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Into The Redwoods
Two worlds. One friendship that changes everything.
Brooklyn
I found Evelyn hiding in a tree when I was sixteen. That was the day everything changed.
I never thought I’d befriend a Mechanical, someone from the other side of the Redwoods. But when I take a wrong turn sneaking onto their land, I encounter Evelyn, and for seven years we meet in secret, sharing our lives every three months. That is, until the Mechanicals attack over the deaths of a mysterious drug. As protector of the Woodlanders, I must defend my people. But Evelyn is my priority too. When the time comes, I’ll need to decide what’s most important.
Evelyn
At sixteen, Brooklyn rescued me. I owe everything to her.
Nothing prepares me for getting lost in the Redwoods, so when I’m found by a Woodlander, I don’t know what to do. We’re taught our neighbors are savages, but Brooklyn only shows kindness when I feel helpless. For several years we secretly visit until a new ruling makes it impossible. Then, my people attack. Suddenly, Brooklyn and I find ourselves on opposite sides of an unexpected war. But I might have some leverage with my new title. After all this time, it’s finally my chance to save her.
Brooklyn
I found Evelyn hiding in a tree when I was sixteen. That was the day everything changed.
I never thought I’d befriend a Mechanical, someone from the other side of the Redwoods. But when I take a wrong turn sneaking onto their land, I encounter Evelyn, and for seven years we meet in secret, sharing our lives every three months. That is, until the Mechanicals attack over the deaths of a mysterious drug. As protector of the Woodlanders, I must defend my people. But Evelyn is my priority too. When the time comes, I’ll need to decide what’s most important.
Evelyn
At sixteen, Brooklyn rescued me. I owe everything to her.
Nothing prepares me for getting lost in the Redwoods, so when I’m found by a Woodlander, I don’t know what to do. We’re taught our neighbors are savages, but Brooklyn only shows kindness when I feel helpless. For several years we secretly visit until a new ruling makes it impossible. Then, my people attack. Suddenly, Brooklyn and I find ourselves on opposite sides of an unexpected war. But I might have some leverage with my new title. After all this time, it’s finally my chance to save her.
408 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 7, 2026
About the author
C.G. Coppola
19 books32 followersC.G. Coppola writes realistic fiction set in fantastical universes, usually with a lot of kissing. A fan of action stories, she weaves magic and the paranormal into her romantic works, leading readers on a steamy adventure. Married with two fur-babies, C.G. Coppola lives in Florida where she grew up and attended college.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 7, 2026
My Rating: 4⭐️
Tropes 📚
✨ Forbidden Friendship
✨ Nature vs Machines
✨ Opposite Worlds
✨ War
✨ Nature Magic
✨ Sweet Romance
This is a beautiful and heartbreaking story about forbidden friendship.
Set in a world where two completely opposite societies are separated by the Redwoods. The Mechanicals live in a world made and ran by machines, whereas, the Woodlanders live in nature and have magic. I loved the world building and mix of magic and technology.
Evelyn is a Mechanical and is in the running to be the next Queen. Brooklyn is a Woodlander and training to be the next High Priestess. They meet by chance during the quarterly market, when the two societies meet to trade, and form a secret friendship.
I loved that even though they are from completely opposite worlds, they still form a strong lasting bond.
The book is split into three parts over a 14 year period. The time jumps are clearly labelled, which I enjoyed as I hate when books don’t make it clear when time has passed. The story follows Brooklyn’s training to become high priestess and Evelyn’s part in the choosing ceremony to pick the future Mechanical Queen. We’re also treat to blossoming romances for each of them too.
However, things take a dark turn when the societies go to war due to an increase of deaths caused by an illegal drug being traded. Prepare for absolute heartbreak, I was gutted with what happens and shouted at my book.
I enjoyed the dual points of view, told by Brooklyn and Evelyn. It was great hearing both sides of the story and they flowed well. In other books this structure can seem repetitive but I didn’t find that at all in this book. It was well paced and easy to read.
Overall, this is was a 4⭐️ read for me.
Tropes 📚
✨ Forbidden Friendship
✨ Nature vs Machines
✨ Opposite Worlds
✨ War
✨ Nature Magic
✨ Sweet Romance
This is a beautiful and heartbreaking story about forbidden friendship.
Set in a world where two completely opposite societies are separated by the Redwoods. The Mechanicals live in a world made and ran by machines, whereas, the Woodlanders live in nature and have magic. I loved the world building and mix of magic and technology.
Evelyn is a Mechanical and is in the running to be the next Queen. Brooklyn is a Woodlander and training to be the next High Priestess. They meet by chance during the quarterly market, when the two societies meet to trade, and form a secret friendship.
I loved that even though they are from completely opposite worlds, they still form a strong lasting bond.
The book is split into three parts over a 14 year period. The time jumps are clearly labelled, which I enjoyed as I hate when books don’t make it clear when time has passed. The story follows Brooklyn’s training to become high priestess and Evelyn’s part in the choosing ceremony to pick the future Mechanical Queen. We’re also treat to blossoming romances for each of them too.
However, things take a dark turn when the societies go to war due to an increase of deaths caused by an illegal drug being traded. Prepare for absolute heartbreak, I was gutted with what happens and shouted at my book.
I enjoyed the dual points of view, told by Brooklyn and Evelyn. It was great hearing both sides of the story and they flowed well. In other books this structure can seem repetitive but I didn’t find that at all in this book. It was well paced and easy to read.
Overall, this is was a 4⭐️ read for me.
July 27, 2026
A chance friendship between two young women raised to fear and hate each other's kingdom, spanning years of secret meetings and time jumps as they grow from teenagers into adults with lives and families. That structure is one of my favorite things about this one. Watching these two grow alongside each other across their whole lives rather than just a single adventure gives the story a different kind of vibe. It feels contained, but also kind of expansive and serves as a great standalone.
The two kingdoms are fascinatingly different and seeing how each one grapples with hostilities and illegal substances from their own perspective was interesting, especially as those tensions ratchet the stakes up between them. None of them deals with these events WELL and this friendship is caught in between these transgressions. The bittersweet ending genuinely surprised me, but it works for the story being told.
That said, this is pretty heavy-handed in how it handles the consequences of prejudice and hatred between groups. It reads young adult in its simplicity and not all of the world-building fully held together for me logically.
Still a genuinely touching story about friendship and how kindness and understanding can shape us.
Thanks to Hidden Hollow Booktours and the author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
The two kingdoms are fascinatingly different and seeing how each one grapples with hostilities and illegal substances from their own perspective was interesting, especially as those tensions ratchet the stakes up between them. None of them deals with these events WELL and this friendship is caught in between these transgressions. The bittersweet ending genuinely surprised me, but it works for the story being told.
That said, this is pretty heavy-handed in how it handles the consequences of prejudice and hatred between groups. It reads young adult in its simplicity and not all of the world-building fully held together for me logically.
Still a genuinely touching story about friendship and how kindness and understanding can shape us.
Thanks to Hidden Hollow Booktours and the author for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
August 12, 2026
Thanks to @bookedwiththeemilys & @authorcgcoppolawrites for the #gifted copy of this book.” 🫶
My Thoughts: Into the Redwoods was such a unique fantasy that focused on a forbidden friendship between two women from very different worlds. I really enjoyed this one, from watching Evelyn and Brooklyn’s friendship grow over the years to discovering a different kind of magical system. Evelyn is from the Mechanical side, which is a world run by machines. She is hoping to become the next queen. Brooklyn is a Woodlander, learning to harness her magic in a world ruled by nature.
I loved the way the two of them met by happenstance when they were both 16 years old. It was a unique way of introducing each character's world to the reader as well. Throughout their friendship, Evelyn and Brooklyn also lived out their own love stories that were fun to watch unfold.
Part 3 took such a dark and heartbreaking turn that I felt every emotion right alongside the characters. I won’t say too much about that section because I don’t want to give anything away, but by the end, my heart was in pieces.
What You'll Find:
🌿 Nature vs. Machine 🤖
👯♀️ 2 FMCs • Best Friends 🫶
✨ Magic 🪄
💕 Three Love Stories 💕
💋 Splash of Romance 🌊
🌎 Opposite Worlds ⚡
⚔️ War 🛡️
📖 Standalone ✨
My Thoughts: Into the Redwoods was such a unique fantasy that focused on a forbidden friendship between two women from very different worlds. I really enjoyed this one, from watching Evelyn and Brooklyn’s friendship grow over the years to discovering a different kind of magical system. Evelyn is from the Mechanical side, which is a world run by machines. She is hoping to become the next queen. Brooklyn is a Woodlander, learning to harness her magic in a world ruled by nature.
I loved the way the two of them met by happenstance when they were both 16 years old. It was a unique way of introducing each character's world to the reader as well. Throughout their friendship, Evelyn and Brooklyn also lived out their own love stories that were fun to watch unfold.
Part 3 took such a dark and heartbreaking turn that I felt every emotion right alongside the characters. I won’t say too much about that section because I don’t want to give anything away, but by the end, my heart was in pieces.
What You'll Find:
🌿 Nature vs. Machine 🤖
👯♀️ 2 FMCs • Best Friends 🫶
✨ Magic 🪄
💕 Three Love Stories 💕
💋 Splash of Romance 🌊
🌎 Opposite Worlds ⚡
⚔️ War 🛡️
📖 Standalone ✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
They say friends are your first love, your first soulmates, and that is exactly what this story is. A love story, not between significant others, but between two people who shouldn't be friends, finding a way to be friends anyway. Two people whose worlds and homes would have kept them apart. The relationship that you see grow between Woodlander Brooklyn and Mechanical Evelyn is this incrediably beautiful story. It is, at its heart, a love story.
Their worlds are as far apart as they can get: Brooklyn, learning magic, and living amongst the trees, and Evelyn living within a city of all things Mechanical, longing for something more, anything that is remotely real. Though such thoughts could see her killed.
There is a very real divide between the two groups, only breached at the three-monthly market, and even then, the divide is obvious.
Fate brings our two FMC's together when Brooklyn saves Evelyn and their friendship is born. Though nothing is easy and the only way they can see each other is every three months. They do, they take the risk, and the relationship that grows is solid. It is real, it is unbreakable even over time and distance.
There is intrigue and danger, something brewing in the background, danger that you can feel, just waiting at the edge of your vision.
It's not just the FMC'S that reign supreme, though the side characters are just as good. Benny stole my heart, the love he has for Brooklyn and vice versa, and oh boy, did he get put through the wringer, like leave my poor boy alone!
Elliot is the perfect example of what it means to be a leader when he truly makes no choices. He rules his city, but he doesn't know it, he longs for more, and yet, is easily led and swayed, fearing what he doesn't know. I wanted to throttle him so much.
As I said, this story is a love story, a beautiful love story. It's about war, and the dangers of it. It's not afraid to show you the outcome of it either. It isn't afraid to show you that wars have casualties.
This book had me sobbing big, ugly, my eyes hurt, and I can't really read the screen any more tears.
I would have loved maybe just a little more information on why the split happened, and why the Mechanicles' history isn't correct, but honestly, that's just nitpicking because there wasn't a moment in this book that I felt like I was missing something. I devoured this book.
Their worlds are as far apart as they can get: Brooklyn, learning magic, and living amongst the trees, and Evelyn living within a city of all things Mechanical, longing for something more, anything that is remotely real. Though such thoughts could see her killed.
There is a very real divide between the two groups, only breached at the three-monthly market, and even then, the divide is obvious.
Fate brings our two FMC's together when Brooklyn saves Evelyn and their friendship is born. Though nothing is easy and the only way they can see each other is every three months. They do, they take the risk, and the relationship that grows is solid. It is real, it is unbreakable even over time and distance.
There is intrigue and danger, something brewing in the background, danger that you can feel, just waiting at the edge of your vision.
It's not just the FMC'S that reign supreme, though the side characters are just as good. Benny stole my heart, the love he has for Brooklyn and vice versa, and oh boy, did he get put through the wringer, like leave my poor boy alone!
Elliot is the perfect example of what it means to be a leader when he truly makes no choices. He rules his city, but he doesn't know it, he longs for more, and yet, is easily led and swayed, fearing what he doesn't know. I wanted to throttle him so much.
As I said, this story is a love story, a beautiful love story. It's about war, and the dangers of it. It's not afraid to show you the outcome of it either. It isn't afraid to show you that wars have casualties.
This book had me sobbing big, ugly, my eyes hurt, and I can't really read the screen any more tears.
I would have loved maybe just a little more information on why the split happened, and why the Mechanicles' history isn't correct, but honestly, that's just nitpicking because there wasn't a moment in this book that I felt like I was missing something. I devoured this book.
August 7, 2026
Tropes:
nature vs machines
nature magic
time jumps
two opposite worlds
best friends
Dual POV
........ I had to sit on this one. The ending of Into the Redwoods.... well I wasn't expecting that. I hate posting spoilers... I'm going to try not to... but I feel like it should be known that I don't consider this a HEA. Some might argue with me, that's fine... I just felt destroyed and wanted to be upfront about it.
Okay, this book was good. My favorite part, honestly, was that this book was a focus on two things for me: friendship and the symbolism of how far our world has come into the age of technology and how we're losing our connection to nature. I personally think the friendship part of this book was beautiful. Did this book have romance? Yes. Two couples in fact. BUT the core relationship was a third... one between best friends Brooklyn and Evelyn. It's not romantic but it was more powerful than many romantic relationships I've read in books. I truly loved that this was the main relationship focus. Two girls, who grow into women, from two VERY different worlds, finding one another and try to make their worlds a better place. Even with the time jumps, you can still feel their connection to one another, and how they want to bridge the Woodlanders and the Mechanicals to find a cohesive and peaceful world.
The Woodlanders vs Mechanicals definitely felt like a symbolism of our world today. Too many of us are too technology focused. Whether it's screen time or having the newest model iPhone, or having multiple Amazon Echos (Alexa devices) in our house, we've become a world of how can we bring more "mechanicals" into our lives. The Woodlanders represent the opposite. They're one with nature, communing with the trees and animals, living off the land. How we use to be and how we're quickly forgetting our roots. This books definitely made me want to go outside, leave my phone behind, and just be one with nature. Truly. I think I need to start doing 1000 hours outside again.
So while I'm emotionally destroyed, thank you C.G. Coppola for this beautiful reminder to take a walk "into the redwoods."
nature vs machines
nature magic
time jumps
two opposite worlds
best friends
Dual POV
........ I had to sit on this one. The ending of Into the Redwoods.... well I wasn't expecting that. I hate posting spoilers... I'm going to try not to... but I feel like it should be known that I don't consider this a HEA. Some might argue with me, that's fine... I just felt destroyed and wanted to be upfront about it.
Okay, this book was good. My favorite part, honestly, was that this book was a focus on two things for me: friendship and the symbolism of how far our world has come into the age of technology and how we're losing our connection to nature. I personally think the friendship part of this book was beautiful. Did this book have romance? Yes. Two couples in fact. BUT the core relationship was a third... one between best friends Brooklyn and Evelyn. It's not romantic but it was more powerful than many romantic relationships I've read in books. I truly loved that this was the main relationship focus. Two girls, who grow into women, from two VERY different worlds, finding one another and try to make their worlds a better place. Even with the time jumps, you can still feel their connection to one another, and how they want to bridge the Woodlanders and the Mechanicals to find a cohesive and peaceful world.
The Woodlanders vs Mechanicals definitely felt like a symbolism of our world today. Too many of us are too technology focused. Whether it's screen time or having the newest model iPhone, or having multiple Amazon Echos (Alexa devices) in our house, we've become a world of how can we bring more "mechanicals" into our lives. The Woodlanders represent the opposite. They're one with nature, communing with the trees and animals, living off the land. How we use to be and how we're quickly forgetting our roots. This books definitely made me want to go outside, leave my phone behind, and just be one with nature. Truly. I think I need to start doing 1000 hours outside again.
So while I'm emotionally destroyed, thank you C.G. Coppola for this beautiful reminder to take a walk "into the redwoods."
July 21, 2026
An exciting tale of friendship over the course of them maturing to adulthood of two teenagers girls from kingdoms on opposite sides who meet each other by chance in the woods.
You follow two FMCs, one from the woodlanders, who is learning to control magic that allows her to communicate with nature around her, and one who is from the city living the mechanical lifestyle surrounded by machines and is the daughter of nobility. When they meet by chance at the quarterly market as teens, and the woodland Brooklyn saves Evelyn when she accidentally breaks her mechanical guards and ends up in a tree, they promise to meet every market in secret and end up as best friends. You follow them throughout the years as Brooklyn trains to become her people’s next High priestess in magic and falls for the boy who’s been her best friend, while Evelyn slowly becomes closer to the king to be of her people that could make her queen. When a mysterious substance is causing deaths on both sides, their people are moving closer to war and these best friends may end up on opposite sides.
I really liked the passage of time and dual POVs of this book that shows them both helping each other through the next phases of life and all the hard things that come with growing up and it was fun to see them both slowly fall in love. There was plenty of tension between the kingdoms that slowly came to a head but their friendship is what kept them both level headed and trying to save everyone because of their connection when they ended up as leaders on opposite sides. Of course with war, there were some devastating consequences and I had to have tissues by the end, but overall the story wrapped up beautifully and hopeful for how the kingdoms can move forward toward the future. My rating 4.7/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
You follow two FMCs, one from the woodlanders, who is learning to control magic that allows her to communicate with nature around her, and one who is from the city living the mechanical lifestyle surrounded by machines and is the daughter of nobility. When they meet by chance at the quarterly market as teens, and the woodland Brooklyn saves Evelyn when she accidentally breaks her mechanical guards and ends up in a tree, they promise to meet every market in secret and end up as best friends. You follow them throughout the years as Brooklyn trains to become her people’s next High priestess in magic and falls for the boy who’s been her best friend, while Evelyn slowly becomes closer to the king to be of her people that could make her queen. When a mysterious substance is causing deaths on both sides, their people are moving closer to war and these best friends may end up on opposite sides.
I really liked the passage of time and dual POVs of this book that shows them both helping each other through the next phases of life and all the hard things that come with growing up and it was fun to see them both slowly fall in love. There was plenty of tension between the kingdoms that slowly came to a head but their friendship is what kept them both level headed and trying to save everyone because of their connection when they ended up as leaders on opposite sides. Of course with war, there were some devastating consequences and I had to have tissues by the end, but overall the story wrapped up beautifully and hopeful for how the kingdoms can move forward toward the future. My rating 4.7/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
July 23, 2026
Friendship Against Impossible Odds
‘Into the Redwood’ is a unique blend of dystopian fantasy, adventure, and emotional character growth. Rather than centering on romance, the story focuses on an unlikely friendship between two girls raised to fear each other's worlds. That refreshing approach gives the novel its own identity.
Brooklyn and Evelyn are compelling protagonists whose bond develops naturally over seven years of secret meetings. Their friendship grows through trust, loyalty, and shared hope, making it the emotional heart of the story. When war erupts between their people, every decision carries real weight.
The contrast between the Woodlanders and the Mechanicals creates an intriguing world filled with mystery and tension. The gradual reveal of the history between both societies keeps the pages turning, although a deeper exploration of the political background would have added even more depth.
The pacing remains steady throughout, with a slightly slower middle section that focuses on character development and worldbuilding. Once the conflict escalates, the tension rises quickly, leading to emotional moments and meaningful sacrifices that strengthen the impact of the finale.
‘Into the Redwood’ is ultimately a story about loyalty, prejudice, hope, and the courage to question everything society teaches. A heartfelt, character-driven fantasy that proves compassion can grow even between enemies.
Thank you so much to Hawthorn & Aster for the ARC. This review reflects an honest opinion.
Nature vs. Machine | Best Friends | Dual POV | Two FMCs | Time Jumps | Magic | Multiple Love Stories | Light Romance | Opposite Worlds
‘Into the Redwood’ is a unique blend of dystopian fantasy, adventure, and emotional character growth. Rather than centering on romance, the story focuses on an unlikely friendship between two girls raised to fear each other's worlds. That refreshing approach gives the novel its own identity.
Brooklyn and Evelyn are compelling protagonists whose bond develops naturally over seven years of secret meetings. Their friendship grows through trust, loyalty, and shared hope, making it the emotional heart of the story. When war erupts between their people, every decision carries real weight.
The contrast between the Woodlanders and the Mechanicals creates an intriguing world filled with mystery and tension. The gradual reveal of the history between both societies keeps the pages turning, although a deeper exploration of the political background would have added even more depth.
The pacing remains steady throughout, with a slightly slower middle section that focuses on character development and worldbuilding. Once the conflict escalates, the tension rises quickly, leading to emotional moments and meaningful sacrifices that strengthen the impact of the finale.
‘Into the Redwood’ is ultimately a story about loyalty, prejudice, hope, and the courage to question everything society teaches. A heartfelt, character-driven fantasy that proves compassion can grow even between enemies.
Thank you so much to Hawthorn & Aster for the ARC. This review reflects an honest opinion.
Nature vs. Machine | Best Friends | Dual POV | Two FMCs | Time Jumps | Magic | Multiple Love Stories | Light Romance | Opposite Worlds
Review of advance copy received from Author
First, I want to thank Hawthorn & Aster and CG Coppola for the gifted eARC of Into The Redwoods to read and provide my honest, spoiler free review.
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My Thoughts:
Have you ever grown up having family members tell you to stay away from someone because they were part of a certain family or that they were too different than you? Well that’s exactly how this book felt.
Brooklyn and Evelyn are our two main characters that meet one day at a Market. However they are part of two completely different worlds. In this world, woodlanders and mechanicals are not meant to be friends. Two different girls separated by the Redwoods, but when they stumble upon each other one day, they strike up a friendship that is pretty much forbidden.
I really liked the overall theme to this story. The friendship in this story was so heartfelt and it definitely tugged on my heartstrings a lot, especially when these two girls find themselves on opposite sides of war. It brings about the ultimate question on who is important to you and who you would protect in times of battle. I felt like the journey that Brooklyn and Evelyn went on was filled with happiness yet danger at the risk of being caught but when war comes knocking, you can feel the inner struggle that these girls went through in order to try and save their family and their friendship. Overall, this was such a fun read and I’m glad I had a chance to read it early.
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My Thoughts:
Have you ever grown up having family members tell you to stay away from someone because they were part of a certain family or that they were too different than you? Well that’s exactly how this book felt.
Brooklyn and Evelyn are our two main characters that meet one day at a Market. However they are part of two completely different worlds. In this world, woodlanders and mechanicals are not meant to be friends. Two different girls separated by the Redwoods, but when they stumble upon each other one day, they strike up a friendship that is pretty much forbidden.
I really liked the overall theme to this story. The friendship in this story was so heartfelt and it definitely tugged on my heartstrings a lot, especially when these two girls find themselves on opposite sides of war. It brings about the ultimate question on who is important to you and who you would protect in times of battle. I felt like the journey that Brooklyn and Evelyn went on was filled with happiness yet danger at the risk of being caught but when war comes knocking, you can feel the inner struggle that these girls went through in order to try and save their family and their friendship. Overall, this was such a fun read and I’m glad I had a chance to read it early.
August 6, 2026
I read INTO THE REDWOODS by CG Coppola for the review tour hosted by the author and Hidden Hollow Book Tours. Thank you to both for inviting me along and for the gifted e-arc. I really enjoyed my time reading this story!
In this fantasy world we have the Mechanicals and the Woodlanders. Evelyn is a Mechanical and Brooklyn is a Woodlander. Their friendship is forbidden. Sometimes, the universe has other plans anyway.
I love these two characters and their personal journeys as well as their journey as friends. Brooklyn has to learn to accept her role in her world. At first, she wants all the magic without all the responsibility that comes with it. Realizing it doesn't work that way is a tough lesson to accept.
Evelyn doesn't feel worthy to even be considered in the upcoming royal ceremonies. She goes along with all the preparations because that's what's expected of her, but she's certain it's all for nothing. Her unexpected friendship with Brooklyn begins to change things.
I'm not going to spoil any of the details. I think it's better to read those on your own. I really like the differences between the two cultures. The author is good at making you feel like you're part of the story.
I felt the ending coming, even though I hadn't figured it out. It was emotional and the tears flowed. There were so many lessons in this story. The most important one for me is that our differences shouldn't divide us but should be celebrated.
I highly recommend INTO THE REDWOODS!
In this fantasy world we have the Mechanicals and the Woodlanders. Evelyn is a Mechanical and Brooklyn is a Woodlander. Their friendship is forbidden. Sometimes, the universe has other plans anyway.
I love these two characters and their personal journeys as well as their journey as friends. Brooklyn has to learn to accept her role in her world. At first, she wants all the magic without all the responsibility that comes with it. Realizing it doesn't work that way is a tough lesson to accept.
Evelyn doesn't feel worthy to even be considered in the upcoming royal ceremonies. She goes along with all the preparations because that's what's expected of her, but she's certain it's all for nothing. Her unexpected friendship with Brooklyn begins to change things.
I'm not going to spoil any of the details. I think it's better to read those on your own. I really like the differences between the two cultures. The author is good at making you feel like you're part of the story.
I felt the ending coming, even though I hadn't figured it out. It was emotional and the tears flowed. There were so many lessons in this story. The most important one for me is that our differences shouldn't divide us but should be celebrated.
I highly recommend INTO THE REDWOODS!
August 5, 2026
What a beautiful and heartbreaking story about friends from different worlds. The Mechanicals live in a world run by machines and Evelyn is a lady courting to become the next queen. Brooklyn is from the Woodlands, where everything is run by nature and she is studying magic. The girls form an unlikely friendship that spans the years after meeting at their trading market at 16 years old.
I really enjoyed that the core of the story was the girls friendship, but they each had their own little romance. (I especially loved following along the court ladies and Evelyn’s competition to become queen.) I had this underlying feeling that I couldn’t trust King Elliot (it’s always the men amiright?!) Brooklyn’s storyline was perfectly witchy and magical and I loved how she was able to connect with anything in nature.
Part Three takes a dark and emotional turn that I wasn’t expecting, and without spoiling anything, you’ll be gasping and on the edge of your seat!
What You’ll Find:
Nature vs Machine
Dual POV
2 FMCs
Time Jumps
Magic
Three Love Stories
Splash of Romance
No Spice
Opposite Worlds
War
Standalone
Best friends
I really enjoyed that the core of the story was the girls friendship, but they each had their own little romance. (I especially loved following along the court ladies and Evelyn’s competition to become queen.) I had this underlying feeling that I couldn’t trust King Elliot (it’s always the men amiright?!) Brooklyn’s storyline was perfectly witchy and magical and I loved how she was able to connect with anything in nature.
Part Three takes a dark and emotional turn that I wasn’t expecting, and without spoiling anything, you’ll be gasping and on the edge of your seat!
What You’ll Find:
Nature vs Machine
Dual POV
2 FMCs
Time Jumps
Magic
Three Love Stories
Splash of Romance
No Spice
Opposite Worlds
War
Standalone
Best friends
August 11, 2026
What did I like about 'Into the Redwoods'? You'll find a unique mix of dystopia, fantasy, adventure, and something I particularly love: the characters grow on an emotional level. I loved the fact that the story focuses on an unexpected friendship between two grown-up girls who fear their respective worlds. This aspect makes the book truly unique and special. Brooklyn and Evelyn are captivating and intriguing protagonists, whose bond grows effortlessly over seven years. The beauty of this book is not the love story but rather the themes of trust, loyalty, and hope that unite rather than divide, becoming the center of the story we are reading. In this book, you'll find an intriguing world full of mystery and tension. The gradual revelation of the history between the two societies encourages the reader to turn the page, although a more in-depth exploration of the political context would have added further depth. 'Into the Redwoods' is a story of loyalty, hope, and the courage to question even what the society around us imposes on us. A fantasy about compassion that will become one of your favorites.
Review of advance copy
Two societies living next to each other. One focused on technology and one focused on nature. They only interact with each other during market days every few months.
Evelyn and Brooklyn meet on one of the market days when they are 16 years old. Evelyn, a Mechanical, is in the running to be Queen. Brooklyn, a Woodlander, is in training to possibly become the next High Priestess. They meet each market day and become best friends.
There are a couple of time jumps spanning 14 years where we see the girls grow up, find love, and then their societies go to war with each other.
I really enjoyed reading about their journey becoming friends despite their differences. The stark differences between the two societies was interesting. They were complete opposites. I mean one had real tress and the other had fake, mechanical trees.
It was an emotional ending. Some tears might have been shed.
Thank you Hawthorn & Aster for the eARC.
Evelyn and Brooklyn meet on one of the market days when they are 16 years old. Evelyn, a Mechanical, is in the running to be Queen. Brooklyn, a Woodlander, is in training to possibly become the next High Priestess. They meet each market day and become best friends.
There are a couple of time jumps spanning 14 years where we see the girls grow up, find love, and then their societies go to war with each other.
I really enjoyed reading about their journey becoming friends despite their differences. The stark differences between the two societies was interesting. They were complete opposites. I mean one had real tress and the other had fake, mechanical trees.
It was an emotional ending. Some tears might have been shed.
Thank you Hawthorn & Aster for the eARC.
July 27, 2026
One kingdom divided in half, the mechanics and the woodlanders, when two girls become friends despite their differences you learn just how much kindness and love really can change the world.
This story starts with Evelyn and Brooklyn as teenagers and ends with them in their 30s. I loved that we got to see snippets of each age and watching these girls grow into the roles they’re destined to have! I also really enjoyed the setting of this story it was really interesting to see the mechanical kingdom and their mechanical horses and then the Redwoods and how they had real animals and plants. I thought this blending of steam punk and fantasy is perfect!
This story broke my heart a little and had me crying at some points! If you are looking for a YA coming of age story with steampunk elements, fantasy elements, true friendship between two girls who should be rivals and a revolution brought on by love then this is going to be perfect to add to your TBR!
This story starts with Evelyn and Brooklyn as teenagers and ends with them in their 30s. I loved that we got to see snippets of each age and watching these girls grow into the roles they’re destined to have! I also really enjoyed the setting of this story it was really interesting to see the mechanical kingdom and their mechanical horses and then the Redwoods and how they had real animals and plants. I thought this blending of steam punk and fantasy is perfect!
This story broke my heart a little and had me crying at some points! If you are looking for a YA coming of age story with steampunk elements, fantasy elements, true friendship between two girls who should be rivals and a revolution brought on by love then this is going to be perfect to add to your TBR!
August 4, 2026
This fantasy is told from DPOV - Brooklyn is a woodlander and Evelyn is a mechanical two teenagers from two different worlds separated by The Redwoods.
Its a story told over a number of years. Time jumps are clearly labelled so you can keep track of when you are.
I really enjoyed watching this relationship grow over time their secret moments together. It is something that even now people will understand forbidden friendship/romance ......You cannot be with them because of insert belief/any ism/phobia
Its a story beautifully told, emotional at times but when telling this kind of story you need to have that emotion to carry the weight of the story.
You do root for these characters, you want their friendship to succeed. There are some great secondary characters that help flesh out the story as well.
All in all a well told well paced story with friendship against the odds at the heart of it.
Its a story told over a number of years. Time jumps are clearly labelled so you can keep track of when you are.
I really enjoyed watching this relationship grow over time their secret moments together. It is something that even now people will understand forbidden friendship/romance ......You cannot be with them because of insert belief/any ism/phobia
Its a story beautifully told, emotional at times but when telling this kind of story you need to have that emotion to carry the weight of the story.
You do root for these characters, you want their friendship to succeed. There are some great secondary characters that help flesh out the story as well.
All in all a well told well paced story with friendship against the odds at the heart of it.
July 28, 2026
“You are more powerful than you realize, if only you are humble enough to realize it.”
* Nature vs Machine
* Dual POV
* 2 FMCs
* Time Jumps
* Magic
* Three Love Stories
* Splash of Romance
* No Spice
* Opposite Worlds
* War
* Standalone
* Best friends
* Friends to Lovers
This book was absolutely stunning! It showed the dynamic nature of friendship and how it affects and changes as people grow older.
Evelyn and Brooklyn come from drastically different societies but they find a common place and are able to make an incredibly strong bond of friendship.
The time jumps were a wonderful way to show how the girls were growing up and into their distinct roles within the two societies. Though their roles were different, the common enemy of Blood Dust remained present for both of them.
I was absolutely heartbroken by the climax but I know that what happened was necessary to overcome the other problems the characters faced.
This book is perfect for those who want a fast read full of magic, friendship, mystery, feel good romantic relationships, and characters who question their various roles placed on them by society.
“Persuasion is your greatest tool. You must educate the others of these dangers, so they can fight alongside you.”
* Nature vs Machine
* Dual POV
* 2 FMCs
* Time Jumps
* Magic
* Three Love Stories
* Splash of Romance
* No Spice
* Opposite Worlds
* War
* Standalone
* Best friends
* Friends to Lovers
This book was absolutely stunning! It showed the dynamic nature of friendship and how it affects and changes as people grow older.
Evelyn and Brooklyn come from drastically different societies but they find a common place and are able to make an incredibly strong bond of friendship.
The time jumps were a wonderful way to show how the girls were growing up and into their distinct roles within the two societies. Though their roles were different, the common enemy of Blood Dust remained present for both of them.
I was absolutely heartbroken by the climax but I know that what happened was necessary to overcome the other problems the characters faced.
This book is perfect for those who want a fast read full of magic, friendship, mystery, feel good romantic relationships, and characters who question their various roles placed on them by society.
“Persuasion is your greatest tool. You must educate the others of these dangers, so they can fight alongside you.”
July 20, 2026
Y’all, grab a box of tissues and hold on tight for a beautiful, heartbreaking, yet at times hopeful read you’re going to have this year. Coppola really knows how to bring the world she’s built to life and draws you into it as you get to know Brooklyn and Evelyn. From rival societies, the girls manage to forge a friendship spanning years. Even though they can’t meet often, they manage to keep their friendship alive as they navigate life and its challenges. When war breaks out, Coppola doesn’t pull any punches, and it’ll hit you right in your heart. If you’ve ever had a friendship like Brooklyn and Evelyn, it’ll hit all that much harder. Absolutely recommend, for the hope, the heartbreak, and the unforgettable story.
August 5, 2026
This was a great book with Friendship at its center!! Getting to see how the girls grew up and interacted with each other and came into the women they had to be was great and really lent to the kind of friendship they had. They were friends to the end and despite all differences kept it and didn't let other ideas keep them from being the link between both regions. I was not expecting that end and while I wish it was different, it was necessary because of everything that transpired. It was for sure a bittersweet end but a good one nonetheless.
The romantic relationships that also developed felt sweet and natural since both were able to be seen in a way they needed and were able to grow with their partner.
Overall really enjoyed this book!
The romantic relationships that also developed felt sweet and natural since both were able to be seen in a way they needed and were able to grow with their partner.
Overall really enjoyed this book!
July 7, 2026
Hello, people!
The protagonists of the story are Evelyn and Brooklyn.
This is a very moving book that transports readers to the story, immerses them in the world that the author has painstakingly created and shows them the effects of wars.
The characters all have their place in the plot, are well-written and have depth. The world building is wonderful and the plot has dangers, intrigues, friendship development, pain and happiness.
The author's writing is captivating, enjoyable, fast-paced, emotional and enjoyable.
Many thanks to the author and Hawthorn And Aster Services for the eARC!
This is my honest review!
The protagonists of the story are Evelyn and Brooklyn.
This is a very moving book that transports readers to the story, immerses them in the world that the author has painstakingly created and shows them the effects of wars.
The characters all have their place in the plot, are well-written and have depth. The world building is wonderful and the plot has dangers, intrigues, friendship development, pain and happiness.
The author's writing is captivating, enjoyable, fast-paced, emotional and enjoyable.
Many thanks to the author and Hawthorn And Aster Services for the eARC!
This is my honest review!
July 19, 2026
What a beautiful, gorgeous story.
While there are romantic elements, that is not the point of this story. This story centers around best friends from different worlds, wishing they could change it.
This isn't a happy story. But it's a hopeful one. Hope for a brighter future. Hope for change. Hope for peace.
Evelyn and Brooklyn are living completely different lives and are thrown together in a fateful circumstance. The support and love that they provide each other can be felt through the pages.
I've always been a fan of how Coppola builds her worlds and writes her words, and Into the Redwoods is no exception.
Overall: highly recommend
Spice: romance, no spice
While there are romantic elements, that is not the point of this story. This story centers around best friends from different worlds, wishing they could change it.
This isn't a happy story. But it's a hopeful one. Hope for a brighter future. Hope for change. Hope for peace.
Evelyn and Brooklyn are living completely different lives and are thrown together in a fateful circumstance. The support and love that they provide each other can be felt through the pages.
I've always been a fan of how Coppola builds her worlds and writes her words, and Into the Redwoods is no exception.
Overall: highly recommend
Spice: romance, no spice
July 31, 2026
I loved this book about friendship between Brooklyn, a Woodlander, and Evelyn, a Mechanical. Their people have had peace between them as they kept their world separate. The Woodlanders commune with nature and the Mechanicals get by with machinery. The two friends meet outside a Market and bond in secret. But the threat of a drug called Blood Dust will bring their two sides to war.
Brooklyn might have been my favorite of the women though I loved them both. I love how they accept each other and learn about and learn from their differences. They both come from worlds where they are competing for something but they both handle it with grace. The ending was a bit sad but also bittersweet.
Brooklyn might have been my favorite of the women though I loved them both. I love how they accept each other and learn about and learn from their differences. They both come from worlds where they are competing for something but they both handle it with grace. The ending was a bit sad but also bittersweet.
July 28, 2026
Into the Redwoods was a great read, I really enjoyed the in-depth world building with its lavish descriptions. I loved the creations of the characters and I found them all intriguing.
The relationships between Benny and Brooklyn was great and I loved Evelyn too.
I really enjoyed how this novel incorporated friendship into the storyline, we have romance and everything else but I felt the friendship at the core.
I really enjoyed the writing style, as I said it was in-depth with descriptions and everything was written as though you could picture it.
The relationships between Benny and Brooklyn was great and I loved Evelyn too.
I really enjoyed how this novel incorporated friendship into the storyline, we have romance and everything else but I felt the friendship at the core.
I really enjoyed the writing style, as I said it was in-depth with descriptions and everything was written as though you could picture it.
August 4, 2026
I really enjoyed this. It’s a wonderful YA fantasy about 2 teens who live such different lives and the only thing that kept them separated was The Red Woods. A forbidden friendship/ romance that grew over time and it had all the emotions. While there was no spice, this story is about them. It didn’t need the extras to get the tale told.
Thank you to @hiddenhollowbooktours and @authorcgcoppolawrites for the #gifted copy.
Thank you to @hiddenhollowbooktours and @authorcgcoppolawrites for the #gifted copy.
August 2, 2026
This book had everything I love in a book. Fast paced, magic, friends to lovers, dual POV.
The friendship that Brooklyn and Evelyn had was absolutely incredible. They were destined to be enemies but they found ways to keep their friendship flourishing.
Have tissues handy when reading, you’ll be crying.
Thank you hidden hollow book tours for my copy in exchange for my honest review.
The friendship that Brooklyn and Evelyn had was absolutely incredible. They were destined to be enemies but they found ways to keep their friendship flourishing.
Have tissues handy when reading, you’ll be crying.
Thank you hidden hollow book tours for my copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 8, 2026
I don’t even know what to say about this masterpiece! The characters were lovable and fun! The story was beautiful and the dual view point was beautifully done! But that ending gutted me! This story about best friends and life is easily one of my new all time favorite books!
August 5, 2026
Brooklyn and Evelyn’s friendship completely stole my heart. What begins as a chance meeting between two girls from very different realms grows into something truly special. As they learn about each other’s worlds, they discover that neither way of life is wrong—they’re simply different. That message of understanding, acceptance, and friendship was so beautifully written.
This story is filled with magic, adventure, love, and unforgettable characters. I was hooked from beginning to end and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. If you’re looking for a heartfelt fantasy that reminds us of the beauty in embracing our differences, I definitely recommend picking this one up!
This story is filled with magic, adventure, love, and unforgettable characters. I was hooked from beginning to end and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. If you’re looking for a heartfelt fantasy that reminds us of the beauty in embracing our differences, I definitely recommend picking this one up!
August 6, 2026
Into the Redwoods was a beautiful, heartbreaking story.
I loved the worldbuilding, the differences between the Woodlanders and the Mechanicals’ lifestyles were so intriguing. And their constant, imminent war was just... devastating.
But amidst it all was a friendship more powerful than the Kingdom itself. Brooklyn and Evelyn were two sides of the same coin. Both sweet and kind in their own unique way, and they made their friendship work despite everything... until the very end.
And I loved it. I loved their story, their struggles, and their love.
I'm still sobbing over that ending... Thank you for breaking my heart.
I loved the worldbuilding, the differences between the Woodlanders and the Mechanicals’ lifestyles were so intriguing. And their constant, imminent war was just... devastating.
But amidst it all was a friendship more powerful than the Kingdom itself. Brooklyn and Evelyn were two sides of the same coin. Both sweet and kind in their own unique way, and they made their friendship work despite everything... until the very end.
And I loved it. I loved their story, their struggles, and their love.
I'm still sobbing over that ending... Thank you for breaking my heart.
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