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The Redwood Bargain
To free her cousin from an indentured contract, Katrien agrees to fulfill their lord’s bargain with the fabled “Redwood Man.” Three maids before her have posed as his stepdaughter, Lady Zaviera, and met this lord of the forest as promised. But Katrien means to be the first to fool him—and live.
Impersonating a Lady is no easy feat, especially one as beautiful and aloof as Zaviera. With one month before she’s sent off, Katrien is put through endless lessons, even as the Redwood Man’s suffocating vines overtake the manor and threaten its staff.
Zaviera takes a special interest in her training, and their shared interests grow into shared affections. But the Redwood Man awaits his prize. Caught between duty and desire, her future and her past, Katrien must navigate a tricky bargain—or risk failing those she holds dearest.
Impersonating a Lady is no easy feat, especially one as beautiful and aloof as Zaviera. With one month before she’s sent off, Katrien is put through endless lessons, even as the Redwood Man’s suffocating vines overtake the manor and threaten its staff.
Zaviera takes a special interest in her training, and their shared interests grow into shared affections. But the Redwood Man awaits his prize. Caught between duty and desire, her future and her past, Katrien must navigate a tricky bargain—or risk failing those she holds dearest.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published April 28, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I loved the dark atmosphere and the story behind this book. It’s a clever retelling of a Brothers Grimm fairy tale, filled with many characters who each face different struggles, making them easy to empathize with.
The story is entertaining, but it also explores difficult themes such as grief, forgiveness, guilt, and being overprotective of others to the point of losing yourself. It runs much deeper than a simple fairy tale, feeling more like a journey of healing for each character. Because of that, it carries meaningful lessons and works really well as a YA novel.
There are a few slightly sensual scenes between two of the FMC, but all romantic elements are subtle and tastefully handled. I also have to mention that the writing is beautiful—the author did a wonderful job bringing this story to life.
I gave it 4 ⭐️ because the theme isn’t usually my favorite, but I genuinely enjoyed my time reading it and can fully appreciate the depth and quality of the story.
The story is entertaining, but it also explores difficult themes such as grief, forgiveness, guilt, and being overprotective of others to the point of losing yourself. It runs much deeper than a simple fairy tale, feeling more like a journey of healing for each character. Because of that, it carries meaningful lessons and works really well as a YA novel.
There are a few slightly sensual scenes between two of the FMC, but all romantic elements are subtle and tastefully handled. I also have to mention that the writing is beautiful—the author did a wonderful job bringing this story to life.
I gave it 4 ⭐️ because the theme isn’t usually my favorite, but I genuinely enjoyed my time reading it and can fully appreciate the depth and quality of the story.
April 28, 2026
The Redwood Bargain absolutely reads like a fairytale that’s been left too long in the dark, twisting into something sharper, stranger, and deeply unsettling. This story completely pulled me under—the atmosphere is heavy and haunting. The lush, immersive worldbuilding made the forest feel alive, stalking, and starving.
At its core, this is a story tangled throughout with guilt, how it entwines with every aspect of our lives, and what we do with it. Katrien is driven by the need to fix what she’s broken, refusing to look away from the consequences of her choices, while Helsa feels splintered and hardened by her past, carving out her own path toward something that might someday resemble redemption. Their journeys feel raw and honest and hauntingly showcase how difficult it is to believe you’re still worthy of anything good.
The romance here is quiet, tender, and grounding amidst all the darkness with a connection that’s soft in a way that contrasts beautifully with the brutality of the world around them. It’s built on the need for safety, acceptance, longing. The voracious ecohorror slowly mutates into visceral body horror in a way that feels inevitable rather than shocking for the sake of it. It’s unsettling, but it never loses its emotional core.
This is a story about love in all its forms, the desperate need to protect, the humbling desire to be forgiven, and the root-deep pull towards redemption. Dark, aching, and eerily hopeful, it lingers long after the final page.
Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC!
Favorite Quotes:
“I feel as if I’ve done more than address her informally. I’ve uttered a magic spell, or an unbreakable vow. I shiver with the unexpected thrill of it, the dangerous power of a name spoken.”
“Something always comes over me when I'm with her, robbing me of the sensibility I've always admired about myself. We might be rather rotten…”
“Powerful people rarely face justice, and they're never ruined. I know how unbalanced the scales can be. Doesn't mean justice isn't worth seeking.”
“We make so many mistakes. But the one thing I have learned is that we cannot forget when we are good.”
“We all want to be free of something…”
“I’m made of naked, filthy pieces of girl and pieces of forest, but I’m whole in her embrace.”
At its core, this is a story tangled throughout with guilt, how it entwines with every aspect of our lives, and what we do with it. Katrien is driven by the need to fix what she’s broken, refusing to look away from the consequences of her choices, while Helsa feels splintered and hardened by her past, carving out her own path toward something that might someday resemble redemption. Their journeys feel raw and honest and hauntingly showcase how difficult it is to believe you’re still worthy of anything good.
The romance here is quiet, tender, and grounding amidst all the darkness with a connection that’s soft in a way that contrasts beautifully with the brutality of the world around them. It’s built on the need for safety, acceptance, longing. The voracious ecohorror slowly mutates into visceral body horror in a way that feels inevitable rather than shocking for the sake of it. It’s unsettling, but it never loses its emotional core.
This is a story about love in all its forms, the desperate need to protect, the humbling desire to be forgiven, and the root-deep pull towards redemption. Dark, aching, and eerily hopeful, it lingers long after the final page.
Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC!
Favorite Quotes:
“I feel as if I’ve done more than address her informally. I’ve uttered a magic spell, or an unbreakable vow. I shiver with the unexpected thrill of it, the dangerous power of a name spoken.”
“Something always comes over me when I'm with her, robbing me of the sensibility I've always admired about myself. We might be rather rotten…”
“Powerful people rarely face justice, and they're never ruined. I know how unbalanced the scales can be. Doesn't mean justice isn't worth seeking.”
“We make so many mistakes. But the one thing I have learned is that we cannot forget when we are good.”
“We all want to be free of something…”
“I’m made of naked, filthy pieces of girl and pieces of forest, but I’m whole in her embrace.”
May 21, 2026
3⭐️
When Katrien, a servant in Lord Barras's household, is enlisted by his daughters to become the new Redwood Girl, she doesn't hesistate to accept the offer. Katrien wants only the best for her best friend and cousin Helsa, a stablehand for Lord Barras. Helsa and Katrien spent their childhood together, first in the orphanage where their families left them and now in Lord Barras's manor. So, for Helsa's sake, Katrien agrees to sacrifice herself for Lady Zaviera, Lord Barras's stepdaughter who he traded for his kingdom's freedom to the Redwood Man. Katrien now must learn how to a lady, while trying to hide and her burgeoning feelings for Lady Zaviera. What will happen to Katrien when she enters those woods?
My thoughts:
This wasn't my favorite but for a YA fantasy, I think this hit the nail. I think readers who enjoy YA fantasy novels will find this a fun, quick read. I found Katrien a relateable protagonist. I think her realtionship with Lady Zaviera was cute, even if it was a little quick to develop. I would recommend this for a young adult audience.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader's copy for review. All opinions are my own.
When Katrien, a servant in Lord Barras's household, is enlisted by his daughters to become the new Redwood Girl, she doesn't hesistate to accept the offer. Katrien wants only the best for her best friend and cousin Helsa, a stablehand for Lord Barras. Helsa and Katrien spent their childhood together, first in the orphanage where their families left them and now in Lord Barras's manor. So, for Helsa's sake, Katrien agrees to sacrifice herself for Lady Zaviera, Lord Barras's stepdaughter who he traded for his kingdom's freedom to the Redwood Man. Katrien now must learn how to a lady, while trying to hide and her burgeoning feelings for Lady Zaviera. What will happen to Katrien when she enters those woods?
My thoughts:
This wasn't my favorite but for a YA fantasy, I think this hit the nail. I think readers who enjoy YA fantasy novels will find this a fun, quick read. I found Katrien a relateable protagonist. I think her realtionship with Lady Zaviera was cute, even if it was a little quick to develop. I would recommend this for a young adult audience.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader's copy for review. All opinions are my own.
March 15, 2026
Thank you Page Street YA and Netgalley for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.
This should have been a DNF in all honesty, but I kept hoping the next plot point would redeem it.
It was just boring. The romance between Katrien and Zaviera was kind of sweet but nowhere near enough of the focus to win me over, and everything else fell completely flat.
First, I was holding out for the Redwood Man to be interesting, then that was boring and I was hoping the rescue mission would save it, but by that point I was so checked out it would have had to be incredible to really hold my attention.
This should have been a DNF in all honesty, but I kept hoping the next plot point would redeem it.
It was just boring. The romance between Katrien and Zaviera was kind of sweet but nowhere near enough of the focus to win me over, and everything else fell completely flat.
First, I was holding out for the Redwood Man to be interesting, then that was boring and I was hoping the rescue mission would save it, but by that point I was so checked out it would have had to be incredible to really hold my attention.
March 1, 2026
EXQUISITE. The perfect blend of gothic and fairytale fantasy. There’s so much gorgeous Sapphic pining and dark, twisted forest goodness. I love that we get both Katrien and Helsa’s perspectives—Katrien is so riddled with guilt and is determined to fix things for her loved ones, while Helsa is so bitter and broken but finds her own way of battling to make things right. I adored Call Forth a Fox, and this book just confirms that I will read everything Markelle Grabo writes 🤎
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First of all thanks so much to the folks at Netgalley for this ARC!
4.5 Stars
Ahhhh! This was incredible! I went into this knowing very little about the plot and I’m so glad I did because this was such a gem. Although this book includes things that most readers are probably familiar with (sentient woods, manor politics, and folkloric bargains), The Redwood Bargain felt so fresh and unique. Everything about it was well written from a purely technical standpoint which translated into a genuinely insightful and engaging read. I feel like the brilliance of this book lies in how the author allows her characters to make choices while never pretending that those choices are free. This book has a full cast of morally grey characters who make difficult, and often horrible, decisions without ever falling into villainous cartoonishness or tired archetypes. They are actively characterized by those choices. Despite being marketed as YA, this novel felt mature and grounded in how it approached topics like social class, moral compromise, coercion, and constrained agency. My only critique is that I wish the final third was more built out. The story went from being a period drama with mild fantasy elements, to much darker folklore vibes (with some body horror). If you are looking for a book with real stakes, tight pacing, and a layered narrative that tackles the complexity of class, gender, and racial dynamics in a Downton Abbey-esque setting, I highly highly recommend this book!
Setting
This reads like a late 19th or early 20th century period drama with supernatural and fairytale elements. For most of the novel the Redwood man looms in the background, acting as an existential threat while Lord Barras and the politics of his manor take narrative precedence (especially early on). I feel like lots of social hierarchies in YA fantasy books can feel decorative rather than meaningful. This was not the case in this book. The manor operates like a microcosm of power. There is the gendered relationship between Lord Barras and his daughters, the social relationship of the Barras family’s to the staff, and the relationship between the staff who have tenancy and those who are indentured. Even people who fall lower down in the social hierarchy still take advantage of what little power they *do* have to hurt those below them.
Pacing
I usually don’t mention the pacing in books because I think that if it’s good you don’t really notice it but in this book you could feel the flow of the story, if that makes sense. Every chapter felt purposeful in pushing the narrative forward and deepening character relationships. The pace is consistently pleasant without ever feeling like the story is being rushed or stagnating.
Characters
Katrien: Stubborn, loyal, deeply recognizable as the older sister who bears too much, Katrien’s willingness to make decisions for others (even without their knowledge or consent) was both compelling and troubling. Her choices feel emotionally sincere, even when morally questionable and by the end of the novel we see real growth in her.
Helsa: Helsa plays a minor role in the first 2/3rds of this book but we get to see a whole lot more of her by the end. She starts off the book in a bad place physically and emotionally and grows immensely over the course of the novel. A large portion of her story is dealing with her alcoholism. I can’t speak on that experience personally but I thought it was handled respectfully. I also liked how wholesome her friendship (and later romance) with Henrik was.
Avery: The eldest Barras daughter, in another book she could have easily been reduced to a cold, utilitarian mastermind (the type of person to believe that ‘the end justifies the means’). Instead she is framed as a mirror to Katrien, willing to withhold information, lie, and sacrifice others in an attempt to keep her sisters safe. I wish we could have seen more of her, especially in the last 3rd when she all but disappears.
Mariette: While initially framed as cruel or callous (which she is) the author complicates Mariette by showing her deep insecurity and perceived outsider status among the sisters. The book never redeems her but it contextualizes her behavior. Like Avery, I wish we got to seem more of her in the 3rd portion of the book.
Zaviera: When she is introduced she is depicted as the “good” sister but the narrative goes on to interrogate whether her remorse is enough to justify her complicity in the sacrifice of servant girls to the Redwood Man. Is she morally superior to someone like Avery, who recognizes the horror but accepts it as a necessary loss? I liked that her relationship with Katrien didn’t simply overshadow all of the surrounding circumstances. Katrien, as a kitchen maid, was still considered her social inferior– a fact that they are both painfully aware of (Katrien, understandably, more than Zaviera). Overall their relationship felt intimate and slow burn.
I also liked how the antagonists (The Redwood man, Lucca, etc..) aren’t acting villainous just to be spiteful (with the exception of Lord Barras) but have genuine reasons for acting out of self interest. The narrative never justifies their actions but they are also not flattened as characters.
4.5 Stars
Ahhhh! This was incredible! I went into this knowing very little about the plot and I’m so glad I did because this was such a gem. Although this book includes things that most readers are probably familiar with (sentient woods, manor politics, and folkloric bargains), The Redwood Bargain felt so fresh and unique. Everything about it was well written from a purely technical standpoint which translated into a genuinely insightful and engaging read. I feel like the brilliance of this book lies in how the author allows her characters to make choices while never pretending that those choices are free. This book has a full cast of morally grey characters who make difficult, and often horrible, decisions without ever falling into villainous cartoonishness or tired archetypes. They are actively characterized by those choices. Despite being marketed as YA, this novel felt mature and grounded in how it approached topics like social class, moral compromise, coercion, and constrained agency. My only critique is that I wish the final third was more built out. The story went from being a period drama with mild fantasy elements, to much darker folklore vibes (with some body horror). If you are looking for a book with real stakes, tight pacing, and a layered narrative that tackles the complexity of class, gender, and racial dynamics in a Downton Abbey-esque setting, I highly highly recommend this book!
Setting
This reads like a late 19th or early 20th century period drama with supernatural and fairytale elements. For most of the novel the Redwood man looms in the background, acting as an existential threat while Lord Barras and the politics of his manor take narrative precedence (especially early on). I feel like lots of social hierarchies in YA fantasy books can feel decorative rather than meaningful. This was not the case in this book. The manor operates like a microcosm of power. There is the gendered relationship between Lord Barras and his daughters, the social relationship of the Barras family’s to the staff, and the relationship between the staff who have tenancy and those who are indentured. Even people who fall lower down in the social hierarchy still take advantage of what little power they *do* have to hurt those below them.
Pacing
I usually don’t mention the pacing in books because I think that if it’s good you don’t really notice it but in this book you could feel the flow of the story, if that makes sense. Every chapter felt purposeful in pushing the narrative forward and deepening character relationships. The pace is consistently pleasant without ever feeling like the story is being rushed or stagnating.
Characters
Katrien: Stubborn, loyal, deeply recognizable as the older sister who bears too much, Katrien’s willingness to make decisions for others (even without their knowledge or consent) was both compelling and troubling. Her choices feel emotionally sincere, even when morally questionable and by the end of the novel we see real growth in her.
Helsa: Helsa plays a minor role in the first 2/3rds of this book but we get to see a whole lot more of her by the end. She starts off the book in a bad place physically and emotionally and grows immensely over the course of the novel. A large portion of her story is dealing with her alcoholism. I can’t speak on that experience personally but I thought it was handled respectfully. I also liked how wholesome her friendship (and later romance) with Henrik was.
Avery: The eldest Barras daughter, in another book she could have easily been reduced to a cold, utilitarian mastermind (the type of person to believe that ‘the end justifies the means’). Instead she is framed as a mirror to Katrien, willing to withhold information, lie, and sacrifice others in an attempt to keep her sisters safe. I wish we could have seen more of her, especially in the last 3rd when she all but disappears.
Mariette: While initially framed as cruel or callous (which she is) the author complicates Mariette by showing her deep insecurity and perceived outsider status among the sisters. The book never redeems her but it contextualizes her behavior. Like Avery, I wish we got to seem more of her in the 3rd portion of the book.
Zaviera: When she is introduced she is depicted as the “good” sister but the narrative goes on to interrogate whether her remorse is enough to justify her complicity in the sacrifice of servant girls to the Redwood Man. Is she morally superior to someone like Avery, who recognizes the horror but accepts it as a necessary loss? I liked that her relationship with Katrien didn’t simply overshadow all of the surrounding circumstances. Katrien, as a kitchen maid, was still considered her social inferior– a fact that they are both painfully aware of (Katrien, understandably, more than Zaviera). Overall their relationship felt intimate and slow burn.
I also liked how the antagonists (The Redwood man, Lucca, etc..) aren’t acting villainous just to be spiteful (with the exception of Lord Barras) but have genuine reasons for acting out of self interest. The narrative never justifies their actions but they are also not flattened as characters.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Rating: 3.75 stars
The Redwood Bargain is an atmospheric, gothic infused fairytale that succeeds in making a classic story into something unique. Drawing inspiration from Brothers Grimm, Markelle Grabo weaves a story that feels like a dark, misty forest, both freeing and suffocating in the best possible way.
The compelling premise captures the reader's attention. The story follows Katrien, a kitchen maid who finds herself caught in a dangerous web of deceit. In order to free her cousin (and herself) from an indentured contract, she agrees to a dangerous task, to impersonate the noble Lady Zaviera and fulfil the lord’s dark bargain with the Redwood Man.
The lush writing and the vivid descriptions are the book’s greatest strengths, creating the perfect eerie atmosphere for the lurking horrors and mystery that threatens our characters. In addition, the characters feel well crafted, realistic and grounded, navigating deeper themes, such as grief, shame, addiction and forgiveness that elevate the story above standard YA fantasy. However, for me, the heart of the story is the sapphic romance between Katrien and Zaviera. Their chemistry and tension are evident from their very first interactions, and the way their relationship develops is perfectly paced, considering the imminent approach of the bargain’s fulfilment. The intimate moments are crafted with a delicate touch, tender and full of yearning, exactly the kind of soft romance that makes the stakes feel more personal (and appropriate for YA readers).
On the other hand, considering the dual pov, both Katrien's and Helsa’s internal monologues circle for far too long around the same thoughts, creating unwanting repetitiveness. Zaviera’s pov could add more depth and a fresher view on the story's high stakes, but by the end all of the characters get a satisfying development.
As for the narrative progression, the pacing moves well, consistently building intrigue chapter by chapter until the truth behind the Redwood Man’s bargain is finally unveiled. When that plot twist hits, it provides a somewhat satisfying payoff to the tension built throughout the book. However, the resolution of the conflict happens too quickly, considering the space given for Katrien's preparation. This leaves the expectation of more to happen unmet and a few questions to be answered. Nevertheless, the ending comes nicely together, wrapping everything up in a bittersweet way, leaving an opening for more to come.
Overall, The Redwood Bargain is a beautiful, haunting read. It balances complex themes of guilt, class dynamics, and family loyalty with a tender romance. If you enjoy folklore-inspired fantasy that prioritizes mood, found family dynamics, character growth, and a deeply satisfying twist, this is a book you shouldn’t miss.
Thank you to Page Street YA and NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
The Redwood Bargain is an atmospheric, gothic infused fairytale that succeeds in making a classic story into something unique. Drawing inspiration from Brothers Grimm, Markelle Grabo weaves a story that feels like a dark, misty forest, both freeing and suffocating in the best possible way.
The compelling premise captures the reader's attention. The story follows Katrien, a kitchen maid who finds herself caught in a dangerous web of deceit. In order to free her cousin (and herself) from an indentured contract, she agrees to a dangerous task, to impersonate the noble Lady Zaviera and fulfil the lord’s dark bargain with the Redwood Man.
The lush writing and the vivid descriptions are the book’s greatest strengths, creating the perfect eerie atmosphere for the lurking horrors and mystery that threatens our characters. In addition, the characters feel well crafted, realistic and grounded, navigating deeper themes, such as grief, shame, addiction and forgiveness that elevate the story above standard YA fantasy. However, for me, the heart of the story is the sapphic romance between Katrien and Zaviera. Their chemistry and tension are evident from their very first interactions, and the way their relationship develops is perfectly paced, considering the imminent approach of the bargain’s fulfilment. The intimate moments are crafted with a delicate touch, tender and full of yearning, exactly the kind of soft romance that makes the stakes feel more personal (and appropriate for YA readers).
On the other hand, considering the dual pov, both Katrien's and Helsa’s internal monologues circle for far too long around the same thoughts, creating unwanting repetitiveness. Zaviera’s pov could add more depth and a fresher view on the story's high stakes, but by the end all of the characters get a satisfying development.
As for the narrative progression, the pacing moves well, consistently building intrigue chapter by chapter until the truth behind the Redwood Man’s bargain is finally unveiled. When that plot twist hits, it provides a somewhat satisfying payoff to the tension built throughout the book. However, the resolution of the conflict happens too quickly, considering the space given for Katrien's preparation. This leaves the expectation of more to happen unmet and a few questions to be answered. Nevertheless, the ending comes nicely together, wrapping everything up in a bittersweet way, leaving an opening for more to come.
Overall, The Redwood Bargain is a beautiful, haunting read. It balances complex themes of guilt, class dynamics, and family loyalty with a tender romance. If you enjoy folklore-inspired fantasy that prioritizes mood, found family dynamics, character growth, and a deeply satisfying twist, this is a book you shouldn’t miss.
Thank you to Page Street YA and NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Page Street YA for an arc. All opinions are my own.
★ Rating: 4/5
Genre: Gothic Fantasy
Are There Gay People in this?*: ✅
An enjoyable reading experience
I definitely think this book is good and could easily see myself recommending it quite a bit. However, I don't think it will leave much of a lasting impression on me. All of the characters were well crafted, and they felt like they contained multitudes, plus I was so into the plot the entire time. With that being said, I found the romantic relationships a little weak. Katrien and Zaviera didn't really have much chemistry, so it felt like they liked each other mostly because they didn't have a lot of experience with other girls liking them back in my opinion. I did think they had an interesting dynamic at times, but I was never rooting for them as a romantic couple.
By far my favorite part of the book was part II. I also feel like it was paced so well because I was just starting to get a tiny bit tired of the rhythm of part I.
WARNING! The following contains pretty big spoilers! I usually avoid these in arc reviews, but this really impacted my opinion of the end of the book.
Who I would recommend this to: If you liked A Girl Walks Into the Forest or The River Drags Her Down, I would recommend checking this book out.
* I count a book as including gay people if any of the main or secondary characters are implicitly or explicitly queer or trans. This does not necessarily mean the protagonist is queer or that there is a queer romance
★ Rating: 4/5
Genre: Gothic Fantasy
Are There Gay People in this?*: ✅
An enjoyable reading experience
I definitely think this book is good and could easily see myself recommending it quite a bit. However, I don't think it will leave much of a lasting impression on me. All of the characters were well crafted, and they felt like they contained multitudes, plus I was so into the plot the entire time. With that being said, I found the romantic relationships a little weak. Katrien and Zaviera didn't really have much chemistry, so it felt like they liked each other mostly because they didn't have a lot of experience with other girls liking them back in my opinion. I did think they had an interesting dynamic at times, but I was never rooting for them as a romantic couple.
By far my favorite part of the book was part II. I also feel like it was paced so well because I was just starting to get a tiny bit tired of the rhythm of part I.
WARNING! The following contains pretty big spoilers! I usually avoid these in arc reviews, but this really impacted my opinion of the end of the book.
Who I would recommend this to: If you liked A Girl Walks Into the Forest or The River Drags Her Down, I would recommend checking this book out.
* I count a book as including gay people if any of the main or secondary characters are implicitly or explicitly queer or trans. This does not necessarily mean the protagonist is queer or that there is a queer romance
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was SO GOOD!! I literally never do this, but I literally genuinely stayed up all night reading it, I just could not stop, I have not been able to do that in 10 years, but I could not put this book down, it wasn’t even a case of ‘oh just one more chapter’ I knew from about the second chapter that I was in this for the long haul.
The story was SO interesting too, the Lord Of The Manor was so interesting to me, I wish we got more back story for him because his life sounds EVENTFUL to say the least. I was also so interested in The Redwood Man, he is obviously such a bad person but towards the end you start to think ‘oh maybe he’s just trapped and trying to get out of a bad situation’ but then BOOM nope he is actually just a massive evil idiot horrible person thing. I literally would not mind if this book was two times longer, I need MORE, I need more background on what causes The Redwood Men (people? things?) was there an original one? how did they / he / she figure everything out? I would also like more on the other two sisters, especially at the end, and the beginning, maybe before their dads third marriage.
I don’t mean I need more in a bad way either, I just mean the book is so good I want more, like maybe a prequel, and / or a sequel.
The romance was also BEAUTIFUL, it didn’t feel like a slowburn, it felt at the right pace, not too fast, not too slow, it was perfect. The whole thing, every scene between the two felt perfect, they truly made me smile each time, I loved how they had little looks and glances when they weren’t able to communicate with speech. I also love how it was kind of forbidden but it didn’t seem like anyone cared about that much.
The side characters were also so good, their stories were so sad and heartbreaking but they were SO GOOD, I loved the second half of the book where we got to see them together for a while, and see them all bond and grow and heal together.
Overall obviously I loved this book, something about Markelles writing is just so magical to me, her stories aren’t necessarily fairytales but they come across so fairytale like and magical and like literal magic? Like there is no princess trapped in a tower needing saving by a prince or anything, but it is that vibe.
Also, looking at the cover once I finished the book? CREEPYYY, the redwood man in the back?? the branches around Katrien?? the necklace??? ooooh it’s so good, I didn’t even notice the redwood man in the background at first.
The story was SO interesting too, the Lord Of The Manor was so interesting to me, I wish we got more back story for him because his life sounds EVENTFUL to say the least. I was also so interested in The Redwood Man, he is obviously such a bad person but towards the end you start to think ‘oh maybe he’s just trapped and trying to get out of a bad situation’ but then BOOM nope he is actually just a massive evil idiot horrible person thing. I literally would not mind if this book was two times longer, I need MORE, I need more background on what causes The Redwood Men (people? things?) was there an original one? how did they / he / she figure everything out? I would also like more on the other two sisters, especially at the end, and the beginning, maybe before their dads third marriage.
I don’t mean I need more in a bad way either, I just mean the book is so good I want more, like maybe a prequel, and / or a sequel.
The romance was also BEAUTIFUL, it didn’t feel like a slowburn, it felt at the right pace, not too fast, not too slow, it was perfect. The whole thing, every scene between the two felt perfect, they truly made me smile each time, I loved how they had little looks and glances when they weren’t able to communicate with speech. I also love how it was kind of forbidden but it didn’t seem like anyone cared about that much.
The side characters were also so good, their stories were so sad and heartbreaking but they were SO GOOD, I loved the second half of the book where we got to see them together for a while, and see them all bond and grow and heal together.
Overall obviously I loved this book, something about Markelles writing is just so magical to me, her stories aren’t necessarily fairytales but they come across so fairytale like and magical and like literal magic? Like there is no princess trapped in a tower needing saving by a prince or anything, but it is that vibe.
Also, looking at the cover once I finished the book? CREEPYYY, the redwood man in the back?? the branches around Katrien?? the necklace??? ooooh it’s so good, I didn’t even notice the redwood man in the background at first.
