, 2024
An emotional, magickal, thrilling romantasy!
The land of Teravie, the Enchantresses, the mysterious Guilds, and the magick in this story are lifelike. I loved stepping into this forested world that had political, magickal, and agricultural tensions!
Elora is a shuttered, hurting character for much of the book. She had my WHOLE heart, and I wept alongside her in her grief and guilt. Then, seeing her grow and choose and believe was like a warm ray of sun to my heart.
Speaking of sunshine, Sorin brought a lot of enthusiasm and energy and brightness to the story. His joking and teasing were highlights! Plus, the grumpy x sunshine dynamic was fun between the two. I felt almost a little teary at times, the way Sorin and Elora were healing together. The most precious kind of romance!
Not to mention Sam, Jarek, and Galen, who added humor and care to the crew!
As for the plot, I would say the beginning is slower, maybe more character-focused. However, I never felt a lag in pacing. The second half of the book was my favorite, with the quest underway, dangers abounding, magick being discovered, and secrets revealed! I love a good surprise in books, and this one had a few!
My only qualm is that there were some odd grammatical moments throughout the book - some fragments instead of sentences (which doesn't bother me that much), clauses not being properly separated (ie, a comma was used often instead of a semi-colon or verb tense change), and a couple other moments where the grammar was vague and I had to reread a sentence to understand who was doing what in that moment.
Overall, this is a story I'm invested in! Moore has a talent for writing vivid emotions and vibrant characters, which added so much to this story. Elora's journey is one I think many people will relate to. 🖤
I'm so glad I have the novella preordered (comes out 2/28/24!), and I can't wait for book 2 in November of this year!
.
.
.
.
**content notes: the author has a list of content warnings at the beginning of the book to include: attempted sexual assault, suicidal ideation, suicide, anxiety and panic attacks, death of a parent (flashback), harm to an animal (nondescript), consumption of alcohol and tobacco, profanity, and violence.
**romance notes: at least 3 open door scenes scattered throughout, some heated moments.
The land of Teravie, the Enchantresses, the mysterious Guilds, and the magick in this story are lifelike. I loved stepping into this forested world that had political, magickal, and agricultural tensions!
Elora is a shuttered, hurting character for much of the book. She had my WHOLE heart, and I wept alongside her in her grief and guilt. Then, seeing her grow and choose and believe was like a warm ray of sun to my heart.
Speaking of sunshine, Sorin brought a lot of enthusiasm and energy and brightness to the story. His joking and teasing were highlights! Plus, the grumpy x sunshine dynamic was fun between the two. I felt almost a little teary at times, the way Sorin and Elora were healing together. The most precious kind of romance!
Not to mention Sam, Jarek, and Galen, who added humor and care to the crew!
As for the plot, I would say the beginning is slower, maybe more character-focused. However, I never felt a lag in pacing. The second half of the book was my favorite, with the quest underway, dangers abounding, magick being discovered, and secrets revealed! I love a good surprise in books, and this one had a few!
My only qualm is that there were some odd grammatical moments throughout the book - some fragments instead of sentences (which doesn't bother me that much), clauses not being properly separated (ie, a comma was used often instead of a semi-colon or verb tense change), and a couple other moments where the grammar was vague and I had to reread a sentence to understand who was doing what in that moment.
Overall, this is a story I'm invested in! Moore has a talent for writing vivid emotions and vibrant characters, which added so much to this story. Elora's journey is one I think many people will relate to. 🖤
I'm so glad I have the novella preordered (comes out 2/28/24!), and I can't wait for book 2 in November of this year!
.
.
.
.
**content notes: the author has a list of content warnings at the beginning of the book to include: attempted sexual assault, suicidal ideation, suicide, anxiety and panic attacks, death of a parent (flashback), harm to an animal (nondescript), consumption of alcohol and tobacco, profanity, and violence.
**romance notes: at least 3 open door scenes scattered throughout, some heated moments.
September 20, 2023
✨𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲✨
I’m a bit speechless after finishing this up last night. Not only is it just beautifully written, but the last 25% had my mouth open catching flies.
This book had everything I love when I look for fantasy reads: magick (duh), beautiful settings and imagery, a fun found family, a slow burn romance, aaaaand some betrayals that burn my heart and leave my flabber 𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘨𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥.
I am in awe that Kristen was able to weave such a stunning story in her debut. I loved that the world building wasn’t too dense, and I was so invested in each character.
I also want to mention how incredible the mental health rep is in this story.
This book is available NOW and is perfect for fall 🍂
I’m a bit speechless after finishing this up last night. Not only is it just beautifully written, but the last 25% had my mouth open catching flies.
This book had everything I love when I look for fantasy reads: magick (duh), beautiful settings and imagery, a fun found family, a slow burn romance, aaaaand some betrayals that burn my heart and leave my flabber 𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘨𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥.
I am in awe that Kristen was able to weave such a stunning story in her debut. I loved that the world building wasn’t too dense, and I was so invested in each character.
I also want to mention how incredible the mental health rep is in this story.
This book is available NOW and is perfect for fall 🍂
June 17, 2024
✨🐺𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰🐺✨
𝑨 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒆𝒇 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒊𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒇𝒂𝒕𝒆 💫
5 ⭐️
I’m going to shout about this book from the rooftops 🗣️
It was literary perfection. It scratched every romantasy itch. The plot gripped me in the first chapter! So much mystery, adventure, and unforgettable romance.
I love these main characters. We walk a journey of grief and guilt with them. Their inner monologue hit me hard. How many times have we all suffered from a deeply negative train of thought? It drags you into depths it’s hard to claw out of.
The wolves, magic, world building, high stakes, and PLOT TWISTS! We get hit with one and have no chance to let it sink in before we’re slapped with another 🤯
I LOVED IT..obviously 👏
And I want to read book two desperately
𝐈 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞:
☾𝐀𝐧 𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐰
🐺𝐀𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
☾𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
🐺𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦
☾𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞 ✨
🐺𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐫𝐞𝐩
☾𝐔𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
𝑨 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒆𝒇 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒊𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒇𝒂𝒕𝒆 💫
5 ⭐️
I’m going to shout about this book from the rooftops 🗣️
It was literary perfection. It scratched every romantasy itch. The plot gripped me in the first chapter! So much mystery, adventure, and unforgettable romance.
I love these main characters. We walk a journey of grief and guilt with them. Their inner monologue hit me hard. How many times have we all suffered from a deeply negative train of thought? It drags you into depths it’s hard to claw out of.
The wolves, magic, world building, high stakes, and PLOT TWISTS! We get hit with one and have no chance to let it sink in before we’re slapped with another 🤯
I LOVED IT..obviously 👏
And I want to read book two desperately
𝐈 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞:
☾𝐀𝐧 𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐰
🐺𝐀𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
☾𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
🐺𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦
☾𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞 ✨
🐺𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐫𝐞𝐩
☾𝐔𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
September 6, 2023
Holy cannoli, Kristen.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this bad boy, and I can firmly say that you need to add it to your tbr ASAP. Witchy, foresty vibes, a beautiful, vibrant unique world, an FMC who is struggling through her trauma in a very real way...I love it all. Add in the cheeky MMC who is literally a blend of Flynn Ryder and Robin Hood as well as a fun cast of other side characters and I am SOLD.
I'm also still screaming over the ending. I CALLED IT. I BLOODY CALLED IT. AHHHHHH I NEED BOOK TWO--
Anyways. This comes out Sept. 20. Read it!!!!
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this bad boy, and I can firmly say that you need to add it to your tbr ASAP. Witchy, foresty vibes, a beautiful, vibrant unique world, an FMC who is struggling through her trauma in a very real way...I love it all. Add in the cheeky MMC who is literally a blend of Flynn Ryder and Robin Hood as well as a fun cast of other side characters and I am SOLD.
I'm also still screaming over the ending. I CALLED IT. I BLOODY CALLED IT. AHHHHHH I NEED BOOK TWO--
Anyways. This comes out Sept. 20. Read it!!!!
September 15, 2023
A warm blanket of emotions on a chilly morning. That's what this book is to me. It isn't always comfortable, it has its shadows to compliment the lighter side, but no matter which tone you see, this book promises to be honest with you.
It doesn't shy away from touching on some dark subjects, so please have a look at the content warnings before you set on this journey.
The story is perfectly paced. The world building is handled with beautiful precision. The characters are written smart, they have depth and every interaction between them feels real. The secrets, confrontations, love scenes, none of it seems forced or out of place.
I am quite used to letting a few questionable character choices slip by, but this book feels like the author has gone through each and every moment as if she's lived it. Every choice is real and every conflict feels earned. It doesn't seem like a story that's been written, rather a recollection of true events.
This book has brought on a variety of emotions in me while reading it and I can't wait to read more projects by Kristen.
I received an ARC for the book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It doesn't shy away from touching on some dark subjects, so please have a look at the content warnings before you set on this journey.
The story is perfectly paced. The world building is handled with beautiful precision. The characters are written smart, they have depth and every interaction between them feels real. The secrets, confrontations, love scenes, none of it seems forced or out of place.
I am quite used to letting a few questionable character choices slip by, but this book feels like the author has gone through each and every moment as if she's lived it. Every choice is real and every conflict feels earned. It doesn't seem like a story that's been written, rather a recollection of true events.
This book has brought on a variety of emotions in me while reading it and I can't wait to read more projects by Kristen.
I received an ARC for the book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 28, 2023
"𝑬𝒚𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒆, 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆. 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒐𝒏𝒆."
You guys, THIS BOOK!! It enchanted me from the dedication and kept me there. Period. I. ATE. IT. UP.
𝐃𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝑻𝒐 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒍𝒂𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆. 𝑻𝒐 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆. 𝑻𝒐 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒖𝒇𝒇𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒔𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒔𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒅𝒅𝒍𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕. 𝑻𝒐 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒑𝒖𝒕𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒂 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒕 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒘𝒂𝒚. 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖.
This is Kristen Moores' fantasty debut book, and I have to say I am thoroughly impressed. Her writing flows, and it's a treat to read. The world-building is good. The magic system is intriguing. But what really makes this book, imho, is the characters. Every single one felt thoroughly fleshed out, and there's no doubt in my mind that Kristen Moore love them all equally.
Sorin made me swoon with his Robin Hood vibes, using love as a nickname, and his smirk with a dimple, I mean, COME OOOON.
Elora is a stubborn, scowling, and slightly feral woman. She's been through some shit, but she's so strong!
Sam, Jarek, and the ANIMAL COMPANIONS had my heart melting.
The plot twists had me chewing my fingernails, and that ending, YO, I'm going to have a hard time waiting for book two. I could keep on writing, but IG won't let me, so please just 𝐏𝐈𝐂𝐊 𝐔𝐏 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 20/9/23!!! And then slide into my DM's so we can yell about it together.
