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Beyond Seven Forests
A blizzard. An oath. A war outside and within.
By the winter of 1916, World War I has ravaged the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Eighteen-year-old Renata Zamoyska, Polish countess and doctor-in-training, has lost everything to the Russian occupation: her family, her home, her fiancé. But with the Russians in retreat and the Germans now in charge, life isn't much easier. Wounded soldiers keep arriving from the front, Renia’s house remains in ruins, and the scars of the occupation linger.
When two Polish deserters from the Russian army turn up on her doorstep just before a fierce blizzard, Renia finds herself trapped in her own home alongside people she's long considered enemies. Cut off from the outside world while the storm rages, Renia must fight to survive, grapple with her wartime scars, and decide what justice, freedom, and healing look like for her.
By the winter of 1916, World War I has ravaged the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Eighteen-year-old Renata Zamoyska, Polish countess and doctor-in-training, has lost everything to the Russian occupation: her family, her home, her fiancé. But with the Russians in retreat and the Germans now in charge, life isn't much easier. Wounded soldiers keep arriving from the front, Renia’s house remains in ruins, and the scars of the occupation linger.
When two Polish deserters from the Russian army turn up on her doorstep just before a fierce blizzard, Renia finds herself trapped in her own home alongside people she's long considered enemies. Cut off from the outside world while the storm rages, Renia must fight to survive, grapple with her wartime scars, and decide what justice, freedom, and healing look like for her.
192 pages, Hardcover
Published February 3, 2026
About the author
Amanda McCrina
7 books241 followersAmanda McCrina was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. She received her BA in History and Political Science from the University of West Georgia. She currently lives in Franklin, Tennessee.
She writes historical fiction for teens and political fantasy for adults.
She writes historical fiction for teens and political fantasy for adults.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 8, 2026
While being fascinated by World War I, I had limited knowledge of the Eastern Front and especially events that happened in Poland before reading this book. I have to say, it was not only a great introduction to that part of history but a stunning story. McCrina is great writer who manages to pack powerful prose in a compact package. I really enjoyed how she framed the story: rather than a narrator telling a straightforward story, McCrina’s heroine gives her narrative as a part of her testimony in a trial (not to give away much). We get more detail and nuance than perhaps you’d get from an actual courtroom testimony, but the narrator remains controlled in her rehearsal of her story and consistent in tone, which makes the ending even more powerful. It will definitely keep you riveted while simultaneously breaking your heart and giving you hope. I really enjoyed this one and highly recommend it!
October 25, 2025
Absolutely amazing! Amanda McCrina is a brilliant writer! I received an ARC of this and was captivated throughout the story. The characters are very well developed and the scenery is beautifully crafted. Wow! It’s a must read for fans of Ruta Sepetys, and other well-crafted Historical Fiction novels. I loved McCrina’s A Silent Unseen. Beyond Seven Forests is the must read story about a very likable eighteen-year-old Polish countess and doctor in training during World War I. She must face impossible choices and challenges! I highly recommend Amanda McCrina’s Beyond Seven Forests!
December 18, 2025
Thank you publisher for the early copy of this book.
Wow for such a short story this sure packed a lot. The writing was seamless and I could not put it down. The twist was such a surprise for me and left me feeling hopeful despite such a hard subject. The authors note is a must read and wraps up story and answers all the questions the reader might have. Perfect read for winter, as it takes place during the snowstorm and I won’t lie, I was freezing while reading it.
An absolute must read.
Wow for such a short story this sure packed a lot. The writing was seamless and I could not put it down. The twist was such a surprise for me and left me feeling hopeful despite such a hard subject. The authors note is a must read and wraps up story and answers all the questions the reader might have. Perfect read for winter, as it takes place during the snowstorm and I won’t lie, I was freezing while reading it.
An absolute must read.
May 21, 2026
“Beyond Seven Forests” by Amanda McCrina tells the story of countess Renata Zamoyska, and uses her trial as a framing device. Throughout the book, the reader learns about Renata’s past and how tightly her personal history is tied to that of the First World War.
Personally, I really liked how in the beginning we can see her psychological conflict whether she should help Vitya and Adya. Looking back, Russians are responsible for many tragedies of her life. On the other hand, they are still humans trying to survive. Furthermore, as a surgeon’s assistant, there is most likely a sense of responsibility telling her she should be saving life no matter whose. A memory of a Ukrainian boy getting hanged also plays a great role in Renata’s coming to a decision; this time she is going to at least try to save the person in front of her.
Her decision is very empowering. Not only is it something she was not asked for, but she also had a chance to escape. At this point she is not a tragic victim of a circumstance, but she takes back her agency, and is ready to face the consequences.
The narration is another aspect I enjoyed. Shifting between the past and the present, Renata also takes control of how the events are presented. For example, it being a confession, Renata could have easily revealed Adya being Polish right at the start, but she chooses not to. The reader, and consequently everybody present at the trial, learns about the fact only when Renata gets to the point of the story, when she herself became aware of that.
Lastly, what makes this novel very special is it being a story about a woman during the First World War. Renata does not fit the stereotype; she takes control of her life and becomes a central figure, more than just a victim of the situation she was placed in.
I found this book a very enjoyable read. Throughout the course of the plot, I became very interested in the characters and how their story is going to end. I was convinced that by the end of the trial Renata was going to be sentenced to death, and I was pleasantly surprised to find out in the end she prevails.
Personally, I really liked how in the beginning we can see her psychological conflict whether she should help Vitya and Adya. Looking back, Russians are responsible for many tragedies of her life. On the other hand, they are still humans trying to survive. Furthermore, as a surgeon’s assistant, there is most likely a sense of responsibility telling her she should be saving life no matter whose. A memory of a Ukrainian boy getting hanged also plays a great role in Renata’s coming to a decision; this time she is going to at least try to save the person in front of her.
Her decision is very empowering. Not only is it something she was not asked for, but she also had a chance to escape. At this point she is not a tragic victim of a circumstance, but she takes back her agency, and is ready to face the consequences.
The narration is another aspect I enjoyed. Shifting between the past and the present, Renata also takes control of how the events are presented. For example, it being a confession, Renata could have easily revealed Adya being Polish right at the start, but she chooses not to. The reader, and consequently everybody present at the trial, learns about the fact only when Renata gets to the point of the story, when she herself became aware of that.
Lastly, what makes this novel very special is it being a story about a woman during the First World War. Renata does not fit the stereotype; she takes control of her life and becomes a central figure, more than just a victim of the situation she was placed in.
I found this book a very enjoyable read. Throughout the course of the plot, I became very interested in the characters and how their story is going to end. I was convinced that by the end of the trial Renata was going to be sentenced to death, and I was pleasantly surprised to find out in the end she prevails.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2025
With sharp, gorgeous prose McCrina explores a largely forgotten piece of World War I history in a compelling story.
When two Polish deserters from the retreating Russian army seek shelter in Renia’s ruined estate during a snowstorm, she is put in an impossible situation that ends with her being convicted of treason—a crime punishable by death. As she recounts what happened during the storm to the military tribunal charged with her sentencing, readers are immersed in a heartbreaking tale of love, loss, and hope.
McCrina’s research is spot on, and in Beyond Seven Forests she's created a powerfully moving story and a heroine everyone will be rooting for. It’s marketed as a Young Adult novel, but adults will absolutely enjoy it, too. Highly recommend!
When two Polish deserters from the retreating Russian army seek shelter in Renia’s ruined estate during a snowstorm, she is put in an impossible situation that ends with her being convicted of treason—a crime punishable by death. As she recounts what happened during the storm to the military tribunal charged with her sentencing, readers are immersed in a heartbreaking tale of love, loss, and hope.
McCrina’s research is spot on, and in Beyond Seven Forests she's created a powerfully moving story and a heroine everyone will be rooting for. It’s marketed as a Young Adult novel, but adults will absolutely enjoy it, too. Highly recommend!
June 13, 2026
Beyond Seven Forests by Amanda McCrina is a historical novel set during World War I in the Austro-Hungarian region of Galicia. This setting is unique because the history of the Galician front is less well known than that of the Western front (such as the Battle of Verdun).
What is more, the protagonist is a unique character. The story centres on eighteen-year-old Polish countess Renata Krystyna Zamoyska. We tend to associate aristocratic women with inactivity, vanity, and self-absorption. Countess Zamoyska is different and challenges these stereotypes. We get to know her as an Austrian doctor’s assistant on a military trial for treason. Her crime consists of helping two Russian deserters. It happened during a severe winter on New Year’s Eve. Trapped in her home, ruined by the Russian army, Renata is forced to survive and help others.
This protagonist, being so brave and modest, creates positive feelings. It’s moving that such a person can face a death penalty for helping the enemy. Her choices are driven not by political ideology, but by a moral feeling and profound guilt she feels for failing to prevent the execution of a young, innocent Ukrainian boy months earlier.
The plot is woven with even greater diversity. We read about hypothermia, secret agents working for the Polish underground, political ruse, emancipation, and a love story. Moreover, the book’s language is enriched with references to Polish folk tales. This variety does not lead to confusion or difficulty in understanding the story. On the contrary, the plot is coherent and gripping.
It is a must-read for fans of atmospheric historical novels. I would especially recommend this book to young people, since Renata Zamoyska is a protagonist who can be a good example to follow.
What is more, the protagonist is a unique character. The story centres on eighteen-year-old Polish countess Renata Krystyna Zamoyska. We tend to associate aristocratic women with inactivity, vanity, and self-absorption. Countess Zamoyska is different and challenges these stereotypes. We get to know her as an Austrian doctor’s assistant on a military trial for treason. Her crime consists of helping two Russian deserters. It happened during a severe winter on New Year’s Eve. Trapped in her home, ruined by the Russian army, Renata is forced to survive and help others.
This protagonist, being so brave and modest, creates positive feelings. It’s moving that such a person can face a death penalty for helping the enemy. Her choices are driven not by political ideology, but by a moral feeling and profound guilt she feels for failing to prevent the execution of a young, innocent Ukrainian boy months earlier.
The plot is woven with even greater diversity. We read about hypothermia, secret agents working for the Polish underground, political ruse, emancipation, and a love story. Moreover, the book’s language is enriched with references to Polish folk tales. This variety does not lead to confusion or difficulty in understanding the story. On the contrary, the plot is coherent and gripping.
It is a must-read for fans of atmospheric historical novels. I would especially recommend this book to young people, since Renata Zamoyska is a protagonist who can be a good example to follow.
April 10, 2026
Beyond Seven Forests has more layers than your Baba’s babka. Blending historical thriller, courtroom drama, and romance, McCrina seamlessly weaves genres while bringing the setting to life with vivid historical detail. A compelling, highly recommended page-turner.
May 30, 2026
Incredibly engaging YA book set in Russian occupied Poland in 1915, telling the story of Renata, a physician's assistant who comes home in a snowstorm to two Russian soldiers who have broken into her home to seek refuge from the storm. Both are incredibly ill and she helps them though she can be tried as a traitor for doing so. Such an interesting look at the history of WWI, a war that is not researched or written about enough. Highly recommend.
February 24, 2026
The WWI period, particularly in Eastern Europe, is probably one of my favorite periods of history to study and learn about. I find the Habsburg Empire especially interesting during this period, as it was a multinational entity with many peoples who could have found their fellow ilk on the other side of the frontlines, and it was, for many decades, struggling with how to solve the "nationalism" question(s). Thus is the world of Renata Zamoyska, a Polish countess in Galicia, who suddenly finds herself harboring two alleged deserters of the Imperial Russian Army.
Like all McCrina's novels, I really like how this explored the themes of trust, loyalty, and the "gray" areas of war and occupation, alongside the wider themes of the period of class, nationalism, and empire. When we first meet Renia, we find she is on trial for "disrupting the war effort," but as the book goes on, we learn how her story is not as black-and-white as a military tribunal may portray it to be.
I found the story and the narrative to be incredibly powerful. Renia has a strong voice, and I found it, narrative and storytelling-wise, to be one of McCrina's best works. It's tight, it's grounded, and Renia leaps off the page—I could pick apart her voice from others, if you asked me to. The storytelling is well-crafted, with perfectly placed reveals and a good flow between past and present. The way the court testimony interrupts the narrative at times, jolting us back to the present moment and the implications of what it may mean for Renia's future, made the story feel all the more real. Whenever I read McCrina's—or any historical fiction—novels, I am always reminded of how, while it is fictional, these are similar to the real experiences people lived. Renia might not be real, but the Russian occupation she lived through, the fight to unify and remake an independent Poland, and the horrors of WWI certainly were. This book was overall very well-grounded in the historical facts and the setting, and overall a huge spotlight on the Polish struggle.
Above all, my favorite part (as always) was the characters. As soon as it clicked for me that Adya was short for Adrian, I was very excited to learn of his backstory (Adrian feels like such a mysterious character in Traitor, and learning of him through Renia's story certainly helped me understand him better). Renia is such a strong character, steadfast in her beliefs and morals and unwilling to compromise her sense of humanity in the bleakness and horrors of war. I can totally see how she became the person we know in previous novels.
It's a quick read, but it is the first McCrina book that I was not hoping would magically have more pages once I reached the end. I think this is because I felt it wrapped up Renia and Adya's story nicely, and provides a good "backstory" for those who have met them in her previous novels (particularly Traitor) (next, I am asking for a Kyrylo-focused novel PLEASE). I find this book especially rewarding having read her previous books, as now I understand the actions the two characters take in Traitor even more. Previous knowledge of her other books is not required to enjoy this one, but I think it makes for a more interesting experience if you have. If you have never read McCrina's books before, I think this is a good start, and I recommend it to anyone who is looking for a WWI novel (which is finally gaining more visibility in ficiton!)
Like all McCrina's novels, I really like how this explored the themes of trust, loyalty, and the "gray" areas of war and occupation, alongside the wider themes of the period of class, nationalism, and empire. When we first meet Renia, we find she is on trial for "disrupting the war effort," but as the book goes on, we learn how her story is not as black-and-white as a military tribunal may portray it to be.
I found the story and the narrative to be incredibly powerful. Renia has a strong voice, and I found it, narrative and storytelling-wise, to be one of McCrina's best works. It's tight, it's grounded, and Renia leaps off the page—I could pick apart her voice from others, if you asked me to. The storytelling is well-crafted, with perfectly placed reveals and a good flow between past and present. The way the court testimony interrupts the narrative at times, jolting us back to the present moment and the implications of what it may mean for Renia's future, made the story feel all the more real. Whenever I read McCrina's—or any historical fiction—novels, I am always reminded of how, while it is fictional, these are similar to the real experiences people lived. Renia might not be real, but the Russian occupation she lived through, the fight to unify and remake an independent Poland, and the horrors of WWI certainly were. This book was overall very well-grounded in the historical facts and the setting, and overall a huge spotlight on the Polish struggle.
Above all, my favorite part (as always) was the characters. As soon as it clicked for me that Adya was short for Adrian, I was very excited to learn of his backstory (Adrian feels like such a mysterious character in Traitor, and learning of him through Renia's story certainly helped me understand him better). Renia is such a strong character, steadfast in her beliefs and morals and unwilling to compromise her sense of humanity in the bleakness and horrors of war. I can totally see how she became the person we know in previous novels.
It's a quick read, but it is the first McCrina book that I was not hoping would magically have more pages once I reached the end. I think this is because I felt it wrapped up Renia and Adya's story nicely, and provides a good "backstory" for those who have met them in her previous novels (particularly Traitor) (next, I am asking for a Kyrylo-focused novel PLEASE). I find this book especially rewarding having read her previous books, as now I understand the actions the two characters take in Traitor even more. Previous knowledge of her other books is not required to enjoy this one, but I think it makes for a more interesting experience if you have. If you have never read McCrina's books before, I think this is a good start, and I recommend it to anyone who is looking for a WWI novel (which is finally gaining more visibility in ficiton!)
March 21, 2026
It doesn’t matter that this is listed as a young adult level; even as an adult I loved this book! Well written interesting story with a unique twist at the end; highly recommend.
October 24, 2025
Beyond Seven Forests is a dark tale set during a dark time, World War I, in what was once Poland. We learn Renia's story during a German military tribunal where she will be sentenced for treason, having already been found guilty. Because she is a countess, she expects an execution by firing squad rather than by hanging, for which she is grateful.
It's almost unimaginable to fathom all that Renia has lost due to the war...her parents, only brother, fiancé, home, and her future as a pediatric surgeon, all by the time she was 18. Raised in luxury, she now lives alone in the burned-out shell of her home, at the mercy of first the Russian soldiers and then the German army. With the author's gifted writing, I felt the brutal cold of the blizzard and Renia's despair when she had only one match left. I was completely surprised by the twist at the end of the book, so much so that I reread much of it to see if I had missed clues. (I hadn't.) Being unfamiliar with the Austro-Hungarian Empire, I appreciated the maps included at the front of the book. (Actually, I love it when a book has maps.) I believe this book is listed as suitable for teenagers, but it's definitely worthy of adult readers. Beyond Seven Forests packs a powerful emotional punch, set in a time and place that rarely warrants literary attention. You won't want to miss this one. I loved it.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read the ARC. The review and all opinions are entirely my own.
It's almost unimaginable to fathom all that Renia has lost due to the war...her parents, only brother, fiancé, home, and her future as a pediatric surgeon, all by the time she was 18. Raised in luxury, she now lives alone in the burned-out shell of her home, at the mercy of first the Russian soldiers and then the German army. With the author's gifted writing, I felt the brutal cold of the blizzard and Renia's despair when she had only one match left. I was completely surprised by the twist at the end of the book, so much so that I reread much of it to see if I had missed clues. (I hadn't.) Being unfamiliar with the Austro-Hungarian Empire, I appreciated the maps included at the front of the book. (Actually, I love it when a book has maps.) I believe this book is listed as suitable for teenagers, but it's definitely worthy of adult readers. Beyond Seven Forests packs a powerful emotional punch, set in a time and place that rarely warrants literary attention. You won't want to miss this one. I loved it.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read the ARC. The review and all opinions are entirely my own.
June 14, 2026
Za siedmioma górami, za siedmioma lasami…
This is how a typical Polish fairytale about a tender princess who needs to be rescued or a Baba Yaga, an evil witch. Beyond Seven Forests is indeed a story with Polish motives, but rather not a typical one.
Beyond Seven Forests is a Young Adult historical fiction written by Polish-American author, Amanda Mccrina. We experience the story with its narrator - Renata, who is a very complex protagonist. Renata, or Renia, tells her story in fragments, making readers sometimes confused and even lost.
The story is set in Galicia, today’s Lviv, Ukraine. Renata is a Polish woman who is a countess of the arms. She is a well-educated and self-aware woman who resists against male authority. On the other hand, she is deeply traumatized with a series of events in her life.
Mccrina reproduced the history from the woman’s perspective, redefining the stereotype of a typical Slavic woman or just a feminine one by placing Renata not in the environment where readers could explore a female protagonist’s beauty, sacrifice or tenderness, but her inner moral conflict, values, decisions, doubts.
Renata rejects the political melodramatic discourse as she doesn’t see people purely evil or good, as it’s always a profitable control system.
Overall, it’s a great book for people who are interested in seeing history through a woman’s eyes. The plot twists at the end will definitely surprise you!
This is how a typical Polish fairytale about a tender princess who needs to be rescued or a Baba Yaga, an evil witch. Beyond Seven Forests is indeed a story with Polish motives, but rather not a typical one.
Beyond Seven Forests is a Young Adult historical fiction written by Polish-American author, Amanda Mccrina. We experience the story with its narrator - Renata, who is a very complex protagonist. Renata, or Renia, tells her story in fragments, making readers sometimes confused and even lost.
The story is set in Galicia, today’s Lviv, Ukraine. Renata is a Polish woman who is a countess of the arms. She is a well-educated and self-aware woman who resists against male authority. On the other hand, she is deeply traumatized with a series of events in her life.
Mccrina reproduced the history from the woman’s perspective, redefining the stereotype of a typical Slavic woman or just a feminine one by placing Renata not in the environment where readers could explore a female protagonist’s beauty, sacrifice or tenderness, but her inner moral conflict, values, decisions, doubts.
Renata rejects the political melodramatic discourse as she doesn’t see people purely evil or good, as it’s always a profitable control system.
Overall, it’s a great book for people who are interested in seeing history through a woman’s eyes. The plot twists at the end will definitely surprise you!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Such a stunning historical story told by a valiant and courageous woman faced with imminent death.
It’s WWI and 18 year old Countess Renata has been accused of disrupting the war effort for caring for two Polish deserters from the Russian army who encamped upon her partially destroyed house. Renata has been studying to get a doctor and has achieved recognition as a doctor’s assistant. She sees that one of the soldiers has a gangrened foot and knows he will die if it is not amputated. But the story begins before that when Renata is brought before a German military tribunal and is required to tell her story - which is harrowing and poignant.
This is a story that examines the boundaries of right and wrong. Renata’s testimony to her struggles to care for men who could be her enemies reveals that she recognizes only other humans who need care and compassion not disdain. She understands the complexity of war but is proud to stand up for humanity. Colonel Baran is the exact opposite - for him the men are destined for death, so who cares! I loved the twist at the end because I had grown to admire Renata so much!
While this is a YA book, I encourage adults to read it. Its themes are compelling and the story is so good.
What an amazing read. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me access to this tender book (ARC)
It’s WWI and 18 year old Countess Renata has been accused of disrupting the war effort for caring for two Polish deserters from the Russian army who encamped upon her partially destroyed house. Renata has been studying to get a doctor and has achieved recognition as a doctor’s assistant. She sees that one of the soldiers has a gangrened foot and knows he will die if it is not amputated. But the story begins before that when Renata is brought before a German military tribunal and is required to tell her story - which is harrowing and poignant.
This is a story that examines the boundaries of right and wrong. Renata’s testimony to her struggles to care for men who could be her enemies reveals that she recognizes only other humans who need care and compassion not disdain. She understands the complexity of war but is proud to stand up for humanity. Colonel Baran is the exact opposite - for him the men are destined for death, so who cares! I loved the twist at the end because I had grown to admire Renata so much!
While this is a YA book, I encourage adults to read it. Its themes are compelling and the story is so good.
What an amazing read. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me access to this tender book (ARC)
February 15, 2026
A quick, fast read. I did appreciate that it's under 200 pages and it's certainly very catchy. You're introduced to Renia as she is beginning a trial and she's calm and accepting that the outcome is already decided - death by firing squad. Renia's voice is smooth and captivating, and her retelling is fascinating, even though I wanted more.
There's no romance in here, even though Renia does get a happy ending. There's no action, although there is tension from the trial and the expected ending. There's a fair bit of history, but not nearly enough to walk away feeling like I've learned very much about this particular conflict or time. Mostly it's clear that war is hell and results in terrible cruelties. Some readers will certainly connect with it, but it seems like a niche book for an older teen or an adult.
The author includes a note at the end explaining how a striking photograph inspired this story, and I think that's the sort of vibe prospective readers should be looking for - wanting to read a story as if you had just been looking at a photograph taken decades ago and are longing to know the story behind it. McCrina gives you a brief window into one of those stories.
There's no romance in here, even though Renia does get a happy ending. There's no action, although there is tension from the trial and the expected ending. There's a fair bit of history, but not nearly enough to walk away feeling like I've learned very much about this particular conflict or time. Mostly it's clear that war is hell and results in terrible cruelties. Some readers will certainly connect with it, but it seems like a niche book for an older teen or an adult.
The author includes a note at the end explaining how a striking photograph inspired this story, and I think that's the sort of vibe prospective readers should be looking for - wanting to read a story as if you had just been looking at a photograph taken decades ago and are longing to know the story behind it. McCrina gives you a brief window into one of those stories.
February 24, 2026
This is a short but powerful read. Renia is an 18-year-old countess who works in the medical field. World War I has taken everything from her--her family, her fiancé, her lifestyle. She goes to work and then walks miles home, though "home" now is but a shell of her previous home. With a blizzard approaching, she declines a doctor's offer to stay in town to ride out the storm. That decision changes her life.
She returns home to find her house is no longer empty--instead, two Polish men who are fighting for the Russian army are there. She must survive a blizzard while invaders are in her home.
The story is told while Renia is on trial for "disrupting the war effort." The tension builds throughout the story, but the verdict is no surprise.
I enjoyed this book, especially since I find it challenging to find good books about World War I. However, the opening of the story is confusing, and I almost gave up at that point. However, subsequent chapters were easier to understand, so I'm happy I continued on with this book.
She returns home to find her house is no longer empty--instead, two Polish men who are fighting for the Russian army are there. She must survive a blizzard while invaders are in her home.
The story is told while Renia is on trial for "disrupting the war effort." The tension builds throughout the story, but the verdict is no surprise.
I enjoyed this book, especially since I find it challenging to find good books about World War I. However, the opening of the story is confusing, and I almost gave up at that point. However, subsequent chapters were easier to understand, so I'm happy I continued on with this book.
June 6, 2026
Beyond Seven Forests by Amanda McCrina is a beautifully written historical novel set during World War I. It follows Renata Zamoyska, a Polish countess who has lost everything and, as of the book’s beginning, stands to lose her life too.
Structured as Renata’s testimony before a military tribunal, the novel gradually unfolds the chain of events that led to her being accused of treason after she sheltered enemy deserters. This non-linear plot progression draws the reader in from the start. Paired with McCrina’s lyrical writing, it makes for an incredibly fast and enjoyable read.
Although the novel deals with heavy subject matter, the tasteful narration makes it suitable for sensitive readers. The story is more empathetic than anything else, as it examines our worst and best impulses, taking advantage of a war-torn setting in a subtler way than most.
Beyond Seven Forests is a great choice for anyone in search of a moving story about survival and humanity, with a dash of romance as a little cherry on top.
Structured as Renata’s testimony before a military tribunal, the novel gradually unfolds the chain of events that led to her being accused of treason after she sheltered enemy deserters. This non-linear plot progression draws the reader in from the start. Paired with McCrina’s lyrical writing, it makes for an incredibly fast and enjoyable read.
Although the novel deals with heavy subject matter, the tasteful narration makes it suitable for sensitive readers. The story is more empathetic than anything else, as it examines our worst and best impulses, taking advantage of a war-torn setting in a subtler way than most.
Beyond Seven Forests is a great choice for anyone in search of a moving story about survival and humanity, with a dash of romance as a little cherry on top.
March 4, 2026
Short but impactful. Story of a young woman (a Polish countess) alone during WW1 after the Russian occupation and withdrawal, during the Austro-Hungarian/German occupation, on trial for aiding a member of a foreign army. The book is given from the perspective of her providing her testimony during the military tribunal, with occasional interruptions for further questioning by her accusers. A very moving story of Polish realities and resistance during WW1, something I know very little about. I did need to do a bit of reading on the history of the various occupations to understand the story better, several historical figures appear in this story as her accusers. Content note: A bit of language from Adya, the solider she is accused of helping. Reference to atrocities committed during war by both sides, to her and to others - story opens with the hanging of a young boy accused of aiding the enemy.
Very compelling and well written.
Very compelling and well written.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Net Galley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
I absolutely loved this book! The characters are well developed and the way the scenery is described you are right there in the winter chill. The setting is in World War I with an eighteen-year-old girl/woman. As a snowstorm is hammering the area, shelter and warmth from her home is a priority for Reina, but she is not the only one looking for this. As the story unfolds decisions will be made and situations will happen. Will Reina persevere or will she succumb to the pressures around her? Read this well written story to find out!
I absolutely loved this book! The characters are well developed and the way the scenery is described you are right there in the winter chill. The setting is in World War I with an eighteen-year-old girl/woman. As a snowstorm is hammering the area, shelter and warmth from her home is a priority for Reina, but she is not the only one looking for this. As the story unfolds decisions will be made and situations will happen. Will Reina persevere or will she succumb to the pressures around her? Read this well written story to find out!
February 5, 2026
World War I, a snowstorm, and an eighteen year old countess and doctor in training who ends up in her snow ravaged home with two soldiers. The book recounts her tale recounting this period to a military tribunal and the lasting effects of war on everything from the land to the people.
It's an intense story that I needed to have a little better organization to the narrative to be able to follow right away-- I was confused at the onset but stuck with it because I wanted to read this part of history and McCrina's author's note explains what started it all. A piece of history not often told and for an upper YA audience and generally adult audience to connect with.
It's an intense story that I needed to have a little better organization to the narrative to be able to follow right away-- I was confused at the onset but stuck with it because I wanted to read this part of history and McCrina's author's note explains what started it all. A piece of history not often told and for an upper YA audience and generally adult audience to connect with.
February 22, 2026
A short and fast paced read about a woman who finds herself locked in her home during a snowstorm with the enemy during WWI. The story alternates with the MC giving her testimony of her crimes with the days in question. I found this read really intriguing, and while there were quite a few names of the military men that I had to try to keep straight, I flew through this one. There were a lot of historical facts of the time that were included that helped provide narrative to the story as well. If you’re looking for a quick read for a short month, I’d suggest this one!
September 15, 2025
This immersive historical thriller had me reading late into the wee hours wanting to know how Renia would get through this. Framed within a military trial for treason, the reader is thrust into Renia's snowstorm, her shattered home and shattered life. When she's faced with an impossible dilemma, Renia's humanity stands out at a time when there's little of that going around. Loved the unexpected ending. McCrina's writing is muscular, precise and visual. A must read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC.
I really liked the font in this book. It is very easy to read and didn't feel straining on my eyes at all. This was an interesting book. The characters are well written and fleshed out. The main character's story will grip you. The setting was also very well written and very atmospheric.
I really liked the font in this book. It is very easy to read and didn't feel straining on my eyes at all. This was an interesting book. The characters are well written and fleshed out. The main character's story will grip you. The setting was also very well written and very atmospheric.
February 22, 2026
The story itself was interesting. I didn't really like how it went back and forth between the trial and Renia's story. It felt like it broke the flow to me. I did enjoy the plot twist at the end!
3.5 Stars
3.5 Stars
February 26, 2026
a short story, a novella, or a novel?? it wasn’t detailed enough to be any imo :/
March 24, 2026
The Eastern Front in WWI was an interesting setting and well written. So good...and then the ending. 😑
April 13, 2026
A great read with historical references
November 21, 2025
A stunning, lyrical story of love, survival and choices we make when faced with the impossible. McCrina’s nuanced prose shines in this sharp, haunting portrayal of WWI as she masterfully brings unforgettable characters to life. It is an extraordinary story, deeply researched, that will get under your skin, and stay with you for a very long time. Absolutely brilliant.
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