January 25, 2026
This was one of those books I really wanted to love
The premise is genuinely strong: a kitchen maid forced into impersonating a noble girl to save her cousin, a mysterious forest entity demanding sacrifices, and a manor full of secrets and quiet cruelty. On paper, it’s gothic, eerie and morally complex
exactly my kind of thing
In practice, though, the story never fully clicked for me…
My biggest struggle was with the characters, especially Katrien. I understood her motivations (guilt, loyalty, and love for her cousin) but her choices often felt impulsive in a way that made it hard for me to emotionally connect with her. I wanted to feel her conflict more deeply, not just understand it logically
Her relationship with Helsa is clearly meant to be the emotional core, but even there, I found myself a little distanced. I did enjoy Helsa’s interactions with Henrik, those moments felt softer and more grounded than a lot of the main narrative and I actually wished we’d spent more time in that space
My favorite character by far was Lady Zaviera. She felt thoughtful, restrained and quietly interesting in a way that stood out from everyone else. I really missed having her POV, because I think the story could have been even richer if we’d been able to see the world through her eyes, especially her complicated relationship with her family and her role in the bargain itself
The romance was another mixed point for me. I liked the early moments, the etiquette lessons, the shared glances, the small almost-secret interactions. But emotionally, it never quite landed. I kept wishing it would either deepen into something more impactful or step back and let the main plot breathe
Pacing-wise, the book took a while to pull me in. Once it picked up, I was more invested, but the beginning felt slow in a way that made it hard to stay fully immersed
That said, I can absolutely see the appeal. The atmosphere is beautiful: eerie forests, old manor politics and a villain that feels genuinely unsettling
There’s a lot of promise here, especially for readers who enjoy morally gray choices, slow tension and gothic settings that focus more on mood than action
This just wasn’t a perfect match for me personally, even though I really admired what it was trying to do
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
The premise is genuinely strong: a kitchen maid forced into impersonating a noble girl to save her cousin, a mysterious forest entity demanding sacrifices, and a manor full of secrets and quiet cruelty. On paper, it’s gothic, eerie and morally complex
exactly my kind of thing
In practice, though, the story never fully clicked for me…
My biggest struggle was with the characters, especially Katrien. I understood her motivations (guilt, loyalty, and love for her cousin) but her choices often felt impulsive in a way that made it hard for me to emotionally connect with her. I wanted to feel her conflict more deeply, not just understand it logically
Her relationship with Helsa is clearly meant to be the emotional core, but even there, I found myself a little distanced. I did enjoy Helsa’s interactions with Henrik, those moments felt softer and more grounded than a lot of the main narrative and I actually wished we’d spent more time in that space
My favorite character by far was Lady Zaviera. She felt thoughtful, restrained and quietly interesting in a way that stood out from everyone else. I really missed having her POV, because I think the story could have been even richer if we’d been able to see the world through her eyes, especially her complicated relationship with her family and her role in the bargain itself
The romance was another mixed point for me. I liked the early moments, the etiquette lessons, the shared glances, the small almost-secret interactions. But emotionally, it never quite landed. I kept wishing it would either deepen into something more impactful or step back and let the main plot breathe
Pacing-wise, the book took a while to pull me in. Once it picked up, I was more invested, but the beginning felt slow in a way that made it hard to stay fully immersed
That said, I can absolutely see the appeal. The atmosphere is beautiful: eerie forests, old manor politics and a villain that feels genuinely unsettling
There’s a lot of promise here, especially for readers who enjoy morally gray choices, slow tension and gothic settings that focus more on mood than action
This just wasn’t a perfect match for me personally, even though I really admired what it was trying to do
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Author
Advanced Readers Copy Review.
> has a couple mild spoilers <
A bargain worth “rooting” for
The Redwood Bargain’s main character Katrien is burdened with guilt of what she made her cousin do and believes may be unforgivable. But will the choice she has made, make up for her wrongs and repair her relationship with her best friend/cousin.
Katrien, an orphan and now an indentured kitchen maid in the house of Lord Barras of East Kernshire is faced with the challenge of convincing the magical evil tree beast the “Redwood Man” who has made a bargain with the Lord; his life for one of his daughters… that she is her.
Making her choice to take the Lord’s stepdaughter, Lady Zaviera’s place in the hands of the Redwood Man was initially an easy choice because she herself made a counter bargain, that would set her cousin Helsa, who was also indentured, free and hopefully win her love and trust back. However, she did not anticipate her feelings for Lady Zaviera coming to the surface like boiling water. This made the choice to try and convince a murdering tree beast she was someone else, much harder. Like Katrien, her cousin Helsa also has inner demons to conquer. Her unhealthy reliance on alcohol is a challenge that causes more ways to stumble than just over one’s feet. Will Katrien be able to convince the Redwood Man that she is a daughter of the Lord’s, or will he see through her and murder her as he has the previously failed bargained away housemaids? Will her feelings for Lady Zaviera get her through the hardest days ahead?
This was probably the fastest I’ve read a book front to back and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The story is strong, very well written with strong characters. Every step Katrien, Helsa or the sisters took in the manor was so easy to visualize – I saw each room, the grounds and the dreadful forest come alive. Of course, all my binging of Downton Abbey helped with that. The relationship and interactions among the cast of characters were done so well I felt I got to know each one as a friend …except the beast and you can throw Lord Barras out as well.
I highly recommend this!
> has a couple mild spoilers <
A bargain worth “rooting” for
The Redwood Bargain’s main character Katrien is burdened with guilt of what she made her cousin do and believes may be unforgivable. But will the choice she has made, make up for her wrongs and repair her relationship with her best friend/cousin.
Katrien, an orphan and now an indentured kitchen maid in the house of Lord Barras of East Kernshire is faced with the challenge of convincing the magical evil tree beast the “Redwood Man” who has made a bargain with the Lord; his life for one of his daughters… that she is her.
Making her choice to take the Lord’s stepdaughter, Lady Zaviera’s place in the hands of the Redwood Man was initially an easy choice because she herself made a counter bargain, that would set her cousin Helsa, who was also indentured, free and hopefully win her love and trust back. However, she did not anticipate her feelings for Lady Zaviera coming to the surface like boiling water. This made the choice to try and convince a murdering tree beast she was someone else, much harder. Like Katrien, her cousin Helsa also has inner demons to conquer. Her unhealthy reliance on alcohol is a challenge that causes more ways to stumble than just over one’s feet. Will Katrien be able to convince the Redwood Man that she is a daughter of the Lord’s, or will he see through her and murder her as he has the previously failed bargained away housemaids? Will her feelings for Lady Zaviera get her through the hardest days ahead?
This was probably the fastest I’ve read a book front to back and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The story is strong, very well written with strong characters. Every step Katrien, Helsa or the sisters took in the manor was so easy to visualize – I saw each room, the grounds and the dreadful forest come alive. Of course, all my binging of Downton Abbey helped with that. The relationship and interactions among the cast of characters were done so well I felt I got to know each one as a friend …except the beast and you can throw Lord Barras out as well.
I highly recommend this!
April 22, 2026
I am split. There are elements i absolutely loved, elements that annoyed me, and elements I downright hated.
I loved the atmosphere, how unique it retold a fairytale. I loved the characters even when they were self-pitying. The story moved forward well. I feel like others might have put this into two books, padded out. The story moved at a good pace, progressing the narrative.
Setting is historical-esque. Fictional places, no mention of historical people. Similar customs and society structure of early 20th century England. I learned some new things, like how historically some servants were housed upstairs, not downstairs, especially the women.
There’s two POV characters, two cousins, Katrien and Helsa. Katrien is a teenage indentured servant holding in a lot of secrets from tough choices she has made. Helsa is a 16 year old drunk you has been through a lot. I found her being actively amidst alcoholism heartbreaking. It felt real and affected the plot as well.
There’s not insta-love here, but there is early attraction that leads into desire. Lots of angst and sapphic pining, but the reader is never meant to view it as true love from the get-go or from early i the relationship.
But there’s so much stuff that annoyed the sheep out of me. Hella frequent foreshadowing and melodrama. If she only knew, blah blah blah. More than slightly hinting. And then each turns out to be exactly your first thought. No twists, just prolonging.
Character motivations are inconsistent. Sometimes it comes across as complexity, sometimes it’s off-putting, sometimes it’s so confusing. For instance, Helsa says that killing the Redwood Man wasn’t part of one deal she just struck. But it was, according to earlier dialogue. I don’t know if that’s a narrative mistake or if it’s attributable to her alcoholism. Page 254, then page 240.
The ending sets up nicely for a sequel.
I’ll likely end up changing my star rating. I had a lot of fun reading it, but also a ton of frustration.
I received a physical ARC for review from Page Street YA. I honestly don’t believe this affected my rating. Not sponsored.
I loved the atmosphere, how unique it retold a fairytale. I loved the characters even when they were self-pitying. The story moved forward well. I feel like others might have put this into two books, padded out. The story moved at a good pace, progressing the narrative.
Setting is historical-esque. Fictional places, no mention of historical people. Similar customs and society structure of early 20th century England. I learned some new things, like how historically some servants were housed upstairs, not downstairs, especially the women.
There’s two POV characters, two cousins, Katrien and Helsa. Katrien is a teenage indentured servant holding in a lot of secrets from tough choices she has made. Helsa is a 16 year old drunk you has been through a lot. I found her being actively amidst alcoholism heartbreaking. It felt real and affected the plot as well.
There’s not insta-love here, but there is early attraction that leads into desire. Lots of angst and sapphic pining, but the reader is never meant to view it as true love from the get-go or from early i the relationship.
But there’s so much stuff that annoyed the sheep out of me. Hella frequent foreshadowing and melodrama. If she only knew, blah blah blah. More than slightly hinting. And then each turns out to be exactly your first thought. No twists, just prolonging.
Character motivations are inconsistent. Sometimes it comes across as complexity, sometimes it’s off-putting, sometimes it’s so confusing. For instance, Helsa says that killing the Redwood Man wasn’t part of one deal she just struck. But it was, according to earlier dialogue. I don’t know if that’s a narrative mistake or if it’s attributable to her alcoholism. Page 254, then page 240.
The ending sets up nicely for a sequel.
I’ll likely end up changing my star rating. I had a lot of fun reading it, but also a ton of frustration.
I received a physical ARC for review from Page Street YA. I honestly don’t believe this affected my rating. Not sponsored.
April 29, 2026
Title: The Redwood Bargain
Author: Markelle Grabo
Publisher: Page Street YA
Pub Day: April 28, 2026
I was not prepared for how deeply this book would sink its roots into me.
The Redwood Bargain is a gothic fairy tale retelling that feels both achingly familiar and completely unlike anything I have read before. Markelle Grabo takes the bones of a Brothers Grimm story and builds something lush, eerie, and emotionally devastating around them. From the very first page, the atmosphere wraps around you like ivy crawling up stone walls and refuses to let go.
Katrien is the kind of protagonist who breaks your heart quietly. She carries guilt the way some people carry heirlooms, heavy and inherited, and her decision to step into the place of the girls before her feels both reckless and completely inevitable. Watching her transform from kitchen maid to noblewoman in a race against time and a forest lord's growing impatience is tense and compelling. The world Grabo has built feels grounded in something like the late Victorian or Edwardian era, which gives the class dynamics and the weight of servitude a very real, very suffocating texture.
And then there is Zaviera. The sapphic romance at the heart of this story is tender and slow and genuinely moving. These two characters find each other in stolen glances and shared lessons, and the way their feelings grow despite every reason they should not is beautiful. There is something so quietly radical about a love story set in this world that does not burden itself with shame.
The Redwood Man himself is a genuinely unsettling presence. The creeping vines, the bodies of the girls who came before, the ticking clock of his patience all create a dread that permeates every chapter. The pacing is deliberately slow in the best possible way, mirroring the suffocating spread of roots through the manor.
This is a book about guilt and duty and what we owe the people we love, and whether love itself can be a form of redemption. It is atmospheric, queer, heartfelt, and haunting in equal measure. If you love gothic fiction, sapphic romance, and fairy tales that earn their darkness, do not let this one pass you by.
Author: Markelle Grabo
Publisher: Page Street YA
Pub Day: April 28, 2026
I was not prepared for how deeply this book would sink its roots into me.
The Redwood Bargain is a gothic fairy tale retelling that feels both achingly familiar and completely unlike anything I have read before. Markelle Grabo takes the bones of a Brothers Grimm story and builds something lush, eerie, and emotionally devastating around them. From the very first page, the atmosphere wraps around you like ivy crawling up stone walls and refuses to let go.
Katrien is the kind of protagonist who breaks your heart quietly. She carries guilt the way some people carry heirlooms, heavy and inherited, and her decision to step into the place of the girls before her feels both reckless and completely inevitable. Watching her transform from kitchen maid to noblewoman in a race against time and a forest lord's growing impatience is tense and compelling. The world Grabo has built feels grounded in something like the late Victorian or Edwardian era, which gives the class dynamics and the weight of servitude a very real, very suffocating texture.
And then there is Zaviera. The sapphic romance at the heart of this story is tender and slow and genuinely moving. These two characters find each other in stolen glances and shared lessons, and the way their feelings grow despite every reason they should not is beautiful. There is something so quietly radical about a love story set in this world that does not burden itself with shame.
The Redwood Man himself is a genuinely unsettling presence. The creeping vines, the bodies of the girls who came before, the ticking clock of his patience all create a dread that permeates every chapter. The pacing is deliberately slow in the best possible way, mirroring the suffocating spread of roots through the manor.
This is a book about guilt and duty and what we owe the people we love, and whether love itself can be a form of redemption. It is atmospheric, queer, heartfelt, and haunting in equal measure. If you love gothic fiction, sapphic romance, and fairy tales that earn their darkness, do not let this one pass you by.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Having really enjoyed To Call Forth a Fox, I was very excited to dive early into The Redwood Bargain - especially with the promise of YA gothic fantasy and a sapphic romance.
Set on a grand estate slowly turned eerie by a disgruntled Redwood Man, the story follows a household under threat: he demands the lord’s daughter in exchange for stopping the dangerous magic raining down on the manor. Determined to resist and keep Lazy Zaviera safe, the ladies of the estate plan to send a kitchen maid, Katrien, in her place. However, amidst dance lessons and quiet moments, Lady Zaviera and Katrien grow closer, their developing feelings threatening to complicate the already risky plan.
Once again, Markelle Grabo’s writing is captivating and atmospheric. The setting feels rich and immersive - suitably eery and, at times, unexpectedly cozy, particularly in places like the stables where the characters find brief moments of warmth. The ever-suffucating vines and the looming presence of the Redwood Man maintain a strong sense of danger throughout, also added to by the oppressive figure of the lord of the estate.
I really enjoyed watching the characters develop over the course of the story. Katrien’s gradual realisation that she has been making choices for others, and her cousin’s parallel journey towards claiming her own life choices, were particularly interesting. Themes of family, forgiveness, and personal choice are thoughtfully explored, especially through the cousins’ relationship. While I was a little surprised by the sudden introduction of Helsa’s POV, it did add an interesting layer to their dynamic and gave an insight into the other side of the bons. I would have loved to see some chapters from Zaviera’s perspective as well, as it might have deepened both her character and the romantic arc, since the relationship felt like it developed quite quickly without her internal POV.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, even if slightly less than the author’s previous novel, and would recommend it to readers who enjoy gothic atmospheres and YA fantasy with romantic elements.
Set on a grand estate slowly turned eerie by a disgruntled Redwood Man, the story follows a household under threat: he demands the lord’s daughter in exchange for stopping the dangerous magic raining down on the manor. Determined to resist and keep Lazy Zaviera safe, the ladies of the estate plan to send a kitchen maid, Katrien, in her place. However, amidst dance lessons and quiet moments, Lady Zaviera and Katrien grow closer, their developing feelings threatening to complicate the already risky plan.
Once again, Markelle Grabo’s writing is captivating and atmospheric. The setting feels rich and immersive - suitably eery and, at times, unexpectedly cozy, particularly in places like the stables where the characters find brief moments of warmth. The ever-suffucating vines and the looming presence of the Redwood Man maintain a strong sense of danger throughout, also added to by the oppressive figure of the lord of the estate.
I really enjoyed watching the characters develop over the course of the story. Katrien’s gradual realisation that she has been making choices for others, and her cousin’s parallel journey towards claiming her own life choices, were particularly interesting. Themes of family, forgiveness, and personal choice are thoughtfully explored, especially through the cousins’ relationship. While I was a little surprised by the sudden introduction of Helsa’s POV, it did add an interesting layer to their dynamic and gave an insight into the other side of the bons. I would have loved to see some chapters from Zaviera’s perspective as well, as it might have deepened both her character and the romantic arc, since the relationship felt like it developed quite quickly without her internal POV.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, even if slightly less than the author’s previous novel, and would recommend it to readers who enjoy gothic atmospheres and YA fantasy with romantic elements.
February 21, 2026
The Redwood Man plagues the manor this story takes place in. The grounds are covered in vines that grow and harm the people inhabiting the large estate, leaving no easy path out. Desperate for such a path, the lord makes a bargain in exchange for his youngest daughter being possessed by The Redwood Man for seven years. Though he made this bargain, his two eldest daughters work their hardest to send maids out instead to fulfill the role of their sister, each being killed upon the Man discovering they are not who he asked for. Katrien is to be the last of these girls send in the place of the young lady, their last hope.
This story is not grandiose but still rather complex. It is a tale of tragedy and trying to right one's wrongs, which makes for very deep characters and motivations. The story is largely told from the perspective of Katrien, but occasionally her cousin Helsa takes the forefront. One thing that really stood out to me was sisterly bonds. The three daughters of the Lord are half-siblings but care deeply for one another and Katrien and Helsa treat each other more like sisters than cousins. This was really beautiful to see as they make concessions for each other and look out for the best interests of one another. I would have loved for The Redwood Man to appear sooner in the book as he had the greatest amount of mystery surrounding him which really ramped up the story after he became a tangible character. This is also a fairytale retelling of The Dwarf, the Fox, and the Princess but as it's not a story I'm familiar with, I can't say how well it accomplishes this.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
𝘨𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘤 𝘧𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘺 • 𝘴𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘩𝘪𝘤 𝘧𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘺 • 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘬𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘦 • 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘺 • 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 • 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘥𝘶𝘭𝘵 • 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦 • 𝘥𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘱𝘰𝘷
This story is not grandiose but still rather complex. It is a tale of tragedy and trying to right one's wrongs, which makes for very deep characters and motivations. The story is largely told from the perspective of Katrien, but occasionally her cousin Helsa takes the forefront. One thing that really stood out to me was sisterly bonds. The three daughters of the Lord are half-siblings but care deeply for one another and Katrien and Helsa treat each other more like sisters than cousins. This was really beautiful to see as they make concessions for each other and look out for the best interests of one another. I would have loved for The Redwood Man to appear sooner in the book as he had the greatest amount of mystery surrounding him which really ramped up the story after he became a tangible character. This is also a fairytale retelling of The Dwarf, the Fox, and the Princess but as it's not a story I'm familiar with, I can't say how well it accomplishes this.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
𝘨𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘤 𝘧𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘺 • 𝘴𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘩𝘪𝘤 𝘧𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘺 • 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘬𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘦 • 𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘺 • 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 • 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘥𝘶𝘭𝘵 • 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦 • 𝘥𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘱𝘰𝘷
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Redwood Bargain is a gothic queer fantasy that features the upstairs-downstairs drama of Downton Abbey with the dark fairytale feel of the Brother Grimm. The atmosphere is spot on with both a fancy mansion and a very eerie forest with a powerful creature in it waiting for its promise to be fulfilled. At the center of it all is the lowly kitchen maid Katrien, who gets tasked with the dangerous task of imitating the Lord of the manor’s daughter and surviving the Redwood man.
This is my first book from the author, and I was overall positively surprised by the book. The horror elements weren't too overwhelming, and worked well together with the overall story. I really enjoyed the gothic setting and the initial etiquette lessons between Katrien and Zaviera, as well as their budding feelings towards each other. It’s cute, but eventually felt like it was a bit in limbo. The characters were all alright, but the constant miscommunication between Katrien and her cousin Helsa becomes even more frustrating to read when we get to Helsa’s pov. Also fair warning, there’s a lot of strong feelings - guilt, anger and a sense of brokenness - between the two of them. My favourite character was Zaviera and I wish we could have gotten her pov as well. To really explore how Katrien’s upcoming sacrifice affected the one closest to her.
Lastly I had expected more from the Redwood Man and of Katrien's time with him, since he serves as this big looming threat for everyone in the manor. But with that said, the ending still came together quite nicely and I felt that everything got wrapped up in a satisfying way while still leaving an opening for more to come.
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Thank you to NetGalley and Page Street YA for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first book from the author, and I was overall positively surprised by the book. The horror elements weren't too overwhelming, and worked well together with the overall story. I really enjoyed the gothic setting and the initial etiquette lessons between Katrien and Zaviera, as well as their budding feelings towards each other. It’s cute, but eventually felt like it was a bit in limbo. The characters were all alright, but the constant miscommunication between Katrien and her cousin Helsa becomes even more frustrating to read when we get to Helsa’s pov. Also fair warning, there’s a lot of strong feelings - guilt, anger and a sense of brokenness - between the two of them. My favourite character was Zaviera and I wish we could have gotten her pov as well. To really explore how Katrien’s upcoming sacrifice affected the one closest to her.
Lastly I had expected more from the Redwood Man and of Katrien's time with him, since he serves as this big looming threat for everyone in the manor. But with that said, the ending still came together quite nicely and I felt that everything got wrapped up in a satisfying way while still leaving an opening for more to come.
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Thank you to NetGalley and Page Street YA for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
May 27, 2026
I LOVED the premise of The Redwood Bargain and ended up mostly enjoying it, though a few plot points pulled me out. Firstly, this is being promoted as "for fans of Downton Abbey and the Brothers Grimm" and while it does deal with residents of a wealthy family interacting with the help, I'm at a loss as to where the Downton vibes are coming from. Secondly, at one point in the plot, hounds are used to track the scent of one of the characters... they don't use an item of clothing AND the item is carried against the skin of someone else. And yet - the dogs are able to track the person in question? Pretty sure that's not how scent tracking works. While the item is relevant to the plot, they could have just as easily grabbed a piece of clothing left behind to make those logistics more credible.
80% of the plot is told through Katrien and it's not until past the half way point that Grabo introduces another point of view. At first, it felt jarring and took me out of the rhythm of reading - but I did end up enjoying this additional POV and wish readers had been given more from this person's eyes from the start.
Grabo did a great job of setting up the atmosphere and tension in this reimagining of The Dwarf, the Fox and the Princess by the Brothers Grimm. And I'd imagine it's a tale that isn't familiar to most people. Overall I thought it was an enjoyable read, though wish a few plot points had been tightened up. I do feel like this will do better with adult readers than with teens (or at least I don't think my library teens will rushing to check this out).
Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by NetGalley, Page Street Publishing, and Page Street YA in exchange for an honest review.
80% of the plot is told through Katrien and it's not until past the half way point that Grabo introduces another point of view. At first, it felt jarring and took me out of the rhythm of reading - but I did end up enjoying this additional POV and wish readers had been given more from this person's eyes from the start.
Grabo did a great job of setting up the atmosphere and tension in this reimagining of The Dwarf, the Fox and the Princess by the Brothers Grimm. And I'd imagine it's a tale that isn't familiar to most people. Overall I thought it was an enjoyable read, though wish a few plot points had been tightened up. I do feel like this will do better with adult readers than with teens (or at least I don't think my library teens will rushing to check this out).
Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by NetGalley, Page Street Publishing, and Page Street YA in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2026
The Redwoodman plagues the wood and the manor nearby. To appease the Redwoodman, the lord of the house strikes a bargain with him. In exchange for peace, the lord will give his step-daughter, Lady Zaviera, to the Redwoodman for seven years. Zavivera's sister will do anything to save their sister, even sacrifice other girls. Indentured servant, Katrien, is one of these Redwood girls. To free her cousin from her indenture contract, Katrien agrees to fulfill the lord's bargain with the Redwoodman and hopefully make it out alive.
I loved Markelle Grabo's debut novel, 'Call forth a Fox,' and I was so excited for this novel! This novel did not disappoint. I love Grabo's spin on fairytale, adding a sapphic twist to them. I really enjoy reading Grabo's writing, and this book is no exception.
I love Katrien's dedication to her cousin and how much she wants to do right by her. Katrien is such a well-written character; she has great complexities while being in an impossible situation. Even though she has a complex relationship with her cousin, she will do anything to protect her. The romance in this book is so well written. I love the pinning and the tension between Katrien and Zaviera while also having some depth for each individual character. Each of the characters has such great depth and complexity.
This book was addicting from start to finish. The pacing was perfect, paired with the overall storyline and great writing. I love Markelle Grabo's writing, and I can't wait to see what she'll write next!
Thank you to Page Street YA for the advanced reader copy.
I loved Markelle Grabo's debut novel, 'Call forth a Fox,' and I was so excited for this novel! This novel did not disappoint. I love Grabo's spin on fairytale, adding a sapphic twist to them. I really enjoy reading Grabo's writing, and this book is no exception.
I love Katrien's dedication to her cousin and how much she wants to do right by her. Katrien is such a well-written character; she has great complexities while being in an impossible situation. Even though she has a complex relationship with her cousin, she will do anything to protect her. The romance in this book is so well written. I love the pinning and the tension between Katrien and Zaviera while also having some depth for each individual character. Each of the characters has such great depth and complexity.
This book was addicting from start to finish. The pacing was perfect, paired with the overall storyline and great writing. I love Markelle Grabo's writing, and I can't wait to see what she'll write next!
Thank you to Page Street YA for the advanced reader copy.
May 2, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Page Street YA for providing an ARC of this title. All opinions are my own.
A clever, if somewhat unevenly paced at times, dark fairy tale. I enjoyed the sinister, creeping horror Grabo plays with in equal measure with the Downton Abbey-inspired feel of the manor house, and the lessons protagonist Katrien undergoes to pose as a noble lady. I also thought Katrien's relationship with Helsa, her cousin and closest friend, was extremely well done: there's tremendous love there that shines through, but also the trauma of having been each other's only family in an abusive orphanage from a very young age. Katrien's sense of responsibility for both of them as the older of the two, as well as Helsa's alcoholism (which is treated very sensitively and well by the text, in my opinion) further complicate this relationship in interesting ways.
The pacing, as mentioned, was the only noticeable rough spot in an otherwise solid book. Given the magic and mystery at play, I was expecting the Redwood Man to make an appearance far earlier than he did; a lot more of the book is given over to Katrien's lessons in posing as a noble lady, and the relationship that develops between her and the lady she's planning to pose as. This was fun to read about, to be sure, but I feel like the second part of the book, where the payoff really begins, was rushed and at times confusing. This didn't, however, take away from my overall enjoyment of the book. I'm curious to read more from this author!
A clever, if somewhat unevenly paced at times, dark fairy tale. I enjoyed the sinister, creeping horror Grabo plays with in equal measure with the Downton Abbey-inspired feel of the manor house, and the lessons protagonist Katrien undergoes to pose as a noble lady. I also thought Katrien's relationship with Helsa, her cousin and closest friend, was extremely well done: there's tremendous love there that shines through, but also the trauma of having been each other's only family in an abusive orphanage from a very young age. Katrien's sense of responsibility for both of them as the older of the two, as well as Helsa's alcoholism (which is treated very sensitively and well by the text, in my opinion) further complicate this relationship in interesting ways.
The pacing, as mentioned, was the only noticeable rough spot in an otherwise solid book. Given the magic and mystery at play, I was expecting the Redwood Man to make an appearance far earlier than he did; a lot more of the book is given over to Katrien's lessons in posing as a noble lady, and the relationship that develops between her and the lady she's planning to pose as. This was fun to read about, to be sure, but I feel like the second part of the book, where the payoff really begins, was rushed and at times confusing. This didn't, however, take away from my overall enjoyment of the book. I'm curious to read more from this author!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“We make so many mistakes. (...) But one thing I have learned is that we cannot forget when we are good.”
The thing that hit me first in this novel is the gothic atmosphere, especially thanks to that mysterious Redwood Man who demands a sacrifice. It starts from the beginning and never fails, using a lot of different situations for that. The second was the structure, as the first part is a lot romance oriented (with so much yearning, and so well written!!), when the second half of the book dives into horror. I liked both, and was super surprised by the change that occurs around the 50% mark. It took me a while to get accustomed to it, but it made perfect sense in the end as the book relies a lot on the characters. They’re all so well written, complementary, all in various shades of grey. The characters that would be considered as “side” are very important, and treated as such.
Their interactions and challenges allow the author to explore the theme of guilt, that is a central part in the novel, just as much as the ability to let go and the necessity of sacrifice. The end, especially, regarding these themes is so so perfect !!
I loved the writing style, the aesthetics and the mystery that kept me engaged all around, just as much as the representations (special mention to the alcohol addiction and the Bi MC).
Thank you to Page Street YA for the access to the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
4.5/5
The thing that hit me first in this novel is the gothic atmosphere, especially thanks to that mysterious Redwood Man who demands a sacrifice. It starts from the beginning and never fails, using a lot of different situations for that. The second was the structure, as the first part is a lot romance oriented (with so much yearning, and so well written!!), when the second half of the book dives into horror. I liked both, and was super surprised by the change that occurs around the 50% mark. It took me a while to get accustomed to it, but it made perfect sense in the end as the book relies a lot on the characters. They’re all so well written, complementary, all in various shades of grey. The characters that would be considered as “side” are very important, and treated as such.
Their interactions and challenges allow the author to explore the theme of guilt, that is a central part in the novel, just as much as the ability to let go and the necessity of sacrifice. The end, especially, regarding these themes is so so perfect !!
I loved the writing style, the aesthetics and the mystery that kept me engaged all around, just as much as the representations (special mention to the alcohol addiction and the Bi MC).
Thank you to Page Street YA for the access to the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
4.5/5
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Characters: 4.00⭐️
Setting: 4.25⭐️
Plot: 4.50⭐️
Themes: 4.25⭐️
Personal enjoyment: 4.25⭐️
Emotional Impact: 4.00⭐️
Overall rating: 4.25⭐️
In this gothic fairy tale, Katrien a servant with an indentured contract and she agrees to fulfill the lord of the estate bargain with the Redwood Man, a fabled tree-like man who lurks in the woods and sends vines to take over the estate and kills anyone who crosses into the forest. The bargain called for the lords step-daughter, but three maids posed as her before Katrien to save her life and they don't live. Now Katrien must learn to be Lady Zaviera in order to fulfill the bargain and gain her cousins freedom from servitude.
I really enjoyed this story. There is a darkness about this book that lingers, but I definitely fulfills the want of reading a fairy tale. I did not realize at first that this was a retelling of a Brothers Grimm fairy tale, and that fact has now just added a layer to this story for me. There is pining and tension between Katrien and Zaviera, not overloaded, but enough to keep my interest. I honestly loved Helsa, her cousins, character development and I felt that maybe she could have been the main character, but I enjoyed the dynamic and the switched POV towards the end of the book/
Would I recommend this book? Yes.
Thank you to Page Street YA for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Setting: 4.25⭐️
Plot: 4.50⭐️
Themes: 4.25⭐️
Personal enjoyment: 4.25⭐️
Emotional Impact: 4.00⭐️
Overall rating: 4.25⭐️
In this gothic fairy tale, Katrien a servant with an indentured contract and she agrees to fulfill the lord of the estate bargain with the Redwood Man, a fabled tree-like man who lurks in the woods and sends vines to take over the estate and kills anyone who crosses into the forest. The bargain called for the lords step-daughter, but three maids posed as her before Katrien to save her life and they don't live. Now Katrien must learn to be Lady Zaviera in order to fulfill the bargain and gain her cousins freedom from servitude.
I really enjoyed this story. There is a darkness about this book that lingers, but I definitely fulfills the want of reading a fairy tale. I did not realize at first that this was a retelling of a Brothers Grimm fairy tale, and that fact has now just added a layer to this story for me. There is pining and tension between Katrien and Zaviera, not overloaded, but enough to keep my interest. I honestly loved Helsa, her cousins, character development and I felt that maybe she could have been the main character, but I enjoyed the dynamic and the switched POV towards the end of the book/
Would I recommend this book? Yes.
Thank you to Page Street YA for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
2.5 ⭐
The Redwood Bargain is a gothic fantasy following Katrien, a kitchen maid who’s offered a dangerous deal: impersonate Lady Zaviera; the youngest daughter of the lord she serves—in exchange for her cousin’s freedom. But as the past victims of the bargain suggest, fooling the Redwood man comes at a steep cost…
This was my first book by this author, and as an ARC reader I was so excited going in. The premise promised something darker and more unusual than my usual reads, and while I appreciated that ambition, the story didn’t fully click for me.
I personally struggled to connect with the characters, especially Katrien. Her choices often felt impulsive, and while her intentions were rooted in guilt and love, they didn’t always land emotionally for me. Her relationship with her cousin Helsa is complicated and clearly important, but even when the story shifted focus, I still found it hard to fully connect, though I did enjoy Helsa’s brief interactions with Henrik.
Lady Zaviera was easily my favorite character. Sadly, we never get her POV, which limited how deeply I could understand her, but she stood out as thoughtful and quietly compelling. I loved that she wasn’t written as the typical spoiled noble, and I would have happily read more about her relationships, especially with her mother.
The romance was another mixed point for me. I knew it wouldn’t be central, but I found myself wishing it had been either more developed or not included at all. While I enjoyed the early interactions; etiquette lessons, shared moments, small escapes.... the emotional connection didn’t fully land for me.
Pacing-wise, the story took a while to pull me in, though once it picked up, I was definitely more invested.
Overall, The Redwood Bargain has a beautiful, eerie tone, an interesting villain, and a lot of promise. While it wasn’t a perfect fit for me personally, I can absolutely see it working for readers who enjoy gothic atmospheres, morally gray choices, and slow-burning tension
The Redwood Bargain is a gothic fantasy following Katrien, a kitchen maid who’s offered a dangerous deal: impersonate Lady Zaviera; the youngest daughter of the lord she serves—in exchange for her cousin’s freedom. But as the past victims of the bargain suggest, fooling the Redwood man comes at a steep cost…
This was my first book by this author, and as an ARC reader I was so excited going in. The premise promised something darker and more unusual than my usual reads, and while I appreciated that ambition, the story didn’t fully click for me.
I personally struggled to connect with the characters, especially Katrien. Her choices often felt impulsive, and while her intentions were rooted in guilt and love, they didn’t always land emotionally for me. Her relationship with her cousin Helsa is complicated and clearly important, but even when the story shifted focus, I still found it hard to fully connect, though I did enjoy Helsa’s brief interactions with Henrik.
Lady Zaviera was easily my favorite character. Sadly, we never get her POV, which limited how deeply I could understand her, but she stood out as thoughtful and quietly compelling. I loved that she wasn’t written as the typical spoiled noble, and I would have happily read more about her relationships, especially with her mother.
The romance was another mixed point for me. I knew it wouldn’t be central, but I found myself wishing it had been either more developed or not included at all. While I enjoyed the early interactions; etiquette lessons, shared moments, small escapes.... the emotional connection didn’t fully land for me.
Pacing-wise, the story took a while to pull me in, though once it picked up, I was definitely more invested.
Overall, The Redwood Bargain has a beautiful, eerie tone, an interesting villain, and a lot of promise. While it wasn’t a perfect fit for me personally, I can absolutely see it working for readers who enjoy gothic atmospheres, morally gray choices, and slow-burning tension
May 10, 2026
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Thank you to Page Street YA for access to the e-ARC as well as a physical ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. I've been struggling with getting out a reading slump for a few months now. But honestly, I think this book is exactly what I needed. This book kept me on my toes from beginning to end. It's more complex than what I was expecting, and for me that's a good thing. I could genuinely picture the scenes from the book fold out in my imagination, and it kept me entranced in part because of that. The characters are unique and complex and have their own battles they struggle with. And I appreciate how those struggles don't just magically stop or disappear in the end. Life isn't that simple, and while this is fiction, I appreciate how this is relevant to the real world. The characters showed depth and also flaws. At points I was cheering them on, and at others I was cursing their choices and misguidedness. I genuinely did not want to put this book down as soon as I picked it up, which is probably why I finished it in just over a day. This was the first book I've read or Markelle's, and it definitely is not going to be the last. I don't know many of the Grimm Fairytales, but I've always been a fan of retellings of them. This might be my favorite retelling of them yet.
Thank you to Page Street YA for access to the e-ARC as well as a physical ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. I've been struggling with getting out a reading slump for a few months now. But honestly, I think this book is exactly what I needed. This book kept me on my toes from beginning to end. It's more complex than what I was expecting, and for me that's a good thing. I could genuinely picture the scenes from the book fold out in my imagination, and it kept me entranced in part because of that. The characters are unique and complex and have their own battles they struggle with. And I appreciate how those struggles don't just magically stop or disappear in the end. Life isn't that simple, and while this is fiction, I appreciate how this is relevant to the real world. The characters showed depth and also flaws. At points I was cheering them on, and at others I was cursing their choices and misguidedness. I genuinely did not want to put this book down as soon as I picked it up, which is probably why I finished it in just over a day. This was the first book I've read or Markelle's, and it definitely is not going to be the last. I don't know many of the Grimm Fairytales, but I've always been a fan of retellings of them. This might be my favorite retelling of them yet.
April 20, 2026
2⭐️
“We make so many mistakes...but one thing I have learned is that we cannot forget when we are good.”
...
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
The Redwood Bargain was a story filled with a gothic atmosphere, where you could almost feel the mist from the words spilling from the pages. At times, I felt tangled in its vines.
This is a gothic fantasy following Katrien, a kitchen maid who’s offered a dangerous deal: impersonate Lady Zaviera, the youngest daughter of the lord she serves, in exchange for her cousin’s freedom. But as the past victims of the bargain suggest, fooling the Redwood man comes at a steep cost…
This little blurb definitely pulled me in at the start, but I found it increasingly hard to connect with the story as I read on. There was very little to pull me in with its somewhat flat characters and slow-moving plot. I did think there was success in building the book's fairytale-like atmosphere, and the yearning in the romance was done well. But in the end, I quite honestly kept forgetting I was reading this because it was simply not pulling me in. Its pacing just refused to pick up. I started and finished a few other books while reading this, in fact.
“We make so many mistakes...but one thing I have learned is that we cannot forget when we are good.”
...
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
The Redwood Bargain was a story filled with a gothic atmosphere, where you could almost feel the mist from the words spilling from the pages. At times, I felt tangled in its vines.
This is a gothic fantasy following Katrien, a kitchen maid who’s offered a dangerous deal: impersonate Lady Zaviera, the youngest daughter of the lord she serves, in exchange for her cousin’s freedom. But as the past victims of the bargain suggest, fooling the Redwood man comes at a steep cost…
This little blurb definitely pulled me in at the start, but I found it increasingly hard to connect with the story as I read on. There was very little to pull me in with its somewhat flat characters and slow-moving plot. I did think there was success in building the book's fairytale-like atmosphere, and the yearning in the romance was done well. But in the end, I quite honestly kept forgetting I was reading this because it was simply not pulling me in. Its pacing just refused to pick up. I started and finished a few other books while reading this, in fact.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I have been SOOO excited for this one! I absolutely loved CALL FORTH A FOX and have been itching to read more Markelle Grabo!
In a way, this book had a good number of similarities to CALL FORTH A FOX. In both, we have YA sapphic love, strong familial bonds (sisters vs cousins), a forest being a major part of the story, and a plot revolving around folklore/fairytales.
THE REDWOOD BARGAIN differed in the vibes for sure. This book had eerie, gothic vibes from the forest mixed with regency vibes from the lord’s mansion at the edge of the forest. It definitely had horror elements which I really enjoyed and wish were explored a little more! I would have loved to get more of a backstory of the Redwood Man and what his next steps were.
It explored themes of shame and forgiveness as Katrien and Helsa grappled with their own demons. There is also a very strong theme of alcoholism and I would caution readers to take this into account as a trigger/content warning.
All in all, I did enjoy this book. Maybe not as much as CALL FORTH A FOX as it took me until about part 2 to really get into it, but I still find myself loving Markelle’s writing and cannot wait to see she publishes next!
Thank you so much to Page Street YA for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
In a way, this book had a good number of similarities to CALL FORTH A FOX. In both, we have YA sapphic love, strong familial bonds (sisters vs cousins), a forest being a major part of the story, and a plot revolving around folklore/fairytales.
THE REDWOOD BARGAIN differed in the vibes for sure. This book had eerie, gothic vibes from the forest mixed with regency vibes from the lord’s mansion at the edge of the forest. It definitely had horror elements which I really enjoyed and wish were explored a little more! I would have loved to get more of a backstory of the Redwood Man and what his next steps were.
It explored themes of shame and forgiveness as Katrien and Helsa grappled with their own demons. There is also a very strong theme of alcoholism and I would caution readers to take this into account as a trigger/content warning.
All in all, I did enjoy this book. Maybe not as much as CALL FORTH A FOX as it took me until about part 2 to really get into it, but I still find myself loving Markelle’s writing and cannot wait to see she publishes next!
Thank you so much to Page Street YA for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy
The Redwood Bargain is an atmospheric read with the kind of Grimm‑rooted fairy‑tale quality you find in the old Jacob and Wilhelm collections — the ones tucked in the classics section, not the bright, chirpy “someday my prince will come” retellings. This story leans into the darker, older tradition where clever girls survive by reading the room, navigating danger, and moving through spaces they were never invited to inhabit.
The world is one of struggle, quick thinking, and quiet resilience — the exact skills that sit at the heart of YA learning. These characters aren’t waiting for rescue; they’re negotiating, adapting, and outsmarting the forces around them. The atmosphere is thick with moss, mist, and old bargains, and the story’s strength lies in how it captures that sense of being watched by the forest itself.
For me, this landed as a strong 3.75 — close to four stars — especially for readers who love their fairy tales with roots in the original folklore rather than the polished modern versions. It’s a story that honors the old magic, the old dangers, and the old lessons.
Thank you to the publisher and Toppling Stacks for sharing this DRC with me
The world is one of struggle, quick thinking, and quiet resilience — the exact skills that sit at the heart of YA learning. These characters aren’t waiting for rescue; they’re negotiating, adapting, and outsmarting the forces around them. The atmosphere is thick with moss, mist, and old bargains, and the story’s strength lies in how it captures that sense of being watched by the forest itself.
For me, this landed as a strong 3.75 — close to four stars — especially for readers who love their fairy tales with roots in the original folklore rather than the polished modern versions. It’s a story that honors the old magic, the old dangers, and the old lessons.
Thank you to the publisher and Toppling Stacks for sharing this DRC with me
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A delightfully gothic, sapphic fantasy standalone that hit all the right notes! I'd describe The Redwood Bargain as Hazelthorn meets The Spirit Bares Its Teeth meets the Bronte sisters, but with more eerie vibes and less body horror.
I consumed this is a single day, and loved every minute! It was a while since I requested this ARC so I had forgotten the blurb, but not that I had thought it sounded right up my alley. I loved that it covered some really heavy topics like alcoholism, shame, domestic abuse and layered familial relationships with tact and gentleness.
Katrien was such a compelling main character, and watching her come more into her own, only to later be rooted down, was both beautiful and heartbreaking. I liked that we also got a dual POV in the second half!
It was also nice to read a 'historical' sapphic romance that was complex, but not completely toxic. I was rooting for both of them (no pun intended).
Thank you so much to Page Street YA and Netgalley for the eARC in return for my unbiased review! 4.5 stars rounded up.
I consumed this is a single day, and loved every minute! It was a while since I requested this ARC so I had forgotten the blurb, but not that I had thought it sounded right up my alley. I loved that it covered some really heavy topics like alcoholism, shame, domestic abuse and layered familial relationships with tact and gentleness.
Katrien was such a compelling main character, and watching her come more into her own, only to later be rooted down, was both beautiful and heartbreaking. I liked that we also got a dual POV in the second half!
It was also nice to read a 'historical' sapphic romance that was complex, but not completely toxic. I was rooting for both of them (no pun intended).
Thank you so much to Page Street YA and Netgalley for the eARC in return for my unbiased review! 4.5 stars rounded up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
DNF at 52% :/
really intrigued by the blurb, but at half way through I really wasn’t engaged with it as I’d hoped. The pacing was super slow for the story I had been expecting. I honestly couldn’t connect with the main character, or any of the others if I am honest. I was really struggling to pick it up and constantly found myself checking how long I had left to read, then was disappointed because there was half left still. I wanted to continue for only two reasons, the first being that the Redwood Man was yet to have been seen and I wanted to experience him. The second being that it’s sapphic. But ultimately, those things were not enough to keep me fully interested.
I also feel like it’s easy to predict what is going to happen and the most likely outcome falls flat for me.
I don’t want to end up in a book slump, so I have decided to DNF. However, if I later see the ending or find myself still thinking about it, I may go back to finish it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
really intrigued by the blurb, but at half way through I really wasn’t engaged with it as I’d hoped. The pacing was super slow for the story I had been expecting. I honestly couldn’t connect with the main character, or any of the others if I am honest. I was really struggling to pick it up and constantly found myself checking how long I had left to read, then was disappointed because there was half left still. I wanted to continue for only two reasons, the first being that the Redwood Man was yet to have been seen and I wanted to experience him. The second being that it’s sapphic. But ultimately, those things were not enough to keep me fully interested.
I also feel like it’s easy to predict what is going to happen and the most likely outcome falls flat for me.
I don’t want to end up in a book slump, so I have decided to DNF. However, if I later see the ending or find myself still thinking about it, I may go back to finish it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Not everything is as it seems at the Lord of The Manor household. The evil lord at the house has bargained with the Redwood Man and now the Lord is trying to find someone within his Manor to fool the Redwood Man so that they can live in peace.
Katrien has a solution that she believes will help her cousin Helsa. So Katrien makes a bargain with the Lord that she will be the fourth Redwood girl. We follow Katrien and the lady of the Manor train Katrien as a Lady in hopes to trick the Redwood man. A slow burn read that will untangle the web of lies that Katrien has done. Katrien is a loyal friend to have but at times, I wish she would communicate with her cousin Helsa. But Helsa doesn’t make it easy for Katrien to do so. Helsa’s character is one who is very dependent on alcohol. I liked how the relationship between Katrien and Zaviera evolved as the book continued. The ending is bittersweet.
Perfect for readers who are craving a gothic sapphic romance.
A very special thanks to Page Street YA for the gifted copy.
Katrien has a solution that she believes will help her cousin Helsa. So Katrien makes a bargain with the Lord that she will be the fourth Redwood girl. We follow Katrien and the lady of the Manor train Katrien as a Lady in hopes to trick the Redwood man. A slow burn read that will untangle the web of lies that Katrien has done. Katrien is a loyal friend to have but at times, I wish she would communicate with her cousin Helsa. But Helsa doesn’t make it easy for Katrien to do so. Helsa’s character is one who is very dependent on alcohol. I liked how the relationship between Katrien and Zaviera evolved as the book continued. The ending is bittersweet.
Perfect for readers who are craving a gothic sapphic romance.
A very special thanks to Page Street YA for the gifted copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Rating: 4.5
I was initially drawn to this book by its cover, which reminded me of one of my all-time favorites, Where the Dark Stands Still. I especially appreciated the bi representation, as it’s still not something you see often, even with the rise of LGBTQ+ books. The world-building was well done, with rich imagery that made the setting feel vivid and immersive. I could easily picture the vines crawling up the walls as I read. The main characters felt believable, and I appreciated that they were allowed to be flawed. The ending wasn’t what I expected; while it was sweet, I couldn’t help but wish there had been more. Overall, I’d definitely recommend this book to readers who enjoy gothic fairytales with a LGBTQ+ romance.
*This book was given to me as an ARC by the publisher on NetGalley, however, the review is all my own opinion.
I was initially drawn to this book by its cover, which reminded me of one of my all-time favorites, Where the Dark Stands Still. I especially appreciated the bi representation, as it’s still not something you see often, even with the rise of LGBTQ+ books. The world-building was well done, with rich imagery that made the setting feel vivid and immersive. I could easily picture the vines crawling up the walls as I read. The main characters felt believable, and I appreciated that they were allowed to be flawed. The ending wasn’t what I expected; while it was sweet, I couldn’t help but wish there had been more. Overall, I’d definitely recommend this book to readers who enjoy gothic fairytales with a LGBTQ+ romance.
*This book was given to me as an ARC by the publisher on NetGalley, however, the review is all my own opinion.
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