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A Far Wilder Magic
A romantic YA fantasy perfect for fans of Erin A. Craig and Margaret Rogerson, about two people who find themselves competing for glory—and each other's hearts—in a magical fox hunt.
When Margaret Welty spots the legendary hala, the last living mythical creature, she knows the Halfmoon Hunt will soon follow. Whoever is able to kill the hala will earn fame and riches, and unlock an ancient magical secret. While Margaret is the best sharpshooter in town, only teams of two can register, and she needs an alchemist.
Weston Winters isn’t an alchemist—yet. He's been fired from every apprenticeship he's landed, and his last chance hinges on Master Welty taking him in. But when Wes arrives at Welty Manor, he finds only Margaret. She begrudgingly allows him to stay, but on one condition: he must join the hunt with her.
Although they make an unlikely team, they soon find themselves drawn to each other. As the hunt looms closer and tensions rise, Margaret and Wes uncover dark magic that could be the key to winning the hunt—if they survive that long.
In A Far Wilder Magic, Allison Saft has written an achingly tender love story set against a deadly hunt in an atmospheric, rich fantasy world that will sweep you away.
When Margaret Welty spots the legendary hala, the last living mythical creature, she knows the Halfmoon Hunt will soon follow. Whoever is able to kill the hala will earn fame and riches, and unlock an ancient magical secret. While Margaret is the best sharpshooter in town, only teams of two can register, and she needs an alchemist.
Weston Winters isn’t an alchemist—yet. He's been fired from every apprenticeship he's landed, and his last chance hinges on Master Welty taking him in. But when Wes arrives at Welty Manor, he finds only Margaret. She begrudgingly allows him to stay, but on one condition: he must join the hunt with her.
Although they make an unlikely team, they soon find themselves drawn to each other. As the hunt looms closer and tensions rise, Margaret and Wes uncover dark magic that could be the key to winning the hunt—if they survive that long.
In A Far Wilder Magic, Allison Saft has written an achingly tender love story set against a deadly hunt in an atmospheric, rich fantasy world that will sweep you away.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published March 8, 2022
1353 people are currently reading
90755 people want to read
About the author
Allison Saft
8 books3,918 followersAllison Saft is the New York Times and indie bestselling author of A Far Wilder Magic and Down Comes the Night. After receiving her MA in English Literature from Tulane University, she moved from the Gulf Coast to the West Coast, where she spends her time rolling on eight wheels and practicing aerial silks. She lives with her partner and an Italian greyhound named Marzipan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,602 reviews
June 22, 2022
this was the young roy and riza fanfic of my dreams, i LOVED it ♥️
December 25, 2024
behind every sharpshooter should be a man who yearns for her (not so quietly) and loves her as easy as breathing
“I love you. Please, let me.”
Read my full review
Bookstagram | Blog
“I love you. Please, let me.”
Read my full review
Bookstagram | Blog
September 2, 2022
ohhhh, i so desperately wanted to love this.
i think the concept of this story is cool. alchemy is always interesting and i think the different religions and how they play into the tradition of the hunt is done well. the characters are also great. both maggie and wes are strong, solid leads who have good characterisation and development.
however, the narrative commits one of my biggest pet peeves and it just kinda ruined my reading experience. this story has no idea what time period or place it is set in and the world-building is in absolute shambles because of it. theres a map at the beginning of the book that displays a made up land, which is great for fantasy. however, this is an urban fantasy. it takes place in the modern word with cars and phones, so how can it be a made up fantasy land? if there are cars and phones, then this cant be any earlier than the late 1880s. the clothing mentioned, societal norms, and the fact they say 25¢ is enough to buy groceries, also makes me think this is late 1880s to early 1900s. BUT! then we get mention of paramedics (thats what they call them) which isnt a term that is used until the 1950s. then it mentions a modern metallic condom wrapper, which design wasnt used until the late 1990s. so the setting is all over the place and it bugged the crap out of me. as you can tell. lol.
rant aside, i do think this story is a good bit of fun. readers who arent as sensitive as i am when it comes to continuity issues should enjoy this.
↠ 3 stars
i think the concept of this story is cool. alchemy is always interesting and i think the different religions and how they play into the tradition of the hunt is done well. the characters are also great. both maggie and wes are strong, solid leads who have good characterisation and development.
however, the narrative commits one of my biggest pet peeves and it just kinda ruined my reading experience. this story has no idea what time period or place it is set in and the world-building is in absolute shambles because of it. theres a map at the beginning of the book that displays a made up land, which is great for fantasy. however, this is an urban fantasy. it takes place in the modern word with cars and phones, so how can it be a made up fantasy land? if there are cars and phones, then this cant be any earlier than the late 1880s. the clothing mentioned, societal norms, and the fact they say 25¢ is enough to buy groceries, also makes me think this is late 1880s to early 1900s. BUT! then we get mention of paramedics (thats what they call them) which isnt a term that is used until the 1950s. then it mentions a modern metallic condom wrapper, which design wasnt used until the late 1990s. so the setting is all over the place and it bugged the crap out of me. as you can tell. lol.
rant aside, i do think this story is a good bit of fun. readers who arent as sensitive as i am when it comes to continuity issues should enjoy this.
↠ 3 stars
April 28, 2024
Heart bounding, vicious hunt of one of the most dangerous, legendary, mystical creature with magical alchemy touches and slow burn- sweet romance between reserved, tough, neglected heroine and sweet, chevalier, good hearted, talented hero! I’m sold! Actually I was already sold when I saw Allison Saft’s name and this vivid cover which is definition of pure magic! Isn’t it so fabulous?
Margaret Welty is lone fighter, outcast of town, mostly spending her time alone in Welty Manor located in Wickdon. She already lost her father, brother and her mother dedicated herself to her researches, spending most of her time out of town, leaving her daughter by herself in the manor full of ghosts, trembling in cold, befriending her bloodhound Trouble, compelling living conditions for her own age.
Every child on Wickdon raised on legends of the hala. As Katharist church painted it as a demon, Margaret’s father has second thoughts. That’s the first time she realized her family’s different approach against church’s doctrines. She’s daughter of Yu ‘adir and they believe the Hala is sacred creature, carrier of divine knowledge.
As soon as she meets the legendary creature in front of her house when she is all alone, trying to protect herself along with her bloodhound she’s responsible of, she realizes Halfmoon Hunt will follow sooner. Killing the hala means earning high reputation, fame and it also means to unlock an ancient magical secret.
Margaret can join the hunt with her excellent shooting skills but she cannot get too far with an accomplice who must be an alchemist!
But luckily her prayers are already answered. Young Weston Winters appears in front of the mansion door, requesting to be apprentice of her mother after being fired each apprenticeship he’s landed lately. He has to take care of his mother and his sister. Working with Margaret’s mother is his last chance. Wes knows he possesses some innate magic.
He has a quiet powerful effect on people. When he speaks people always listen. He’s not alchemist yet. He doesn’t come from wealthy family and he’s undereducated but he is talented enough to fight for his last chance even though Margaret is too stubborn let him pass the mansion’s threshold.
Wes’ honest talk about his family situation warms her heart and she finally let him wait for her mother’s return but as soon as she realizes he has enough talent to help her join the hunt, she finally asks for his help.
They’re definitely unlikely team: Margaret is quiet fighter, survivor who endured to live in the outskirts for a long time. Wes already impressed by her bravery. And even though Margaret was quiet anxious to spend more time with him at the same place, she finds herself drawn into his kindness, genuineness.
But the high tension, dangerous hunt in the woods may result with unleashing dark magic! Whether they survive from the merciless conditions of nature, could they defeat the dangerous effects of dark magic which will risk their lives?
It’s action packed, exciting, well executed survival- enchanted alchemy story with sweet romance vibes! I truly enjoyed it! I’m looking forward to read next works of Ms. Saft!
Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press and Wednesday Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
Margaret Welty is lone fighter, outcast of town, mostly spending her time alone in Welty Manor located in Wickdon. She already lost her father, brother and her mother dedicated herself to her researches, spending most of her time out of town, leaving her daughter by herself in the manor full of ghosts, trembling in cold, befriending her bloodhound Trouble, compelling living conditions for her own age.
Every child on Wickdon raised on legends of the hala. As Katharist church painted it as a demon, Margaret’s father has second thoughts. That’s the first time she realized her family’s different approach against church’s doctrines. She’s daughter of Yu ‘adir and they believe the Hala is sacred creature, carrier of divine knowledge.
As soon as she meets the legendary creature in front of her house when she is all alone, trying to protect herself along with her bloodhound she’s responsible of, she realizes Halfmoon Hunt will follow sooner. Killing the hala means earning high reputation, fame and it also means to unlock an ancient magical secret.
Margaret can join the hunt with her excellent shooting skills but she cannot get too far with an accomplice who must be an alchemist!
But luckily her prayers are already answered. Young Weston Winters appears in front of the mansion door, requesting to be apprentice of her mother after being fired each apprenticeship he’s landed lately. He has to take care of his mother and his sister. Working with Margaret’s mother is his last chance. Wes knows he possesses some innate magic.
He has a quiet powerful effect on people. When he speaks people always listen. He’s not alchemist yet. He doesn’t come from wealthy family and he’s undereducated but he is talented enough to fight for his last chance even though Margaret is too stubborn let him pass the mansion’s threshold.
Wes’ honest talk about his family situation warms her heart and she finally let him wait for her mother’s return but as soon as she realizes he has enough talent to help her join the hunt, she finally asks for his help.
They’re definitely unlikely team: Margaret is quiet fighter, survivor who endured to live in the outskirts for a long time. Wes already impressed by her bravery. And even though Margaret was quiet anxious to spend more time with him at the same place, she finds herself drawn into his kindness, genuineness.
But the high tension, dangerous hunt in the woods may result with unleashing dark magic! Whether they survive from the merciless conditions of nature, could they defeat the dangerous effects of dark magic which will risk their lives?
It’s action packed, exciting, well executed survival- enchanted alchemy story with sweet romance vibes! I truly enjoyed it! I’m looking forward to read next works of Ms. Saft!
Special thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press and Wednesday Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
March 17, 2024
This review will be the most personal I’ve ever written and I was hesitant to write this but I’m writing this for me.
This book holds a special place in my heart. I have rarely related to a character more than I did with Margaret.
Just like Margaret - my father abandoned me as a child because ‘’dealing’’ (his words) with my mother was too much for him. So he just left me with her, and I quickly became my mother’s parent. The difference with me and Margaret is that I had a 2 younger brothers to care for from a young age. But I can still relate to her loneliness and helplessness on too many levels.
« I thought if I never needed anything, if I never bothered you, if I took care of us… you’d love me. But it didn’t work » 💔
This book made me cry and healed me in so many ways. The way her mother tried to manipulate & gaslight her… I’ve went through this way too many times. And the fact that we still feel like we need to care for them once we reach adulthood, no matter what they did to us…
« None of that was your fault and it wasn’t your job to keep her afloat. You were just a kid. You deserved to be taken care of, and someone should’ve done something. You deserved to be loved » I didn’t know I needed to hear this until I burst into tears
« what happens to her isn’t your responsibility. It’s not your job to take care of her when she never gave you the same courtesy. This isn’t how love is supposed to be »
« She has built herself a mother out of those precious memories and kept herself alive on them. But she can’t subsist on crumbs anymore »
More quotes that resonated with my soul
« How many times will she watch someone leave this place and never look back, while she is left here like a ghost to haunt it? »
« When I look at you, I don’t see someone broken. I see someone hurting - someone healing. It’ll take time, but that doesn’t matter to me » ❤️🩹
———•
Pre read ; Long weeks needs a weekend 🥂
This book holds a special place in my heart. I have rarely related to a character more than I did with Margaret.
Just like Margaret - my father abandoned me as a child because ‘’dealing’’ (his words) with my mother was too much for him. So he just left me with her, and I quickly became my mother’s parent. The difference with me and Margaret is that I had a 2 younger brothers to care for from a young age. But I can still relate to her loneliness and helplessness on too many levels.
« I thought if I never needed anything, if I never bothered you, if I took care of us… you’d love me. But it didn’t work » 💔
This book made me cry and healed me in so many ways. The way her mother tried to manipulate & gaslight her… I’ve went through this way too many times. And the fact that we still feel like we need to care for them once we reach adulthood, no matter what they did to us…
« None of that was your fault and it wasn’t your job to keep her afloat. You were just a kid. You deserved to be taken care of, and someone should’ve done something. You deserved to be loved » I didn’t know I needed to hear this until I burst into tears
« what happens to her isn’t your responsibility. It’s not your job to take care of her when she never gave you the same courtesy. This isn’t how love is supposed to be »
« She has built herself a mother out of those precious memories and kept herself alive on them. But she can’t subsist on crumbs anymore »
More quotes that resonated with my soul
« How many times will she watch someone leave this place and never look back, while she is left here like a ghost to haunt it? »
« When I look at you, I don’t see someone broken. I see someone hurting - someone healing. It’ll take time, but that doesn’t matter to me » ❤️🩹
———•
Pre read ; Long weeks needs a weekend 🥂
December 2, 2025
**4.5-stars rounded up**
When Weston Winters shows up on her doorstop, Margaret Welty is home alone and has been for quite some time.
Margaret's mother, a famous alchemist, is traveling for work and Margaret, essentially abandoned, has no idea when she will return.
Wes is an aspiring alchemist seeking apprenticeship with Margaret's mom, hence his sudden and previously unannounced arrival. Although Margaret is annoyed by his mere presence, he is able to break down some of her walls and she agrees to let him stay until her mother returns.
Margaret may have ulterior motives. The Halfmoon Hunt approaches and she is desperate to participate. The winner of the hunt, the one who is able to slay the legendary Hala, the last living mythical creature, will win fame and a large sum of money.
The catch is only teams of two are allowed. Margaret is the best shot in town, but she needs an alchemist for a partner. Perhaps Wes can serve a purpose after all.
As you can imagine, when two young people living, and working, together under the same roof, sparks are most likely going to fly. It's not immediate and certainly not discussed between them, but as Margaret and Wes learn more about each other, they discover they may be more alike than they initially thought.
I was swept away with this story. Saft is a master at creating lush and fully-consuming atmospheres. I loved the world she created here; it felt very greater-Boston area, maybe mid-to-late 1920s, but with magic.
Additionally, I was impressed with the different layers woven into this story. For example, there was quite a bit of commentary on discrimination against ethnic minorities and immigrants. It never felt forced, which I appreciated. It felt like a completely natural aspect of this story.
Both Margaret and Wes had experienced outward discrimination and hostilities towards them based upon who they were and where they came from. Eventually, they were able to talk about and bond over these shared experiences.
I was moved by both of their stories and how they learned to stand strong in the face of aggression; how they both sought to make changes for the better for all.
That is just a minor part though, for me, the highlight of this book is the Halfmoon Hunt. I loved learning about it, the lore, history, dangers and watching Margaret and Wes prep for the big day. Of course it doesn't go entirely smoothly.
Drama abounds as the event nears and I had no idea where it was going or what was going to happen. I was completely head over heels for this team by that point though, I was ready to cut down the competition myself!
While Margaret and Wes have their ups and downs over the course of the story, one thing that never waned was their growing feelings for one another.
This is a YA Fantasy Romance after all and I thought the romance was splendid; so natural and satisfying to watch evolve. From the early neurotic days of pining and questioning, all the way through to the end, I was invested.
There were no eye-roll moments for me, no wishing for it to be over, it was organic and fun.
I really enjoyed Saft's 2020-release, Down Comes the Night. It was an impressive Romantic Fantasy debut. In A Far Wilder Magic, I feel like Saft's writing has really blossomed. This is a complex story and it was so well executed.
Thank you to the publisher, Wednesday Books, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I cannot wait to for Allison Saft's next book. I look forward to following her career for a long time to come!!
When Weston Winters shows up on her doorstop, Margaret Welty is home alone and has been for quite some time.
Margaret's mother, a famous alchemist, is traveling for work and Margaret, essentially abandoned, has no idea when she will return.
Wes is an aspiring alchemist seeking apprenticeship with Margaret's mom, hence his sudden and previously unannounced arrival. Although Margaret is annoyed by his mere presence, he is able to break down some of her walls and she agrees to let him stay until her mother returns.
Margaret may have ulterior motives. The Halfmoon Hunt approaches and she is desperate to participate. The winner of the hunt, the one who is able to slay the legendary Hala, the last living mythical creature, will win fame and a large sum of money.
The catch is only teams of two are allowed. Margaret is the best shot in town, but she needs an alchemist for a partner. Perhaps Wes can serve a purpose after all.
As you can imagine, when two young people living, and working, together under the same roof, sparks are most likely going to fly. It's not immediate and certainly not discussed between them, but as Margaret and Wes learn more about each other, they discover they may be more alike than they initially thought.
I was swept away with this story. Saft is a master at creating lush and fully-consuming atmospheres. I loved the world she created here; it felt very greater-Boston area, maybe mid-to-late 1920s, but with magic.
Additionally, I was impressed with the different layers woven into this story. For example, there was quite a bit of commentary on discrimination against ethnic minorities and immigrants. It never felt forced, which I appreciated. It felt like a completely natural aspect of this story.
Both Margaret and Wes had experienced outward discrimination and hostilities towards them based upon who they were and where they came from. Eventually, they were able to talk about and bond over these shared experiences.
I was moved by both of their stories and how they learned to stand strong in the face of aggression; how they both sought to make changes for the better for all.
That is just a minor part though, for me, the highlight of this book is the Halfmoon Hunt. I loved learning about it, the lore, history, dangers and watching Margaret and Wes prep for the big day. Of course it doesn't go entirely smoothly.
Drama abounds as the event nears and I had no idea where it was going or what was going to happen. I was completely head over heels for this team by that point though, I was ready to cut down the competition myself!
While Margaret and Wes have their ups and downs over the course of the story, one thing that never waned was their growing feelings for one another.
This is a YA Fantasy Romance after all and I thought the romance was splendid; so natural and satisfying to watch evolve. From the early neurotic days of pining and questioning, all the way through to the end, I was invested.
There were no eye-roll moments for me, no wishing for it to be over, it was organic and fun.
I really enjoyed Saft's 2020-release, Down Comes the Night. It was an impressive Romantic Fantasy debut. In A Far Wilder Magic, I feel like Saft's writing has really blossomed. This is a complex story and it was so well executed.
Thank you to the publisher, Wednesday Books, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I cannot wait to for Allison Saft's next book. I look forward to following her career for a long time to come!!
March 3, 2022
Allison Saft is quickly becoming one of my all-favorite authors.
This books is beautiful. From the writing to the characters, it's stunning. I was captivated from the start, immediately falling in love with our two protagonists and their journey. I also especially loved the world-building. A Far Wilder Magic place in a fantasy world similar to the 1920's, but with alchemy and magical creatures like the hala. What I loved most was the political and religious themes in this book. Margaret is a Jewish-coded character, and Wes is Irish Catholic-coded, and both of them live in a primarily (fantasy version of) Christian society that frowns on both of their religions and the Banvish (this book's version of Irish people).
I can't speak to the Jewish rep, but as someone from an Irish Catholic family that immigrated to the US in the 20's, I can say it was spot on from the stories I would hear from my grandparents. YA fantasy has played with Irish folklore and culture before, but I can't put into words how excited I was when reading Allison Saft's interpretation.
This book is more than its world and magic, it's inherently a story about characters and their relationships, and damn does it excel at that. First, the romance. It's so cute and precious and I can't talk about it without squealing. But what I really want to talk about is the family dynamics. You have one character with a loud, chaotic, but over-all supportive family, but due to the recent loss of his father, he feels he needs to be strong for them. Then you have our other main character, who is neglected by her frequently-gone mother. She also suffers from trauma that occured because of her mothers obsession with alchemy. I really loved how this aspect of the story was handled. I personally have PTSD and loved how it was presented in this book.
I genuinely can't recommend A Far Wilder Magic enough. It an incredible novel that now holds a special place in my heart.
TWs: animal death, abuse, violence, hate crimes, antisemitism, death
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an ARC to review
This books is beautiful. From the writing to the characters, it's stunning. I was captivated from the start, immediately falling in love with our two protagonists and their journey. I also especially loved the world-building. A Far Wilder Magic place in a fantasy world similar to the 1920's, but with alchemy and magical creatures like the hala. What I loved most was the political and religious themes in this book. Margaret is a Jewish-coded character, and Wes is Irish Catholic-coded, and both of them live in a primarily (fantasy version of) Christian society that frowns on both of their religions and the Banvish (this book's version of Irish people).
I can't speak to the Jewish rep, but as someone from an Irish Catholic family that immigrated to the US in the 20's, I can say it was spot on from the stories I would hear from my grandparents. YA fantasy has played with Irish folklore and culture before, but I can't put into words how excited I was when reading Allison Saft's interpretation.
This book is more than its world and magic, it's inherently a story about characters and their relationships, and damn does it excel at that. First, the romance. It's so cute and precious and I can't talk about it without squealing. But what I really want to talk about is the family dynamics. You have one character with a loud, chaotic, but over-all supportive family, but due to the recent loss of his father, he feels he needs to be strong for them. Then you have our other main character, who is neglected by her frequently-gone mother. She also suffers from trauma that occured because of her mothers obsession with alchemy. I really loved how this aspect of the story was handled. I personally have PTSD and loved how it was presented in this book.
I genuinely can't recommend A Far Wilder Magic enough. It an incredible novel that now holds a special place in my heart.
TWs: animal death, abuse, violence, hate crimes, antisemitism, death
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an ARC to review
January 11, 2024
This book is beautifully written but I think the expectation that comes with it is what makes A Far Wilder Magic fell short.