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: Found family, hidden powers, animal companions, fated mates, slow burn (with some delicious spice😏), quest, one horse, mental health rep, fall vibes, magick, corrupt kingdom, lost heir, betrayal.
𝐓𝐖𝐬: Attempted sexual assault, suicidal ideation, suicide, anxiety and panic attacks, ptsd, grief, death of a parent (in a flashback), harm to an animal (non descript), consumption of alcohol and tobacco, profanity, violence, and on page explicit 👉🏻👌🏻.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
You guys, THIS BOOK!! It enchanted me from the dedication and kept me there. Period. I. ATE. IT. UP.
𝐃𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝑻𝒐 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒍𝒂𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆. 𝑻𝒐 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆. 𝑻𝒐 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒖𝒇𝒇𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒔𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒔𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒅𝒅𝒍𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕. 𝑻𝒐 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒑𝒖𝒕𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒂 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒕 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒘𝒂𝒚. 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖.
This is Kristen Moores' fantasty debut book, and I have to say I am thoroughly impressed. Her writing flows, and it's a treat to read. The world-building is good. The magic system is intriguing. But what really makes this book, imho, is the characters. Every single one felt thoroughly fleshed out, and there's no doubt in my mind that Kristen Moore love them all equally.
Sorin made me swoon with his Robin Hood vibes, using love as a nickname, and his smirk with a dimple, I mean, COME OOOON.
Elora is a stubborn, scowling, and slightly feral woman. She's been through some shit, but she's so strong!
Sam, Jarek, and the ANIMAL COMPANIONS had my heart melting.
The plot twists had me chewing my fingernails, and that ending, YO, I'm going to have a hard time waiting for book two. I could keep on writing, but IG won't let me, so please just 𝐏𝐈𝐂𝐊 𝐔𝐏 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 20/9/23!!! And then slide into my DM's so we can yell about it together.
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬: Found family, hidden powers, animal companions, fated mates, slow burn (with some delicious spice😏), quest, one horse, mental health rep, fall vibes, magick, corrupt kingdom, lost heir, betrayal.
𝐓𝐖𝐬: Attempted sexual assault, suicidal ideation, suicide, anxiety and panic attacks, ptsd, grief, death of a parent (in a flashback), harm to an animal (non descript), consumption of alcohol and tobacco, profanity, violence, and on page explicit 👉🏻👌🏻.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 16, 2023
Thank you to the author for providing me an ARC in exchange for a review! This is my honest opinion.
Wow. Just wow.
There’s so much to love in this book.
Elora, the grumpy half of our main duo, absolutely won me over. Beneath her tough exterior, she’s plagued by guilt and self doubt linked to her traumatic past. I loved and related to her mental health journey.
Our sunshine, Sorin, is swoon worthy. The Robin Hood vibes were impeccable.
The slow burn was excruciating but worth it.
And the moody, woodsy, autumny vibes were glorious and everything I wanted.
I’m so excited for book 2!
Wow. Just wow.
There’s so much to love in this book.
Elora, the grumpy half of our main duo, absolutely won me over. Beneath her tough exterior, she’s plagued by guilt and self doubt linked to her traumatic past. I loved and related to her mental health journey.
Our sunshine, Sorin, is swoon worthy. The Robin Hood vibes were impeccable.
The slow burn was excruciating but worth it.
And the moody, woodsy, autumny vibes were glorious and everything I wanted.
I’m so excited for book 2!
September 13, 2023
Amazing debut!
I was honored to receive an ARC of this book for my honest review and simply, I loved it so much.
The writing is beautiful and fresh. You can tell it was handled with care and well edited.
Elora is an enchantress that is living in the woods alone, because enchantresses have been hunted, and she's in hiding. She meets Sorin when she saves his life, and together their lives become intertwined with the same mission: to get back the enchantresses stones and save their land.
Elora is being haunted by the past and by her own grief and Sorin convinces her to join him. And together they go on this journey together.
I don't allow myself to linger because if I do, I will find a hundred reasons to stay. But the one reason to leave outweighs all the rest. Hope.
I love a grumpy/sunshine where the FMC is grumpy and the MMC is sunshine and Sorin is SO much sunshine. I just loved him so much.
"Because you enraptured me," he laughs. "How could I resist that life altering scowl? There is no way I was leaving those woods without you, you fiery thing."
Sorin takes Elora to his childhood home of Loxley and there they meet up with what will become a new found family for her.
The mental health rep in this book is fantastic. Filled with secrets and vulnerability and layers, and Kristen's writing doesn't give it all away at once. It's slowly revealed and digested and I loved that.
"Whatever it is that's going on inside your mind," he says, "whatever darkness inflicts you there, it will never be dark enough to scare my away," he pauses, delicately placing my hand back onto the bed. "Nothing will."
There is the most tender romance between Sorin and Elora. It's a slow burn. A SLOW burn. But it has to be and Sorin is patient.
"It's those two words that are my undoing. My name and a plea. I would never make her beg, but fuck if the sound of it doesn't drive me absolutely mad."
This is an adventure fantasy and once we meet up with our side characters they take off for the Wicked Wood and beyond. And it's once we get moving with our whole cast of characters that things really pick up and the revelations and the TWISTS just keep coming. It's weaved together so expertly, and I did not see most of them coming. Especially the end! THE END. The CLIFFY.
Tropes to enjoy in this book:
Found Family
ONE HORSE
MMC has a dimple
Grumpy/Sunshine
Robin Hood vibes
Slow Burn Romance with spice
Mental Heath Rep
Cinnamon roll MMC with a a hot mouth
Magic
Friendly Wolves
I can't wait for the next one!
I was honored to receive an ARC of this book for my honest review and simply, I loved it so much.
The writing is beautiful and fresh. You can tell it was handled with care and well edited.
Elora is an enchantress that is living in the woods alone, because enchantresses have been hunted, and she's in hiding. She meets Sorin when she saves his life, and together their lives become intertwined with the same mission: to get back the enchantresses stones and save their land.
Elora is being haunted by the past and by her own grief and Sorin convinces her to join him. And together they go on this journey together.
I don't allow myself to linger because if I do, I will find a hundred reasons to stay. But the one reason to leave outweighs all the rest. Hope.
I love a grumpy/sunshine where the FMC is grumpy and the MMC is sunshine and Sorin is SO much sunshine. I just loved him so much.
"Because you enraptured me," he laughs. "How could I resist that life altering scowl? There is no way I was leaving those woods without you, you fiery thing."
Sorin takes Elora to his childhood home of Loxley and there they meet up with what will become a new found family for her.
The mental health rep in this book is fantastic. Filled with secrets and vulnerability and layers, and Kristen's writing doesn't give it all away at once. It's slowly revealed and digested and I loved that.
"Whatever it is that's going on inside your mind," he says, "whatever darkness inflicts you there, it will never be dark enough to scare my away," he pauses, delicately placing my hand back onto the bed. "Nothing will."
There is the most tender romance between Sorin and Elora. It's a slow burn. A SLOW burn. But it has to be and Sorin is patient.
"It's those two words that are my undoing. My name and a plea. I would never make her beg, but fuck if the sound of it doesn't drive me absolutely mad."
This is an adventure fantasy and once we meet up with our side characters they take off for the Wicked Wood and beyond. And it's once we get moving with our whole cast of characters that things really pick up and the revelations and the TWISTS just keep coming. It's weaved together so expertly, and I did not see most of them coming. Especially the end! THE END. The CLIFFY.
Tropes to enjoy in this book:
Found Family
ONE HORSE
MMC has a dimple
Grumpy/Sunshine
Robin Hood vibes
Slow Burn Romance with spice
Mental Heath Rep
Cinnamon roll MMC with a a hot mouth
Magic
Friendly Wolves
I can't wait for the next one!
September 16, 2023
I have been chomping at the proverbial bit to get my hands on her book since we are so similar in taste. The excitement when she caved and sent the ARC a little early was monumental.
I was NOT disappointed. TTWW has a cinnamon bun MMC with swagger and secrets, and when he tacks on “love” to his sentences I swoon.
The FMC Elora’s battles with her demons is painfully relatable and her grief over her losses is palpable. Plus I love an FMC with daggers!
If you love the Found Family trope you’ll adore the one in this book, I just want to join them for a full moon night in their village.
There were several twists that had me sending caps lock reactions to Kristen during my read, and I’m already anxious to get back to this world whenever she finishes up book two!
I received an eARC in exchange for my honest review — opinions are all my own.
I was NOT disappointed. TTWW has a cinnamon bun MMC with swagger and secrets, and when he tacks on “love” to his sentences I swoon.
The FMC Elora’s battles with her demons is painfully relatable and her grief over her losses is palpable. Plus I love an FMC with daggers!
If you love the Found Family trope you’ll adore the one in this book, I just want to join them for a full moon night in their village.
There were several twists that had me sending caps lock reactions to Kristen during my read, and I’m already anxious to get back to this world whenever she finishes up book two!
I received an eARC in exchange for my honest review — opinions are all my own.
September 15, 2024
”I refuse to break for these people who see me as nothing more than a pawn in their games. As a means to their most ruthless desires. I deserve justice. My people deserve justice. And I will fight like hell to get it.”
Through the Wicked Wood may be a book about an Enchantress, but Kristen R. Moore is an enchantress in her own right whose writing, world-building, and characters will absolutely captivate you from the start and hold you until the very end!
I absolutely ADORED this book. From the moody & woodsy cottagecore vibes, to the slow burn romance, to the found family, this book had me in its grip! I felt fully immersed in TTWW as if I was experiencing it right along side with our main characters. That is a testament to Kristen's craft as a writer. She is methodical, intentional, and 100% knows her world and characters.
Sorin, our snarky thief, won my heart in about....4 pages & With his Robin Hood-like approach to life and his Flynn Rider type of charm, I fell hard for this sunshine boy.
Elora, our reclusive Enchantress, is a character that you will relate with so easily. She is strong and stubborn, but also reserved and guarded.
This book explores a lot with loss, grief, and guilt, and through the lens of Elora, it is so resonate and weighty.
I immediately loved the dynamic between Sorin and Elora. They had palpable chemistry just as strangers to allies, but then that grew into something more which became a satisfying slow burn romance.
If you love a book that has...
- moody, cottagecore vibes
- magical realism
- dual POV
- found family
- slow burn romance
- Wolves
- secrets & betrayal
... then please pick up TTWW!
Thank you so much, Kristen, for gifting me an eARC of your debut in exchange for my honest review!
4.5/5 ⭐️
Through the Wicked Wood may be a book about an Enchantress, but Kristen R. Moore is an enchantress in her own right whose writing, world-building, and characters will absolutely captivate you from the start and hold you until the very end!
I absolutely ADORED this book. From the moody & woodsy cottagecore vibes, to the slow burn romance, to the found family, this book had me in its grip! I felt fully immersed in TTWW as if I was experiencing it right along side with our main characters. That is a testament to Kristen's craft as a writer. She is methodical, intentional, and 100% knows her world and characters.
Sorin, our snarky thief, won my heart in about....4 pages & With his Robin Hood-like approach to life and his Flynn Rider type of charm, I fell hard for this sunshine boy.
Elora, our reclusive Enchantress, is a character that you will relate with so easily. She is strong and stubborn, but also reserved and guarded.
This book explores a lot with loss, grief, and guilt, and through the lens of Elora, it is so resonate and weighty.
I immediately loved the dynamic between Sorin and Elora. They had palpable chemistry just as strangers to allies, but then that grew into something more which became a satisfying slow burn romance.
If you love a book that has...
- moody, cottagecore vibes
- magical realism
- dual POV
- found family
- slow burn romance
- Wolves
- secrets & betrayal
... then please pick up TTWW!
Thank you so much, Kristen, for gifting me an eARC of your debut in exchange for my honest review!
4.5/5 ⭐️
September 26, 2023
Beta read this beautifully written book!!!
Favorite quote:
“The monster that stands before you, or the one that lives within. And tonight, I won’t fight that monster anymore. I’ll become it.“
~ Kristen Moore
Okay so my love for Sorin & Elora is deep. I loved how Moore writes, she was so eloquent in how she described her world, it was fantasy but didn’t take a novel of notes to keep track. For me the pacing felt right, the instant connection and tension between Sorin & Elora was perfect (not cheesy Insta-love), their slow burn is WELLLLL worth the wait. I loved uncovering all of Elora’s layers and discovering what made her who she is. There’s a connection she has with another character who shall not be named for the sake of not spoiling and I ADORED this connection, cried over this connection and just ahh LOVED it. Iykyk.
So many side characters to love and hate as we all enjoy in our books!!
Be prepared for feeling hurt by the ending. It hurts. But it will be worth it in book two (so I keep telling myself ha-ha)
To recap this in a short version this is what you can expect from this book:
We get an opportunity to go on an adventure, one filled with revenge, that will be a learning experience to trust again. Learning how to allow yourself to open to new opportunities and find the family you desperately need. But be careful because your going to loose your heart in the process and discover at the same time who you were always meant to be!
Troupes:
✨ Quest-Adventure
✨ One-Horse
✨ Grumpy 😠 FMC
✨ Sunshine ☀️ MMC
✨ Slow Burn 🔥
✨ Found Family 💕
✨ Mental health rep
✨ Revenge Quest
Favorite quote:
“The monster that stands before you, or the one that lives within. And tonight, I won’t fight that monster anymore. I’ll become it.“
~ Kristen Moore
Okay so my love for Sorin & Elora is deep. I loved how Moore writes, she was so eloquent in how she described her world, it was fantasy but didn’t take a novel of notes to keep track. For me the pacing felt right, the instant connection and tension between Sorin & Elora was perfect (not cheesy Insta-love), their slow burn is WELLLLL worth the wait. I loved uncovering all of Elora’s layers and discovering what made her who she is. There’s a connection she has with another character who shall not be named for the sake of not spoiling and I ADORED this connection, cried over this connection and just ahh LOVED it. Iykyk.
So many side characters to love and hate as we all enjoy in our books!!
Be prepared for feeling hurt by the ending. It hurts. But it will be worth it in book two (so I keep telling myself ha-ha)
To recap this in a short version this is what you can expect from this book:
We get an opportunity to go on an adventure, one filled with revenge, that will be a learning experience to trust again. Learning how to allow yourself to open to new opportunities and find the family you desperately need. But be careful because your going to loose your heart in the process and discover at the same time who you were always meant to be!
Troupes:
✨ Quest-Adventure
✨ One-Horse
✨ Grumpy 😠 FMC
✨ Sunshine ☀️ MMC
✨ Slow Burn 🔥
✨ Found Family 💕
✨ Mental health rep
✨ Revenge Quest
September 9, 2023
COZY. FANTASY. WOODS. ADVENTURE. ROMANCE. FOUND FAMILY. ANIMALS.
I devour fantasy books. They are pretty much all I read ever and Through the Wicked Wood is an absolute standout for me. This debut was absolutely fantastic to read.
I loved this read for many reasons. I loved the setting of the story - picture PNW like woods and forests and add in a cozy cottage core vibe and I was sold. I was lost in this world for four days. Lost in the trees, the streams, the warm towns. The misty feeling of being in the woods.
I loved the characters. All of them I felt like were fleshed out and I felt connected to each of them in the story (the people AND the animals). Elora was raw and flawed and sometimes she would say or think things that I felt so deeply in my own life. She will a character that will stay with me always.
The TWISTS. The last twenty percent of the book I was legit developing my anxiety hives on my neck. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough (yet didn’t want it to end!).
The writing. Kristen’s writing is beautiful. It flows and easily immersed me in the story. Her writing is the writing I love to get lost in. The reason I love to read.
This is the longest review I have written in awhile, but truly will be recommending this book to all. Whether you are a fantasy lover or new to fantasy I feel that you will enjoy this story from start to finish.
I was very lucky to receive and arc of this book. This review is honest and completely my own!
I devour fantasy books. They are pretty much all I read ever and Through the Wicked Wood is an absolute standout for me. This debut was absolutely fantastic to read.
I loved this read for many reasons. I loved the setting of the story - picture PNW like woods and forests and add in a cozy cottage core vibe and I was sold. I was lost in this world for four days. Lost in the trees, the streams, the warm towns. The misty feeling of being in the woods.
I loved the characters. All of them I felt like were fleshed out and I felt connected to each of them in the story (the people AND the animals). Elora was raw and flawed and sometimes she would say or think things that I felt so deeply in my own life. She will a character that will stay with me always.
The TWISTS. The last twenty percent of the book I was legit developing my anxiety hives on my neck. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough (yet didn’t want it to end!).
The writing. Kristen’s writing is beautiful. It flows and easily immersed me in the story. Her writing is the writing I love to get lost in. The reason I love to read.
This is the longest review I have written in awhile, but truly will be recommending this book to all. Whether you are a fantasy lover or new to fantasy I feel that you will enjoy this story from start to finish.
I was very lucky to receive and arc of this book. This review is honest and completely my own!
October 12, 2023
Through the Wicked Wood is a debut fantasy romance with both cozy and magi(k)/adventure vibes with characters that you will undoubtedly relate to on a multitude of levels.
First of all: this is a good story. I caught myself thinking about it throughout the day whenever I had to set it down, always wondering "what will happen next?" "Is that a possible plot twist?", etc.
*MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD*
What I loved:
-The vibes in this story were immaculate. Chef's kiss. I'm not going to even to try and describe it because I would be doing the book an injustice -- the author's descriptors were truly magical. I felt like I was RIGHT there with Elora.
-The themes were POWERFUL. Some one-liners had me teary-eyed. The way this author's FMC walked through her grief was something I haven't seen done before. Brutally honest. Beautifully broken. Elora's struggles invite us into the uncomfortable with a strength we find alongside her.
-The mental health rep was stellar. Very well done use of PTSD and anxiety portrayals. I had to set the book down a few times because I needed to check in with myself! Excellent work.
-The Wicked Wood scenes had me in a literal chokehold. SO creepy, SO haunting, and I loved everything about it. The bargains, Grawgeth, the souls trapped in trees? Scared the sh*t out of me and I loved it.
What kept it from a 4/5 star rating (for me):
-While I believe the author has a solid handle on her world, magick system, etc., I felt like, as a reader, I did not. Some fantasy authors info dump and it's overwhelming, but I felt like the opposite happened in this book. I was left with A LOT of questions of how things did or didn't work regarding the magick system, Dysrjels, cities, lay of the land, etc. This lack of information for me as a reader had me questioning some very concerning choices these characters made. I was also left confused at certain points, especially towards the end where some plot twists didn't make sense to me given what little we knew about the world up to that point.
-The first 60% of the book was slow. I had considered DNFing a few times because some chapters didn't seem to move the plot forward and had me wondering "why is this here?". BUT I will say this is where some of those beautiful descriptors really shined. There were also some wonderfully crafted vignettes where we learned more about Elora and Sorin. But I would've liked to see some more plot movement in those scenes to keep me on a "I need to keep reading" pace.
-I'm honestly so sad to say this... but Sorin and Elora didn't vibe as a couple for me. I'm not totally sure why other than they connected fairly fast and the main reasoning we get is "fate". I'm sure this will be explored more in the second book, but I had a hard time believing our extremely cautious and anxiety-ridden FMC would so easily trust this MMC (even though I love him to bits and pieces) even with fate at play. Maybe fated mates just isn't my thing?
OVERALL
This is an intriguing and good story! I would definitely recommend this if you enjoy reading fantasy romance, adventure, and want a book that's perfect for fall. The Epilogue was probably my favorite chapter which makes me VERY excited for the next installment! A lot of sh*t is about to go down and you better believe I won't be missing it. Congrats to the author on her debut novel!! I can't wait to see what more she brings to us as her career continues!
First of all: this is a good story. I caught myself thinking about it throughout the day whenever I had to set it down, always wondering "what will happen next?" "Is that a possible plot twist?", etc.
*MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD*
What I loved:
-The vibes in this story were immaculate. Chef's kiss. I'm not going to even to try and describe it because I would be doing the book an injustice -- the author's descriptors were truly magical. I felt like I was RIGHT there with Elora.
-The themes were POWERFUL. Some one-liners had me teary-eyed. The way this author's FMC walked through her grief was something I haven't seen done before. Brutally honest. Beautifully broken. Elora's struggles invite us into the uncomfortable with a strength we find alongside her.
-The mental health rep was stellar. Very well done use of PTSD and anxiety portrayals. I had to set the book down a few times because I needed to check in with myself! Excellent work.
-The Wicked Wood scenes had me in a literal chokehold. SO creepy, SO haunting, and I loved everything about it. The bargains, Grawgeth, the souls trapped in trees? Scared the sh*t out of me and I loved it.
What kept it from a 4/5 star rating (for me):
-While I believe the author has a solid handle on her world, magick system, etc., I felt like, as a reader, I did not. Some fantasy authors info dump and it's overwhelming, but I felt like the opposite happened in this book. I was left with A LOT of questions of how things did or didn't work regarding the magick system, Dysrjels, cities, lay of the land, etc. This lack of information for me as a reader had me questioning some very concerning choices these characters made. I was also left confused at certain points, especially towards the end where some plot twists didn't make sense to me given what little we knew about the world up to that point.
-The first 60% of the book was slow. I had considered DNFing a few times because some chapters didn't seem to move the plot forward and had me wondering "why is this here?". BUT I will say this is where some of those beautiful descriptors really shined. There were also some wonderfully crafted vignettes where we learned more about Elora and Sorin. But I would've liked to see some more plot movement in those scenes to keep me on a "I need to keep reading" pace.
-I'm honestly so sad to say this... but Sorin and Elora didn't vibe as a couple for me. I'm not totally sure why other than they connected fairly fast and the main reasoning we get is "fate". I'm sure this will be explored more in the second book, but I had a hard time believing our extremely cautious and anxiety-ridden FMC would so easily trust this MMC (even though I love him to bits and pieces) even with fate at play. Maybe fated mates just isn't my thing?
OVERALL
This is an intriguing and good story! I would definitely recommend this if you enjoy reading fantasy romance, adventure, and want a book that's perfect for fall. The Epilogue was probably my favorite chapter which makes me VERY excited for the next installment! A lot of sh*t is about to go down and you better believe I won't be missing it. Congrats to the author on her debut novel!! I can't wait to see what more she brings to us as her career continues!
September 14, 2023
This debut novel was everything I wanted in a fantasy book. I think it is the perfect autumn book and you guys should add it to your tbr!
The writing was so vivid and beautiful it made me forget I was reading. The atmosphere and vibes were impeccable. It remined me a lot of The Witcher and Godkiller, which I both loved + a little sprinkle of Robin Hood.
It was a pleasure meeting all those characters and getting to know them better. They all felt so real and raw. Elora was my favourite! She was just so relatable, strong, flawed, she really just felt so real and I'll be thinking about her for a very long time. Sorin was the sunshine opposite and I also enjoyed his character so much. Not only were the main characters complex, also all side-characters were so wonderfully written.
The romance is open door but in my opinion not overly spicy.
I loved all the little twists of the novel and I was devouring the last few chapters because I needed to know what was coming next! The book ended on a cliffhanger, but I'm so so sooooo excited for the novella and book number 2!
I really can't wait to hold my own physical copy in my hands, so I can do a proper reread with annotating, because I'm sure I missed so many little details of this truly amazing world.
I think it is the perfect book for all fantasy lovers but also for everyone new to the genre!
Pick it up if you like:
• cozy vibes
• a slow burn romance
• grumpy vs. sunshine
• fated mates
• only one horse
• found family
• animal companions
• forbidden magick
• betrayal
• mental health rep
Thank you the author for letting me read it early. I'm so in love with this world, story and characters.
The writing was so vivid and beautiful it made me forget I was reading. The atmosphere and vibes were impeccable. It remined me a lot of The Witcher and Godkiller, which I both loved + a little sprinkle of Robin Hood.
It was a pleasure meeting all those characters and getting to know them better. They all felt so real and raw. Elora was my favourite! She was just so relatable, strong, flawed, she really just felt so real and I'll be thinking about her for a very long time. Sorin was the sunshine opposite and I also enjoyed his character so much. Not only were the main characters complex, also all side-characters were so wonderfully written.
The romance is open door but in my opinion not overly spicy.
I loved all the little twists of the novel and I was devouring the last few chapters because I needed to know what was coming next! The book ended on a cliffhanger, but I'm so so sooooo excited for the novella and book number 2!
I really can't wait to hold my own physical copy in my hands, so I can do a proper reread with annotating, because I'm sure I missed so many little details of this truly amazing world.
I think it is the perfect book for all fantasy lovers but also for everyone new to the genre!
Pick it up if you like:
• cozy vibes
• a slow burn romance
• grumpy vs. sunshine
• fated mates
• only one horse
• found family
• animal companions
• forbidden magick
• betrayal
• mental health rep
Thank you the author for letting me read it early. I'm so in love with this world, story and characters.
September 12, 2023
First I’d like to Thank Kristen Moore for allowing me to enter her world with this advance reader copy. It was a delight.
This is the first installment of a series which details a what could be considered a witch, but is called an enchantress in this world. It does have some darker elements that deal with loss and mental health but doesn’t feel so heavy that it takes away the enjoyment of the story. I enjoyed the fantastical elements of this story and loved the build up of the forest scenes. If you enjoy character driven plots with a found family trope then you might enjoy this book. It does have mature themes, so if you don’t like open door scenes then you might want to skip certain chapters.
My only complaint with it is probably be the pacing, it does go a bit slow in the beginning and at certain points it seems as if more time has passed than actually has. However it does pick up significantly toward the last third of the book.
It does end on a massive cliffhanger for which I will be protesting about lol.
This is the first installment of a series which details a what could be considered a witch, but is called an enchantress in this world. It does have some darker elements that deal with loss and mental health but doesn’t feel so heavy that it takes away the enjoyment of the story. I enjoyed the fantastical elements of this story and loved the build up of the forest scenes. If you enjoy character driven plots with a found family trope then you might enjoy this book. It does have mature themes, so if you don’t like open door scenes then you might want to skip certain chapters.
My only complaint with it is probably be the pacing, it does go a bit slow in the beginning and at certain points it seems as if more time has passed than actually has. However it does pick up significantly toward the last third of the book.
It does end on a massive cliffhanger for which I will be protesting about lol.
October 17, 2023
4.5 stars
I loved this book! It was a rollercoaster ride that I was definitely not ready to get off of yet and that has left me wanting more!
I really enjoyed the relationship between Elora and Sorin, and I absolutely loved the reverse grumpy x sunshine aspect. I could definitely tell that trust is a big issue with Elora, and her backstory is so emotional that I could almost forgive her for her surly behavior and anger. I thought Sorin was done really well, by having some moments of darkness to balance his sunshine personality.
Overall this is definitely a book I would recommend and would read over again!
Aside from the awesome development of the main characters, the world building was amazing, and the story was excellent! I wish I didn't have to wait so long for book 2!
I loved this book! It was a rollercoaster ride that I was definitely not ready to get off of yet and that has left me wanting more!
I really enjoyed the relationship between Elora and Sorin, and I absolutely loved the reverse grumpy x sunshine aspect. I could definitely tell that trust is a big issue with Elora, and her backstory is so emotional that I could almost forgive her for her surly behavior and anger. I thought Sorin was done really well, by having some moments of darkness to balance his sunshine personality.
Overall this is definitely a book I would recommend and would read over again!
Aside from the awesome development of the main characters, the world building was amazing, and the story was excellent! I wish I didn't have to wait so long for book 2!
April 4, 2025
“𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓂𝒶𝑔𝒾𝒸𝓀, 𝓈𝓊𝓈𝒾.”
✨⭐️✨
This cozy romantasy is a Robin Hood inspired woodsy adventure— with a corrupt king, magical discovery, quest for revenge, and a fated love story.
It has kings, enchantresses, wolves, witches, murderous crows, quests, elemental magic, mental health rep, hidden village, found family, a game of strip poker, bargains, betrayal and secrets.
Elora is an introverted enchantress on a new journey, facing her past and the monster within to claim the future she desires— one with him by her side.
Sorin is the sunny romantic thief whose purpose has resurfaced as the Enchantress has entered his life, igniting his need for justice.
Their grumpy/sunshine slow burn romance is filled with secrets, one horse, a dash of spice, and a piece of home— all with a scowl and a smile.
Overall, I liked this story. And the ending has so many twists that I need to see how everything turns out.
“𝐿𝑒𝓉 𝓂𝑒 𝓈𝑒𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓂𝑜𝓃𝓈𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒸𝓁𝒶𝒾𝓂 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝑒. 𝐿𝑒𝓉 𝓂𝑒 𝓈𝑒𝑒 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓁𝑒𝓉 𝓂𝑒 𝒸𝒽𝑜𝑜𝓈𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓃𝓎𝓌𝒶𝓎. 𝐵𝑒𝒸𝒶𝓊𝓈𝑒 𝐼 𝓌𝒾𝓁𝓁. 𝐼’𝓁𝓁 𝓈𝓉𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝒸𝒽𝑜𝑜𝓈𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊.”
✨⭐️✨
This cozy romantasy is a Robin Hood inspired woodsy adventure— with a corrupt king, magical discovery, quest for revenge, and a fated love story.
It has kings, enchantresses, wolves, witches, murderous crows, quests, elemental magic, mental health rep, hidden village, found family, a game of strip poker, bargains, betrayal and secrets.
Elora is an introverted enchantress on a new journey, facing her past and the monster within to claim the future she desires— one with him by her side.
Sorin is the sunny romantic thief whose purpose has resurfaced as the Enchantress has entered his life, igniting his need for justice.
Their grumpy/sunshine slow burn romance is filled with secrets, one horse, a dash of spice, and a piece of home— all with a scowl and a smile.
Overall, I liked this story. And the ending has so many twists that I need to see how everything turns out.
“𝐿𝑒𝓉 𝓂𝑒 𝓈𝑒𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓂𝑜𝓃𝓈𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒸𝓁𝒶𝒾𝓂 𝓉𝑜 𝒷𝑒. 𝐿𝑒𝓉 𝓂𝑒 𝓈𝑒𝑒 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓁𝑒𝓉 𝓂𝑒 𝒸𝒽𝑜𝑜𝓈𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓃𝓎𝓌𝒶𝓎. 𝐵𝑒𝒸𝒶𝓊𝓈𝑒 𝐼 𝓌𝒾𝓁𝓁. 𝐼’𝓁𝓁 𝓈𝓉𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝒸𝒽𝑜𝑜𝓈𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊.”
January 8, 2024
This is such a wonderful debut, that was filled with the best vibes. I loved all of the characters, their personalities, and the connections they have with each other. Loved all there twists that came in the last 20-30%. I'll be patiently waiting for the next book, can't wait to see where this story goes next.
“Whatever it is that’s going on inside your mind,” he says, “whatever darkness inflicts you there, it will never be dark enough to scare me away,”
🐺Vibes🐺
Found family
Animal companions
One horse
Magic
Secrets
Cheeky Robin Hood
Romantasy
“Whatever it is that’s going on inside your mind,” he says, “whatever darkness inflicts you there, it will never be dark enough to scare me away,”
🐺Vibes🐺
Found family
Animal companions
One horse
Magic
Secrets
Cheeky Robin Hood
Romantasy
August 29, 2023
I beta read this book and let me tell you…… take me away to the wicked woods please. Kristin did an outstanding job with world building and character development. I was hooked from the moment I started and when the spice hit *chefs kiss*. On top of that she managed to pull off a shock for me that had me messaging her immediately for details lol.
March 8, 2024
I have so many feeeeeelings!!!
The pacing and imagery of this book is so beautiful. I love how it shows the darkness one can feel with grief and blame. But I love the light it shows with finding a family. I loved it so much🥹
The pacing and imagery of this book is so beautiful. I love how it shows the darkness one can feel with grief and blame. But I love the light it shows with finding a family. I loved it so much🥹
January 6, 2024
OH. MY. WORD. I’m obsessed. I was meant to read it over a few weeks with a buddy read… but nope had to binge read it.
I need the next book!!!! I’m unwell. In the best way.
I need the next book!!!! I’m unwell. In the best way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews