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The Forest and the Flame
One perfectly content apothecary.
One prince with something to prove.
And the ancient, forgotten magic that can unravel it all.
Living a quiet life in a forgotten village, far away from the annoyances of civilized society, Alyssia thrives as an eccentric apothecary. Harvesting the medicinal bounty of her Woods and training her lively and bright apprentice is everything she could possibly want.
Deeply mired in those annoyances of civilized society is Kedren, the spare heir with a reputation for debauchery and dereliction of duty that couldn't be further from the truth. If he could only get the nation to see his sister, the crown princess, as the power-hungry and cruel woman she truly is, he may be able to pull his kingdom from the brink of war.
Chasing shadows for a scrap of proof against the princess leads Kedren deep into Alyssia's Woods, where the discovery of a mysterious green flame ignites a wildfire of events that tears their lives apart and puts the two of them on a path of revenge and revelations that just may save the world.
One prince with something to prove.
And the ancient, forgotten magic that can unravel it all.
Living a quiet life in a forgotten village, far away from the annoyances of civilized society, Alyssia thrives as an eccentric apothecary. Harvesting the medicinal bounty of her Woods and training her lively and bright apprentice is everything she could possibly want.
Deeply mired in those annoyances of civilized society is Kedren, the spare heir with a reputation for debauchery and dereliction of duty that couldn't be further from the truth. If he could only get the nation to see his sister, the crown princess, as the power-hungry and cruel woman she truly is, he may be able to pull his kingdom from the brink of war.
Chasing shadows for a scrap of proof against the princess leads Kedren deep into Alyssia's Woods, where the discovery of a mysterious green flame ignites a wildfire of events that tears their lives apart and puts the two of them on a path of revenge and revelations that just may save the world.
- GenresFantasy
389 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2025
2 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
S.C. Wolf
1 book4 followersS.C Wolf is a dreamer stuck in the American Midwest. The corn-field hostage situation is only made tolerable by her family of five cats (and one husband), and the fact that she can travel pretty much anywhere and end up in the arms of a friend. She’s only been writing for real since 2023, but it was quickly obvious to her that this is what she was really supposed to be doing the whole time, despite the fact that she claims she’s quitting every two weeks.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 2, 2025
This new fantasy is a breath of fresh, forest air: Main characters past their 20s, queer representation (including one of my favorite bisexual representations I've read ever), and beautiful friendships.
One of the things I love most? The main characters do not blow past the trauma they experience in this story. It HAUNTS them and their processing of such events is frequent throughout the book and feels REAL. How many shows or books in fantasy settings just have the characters seemingly ignore major trauma?
I honestly am so invested and cannot wait for the rest of the series.
Amazing, incredible, and worth your time.
.
.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
One of the things I love most? The main characters do not blow past the trauma they experience in this story. It HAUNTS them and their processing of such events is frequent throughout the book and feels REAL. How many shows or books in fantasy settings just have the characters seemingly ignore major trauma?
I honestly am so invested and cannot wait for the rest of the series.
Amazing, incredible, and worth your time.
.
.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 22, 2025
What a wonderful debut! If you’ve gotten sick of the typical fantasy trope structure, then this is the breath of fresh air you’ve been waiting for.
Characters over 30? Check. Realistic nods to the struggles of over 30 bodies? Check. Queer representation? Yup. In multiple ways, too! Found family, refreshing romance, emotionally open and intelligent characters? Yes ma’am. Friendships that are vulnerable and loving? You betcha.
I will say that I wanted more world-building and background at times. Some events/characters popped up without explaining much about them, and I wanted more! But the detail and lushness of the writing was fantastic. The magic system was great, I loved all the characters, and I look forward to seeing what happens in this trilogy!
I’ve been in a major slump when it comes to fantasy novels lately, and I think this beauty might have snapped that for me.
”I don’t want to be broken by this, but the fabric of me is unwoven. So many threads have been stolen by loss and fear, I don’t know what shape I’ll take when I can weave myself together again. For now, I’ll leave the loom untouched and let the pieces stay as they are.”
Characters over 30? Check. Realistic nods to the struggles of over 30 bodies? Check. Queer representation? Yup. In multiple ways, too! Found family, refreshing romance, emotionally open and intelligent characters? Yes ma’am. Friendships that are vulnerable and loving? You betcha.
I will say that I wanted more world-building and background at times. Some events/characters popped up without explaining much about them, and I wanted more! But the detail and lushness of the writing was fantastic. The magic system was great, I loved all the characters, and I look forward to seeing what happens in this trilogy!
I’ve been in a major slump when it comes to fantasy novels lately, and I think this beauty might have snapped that for me.
”I don’t want to be broken by this, but the fabric of me is unwoven. So many threads have been stolen by loss and fear, I don’t know what shape I’ll take when I can weave myself together again. For now, I’ll leave the loom untouched and let the pieces stay as they are.”
October 1, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a great read! The FMC is strong, mature (in her 30s) and fun! She’s tough, but tender. The relationships she has with her female friends are really beautiful and were a joy to experience through this book! It’s the same with the MMC and his bestie - so loving and sweet!
For me, the book started off really strong but did slow about halfway through. It ended up feeling a bit long but, despite this, I still really enjoyed it and look forward to the next book in the trilogy!
This was a great read! The FMC is strong, mature (in her 30s) and fun! She’s tough, but tender. The relationships she has with her female friends are really beautiful and were a joy to experience through this book! It’s the same with the MMC and his bestie - so loving and sweet!
For me, the book started off really strong but did slow about halfway through. It ended up feeling a bit long but, despite this, I still really enjoyed it and look forward to the next book in the trilogy!
September 19, 2025
Ok, it took me ages to finish this and I blame it on my crazy life right now!!
Solid 4/5 ⭐️
This was a beautiful, heartfelt fantasy with romance, magic, and so much emotional depth.
From the very first chapters, I was hooked on the dynamic between Alyssia and Kedren. Their relationship is well-developed, tender, a little messy, slow-burn-y in all the right ways. Kedren really does feel like a sweet yet strong character that doesn’t fit the typical MMC mold: he’s soft, tender, loving, and caring, yet isn’t the 1st in line for the throne and has been abused. Kedrens friendship with two of the side characters… wow. That part hit me harder than I expected. Side characters are most certainly NOT used as plot devices. They hold their own space and tone in this book and I truly loved that!!
The world itself is lush and easy to fall into. The magic system feels grounded and fresh, and the political/magical intrigue kept me turning pages late into the night. It strikes such a nice balance between being richly detailed without ever feeling info-dumpy. I will admit sometimes I got lost, but I blame that on reading too late into the night…
My only critique is that the middle of the book, around 4-60%, felt atrociously slow. YET, I understand we are doing some major character development and parsing out many emotions. However, the emotional payoff, the atmosphere, the romantic tension, and the overall vibe more than made up for it.
Thanks to BookSirens for giving me a chance to read this… can’t believe I read books for fun and someone actually cares what I have to say lol. This was such a great debut, I am so impressed.
I really really really appreciated this book. It gave me some Emily Wilde’s vibes with a fresh twist. It’s rare to find a fantasy debut that feels this polished emotionally resonant. If you’re into fantasy with heart, compelling characters, slow-burn romance, and a dash of political/magical tension, I 100% recommend giving this a read. I already can’t wait for the next book!
Solid 4/5 ⭐️
This was a beautiful, heartfelt fantasy with romance, magic, and so much emotional depth.
From the very first chapters, I was hooked on the dynamic between Alyssia and Kedren. Their relationship is well-developed, tender, a little messy, slow-burn-y in all the right ways. Kedren really does feel like a sweet yet strong character that doesn’t fit the typical MMC mold: he’s soft, tender, loving, and caring, yet isn’t the 1st in line for the throne and has been abused. Kedrens friendship with two of the side characters… wow. That part hit me harder than I expected. Side characters are most certainly NOT used as plot devices. They hold their own space and tone in this book and I truly loved that!!
The world itself is lush and easy to fall into. The magic system feels grounded and fresh, and the political/magical intrigue kept me turning pages late into the night. It strikes such a nice balance between being richly detailed without ever feeling info-dumpy. I will admit sometimes I got lost, but I blame that on reading too late into the night…
My only critique is that the middle of the book, around 4-60%, felt atrociously slow. YET, I understand we are doing some major character development and parsing out many emotions. However, the emotional payoff, the atmosphere, the romantic tension, and the overall vibe more than made up for it.
Thanks to BookSirens for giving me a chance to read this… can’t believe I read books for fun and someone actually cares what I have to say lol. This was such a great debut, I am so impressed.
I really really really appreciated this book. It gave me some Emily Wilde’s vibes with a fresh twist. It’s rare to find a fantasy debut that feels this polished emotionally resonant. If you’re into fantasy with heart, compelling characters, slow-burn romance, and a dash of political/magical tension, I 100% recommend giving this a read. I already can’t wait for the next book!
December 26, 2025
The Forest and the Flame by S.C. Wolf is one of my favourite reads of 2025. A fantasy novel for grownups, with strong characters, believable emotional arcs and a story line that never stops delivering.
A great read for fans of romantasy, with some cringe-free spicy parts. The whole book feels infused with love, contrasting nicely with the pain and gore that the MCs experience during their trials. The Forest and the Flame has strong, unconventional leads, an energetic plot line (with lots of promise for a series!), some imaginative magic, and bountiful drama. A great debut!
A great read for fans of romantasy, with some cringe-free spicy parts. The whole book feels infused with love, contrasting nicely with the pain and gore that the MCs experience during their trials. The Forest and the Flame has strong, unconventional leads, an energetic plot line (with lots of promise for a series!), some imaginative magic, and bountiful drama. A great debut!
September 7, 2025
I had the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Forest and the Flame by S. C. Wolf. This book has a familiar yet unique premise. While the magic in the book uses a relic theme, the female main character is in her 30’s which opens up the book to broach deeper subject matter. This book focuses heavily on found family. If you enjoy books that make you cry, explore deep subject matter, and show how strong found family can be then I would recommend giving this book a read.
August 28, 2025
I really enjoyed this as a fantasy romance novel, it had that element that I was looking for and thought was a strong debut. It was a strong introduction to the Essence of the Earth series and had that element that I was expecting from the description. I enjoyed the overall feel of the world and characters and enjoyed how it ended. I'm excited to read more in the Essence of the Earth series and look forward to reading more from S. C. Wolf.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 19, 2025
Beautifully written, full of heart, and has characters and dialogue that leap off the page. The world feels lived in, and the comedic moments are as heartwarming as the darker moments are poignant. Satisfying romance and compelling magic system. Truly a great debut novel!
November 12, 2025
There are some books that you read where you can imagine yourself taking a vacation in a certain setting. I would live in the world of this book, among the people created, with the magic system in place—and the likelihood of me surviving is very high. It was an adventure that I appreciated being on. There’s something magic about this book that speaks to me specifically, and I won’t elaborate because I don’t want to spoil anything. It’s a story that shows anyone at any age can become a hero when they least expect it. The characters are quirky, authentic, and genuinely complex. This story is not limited or confined to any number of tropes. It stands on its own.
One of the protagonists is an apothecary, and I could just feel the care and time that went into weaving in a bunch of medical and medicinal knowledge. I love books that are fun, but even more I love stories that teach me something while immersing me in a new world. This book does both.
Check the trigger warnings, and give this book a shot.
One of the protagonists is an apothecary, and I could just feel the care and time that went into weaving in a bunch of medical and medicinal knowledge. I love books that are fun, but even more I love stories that teach me something while immersing me in a new world. This book does both.
Check the trigger warnings, and give this book a shot.
October 13, 2025
A magical slow burn with heart, humor, and hidden depths
I really enjoyed The Forest and the Flame! Alyssia is the kind of grumpy, no-nonsense apothecary you can’t help but love, and her dynamic with the surprisingly earnest prince Kedren is full of tension, banter, and unexpected warmth. The world has a cozy-but-dark fairytale feel, and the mysterious green flame adds just the right amount of intrigue.
Some pacing dips here and there, but the characters more than make up for it. If you're into forest magic, reluctant alliances, and a dash of political drama, this is definitely worth picking up. Can’t wait to see what’s next!
Shoutout to the publisher and BookSirens for the advanced copy, this is my honest review.
I really enjoyed The Forest and the Flame! Alyssia is the kind of grumpy, no-nonsense apothecary you can’t help but love, and her dynamic with the surprisingly earnest prince Kedren is full of tension, banter, and unexpected warmth. The world has a cozy-but-dark fairytale feel, and the mysterious green flame adds just the right amount of intrigue.
Some pacing dips here and there, but the characters more than make up for it. If you're into forest magic, reluctant alliances, and a dash of political drama, this is definitely worth picking up. Can’t wait to see what’s next!
Shoutout to the publisher and BookSirens for the advanced copy, this is my honest review.
October 1, 2025
NO. NOTES.
This book is honestly perfection. I am SO SO glad this is going to be a series.
The female main character - Lys - might actually be my favourite protagonist of the year. It's so refreshing to have a fantasy FMC who isn't like 16. She had such interesting and varied dynamics between the other characters.
The setting of the Woods, especially, is such a gorgeous concept that Wolf does a great job bringing to life. I really like elemental magic systems as well, which I hope feature even more heavily in the sequels!
Thank you to BookSirens for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is honestly perfection. I am SO SO glad this is going to be a series.
The female main character - Lys - might actually be my favourite protagonist of the year. It's so refreshing to have a fantasy FMC who isn't like 16. She had such interesting and varied dynamics between the other characters.
The setting of the Woods, especially, is such a gorgeous concept that Wolf does a great job bringing to life. I really like elemental magic systems as well, which I hope feature even more heavily in the sequels!
Thank you to BookSirens for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 16, 2025
This book had me enthralled. The characters, the depth of emotions, the mystery and adventure. This book had everything in it and I loved every moment of reading this. I am trying to think of how much I can say without giving anything away but right from the start this book has so much going on, so much detail, and so much to love!
August 7, 2025
I had the honor of reading an earlier version of this book, and it is absolutely phenomenal. It's got so much heart, a fascinating magic system, deep world building, and characters I would die for.
Run, don't walk. This is such a good fucking book.
Run, don't walk. This is such a good fucking book.
November 18, 2025
The Forest and the Flame is an enchanting fantasy debut, weaving magic, intrigue, and romance into a captivating tale of courage and discovery.
October 10, 2025
Debut novel? Excuse me? This was such a delight to read. I really enjoyed this novel and the characters were great. The magic was also done well. There is a scene with giant spiders and even though I am very afraid of spiders, I was so enthralled and really enjoyed it. The love story was wonderfully done and when the Prince confesses his love for Alyssia I was kicking my feet and swooning.
If I have one complaint its that I wish the chapter title pages stated who's POV we were reading because it was sometimes confusing at first to figure out who I was reading about.
Overall great story and I can't wait to continue reading about our fair maiden and her Prince.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Pub Date: 10/10/25
If I have one complaint its that I wish the chapter title pages stated who's POV we were reading because it was sometimes confusing at first to figure out who I was reading about.
Overall great story and I can't wait to continue reading about our fair maiden and her Prince.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Pub Date: 10/10/25
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews