What do you think?
Rate this book
Sourdough Universe
A Forest, Darkly
Not yet published
Expected 10 Feb 26Perfect for fans of Ava Reid and Lucy Holland, this is a thrilling dark fantasy of persecuted witches, snatched children, twisted magic, changelings, and the sins that bind.
Set in the multi-award-winning author's acclaimed Sourdough universe, this standalone story sits alongside previous novels, including All the Murmuring Bones and The Briar Book of the Dead.
Deep in the forest lives Mehrab the witch, coping with loneliness in her own strange ways and quietly battling her demons. One evening, a young woman appears on her doorstep seeking shelter, pursued by godhounds who wish to destroy all those practising magic, and Mehrab’s solitary existence is disrupted as she teaches the girl how to control her powers. Together they forge a cure for their isolation with heartbreaking consequences....
Meanwhile, in the local village, children begin to disappear, sometimes returning forever changed–or not returning at all. Sinister offerings appear on Mehrab's doorstep, and a dark power pursues her through the trees. As the villagers turn hostile and the godhounds close in, Mehrab finds herself at the centre of a struggle to save the soul of the forest, the life of an old love–and her own new-formed family.
Set in Slatter's bewitching gothic Sourdough universe, this is a haunting, gripping tale written with wit and heart. A book to both savour and devour.
Set in the multi-award-winning author's acclaimed Sourdough universe, this standalone story sits alongside previous novels, including All the Murmuring Bones and The Briar Book of the Dead.
Deep in the forest lives Mehrab the witch, coping with loneliness in her own strange ways and quietly battling her demons. One evening, a young woman appears on her doorstep seeking shelter, pursued by godhounds who wish to destroy all those practising magic, and Mehrab’s solitary existence is disrupted as she teaches the girl how to control her powers. Together they forge a cure for their isolation with heartbreaking consequences....
Meanwhile, in the local village, children begin to disappear, sometimes returning forever changed–or not returning at all. Sinister offerings appear on Mehrab's doorstep, and a dark power pursues her through the trees. As the villagers turn hostile and the godhounds close in, Mehrab finds herself at the centre of a struggle to save the soul of the forest, the life of an old love–and her own new-formed family.
Set in Slatter's bewitching gothic Sourdough universe, this is a haunting, gripping tale written with wit and heart. A book to both savour and devour.
Audible Audio
Expected publication February 10, 2026
12 people are currently reading
2161 people want to read
About the author
A.G. Slatter
16 books723 followersAKA Angela Slatter
Angela Slatter is the author of All The Murmuring Bones (Titan Books, purchase links below). That will be followed by The Path of Thorns in 2022. Both are gothic fantasies set in the world of the Sourdough and Bitterwood collections.
In February 2021, Tartarus Press published The Tallow-Wife and Other Tales, the third mosaic collection in the Sourdough world series. In March 2022, The Bone Lantern (a novella set in the Sourdough world) will be published by Absinthe Press (an imprint of PS Publishing).
Angela is also the author of the supernatural crime novels from Jo Fletcher Books/Hachette International: Vigil (2016), Corpselight (2017) and Restoration (2018), as well as ten other short story collections, including The Girl with No Hands and Other Tales, Sourdough and Other Stories, The Bitterwood Bible and Other Recountings, A Feast of Sorrows: Stories, and The Heart is a Mirror for Sinners and Other Stories. Vigil was nominated for the Dublin Literary Award in 2018.
Angela is represented by Meg Davis of the Ki Agency in London: meg@ki-agency.co.uk
She has won a World Fantasy Award, a British Fantasy Award, a Ditmar, two Australian Shadows Awards and seven Aurealis Awards.
Angela’s short stories have appeared in Australian, UK and US Best Of anthologies such The Mammoth Book of New Horror, The Year’s Best Dark Fantasy and Horror, The Best Horror of the Year, The Year’s Best Australian Fantasy and Horror, and The Year’s Best YA Speculative Fiction. Her work has been translated into Bulgarian, Chinese, Russian, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Polish, French and Romanian. Victoria Madden of Sweet Potato Films (The Kettering Incident) has optioned the film rights to one of her short stories (“Finnegan’s Field”).
She has an MA and a PhD in Creative Writing, is a graduate of Clarion South 2009 and the Tin House Summer Writers Workshop 2006, and in 2013 she was awarded one of the inaugural Queensland Writers Fellowships. In 2016 Angela was the Established Writer-in-Residence at the Katharine Susannah Prichard Writers Centre in Perth. She has been awarded career development funding by Arts Queensland, the Copyright Agency and, in 2017/18, an Australia Council for the Arts grant. She teaches for the Australian Writers’ Centre.
She is also the author of the novellas, Of Sorrow and Such (Tor.com) and Ripper (in Horrorology: The Lexicon of Fear).
Angela Slatter is the author of All The Murmuring Bones (Titan Books, purchase links below). That will be followed by The Path of Thorns in 2022. Both are gothic fantasies set in the world of the Sourdough and Bitterwood collections.
In February 2021, Tartarus Press published The Tallow-Wife and Other Tales, the third mosaic collection in the Sourdough world series. In March 2022, The Bone Lantern (a novella set in the Sourdough world) will be published by Absinthe Press (an imprint of PS Publishing).
Angela is also the author of the supernatural crime novels from Jo Fletcher Books/Hachette International: Vigil (2016), Corpselight (2017) and Restoration (2018), as well as ten other short story collections, including The Girl with No Hands and Other Tales, Sourdough and Other Stories, The Bitterwood Bible and Other Recountings, A Feast of Sorrows: Stories, and The Heart is a Mirror for Sinners and Other Stories. Vigil was nominated for the Dublin Literary Award in 2018.
Angela is represented by Meg Davis of the Ki Agency in London: meg@ki-agency.co.uk
She has won a World Fantasy Award, a British Fantasy Award, a Ditmar, two Australian Shadows Awards and seven Aurealis Awards.
Angela’s short stories have appeared in Australian, UK and US Best Of anthologies such The Mammoth Book of New Horror, The Year’s Best Dark Fantasy and Horror, The Best Horror of the Year, The Year’s Best Australian Fantasy and Horror, and The Year’s Best YA Speculative Fiction. Her work has been translated into Bulgarian, Chinese, Russian, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Polish, French and Romanian. Victoria Madden of Sweet Potato Films (The Kettering Incident) has optioned the film rights to one of her short stories (“Finnegan’s Field”).
She has an MA and a PhD in Creative Writing, is a graduate of Clarion South 2009 and the Tin House Summer Writers Workshop 2006, and in 2013 she was awarded one of the inaugural Queensland Writers Fellowships. In 2016 Angela was the Established Writer-in-Residence at the Katharine Susannah Prichard Writers Centre in Perth. She has been awarded career development funding by Arts Queensland, the Copyright Agency and, in 2017/18, an Australia Council for the Arts grant. She teaches for the Australian Writers’ Centre.
She is also the author of the novellas, Of Sorrow and Such (Tor.com) and Ripper (in Horrorology: The Lexicon of Fear).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Read
December 6, 2025A tad rough round the edges, but better than I had anticipated. I think I want to interview the author to pick her brain with a few folkloric questions... If she'd be willing to be interviewed.
Review on publication day.
Review on publication day.
December 3, 2025
AG Slatter gets it. I read this book last month and I'm still finding myself randomly thinking about it (affectionate). These are exactly the witchy vibes I want when I pick up a witch book.
This was a beautiful story about resilience and independent women forming a life in a world not shaped for them, surrounded by a foreboding forest filled with ghouls lurking just beyond the borders, waiting for you to slip up just once so they can grab hold of you.
As ever, AG Slatter's prose is gothic and evocative and hauntingly beautiful. New life and harvest alongside death and decay. The fog has tendrils but the hearth is warm. It slots neatly into the Sourdough Universe and makes vague allusions to events and characters in other books, but is wholly a standalone in this world of witches and trickster beings of the forest.
e-book notes:
I feel like I give every book in this universe that I eyeball read 5/5 stars, but less so for those I first read via audiobook. So even though I'm very much an audiobook reader at this point in my life, something about AG Slatter just seems to hit different when read physically. I'll probably skip the audio when it comes out and definitely recommend picking her books up to eyeball read, if you can.
Thank you to NetGalley and Titan for granting me an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was a beautiful story about resilience and independent women forming a life in a world not shaped for them, surrounded by a foreboding forest filled with ghouls lurking just beyond the borders, waiting for you to slip up just once so they can grab hold of you.
As ever, AG Slatter's prose is gothic and evocative and hauntingly beautiful. New life and harvest alongside death and decay. The fog has tendrils but the hearth is warm. It slots neatly into the Sourdough Universe and makes vague allusions to events and characters in other books, but is wholly a standalone in this world of witches and trickster beings of the forest.
e-book notes:
I feel like I give every book in this universe that I eyeball read 5/5 stars, but less so for those I first read via audiobook. So even though I'm very much an audiobook reader at this point in my life, something about AG Slatter just seems to hit different when read physically. I'll probably skip the audio when it comes out and definitely recommend picking her books up to eyeball read, if you can.
Thank you to NetGalley and Titan for granting me an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 26, 2026
I’m feeling emotionally fragile with the news lately. You too? 👀 It’s been harder to focus and read for joy/escapism.
Fun fact– the four times characters asked if another character was okay, none of them were their last words or were brutally murdered. Life is weirder than fiction. 🤦🏽♀️
Let me refocus. Because even though our grumpy, no nonsense FMC witch, Mehrab, would agree (and she’s seen some crazy & dark ish in the forest)– I don’t want to take away from Slatter’s latest installment in the Sourdough Universe.
Turning to my comfort authors feels like a solid strategy. Slatter knows how to hold my attention and heart.
3 Reasons to Read:
- You like your FMC’s to be older (but just as feisty), found family & second (third 👀🤞) chance romances
- You loved the folk lore in Greenteeth (Molly O’Neill) & you liked the world building in The Drowned Woods (Emily Lloyd-Jones)
- You can handle bittersweet endings (that will make you ponder what Slatter will dream up next in this world and how they are connected).
Another solid win in my TBR book-
I’m not exactly sure if there is a recommended order to read these books. They stand on their own, 100%- but you’ll find nerdy joy connecting them as you read more in the collection.
I am delighted to receive this ARC- Thank you Netgalley & Titan Books. Book is out 10 Feb 2026!
Fun fact– the four times characters asked if another character was okay, none of them were their last words or were brutally murdered. Life is weirder than fiction. 🤦🏽♀️
Let me refocus. Because even though our grumpy, no nonsense FMC witch, Mehrab, would agree (and she’s seen some crazy & dark ish in the forest)– I don’t want to take away from Slatter’s latest installment in the Sourdough Universe.
Turning to my comfort authors feels like a solid strategy. Slatter knows how to hold my attention and heart.
3 Reasons to Read:
- You like your FMC’s to be older (but just as feisty), found family & second (third 👀🤞) chance romances
- You loved the folk lore in Greenteeth (Molly O’Neill) & you liked the world building in The Drowned Woods (Emily Lloyd-Jones)
- You can handle bittersweet endings (that will make you ponder what Slatter will dream up next in this world and how they are connected).
Another solid win in my TBR book-
I’m not exactly sure if there is a recommended order to read these books. They stand on their own, 100%- but you’ll find nerdy joy connecting them as you read more in the collection.
I am delighted to receive this ARC- Thank you Netgalley & Titan Books. Book is out 10 Feb 2026!
November 30, 2025
glad i could revisit this world (absolutely immersive & oh so fascinating) but even more glad i can leave. same issues i find across the few of slatter’s works i’ve read shows its ugly face here too.
thanking netgalley & the publishers for the ARC.
thanking netgalley & the publishers for the ARC.
December 13, 2025
Slatter writes the perfect books to read as the snow and cold of February settle into you. Here we get a gothic fantasy series that focuses on the traditions of the wise women of the villages, the encroaching male authority of the church, and the shadows of the forest they grow up in, and how things can go wrong no matter how well you're intending to act. There are some great moments involving green women and the old gods of the forests, and a woman trying her best to do her best in what can best be described as a deeply shitty situation. Comes out in February, preorder now and queue this for a cold winter evening.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
A wonderfully told fairy tale - just right. I loved every bit of it. An aging witch, a younger one running from those who hunt witches, seeking her protection. Something mysterious and gruesome in the forest... magic folk familiar enough to remind us of old stories but freshly realized with a very satisfying backbone.
Read
January 18, 2026You can find my review of this wonderful novel in the March 2026 edition of Locus.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I read this courtesy of NetGalley.
The short version is that I like everything Slatter writes, and this was no exception. If you're interested in reading complex characters, fascinating worldbuilding and plots that feel familiar and then go in entirely unexpected directions, with a "this feels like a fairytale but WOAH" vibe, then she is definitely one for you to look out for.
This is very loosely a version of Red Riding Hood, but I promise you have absolutely no idea what's going on with any of the characters from my having said that. The central figure is a witch - I could say she's a good witch, but that's way too patronising and shallow and, well, inaccurate. She's trying, ok? She's not a witch who's looking to eat children. There are, though, a significant number of children in the book, to whom some unpleasant things do happen. There's also a blacksmith, and some non-humans, and a forest.
Mehrab, the witch, has been getting on well enough in her little cottage in the forest, far away from any signifiant towns. The nearest village is also far enough away that getting there requires a conscious choice, and anyone coming to her is doing so deliberately. One day, Fenna - the woman who brought Mehrab herself to this cottage, and who has brought other girls to stay there over the years - brings Rhea to her: the girl is a witch, and is on the run. Part of the novel is about Mehrab and Rhea figuring out how to be around each other.
A mother and father arrive at the cottage soon after Rhea; their little girl went missing a few days ago, and they ask for Mehrab's help to find her - but she has no luck. And then the girl arrives home some weeks later... but seems to be different. Part of the novel is about figuring out what's going on with Ari, and other children too.
Mehrab's past is very mysterious; she gives little away to Rhea, or the reader. The gradual revelation of why she was herself on the run when Fenna brought her to this forest, and why she makes the particular choices she does, is a thread running through the entire novel.
I loved everything about this novel.
The novel is within Slatter's Sourdough universe, but there is absolutely no need to have read anything that comes before; there's reference to a couple of characters from other novels but they're very much just as background, in the way that a complex world will always have background. However, if you're already a fan, REJOICE! It's always good when there's a new one.
The short version is that I like everything Slatter writes, and this was no exception. If you're interested in reading complex characters, fascinating worldbuilding and plots that feel familiar and then go in entirely unexpected directions, with a "this feels like a fairytale but WOAH" vibe, then she is definitely one for you to look out for.
This is very loosely a version of Red Riding Hood, but I promise you have absolutely no idea what's going on with any of the characters from my having said that. The central figure is a witch - I could say she's a good witch, but that's way too patronising and shallow and, well, inaccurate. She's trying, ok? She's not a witch who's looking to eat children. There are, though, a significant number of children in the book, to whom some unpleasant things do happen. There's also a blacksmith, and some non-humans, and a forest.
Mehrab, the witch, has been getting on well enough in her little cottage in the forest, far away from any signifiant towns. The nearest village is also far enough away that getting there requires a conscious choice, and anyone coming to her is doing so deliberately. One day, Fenna - the woman who brought Mehrab herself to this cottage, and who has brought other girls to stay there over the years - brings Rhea to her: the girl is a witch, and is on the run. Part of the novel is about Mehrab and Rhea figuring out how to be around each other.
A mother and father arrive at the cottage soon after Rhea; their little girl went missing a few days ago, and they ask for Mehrab's help to find her - but she has no luck. And then the girl arrives home some weeks later... but seems to be different. Part of the novel is about figuring out what's going on with Ari, and other children too.
Mehrab's past is very mysterious; she gives little away to Rhea, or the reader. The gradual revelation of why she was herself on the run when Fenna brought her to this forest, and why she makes the particular choices she does, is a thread running through the entire novel.
I loved everything about this novel.
The novel is within Slatter's Sourdough universe, but there is absolutely no need to have read anything that comes before; there's reference to a couple of characters from other novels but they're very much just as background, in the way that a complex world will always have background. However, if you're already a fan, REJOICE! It's always good when there's a new one.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Forest, Darkly by A.G. Slatter
4.35 rounded down to 4🔮🔮🔮🔮orbs
Pub. Date: Feb. 10, 2026
Titan Books
The hidden world within the platter… A Thanksgiving meal…
💡 Orbs Prologue: As the dreamlike state enters my mind, I absentmindedly grab my silver cutlery and prepare to feast. The gold-foiled rimmed plate wards off any intrusion from the dog currently begging for an evening snack. A dark green canvas of broccoli shades the canopy. Mehrab the witch trots the chestnut-colored horse onto a nearby path paved with a creamy mashed-potato feel, softly covered by a blanket of freshly fallen snow. Drops of the witch's blood, the deep crimson red of the tart cranberry sauce, drop into a shaded pond murky with sediment, similarly to brown gravy pooling into large circles next to a stack of beans like logs ready to be burned for warmth. Mehrab looks within the mirror in search of answers to the missing children of Berhta’s Forge, the neighboring village. Ironically, the freshly sliced turkey resides on the outskirts of the landscape, light and dark, day vs. night, and good vs. evil. What lies beneath the surface, below, burrowed deep into the crevices of the forest’s soil?
🔩 Nuts & Bolts: A wise woman lurks on the fringes of Berhta’s Forge. She is reluctantly needed for assistance in times of distress by the town’s folk. Mehrab is her name, and although she understands the trepidation of these people, one might wonder if it slightly irks her to the core. One rather drab morning, Mehrab’s world is suddenly upended like a tree whose roots reach out for the sky. Rhea is her name, and Fenna, Mehrab’s friend, has asked Mehrab to foster the young girl. After hearing Rhea’s traumatic story, Mehrab agrees to help. Rhea’s witchlike abilities have seen her on the run like a white hare escaping the hunting nature of the aristocrats she has “harmed.” Author A.G. Slatter waves a wand-shaped twig onto the fibrous paper, and a ghastly tale takes diaphanous form from the coldest of shadows. An old fable has come back to this land, in search of something more permanent. Children go missing only to be replanted anew, yet somehow changed; readers are forced to assess the dangerous situation through Mehrab’s eyes. As the many parallels run deep between Rhea and Mehrab, a beautiful tree stands tall, ripe with poisonous fruit. The question remains, will you take a bite, dear reader?
👍 Orbs Pros: Extremely moving! So much emotion is stirred in a pot like a witch's brew. Slatter’s mastery of her craft left me wanting more. The exquisite prose lies in wait, clip-clopping along like massive hoofs reverberating along the pathways of a misty unease. A fabulous female protagonist! Mehrab will guide you; her savvy, trained eyes lead readers on a wondrous journey and keep you safe!
👎 Orbs Cons: Perhaps around the 3/4 mark, the pace slowed some for me. Thankfully, however, the story picked up momentum and answered all the needed questions by its conclusion.
Highly Recommended! I am 2/2 with A.G. Slatter novels so far. The first being my successful readthrough of The Cold House, which introduced a more standard horror trope, whereas A Forest, Darkly is a bit more whimsical and fairytale-like. If you are a lover of romance, ill-fated love, and strong female characters, you will wholeheartedly love this book!
💡 Orbs Epilogue: The trapped pockets of air within the decadent chocolate cake caught my eye, unlit holes of a world unexplored, like caves built by long-forgotten entities. A warm steam clouded my glasses as I took a swig of glogg, something surely Mehrab the witch might offer to her occasional visitors. Separating my food, the fork draws through tender morsels quite like a horse-drawn hoe, with its many crevasses lying in wait for planting and subsequent harvesting. Like the hand of the gods, I twist the top of the black pepper shaker. Unleashing a hailstorm of dark granules upon the plate, adding further confusion and flavor to this fascinating story. Abruptly interrupted from my trance, a small cough seizes my attention. Across the table, my mother’s concerned eyes connect with mine as she quietly whispers, “I appreciate your love of dreaming, but please stop playing with your food, Orb!”
Many thanks to the publisher, Titan Books, for the ARC through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
4.35 rounded down to 4🔮🔮🔮🔮orbs
Pub. Date: Feb. 10, 2026
Titan Books
The hidden world within the platter… A Thanksgiving meal…
💡 Orbs Prologue: As the dreamlike state enters my mind, I absentmindedly grab my silver cutlery and prepare to feast. The gold-foiled rimmed plate wards off any intrusion from the dog currently begging for an evening snack. A dark green canvas of broccoli shades the canopy. Mehrab the witch trots the chestnut-colored horse onto a nearby path paved with a creamy mashed-potato feel, softly covered by a blanket of freshly fallen snow. Drops of the witch's blood, the deep crimson red of the tart cranberry sauce, drop into a shaded pond murky with sediment, similarly to brown gravy pooling into large circles next to a stack of beans like logs ready to be burned for warmth. Mehrab looks within the mirror in search of answers to the missing children of Berhta’s Forge, the neighboring village. Ironically, the freshly sliced turkey resides on the outskirts of the landscape, light and dark, day vs. night, and good vs. evil. What lies beneath the surface, below, burrowed deep into the crevices of the forest’s soil?
🔩 Nuts & Bolts: A wise woman lurks on the fringes of Berhta’s Forge. She is reluctantly needed for assistance in times of distress by the town’s folk. Mehrab is her name, and although she understands the trepidation of these people, one might wonder if it slightly irks her to the core. One rather drab morning, Mehrab’s world is suddenly upended like a tree whose roots reach out for the sky. Rhea is her name, and Fenna, Mehrab’s friend, has asked Mehrab to foster the young girl. After hearing Rhea’s traumatic story, Mehrab agrees to help. Rhea’s witchlike abilities have seen her on the run like a white hare escaping the hunting nature of the aristocrats she has “harmed.” Author A.G. Slatter waves a wand-shaped twig onto the fibrous paper, and a ghastly tale takes diaphanous form from the coldest of shadows. An old fable has come back to this land, in search of something more permanent. Children go missing only to be replanted anew, yet somehow changed; readers are forced to assess the dangerous situation through Mehrab’s eyes. As the many parallels run deep between Rhea and Mehrab, a beautiful tree stands tall, ripe with poisonous fruit. The question remains, will you take a bite, dear reader?
👍 Orbs Pros: Extremely moving! So much emotion is stirred in a pot like a witch's brew. Slatter’s mastery of her craft left me wanting more. The exquisite prose lies in wait, clip-clopping along like massive hoofs reverberating along the pathways of a misty unease. A fabulous female protagonist! Mehrab will guide you; her savvy, trained eyes lead readers on a wondrous journey and keep you safe!
👎 Orbs Cons: Perhaps around the 3/4 mark, the pace slowed some for me. Thankfully, however, the story picked up momentum and answered all the needed questions by its conclusion.
Highly Recommended! I am 2/2 with A.G. Slatter novels so far. The first being my successful readthrough of The Cold House, which introduced a more standard horror trope, whereas A Forest, Darkly is a bit more whimsical and fairytale-like. If you are a lover of romance, ill-fated love, and strong female characters, you will wholeheartedly love this book!
💡 Orbs Epilogue: The trapped pockets of air within the decadent chocolate cake caught my eye, unlit holes of a world unexplored, like caves built by long-forgotten entities. A warm steam clouded my glasses as I took a swig of glogg, something surely Mehrab the witch might offer to her occasional visitors. Separating my food, the fork draws through tender morsels quite like a horse-drawn hoe, with its many crevasses lying in wait for planting and subsequent harvesting. Like the hand of the gods, I twist the top of the black pepper shaker. Unleashing a hailstorm of dark granules upon the plate, adding further confusion and flavor to this fascinating story. Abruptly interrupted from my trance, a small cough seizes my attention. Across the table, my mother’s concerned eyes connect with mine as she quietly whispers, “I appreciate your love of dreaming, but please stop playing with your food, Orb!”
Many thanks to the publisher, Titan Books, for the ARC through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
5 of 5 stars
https://lynns-books.com/2026/02/02/re...
My Five Word TL:DR Review: To Put it Simply – Brilliant
I loved A Forest, Darkly. I would go even further and say this is my favourite Slatter book so far – but, I seem to have that feeling every time I read her latest work, she just gets better and better. This author is definitely my catnip and A Forest, Darkly is just what I’m in the mood for at the moment. A wonderful concoction of dark forests and witches with a boost provided by folklore, fae and the mystery of missing children, all wrapped up in a fairytale style with hints of Little Red Riding Hood. To be clear though. This is an adult fairytale, it’s dark and serious in places and certainly not a story to read to little ones. I would also mention that although this is set in the Sourdough universe this can be read as a standalone.
So, this story starts off with Mehrab. Mehrab has a history, things in her past that she ran away from and doesn’t like to dwell on. She ran far, far from home and ended up in a small cottage, tucked into the forest, not too deep to be at risk from anything too dark and not too near to the bordering village to have them watching her. It’s the perfect spot, and Mehrab has her life in order. Until two things happen almost simultaneously and cause upset, not to mention becoming the catalyst for change. Firstly, Rhea ventures deeper into the forest one day, chasing a rabbit, and becomes trapped. Clearly, something lured her in and if it wasn’t for her quick wits she could have been stuck there waiting for whatever might appear. Secondly, an old friend visited and brought with her a young woman, also running away from home and needing shelter. Mehrab takes in Rhea and becomes, begrudgingly at first, her mentor. Now, as this is playing out, it turns out that a number of children have gone missing from the village, some have been returned but seem not so much themselves any more.
What I loved about this.
Well, firstly, it’s beautifully dark, tantalisingly twisty and perfectly witchy. I love the way Slatter writes women.
They’re just so real – by which I mean, they’re not perfect. Mehrab is grumpy, curmudgeonly and yet alternatively wise and thoughtful. She sometimes takes her own sweet time to come round to an idea but she eventually gets there. Rhea is young. She’s impulsive and stubborn but she does listen and she takes pride in Mehrab’s praise. The two go well together and start to forge a firm bond. In fact one of the really enjoyable aspects of this is the ‘found family’ feel as Mehrab gradually seems to gather more lost sheep into her flock.
The setting is great. We obviously spend a great deal of time in the forest and the writing is so evocative. There are dark and twisted elements but also beauty and it’s all tempered by the warm cosy cottage. Meanwhile, in the village, people are starting to become scared. Their children are being taken and although they’re being returned – they’re different. On top of this there is the persistent fear that things are beginning to change. Folklore and religion don’t sit well together at this time and witches and wise women are hunted. Given that both Mehrab and Rhea are running from mistakes you can feel that it’s only a matter of time before they become ensnared. Mehrab is starting to feel the itch to move on but she is also desperate to salvage the mystery of the missing children.
Then we have a dark entity, a horned hunter who seems to be stalking Mehrab, for reasons unknown. She’s taking as many precautions as she can but there’s a dark ominous feel to the story like it’s only a matter of time before this creature succeeds.
Finally, I loved the imagination. The Sourdough universe is full of all sorts of wild and wonderous critters and A Forest, Darkly is no exception. We have a shadow creature of the Wild Hunt, changelings, critters that live in the lakes, green women, summer husbands and much more.
I absolutely adored this book, I wish I hadn’t read it so that I could have the pleasure of reading it for the first time again and I have no hesitation in recommending.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
My rating 5 of 5 bewitching stars
https://lynns-books.com/2026/02/02/re...
My Five Word TL:DR Review: To Put it Simply – Brilliant
I loved A Forest, Darkly. I would go even further and say this is my favourite Slatter book so far – but, I seem to have that feeling every time I read her latest work, she just gets better and better. This author is definitely my catnip and A Forest, Darkly is just what I’m in the mood for at the moment. A wonderful concoction of dark forests and witches with a boost provided by folklore, fae and the mystery of missing children, all wrapped up in a fairytale style with hints of Little Red Riding Hood. To be clear though. This is an adult fairytale, it’s dark and serious in places and certainly not a story to read to little ones. I would also mention that although this is set in the Sourdough universe this can be read as a standalone.
So, this story starts off with Mehrab. Mehrab has a history, things in her past that she ran away from and doesn’t like to dwell on. She ran far, far from home and ended up in a small cottage, tucked into the forest, not too deep to be at risk from anything too dark and not too near to the bordering village to have them watching her. It’s the perfect spot, and Mehrab has her life in order. Until two things happen almost simultaneously and cause upset, not to mention becoming the catalyst for change. Firstly, Rhea ventures deeper into the forest one day, chasing a rabbit, and becomes trapped. Clearly, something lured her in and if it wasn’t for her quick wits she could have been stuck there waiting for whatever might appear. Secondly, an old friend visited and brought with her a young woman, also running away from home and needing shelter. Mehrab takes in Rhea and becomes, begrudgingly at first, her mentor. Now, as this is playing out, it turns out that a number of children have gone missing from the village, some have been returned but seem not so much themselves any more.
What I loved about this.
Well, firstly, it’s beautifully dark, tantalisingly twisty and perfectly witchy. I love the way Slatter writes women.
They’re just so real – by which I mean, they’re not perfect. Mehrab is grumpy, curmudgeonly and yet alternatively wise and thoughtful. She sometimes takes her own sweet time to come round to an idea but she eventually gets there. Rhea is young. She’s impulsive and stubborn but she does listen and she takes pride in Mehrab’s praise. The two go well together and start to forge a firm bond. In fact one of the really enjoyable aspects of this is the ‘found family’ feel as Mehrab gradually seems to gather more lost sheep into her flock.
The setting is great. We obviously spend a great deal of time in the forest and the writing is so evocative. There are dark and twisted elements but also beauty and it’s all tempered by the warm cosy cottage. Meanwhile, in the village, people are starting to become scared. Their children are being taken and although they’re being returned – they’re different. On top of this there is the persistent fear that things are beginning to change. Folklore and religion don’t sit well together at this time and witches and wise women are hunted. Given that both Mehrab and Rhea are running from mistakes you can feel that it’s only a matter of time before they become ensnared. Mehrab is starting to feel the itch to move on but she is also desperate to salvage the mystery of the missing children.
Then we have a dark entity, a horned hunter who seems to be stalking Mehrab, for reasons unknown. She’s taking as many precautions as she can but there’s a dark ominous feel to the story like it’s only a matter of time before this creature succeeds.
Finally, I loved the imagination. The Sourdough universe is full of all sorts of wild and wonderous critters and A Forest, Darkly is no exception. We have a shadow creature of the Wild Hunt, changelings, critters that live in the lakes, green women, summer husbands and much more.
I absolutely adored this book, I wish I hadn’t read it so that I could have the pleasure of reading it for the first time again and I have no hesitation in recommending.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
My rating 5 of 5 bewitching stars
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I've read a few of AG Slatter's earlier books and none have disappointed yet. The latest title adds to the list of great stories from the Sourdough Universe. Our main character, Mehrab, is a middle-aged witch who has made a few mistakes in her time but has also helped many people too. She's spent a long time in the forest, mostly keeping to herself aside from when she is helping the locals. She is asked to take on a young witch and she does so reluctantly. But over time, the two develop a rapport and some mutual respect. There's something happening to the local children. First one disappears and comes back changed after a couple of months. Another goes missing and then a few more. The ones who return always come back changed. The local town expects Mehrab to work it out and solve the mystery. And yet, they also feel very uncertain of her and keep their distance in many ways.
There is so much to like about this book. Firstly, we had our protagonist, a middle-aged witch. She's not perfect but she goes on the best she can and often sacrifices much. She's got a history that is mostly hidden for much of the story. Even at the end, there is some mystery about her. It's nice to have an in-between age for our heroine. Not young and innocent and not old and wizened. She experiences many of the same things any non-witches might.
There are creatures causing disruptions but it's uncertain what they are. There's also the concept of "summer husband" that Mehrab has where she creates a male companion to help with the heavy workloads of summer. I find the idea really fascinating, especially as there are hazards to this sort of magic.
The book has a slightly creepy feel much of the time, giving it a slightly gothic feel but I wouldn't call this a gothic novel. More a magical novel with some dark themes. I didn't find myself on edge through the entire story but there were hints of it at various points. I will admit I spent some of the book wondering what it was all about, but I really adored the last part of the book, and it firmly had me loving this story and the characters in it.
Overall, this was a wonderful read and I rate it 4.25 stars. I would like to thank Netgalley and Titan Books for providing a free advanced reader copy. I have provided my feedback voluntarily.
There is so much to like about this book. Firstly, we had our protagonist, a middle-aged witch. She's not perfect but she goes on the best she can and often sacrifices much. She's got a history that is mostly hidden for much of the story. Even at the end, there is some mystery about her. It's nice to have an in-between age for our heroine. Not young and innocent and not old and wizened. She experiences many of the same things any non-witches might.
There are creatures causing disruptions but it's uncertain what they are. There's also the concept of "summer husband" that Mehrab has where she creates a male companion to help with the heavy workloads of summer. I find the idea really fascinating, especially as there are hazards to this sort of magic.
The book has a slightly creepy feel much of the time, giving it a slightly gothic feel but I wouldn't call this a gothic novel. More a magical novel with some dark themes. I didn't find myself on edge through the entire story but there were hints of it at various points. I will admit I spent some of the book wondering what it was all about, but I really adored the last part of the book, and it firmly had me loving this story and the characters in it.
Overall, this was a wonderful read and I rate it 4.25 stars. I would like to thank Netgalley and Titan Books for providing a free advanced reader copy. I have provided my feedback voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Titan Books for this gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I think I said this in my last review of an A.G. Slatter book but this was not my first book by this author and it certainly won't be the last. A Forest, Darkly is was the kind of story that captures your attention on the very first page and doesn't let go until well after you're finished. One of the things I admire most about this was the combination of gothic and cozy vibes. The way the author created such a macabre story despite cozy and comfortable vibes. It's like this book was a huge beast with sharp, gnashing teeth and I willingly walked right into its maw for a cozy night by the fire.
The plot follows Merhab the witch as she takes in Rhea, a woman with magic needing a place to hide. The way the two women found family together was disturbing yet endearing. Found family is one of my favorite tropes and this story does it so well. Then Merhab finds out that children have been going missing in the nearby village. Merhab works to discover who and what has been taking the children and why, only to find herself in the middle of a dangerous situation with some sort of powerful, unknown entity. The plot twists were shocking and impossible to see coming. And what an ending! I won't say more about the plot to avoid spoilers but it was just amazing. The characters in this novel were so well written. While some of the minor characters were flat and bland, the main cast was incredibly complex. Merhab stayed a mystery most of the story. We learn she is strong willed and powerful but also kind and empathetic. And when her background was revealed I cried. It has been so long since a book has had me in tears but I sobbed. It honestly broke my heart. Getting to see Rhea grow was lovely. The woman she became is someone she should be proud of have become. And little Tieve, what a brave little girl!
This book releases February 10th so if you're a fan of strong female characters, gothic vibes, creepy forests, and cozy found family then you need to give this a read! If you like this also check out the other standalones in the author's Sourdough Universe series!
I think I said this in my last review of an A.G. Slatter book but this was not my first book by this author and it certainly won't be the last. A Forest, Darkly is was the kind of story that captures your attention on the very first page and doesn't let go until well after you're finished. One of the things I admire most about this was the combination of gothic and cozy vibes. The way the author created such a macabre story despite cozy and comfortable vibes. It's like this book was a huge beast with sharp, gnashing teeth and I willingly walked right into its maw for a cozy night by the fire.
The plot follows Merhab the witch as she takes in Rhea, a woman with magic needing a place to hide. The way the two women found family together was disturbing yet endearing. Found family is one of my favorite tropes and this story does it so well. Then Merhab finds out that children have been going missing in the nearby village. Merhab works to discover who and what has been taking the children and why, only to find herself in the middle of a dangerous situation with some sort of powerful, unknown entity. The plot twists were shocking and impossible to see coming. And what an ending! I won't say more about the plot to avoid spoilers but it was just amazing. The characters in this novel were so well written. While some of the minor characters were flat and bland, the main cast was incredibly complex. Merhab stayed a mystery most of the story. We learn she is strong willed and powerful but also kind and empathetic. And when her background was revealed I cried. It has been so long since a book has had me in tears but I sobbed. It honestly broke my heart. Getting to see Rhea grow was lovely. The woman she became is someone she should be proud of have become. And little Tieve, what a brave little girl!
This book releases February 10th so if you're a fan of strong female characters, gothic vibes, creepy forests, and cozy found family then you need to give this a read! If you like this also check out the other standalones in the author's Sourdough Universe series!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Forest, Darkly is pure A.G. Slatter - a lush, shadow drenched dark fairytale steeped in folklore and gothic unease. The forest breathes with menace and beauty in equal measure, its atmosphere haunting and utterly immersive with a subtle edge of horror that seeps in through moss, shadow and half remembered stories. This is a landscape shaped by old magic, solitude and the slow accumulation of secrets.
Mehrab is a phenomenal and deeply refreshing protagonist. A middle aged witch at the centre of a fantasy novel feels quietly radical, and Slatter makes full use of that perspective. Mehrab is wise and capable but also prickly, resentful, envious and very human - still wrestling with old grudges, complicated emotions, and the physical and emotional realities of aging and menopause. It’s a sharp, compassionate reminder that fantasy heroines don’t have to be young, carefree or untouched by time to be compelling. Experience has weight here and it matters.
The evolving relationship between Mehrab and the young witch Rhea is one of the book’s greatest pleasures. Slatter beautifully balances their similarities and contrasts, setting youthful beauty and wilfulness against hard won knowledge and restraint to explore aging, mentorship and connection across generations. Their dynamic feels intimate, messy and deeply real, grounding the magic in emotional truth.
The pacing has an almost witchy slice of life quality, lingering over seasonal change, daily rituals and the quiet rhythms of Mehrab's solitary life disrupted. Witchcraft is depicted with texture and delight, rooted in practice, habit and consequence, while an underlying mystery steadily steadily tightens its grip. Both the fate of the missing children and Mehrab’s own past thread tension through the quiet moments and unfolds with satisfying reveals.
Fans of Slatter’s work will find everything they love here but newcomers can step easily into this standalone entry in the Sourdough Universe without feeling lost. I closed the book hoping fiercely that this won’t be the last we see of Mehrab. She’s the kind of character who lingers and her story is far from finished.
My thanks to Titan Books for the arc
Mehrab is a phenomenal and deeply refreshing protagonist. A middle aged witch at the centre of a fantasy novel feels quietly radical, and Slatter makes full use of that perspective. Mehrab is wise and capable but also prickly, resentful, envious and very human - still wrestling with old grudges, complicated emotions, and the physical and emotional realities of aging and menopause. It’s a sharp, compassionate reminder that fantasy heroines don’t have to be young, carefree or untouched by time to be compelling. Experience has weight here and it matters.
The evolving relationship between Mehrab and the young witch Rhea is one of the book’s greatest pleasures. Slatter beautifully balances their similarities and contrasts, setting youthful beauty and wilfulness against hard won knowledge and restraint to explore aging, mentorship and connection across generations. Their dynamic feels intimate, messy and deeply real, grounding the magic in emotional truth.
The pacing has an almost witchy slice of life quality, lingering over seasonal change, daily rituals and the quiet rhythms of Mehrab's solitary life disrupted. Witchcraft is depicted with texture and delight, rooted in practice, habit and consequence, while an underlying mystery steadily steadily tightens its grip. Both the fate of the missing children and Mehrab’s own past thread tension through the quiet moments and unfolds with satisfying reveals.
Fans of Slatter’s work will find everything they love here but newcomers can step easily into this standalone entry in the Sourdough Universe without feeling lost. I closed the book hoping fiercely that this won’t be the last we see of Mehrab. She’s the kind of character who lingers and her story is far from finished.
My thanks to Titan Books for the arc
November 10, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Titan Books and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
==========================================================================
A Forest, Darkly is a well-written gothic fantasy centered around Mehrab, a solitary witch living deep within the Great Woods.
Her quiet life is disrupted when she is asked to provide sanctuary for a young witch named Rhea, purportedly escaping a zealous suitor. Though Mehrab values her solitude, Rhea’s stubbornness stirs memories of her own youth. But fostering an untrained witch comes with its own challenges, especially when the nearby village is gripped by fear. Children are vanishing, and something ancient and watchful stirs in the forest, with a particular interest in Mehrab.
Slatter weaves a tale rich in macabre, mystery, and magic with a dark and foreboding atmosphere populated by fantastical creatures and eerie legends. The setting evokes Celtic mythology, with haunting figures like the Green Women and the Horned Hunter of the Forest.
Secrets lie buried in the pasts of both Mehrab and Rhea, and there is a delicate balance between the witches and towns folk. A balance that is threatened by the arrival of the God Hounds; set on creating a furor over the witches' hand in the village's strange happenings.
If you're looking for a grounded gothic fantasy that avoids modern tropes, this is a standout. While it carries a dark tone, I wouldn't classify it as horror. Reading this gothic fairytale won’t leave you unsettled. Instead, it feels like a tapestry of folklore and nested stories, perfect for curling up with before bed.
==========================================================================
A Forest, Darkly is a well-written gothic fantasy centered around Mehrab, a solitary witch living deep within the Great Woods.
"Such a beauty a woman has when her autumn's upon her. Silver beginning in the temples, lines of laughter and pain to show the life she's lived, carrying a little more fat to help through hard times - and oh, that temper!"
Her quiet life is disrupted when she is asked to provide sanctuary for a young witch named Rhea, purportedly escaping a zealous suitor. Though Mehrab values her solitude, Rhea’s stubbornness stirs memories of her own youth. But fostering an untrained witch comes with its own challenges, especially when the nearby village is gripped by fear. Children are vanishing, and something ancient and watchful stirs in the forest, with a particular interest in Mehrab.
Slatter weaves a tale rich in macabre, mystery, and magic with a dark and foreboding atmosphere populated by fantastical creatures and eerie legends. The setting evokes Celtic mythology, with haunting figures like the Green Women and the Horned Hunter of the Forest.
Secrets lie buried in the pasts of both Mehrab and Rhea, and there is a delicate balance between the witches and towns folk. A balance that is threatened by the arrival of the God Hounds; set on creating a furor over the witches' hand in the village's strange happenings.
If you're looking for a grounded gothic fantasy that avoids modern tropes, this is a standout. While it carries a dark tone, I wouldn't classify it as horror. Reading this gothic fairytale won’t leave you unsettled. Instead, it feels like a tapestry of folklore and nested stories, perfect for curling up with before bed.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I would like to thank Tower Books and A.G Slater for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a quiet, unsettling fantasy that leans toward mood and atmosphere. It drops you into a strange forested world where danger feels constant but often unspoken yet familiar, and that sense of unease never really lifts. Plot-wise, this isn’t a book driven by twists or big revelations but tension coming from uncertainty, isolation, and the slow realisation that survival may depend on understanding the forest rather than escaping it.
The main character is very believable and I felt a connection to her in some of her ways and thoughts, not because she’s heroic or impressive, but because she felt very real when faced with a place that doesn’t make sense and doesn’t feel safe. I found it to be strongly focused on inner thoughts which helps ground the story and makes for an emotional read. There’s an overwhelming feeling that the world operates by rules the we aren’t allowed to understand. The world building is one of the book’s strongest points. The forest itself feels alive, watchful, and hostile without being described in excessive detail.
There’s two stories going on at the same time. The first mainly concentrates on Mehrab and Rhea and their personal journey with each other and the trials they face both with each other and together. The second involves missing children and a force which feels ever present throughout the book and binds the two together wonderfully.
The story asks for patience, and it won’t suit those looking for clear answers or a neat resolution. What it does offer is a strong sense of place and a creeping, psychological kind of fear that stays with you after you finish. An excellent read that kept me glued to the pages while filling my imagination with wonder. This is one of those rare books that deserve more than 5 stars..
This is a quiet, unsettling fantasy that leans toward mood and atmosphere. It drops you into a strange forested world where danger feels constant but often unspoken yet familiar, and that sense of unease never really lifts. Plot-wise, this isn’t a book driven by twists or big revelations but tension coming from uncertainty, isolation, and the slow realisation that survival may depend on understanding the forest rather than escaping it.
The main character is very believable and I felt a connection to her in some of her ways and thoughts, not because she’s heroic or impressive, but because she felt very real when faced with a place that doesn’t make sense and doesn’t feel safe. I found it to be strongly focused on inner thoughts which helps ground the story and makes for an emotional read. There’s an overwhelming feeling that the world operates by rules the we aren’t allowed to understand. The world building is one of the book’s strongest points. The forest itself feels alive, watchful, and hostile without being described in excessive detail.
There’s two stories going on at the same time. The first mainly concentrates on Mehrab and Rhea and their personal journey with each other and the trials they face both with each other and together. The second involves missing children and a force which feels ever present throughout the book and binds the two together wonderfully.
The story asks for patience, and it won’t suit those looking for clear answers or a neat resolution. What it does offer is a strong sense of place and a creeping, psychological kind of fear that stays with you after you finish. An excellent read that kept me glued to the pages while filling my imagination with wonder. This is one of those rare books that deserve more than 5 stars..
January 6, 2026
A dark folk fantasy with witches, magic, dark forests and dark deities.
I enjoyed this quite a bit and Mehrab is definitely the main reason why. I really liked her as the main character. Older, snarky but caring, brutally honest with herself - her voice came out loud and clear for me, and I love when that happens. Rhea was also great fun - she grows so much as the story progresses.
The story itself was interesting - the world-building was solid and the story was thrilling, though it did take me a few pages to get into it mostly because I kept re-checking if it really was a standalone novel (it really is, but it is a part of a greater world which has already been explored in other books). The side characters felt fully fleshed out and the horror elements worked for me as well. The side story told by Mehrab towards the end of the book really creeped me out in the best way possible (it reminded me how wonderfully creepy good fairy tales can be).
The only thing I struggled with was the lack of urgency in the first half. The story meandered quite a bit, which normally I am ok with since I like when stories are allowed to breathe, but here with the specific events that take place I felt that the characters were unusually slow to act and it made things a bit frustrating. The action really picks up at the two-thirds mark though.
Overall, recommended to anyone who likes darker folk-inspired female-led horror/fantasy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this quite a bit and Mehrab is definitely the main reason why. I really liked her as the main character. Older, snarky but caring, brutally honest with herself - her voice came out loud and clear for me, and I love when that happens. Rhea was also great fun - she grows so much as the story progresses.
The story itself was interesting - the world-building was solid and the story was thrilling, though it did take me a few pages to get into it mostly because I kept re-checking if it really was a standalone novel (it really is, but it is a part of a greater world which has already been explored in other books). The side characters felt fully fleshed out and the horror elements worked for me as well. The side story told by Mehrab towards the end of the book really creeped me out in the best way possible (it reminded me how wonderfully creepy good fairy tales can be).
The only thing I struggled with was the lack of urgency in the first half. The story meandered quite a bit, which normally I am ok with since I like when stories are allowed to breathe, but here with the specific events that take place I felt that the characters were unusually slow to act and it made things a bit frustrating. The action really picks up at the two-thirds mark though.
Overall, recommended to anyone who likes darker folk-inspired female-led horror/fantasy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 16, 2025
I have thoroughly enjoyed all the books I’ve read set in the Sourdough Universe, of which this is the latest. I’m up to four now. These books are standalone so you don’t have to read them all in order. This one does briefly allude to events in the previous book, but not to any extent that you couldn’t read them independently. I read an eARC of this book on NetGalley so thank you to the author and the publisher.
This book surprised me, when it started I thought it was leading towards a quest. But it took a very different turn. Instead we have a witch, trying to just survive, trying to help others and do the best she can, in the face of increasingly terrifying threats. She not only faces significant foes, but she is moving into an older stage of life and doesn’t have the energy or physical capability to do things how she did before.
There is magic in this, there’s unusual (and sometimes gross) spells we see. But the core of this is about the challenges menopausal and beyond women face. Our main character does a lot to help people in her village, but they still other her, and she’s still facing great challenges to stay self-sufficient as harvesting becomes harder for her physically. Shes faced consequences for not taking a husband and having children, but she’s still regularly having to fulfil a maternal role for people around her.
I found this quite fascinating. It was a hard read at times with the cruel treatment we see certain characters facing and horrors that begin to infect the village. But overall this book celebrates the inner and outer strength women show.
This book surprised me, when it started I thought it was leading towards a quest. But it took a very different turn. Instead we have a witch, trying to just survive, trying to help others and do the best she can, in the face of increasingly terrifying threats. She not only faces significant foes, but she is moving into an older stage of life and doesn’t have the energy or physical capability to do things how she did before.
There is magic in this, there’s unusual (and sometimes gross) spells we see. But the core of this is about the challenges menopausal and beyond women face. Our main character does a lot to help people in her village, but they still other her, and she’s still facing great challenges to stay self-sufficient as harvesting becomes harder for her physically. Shes faced consequences for not taking a husband and having children, but she’s still regularly having to fulfil a maternal role for people around her.
I found this quite fascinating. It was a hard read at times with the cruel treatment we see certain characters facing and horrors that begin to infect the village. But overall this book celebrates the inner and outer strength women show.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Another winner by a great author! I'm relatively new to AG Slatter's world, but already it's like returning to curl up at a familiar fireside. Albeit in this story, I'd likely have had to help chop the wood and make the tea first!
It's truly fantastic to have a female protagonist who's similar in age to myself, with all of the associated aches and pains (mental and physical!) as well as commitments and regrets from a life that's been lived. We have a beautiful heroine too, but for the story to be told from the point of view of the old woman mentor was so refreshing, and added a good dollop of realism to the fantasy setting. This is more Princess Bride than Grimm's tales.
The central mystery of the plot is teased out gently but firmly, like good strong thread, and it took no time at all to be caught up in the reluctant adventure. The stakes felt very real and relatable, and even if the external threat of the 'religious right' was a little unnecessary, I can see how the world is being built and appreciate how multifaceted it is. The place of the Wise Woman in an evolving society is a solid foundation on which to build a story.
An absolute pleasure of an adventure. I'm hugely looking forward to the upcoming Sourdough books too - save a place by that fire for me, I'll bring cookies!
I was kindly sent an early copy of this book by the publisher, but the above opinions are entirely my own.
It's truly fantastic to have a female protagonist who's similar in age to myself, with all of the associated aches and pains (mental and physical!) as well as commitments and regrets from a life that's been lived. We have a beautiful heroine too, but for the story to be told from the point of view of the old woman mentor was so refreshing, and added a good dollop of realism to the fantasy setting. This is more Princess Bride than Grimm's tales.
The central mystery of the plot is teased out gently but firmly, like good strong thread, and it took no time at all to be caught up in the reluctant adventure. The stakes felt very real and relatable, and even if the external threat of the 'religious right' was a little unnecessary, I can see how the world is being built and appreciate how multifaceted it is. The place of the Wise Woman in an evolving society is a solid foundation on which to build a story.
An absolute pleasure of an adventure. I'm hugely looking forward to the upcoming Sourdough books too - save a place by that fire for me, I'll bring cookies!
I was kindly sent an early copy of this book by the publisher, but the above opinions are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Set in A. G. Slatter’s Sourdough universe, A Forest, Darkly follows Mehrab, a solitary witch living deep in the forest. When a young woman fleeing the god-hounds arrives at her door, Mehrab’s life is disrupted. As children begin to disappear from the nearby village and darker forces stir in the woods, Mehrab is drawn into a struggle that forces her to confront the cost of survival in a world hostile to magic. This can be read as a standalone, though if you are familiar with the wider Sourdough universe you will enjoy some of the references made to other books.
I really enjoyed returning to the Sourdough universe and being immersed once again in Slatter’s gothic atmosphere. Steeped in folklore and fairy-tale echoes, the forest feels alive and watchful and is a character in itself. I found Mehrab to be a relatable protagonist and enjoyed seeing her navigate ageing, regret, and responsibility with such candour.
That said, I did find the pacing uneven at times. The opening is deliberately slow and domestic in its rhythms, which works well for establishing mood but occasionally tested my patience. Once the threads begin to converge, however, the story gains momentum and really draws the reader in, supported by Slatter's beautiful writing style.
A recommended read for fans of Alix E. Harrow and gothic fantasy rooted in fairy-tale traditions.
Thank you to NetGalley and Titan Books for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed returning to the Sourdough universe and being immersed once again in Slatter’s gothic atmosphere. Steeped in folklore and fairy-tale echoes, the forest feels alive and watchful and is a character in itself. I found Mehrab to be a relatable protagonist and enjoyed seeing her navigate ageing, regret, and responsibility with such candour.
That said, I did find the pacing uneven at times. The opening is deliberately slow and domestic in its rhythms, which works well for establishing mood but occasionally tested my patience. Once the threads begin to converge, however, the story gains momentum and really draws the reader in, supported by Slatter's beautiful writing style.
A recommended read for fans of Alix E. Harrow and gothic fantasy rooted in fairy-tale traditions.
Thank you to NetGalley and Titan Books for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 18, 2025
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I love this universe. It’s slightly gothic, but feels modern at the same time. The best part about these books is that they all have Easter eggs about the other books, but they all stand alone fine. I haven’t read all of them in this universe, but I’m working on it.
The plot for this one has quite a few elements. On one hand, we have Mehrab trying to coach Rhea through life and help her learn and control her power. On the other, we have the mysterious figure in the woods and the missing children from the nearby town. Somehow, the author neatly ties these both together and leaves us with this wonderful novel of found family and coming to terms with our past mistakes. This book has romance, peril, death, betrayal, a bit of everything really.
The character are all very well defined and we even find ourselves entranced by minor characters. I even cared about the horses in this book! I love that morality isn’t a black and white thing in this book, and that Mehrab is wonderful at looking into people and seeing why they do the things they do. She slips up, of course, but she also admits when she’s wrong. She is a wonderful main character, and I’m hoping maybe AGS will bless us with a short story about her past.
I had a great time reading this, I just wanted more of the after story. Maybe one day! 4.25⭐️
I love this universe. It’s slightly gothic, but feels modern at the same time. The best part about these books is that they all have Easter eggs about the other books, but they all stand alone fine. I haven’t read all of them in this universe, but I’m working on it.
The plot for this one has quite a few elements. On one hand, we have Mehrab trying to coach Rhea through life and help her learn and control her power. On the other, we have the mysterious figure in the woods and the missing children from the nearby town. Somehow, the author neatly ties these both together and leaves us with this wonderful novel of found family and coming to terms with our past mistakes. This book has romance, peril, death, betrayal, a bit of everything really.
The character are all very well defined and we even find ourselves entranced by minor characters. I even cared about the horses in this book! I love that morality isn’t a black and white thing in this book, and that Mehrab is wonderful at looking into people and seeing why they do the things they do. She slips up, of course, but she also admits when she’s wrong. She is a wonderful main character, and I’m hoping maybe AGS will bless us with a short story about her past.
I had a great time reading this, I just wanted more of the after story. Maybe one day! 4.25⭐️
November 11, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5 rounded up)
This was my first venture into A.G. Slatter’s “Sourdough” universe (which, I have to say, I’m a little obsessed with the name of), and I can definitely say my interest is piqued! A Forest, Darkly is an atmospheric mix of dark fantasy, gothic elements, and a touch of horror, perfect read for this time of year (early November), or really any time you want to get lost in something haunting and magical.
The story is filled with adventure, magic, and spooky forest vibes. Mehrab, our witch protagonist, completely won me over. She’s a grouchy woman and I loved her complexity. Yes, she’s messy, but also totally honest and deeply compassionate, even when those around her fail to recognize her sacrifices.
I do wish I had read Slatter’s previous books first.. I occasionally felt like I was missing some context despite this being marketed as a standalone. I still found it deeply engaging. The world feels layered and lived-in, and it’s clear there’s so much more to explore.
Overall, this is a beautifully written, gothic tale filled with heart and a touch of melancholy. I’ll definitely be diving into more of Slatter’s work after this.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was my first venture into A.G. Slatter’s “Sourdough” universe (which, I have to say, I’m a little obsessed with the name of), and I can definitely say my interest is piqued! A Forest, Darkly is an atmospheric mix of dark fantasy, gothic elements, and a touch of horror, perfect read for this time of year (early November), or really any time you want to get lost in something haunting and magical.
The story is filled with adventure, magic, and spooky forest vibes. Mehrab, our witch protagonist, completely won me over. She’s a grouchy woman and I loved her complexity. Yes, she’s messy, but also totally honest and deeply compassionate, even when those around her fail to recognize her sacrifices.
I do wish I had read Slatter’s previous books first.. I occasionally felt like I was missing some context despite this being marketed as a standalone. I still found it deeply engaging. The world feels layered and lived-in, and it’s clear there’s so much more to explore.
Overall, this is a beautifully written, gothic tale filled with heart and a touch of melancholy. I’ll definitely be diving into more of Slatter’s work after this.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Forest Darkly by A.G Slatter, published by Titan Books is a gothic fantasy set in the Sourdough Universe. It is a fairytale-esque novel following Mehrab, who is a witch who lives alone in the woods and Rhea, a budding witch is sent to live with Mehrab as a foster child, escaping her own past and to learn from her. Mehrab is sought out by local villagers for midwifery, remedies and small spells but is not part of the community. There is something evil is stirring in the woods and about to upset the lives of everyone.
I liked our FMC Mehran, who is an older woman, very pragmatic and a little cynical. It's always nice to read a fantasy with an older FMC. She doesn't describe herself as beautiful but instead that her looks have faded. Her character develops from a slightly bitter and tired woman into someone who accepts her life hasn't turned out the way she planned but that she can make and has made an impact on others.
A.G. Slatter's Sourdough Universe is very Grimm Brothers fairytales, very dark, haunting and unsettling. If you like dark fantasy, horror or gothic elements, you'd like this universe.
The ending was a little bittersweet and inconclusive but I do like an open end, you can decide what happens next. That being said I do hope that we get snapshot in future books of what happened to her.
Thanks to Titan Books on NetGalley for the eARC.
I liked our FMC Mehran, who is an older woman, very pragmatic and a little cynical. It's always nice to read a fantasy with an older FMC. She doesn't describe herself as beautiful but instead that her looks have faded. Her character develops from a slightly bitter and tired woman into someone who accepts her life hasn't turned out the way she planned but that she can make and has made an impact on others.
A.G. Slatter's Sourdough Universe is very Grimm Brothers fairytales, very dark, haunting and unsettling. If you like dark fantasy, horror or gothic elements, you'd like this universe.
The ending was a little bittersweet and inconclusive but I do like an open end, you can decide what happens next. That being said I do hope that we get snapshot in future books of what happened to her.
Thanks to Titan Books on NetGalley for the eARC.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Another fairytale to sink into but not one I'd read a child at bedtime.
A red cloak, missing children, a huntsman and witches all make this a great read.
Mehrab is a wise woman and her fosterlings are lucky to have her. I like her approach to people and her directness commands respect. She has a sense of duty to those around her and it seems quite selfless really. She seems to sacrifice a lot but hints at a darker past maybe.
Her relationships are important but the forest and solace is safe, for the most part. I did find her past quite sad but intriguing and the huntsman puts an interesting spin on everything in the end. Didn't expect that but it's a good twist.
The missing children and pieces of a red cloak are reminiscent of little red riding and I like the way the children are used in this-the way they can be led shows their innocence despite their role in the goings on.
The inclusion of witch hunts and condemnation of witches add another layer to the story; showing how important it is for Mehrab and her kind to be discreet at all times regardless of how much good they do.
A red cloak, missing children, a huntsman and witches all make this a great read.
Mehrab is a wise woman and her fosterlings are lucky to have her. I like her approach to people and her directness commands respect. She has a sense of duty to those around her and it seems quite selfless really. She seems to sacrifice a lot but hints at a darker past maybe.
Her relationships are important but the forest and solace is safe, for the most part. I did find her past quite sad but intriguing and the huntsman puts an interesting spin on everything in the end. Didn't expect that but it's a good twist.
The missing children and pieces of a red cloak are reminiscent of little red riding and I like the way the children are used in this-the way they can be led shows their innocence despite their role in the goings on.
The inclusion of witch hunts and condemnation of witches add another layer to the story; showing how important it is for Mehrab and her kind to be discreet at all times regardless of how much good they do.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Where has this author been all my life? I really enjoyed A Forest, Darkly. This book blended multiple genres, it was fantasy, mystery, cozy and a little horror and I loved that. Even though there were multiple genres I didn’t think it was messy or too much. We follow Mehrab, a witch who lives a fairly quiet life in the forest. One evening, a young woman arrives at her door pursued by god-hounds, who wish to destroy all those practising magic, and Mehrab’s solitary existence is disrupted. She takes on an apprentice who she teaches how to control and use her magic. The mystery part of the story involves children in the local village who have gone missing. The villagers ask Mehrab for her help in finding out what is happening to the children.
I like how we followed Mehrab in her everyday life in the woods, I liked her apprentice Rhea and their relationship. It has a found family trope that was comforting. I will definitely pick up more books by this author and am happy to know this is part of the author’s Sourdough universe. So I’m happy to know there will be similar books to read.
Thank you Titan Books and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I like how we followed Mehrab in her everyday life in the woods, I liked her apprentice Rhea and their relationship. It has a found family trope that was comforting. I will definitely pick up more books by this author and am happy to know this is part of the author’s Sourdough universe. So I’m happy to know there will be similar books to read.
Thank you Titan Books and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Forest Darkly is another reminder of why A. G. Slatter is such a dependable author for me. Even when I’m not fully in the mood for fantasy, her writing always pulls me in. The prose is confident and atmospheric, and it was so nice to be back in her Sourdough Universe.
I particularly enjoyed the witch-in-the-forest setting, the strong sense of earth magic, and the rich cast of side characters. The protagonist stood out as an older, flawed woman—jealousy and all—which made her feel refreshingly human. The found family elements were another highlight, and a trope I’ll never tire of when done well.
The pacing is slow, but intentionally so. There’s a domesticated, almost everyday rhythm to the early chapters, which makes the moments when things begin to shift feel earned. While I did anticipate a few developments, there were still stretches where I genuinely didn’t know what would happen next. Overall, this was an immersive, atmospheric read that rewards patience and lingers after the final page.
Thank you to the publisher, Titan Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this title early.
I particularly enjoyed the witch-in-the-forest setting, the strong sense of earth magic, and the rich cast of side characters. The protagonist stood out as an older, flawed woman—jealousy and all—which made her feel refreshingly human. The found family elements were another highlight, and a trope I’ll never tire of when done well.
The pacing is slow, but intentionally so. There’s a domesticated, almost everyday rhythm to the early chapters, which makes the moments when things begin to shift feel earned. While I did anticipate a few developments, there were still stretches where I genuinely didn’t know what would happen next. Overall, this was an immersive, atmospheric read that rewards patience and lingers after the final page.
Thank you to the publisher, Titan Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this title early.
October 19, 2025
Thanks to Titan books for proving a proof copy in exchange for an honest review.
At the heart of this story is Mehrab, the local witch who lives in the forest, and her apprentice who appears seemingly from nowhere, Rhea.
Through their growing relationship the story explores ideas of heritage and shared knowledge, traditions and tales which are passed through generations by word of mouth.
But all may not be as it seems as the arrival this mysterious stranger coincides with strange goings-on in the neighbouring village.
When local children start to go missing will they come to the witch for help or will she be the one they blame?
It’s a witch-hunt in every sense of the word.
You may be fooled into thinking this is just another story about changelings, but A Forest Darkly offers so much more
Strongly female characters without being fiercely feminist, this tells an all-too familiar story about ignorance and fear of the outsider.
This standalone story from the Sourdough universe is perfect for fans of T Kingfisher of Tori Bovalino
At the heart of this story is Mehrab, the local witch who lives in the forest, and her apprentice who appears seemingly from nowhere, Rhea.
Through their growing relationship the story explores ideas of heritage and shared knowledge, traditions and tales which are passed through generations by word of mouth.
But all may not be as it seems as the arrival this mysterious stranger coincides with strange goings-on in the neighbouring village.
When local children start to go missing will they come to the witch for help or will she be the one they blame?
It’s a witch-hunt in every sense of the word.
You may be fooled into thinking this is just another story about changelings, but A Forest Darkly offers so much more
Strongly female characters without being fiercely feminist, this tells an all-too familiar story about ignorance and fear of the outsider.
This standalone story from the Sourdough universe is perfect for fans of T Kingfisher of Tori Bovalino
Review of advance copy received from Author
Angela Slatter always hits it out of the park, and this dark fairytale-ish fantasy is one of her best. Mehrab is a witch, able to knit together bone, heal and change the people she touches. She's haunted by her past and has been living in the woods near a small village for decades. Building a life, using her powers, making a place for herself in a forest where many strange and dangerous things lurk. When a young girl seeks shelter at Mehrab's cottage, the old witch takes her in, and soon the dark things in the woods come calling too.
I loved every bit of this book. No one writes women like Angela Slatter, with characters that are complex and ornery, difficult and foolish, wise and wicked, and often all of these things at the same time. And in this tale both Mehrab, the middle-aged witch, and Rhea, her young charge, shine and sparkle with their own particular fire. This story is fierce and angry, joyful and lusty, and wicked in all the best ways. It is also full of moments of surprising forgiveness and mercy. An outstanding novel from an outstanding writer.
I loved every bit of this book. No one writes women like Angela Slatter, with characters that are complex and ornery, difficult and foolish, wise and wicked, and often all of these things at the same time. And in this tale both Mehrab, the middle-aged witch, and Rhea, her young charge, shine and sparkle with their own particular fire. This story is fierce and angry, joyful and lusty, and wicked in all the best ways. It is also full of moments of surprising forgiveness and mercy. An outstanding novel from an outstanding writer.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 stars! A Forest, Darkly was highly anticipated for me, as it seemed like a book I would absolutely adore. Dark fantasy, witches, gothic galore. This is a book for a cold, winter night. Unfortunately, I did not love it as much as I initially expected.
I did not realize that this was a standalone part of a connected fantasy world. This really intrigued me. I love it when authors love the world they created so much that they put a lot of work into it. This definitely made me want to check out some of A.G. Slatter's other works in the Sourdough Universe.
Having strong, female characters is a plus. This truly made the story that much better. Being able to follow these women and what they go through made me care more about the story and the characters. Sometimes the story felt stagnant, and I couldn't find myself wholly invested in it all.
Thank you NetGalley, Titan Books, & A.G. Slatter for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. A Forest, Darkly is released on February 10, 2026!
I did not realize that this was a standalone part of a connected fantasy world. This really intrigued me. I love it when authors love the world they created so much that they put a lot of work into it. This definitely made me want to check out some of A.G. Slatter's other works in the Sourdough Universe.
Having strong, female characters is a plus. This truly made the story that much better. Being able to follow these women and what they go through made me care more about the story and the characters. Sometimes the story felt stagnant, and I couldn't find myself wholly invested in it all.
Thank you NetGalley, Titan Books, & A.G. Slatter for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. A Forest, Darkly is released on February 10, 2026!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved the dark, evocative atmosphere of this book. Even though it's a part of a larger universe, it describes the world and plays with tropes effectively enough for me to imagine everything: the forest, the witches, the threat against the witches and their relationship to the nearby village, etc. The protagonist, Mehrab, is an "older" (middle-aged) woman who is set in her ways and who was a mysterious past (I like how her point of view is as cautious as she is, and her past unveils gradually). She reluctantly takes in a "fosterling": another young witch who is running away from something. There is also something dangerous lurking in Mehrab's forest, and the village children get missing,... These threads gradually connect, there is also a sweet but mature romance going on, and the ending was both moving and unexpected. It's a slower read which was not my favorite (I prefer novels which I can't put down), but this pace worked for the narrative and for the protagonists and Mehrab's voice was quite refreshing (I like older and competent female protagonists).
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This could be my favourite of the Sourdough universe books yet! Wow. A sumptuous, raw, glorious gothic tale featuring the trademark strong women I've come to expect from Slatter's works. And how refreshing, to read a book about a middle-aged witch already in the autumn of her life, all aching bones and old regrets, yet still able to change for the better, still able to make changes for others too. Through Mehrab's at times strained relationship with Rhea - a young runaway witch brought to her door - as well as her interactions with the local villagers, we see her grow, learn to accept things and find a bravery within to face dark secrets she'd hoped to keep buried. The grief and pain in this story is visceral. The sorrow is bone deep. But the glimmers of hope, the little flickers of trust and love? Oh, they make the hard parts worth it.
Please be mindful of triggers in this book: pregnancy loss, infertility, off-page SA, implied SA, child abuse, child loss.
This could be my favourite of the Sourdough universe books yet! Wow. A sumptuous, raw, glorious gothic tale featuring the trademark strong women I've come to expect from Slatter's works. And how refreshing, to read a book about a middle-aged witch already in the autumn of her life, all aching bones and old regrets, yet still able to change for the better, still able to make changes for others too. Through Mehrab's at times strained relationship with Rhea - a young runaway witch brought to her door - as well as her interactions with the local villagers, we see her grow, learn to accept things and find a bravery within to face dark secrets she'd hoped to keep buried. The grief and pain in this story is visceral. The sorrow is bone deep. But the glimmers of hope, the little flickers of trust and love? Oh, they make the hard parts worth it.
Please be mindful of triggers in this book: pregnancy loss, infertility, off-page SA, implied SA, child abuse, child loss.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews