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The Lord of the Wood
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Expected 21 Jul 26Win a free print copy of this book!
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10 copies available
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The cozy fantasy of TJ Klune meets the creeping horror of T. Kingfisher in this magical novel about a man who enters a deadly enchanted forest expecting it to endanger his life, but not his heart...
Clockmaker Arthur Throckmorton lives a quiet life with his sister and her children, only dreaming of adventure. So when a wealthy client offers him a job that involves traversing Shiftleaf—an enchanted forest that claimed his father decades ago—he reluctantly accepts. The forest is treacherous, but the money will change his family’s lives.
The journey quickly turns perilous. Fleeing monstrous birds, Arthur stumbles upon a hidden vale where he meets the Lord of the Wood—a figure from his father’s many stories. Instead of the fairy prince Arthur always imagined, Ira is a morose man, slowly transforming into a beast, his power over a dying forest waning.
Arthur enjoys the safety of the vale, and Ira’s company. But he yearns for his family. To safely return home and rescue Ira from a cursed and lonely existence, Arthur and Ira must reach the heart of the wood to heal the forest. Except the farther they venture from the vale, the more beastly Ira becomes. If they can’t complete their mission before he turns completely, Arthur could lose the man he’s falling for—and never see his family again.
Clockmaker Arthur Throckmorton lives a quiet life with his sister and her children, only dreaming of adventure. So when a wealthy client offers him a job that involves traversing Shiftleaf—an enchanted forest that claimed his father decades ago—he reluctantly accepts. The forest is treacherous, but the money will change his family’s lives.
The journey quickly turns perilous. Fleeing monstrous birds, Arthur stumbles upon a hidden vale where he meets the Lord of the Wood—a figure from his father’s many stories. Instead of the fairy prince Arthur always imagined, Ira is a morose man, slowly transforming into a beast, his power over a dying forest waning.
Arthur enjoys the safety of the vale, and Ira’s company. But he yearns for his family. To safely return home and rescue Ira from a cursed and lonely existence, Arthur and Ira must reach the heart of the wood to heal the forest. Except the farther they venture from the vale, the more beastly Ira becomes. If they can’t complete their mission before he turns completely, Arthur could lose the man he’s falling for—and never see his family again.
448 pages, Paperback
Expected publication July 21, 2026
About the author
E.M. Anderson
7 books251 followersE.M. Anderson (she/they) is the queer, neurodivergent author of The Lord of the Wood (Hanover Squre Press, 2026), The Keeper of Lonely Spirits (MIRA Books, 2025), and the now out-of-print The Remarkable Retirement of Edna Fisher, as well as various short stories. It is their doom to one day vanish in the depths of a forest, never to be seen again, after ignoring the repeated warnings of the locals to stay out of the woods. Until that fateful day, you can find them on Bluesky or Instagram @elizmanderson.
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April 12, 2026THE LORD OF THE WOOD is a sweet, adventurous, queer fantasy that offers a perfect alternative for THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA (minus the anti-indigenous and colonialist rhetoric!), but with a tinge of HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE (love interest) and OVER THE GARDEN WALL (creepy forest adventures).
I would recommend this book for readers who love cozy fantasy, sentient forests, late-bloomer-coming-of-age tales, and who can get down with a little bit of monster fucking.
Also! I buddy read this book with my friend Kat, whose review is a lot more in-depth and who I agree with wholeheartedly, so go check that out.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
CW: loss of parent, loss of spouse, grief, illness, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, misgendering, violence, injury detail, emesis, panic attacks, hallucination
I would recommend this book for readers who love cozy fantasy, sentient forests, late-bloomer-coming-of-age tales, and who can get down with a little bit of monster fucking.
Also! I buddy read this book with my friend Kat, whose review is a lot more in-depth and who I agree with wholeheartedly, so go check that out.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
CW: loss of parent, loss of spouse, grief, illness, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, misgendering, violence, injury detail, emesis, panic attacks, hallucination
February 19, 2026
3.5
Very fortunate to have received an e-ARC copy of this book releasing July 2026
This book is a slower pace fantasy, more of a luxurious story telling with great writing than a fast paced firework filled bonanza. This is about the small moments and character development. I had a good time reading it, but I did find the pacing started to drag for me a bit as it went on.
Arthur and his sister Charlotte like in a small coastal town, bordered by a dark and feared forest. As a child, Arthur always dreamed of traveling through the woods to other cities where he might belong. Always having been labeled as odd or an outcast, he only truly belonging with Charlotte and her children. The four of them being all the family they have left after being struck by one tragedy after another. But one day, Arthur is given the opportunity to travel to woods, knowing he may perish in them, but the reward being too great to pass up, he takes off on his quest. See, Arthur had always been told stories about the lord of the wood, a magical creature, part man, part stag - that guided lost travellers and protected the forest. Never did he expect in all his misfortunes to meet him. But it isn’t like the stories, the forest is dying, there is a sickness, a rotting, that is spreading and even the lord of the wood is at risk of perishing. It’s a story of self discovery, love (familial and unexpected) and perseverance.
Very fortunate to have received an e-ARC copy of this book releasing July 2026
This book is a slower pace fantasy, more of a luxurious story telling with great writing than a fast paced firework filled bonanza. This is about the small moments and character development. I had a good time reading it, but I did find the pacing started to drag for me a bit as it went on.
Arthur and his sister Charlotte like in a small coastal town, bordered by a dark and feared forest. As a child, Arthur always dreamed of traveling through the woods to other cities where he might belong. Always having been labeled as odd or an outcast, he only truly belonging with Charlotte and her children. The four of them being all the family they have left after being struck by one tragedy after another. But one day, Arthur is given the opportunity to travel to woods, knowing he may perish in them, but the reward being too great to pass up, he takes off on his quest. See, Arthur had always been told stories about the lord of the wood, a magical creature, part man, part stag - that guided lost travellers and protected the forest. Never did he expect in all his misfortunes to meet him. But it isn’t like the stories, the forest is dying, there is a sickness, a rotting, that is spreading and even the lord of the wood is at risk of perishing. It’s a story of self discovery, love (familial and unexpected) and perseverance.
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April 11, 20263.5. This was a very fun, very queer adventure fantasy, darkly whimsical and lightly romantic. There are shades of House in the Cerulean Sea*, Over the Garden Wall, and Princess Mononoke, although its elements don’t necessary combine quite as effectively as those comps.
I think The Lord of the Wood’s real heart and greatest strengths lie in its cast of characters. Charlotte and Arthur were wonderful dual protagonists with a well-written and realistic sibling bond, and I especially loved the way the story tackles otherness in the forms of autism, queerness, and disability.
Unfortunately I did feel somewhat let down by the atmosphere. The prose was just never quite as autumnal or indulgent as I wanted it to be. I also think the pacing was a detriment here - almost every chapter tries to introduce some major change or new element, never allowing us to rest and settle in with the characters. This makes each individual chapter punchy, but creates a counterintuitive overall effect where the book actually starts to drag. Individual events lose weight, because it’s easy to tell what won’t really matter long term. The stop-and-go pacing also makes the romance feel abrupt and less affecting than it might have been otherwise.
While the resolution wasn’t exactly what I was hoping for, and I think there were more interesting directions the story could have gone, it ultimately did a perfectly fine job of tying all its threads back together. Charlotte and Arthur’s character arcs both wrap up in a satisfying way, balancing coziness and the realistic hurdles of surviving in the world as an adult who will always be “other.”
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
And thanks to Bri for buddy reading with me 💖
*This is not a cosign on House in the Cerulean Sea, which is a mediocre book by an anti-indigenous author. Read The Lord of the Wood instead for your fix of queer cozy fantasy romance featuring found family and a middle-aged main character.
I think The Lord of the Wood’s real heart and greatest strengths lie in its cast of characters. Charlotte and Arthur were wonderful dual protagonists with a well-written and realistic sibling bond, and I especially loved the way the story tackles otherness in the forms of autism, queerness, and disability.
Unfortunately I did feel somewhat let down by the atmosphere. The prose was just never quite as autumnal or indulgent as I wanted it to be. I also think the pacing was a detriment here - almost every chapter tries to introduce some major change or new element, never allowing us to rest and settle in with the characters. This makes each individual chapter punchy, but creates a counterintuitive overall effect where the book actually starts to drag. Individual events lose weight, because it’s easy to tell what won’t really matter long term. The stop-and-go pacing also makes the romance feel abrupt and less affecting than it might have been otherwise.
While the resolution wasn’t exactly what I was hoping for, and I think there were more interesting directions the story could have gone, it ultimately did a perfectly fine job of tying all its threads back together. Charlotte and Arthur’s character arcs both wrap up in a satisfying way, balancing coziness and the realistic hurdles of surviving in the world as an adult who will always be “other.”
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
And thanks to Bri for buddy reading with me 💖
*This is not a cosign on House in the Cerulean Sea, which is a mediocre book by an anti-indigenous author. Read The Lord of the Wood instead for your fix of queer cozy fantasy romance featuring found family and a middle-aged main character.
Want to Read
June 22, 2026arc obtained! super excited!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love E.M. Anderson's work and this book is no exception. It has a great cadence and pace, the storyline is unique and beautiful and I adored the main characters. If you took a bowl and added the perfect amount of action, romance, mystery and fantasy (and maybe an egg or 2 to hold it all together), mixed it all up and baked it you'd get this book, a perfect book brownie, right down to that homemade by mom lovely feeling that comes with baking and an E.M. book. Worth the read!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First I want to acknowledge the love that undoubtedly went into writing this book. The execution didn't work for me, and I'll explain why, but I hope the author keeps writing books and keeps improving their craft because they definitely have good stories in them.
This book was fine, but not something I'd go out of my way to recommend.
Overall, it felt weak: the world-building, character growth, atmosphere, tension, prose, plot mechanics, and romances were all underdeveloped.
I think part of the problem was that it was trying to do too much at once - a cozy, horror, fantasy, double romance story with several important side characters.
Probably the biggest misses for me were the world-building, atmosphere, and tension. If those things were really strong they could have carried the rest of the story.
The atmosphere and tension barely existed. I was never unsettled or worried, I never felt creeped out, I never got eerie or sinister vibes. It was interesting, sure. Maybe a touch macabre, though not really. I enjoyed the descriptions of the forest and its creatures. But it never really left me with any sense of dread or apprehension. Sure it's "cozy" horror, but it's still horror and so I still expect to feel at least a little unsettled.
The world-building was shallow and didn't seem to have any intentionality behind it. I'd say it was based on ~vibes~ and not much else, in an attempt to create a mood of cozy nostalgia and antiquity. Stuff was cherry-picked from different times and places with no thought to what each choice meant holistically, which created a weak environment for the story to unfold inside of.
The story was a double romance, meaning we got Arthur's MM romance from his POV and his sister Charlotte's sapphic romance from her POV. In my opinion, double romances are hard to pull off because you have half the number of pages of a regular romance to give each relationship emotional depth and make it convincing. And as you might have guessed, both romances missed the bar for me. Neither had the emotional depth that I needed to feel satisfied.
There was so much in the plot that didn't make a ton of sense but you could tell was there for plot reasons. Like so much. Arthur's whole reason for going into the forest was weak af, and I found it totally out of character and difficult to believe that the person who asked him to go would knowingly put him in danger like that for such a flimsy reason.
And underpinning all of these issues was prose that felt stilted and formal. I eventually got used to it, but it took a lot out of the book for me.
I did like the message the book had about change because it's something I'm struggling hard with right now and I could relate.
I enjoyed the characters, especially Ira, the Lord of the Woods. I do wish Arthur and Charlotte were given a bit more growth and that the love interests, Ira and Elspeth, were given a bit more dimension.
I also loved all the inclusive representation. Though it did feel at times like there was more effort put into pointing out Arthur's autism instead of just letting the readers experience it through his POV. It sometimes felt like, "Hey, Arthur is autistic! And to prove it, here's him doing something autistic people do!" But I'm not autistic, so this is just how I felt personally. Probably you can ignore my opinion on this.
This book was not for me, only because I found it underwhelming for what it promised. But it could definitely be for you if you're looking for a book full of inclusive representation where folks of many stripes can see themselves and feel heard, and if you're okay with 90/10 on the cozy/horror scale.
And though this book was not for me, I would love to revisit this author in a few years because they have a lot of potential and I'd love to see them grow.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was fine, but not something I'd go out of my way to recommend.
Overall, it felt weak: the world-building, character growth, atmosphere, tension, prose, plot mechanics, and romances were all underdeveloped.
I think part of the problem was that it was trying to do too much at once - a cozy, horror, fantasy, double romance story with several important side characters.
Probably the biggest misses for me were the world-building, atmosphere, and tension. If those things were really strong they could have carried the rest of the story.
The atmosphere and tension barely existed. I was never unsettled or worried, I never felt creeped out, I never got eerie or sinister vibes. It was interesting, sure. Maybe a touch macabre, though not really. I enjoyed the descriptions of the forest and its creatures. But it never really left me with any sense of dread or apprehension. Sure it's "cozy" horror, but it's still horror and so I still expect to feel at least a little unsettled.
The world-building was shallow and didn't seem to have any intentionality behind it. I'd say it was based on ~vibes~ and not much else, in an attempt to create a mood of cozy nostalgia and antiquity. Stuff was cherry-picked from different times and places with no thought to what each choice meant holistically, which created a weak environment for the story to unfold inside of.
The story was a double romance, meaning we got Arthur's MM romance from his POV and his sister Charlotte's sapphic romance from her POV. In my opinion, double romances are hard to pull off because you have half the number of pages of a regular romance to give each relationship emotional depth and make it convincing. And as you might have guessed, both romances missed the bar for me. Neither had the emotional depth that I needed to feel satisfied.
There was so much in the plot that didn't make a ton of sense but you could tell was there for plot reasons. Like so much. Arthur's whole reason for going into the forest was weak af, and I found it totally out of character and difficult to believe that the person who asked him to go would knowingly put him in danger like that for such a flimsy reason.
And underpinning all of these issues was prose that felt stilted and formal. I eventually got used to it, but it took a lot out of the book for me.
I did like the message the book had about change because it's something I'm struggling hard with right now and I could relate.
I enjoyed the characters, especially Ira, the Lord of the Woods. I do wish Arthur and Charlotte were given a bit more growth and that the love interests, Ira and Elspeth, were given a bit more dimension.
I also loved all the inclusive representation. Though it did feel at times like there was more effort put into pointing out Arthur's autism instead of just letting the readers experience it through his POV. It sometimes felt like, "Hey, Arthur is autistic! And to prove it, here's him doing something autistic people do!" But I'm not autistic, so this is just how I felt personally. Probably you can ignore my opinion on this.
This book was not for me, only because I found it underwhelming for what it promised. But it could definitely be for you if you're looking for a book full of inclusive representation where folks of many stripes can see themselves and feel heard, and if you're okay with 90/10 on the cozy/horror scale.
And though this book was not for me, I would love to revisit this author in a few years because they have a lot of potential and I'd love to see them grow.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Have you ever heard of cozy horror? No? Yeah, me either.
If you’re a fan of CG Drews, this is right up your alley. It’s very similar in a lot of vibes, but cozier and a little less horror.
This was the cutest book I’ve read in a while, and I relate a little too much to Arthur.
The premise is simple enough. Arthur and Charlotte have lived in Seacliff their whole lives. He is a little different and is bullied growing up, but he never really understands why he’s different or why the other children don’t like him. When they were young, their father frequented the woods and regaled them with a story about the Lord of the Wood. One day, he went into the woods and never returned.
This happens more and more frequently, plus now there’s incurable and deadly wood sickness to deal with. As adults, Charlotte is a healer and Arthur helps around the house the best he can. When Charlotte is called on by her old friend Agnes, they have no idea everything is about to change.
This is full of botanical horror elements and does have some semi graphic scenes when it comes to violence and gore. Just a warning if you have a weak constitution. Nothing overly explicit though!
These characters. Arthur feels like a warm hug and Charlotte is certainly a protector. I’ve never related so hard to a character when the author wrote (and hopefully this does not change as it is an ARC and could) “His socks were squishy with melting snow, which made him wish he didn’t have feet, but he couldn’t bring himself to take them off.” Literally one of the worst feelings.
Anyway Arthur is most definitely autistic, and I love watching him grow as a character and make big decisions and do what needs to be done. It’s so wonderful to watch him throughout this book. Charlotte does a lot of growing too, and of course our characters do enjoy a happy ending. These characters are honesty most of the reason this one gets such a high rating for me. It’s cuddly and warm and somehow overarchingly creepy. I. Love. It.
The writing is easy to follow, but it does feel a bit antiquated, which is definitely intentional. This is low fantasy (mostly, but one could argue bits are high fantasy), and it seems to be set in a simpler time with much less technology. That being said, it’s still an incredibly easy read. I kept wanting to turn the page and easily devoured this is two sittings, only stopping because of responsibilities.
So fun
Have you ever heard of cozy horror? No? Yeah, me either.
If you’re a fan of CG Drews, this is right up your alley. It’s very similar in a lot of vibes, but cozier and a little less horror.
This was the cutest book I’ve read in a while, and I relate a little too much to Arthur.
The premise is simple enough. Arthur and Charlotte have lived in Seacliff their whole lives. He is a little different and is bullied growing up, but he never really understands why he’s different or why the other children don’t like him. When they were young, their father frequented the woods and regaled them with a story about the Lord of the Wood. One day, he went into the woods and never returned.
This happens more and more frequently, plus now there’s incurable and deadly wood sickness to deal with. As adults, Charlotte is a healer and Arthur helps around the house the best he can. When Charlotte is called on by her old friend Agnes, they have no idea everything is about to change.
This is full of botanical horror elements and does have some semi graphic scenes when it comes to violence and gore. Just a warning if you have a weak constitution. Nothing overly explicit though!
These characters. Arthur feels like a warm hug and Charlotte is certainly a protector. I’ve never related so hard to a character when the author wrote (and hopefully this does not change as it is an ARC and could) “His socks were squishy with melting snow, which made him wish he didn’t have feet, but he couldn’t bring himself to take them off.” Literally one of the worst feelings.
Anyway Arthur is most definitely autistic, and I love watching him grow as a character and make big decisions and do what needs to be done. It’s so wonderful to watch him throughout this book. Charlotte does a lot of growing too, and of course our characters do enjoy a happy ending. These characters are honesty most of the reason this one gets such a high rating for me. It’s cuddly and warm and somehow overarchingly creepy. I. Love. It.
The writing is easy to follow, but it does feel a bit antiquated, which is definitely intentional. This is low fantasy (mostly, but one could argue bits are high fantasy), and it seems to be set in a simpler time with much less technology. That being said, it’s still an incredibly easy read. I kept wanting to turn the page and easily devoured this is two sittings, only stopping because of responsibilities.
So fun
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Lord of the Woods is a beautiful story that blends cozy fantasy with folk horror for a mix called they've dubbed "cozy horror." It delivers not just one but two queer romances. It has very likable characters, and in them great representation in a way that doesn't feel forced. The writing is enjoyable, and the book pulls off the challenge of mixing horror elements with comfort in a way that feels inviting but a little eerie.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its characters. There are two POV characters, adult siblings Arthur and Charlotte. Together, they're raising Charlotte's children after the death of her husband. On their travels, they run into some additional lovely people. Every character in the book, even the briefly mentioned side characters, has some depth to them and feels like a realized person.
What I really appreciated about the main characters is the exploration of disability. Arthur is autistic, as revealed in the author's forward and throughout the book (though never explicitly stated within the text). His struggles are addressed, but it never feels like that's all he is. Charlotte has her troubles as well, having recently come down with a sickness that's left her with chronic pain and fatigue, severely curtailing what she's able to do. Along her journey, we see her shifting out of her internalized ableism into a place of more self-acceptance and love, though it's hard won. Neither Charlotte nor Arthur are presented as broken or in need of fixing; they just have their lived experiences which they become more comfortable with by the end of the book.
In addition to disability representation, this book has a wide variety of LGBTQ+ representation. One of Charlotte's children is nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns, which felt a little out of place given the (ambiguous) time period, but was handled well. Both Arthur and Charlotte get queer love interests, with Charlotte's storyline having a fade-to-black sex scene and Arthur's featuring some kissing. The world features homophobia that both the main characters and Charlotte's love interest experience and overcome.
Another thing I liked a lot about this book is the setting. Shiftleaf is a forest in decline, dying as a result of human encroachment. The forest itself feels like a mix between Over the Garden Wall and Princess Mononoke, fitting its cozy horror setting. Most of the horror in the book features animals or plants.
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Hanover Square Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this one early. I really enjoyed it.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its characters. There are two POV characters, adult siblings Arthur and Charlotte. Together, they're raising Charlotte's children after the death of her husband. On their travels, they run into some additional lovely people. Every character in the book, even the briefly mentioned side characters, has some depth to them and feels like a realized person.
What I really appreciated about the main characters is the exploration of disability. Arthur is autistic, as revealed in the author's forward and throughout the book (though never explicitly stated within the text). His struggles are addressed, but it never feels like that's all he is. Charlotte has her troubles as well, having recently come down with a sickness that's left her with chronic pain and fatigue, severely curtailing what she's able to do. Along her journey, we see her shifting out of her internalized ableism into a place of more self-acceptance and love, though it's hard won. Neither Charlotte nor Arthur are presented as broken or in need of fixing; they just have their lived experiences which they become more comfortable with by the end of the book.
In addition to disability representation, this book has a wide variety of LGBTQ+ representation. One of Charlotte's children is nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns, which felt a little out of place given the (ambiguous) time period, but was handled well. Both Arthur and Charlotte get queer love interests, with Charlotte's storyline having a fade-to-black sex scene and Arthur's featuring some kissing. The world features homophobia that both the main characters and Charlotte's love interest experience and overcome.
Another thing I liked a lot about this book is the setting. Shiftleaf is a forest in decline, dying as a result of human encroachment. The forest itself feels like a mix between Over the Garden Wall and Princess Mononoke, fitting its cozy horror setting. Most of the horror in the book features animals or plants.
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Hanover Square Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this one early. I really enjoyed it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was given an ARC of this book by the author. This was one of my most highly anticipated reads of the year, and it did not disappoint!
I loved Arthur Throckmorton. I've waited a very, very long time for a main character like him, one that I could intrinsically relate to. Never have I felt so seen by representation quite like him before.
Many of the ways his behavior and special interests manifest is so much like my own, and the way he has been ostracized and branded as "odd" because of it struck a core with me. Because I was one of those kids. I am one of those "odd" people. And the characterization of Arthur is the only character in media thus far that truly GETS me.
The love story (BOTH of them) was beautiful, as well as the way both siblings are taken on separate journeys perfectly tailored to them both. Charlotte working through her disability and struggling with being closeted. Arthur resigning with being comfortable right where he is but intrinsically feeling lonely because of it.
Sometimes when reading dual storylines, you're left yelling "WAIT, GO BACK!!" after we switch to the next POV. But both Arthur and Charlotte's stories were so engaging that I was eager to know what happens next with either of them! Charlotte and Elspeth were so fun together. I loved Arthur and Ira's budding friendship to whatever-the-hell-Arthur-thinks-is-going-on-to-justify-why-this-feels-like-one-of-his-romance-novels-but-he's-a-GUY (and kind of a monster maybe(?)) situationship!
Spoiler warnings: I am left with wanting to know more about
If you're longing for someone having their gay/queer awakening later in life (AND finding happiness through that), you should check this out! This was well worth the wait. Thank you again, E, for the opportunity to have an advanced copy!
I loved Arthur Throckmorton. I've waited a very, very long time for a main character like him, one that I could intrinsically relate to. Never have I felt so seen by representation quite like him before.
Many of the ways his behavior and special interests manifest is so much like my own, and the way he has been ostracized and branded as "odd" because of it struck a core with me. Because I was one of those kids. I am one of those "odd" people. And the characterization of Arthur is the only character in media thus far that truly GETS me.
The love story (BOTH of them) was beautiful, as well as the way both siblings are taken on separate journeys perfectly tailored to them both. Charlotte working through her disability and struggling with being closeted. Arthur resigning with being comfortable right where he is but intrinsically feeling lonely because of it.
Sometimes when reading dual storylines, you're left yelling "WAIT, GO BACK!!" after we switch to the next POV. But both Arthur and Charlotte's stories were so engaging that I was eager to know what happens next with either of them! Charlotte and Elspeth were so fun together. I loved Arthur and Ira's budding friendship to whatever-the-hell-Arthur-thinks-is-going-on-to-justify-why-this-feels-like-one-of-his-romance-novels-but-he's-a-GUY (and kind of a monster maybe(?)) situationship!
Spoiler warnings: I am left with wanting to know more about
If you're longing for someone having their gay/queer awakening later in life (AND finding happiness through that), you should check this out! This was well worth the wait. Thank you again, E, for the opportunity to have an advanced copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In this satisfying fantasy novel, we are introduced to Arthur and Charlotte, middle-aged siblings who've suffered many losses and disappointments which have shaped them into an unbreakable family unit alongside Charlotte's two children. Living in an isolated village between the sea and a strange and foreboding forest, misfit Arthur in particular longs for change of some kind while fearing it also. When he agrees to undertake a perilous journey through the woods, he little imagines how his life and that of his beloved sister will be affected.
Like many books that tackle the creepy woods theme, the plot takes its time getting going while setting up the backstory and the inciting events that prompt Arthur's life-altering decision, but once he enters the forest, all hell breaks loose. Eldritch and alarming events flow at a sometimes breathless pace, but we also get to enjoy quiet moments between various pairings of the characters that are equally rewarding, especially after Arthur finally encounters the titular Lord of the Wood, a tortured soul who may not long outlive his dying forest.
There are a lot of familiar elements here for any fan of weird forest-set tales, but what distinguishes this one for me is the author's dedication to inclusive representation that is often overlooked in more traditional stories. In addition to later-in-life queer awakenings and the brutally honest portrayal of living with chronic illness and disability, we get to experience neurodivergent, nonbinary, and not-quite-human characters woven throughout the tale. (I will also add a mild spoiler alert here, as the author does in their own intro, that
I don't know if it's an actual thing, but I'm gonna call this one a cozy horrormantasy. It combines elements of horror, romance, and fantasy, but in a warm, openhearted way that left me with a big smile on my face after I finished the last chapter. It's hard to say which element of the book wins out over the others, but I would recommend for readers who like gentle and sweet romance with beautifully written and evocative fantasy settings and just enough horror to raise the stakes high enough to pay off in a big way at the end.
Review based on an ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley
Like many books that tackle the creepy woods theme, the plot takes its time getting going while setting up the backstory and the inciting events that prompt Arthur's life-altering decision, but once he enters the forest, all hell breaks loose. Eldritch and alarming events flow at a sometimes breathless pace, but we also get to enjoy quiet moments between various pairings of the characters that are equally rewarding, especially after Arthur finally encounters the titular Lord of the Wood, a tortured soul who may not long outlive his dying forest.
There are a lot of familiar elements here for any fan of weird forest-set tales, but what distinguishes this one for me is the author's dedication to inclusive representation that is often overlooked in more traditional stories. In addition to later-in-life queer awakenings and the brutally honest portrayal of living with chronic illness and disability, we get to experience neurodivergent, nonbinary, and not-quite-human characters woven throughout the tale. (I will also add a mild spoiler alert here, as the author does in their own intro, that
I don't know if it's an actual thing, but I'm gonna call this one a cozy horrormantasy. It combines elements of horror, romance, and fantasy, but in a warm, openhearted way that left me with a big smile on my face after I finished the last chapter. It's hard to say which element of the book wins out over the others, but I would recommend for readers who like gentle and sweet romance with beautifully written and evocative fantasy settings and just enough horror to raise the stakes high enough to pay off in a big way at the end.
Review based on an ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an e-ARC and am giving my honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this opportunity!
Firstly: the cat is completely okay throughout the book!!!
Where do I even begin????? I’ve been a fan of E.M. Anderson’s The Keeper of Lost Spirits since I ARC read it, so have been absolutely DYING to read this one. And I can’t believe I’m saying this, but it was even better than I could have imagined.
To start off, the disability representation was off the CHARTS! Chronic pain, multiple cane users, multiple neurodivergent characters but specifically an autistic MC, love interest with a knee brace, love interest with one blind eye (and not just for aesthetics - it’s explicitly written about how this affects him), and much more I’m forgetting. Not only were all of these representations of disabilities included, but they were integral parts of each character and never forgotten. Instead of being something mentioned once then forgotten, each disability is woven into the story itself and continually talked about and discussed. It was genuinely beautiful and one of the best displays of day-to-day disability rep I’ve ever seen, and most certainly my new go-to rec for disability rep in books.
The story itself was absolutely lovely. A truly romantic and beautiful love story for all of the queer neurodivergents who never saw themselves in mainstream romance novels and movies. This book is the kind of healing that I will be discussing with my therapist, for sure.
One thing I really loved that hit close to home, especially with being neurodivergent, is that all of the ways Arthur looked down on himself weren’t even really self-pitying. It was just another fact of the world to him, and whenever he’d tell Ira about it, Ira would of course look worried and whatnot, but to Arthur, he was just sharing another detail of his life. This was such a realistic detail that it was almost hard for me to read, as it felt much more intimate due to how much I related to Arthur.
The romance was to die for, I truly can’t get over it. Anderson’s last novel I read made me have a newfound love for immortalxmortal and this only increased that. I can’t recommend this novel enough.
Firstly: the cat is completely okay throughout the book!!!
Where do I even begin????? I’ve been a fan of E.M. Anderson’s The Keeper of Lost Spirits since I ARC read it, so have been absolutely DYING to read this one. And I can’t believe I’m saying this, but it was even better than I could have imagined.
To start off, the disability representation was off the CHARTS! Chronic pain, multiple cane users, multiple neurodivergent characters but specifically an autistic MC, love interest with a knee brace, love interest with one blind eye (and not just for aesthetics - it’s explicitly written about how this affects him), and much more I’m forgetting. Not only were all of these representations of disabilities included, but they were integral parts of each character and never forgotten. Instead of being something mentioned once then forgotten, each disability is woven into the story itself and continually talked about and discussed. It was genuinely beautiful and one of the best displays of day-to-day disability rep I’ve ever seen, and most certainly my new go-to rec for disability rep in books.
The story itself was absolutely lovely. A truly romantic and beautiful love story for all of the queer neurodivergents who never saw themselves in mainstream romance novels and movies. This book is the kind of healing that I will be discussing with my therapist, for sure.
One thing I really loved that hit close to home, especially with being neurodivergent, is that all of the ways Arthur looked down on himself weren’t even really self-pitying. It was just another fact of the world to him, and whenever he’d tell Ira about it, Ira would of course look worried and whatnot, but to Arthur, he was just sharing another detail of his life. This was such a realistic detail that it was almost hard for me to read, as it felt much more intimate due to how much I related to Arthur.
The romance was to die for, I truly can’t get over it. Anderson’s last novel I read made me have a newfound love for immortalxmortal and this only increased that. I can’t recommend this novel enough.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Release date July 21, 2026
The best compliment I can think of to give The Lord of the Wood is that it reminded me of T. Kingfisher's work with its mix of cozy fantasy and light horror, and an MC who chronically underestimates himself. The plot takes a while to get going, but after the 20% mark things pick up considerably. It is a more ambitious book than Anderson's The Keeper of Lonely Spirits, and perhaps less cohesive, but ultimately even more engaging.
Arthur is not at all a typical hero. He's hopeless at most things except fixing clocks and taking care of his niece and nephew, he fears change to the point of immobility, and he's absolutely clueless about his sexuality (although to be fair, there's nothing in his world that suggests that queerness is even a possibility). When he goes on a journey through a magical forest, he immediately needs to be rescued.
This is not one of those stories where the insecure MMC realizes how great he is; it's more of a slow realization that he's worthy even if his gifts are not always readily apparent. The titular Lord of the Wood isn't quite as advertised either. The only obvious hero is Arthur's sister Charlotte. She's a healer who knows how to Get Shit Done, and although she is in denial about her sexuality at least she understands it.
The plot grows increasingly darker with a heart-pounding "all hope is lost" moment, but there's a satisfying happy ending. Throw in the best non-human secondary character I've encountered in years, an emotional support cat, kids who aren't annoying, musings on the limitations of the stiff upper lip philosophy, and a reminder that even bad guys have families to feed, and you have a book that goes on my "re-read soon" shelf.
E-ARC received from Net Galley in exchange for review.
The best compliment I can think of to give The Lord of the Wood is that it reminded me of T. Kingfisher's work with its mix of cozy fantasy and light horror, and an MC who chronically underestimates himself. The plot takes a while to get going, but after the 20% mark things pick up considerably. It is a more ambitious book than Anderson's The Keeper of Lonely Spirits, and perhaps less cohesive, but ultimately even more engaging.
Arthur is not at all a typical hero. He's hopeless at most things except fixing clocks and taking care of his niece and nephew, he fears change to the point of immobility, and he's absolutely clueless about his sexuality (although to be fair, there's nothing in his world that suggests that queerness is even a possibility). When he goes on a journey through a magical forest, he immediately needs to be rescued.
This is not one of those stories where the insecure MMC realizes how great he is; it's more of a slow realization that he's worthy even if his gifts are not always readily apparent. The titular Lord of the Wood isn't quite as advertised either. The only obvious hero is Arthur's sister Charlotte. She's a healer who knows how to Get Shit Done, and although she is in denial about her sexuality at least she understands it.
The plot grows increasingly darker with a heart-pounding "all hope is lost" moment, but there's a satisfying happy ending. Throw in the best non-human secondary character I've encountered in years, an emotional support cat, kids who aren't annoying, musings on the limitations of the stiff upper lip philosophy, and a reminder that even bad guys have families to feed, and you have a book that goes on my "re-read soon" shelf.
E-ARC received from Net Galley in exchange for review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for giving me an ARC.
I really enjoyed this book. The pacing was on the slower side, but that fitted my reading style perfectly, and it meant that the reader got to know Arthur and Charlotte well before the plot really started to take off. The descriptions of the Woods were so well done and I liked the subtle creepy vibe underlining all the features of the woods. Sasha and Jonas were so adorable and it was incredibly sweet how close they were with their uncle. The townsfolk being judgemental about Charlotte and her father's healing abilities, as well as outcasting Arthur because he was seen as Different was a really interesting way to show how Arthur had never really fit in.
I enjoyed the switching pov's for the chapters between Charlotte and Arthur because, not only could we see the two romantic relationships developing in a similar level of detail, but it made their reunion all the more joyful.
I also really liked how differently grief was portrayed between Arthur and Charlotte. Arthur remembers his dad as the one person who didn't tease or outcast Arthur for being different; he was always kind to Arthur and appreciated him for who he was, not who he wanted Arthur to be. Charlotte's grief is entirely different as she was too young to really know or remember her father, and so she mourns the relationship they could have had and the memories they could have made if he hadn't died.
Overall, this was a really nice blend of cozy fantasy with subtle horror vibes and an endearing cast of characters. The queer representation was incredible.
I really enjoyed this book. The pacing was on the slower side, but that fitted my reading style perfectly, and it meant that the reader got to know Arthur and Charlotte well before the plot really started to take off. The descriptions of the Woods were so well done and I liked the subtle creepy vibe underlining all the features of the woods. Sasha and Jonas were so adorable and it was incredibly sweet how close they were with their uncle. The townsfolk being judgemental about Charlotte and her father's healing abilities, as well as outcasting Arthur because he was seen as Different was a really interesting way to show how Arthur had never really fit in.
I enjoyed the switching pov's for the chapters between Charlotte and Arthur because, not only could we see the two romantic relationships developing in a similar level of detail, but it made their reunion all the more joyful.
I also really liked how differently grief was portrayed between Arthur and Charlotte. Arthur remembers his dad as the one person who didn't tease or outcast Arthur for being different; he was always kind to Arthur and appreciated him for who he was, not who he wanted Arthur to be. Charlotte's grief is entirely different as she was too young to really know or remember her father, and so she mourns the relationship they could have had and the memories they could have made if he hadn't died.
Overall, this was a really nice blend of cozy fantasy with subtle horror vibes and an endearing cast of characters. The queer representation was incredible.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I recieved an e-ARC of this book from NetGalley :)
My review contains /mild/ spoilers.
I have so many good things to say about this book. It was sweet and gentle, and it was bleak, and it was bloody, and somehow hopeful too.
It was lovely the whole way through. From the very beginning, I loved the writing style and the characters. I think my own neurodivergence made me especially empathetic to Arthur.
Everyone was written so well. I loved the children, though Sasha took up much more space than Jonas did, but that aligns with their respective personalities as well. Every character was consistent and unique.
Gosh, I love Ira. I love the way that Ira loves Arthur and I love the way that Arthur loves Ira.
There was a LOT of repetition. Arthur's (and Charlotte's) thoughts and emotions were explored thouroughly, all the time. The forest and trees are described over and over again. It made it a lot easier to see the progression of the characters and the sickness over the course of the story and I think it was a really strong writing choice.
I personally had a hard time when the more high-fantasy magic aspects came in. It wasn't an issue, but I think that I had this dreary, bleak image of the forest in my head for so much of the book that the fantasy healing magic felt out of place. Despite this, I did actually like reading these parts too.
I don't think the mystery of the sickness was particularly difficult to solve, and I don't think it was meant to be. At its heart, this book was about Arthur and Ira, Charlotte and Elspeth, and learning to love yourself.
Definitely one of my favorites. I had to preorder a physical copy like immediately after starting it.
Thank you 💛
My review contains /mild/ spoilers.
I have so many good things to say about this book. It was sweet and gentle, and it was bleak, and it was bloody, and somehow hopeful too.
It was lovely the whole way through. From the very beginning, I loved the writing style and the characters. I think my own neurodivergence made me especially empathetic to Arthur.
Everyone was written so well. I loved the children, though Sasha took up much more space than Jonas did, but that aligns with their respective personalities as well. Every character was consistent and unique.
Gosh, I love Ira. I love the way that Ira loves Arthur and I love the way that Arthur loves Ira.
There was a LOT of repetition. Arthur's (and Charlotte's) thoughts and emotions were explored thouroughly, all the time. The forest and trees are described over and over again. It made it a lot easier to see the progression of the characters and the sickness over the course of the story and I think it was a really strong writing choice.
I personally had a hard time when the more high-fantasy magic aspects came in. It wasn't an issue, but I think that I had this dreary, bleak image of the forest in my head for so much of the book that the fantasy healing magic felt out of place. Despite this, I did actually like reading these parts too.
I don't think the mystery of the sickness was particularly difficult to solve, and I don't think it was meant to be. At its heart, this book was about Arthur and Ira, Charlotte and Elspeth, and learning to love yourself.
Definitely one of my favorites. I had to preorder a physical copy like immediately after starting it.
Thank you 💛
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Lord of the Wood is a fantasy horror that somehow also manages to be a cozy romance. Anderson had perfected the blend of these two contradictory genres to make this absolute gem of a novel. It’s unique and refreshing yet somehow nostalgic; it’s unsettling but also comforting. This mixture of feelings made this book such an interesting read; I genuinely had no clue what was going to happen next, though I couldn’t wait to find out.
Anderson’s character work is what truly shone. The pacing is intentionally slower to give us time to care about these characters, and I did, deeply. Each of them had their own distinct voice; no character felt flat or unneeded. I appreciated not only the multiple forms of queer rep we’re shown throughout the story but also the fact that our main characters are older! It was a breath of fresh air from the sea of seventeen-year-olds putting their lives on the line to save their town. It also shows that there’s no such thing as ‘too late’; we're still capable of change and worthy of grand adventures and romance.
This book is truly special. I saw much of myself reflected in the main character (it doesn’t help that I also have a cat named Freya!), which made this novel even more impactful for me in particular. There’s more to the story than meets the eye; it’s a story of isolation and first love, of alienation and found companionship, of learning that you’re worthy of change and fighting your fear of it.
This was the first book that I’ve read from EM Anderson, but it certainly won’t be the last. Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins, for providing me with the ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Anderson’s character work is what truly shone. The pacing is intentionally slower to give us time to care about these characters, and I did, deeply. Each of them had their own distinct voice; no character felt flat or unneeded. I appreciated not only the multiple forms of queer rep we’re shown throughout the story but also the fact that our main characters are older! It was a breath of fresh air from the sea of seventeen-year-olds putting their lives on the line to save their town. It also shows that there’s no such thing as ‘too late’; we're still capable of change and worthy of grand adventures and romance.
This book is truly special. I saw much of myself reflected in the main character (it doesn’t help that I also have a cat named Freya!), which made this novel even more impactful for me in particular. There’s more to the story than meets the eye; it’s a story of isolation and first love, of alienation and found companionship, of learning that you’re worthy of change and fighting your fear of it.
This was the first book that I’ve read from EM Anderson, but it certainly won’t be the last. Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins, for providing me with the ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A cozy fantasy and queer romance having a creepy forest vibe that will capture you from the beginning.
Arthur Throckmorton lives in an isolated fishing village where his dream to work with timepieces has materialized. From a young boy as well he has thrived on stories of the local forest, Shiftleaf, and the legendary Lord of the Wood. But now, as an adult, this mystical forest of his youth has become infected with a terrible incurable disease that replicates the trees’ oozing black sap. When Arthur is offered “a job of a lifetime,” he must cross the forest in order to do it. Gambling on hope, Arthur enters the enchanted forest where he meets up with Ira, Lord of the Wood. Ira is miserable because his forest appears to be under seize by an unknown force; it doesn’t listen to him anymore and he’s turning into a beast. Arthur and Ira journey to the center of the forest to confront the force. Along the way Arthur and Ira confront their fears and grow in friendship as well as having fixed the heart of the wood.
This is a simple but nicely written fantasy. I immediately knew I’d like it from the first sentence. As I read I thought about Sarah Beth Dunst’s books - though she’s less atmospheric about horror. What I love about Sarah’s books are their coziness (I’m not a hard core fantasy reader) and sweetness of her main characters. These elements can be found in this book. Interestingly too, the book concerns itself with pollution and the chronic pain lending more complexity to the fantasy. I like books with deeper themes than just the storytelling. Plus I linger the book cover.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Hanover Square Press for allowing me access to this ARC.
Arthur Throckmorton lives in an isolated fishing village where his dream to work with timepieces has materialized. From a young boy as well he has thrived on stories of the local forest, Shiftleaf, and the legendary Lord of the Wood. But now, as an adult, this mystical forest of his youth has become infected with a terrible incurable disease that replicates the trees’ oozing black sap. When Arthur is offered “a job of a lifetime,” he must cross the forest in order to do it. Gambling on hope, Arthur enters the enchanted forest where he meets up with Ira, Lord of the Wood. Ira is miserable because his forest appears to be under seize by an unknown force; it doesn’t listen to him anymore and he’s turning into a beast. Arthur and Ira journey to the center of the forest to confront the force. Along the way Arthur and Ira confront their fears and grow in friendship as well as having fixed the heart of the wood.
This is a simple but nicely written fantasy. I immediately knew I’d like it from the first sentence. As I read I thought about Sarah Beth Dunst’s books - though she’s less atmospheric about horror. What I love about Sarah’s books are their coziness (I’m not a hard core fantasy reader) and sweetness of her main characters. These elements can be found in this book. Interestingly too, the book concerns itself with pollution and the chronic pain lending more complexity to the fantasy. I like books with deeper themes than just the storytelling. Plus I linger the book cover.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Hanover Square Press for allowing me access to this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Strong opening that hooked me immediately. Arthur Throckmorton, a quiet clockmaker, takes a job that sends him into an enchanted and creepy forest that seems to harm all his loved ones. It's a setup that instantly gives the story a mix of danger, grief, and curiosity. I enjoyed how the book balanced the eerie forest atmosphere with the emotional pull of Arthur's family life. The hidden vale, the Lord of the Wood, and the cursed, beastly transformation all gave the story a fairy-tale edge, but the tension never felt light or cozy in a simple way; there was always something unsettling underneath. (T. Kingfisher fans will absolutely love this.) Even the quieter moments felt meaningful because they made Arthur's choice between his family and his love interest feel more personal and complicated. I also appreciated the diverse cast of characters. They added genuine depth to the storyline without feeling forced or shoved into the background as representation. They felt like real parts of the world and the story. The pacing kept everything moving, which made all the difference. The book gave historical and political context around the reservation and its people without dragging the story down, and the family interactions added a lot of humor and warmth that made the heavier moments easier to sit with. Overall, this was fast-paced, atmospheric, and emotionally engaging. I ended up enjoying it so much more than I expected.
Strong opening that hooked me immediately. Arthur Throckmorton, a quiet clockmaker, takes a job that sends him into an enchanted and creepy forest that seems to harm all his loved ones. It's a setup that instantly gives the story a mix of danger, grief, and curiosity. I enjoyed how the book balanced the eerie forest atmosphere with the emotional pull of Arthur's family life. The hidden vale, the Lord of the Wood, and the cursed, beastly transformation all gave the story a fairy-tale edge, but the tension never felt light or cozy in a simple way; there was always something unsettling underneath. (T. Kingfisher fans will absolutely love this.) Even the quieter moments felt meaningful because they made Arthur's choice between his family and his love interest feel more personal and complicated. I also appreciated the diverse cast of characters. They added genuine depth to the storyline without feeling forced or shoved into the background as representation. They felt like real parts of the world and the story. The pacing kept everything moving, which made all the difference. The book gave historical and political context around the reservation and its people without dragging the story down, and the family interactions added a lot of humor and warmth that made the heavier moments easier to sit with. Overall, this was fast-paced, atmospheric, and emotionally engaging. I ended up enjoying it so much more than I expected.
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July 4, 2026 Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the eARC
The premise of this book intrigued me quite a lot. If I am not a fan of TJ Klune, I enjoy T Kingfisher tremendously and seeing her in the comp titles perked my interest. The author is trying to emulate the special trend of cosy horror with a fantasy setting, mixing folkloric elements and cosy vibes. It can work really well, and it is something I enjoy a lot when done well. But I also have to acknowledge how hard it is pull off well, especially when playing with multiple threads of characters development, in this case romance for two POV characters, Arthur and his sister, Charlotte.
There are a lot of good elements in this book. That said, they could have been developed a little more, expanded on and tightened to create a more compelling tale. Where T Kingfisher has a huge advantage with her deep knowledge of fairy tales and culture, and uses it to create very vivid world and stories where she can deploy her special brand of humour, I didn’t get that feeling of completeness in this book. It remained a little too surface level for me, with an unclear spacing of time and rhythm. Which meant that the horror side didn’t hit that hard, and that the romances threads didn’t convince me much.
Not bad, but in need to grow a little more, to be refined. Still, the good bits will, I think, please a part of the readership, and I hope the author will have the opportunity to deploy their craft in other books.
The premise of this book intrigued me quite a lot. If I am not a fan of TJ Klune, I enjoy T Kingfisher tremendously and seeing her in the comp titles perked my interest. The author is trying to emulate the special trend of cosy horror with a fantasy setting, mixing folkloric elements and cosy vibes. It can work really well, and it is something I enjoy a lot when done well. But I also have to acknowledge how hard it is pull off well, especially when playing with multiple threads of characters development, in this case romance for two POV characters, Arthur and his sister, Charlotte.
There are a lot of good elements in this book. That said, they could have been developed a little more, expanded on and tightened to create a more compelling tale. Where T Kingfisher has a huge advantage with her deep knowledge of fairy tales and culture, and uses it to create very vivid world and stories where she can deploy her special brand of humour, I didn’t get that feeling of completeness in this book. It remained a little too surface level for me, with an unclear spacing of time and rhythm. Which meant that the horror side didn’t hit that hard, and that the romances threads didn’t convince me much.
Not bad, but in need to grow a little more, to be refined. Still, the good bits will, I think, please a part of the readership, and I hope the author will have the opportunity to deploy their craft in other books.
July 5, 2026
I’ve been obsessed with this book since I first saw its gorgeous cover, and I was absolutely thrilled to be included in the street team for THE LORD OF THE WOOD.
This book is described as a cozy horror fantasy, and it certainly is all of these things, though the horror is definitely on the lighter side. I really enjoyed the mixture of darker fantasy and cozy vibes, plus two very sweet queer romances.
I think the pacing suffers a bit from the dual POV and two romances - it’s really hard to give both romances the space they need to establish and grow in only so many pages. I’m not sure I’m 100% all-in on both pairs, but I still enjoyed them even if it felt like Ira and Arthur caught feelings within approximately 12 hours of meeting. Charlotte and Elspeth were a fun pair - who hasn’t wound up kissing the most annoying person they’ve ever met at least once?
Our characters are, all around, very likable, and you find yourself rooting for a happy ending for everyone. I think Charlotte may have been my favorite, both from the start and throughout her character arc. The disability representation across multiple characters was very well-done.
This one will definitely make it into my cozy recommendations roster, and I look forward to my friends getting a chance to read it as well.
Thank you to the author for an eARC of this book so that I may leave an honest review.
This book is described as a cozy horror fantasy, and it certainly is all of these things, though the horror is definitely on the lighter side. I really enjoyed the mixture of darker fantasy and cozy vibes, plus two very sweet queer romances.
I think the pacing suffers a bit from the dual POV and two romances - it’s really hard to give both romances the space they need to establish and grow in only so many pages. I’m not sure I’m 100% all-in on both pairs, but I still enjoyed them even if it felt like Ira and Arthur caught feelings within approximately 12 hours of meeting. Charlotte and Elspeth were a fun pair - who hasn’t wound up kissing the most annoying person they’ve ever met at least once?
Our characters are, all around, very likable, and you find yourself rooting for a happy ending for everyone. I think Charlotte may have been my favorite, both from the start and throughout her character arc. The disability representation across multiple characters was very well-done.
This one will definitely make it into my cozy recommendations roster, and I look forward to my friends getting a chance to read it as well.
Thank you to the author for an eARC of this book so that I may leave an honest review.
Review of advance copy
This book is a perfect encapsulation of cozy horror with an enchanted forest growing ever sicker and more dangerous as a backdrop against the burgeoning romance of the characters who venture into its fold. Siblings Arthur and Charlotte know all too well the dangers Shiftleaf hold, having lost their father to the woods when they were children. But when Arthur receives an offer that could change the lives of his family for the better, he sets into the trees nonetheless. He was expecting dangerous creatures and perhaps some unknown magics. What he wasn't expecting was to meet the Lord of the Wood--a man as beautiful and beguiling as the stories led him to believe, but also much more lonely and human. When her brother fails to return home, Charlotte sets off to find him with a newcomer who's also searching for a missing sibling. Soon, the unlikely pairs find themselves beset by horrors--and emotions--they never imagined. But maybe together they can heal the damaged woods.
This was such a lovely read. I've been reading a lot of cozy horror recently, and this is definitely among my favorites of the genre. Anderson managed a perfect blend of horror, coziness, and romance, which isn't an easy thing to do. If you like heartwarming adventure stories with a touch of spooky atmosphere, this one's for you.
This was such a lovely read. I've been reading a lot of cozy horror recently, and this is definitely among my favorites of the genre. Anderson managed a perfect blend of horror, coziness, and romance, which isn't an easy thing to do. If you like heartwarming adventure stories with a touch of spooky atmosphere, this one's for you.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC!
Although it took me a little bit to get into this book, I ended up really enjoying it. I don't think I would mark it in the cozy fantasy genre but the atmosphere of a small village near a magical wood always hits the spot for me. Between the cover and the title, everything that I was hoping for is exactly what I got.
I really enjoyed that we met The Lord of the Wood so early on in the book - a lot of authors typically keep beings like that hidden until it is too late in the book for me to care but we got to meet the Lord before the halfway mark and really saw how the destruction of the forest was effecting him. I also really loved how much of the children, Sasha and Jonas, were involved. They were not merely side characters but pivotal to the plot as a whole.
I have seen this marketed for fans of the House In the Cerulean Sea and I could definitely see the connection although I do not think this book is as humorous and the stakes (I.e., the wood sickness) were higher than in Cerulean Sea. But I do think fans of TJ Klune would enjoy this.
Although it took me a little bit to get into this book, I ended up really enjoying it. I don't think I would mark it in the cozy fantasy genre but the atmosphere of a small village near a magical wood always hits the spot for me. Between the cover and the title, everything that I was hoping for is exactly what I got.
I really enjoyed that we met The Lord of the Wood so early on in the book - a lot of authors typically keep beings like that hidden until it is too late in the book for me to care but we got to meet the Lord before the halfway mark and really saw how the destruction of the forest was effecting him. I also really loved how much of the children, Sasha and Jonas, were involved. They were not merely side characters but pivotal to the plot as a whole.
I have seen this marketed for fans of the House In the Cerulean Sea and I could definitely see the connection although I do not think this book is as humorous and the stakes (I.e., the wood sickness) were higher than in Cerulean Sea. But I do think fans of TJ Klune would enjoy this.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC Review: Lord Of The Wood By E.M Anderson
Genre: Fantasy, Horror, Queer, Adult,
Format: Ebook ARC
Publication: July 21st, 2026
Thoughts: Following a lonely boy who grew unto a lonely man who in desperation to change his families down turned luck goes on a mission to retrieve a clock but he has to pass through a magical forest where he meets a mythical figure his father once told him stories of… An emotional and lyrical novel i couldn’t put down, the world E.M Anderson has built is wonderful and magical—This is a beautiful work of art i adored from start to finish with unique foes and wonderfully written characters. I found myself relating to the characters (Especially Author) and found it beautiful as i watched him slowly find his own voice and fall in love with a myth. This book loved breaking my heart at the end but thankfully i got my happily ever after (Thank you E.M Anderson) but i hope to see more of this unique world.. a mashup of horror and fantasy is my absolute favorite micro genre that i need more of.
hands down my favorite book ever--6 stars.. 10 stars even. IRA, AURTHUR.. I LOVE YOU
Genre: Fantasy, Horror, Queer, Adult,
Format: Ebook ARC
Publication: July 21st, 2026
Thoughts: Following a lonely boy who grew unto a lonely man who in desperation to change his families down turned luck goes on a mission to retrieve a clock but he has to pass through a magical forest where he meets a mythical figure his father once told him stories of… An emotional and lyrical novel i couldn’t put down, the world E.M Anderson has built is wonderful and magical—This is a beautiful work of art i adored from start to finish with unique foes and wonderfully written characters. I found myself relating to the characters (Especially Author) and found it beautiful as i watched him slowly find his own voice and fall in love with a myth. This book loved breaking my heart at the end but thankfully i got my happily ever after (Thank you E.M Anderson) but i hope to see more of this unique world.. a mashup of horror and fantasy is my absolute favorite micro genre that i need more of.
hands down my favorite book ever--6 stars.. 10 stars even. IRA, AURTHUR.. I LOVE YOU
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Very rarely do I read a book during my depressive episodes that makes me want to read other books past the fact that it's a daily compulsion, especially a fantasy book. The Lord of the Wood was an impulsive request because I'm not a fan of the fantasy genre but it was the only new addition to the lgbtq tag on netgalley that day and I went for it.
The concept of the book itself was very intriguing and then I read the author's little disclaimer at the start of the book and I knew I'd most likely enjoy it. I loved the way the world/atmosphere of the book was created, the imagery was good even though it was not as horror as I was led to believe. Most of all though I loved how the author weaved the everyday, casual ableism into the story. I saw myself and my experiences in both Arthur and Charlotte.
Even though I would have loved a bit more on the horror aspect, and maybe on the sapphic love story too, this was such an enjoyable read. Apologies for how short this is, I struggle to talk about things I love. Thank you Netgalley and Hanover Press for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
The concept of the book itself was very intriguing and then I read the author's little disclaimer at the start of the book and I knew I'd most likely enjoy it. I loved the way the world/atmosphere of the book was created, the imagery was good even though it was not as horror as I was led to believe. Most of all though I loved how the author weaved the everyday, casual ableism into the story. I saw myself and my experiences in both Arthur and Charlotte.
Even though I would have loved a bit more on the horror aspect, and maybe on the sapphic love story too, this was such an enjoyable read. Apologies for how short this is, I struggle to talk about things I love. Thank you Netgalley and Hanover Press for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Go pick up Lord of the Wood by E.M. Anderson, an absolute joy of a book filled with heart and beautifully crafted connections. This is a great example of an author who populates their world with queer, neurodivergent, and disabled characters without ever reducing them to a checklist. Arthur Throckmorton is a character that will stay with you, much like his bond with sister Charlotte and his willingness to face danger for those he loves, even if it means going to the place where their father disappeared.
Once he meets the mythical Lord of the Wood, a name he knows from his father's stories, his mission becomes that much more treacherous, as the Lord is soon becoming a beast, and this may spell disaster for Arthur and the forest itself.
If E.M. Anderson's name is on the cover, I am reading it. Lord of the Wood is a comforting and unsettling hug of a book, and you should do yourself a massive favor by adding it to your shelf as soon as it's released.
Once he meets the mythical Lord of the Wood, a name he knows from his father's stories, his mission becomes that much more treacherous, as the Lord is soon becoming a beast, and this may spell disaster for Arthur and the forest itself.
If E.M. Anderson's name is on the cover, I am reading it. Lord of the Wood is a comforting and unsettling hug of a book, and you should do yourself a massive favor by adding it to your shelf as soon as it's released.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Special thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book, unfortunately, did not work for me. I feel like it struggled to find its place leading me to decide that a cozy horror fantasy book just doesn’t quite work.
The characters were cute and the writing was at times really well done, however it never reached its full potential.
The biggest problem is that it bit off way more than it could chew. Managing 3+ genres themes, two different storylines, etc. is too much for any author to do. Additionally, why wasn’t this book marketed as a dual pov/storyline novel. It’s seems weird that they marketed it as a m/m fantasy/romance and didn’t at all mention the w/w storyline in the premise, despite it being a big and important part of the book.
I’ll keep an eye out for this author, parts of this book were excellent and well done, to me this book just struggled to find its footing.
This book, unfortunately, did not work for me. I feel like it struggled to find its place leading me to decide that a cozy horror fantasy book just doesn’t quite work.
The characters were cute and the writing was at times really well done, however it never reached its full potential.
The biggest problem is that it bit off way more than it could chew. Managing 3+ genres themes, two different storylines, etc. is too much for any author to do. Additionally, why wasn’t this book marketed as a dual pov/storyline novel. It’s seems weird that they marketed it as a m/m fantasy/romance and didn’t at all mention the w/w storyline in the premise, despite it being a big and important part of the book.
I’ll keep an eye out for this author, parts of this book were excellent and well done, to me this book just struggled to find its footing.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
~Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for the ARC of this book!~
The themes of this story absolutely hit home for me. Change can be hard, but even harder is making the choices to change, to affect one's life and alter it fundamentally. Taking the metaphorical leap is daunting, but sometimes we look back and I'm hindsight see that we've already made some of the most difficult choices!
This is a heartwarming and cozy queer romantasy with elements of horror. It deals with neurodivergence, chronic-illness, grief, and identity. It's got found family and family of origin. There are two central romances, one MM and one sapphic! You really get it all in this book.
The themes of this story absolutely hit home for me. Change can be hard, but even harder is making the choices to change, to affect one's life and alter it fundamentally. Taking the metaphorical leap is daunting, but sometimes we look back and I'm hindsight see that we've already made some of the most difficult choices!
This is a heartwarming and cozy queer romantasy with elements of horror. It deals with neurodivergence, chronic-illness, grief, and identity. It's got found family and family of origin. There are two central romances, one MM and one sapphic! You really get it all in this book.
June 13, 2026
I loved the dark, horror vibes mixed with the cozy mood of this story. The world was so interesting to explore and get lost in.
I thought it was so interesting to follow Arthur, he is so oblivious to so many things in his life. What he wants, who he wants, just doesn’t seem to be something he understands. So it was great to watch him be confronted with both of those things throughout this journey. The way he challenged himself to embrace change was great.
I also really liked seeing how his mentality was juxtaposed with his sister, who understands what she wants but is afraid to act on it.
Overall I thought it was a nice read.
I thought it was so interesting to follow Arthur, he is so oblivious to so many things in his life. What he wants, who he wants, just doesn’t seem to be something he understands. So it was great to watch him be confronted with both of those things throughout this journey. The way he challenged himself to embrace change was great.
I also really liked seeing how his mentality was juxtaposed with his sister, who understands what she wants but is afraid to act on it.
Overall I thought it was a nice read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read The Lord of the Wood. I was very drawn to the representation of gender, sexuality, neurodiversity, and disability within these pages. While it did not take place in a world in which queerness is accepted, I love the found family where acceptance was created. I never thought I would use the phrase cozy horror, but here we are; The Lord of the Wood is cozy horror. It had many elements of cozy fantasy with elements of ecological horror that somehow went hand-in-hand beautifully.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
It was a good book and I was very, very drawn in from the beginning. I am was wary about the horror bit described but I found it not bad at all even with how squeamish I am. I lived both the siblings stories and how they evolved and I am always here for an antlered love interest in the woods. The pacing was good and I the other characters added to the story.
ARC provided by Edelweiss and Publisher all thoughts are my own.
ARC provided by Edelweiss and Publisher all thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Lord of the Wood has all of the right vibes. Creepy woods, mysterious illness, adventurous spirit.
I recommend this read to fans of TJ Klune's work and any other author who is deeply inclusive.
The execution of the build up needs some work because it felt like we were jumping back and forth to scenarios with no tension. I know this book will find it's audience!
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
I recommend this read to fans of TJ Klune's work and any other author who is deeply inclusive.
The execution of the build up needs some work because it felt like we were jumping back and forth to scenarios with no tension. I know this book will find it's audience!
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
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