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Lore of the Wilds #1
Lore of the Wilds
A library with a deadly enchantment.
A Fae lord who wants in.
A human woman willing to risk it all for a taste of power.
In a land ruled by ruthless Fae, twenty-one-year-old Lore Alemeyu’s village is trapped in a forested prison. Lore knows that any escape attempt is futile—her scars are a testament to her past failures. But when her village is threatened, Lore makes a desperate deal with a Fae lord. She will leave her home to catalog/organize an enchanted library that hasn’t been touched in a thousand years. No Fae may enter the library, but there is a chance a human might be able to breach the cursed doors.
She convinces him that she will risk her life for wealth, but really she’s after the one thing the Fae covet above all: magic of her own.
As Lore navigates the hostile world outside, she’s forced to rely on two Fae males to survive. Two very different, very dangerous, very attractive Fae males. When undeniable chemistry ignites, she’s not just in danger of losing her life, but her heart to the very creatures she can never trust.
A Fae lord who wants in.
A human woman willing to risk it all for a taste of power.
In a land ruled by ruthless Fae, twenty-one-year-old Lore Alemeyu’s village is trapped in a forested prison. Lore knows that any escape attempt is futile—her scars are a testament to her past failures. But when her village is threatened, Lore makes a desperate deal with a Fae lord. She will leave her home to catalog/organize an enchanted library that hasn’t been touched in a thousand years. No Fae may enter the library, but there is a chance a human might be able to breach the cursed doors.
She convinces him that she will risk her life for wealth, but really she’s after the one thing the Fae covet above all: magic of her own.
As Lore navigates the hostile world outside, she’s forced to rely on two Fae males to survive. Two very different, very dangerous, very attractive Fae males. When undeniable chemistry ignites, she’s not just in danger of losing her life, but her heart to the very creatures she can never trust.
338 pages, Paperback
First published February 27, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,551 reviews
June 6, 2023
I'm a little biased but this is my favorite book I've ever read.
March 31, 2024
I enjoyed the very real idea presented about history being stolen, fighting to find out the truth about where you come from, and accessing knowledge that has been hidden. This story had a lot of potential with that set-up, but it was a mess.
There is no chemistry between Lore and either of the two potential love interests. The pace moved extraordinarily fast, and we had no time to sit with our main character and really understand her developing feelings. There was a certain *reveal* with one of the men, and an enemies-to-lovers dynamic with the other, both of which could have been far more impactful had the author committed and let certain events play out to meet their full dramatic potential.
Speaking of pace, I found there to be way too much foreshadowing and then subsequent reflection. The book spent pages and pages setting up a scene and explaining to us the stakes involved of Lore completing a certain task, and then once the task was completed, pages and pages more of Lore considering what just happened and replaying it for us. There had to have been 5-6 very low impact scenes like this.
But then during what should have been big moments of discovery, the book would go "And Lore just had a sense of knowing that this was the right answer." and then suddenly it's "TWO WEEKS LATER..." as if those scenes weren't drastically altering the direction of the plot.
I don't think this book perfectly balanced its tone. To me, it felt like it wanted to be cozy fantasy for so much of it; Lore getting brought into this potentially dangerous situation, but getting unexpectedly welcomed in with new clothes and money and delicious food we read her endlessly moaning over. But then there were gruesome discoveries, descriptive deaths, and extreme betrayal...it just went so far in the other direction that it felt tonally confused. Throw in a strangely placed sex scene and I was officially lost. I don't think it's impossible to have both soft and intense vibes present in the same book, but because it jumped between them so quickly and didn't spend much time in the middle, the intended reader takeaway and impression was indeterminable.
I might read the sequel just to see how this duology might redeem itself.
There is no chemistry between Lore and either of the two potential love interests. The pace moved extraordinarily fast, and we had no time to sit with our main character and really understand her developing feelings. There was a certain *reveal* with one of the men, and an enemies-to-lovers dynamic with the other, both of which could have been far more impactful had the author committed and let certain events play out to meet their full dramatic potential.
Speaking of pace, I found there to be way too much foreshadowing and then subsequent reflection. The book spent pages and pages setting up a scene and explaining to us the stakes involved of Lore completing a certain task, and then once the task was completed, pages and pages more of Lore considering what just happened and replaying it for us. There had to have been 5-6 very low impact scenes like this.
But then during what should have been big moments of discovery, the book would go "And Lore just had a sense of knowing that this was the right answer." and then suddenly it's "TWO WEEKS LATER..." as if those scenes weren't drastically altering the direction of the plot.
I don't think this book perfectly balanced its tone. To me, it felt like it wanted to be cozy fantasy for so much of it; Lore getting brought into this potentially dangerous situation, but getting unexpectedly welcomed in with new clothes and money and delicious food we read her endlessly moaning over. But then there were gruesome discoveries, descriptive deaths, and extreme betrayal...it just went so far in the other direction that it felt tonally confused. Throw in a strangely placed sex scene and I was officially lost. I don't think it's impossible to have both soft and intense vibes present in the same book, but because it jumped between them so quickly and didn't spend much time in the middle, the intended reader takeaway and impression was indeterminable.
I might read the sequel just to see how this duology might redeem itself.
March 29, 2024
i am SO sad that this wasn't a win for me
the romance(s) weren't well developed enough for me, the writing/pacing were a little clunky, and i just... was ultimately pretty bored. adore the cover, and definitely interested to read more from this author in the future. but this felt like the debut it was.
(also, it's been an issue more often for me that i pick up books that read like YA but happen to have sex scenes. yes this was marketed as an adult romantasy but between the cover and the writing... i think this could have been YA without the sex scene. the themes were a lil immature idk)
the romance(s) weren't well developed enough for me, the writing/pacing were a little clunky, and i just... was ultimately pretty bored. adore the cover, and definitely interested to read more from this author in the future. but this felt like the debut it was.
(also, it's been an issue more often for me that i pick up books that read like YA but happen to have sex scenes. yes this was marketed as an adult romantasy but between the cover and the writing... i think this could have been YA without the sex scene. the themes were a lil immature idk)
February 27, 2024
This book will work for you if you loved A Court Of Thorns and Roses (as in, book one in that trilogy). It has a lot in common with that book. Reading is subjective, every book has an audience, and I think the audience for this book is folks who loved ACOTAR.
So this started out either so much promise but ultimately disappointed me. I can handle instalove sometimes, I can handle love triangles sometimes, but this is an example of a time where they don’t work for me.
I also thought this would be cozier. Instead it was a bit all over the place. Same with the writing on a verbiage level. It would feel written for a younger audience and then suddenly we were in an adult book. It didn’t remain consistent and at times this inconsistency was jarring.
I thought we were going to have an animal companion but this fox gets brought up once or twice, falls off the map, and then shows up right at the end where it turns into a moth. I do not understand why we did any of this.
The love interests… oh boy. So, ones backstory made no sense. And at the end you find out why it made no sense. And the answer was… not good. The other guy gets dropped in at about 65%, is already willing to fight for Lore by 10% later, but still does a hot/cold thing to the MC for the rest of the book.
The plot… is all over the place. The big reveal of what’s being done came out of NOWHERE. I don’t understand why we did any of this, what the point was, what I was supposed to be feeling. I want to understand, I want to get invested. This just didn’t hit the mark for me anywhere EXCEPT for the library. I really, really enjoyed the library and the grimoire.
So this started out either so much promise but ultimately disappointed me. I can handle instalove sometimes, I can handle love triangles sometimes, but this is an example of a time where they don’t work for me.
I also thought this would be cozier. Instead it was a bit all over the place. Same with the writing on a verbiage level. It would feel written for a younger audience and then suddenly we were in an adult book. It didn’t remain consistent and at times this inconsistency was jarring.
I thought we were going to have an animal companion but this fox gets brought up once or twice, falls off the map, and then shows up right at the end where it turns into a moth. I do not understand why we did any of this.
The love interests… oh boy. So, ones backstory made no sense. And at the end you find out why it made no sense. And the answer was… not good. The other guy gets dropped in at about 65%, is already willing to fight for Lore by 10% later, but still does a hot/cold thing to the MC for the rest of the book.
The plot… is all over the place. The big reveal of what’s being done came out of NOWHERE. I don’t understand why we did any of this, what the point was, what I was supposed to be feeling. I want to understand, I want to get invested. This just didn’t hit the mark for me anywhere EXCEPT for the library. I really, really enjoyed the library and the grimoire.
February 21, 2024
Believe me, no one is more disappointed that I didn't fall in love with this book than me. It's a diverse fantasy, it's cottagecore, it features an enchanted library - on the surface, it ticked all the boxes and it's the most excited I've been for a fantasy romance in a long time. I had 3 main issues which really impacted my enjoyment of and engagement with the story:
1. Maturity of writing - this was a conflation of several sub-issues, and collectively they significantly impacted my enjoyment of the book. Issues included:
- Over-repeated (and occasionally cliche) descriptions e.g., the MC constantly describing the love interest as "tasting like blackberries and honey" or "smelling like cedarwood"
- Trope for trope's sake e.g., stopping at an inn and immediately being told the room has only one bed, introducing a half-day training sequence (master/apprentice style) with no follow-up
- Unrealistic character development e.g., the MC having no experience wielding weapons, being trained in using a dagger for a few hours, and then being able to hold her own in a fight against trained opponents
- Unrealistic plot development e.g., encountering a very challenging situation and being able to resolve it literally overnight
2. Pacing issues - the pacing was extremely inconsistent throughout the book e.g., very fast-paced at the start, very slow in the middle. I don't mind changes in pace during a book, but the high volume of changes combined with the slow paced sections feeling like they dragged did not make for the best reading experience.
3. Romance - I can't quite put my finger on the exact issue, but the romance between the MC and main male love interest simply didn't feel believable to me - the development of their feelings felt inauthentic, and their chemistry was lacking.
All that being said, I also think I perhaps wasn't the right audience for this book - I was expecting it to share more similarities with books like Legendborn or The Final Strife (both of which I absolutely loved), but I think in reality this is closer to books like These Hollow Vows (which I found a more generic and less engaging read). I think fans of more commercial fantasy romance may enjoy this book, and again, it's wonderful to see more diverse representation in the sub-genre - I hope this paves the way for more traditionally-published BIPOC romantasy in 2024 and beyond.
1. Maturity of writing - this was a conflation of several sub-issues, and collectively they significantly impacted my enjoyment of the book. Issues included:
- Over-repeated (and occasionally cliche) descriptions e.g., the MC constantly describing the love interest as "tasting like blackberries and honey" or "smelling like cedarwood"
- Trope for trope's sake e.g., stopping at an inn and immediately being told the room has only one bed, introducing a half-day training sequence (master/apprentice style) with no follow-up
- Unrealistic character development e.g., the MC having no experience wielding weapons, being trained in using a dagger for a few hours, and then being able to hold her own in a fight against trained opponents
- Unrealistic plot development e.g., encountering a very challenging situation and being able to resolve it literally overnight
2. Pacing issues - the pacing was extremely inconsistent throughout the book e.g., very fast-paced at the start, very slow in the middle. I don't mind changes in pace during a book, but the high volume of changes combined with the slow paced sections feeling like they dragged did not make for the best reading experience.
3. Romance - I can't quite put my finger on the exact issue, but the romance between the MC and main male love interest simply didn't feel believable to me - the development of their feelings felt inauthentic, and their chemistry was lacking.
All that being said, I also think I perhaps wasn't the right audience for this book - I was expecting it to share more similarities with books like Legendborn or The Final Strife (both of which I absolutely loved), but I think in reality this is closer to books like These Hollow Vows (which I found a more generic and less engaging read). I think fans of more commercial fantasy romance may enjoy this book, and again, it's wonderful to see more diverse representation in the sub-genre - I hope this paves the way for more traditionally-published BIPOC romantasy in 2024 and beyond.
November 8, 2023
5 ⭐️
What did I just read and how do I make it my entire personality?
THE PLOT
Lore is a human imprisoned in a land called Duskmere, where all human are kept away from the fae civilization. After a natural disaster, Lore is summed by the high fae to work in their library, which holds hidden magic that Lore is tasked to find, as no fae can enter the library, in exchange for the rebuilding of her town. Once Lore finds a magical book that she has harnessed its powers and learned that her town is in fact in worse shape then when she left, she is determined to learn and master her newfound magic in hopes of saving the people she loves.
MY THOUGHTS
It is safe to say that this has the most in depth magic system and world building I have yet to read in a fantasy book. At the beginning, I'll be honest I was very confused. The book kinda just throws you into the deep end without really knowing much. However, if you stick through it (about 15% of the way through) it gets SO GOOD. I had the most magical time of my life reading this book. The world building was INSANE!! I could actually picture myself in this world as if I'm Lore. Absolutely incredible. I could not put this book down for the life of me. I'm still in utter awe.
The side characters in this book have my entire heart. Isla and Finn? I'd marry them both. Speaking of characters...Lore's character development? Unreal. It was so amazing to read her powerless and how later on she uses her powers to save those she loves just made my heart so warm. She must be protected at all costs. Now let's talk about Asher...I dont want to spoil anything but before the plot twist, he would be my new book boyfriend. He was so baby I loved him so much.
SPEAKING OF PLOT TWISTS...WHAT DID I JUST READ??? Miss Sbrana how can you play my heart like that? 🥹 I was not expending that ending in a million years and I was ON THE DAMN FLOOR. yall need to read this like right now. Definitely one of my favorite fantasy books of the year. my heart is in pieces because of this book. This was an ARC and it doesn't release for a while but when the second book in this series becomes available, I am running so fast to NetGalley.
Thank you to Netgalley, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Analeigh Sbrana for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review. 🩷
FAVORITE QUOTES AND SCENES
"When I saw you being led into the castle, you looked so lost, and I knew they would eat that up. That something terrible would happen to you in one of them had been assigned to you."
Asher looked away, almost embarrassed.
"So I traded in my regular guards uniform for this one and volunteered."
fuck him for wanting me to hide. For implying that her very existence was loathsome. she was proud of who she was, of what she was.
"My favorite stories are the ones I can escape into. The ones I can leave behind this bleak existence and be somebody else, even if its just for a little while. Someone braver than me. Someone with the power to change their circumstances."
"But the truth is, I'm still here because I want to help you. To be honest, the thought of leaving you on your own never once crossed my mind."
"Thank you. Both of you. Come back, okay? Don't leave me here forever."
"Never."
Asher leaned in, pressing the lightest of kisses to her lips.
"Power is beautiful and, Lore, you're the most beautiful creature I've ever lain eyes on."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
never been more excited for an arc!! 🤭
What did I just read and how do I make it my entire personality?
THE PLOT
Lore is a human imprisoned in a land called Duskmere, where all human are kept away from the fae civilization. After a natural disaster, Lore is summed by the high fae to work in their library, which holds hidden magic that Lore is tasked to find, as no fae can enter the library, in exchange for the rebuilding of her town. Once Lore finds a magical book that she has harnessed its powers and learned that her town is in fact in worse shape then when she left, she is determined to learn and master her newfound magic in hopes of saving the people she loves.
MY THOUGHTS
It is safe to say that this has the most in depth magic system and world building I have yet to read in a fantasy book. At the beginning, I'll be honest I was very confused. The book kinda just throws you into the deep end without really knowing much. However, if you stick through it (about 15% of the way through) it gets SO GOOD. I had the most magical time of my life reading this book. The world building was INSANE!! I could actually picture myself in this world as if I'm Lore. Absolutely incredible. I could not put this book down for the life of me. I'm still in utter awe.
The side characters in this book have my entire heart. Isla and Finn? I'd marry them both. Speaking of characters...Lore's character development? Unreal. It was so amazing to read her powerless and how later on she uses her powers to save those she loves just made my heart so warm. She must be protected at all costs. Now let's talk about Asher...I dont want to spoil anything but before the plot twist, he would be my new book boyfriend. He was so baby I loved him so much.
SPEAKING OF PLOT TWISTS...WHAT DID I JUST READ??? Miss Sbrana how can you play my heart like that? 🥹 I was not expending that ending in a million years and I was ON THE DAMN FLOOR. yall need to read this like right now. Definitely one of my favorite fantasy books of the year. my heart is in pieces because of this book. This was an ARC and it doesn't release for a while but when the second book in this series becomes available, I am running so fast to NetGalley.
Thank you to Netgalley, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Analeigh Sbrana for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review. 🩷
FAVORITE QUOTES AND SCENES
"When I saw you being led into the castle, you looked so lost, and I knew they would eat that up. That something terrible would happen to you in one of them had been assigned to you."
Asher looked away, almost embarrassed.
"So I traded in my regular guards uniform for this one and volunteered."
fuck him for wanting me to hide. For implying that her very existence was loathsome. she was proud of who she was, of what she was.
"My favorite stories are the ones I can escape into. The ones I can leave behind this bleak existence and be somebody else, even if its just for a little while. Someone braver than me. Someone with the power to change their circumstances."
"But the truth is, I'm still here because I want to help you. To be honest, the thought of leaving you on your own never once crossed my mind."
"Thank you. Both of you. Come back, okay? Don't leave me here forever."
"Never."
Asher leaned in, pressing the lightest of kisses to her lips.
"Power is beautiful and, Lore, you're the most beautiful creature I've ever lain eyes on."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
never been more excited for an arc!! 🤭
April 28, 2024
Unfortunately, Lore of the Wilds was one of the most chaotic and underwhelming books that I have read in a minute. And listen, I don’t say this lightly. I know that this is a debut author of color and that this book is very hyped. I also know that people (based on conversations) are hesitant to critique this book for whatever reason. But I’ve said this before-- equality also means equal opportunity for mediocrity.
Lore of the Wilds very desperately needs some editing and some direction. This book has been designated as adult fantasy/romantasy. And yes, there are definitely some very adult moments. But the explicitly steamy scenes appear on the heels of some very immature and silly character choices and any romance feels driven by teenage hormones.
Lore herself was a very strange character. She grows up in an oppressive regime yet remains overly trusting. She always seems to be running away, daydreaming about some hot dude, or just making nonsensical sacrifices that sound noble on paper but are ultimately very stupid. Like at one point she starts drinking with a stranger at a bar, gets drunk, and then spills all of her secrets to them. This woman is a fugitive. She is wanted by the scary fae authorities. And here she is, airing all of her dirty laundry to someone she met a few hours ago and then swerves into hormone territory and starts making out with someone else. Lore is impulsive in the way I expect from teenage characters, not adults with the weight of their people on their shoulders.
Antics aside, the plot of was unevenly paced. The character arcs were inconsistent and unsatisfying. And the ending didn’t make a lot of sense or really align with any fae/faerie lore.
I did love the grimoire and the magical library and all of the potential that the magic system had. However, the myriad issues were glaring and extremely distracting. Lore of the Wilds should have undergone some major editing and been designated as YA.
Edit: I read the book in December 2023 and this review was written for bookstagram. Hope that helps with context in the first paragraph.
https://www.instagram.com/p/C1437VZrw...
Lore of the Wilds very desperately needs some editing and some direction. This book has been designated as adult fantasy/romantasy. And yes, there are definitely some very adult moments. But the explicitly steamy scenes appear on the heels of some very immature and silly character choices and any romance feels driven by teenage hormones.
Lore herself was a very strange character. She grows up in an oppressive regime yet remains overly trusting. She always seems to be running away, daydreaming about some hot dude, or just making nonsensical sacrifices that sound noble on paper but are ultimately very stupid. Like at one point she starts drinking with a stranger at a bar, gets drunk, and then spills all of her secrets to them. This woman is a fugitive. She is wanted by the scary fae authorities. And here she is, airing all of her dirty laundry to someone she met a few hours ago and then swerves into hormone territory and starts making out with someone else. Lore is impulsive in the way I expect from teenage characters, not adults with the weight of their people on their shoulders.
Antics aside, the plot of was unevenly paced. The character arcs were inconsistent and unsatisfying. And the ending didn’t make a lot of sense or really align with any fae/faerie lore.
I did love the grimoire and the magical library and all of the potential that the magic system had. However, the myriad issues were glaring and extremely distracting. Lore of the Wilds should have undergone some major editing and been designated as YA.
Edit: I read the book in December 2023 and this review was written for bookstagram. Hope that helps with context in the first paragraph.
https://www.instagram.com/p/C1437VZrw...
March 9, 2025
I'm not gonna be a hater this time but there's no way I could give it more than a 2.5/5 for the following reasons:
-It doesn't feel original at all
-It's adult but it reads like YA
-Main character is stupid
-It feels like there's no real plot, just a bunch of possible scenarios in a fantasy thrown together
-Forgettable love interests.
-''Oooh I'm so small! Smaller than most humans!''
-MC feels guilt about putting everyone in danger but still continues to put them... in more danger. Girl, lol, just leave!
-Every plan is dumb and only works out because they're... main characters and they need to stay alive
-It doesn't feel original at all
-It's adult but it reads like YA
-Main character is stupid
-It feels like there's no real plot, just a bunch of possible scenarios in a fantasy thrown together
-Forgettable love interests.
-''Oooh I'm so small! Smaller than most humans!''
-MC feels guilt about putting everyone in danger but still continues to put them... in more danger. Girl, lol, just leave!
-Every plan is dumb and only works out because they're... main characters and they need to stay alive
May 19, 2025
✩ 2.5 stars ✩
What to Expect:
➼ Enchanted Library
➼ Found Family
➼ Enemies-to-Lovers
➼ Fae x Human
➼ Love Triangle
➼ Warring Fae Kingdoms
➼ Debut
➼ Cliffhanger
➼ Third Person POV
This started out pretty strong, but my interest waned as the book progressed. I think I would have enjoyed this more if it had stayed more firmly in the YA category. Almost every aspect of it felt like it was written with teenagers in mind, so when the smut scene arrived, it felt uncomfortable and out of place.
I am also pretty sick of the love triangle angle and found this one to be particularly annoying. She had insta love with the first guy and then the second was mainly just mean to her and not in a tense flirty way. I didn’t feel like she had any connection with him at all but still felt like it was implied that he would be a second romantic option for her. Perhaps if there had been a few more tender scenes sprinkled in, I might have felt differently.
I won’t go as far as to say that I saw the plot twist coming, but I did find it pretty fishy that one particular character played such a small roll in the story. I’m trying to avoid spoilers so I apologize if this is too cryptic, but the explaination for how that secret could have been kept and cultivated felt pretty weak to me. I feel like they’re also implying that this character is elitist and unfeeling so it doesn’t make sense to me that they would also be motivated to develop those relationships, spend time in those locations, etc.
Overall, this was decent, but the plot was pretty weak. I will be annoyed if she turns out to be part Fae. She would be more impressive if she stayed fully human. Hopefully in book two she will be a little less naive.
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre Read: Halfway hoping I hate this so I’ll feel less salty about not receiving an email for the new Fairyloot subscription. 😜
≪ ◦ ❖ ◦ ≫
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What to Expect:
➼ Enchanted Library
➼ Found Family
➼ Enemies-to-Lovers
➼ Fae x Human
➼ Love Triangle
➼ Warring Fae Kingdoms
➼ Debut
➼ Cliffhanger
➼ Third Person POV
This started out pretty strong, but my interest waned as the book progressed. I think I would have enjoyed this more if it had stayed more firmly in the YA category. Almost every aspect of it felt like it was written with teenagers in mind, so when the smut scene arrived, it felt uncomfortable and out of place.
I am also pretty sick of the love triangle angle and found this one to be particularly annoying. She had insta love with the first guy and then the second was mainly just mean to her and not in a tense flirty way. I didn’t feel like she had any connection with him at all but still felt like it was implied that he would be a second romantic option for her. Perhaps if there had been a few more tender scenes sprinkled in, I might have felt differently.
I won’t go as far as to say that I saw the plot twist coming, but I did find it pretty fishy that one particular character played such a small roll in the story. I’m trying to avoid spoilers so I apologize if this is too cryptic, but the explaination for how that secret could have been kept and cultivated felt pretty weak to me. I feel like they’re also implying that this character is elitist and unfeeling so it doesn’t make sense to me that they would also be motivated to develop those relationships, spend time in those locations, etc.
Overall, this was decent, but the plot was pretty weak. I will be annoyed if she turns out to be part Fae. She would be more impressive if she stayed fully human. Hopefully in book two she will be a little less naive.
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre Read: Halfway hoping I hate this so I’ll feel less salty about not receiving an email for the new Fairyloot subscription. 😜
≪ ◦ ❖ ◦ ≫
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dnf
April 2, 2024dnf @ 2%
not for me.
not for me.
Read
November 30, 2025soft DNF at about 60%, I might come back to this one if I'm more in the mood?? I thought the premise of the story was great, our FMC Lore is a Human which historically have been confined to their village Duskmere and been unable to leave by rule of their neighbours the Fae. Lore ends up proving of use to the Fae and ends up striking a deal with them in order to help save her village/home.
I feel like this was on the more cosy fantasy side but I think it was also trying to be a romantasy with some darker elements?? However, it's just not gripping me at all, I feel zero connection/tension/chemistry between either of the potential love interests and I'm not invested enough in the main plot to ignore the lack of fulfilment I'm getting from the romance plot. I really wanted to love this, I've heard such good things!! 3
I feel like this was on the more cosy fantasy side but I think it was also trying to be a romantasy with some darker elements?? However, it's just not gripping me at all, I feel zero connection/tension/chemistry between either of the potential love interests and I'm not invested enough in the main plot to ignore the lack of fulfilment I'm getting from the romance plot. I really wanted to love this, I've heard such good things!! 3
August 21, 2024
It genuinely hurt me for a book with a cover this beautiful to be so bad. There's a good book in here somewhere!! But man this book was all over the place.
I was so looking forward to reading this book and was a little bit scared when I saw the average goodreads rating. Then after about 175 pages in, I totally understood. Everything in the beginning of the book with Lore and her working in the fae library was so wonderful, and then it's almost like the author had written a bunch of short stores about this character and then lumped them together to make a novel.
There was no character development, no world-buidling, and no coherent plot. And from there, we really don't get a good story. I really wish the editors had done a better job on this book because as I said before, there's a great book in here somewhere. But this was one of my biggest disappointments of 2024.
I was so looking forward to reading this book and was a little bit scared when I saw the average goodreads rating. Then after about 175 pages in, I totally understood. Everything in the beginning of the book with Lore and her working in the fae library was so wonderful, and then it's almost like the author had written a bunch of short stores about this character and then lumped them together to make a novel.
There was no character development, no world-buidling, and no coherent plot. And from there, we really don't get a good story. I really wish the editors had done a better job on this book because as I said before, there's a great book in here somewhere. But this was one of my biggest disappointments of 2024.
March 2, 2024
Gorgeous gorgeous cover, I love it. It was the main reason why I decided to give this book a try, and I suspect many people will be as drawn to it as I was.
Now, when you read this you'll be able to tell that it's a debut book because it's all over the place. Is that a bad thing? Not necessarily. There's always room for improvement in book two.
The writing reminded me a lot of Chloe Gong, and the story of Elise Kova's Married to Magic series with a dash of These Hollow Vows. But worry not, it has its own unique spin too.
I have to mention the magical library because this is probably the only book so far with that concept that (partially) worked for me. I found those parts really interesting and wish we got more of them before Lore had to go on the run.
The romance is where this gets tricky, because as a lover of love triangles I can't say I was left satisfied with our two choices, but one is clearly better than the other and I liked him more from his intro than the other guy.
Both of those romances developed too fast, but the one with Finn made a lot more sense than the one with Asher. I feel like they had more chemistry and more time to properly get to know each other, even if most of that time was spent with Finn being broody.
Still, they had some cute moments together and I'd love to see where it'll go in the next book.
Asher on the other hand...knowing what we do about him, I'm wondering why that one steamy scene that happened included him. It felt out of character, based on what he was like at the end of the book.
I agree with the reviewers saying that the whole scene was unnecessary and that this should've been marketed as YA because the vibes are absolutely there. It doesn't feel like an adult romantasy. It's okay to write YA romantasies too, I promise.
Character wise I liked Lore, Finn, Isla and Grey, they were the most developed, though they could use a bit more polishing. Also, need someone to tell me if Grey is on the ace/aro spectrum, pretty please.
The ending surprised me, I wasn't expecting that at all (though I was wondering where that character disappeared off too and when we'd see them again). Those final few chapters were the best part of the book all around, and upped the rating by half a star. That's how I know book two will surely break four stars if not more. The story's just getting started.
3.5
*Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Now, when you read this you'll be able to tell that it's a debut book because it's all over the place. Is that a bad thing? Not necessarily. There's always room for improvement in book two.
The writing reminded me a lot of Chloe Gong, and the story of Elise Kova's Married to Magic series with a dash of These Hollow Vows. But worry not, it has its own unique spin too.
I have to mention the magical library because this is probably the only book so far with that concept that (partially) worked for me. I found those parts really interesting and wish we got more of them before Lore had to go on the run.
The romance is where this gets tricky, because as a lover of love triangles I can't say I was left satisfied with our two choices, but one is clearly better than the other and I liked him more from his intro than the other guy.
Both of those romances developed too fast, but the one with Finn made a lot more sense than the one with Asher. I feel like they had more chemistry and more time to properly get to know each other, even if most of that time was spent with Finn being broody.
Still, they had some cute moments together and I'd love to see where it'll go in the next book.
Asher on the other hand...knowing what we do about him, I'm wondering why that one steamy scene that happened included him. It felt out of character, based on what he was like at the end of the book.
I agree with the reviewers saying that the whole scene was unnecessary and that this should've been marketed as YA because the vibes are absolutely there. It doesn't feel like an adult romantasy. It's okay to write YA romantasies too, I promise.
Character wise I liked Lore, Finn, Isla and Grey, they were the most developed, though they could use a bit more polishing. Also, need someone to tell me if Grey is on the ace/aro spectrum, pretty please.
The ending surprised me, I wasn't expecting that at all (though I was wondering where that character disappeared off too and when we'd see them again). Those final few chapters were the best part of the book all around, and upped the rating by half a star. That's how I know book two will surely break four stars if not more. The story's just getting started.
3.5
*Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
February 13, 2024
I really hate giving a debut author one star, but the more I read this, the more I read this the more I found issues with it.
Firstly, this is marketed wrong. It’s incredible YA, not Adult. I would have thought the FMC was a teenager had her age not been noted. It made the “spicy” scenes (barely two of them) seem gross. These should have been edited out and this marketed for YA instead of Adult.
The pacing was also incredibly off, and the author told more than showed. There were a lot of instances of “Three days later…” very close to each other.
I also find that the MFC’s ability to train once then fight off trained soldiers unbelievable. The romance was also unbelievable and too fast. For a human who hates Fae, this one feels super fast.
There is a ton of cheesy lines in this. Examples include “some things are worth tasking risks for,” and at one point “royalty acted like…well, royalty.”
The enchanted library was the best part, and it was only relevant for a couple chapters. I think the author has a great idea here, but in the end the characters were lackluster, and the story was so convoluted it was not enjoyable at all.
Firstly, this is marketed wrong. It’s incredible YA, not Adult. I would have thought the FMC was a teenager had her age not been noted. It made the “spicy” scenes (barely two of them) seem gross. These should have been edited out and this marketed for YA instead of Adult.
The pacing was also incredibly off, and the author told more than showed. There were a lot of instances of “Three days later…” very close to each other.
I also find that the MFC’s ability to train once then fight off trained soldiers unbelievable. The romance was also unbelievable and too fast. For a human who hates Fae, this one feels super fast.
There is a ton of cheesy lines in this. Examples include “some things are worth tasking risks for,” and at one point “royalty acted like…well, royalty.”
The enchanted library was the best part, and it was only relevant for a couple chapters. I think the author has a great idea here, but in the end the characters were lackluster, and the story was so convoluted it was not enjoyable at all.
February 4, 2024
Lore is a human girl who dreams of leaving the guarded Duskmere and solving the great mystery of how her people came to be trapped in another world filled with fae.
Her wish is granted, albeit unwanted, when a powerful fae summons her to work in a library that no fae creature can enter. Her task is to find books of magical importance and deliver it to the fae, but Lore also hopes to find her own answers.
Lore Alemeyu collected stories like the raven that lived above the apothecary hoarded shiny pebbles.
I loved Lore’s compassion and thirst for more: for knowledge, improvement, kindness. She tries to see past her prejudices, even if that does make her way too trusting. To the point where it felt slightly unbelievable in a world where we are told constantly how cruel and monstrous the fae are supposed to be.
The romance was very sudden and more physical than emotional, which felt jarring and slightly undeserving. However, I liked that there seemed to be a mystery under the surface of Asher that you wanted Lore to tease out.
Also, is there a love triangle???!
Despite this, for the most part, reading like a YA, sometimes the tone would shift, incorporating swear words, or graphic violence, or sexual sensations that felt out of place.
For this reason, I don’t think this should be marketed as a YA. The writing was definitely YA for the most part but there were certain scenes that made me uncomfortable reading it knowing it was directed at a younger audience.
The plot was quite predictable, and the plot twists were very foreseeable.
Also, the fox companion hinted at? It literally only came into play in the last 5% and then barely.
I’m extremely disappointed as there was so much hype for this release.
Thank you to Harper Collins for providing an arch in exchange for a review.
Bookstagram
Her wish is granted, albeit unwanted, when a powerful fae summons her to work in a library that no fae creature can enter. Her task is to find books of magical importance and deliver it to the fae, but Lore also hopes to find her own answers.
Lore Alemeyu collected stories like the raven that lived above the apothecary hoarded shiny pebbles.
I loved Lore’s compassion and thirst for more: for knowledge, improvement, kindness. She tries to see past her prejudices, even if that does make her way too trusting. To the point where it felt slightly unbelievable in a world where we are told constantly how cruel and monstrous the fae are supposed to be.
The romance was very sudden and more physical than emotional, which felt jarring and slightly undeserving. However, I liked that there seemed to be a mystery under the surface of Asher that you wanted Lore to tease out.
Also, is there a love triangle???!
Despite this, for the most part, reading like a YA, sometimes the tone would shift, incorporating swear words, or graphic violence, or sexual sensations that felt out of place.
For this reason, I don’t think this should be marketed as a YA. The writing was definitely YA for the most part but there were certain scenes that made me uncomfortable reading it knowing it was directed at a younger audience.
The plot was quite predictable, and the plot twists were very foreseeable.
Also, the fox companion hinted at? It literally only came into play in the last 5% and then barely.
I’m extremely disappointed as there was so much hype for this release.
Thank you to Harper Collins for providing an arch in exchange for a review.
Bookstagram
did-not-finish
March 13, 2024DNF p. 62
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a finished copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Another disappointing anticipated release. I'm really sad about this one (especially because there currently isn’t a ton of Black representation in romantasy or fae fantasy stories) but it's just rough.
The writing is incredibly repetitive (we get it, she cares about her family and the humans and everything she does is to protect them, we don't need to be reminded twice a page) and full of over-explanation (we don't need to be walked through every single thought and realization the MC has about literally everything).
I think this book is struggling to straddle between a high fantasy and a cozy fantasy, using all the wrong combinations of elements. There are intense political dynamics, life-threatening environments, and rich religious lore, but sloughed off to the side in favor of centering a character-driven, leisurely-paced narrative with a sweet little cottagecore vibe, using all those more gripping elements as decorative drapery rather than a driving force.
And I'm all down for a character-driven story, or an MC who has a limited perspective, but it feels odd that this book expects us to be gripped solely by the presence of our curious out-of-place MC in the story. (Especially since we know almost nothing about her other than the fact that she likes books and wants to protect her family.) Sadly, there's nothing at this point that I'm invested in, and I have too many books piling up on my shelves to chug through this one.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a finished copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Another disappointing anticipated release. I'm really sad about this one (especially because there currently isn’t a ton of Black representation in romantasy or fae fantasy stories) but it's just rough.
The writing is incredibly repetitive (we get it, she cares about her family and the humans and everything she does is to protect them, we don't need to be reminded twice a page) and full of over-explanation (we don't need to be walked through every single thought and realization the MC has about literally everything).
I think this book is struggling to straddle between a high fantasy and a cozy fantasy, using all the wrong combinations of elements. There are intense political dynamics, life-threatening environments, and rich religious lore, but sloughed off to the side in favor of centering a character-driven, leisurely-paced narrative with a sweet little cottagecore vibe, using all those more gripping elements as decorative drapery rather than a driving force.
And I'm all down for a character-driven story, or an MC who has a limited perspective, but it feels odd that this book expects us to be gripped solely by the presence of our curious out-of-place MC in the story. (Especially since we know almost nothing about her other than the fact that she likes books and wants to protect her family.) Sadly, there's nothing at this point that I'm invested in, and I have too many books piling up on my shelves to chug through this one.
March 7, 2024
The first time I tried reading this book, I struggled to get into it and I think it was because I’m a mood reader and just wasn’t in the right mind for a fantasy.
So I soft DNF it then and picked it back up to finish now that I’m in my fantasy mood.
—cottage core
—enchanted library
—cozy fantasy
—debut
—I believe YA? Maybe NA? Not 100% sure
This story has a lot of potential, the writing flows well, there are likeable characters, and it’s overall a good read. If you’re looking for a cozy fantasy from a debut author, not only with magic but with diverse characters, Lore of the Wilds is a must add to your TBR.
I’m giving it 3/5 stars because while it was pretty enjoyable and I did like the story, it fell a little short for me in terms of pacing and keeping my interest 100% of the time. But overall, I did enjoy reading Lore of the Wilds and I will definitely continue to read other works by this author.
So I soft DNF it then and picked it back up to finish now that I’m in my fantasy mood.
—cottage core
—enchanted library
—cozy fantasy
—debut
—I believe YA? Maybe NA? Not 100% sure
This story has a lot of potential, the writing flows well, there are likeable characters, and it’s overall a good read. If you’re looking for a cozy fantasy from a debut author, not only with magic but with diverse characters, Lore of the Wilds is a must add to your TBR.
I’m giving it 3/5 stars because while it was pretty enjoyable and I did like the story, it fell a little short for me in terms of pacing and keeping my interest 100% of the time. But overall, I did enjoy reading Lore of the Wilds and I will definitely continue to read other works by this author.
did-not-finish
August 9, 2024DNF @ 93%
Boring like wonder bread 🍞
Boring like wonder bread 🍞
April 16, 2024
Someone save me from the curse of a beautiful cover without insides that match, abeg! I'm so fucking tired! If I had a nickel for every time a book marketed as NA with a gorgeous cover completely pissed me off and should have actually just been YA with more editing, I'd have two nickels.
This book should have been right up my alley, with the whole magic library and black girl thing. Unfortunately for me, I like my books to make sense. The people who can shut their braim off and ignore logic will love this though.
This book suffered from being both under- and overwritten, which was as confusing as it sounds. But some things were explained to hell, while other plot points just happened. Like how did we get there? No one knows. Scrying, I suppose. Lore was also not a protagonist I could jive with because she was just incredibly dumb. Whenever she solved something, I was surprised and confused, because there is no way she should have solved anything without clues. She needs so many clues, but the answer would just arrive in her brain. Her main character armor was ridicumously strong, because the way she was making decisions, she really should have been dead by oage 100. And that's why she was so thoroughly bamboozled by ole boy. EYE knew that man was an opp as soon as he showed up on page, but because Lore is stupid and horny, she got got.
Another thing that was wild to me was that this is suppposed to be a romantasy, and yet the romantic part of this book was lacking. One of her love interests was always sus because he changed up on her way too fast and the other one got attached for no reason. Lore doesn't really like either of them for any genuine reason except that she thinks they're hot.
I came away from this book only really caring about 3 characters. Isla, Milo, and the fox. Mind you, Milo and the fox are only present for a total of maybe 10 pages, and that's a generous guess. May they find happiness in book 2. I'll be perusing reviews to check up on them.
This book should have been right up my alley, with the whole magic library and black girl thing. Unfortunately for me, I like my books to make sense. The people who can shut their braim off and ignore logic will love this though.
This book suffered from being both under- and overwritten, which was as confusing as it sounds. But some things were explained to hell, while other plot points just happened. Like how did we get there? No one knows. Scrying, I suppose. Lore was also not a protagonist I could jive with because she was just incredibly dumb. Whenever she solved something, I was surprised and confused, because there is no way she should have solved anything without clues. She needs so many clues, but the answer would just arrive in her brain. Her main character armor was ridicumously strong, because the way she was making decisions, she really should have been dead by oage 100. And that's why she was so thoroughly bamboozled by ole boy. EYE knew that man was an opp as soon as he showed up on page, but because Lore is stupid and horny, she got got.
Another thing that was wild to me was that this is suppposed to be a romantasy, and yet the romantic part of this book was lacking. One of her love interests was always sus because he changed up on her way too fast and the other one got attached for no reason. Lore doesn't really like either of them for any genuine reason except that she thinks they're hot.
I came away from this book only really caring about 3 characters. Isla, Milo, and the fox. Mind you, Milo and the fox are only present for a total of maybe 10 pages, and that's a generous guess. May they find happiness in book 2. I'll be perusing reviews to check up on them.
November 28, 2023
This is a solid debut novel. There were some pacing issues that made me lost interest in a lot of scenes but I really liked the vibes of this book. The plot is very unique but I wasn't sold in the relationship between Asher and Lore. Something about them didn't click for me. The cliffhanger was very promising.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for the ARC
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for the ARC
September 12, 2023
I was excited when I received the eArc for this and I am so greatful to be able read this book early on.
To me this is a great debut novel and I think everyone enjoying fantasy romance books with book-loving characters, enchanting forests, brooding Fae and breakneck adventures will enjoy this.
Where do I start?
I love the CHARACTERS and don't get me started on the CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT. Lore is a really great FMC, she is young but doesn't seem too naive and childish but she also isn't untrusting or mean. She grows quite a bit throughout this one book and it's great to accompany her along the way. The way she interacts with the other characters in the book feels natural and - dare I say - real. The way attraction, love and spice is woven into the story is very well done. Every character in this - sort of found family - friend group has a vivid description and a colourful character. I love the fact there is queer rep in there even if it isn't actually on the page. Hopefully we'll get to read about some pairings in the second book!
The MAGIC SYSTEM is quite interesting. Those who love the idea of nature and magic being intricately woven into one another and reacting and interacting with living beings will be very happy.
I think the WORLD BUILDING is great. The descriptions are clear and sound and during reading many locations became vivid places in my mind. Like with every other fantasy novel you can look at the provided map if you want to be able to navigate while reading but it isn't necessary. I am a fan of the way humans and fae are thrust together in this book and I can't wait to find out more about the history of this in the sequel.
The PLOT TWIST at the end sadly wasn't a huge shocker for me. I am an overthinker in terms of books already reading into everything every character says or does - I blame Sherlock Holmes stories on that - so I did actually expected some moment like this on the last few pages. Doesn't make it any less delicious, though!!
I hate open endings but I'm actually not too mad this time. There is so much going on in the end and so many questions left unanswered but it is not a huge cliffhanger ending leaving tremendous questions like 'will they survive' or 'who is that mysterious stranger we just heard about on the last page'.
In all honesty I would have wished for a little more on page story in the library. It is described so wondrous that I need more to happen in these walls. Hoping to return to these walls in book two!
That being said I think it is a really really good book which did not only get me out of my reading slump but I also devoured in only a few hours and I cannot wait for the sequel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
To me this is a great debut novel and I think everyone enjoying fantasy romance books with book-loving characters, enchanting forests, brooding Fae and breakneck adventures will enjoy this.
Where do I start?
I love the CHARACTERS and don't get me started on the CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT. Lore is a really great FMC, she is young but doesn't seem too naive and childish but she also isn't untrusting or mean. She grows quite a bit throughout this one book and it's great to accompany her along the way. The way she interacts with the other characters in the book feels natural and - dare I say - real. The way attraction, love and spice is woven into the story is very well done. Every character in this - sort of found family - friend group has a vivid description and a colourful character. I love the fact there is queer rep in there even if it isn't actually on the page. Hopefully we'll get to read about some pairings in the second book!
The MAGIC SYSTEM is quite interesting. Those who love the idea of nature and magic being intricately woven into one another and reacting and interacting with living beings will be very happy.
I think the WORLD BUILDING is great. The descriptions are clear and sound and during reading many locations became vivid places in my mind. Like with every other fantasy novel you can look at the provided map if you want to be able to navigate while reading but it isn't necessary. I am a fan of the way humans and fae are thrust together in this book and I can't wait to find out more about the history of this in the sequel.
The PLOT TWIST at the end sadly wasn't a huge shocker for me. I am an overthinker in terms of books already reading into everything every character says or does - I blame Sherlock Holmes stories on that - so I did actually expected some moment like this on the last few pages. Doesn't make it any less delicious, though!!
I hate open endings but I'm actually not too mad this time. There is so much going on in the end and so many questions left unanswered but it is not a huge cliffhanger ending leaving tremendous questions like 'will they survive' or 'who is that mysterious stranger we just heard about on the last page'.
In all honesty I would have wished for a little more on page story in the library. It is described so wondrous that I need more to happen in these walls. Hoping to return to these walls in book two!
That being said I think it is a really really good book which did not only get me out of my reading slump but I also devoured in only a few hours and I cannot wait for the sequel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
dnf
April 19, 2024 DNF at page 63 (19%) because this was incredibly boring and poorly constructed.
June 25, 2025
thank you HarperCollins Publishers for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review!
(also hey hey my first written review lol)
okay. in all honesty it wasn’t terrible, as i’ve been seeing a lot of negative reviews on this book.
i think this book was great in terms of not needing to entirely pay attention to anything that’s going on/tuned out book.
plot is simple, very character driven.
i really liked the plot twist in the end! i didn’t really expect to happen. This book doesn’t get a full 5 or even 4 ⭐️ due to the fact that not much really actually went on, i thought it was cute n simple and perfect for fall but nothing crazy yk? i also do think that this book would be better if it was written YA instead of adult, because going in it was giving very YA, and i think that would’ve fit the plot and just everything better
if im gonna be honest as soon as finn entered i was rooting for him the whole time LMAO, but it’s very clear that in the next book he will be the main love interest.
i think it’s totally worth the read if you’re looking for something like a palate cleanser and some light fantasy for the fall :)
(also hey hey my first written review lol)
okay. in all honesty it wasn’t terrible, as i’ve been seeing a lot of negative reviews on this book.
i think this book was great in terms of not needing to entirely pay attention to anything that’s going on/tuned out book.
plot is simple, very character driven.
i really liked the plot twist in the end! i didn’t really expect to happen. This book doesn’t get a full 5 or even 4 ⭐️ due to the fact that not much really actually went on, i thought it was cute n simple and perfect for fall but nothing crazy yk? i also do think that this book would be better if it was written YA instead of adult, because going in it was giving very YA, and i think that would’ve fit the plot and just everything better
if im gonna be honest as soon as finn entered i was rooting for him the whole time LMAO, but it’s very clear that in the next book he will be the main love interest.
i think it’s totally worth the read if you’re looking for something like a palate cleanser and some light fantasy for the fall :)
November 9, 2024
There are some things about this that I loved, but overall it is a little disappointing and might have benefitted from another round of edits. I LOVED the first part of the book. It read like cozy-adjacent fantasy with the human Lore working in this fae library and dealing with their fear and hatred of humans.
But then it kind of goes off the rails in way too many directions that feel disconnected. I found myself wondering how we got from one place to the next because it didn't always make sense. The romances were okay, but I wanted more depth from the male characters beyond them being hot and grumpy. There's a great book in here somewhere, but it went from feeling like a 5 star read to being kind of all over the place. I like the ideas and the magic/world-building is cool. I would read book 2 because this is a debut and there's definitely something here. I feel like some of the low rating might be too-high expectations because the cover is SO gorgeous. It does read like a crossover book rather than firmly adult.
But then it kind of goes off the rails in way too many directions that feel disconnected. I found myself wondering how we got from one place to the next because it didn't always make sense. The romances were okay, but I wanted more depth from the male characters beyond them being hot and grumpy. There's a great book in here somewhere, but it went from feeling like a 5 star read to being kind of all over the place. I like the ideas and the magic/world-building is cool. I would read book 2 because this is a debut and there's definitely something here. I feel like some of the low rating might be too-high expectations because the cover is SO gorgeous. It does read like a crossover book rather than firmly adult.
February 5, 2025
Sadly this just wasn't very good, and I hate to say that because im rooting for everyone Black but unfortunately this one wasn't it. The storyline was hard to follow. I had the love interest(s) literally confused the entire time and i don't remember Lore actually making a choice but it seems like she did without me noticing ?!?!?!? The I'm not sure if this is considered YA or Adult. I definitely thought it was YA but the sex scene kinda did not fit and Lore's "pulsing core" throughout the entirety of the book. I think the "cliffhanger" was supposed to make me want to read the next book but hate to say i wont be.
June 9, 2024
This is one of the first books in a while that I'd kill to see a film/show adaptation for! Imagine a world of beautiful brown-skinned fae and then add an enchanted library and a fierce main character and it's drool-worthy! I'll admit I wish they spent MUCH more time in the library, but maybe there's room there for future books in the series!
dnf
January 9, 2026*DNF*
This book should’ve been YA, the plot needs a lot of work, and none of the characters are developed. I thought this would be a 5⭐️ read for me being marketed as a “cozy cottagecore romance” except now I wouldn’t classify this book as cozy. I was so excited to finally pick this one up, but it was a little too rough to continue.
This book should’ve been YA, the plot needs a lot of work, and none of the characters are developed. I thought this would be a 5⭐️ read for me being marketed as a “cozy cottagecore romance” except now I wouldn’t classify this book as cozy. I was so excited to finally pick this one up, but it was a little too rough to continue.
April 19, 2024
This was my final book of 2023 and I'm not sure how I feel .
Lore of the Wilds had all the right elements to succeed—a spunky heroine, two hot men a la Vampire Diaries that she had to choose between (what a problem to have), and a story centered around fighting for power. And yet, there was something missing for me.
Lore is a character who does little with the agency she's been given, making me wonder why I'm in her head for the whole book. Despite being touted as the champion of her people, she doesn't really seem to do much besides bum around a magical library for the first half. I mean, if I were in her shoes I'd probably do the same thing, but that doesn't exactly make for exciting reading. I wanted MORE of Lore. However, she suffered the same fate as so many fantasy heroines do. I call it doesntdoanythingitis. And yes, I do have that patented.
Secondly. the "love triangle" she's in doesn't really kick into high gear until around the third act of the book. If you're anything like me, you picked this one up for the gorgeous men. I mean, the gorgeous cover. BUT...there is no true love triangle, I'm sorry to say. Lore's romances with both characters felt rushed and out of nowhere, with the conflict conveniently resolved by a plot twist at the end that was...interesting, to say the least.
And finally, the crux of the story. Lore's power? I don't know her. She has cool magic abilities that never really get explained. She's marked as the chosen one for some reason but it went over my head if there was an explanation given for this. Lore is the only one who can open this super secret magical book and you're telling me all I got were a couple of incantations? She (and I) deserved better. I also felt like so much of the book was written as montages, and it threw the pacing out of whack for me.
Still, this was a fun and lighthearted read. The author has a real knack for storytelling, it's just the actual story part that needed more attention. If you're not looking for something that scrapes the surface, you might find your next book in this one. Just don't go in expecting an epic love story.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for this review.
Lore of the Wilds had all the right elements to succeed—a spunky heroine, two hot men a la Vampire Diaries that she had to choose between (what a problem to have), and a story centered around fighting for power. And yet, there was something missing for me.
Lore is a character who does little with the agency she's been given, making me wonder why I'm in her head for the whole book. Despite being touted as the champion of her people, she doesn't really seem to do much besides bum around a magical library for the first half. I mean, if I were in her shoes I'd probably do the same thing, but that doesn't exactly make for exciting reading. I wanted MORE of Lore. However, she suffered the same fate as so many fantasy heroines do. I call it doesntdoanythingitis. And yes, I do have that patented.
Secondly. the "love triangle" she's in doesn't really kick into high gear until around the third act of the book. If you're anything like me, you picked this one up for the gorgeous men. I mean, the gorgeous cover. BUT...there is no true love triangle, I'm sorry to say. Lore's romances with both characters felt rushed and out of nowhere, with the conflict conveniently resolved by a plot twist at the end that was...interesting, to say the least.
And finally, the crux of the story. Lore's power? I don't know her. She has cool magic abilities that never really get explained. She's marked as the chosen one for some reason but it went over my head if there was an explanation given for this. Lore is the only one who can open this super secret magical book and you're telling me all I got were a couple of incantations? She (and I) deserved better. I also felt like so much of the book was written as montages, and it threw the pacing out of whack for me.
Still, this was a fun and lighthearted read. The author has a real knack for storytelling, it's just the actual story part that needed more attention. If you're not looking for something that scrapes the surface, you might find your next book in this one. Just don't go in expecting an epic love story.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for this review.
February 3, 2024
(1.5)
well! okay! thanks to edelwiess for this arc because i sure read the words it provided!
there will be spoilers below this line and i really thought i was going to have to write a disclaimer explaining why i didn't like this until i read the last chapter. the whole time i read this i was like "do i just not like this because i'm reading it right after legendborn and bloodmarked" and the answer could've been yes until i got to the end! now i'm confident don't like it for real reasons!
i truly wanted to like this. fae stuff is the one subgenre in fantasy that i've never really enjoyed (mainly because the most popular series are painfully white and i can't stand SJM for like 7628374 reasons), so i figured i would take a stab at this since the protagonist is a black woman with two black love interests. my mistake! i should not have done that! (i will give faebound a chance but that's IT)
i feel the same way about lore as i do about violet from fourth wing: i would love to like them because they're women and as one i'm very biased, but there is nothing of substance about them for me to care about while they go through whatever the book makes them go through. yes, lore and her people have been subjugated for thousands of years apparently, but the worldbuilding around that (and everything else) was so hollow that when she talked about it i felt next to nothing. the first half of the book moves so slowly and lore's motivations appear on a whim and feel incredibly flimsy because she's so out of her depth. when things finally start to happen everything is still a huge drag, and nothing of interest happens until 60% of the way through the book when we finally meet other characters that matter to the plot.
i also have a huge issue with how the love triangle is advertised vs. how it plays out. if the marketing copy for a book says it has a "swoony enemies-to-lovers triangle", i better be getting what i'm (not) paying for. let's start with asher since he gets the vast majority of lore's and the narrative's attention. how the fuck are they enemies? is it because asher is fae, and therefore inherently the enemy of all humans, including lore? nothing about their interactions is truly antagonistic until the absolutely batshit ridiculous reveal (which we will get to) at the end of the book. he's nice to her the first time they meet and continues to be the entire rest of the book. he also has no direct competition for her affection until finn shows up 200+ pages into this 352-page book. enemies-to-lovers has always irked me as a trope because people just throw it at any relationship where two people don't like each other, and that doesn't even apply here and therefore makes that advertisement an even worse sin. lore and asher can't be called rivals because they harbor no ill will towards each other for the entire book(until the VERY END). it's ridiculous and boring and i wish she would stop talking about how much she wants to eat his lower lip. maybe if that was described differently each time it was mentioned i wouldn't care, but it's not so i noticed it and now i hate it!
now we have to talk about the other half of the alleged triangle, finn. if both love interests of a love triangle (which is really a V because there aren't any clear vibes between finn and asher here), they both need to exist in the story at least a third of the way in. this is one of the reasons i could not stand wings of ebony, and it made me start thinking i was lie to halfway through this book. when finn does appear, it's not like he's a viable candidate for the whole enemies-to-lovers thing either. sure, he doesn't like lore, but how the fuck does that make them enemies? we cannot keep using trope branding like this. finn only becomes a viable love interest because the last chapter of this book reveals that asher is actually a completely different and evil person in disguise the entire time! lying about your identity like that is a sexual consent nightmare in my eyes and gave me a gigantic ick about the whole asher/lore scene, and i'm going to say this without a lot of nuance but it also means that there was a lot of wasted time in this book. why would finn's relationship with lore be left so undeveloped when asher is going to be taken off the table like that? i will maintain that all love triangles should close out with the gay ending or polyamory, and i couldn't even wish for that here because even if asher wasn't revealed to suck at the end, he and finn are the only two people who could possibly fit the enemies-to-lovers trope and they barely even speak.
onto the book as a whole: there is a huge pacing issue with chapter, and i'm not usually one to advocate for books to be longer, but it seems like this could've done with 300 extra pages instead of a TO BE CONTINUED ending. sometimes a series of books only needs to be one book, and that is okay. like i said earlier, the worldbuilding is haphazard at best, and while i'm more than willing to repeat that fae fantasy isn't something i'm into, good worldbuilding will always override that. i was just so bored for so long with this and only ended up sticking around because i felt myself liking things less and less and had to see that feeling through.
i have no idea why this is going to be marketed as an adult book when it is clearly young adult aside from the sex scene—something that could have easily been edited to be appropriate for young adult audiences! overall, everything felt so disorganized and disconnected, and the foreshadowing was so heavy-handed that it didn't even read as foreshadowing like it was supposed to.
my final complaint is that there's a scene where a child of tooth-losing age talks about their family horse in a way that only an old person would, and that was weird to me, but whatever. the fact that i was nitpicking things that early on was a bad sign, and this book went from a 3.5 i would be willing to round up to a 1.5 that isn't bad enough to round down. i'm sure someone will love this, i know they do because i've seen the other reviews, but it does not belong in the adult fantasy category, and if it was YA i would probably have handed it a 3-star rating and gone on my way. do not believe that this is enemies-to-lovers, it is nothing of the sort. i hate that i didn't like this but that's just how shit goes i guess!
well! okay! thanks to edelwiess for this arc because i sure read the words it provided!
there will be spoilers below this line and i really thought i was going to have to write a disclaimer explaining why i didn't like this until i read the last chapter. the whole time i read this i was like "do i just not like this because i'm reading it right after legendborn and bloodmarked" and the answer could've been yes until i got to the end! now i'm confident don't like it for real reasons!
i truly wanted to like this. fae stuff is the one subgenre in fantasy that i've never really enjoyed (mainly because the most popular series are painfully white and i can't stand SJM for like 7628374 reasons), so i figured i would take a stab at this since the protagonist is a black woman with two black love interests. my mistake! i should not have done that! (i will give faebound a chance but that's IT)
i feel the same way about lore as i do about violet from fourth wing: i would love to like them because they're women and as one i'm very biased, but there is nothing of substance about them for me to care about while they go through whatever the book makes them go through. yes, lore and her people have been subjugated for thousands of years apparently, but the worldbuilding around that (and everything else) was so hollow that when she talked about it i felt next to nothing. the first half of the book moves so slowly and lore's motivations appear on a whim and feel incredibly flimsy because she's so out of her depth. when things finally start to happen everything is still a huge drag, and nothing of interest happens until 60% of the way through the book when we finally meet other characters that matter to the plot.
i also have a huge issue with how the love triangle is advertised vs. how it plays out. if the marketing copy for a book says it has a "swoony enemies-to-lovers triangle", i better be getting what i'm (not) paying for. let's start with asher since he gets the vast majority of lore's and the narrative's attention. how the fuck are they enemies? is it because asher is fae, and therefore inherently the enemy of all humans, including lore? nothing about their interactions is truly antagonistic until the absolutely batshit ridiculous reveal (which we will get to) at the end of the book. he's nice to her the first time they meet and continues to be the entire rest of the book. he also has no direct competition for her affection until finn shows up 200+ pages into this 352-page book. enemies-to-lovers has always irked me as a trope because people just throw it at any relationship where two people don't like each other, and that doesn't even apply here and therefore makes that advertisement an even worse sin. lore and asher can't be called rivals because they harbor no ill will towards each other for the entire book(until the VERY END). it's ridiculous and boring and i wish she would stop talking about how much she wants to eat his lower lip. maybe if that was described differently each time it was mentioned i wouldn't care, but it's not so i noticed it and now i hate it!
now we have to talk about the other half of the alleged triangle, finn. if both love interests of a love triangle (which is really a V because there aren't any clear vibes between finn and asher here), they both need to exist in the story at least a third of the way in. this is one of the reasons i could not stand wings of ebony, and it made me start thinking i was lie to halfway through this book. when finn does appear, it's not like he's a viable candidate for the whole enemies-to-lovers thing either. sure, he doesn't like lore, but how the fuck does that make them enemies? we cannot keep using trope branding like this. finn only becomes a viable love interest because the last chapter of this book reveals that asher is actually a completely different and evil person in disguise the entire time! lying about your identity like that is a sexual consent nightmare in my eyes and gave me a gigantic ick about the whole asher/lore scene, and i'm going to say this without a lot of nuance but it also means that there was a lot of wasted time in this book. why would finn's relationship with lore be left so undeveloped when asher is going to be taken off the table like that? i will maintain that all love triangles should close out with the gay ending or polyamory, and i couldn't even wish for that here because even if asher wasn't revealed to suck at the end, he and finn are the only two people who could possibly fit the enemies-to-lovers trope and they barely even speak.
onto the book as a whole: there is a huge pacing issue with chapter, and i'm not usually one to advocate for books to be longer, but it seems like this could've done with 300 extra pages instead of a TO BE CONTINUED ending. sometimes a series of books only needs to be one book, and that is okay. like i said earlier, the worldbuilding is haphazard at best, and while i'm more than willing to repeat that fae fantasy isn't something i'm into, good worldbuilding will always override that. i was just so bored for so long with this and only ended up sticking around because i felt myself liking things less and less and had to see that feeling through.
i have no idea why this is going to be marketed as an adult book when it is clearly young adult aside from the sex scene—something that could have easily been edited to be appropriate for young adult audiences! overall, everything felt so disorganized and disconnected, and the foreshadowing was so heavy-handed that it didn't even read as foreshadowing like it was supposed to.
my final complaint is that there's a scene where a child of tooth-losing age talks about their family horse in a way that only an old person would, and that was weird to me, but whatever. the fact that i was nitpicking things that early on was a bad sign, and this book went from a 3.5 i would be willing to round up to a 1.5 that isn't bad enough to round down. i'm sure someone will love this, i know they do because i've seen the other reviews, but it does not belong in the adult fantasy category, and if it was YA i would probably have handed it a 3-star rating and gone on my way. do not believe that this is enemies-to-lovers, it is nothing of the sort. i hate that i didn't like this but that's just how shit goes i guess!
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