I'm so torn to give this thousand stars for the beautiful prose or cocoon with my disappointment for what it promised me but never delivered. Well, I guess, I'm going to give this a sit and think through.
RTC
I'm so torn to give this thousand stars for the beautiful prose or cocoon with my disappointment for what it promised me but never delivered. Well, I guess, I'm going to give this a sit and think through.
RTC
January 1, 2023
Loved Allison Saft’s writing in this book! It’s lovely and descriptive while still contained in a cozy, low-stakes fantasy setting. While there are magical elements mixed with alchemy and science, the strongest emphasis goes into the well-rounded characters and their slow burn romance. We get a great understanding of both the central characters and their outward pretenses vs. inner vulnerabilities. I also liked how the book explored religious persecution and finding belonging - these themes added more depth to the story.
I think what would have rounded off this book to be a 5-star read is restructuring the story to make sure the hunt takes up more space. We spend a long time doing internal work with the characters while external events are building up to the hunt, which is supposed to be the climax, yet it doesn’t happen until the very end of the book and is super rushed. I would have liked more care and attention given to such an important event in the story as much as the characters’ daily lives. Can’t complain too much though because I also prefer writing romantic scenes over action scenes, haha.
I think what would have rounded off this book to be a 5-star read is restructuring the story to make sure the hunt takes up more space. We spend a long time doing internal work with the characters while external events are building up to the hunt, which is supposed to be the climax, yet it doesn’t happen until the very end of the book and is super rushed. I would have liked more care and attention given to such an important event in the story as much as the characters’ daily lives. Can’t complain too much though because I also prefer writing romantic scenes over action scenes, haha.
September 9, 2023
"He wants her so much more than he has allowed himself to imagine. He wants her, desperately and entirely."
When, Margaret, an isolated and solitary girl and the town outcast, spots the Hala, the mythical creature her mother has been searching for to complete her work, Margaret decides to catch it in order to win her absentee mother's love and approval that she so desperately wants, during the annual Hunt competition. There is just one problem, to compete, she needs an alchemist. Enter Weston, not quite an alchemist but an apprentice with his own set of problems. Weston and Margaret could not be more different but they both desperately need to win this competition for their own individual reasons, so they have no choice but to set their differences aside and work together to achieve their goals. Can they overcome everything standing against them to come out triumphant and maybe they don't hate each other as much as it seems. 🤭
"Love is not the sharp-edged thing she's always believed it to be. It's not like the sea, liable to slip through her fingers if she holds on too tight. It's not a currency, something to be earned or denied or bartered for. Love can be steadfast. It can be certain and safe, or wild as an open flame. It's a slice of buttered bread at a dinner table. It's a grudge born of worry. Its broken skin pulled over swelling knuckles."
This book was coded for my soul. It's atmospheric and filled with beautiful writing and moody untamed settings and best of all, characters that burrow into your heart. It definitely leans towards being more character based than plot but that is just fine with me bc I love that especially when it's done so perfectly like Allison Saft manages to do here. The romance in this book unfolds so organically and beautifully and is developed alongside each individual character's personal growth. Everything in this book felt earned nothing felt rushed, I really loved the natural progression and pace of the story. The are so many wonderful supporting subplots going on such as generational trauma, religious bias, social inequality, financial oppression and just outright racism and prejudice. I thought all were handled expertly. Overall, though, both Wes and Margaret just stole my heart. I want nothing but good things for them because they both deserve the world and I love them with my entire heart! AND ALSO, THERE IS A DOG!!!! 😍 (automatic additional star)
"All her life, love has been a scarce and precious resource, something earned or denied, something she starved for every day. But with Wes, love is different. It is reckless and inexhaustible. It is freely given."
Margaret-Oh my poor sweet girl deserved so much better. I loved Margaret immediately; she is so determined and has so much grit. I loved her direct, no-nonsense personality. Her grumpy to Wes's sunshine was so perfect. I thought her journey to understanding that, not everyone that should love you, does, or is worthy of your grace and forgiveness. It was so emotional and had my heart aching for her. She was so relatable to me, and I found her story to be almost therapeutic in a way. Her relationship with Wes and how he showed her what real family should look like and what she deserves was so real and touching and so sad all at the same time bc she was so starved for affection and genuine love. I was literally in tears during a particular chapter where she has certain realizations, it was so beautifully written.
"I meant it when I said there's a life for us-a good one. A country where we don't have to be afraid. A house in the countryside. A whole library full of smutty books and a huge kitchen and seven kids- or no kids- and five hounds just like Trouble. Whatever you want. I swear I'll make it happen. I swear I'll make you happy." 😭
Weston-This sweet man!! I love that Wes isn't perfect, that he is flawed and dense sometimes. But he is always trying to be better, his love for his family and his desire to fight for his people and set a balance in the system for every person to have the same opportunities and live a decent life is so inspiring but he's also not a Saint and is afflicted by vanity and impulsiveness. I loved that he struggles with those parts of himself bc we all have traits we must be self-aware of and continuously work on but most of all I love that Margaret sees all of him and accepts and loves all of him. His unconditional and total love for Maggie had my heart melting. I just love them together so much bc they complement each other so well.
I could talk about this book for hours honestly and I need to give a huge shout out and thank you to my bestie Deema bc I read this book entirely bc of her, I had never even heard of it before her gorgeous review that you should go read bc it's a masterpiece. Thank you, bestie, for listening to my live reactions and my sniffling while I was reading this! 😭🥰
Here are just some more quotes that I loved 💙
"Wes doesn't want to die without his soul entwined with hers."
"She could learn how to make the sting of abandonment fade into numbness."
"Margaret Welty is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen, and he is completely and hopelessly in love with her"
"Like this she looks like more wolf than girl- like some magic far wilder than alchemy runs through her."
"Margaret Welty has cast him into a state of mortal sin."
"God, she's not even here and he's half sick with pining. She'd likely skin him alive if she knew the thoughts he had about her."
"I never should have left you"
"I never should have let you go."
"He is incorrigible, and she is so in love."
When, Margaret, an isolated and solitary girl and the town outcast, spots the Hala, the mythical creature her mother has been searching for to complete her work, Margaret decides to catch it in order to win her absentee mother's love and approval that she so desperately wants, during the annual Hunt competition. There is just one problem, to compete, she needs an alchemist. Enter Weston, not quite an alchemist but an apprentice with his own set of problems. Weston and Margaret could not be more different but they both desperately need to win this competition for their own individual reasons, so they have no choice but to set their differences aside and work together to achieve their goals. Can they overcome everything standing against them to come out triumphant and maybe they don't hate each other as much as it seems. 🤭
"Love is not the sharp-edged thing she's always believed it to be. It's not like the sea, liable to slip through her fingers if she holds on too tight. It's not a currency, something to be earned or denied or bartered for. Love can be steadfast. It can be certain and safe, or wild as an open flame. It's a slice of buttered bread at a dinner table. It's a grudge born of worry. Its broken skin pulled over swelling knuckles."
This book was coded for my soul. It's atmospheric and filled with beautiful writing and moody untamed settings and best of all, characters that burrow into your heart. It definitely leans towards being more character based than plot but that is just fine with me bc I love that especially when it's done so perfectly like Allison Saft manages to do here. The romance in this book unfolds so organically and beautifully and is developed alongside each individual character's personal growth. Everything in this book felt earned nothing felt rushed, I really loved the natural progression and pace of the story. The are so many wonderful supporting subplots going on such as generational trauma, religious bias, social inequality, financial oppression and just outright racism and prejudice. I thought all were handled expertly. Overall, though, both Wes and Margaret just stole my heart. I want nothing but good things for them because they both deserve the world and I love them with my entire heart! AND ALSO, THERE IS A DOG!!!! 😍 (automatic additional star)
"All her life, love has been a scarce and precious resource, something earned or denied, something she starved for every day. But with Wes, love is different. It is reckless and inexhaustible. It is freely given."
Margaret-Oh my poor sweet girl deserved so much better. I loved Margaret immediately; she is so determined and has so much grit. I loved her direct, no-nonsense personality. Her grumpy to Wes's sunshine was so perfect. I thought her journey to understanding that, not everyone that should love you, does, or is worthy of your grace and forgiveness. It was so emotional and had my heart aching for her. She was so relatable to me, and I found her story to be almost therapeutic in a way. Her relationship with Wes and how he showed her what real family should look like and what she deserves was so real and touching and so sad all at the same time bc she was so starved for affection and genuine love. I was literally in tears during a particular chapter where she has certain realizations, it was so beautifully written.
"I meant it when I said there's a life for us-a good one. A country where we don't have to be afraid. A house in the countryside. A whole library full of smutty books and a huge kitchen and seven kids- or no kids- and five hounds just like Trouble. Whatever you want. I swear I'll make it happen. I swear I'll make you happy." 😭
Weston-This sweet man!! I love that Wes isn't perfect, that he is flawed and dense sometimes. But he is always trying to be better, his love for his family and his desire to fight for his people and set a balance in the system for every person to have the same opportunities and live a decent life is so inspiring but he's also not a Saint and is afflicted by vanity and impulsiveness. I loved that he struggles with those parts of himself bc we all have traits we must be self-aware of and continuously work on but most of all I love that Margaret sees all of him and accepts and loves all of him. His unconditional and total love for Maggie had my heart melting. I just love them together so much bc they complement each other so well.
I could talk about this book for hours honestly and I need to give a huge shout out and thank you to my bestie Deema bc I read this book entirely bc of her, I had never even heard of it before her gorgeous review that you should go read bc it's a masterpiece. Thank you, bestie, for listening to my live reactions and my sniffling while I was reading this! 😭🥰
Here are just some more quotes that I loved 💙
"Wes doesn't want to die without his soul entwined with hers."
"She could learn how to make the sting of abandonment fade into numbness."
"Margaret Welty is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen, and he is completely and hopelessly in love with her"
"Like this she looks like more wolf than girl- like some magic far wilder than alchemy runs through her."
"Margaret Welty has cast him into a state of mortal sin."
"God, she's not even here and he's half sick with pining. She'd likely skin him alive if she knew the thoughts he had about her."
"I never should have left you"
"I never should have let you go."
"He is incorrigible, and she is so in love."
May 21, 2022
Can we talk about the fact that this book is an incredibly blatant Fullmetal Alchemist ripoff?
This book was suggested to me on Twitter, advertising itself for fans of The Scorpio Races and Fullmetal Alchemist, and while I haven't read The Scorpio Races yet, I'm a big fan of FMA, so naturally, this book piqued my interest. I was active in the FMA fandom for years and know the lore and characters well, therefore, when I read the summary, I couldn't help feeling like I've met the two main characters before:
After this, I definitely needed to read the book to decide whether the similarities were "homage" to FMA and its characters, a repurposed Royai fanfic, or a blatant ripoff. I feel like this book, while probably being very enjoyable to those who are not familiar with Fullmetal Alchemist, managed to do the latter.
Let's talk about the main characters first. Wes and Maggie look and act exactly like Roy Mustang and Riza Hawkeye; down to so many character-specific details that anyone who is familiar with FMA would notice them from a mile away.
Maggie is blonde-haired and brown-eyed, and wears her hair pinned up with a tortoiseshell barrette. She's strict and headstrong and very organized —did I mention that she's also a sharpshooter?
Maggie lives alone in a shoddy, abandoned manor in the countryside. Her mother is a renowned alchemist who buried herself in her alchemical research after the death of Maggie's brother and the subsequent disappearance of Maggie's father, to the point that she ended up neglecting Maggie and eventually disappearing on her to pursue clues about the Philosopher's stone. Maggie is thus left to tend to their house alone until her mother returns. That is where Wes finds her when he visits their town in hope of scoring an apprenticeship under Maggie's mother.
Riza's backstory is very similar in FMA: after the death of her mother, her father —a renowned alchemist — buries himself in his research, to the point of neglecting Riza, their house and his own health, and Riza is left to tend to their empty countryside manor alone, until Roy appears on their doorstep, hoping to score an apprenticeship under Master Hawkeye.
As for Weston, I think the similarities are even more uncanny here. Wes has black hair that is very specifically described to be "shorn close" at the nape but with a messy fringe he likes to slick back when he wants to look more put-together (like Roy does in FMA), dark brown/black eyes, a "round, boyish face", and a long black trench coat he loves to drape over his shoulders like a cape. This is especially funny because Roy's coat is practically a meme in the FMA fandom .
There are literal memes about how Roy can't wear his coat properly. There is a friggin' blog dedicated to the coat.
As for his backstory, Wes is a city boy who comes from a large and poor minority family. His father died two years before the current story, leaving his widowed mother to raise Wes and his four sisters (all of whom are named after FMA characters, mind you). Wes, however, has big dreams. He aims to become an alchemist to launch his career as a politician and dismantle the fascist government of New Albion, as only state-employed alchemists can become politicians in their country. He is ambitious, charming, a real sweet-talker and a womanizer, but he tries to hide his wit by acting, well... like a himbo most of the time. He's been kicked off all his previous apprenticeships (either due to his dyslexia/ADHD or his ethnicity) and he seeks out Maggie's mother as a last resort.
Roy in FMA is pretty much the same: a city boy whose parents die when he is young, who ends up being raised by his aunt, a bar (brothel) owner, amongst many girls who work there, who Roy addresses as his "sisters". His dream is to become a politician and dismantle the fascist government of Amestris, but for that, he needs to become a State Alchemist first, and that is why he seeks out Riza's father. He's ambitious, charming, a real sweet-talker and a womanizer who acts like a dumb himbo to hide his actual wit. He's widely headcanoned to be half-Xingese, and I've seen a several people say that he is dyslexic or ADHD-coded.
Weston ends up learning flame alchemy throughout the book (like Roy) and even draws a transmutation circle onto the back of his hand once. :)
Can you see the pattern here?
But if you can't, I still have a few things to mention:
- The setting (both are set in an 1920s America-ish world)
- There are few vague mentions of the country's history (enacting expansive politics, conquering other nations, repressing minorities, using state-alchemists as weapons of war) which made me believe that New Albion had its own "Ishvalan War of Extermination", somewhat diluted with some elements of IRL WWII history and the Holocaust.
-The alchemical terminology used in the book is pretty much the same as in FMA, which wouldn't be a problem in itself because there are only so many ways you can interpret historical descriptions of how alchemy was performed, and Arakawa naturally doesn't have copyright on common Alchemical terms. However the book quoted the whole "One is All and All is One" monologue from FMA word by word The principle of "One is All and All is One" does not exist in historical Alchemy, it was made up by Arakawa.
-The way Alchemy is performed, especially the way transmutation circles are used, is the same as in FMA
- Alchemists encoding their research in other books to keep them secret
-An in-world counterpart to Roy's ignition gloves actually made an appearance somewhere near the end
-Evelyn (Maggie's mother) literally looks like a genderbent Hohenheim. Long blonde hair pulled into a ponytail at the nape of her neck, gold eyes, glasses, very tall, brown trench coat. Even the fucking suitcase.
-SPOILERS: Evelyn tried to bring Maggie's dead brother back with Human Transmutation and failed. That is essentially why she ended up leaving Maggie alone, to pursue the Philosopher's stone and resurrect Maggie's brother with its power. Her character is basically an amalgamation of three FMA characters: Hohenheim, Izumi Curtis and Berthold Hawkeye (Riza's father). The whole human transmutation scene plays out THE EXACT SAME WAY as Ed and Al's failed resurrection of their mother in episode 1 — down to the point of Evelyn transmuting a charred, twisted body with inverted joints and protruding ribs, incapable of movement and survival.
-Maggie and Wes have a scene where Maggie promises to shoot Wes if he ever deviates from the rightful path during his political career. Riza and Roy have the exact same conversation in FMA.
The list goes on but I rambled long enough. Some praise, for the end: the prose was beautiful and captivating and I liked the main characters (although I cannot decide whether I liked Maggie and Wes themselves or I just liked them because they were copied and pasted from FMA into a world that is technically the same). A lot of people criticized the slow-moving plot but I think this book was primarily character-focused.
The original plot the author came up with (the hunt) is done in like three chapters and is thoroughly underwhelming, but the buildup to it was sweet and I loved the escalating tension between the main characters. My heart is bleeding because under different circumstances I know I would've enjoyed this book. However, I think I speak for all of Saft's readers who are fans of FMA when I say that the book left a very bitter aftertaste in my mouth, because while a lot of authors go around publishing repurposed fanfiction (i.e.: Fifty Shades of Grey, The Love Hypothesis, etc.) those were all originally Alternate Universe stories. This is not an AU story. This is technically an FMA-inspired story about FMA-inspired characters in an FMA-inspired world. It is not an AU.
What I said at the beginning still stands. I consider this book not just a reiteration or a homage to FMA; the characters and the world were downright copied from the show and I think this is not okay.
This book was suggested to me on Twitter, advertising itself for fans of The Scorpio Races and Fullmetal Alchemist, and while I haven't read The Scorpio Races yet, I'm a big fan of FMA, so naturally, this book piqued my interest. I was active in the FMA fandom for years and know the lore and characters well, therefore, when I read the summary, I couldn't help feeling like I've met the two main characters before:
After this, I definitely needed to read the book to decide whether the similarities were "homage" to FMA and its characters, a repurposed Royai fanfic, or a blatant ripoff. I feel like this book, while probably being very enjoyable to those who are not familiar with Fullmetal Alchemist, managed to do the latter.
Let's talk about the main characters first. Wes and Maggie look and act exactly like Roy Mustang and Riza Hawkeye; down to so many character-specific details that anyone who is familiar with FMA would notice them from a mile away.
Maggie is blonde-haired and brown-eyed, and wears her hair pinned up with a tortoiseshell barrette. She's strict and headstrong and very organized —did I mention that she's also a sharpshooter?
Maggie lives alone in a shoddy, abandoned manor in the countryside. Her mother is a renowned alchemist who buried herself in her alchemical research after the death of Maggie's brother and the subsequent disappearance of Maggie's father, to the point that she ended up neglecting Maggie and eventually disappearing on her to pursue clues about the Philosopher's stone. Maggie is thus left to tend to their house alone until her mother returns. That is where Wes finds her when he visits their town in hope of scoring an apprenticeship under Maggie's mother.
Riza's backstory is very similar in FMA: after the death of her mother, her father —a renowned alchemist — buries himself in his research, to the point of neglecting Riza, their house and his own health, and Riza is left to tend to their empty countryside manor alone, until Roy appears on their doorstep, hoping to score an apprenticeship under Master Hawkeye.
As for Weston, I think the similarities are even more uncanny here. Wes has black hair that is very specifically described to be "shorn close" at the nape but with a messy fringe he likes to slick back when he wants to look more put-together (like Roy does in FMA), dark brown/black eyes, a "round, boyish face", and a long black trench coat he loves to drape over his shoulders like a cape. This is especially funny because Roy's coat is practically a meme in the FMA fandom .
There are literal memes about how Roy can't wear his coat properly. There is a friggin' blog dedicated to the coat.
As for his backstory, Wes is a city boy who comes from a large and poor minority family. His father died two years before the current story, leaving his widowed mother to raise Wes and his four sisters (all of whom are named after FMA characters, mind you). Wes, however, has big dreams. He aims to become an alchemist to launch his career as a politician and dismantle the fascist government of New Albion, as only state-employed alchemists can become politicians in their country. He is ambitious, charming, a real sweet-talker and a womanizer, but he tries to hide his wit by acting, well... like a himbo most of the time. He's been kicked off all his previous apprenticeships (either due to his dyslexia/ADHD or his ethnicity) and he seeks out Maggie's mother as a last resort.
Roy in FMA is pretty much the same: a city boy whose parents die when he is young, who ends up being raised by his aunt, a bar (brothel) owner, amongst many girls who work there, who Roy addresses as his "sisters". His dream is to become a politician and dismantle the fascist government of Amestris, but for that, he needs to become a State Alchemist first, and that is why he seeks out Riza's father. He's ambitious, charming, a real sweet-talker and a womanizer who acts like a dumb himbo to hide his actual wit. He's widely headcanoned to be half-Xingese, and I've seen a several people say that he is dyslexic or ADHD-coded.
Weston ends up learning flame alchemy throughout the book (like Roy) and even draws a transmutation circle onto the back of his hand once. :)
Can you see the pattern here?
But if you can't, I still have a few things to mention:
- The setting (both are set in an 1920s America-ish world)
- There are few vague mentions of the country's history (enacting expansive politics, conquering other nations, repressing minorities, using state-alchemists as weapons of war) which made me believe that New Albion had its own "Ishvalan War of Extermination", somewhat diluted with some elements of IRL WWII history and the Holocaust.
-The alchemical terminology used in the book is pretty much the same as in FMA, which wouldn't be a problem in itself because there are only so many ways you can interpret historical descriptions of how alchemy was performed, and Arakawa naturally doesn't have copyright on common Alchemical terms. However the book quoted the whole "One is All and All is One" monologue from FMA word by word The principle of "One is All and All is One" does not exist in historical Alchemy, it was made up by Arakawa.
-The way Alchemy is performed, especially the way transmutation circles are used, is the same as in FMA
- Alchemists encoding their research in other books to keep them secret
-An in-world counterpart to Roy's ignition gloves actually made an appearance somewhere near the end
-Evelyn (Maggie's mother) literally looks like a genderbent Hohenheim. Long blonde hair pulled into a ponytail at the nape of her neck, gold eyes, glasses, very tall, brown trench coat. Even the fucking suitcase.
-SPOILERS: Evelyn tried to bring Maggie's dead brother back with Human Transmutation and failed. That is essentially why she ended up leaving Maggie alone, to pursue the Philosopher's stone and resurrect Maggie's brother with its power. Her character is basically an amalgamation of three FMA characters: Hohenheim, Izumi Curtis and Berthold Hawkeye (Riza's father). The whole human transmutation scene plays out THE EXACT SAME WAY as Ed and Al's failed resurrection of their mother in episode 1 — down to the point of Evelyn transmuting a charred, twisted body with inverted joints and protruding ribs, incapable of movement and survival.
-Maggie and Wes have a scene where Maggie promises to shoot Wes if he ever deviates from the rightful path during his political career. Riza and Roy have the exact same conversation in FMA.
The list goes on but I rambled long enough. Some praise, for the end: the prose was beautiful and captivating and I liked the main characters (although I cannot decide whether I liked Maggie and Wes themselves or I just liked them because they were copied and pasted from FMA into a world that is technically the same). A lot of people criticized the slow-moving plot but I think this book was primarily character-focused.
The original plot the author came up with (the hunt) is done in like three chapters and is thoroughly underwhelming, but the buildup to it was sweet and I loved the escalating tension between the main characters. My heart is bleeding because under different circumstances I know I would've enjoyed this book. However, I think I speak for all of Saft's readers who are fans of FMA when I say that the book left a very bitter aftertaste in my mouth, because while a lot of authors go around publishing repurposed fanfiction (i.e.: Fifty Shades of Grey, The Love Hypothesis, etc.) those were all originally Alternate Universe stories. This is not an AU story. This is technically an FMA-inspired story about FMA-inspired characters in an FMA-inspired world. It is not an AU.
What I said at the beginning still stands. I consider this book not just a reiteration or a homage to FMA; the characters and the world were downright copied from the show and I think this is not okay.
July 2, 2024
Six months later and I still find myself rereading my favorite scenes from this book. 🥰
-
It's hard for me to think about this book without crying — and I mean this in the most positive way possible. There are SO many things I loved about this book, and I can see myself going back to this time and time again. So if you're into intimate, slow-burn love stories with well-developed, loveable characters, please dome yourselves a favor and read this book!
I don't think I can come up with the right words to do this book justice and to tell you how much I loved this. But I'm going to try. Since this is a character-centric story more than anything, let's start with the characters.
The characters in general had so much depth to them. They were never just one thing or the other — they all had multiple facets to them, that made them very human. Both of our main characters had to navigate their lives which were full of prejudices from others, and abuse from those who had power over them.
Margaret. She's fierce, independent, and practical... but she's also lonely, unsure, and is desperately craving to be loved by her mother. The way her character matured as she realized that she didn't need to fight for a love that wasn't the love she deserved was... yep. Brilliant and heart-wrenching.
Weston. I feel like I need five letter-sized papers to talk about how much I love Wes. To put things simply, I think this quote from Margaret's POV is a pretty good summary of his character:
THE ROMANCE! Allison Saft was able to write such a touching, intimate romance that BROKE me. The main characters grew together in such an organic, natural way... This was definitely slow burn at its finest.
This book also heavily focused on politics and society. Maggie and Wes are both ostracized in their communities for a variety of reasons, which included religion, education, disability, and social standing. The author was very thoughtful about dealing with these themes, and I hold a lot of respect for her and the commentary.
I'm not really a note-taker or an annotator when I read, but I've bookmarked a bunch of hard-hitting, thought-provoking quotes from this book. Here's a few I'd like to share:
This is not very plot-heavy, if you're wondering why I haven't mentioned the plot! There is a story involving the Hunt and some magic, but that does take a backseat behind the character development. Which was totally fine by me.
Originally gave this 4 stars, but once I got to simmer in my thoughts for a while, I realized that I truly loved and highly respect this book. I can't wait to read everything this author writes. This is for anyone who wants a glorious love story with realistic characters and social commentary.
More Allison Saft:
Down Comes the Night : 3⭐
-
It's hard for me to think about this book without crying — and I mean this in the most positive way possible. There are SO many things I loved about this book, and I can see myself going back to this time and time again. So if you're into intimate, slow-burn love stories with well-developed, loveable characters, please do
I don't think I can come up with the right words to do this book justice and to tell you how much I loved this. But I'm going to try. Since this is a character-centric story more than anything, let's start with the characters.
The characters in general had so much depth to them. They were never just one thing or the other — they all had multiple facets to them, that made them very human. Both of our main characters had to navigate their lives which were full of prejudices from others, and abuse from those who had power over them.
Margaret. She's fierce, independent, and practical... but she's also lonely, unsure, and is desperately craving to be loved by her mother. The way her character matured as she realized that she didn't need to fight for a love that wasn't the love she deserved was... yep. Brilliant and heart-wrenching.
Weston. I feel like I need five letter-sized papers to talk about how much I love Wes. To put things simply, I think this quote from Margaret's POV is a pretty good summary of his character:
Ambitious and lazy, giving and selfish, thoughtful and reckless — all of his opposites marrying together in a perfect whole like an alchemic reaction. At his heart, he's good and kind.
THE ROMANCE! Allison Saft was able to write such a touching, intimate romance that BROKE me. The main characters grew together in such an organic, natural way... This was definitely slow burn at its finest.
This book also heavily focused on politics and society. Maggie and Wes are both ostracized in their communities for a variety of reasons, which included religion, education, disability, and social standing. The author was very thoughtful about dealing with these themes, and I hold a lot of respect for her and the commentary.
I'm not really a note-taker or an annotator when I read, but I've bookmarked a bunch of hard-hitting, thought-provoking quotes from this book. Here's a few I'd like to share:
He's not a mediocre alchemist; he's only undereducated. If someone measures his progress with anything other than how well he performs on a written test or regurgitates alchemical theorems, he'll thrive. He just needs someone to believe in him. — Weston on his skills as an alchemist
She considered [going to join the military] briefly, but she isn't willing to sign her life away to a country that holds no love for her. — Margaret on her skills as a sharpshooter
“Alchemy is supposed to be about change and progress, but everyone in power has forgotten that. None of them will change a damn thing as long as they benefit from how things are.”... “With real progressive policies, no six-year-old would go to bed hungry. No one would lose a parent to unsafe working conditions. No one would have to fit six people into a two-bedroom apartment.”— Weston on why he wants to study Alchemy
“You honestly think I haven’t dealt with people like him before? They’re everywhere in the city, and they run this country. They burn Sumic churches. They keep Yu’adir out of universities and shatter every window in their storefronts. They put immigration quotas on people fleeing starvation and massacres. They force us to live in slums and work jobs that’ll kill us. They— [...] I’m so sick of it. I’m sick of enduring it. Aren’t you?”
“What else can we do?”
“Fight back.” Frustration edges into his voice. “Riot. Vote. Anything.”
— Weston and Margaret, on bigotry
This is not very plot-heavy, if you're wondering why I haven't mentioned the plot! There is a story involving the Hunt and some magic, but that does take a backseat behind the character development. Which was totally fine by me.
Originally gave this 4 stars, but once I got to simmer in my thoughts for a while, I realized that I truly loved and highly respect this book. I can't wait to read everything this author writes. This is for anyone who wants a glorious love story with realistic characters and social commentary.
More Allison Saft:
Down Comes the Night : 3⭐
September 14, 2025
More articulate thoughts to come, but I absolutely loved this book. Rarely have I rooted for a couple as passionately as I did for Margaret and Wes.
March 8, 2022
A Far Wilder Magic is a YA fantasy novel teeming with teen angst and ancient magic.
Alone in a crumbling manor, Margaret Welty survives day by day, waiting for her mother to return from extended research trips. Her mother is a well-established alchemist who often leaves Margaret alone for months at a time. Due to her religious background, Margaret is an outsider to many in her community.
Then there is Wes Winters. Wes desperately wants to complete an alchemy apprenticeship in order to become a politician and raise his family out of their current struggles. He’s failed out of countless apprenticeships thus far and is nailing his hopes on securing one with Evelyn Welty, Margaret’s mother. When he arrives unannounced at the Welty’s manor, he is stunned to find that Evelyn is away on one of her trips. Margaret is uncertain when she will return. After much persuasion, Margaret agrees to let him stay and wait for Evelyn’s return.
Meanwhile, a hunting competition for a centuries-old fox will be starting soon. Margaret plans to enter with Wes as her alchemist so they both can achieve what they’ve always wanted.
This character-driven story alternates between Margaret and Wes’ POV. It’s an easy fantasy to immerse oneself in. There’s a bit of info-dumping in the beginning, but after that, it’s fairly straightforward.
It has themes on religious persecution, belonging, and the many facets of love.
Since the book’s synopsis emphasizes the hunt, I thought it would take up more pages than it did. Alas, the hunt only started in the last 50 (ebook) pages. I was expecting something more in the vein of Hunger Games or the like. But it didn’t take long for me to become invested in Wes and Margaret’s shenanigans. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow and evolve.
This novel works as a standalone, but I really hope that this isn’t the last I’ll see of these characters.
YA Fantasy is hit-or-miss for me, but this one worked so well. I think Adult Fantasy readers may enjoy this book too. Readers who want to dip their toes in Fantasy might find this a good place to start as well.
Thank you to Wednesday Books for an arc provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
https://booksandwheels.com
Alone in a crumbling manor, Margaret Welty survives day by day, waiting for her mother to return from extended research trips. Her mother is a well-established alchemist who often leaves Margaret alone for months at a time. Due to her religious background, Margaret is an outsider to many in her community.
Then there is Wes Winters. Wes desperately wants to complete an alchemy apprenticeship in order to become a politician and raise his family out of their current struggles. He’s failed out of countless apprenticeships thus far and is nailing his hopes on securing one with Evelyn Welty, Margaret’s mother. When he arrives unannounced at the Welty’s manor, he is stunned to find that Evelyn is away on one of her trips. Margaret is uncertain when she will return. After much persuasion, Margaret agrees to let him stay and wait for Evelyn’s return.
Meanwhile, a hunting competition for a centuries-old fox will be starting soon. Margaret plans to enter with Wes as her alchemist so they both can achieve what they’ve always wanted.
This character-driven story alternates between Margaret and Wes’ POV. It’s an easy fantasy to immerse oneself in. There’s a bit of info-dumping in the beginning, but after that, it’s fairly straightforward.
It has themes on religious persecution, belonging, and the many facets of love.
Since the book’s synopsis emphasizes the hunt, I thought it would take up more pages than it did. Alas, the hunt only started in the last 50 (ebook) pages. I was expecting something more in the vein of Hunger Games or the like. But it didn’t take long for me to become invested in Wes and Margaret’s shenanigans. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow and evolve.
This novel works as a standalone, but I really hope that this isn’t the last I’ll see of these characters.
YA Fantasy is hit-or-miss for me, but this one worked so well. I think Adult Fantasy readers may enjoy this book too. Readers who want to dip their toes in Fantasy might find this a good place to start as well.
Thank you to Wednesday Books for an arc provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
https://booksandwheels.com
exile
November 27, 2023tbh i'm going to have to put this on hold for now, bc the pacing is just not doing it for me and i'm trying my best to stay far away from a slump 😭 i feel like in a different headspace i could enjoy this better 😭 im sorryy my precious ingrid <33
April 17, 2024
Second read rating: 3.75 out of 5 stars.
Even though I read this book for the first time two years ago, oddly enough both times that I read this book from start to finish were on the exact same days.
First read rating: 3 out of 5 stars.
Out of all of the books that I read of this author, 'A Far Wilder Magic' has been stuck in my head the most. Every now and then certain scenes comes to my mind which makes me want to re-visit this book often.
That being said, I'm going to read this book again soon, and I'm also hoping that this time I'll rate it higher.
*********************************************
I may not have given this book 5 stars, but Allison Saft knows exactly how to create the perfect atmosphere and make her readers become consumed by the stories she has created.
Also, this may seem like an odd confession since I gave both of her books 3 stars, but I will definitely reread them in the future.
**********************************************
Whenever I see this cover my mind immediately thinks that it's a classic, then I see the name of the author and realize it is indeed not a classic.
I've read Allison Saft's debut novel and I liked it, so obviously I got curious in this one as well.
Even though I read this book for the first time two years ago, oddly enough both times that I read this book from start to finish were on the exact same days.
First read rating: 3 out of 5 stars.
Out of all of the books that I read of this author, 'A Far Wilder Magic' has been stuck in my head the most. Every now and then certain scenes comes to my mind which makes me want to re-visit this book often.
That being said, I'm going to read this book again soon, and I'm also hoping that this time I'll rate it higher.
*********************************************
I may not have given this book 5 stars, but Allison Saft knows exactly how to create the perfect atmosphere and make her readers become consumed by the stories she has created.
Also, this may seem like an odd confession since I gave both of her books 3 stars, but I will definitely reread them in the future.
**********************************************
Whenever I see this cover my mind immediately thinks that it's a classic, then I see the name of the author and realize it is indeed not a classic.
I've read Allison Saft's debut novel and I liked it, so obviously I got curious in this one as well.
November 27, 2025
ok so i let the overwhelmingly good reviews convince me that this was worth my time despite being YA fantasy romance, a genre that i am definitely too old for and do not particularly enjoy reading, and it: was not! don't convict they caught ME slipping etc. anyway i almost gave this two stars because i typically reserve the one-out-of-fives for the most heinously bad of books and i don't think this was truly like, the worst, but also there was just nothing in it that i enjoyed even the littlest bit, so. will concede that some of my dislike stems from me just not vibing with this kind of book but inasmuch as i can be objective here are some of my #issues and #problems ->
- i found this novel's politics to be supreeeemely unconvincing. this is a fairly common thing especially in YA and double especially in contemporary YA given its tendency to skew more often than not towards easy-to-absorb didacticism, which is... one of the reasons i don't read much YA (the other & biggest reason being that i am one million years old). even still - a novel's politics being a little insipid isn't always a dealbreaker for me, it's often easy enough to disregard as a relatively minor irritant if the plot itself is compelling, but the main problem here is that this book tries very hard to be About prejudice more than it's really About anything else, and it beats you over the head with it from the start without ever actually managing to say anything of substance. this basically tanked the whole book for me not just because of the constant mealy-mouthed liberal sentiment being expressed (WES' ULTIMATE HOW TO SAVE THE WORLD AMBITION: BECOME A POLITICIAN!) but also because it dragged down the worldbuilding SO much - the religious/cultural groups in this are transposed extremely transparently from the real world (sumic = catholic, katharist = protestant, yu'adir = jewish, banvish = irish) and it makes the entire setting feel inauthentic, superficial, and poorly conceived. i've been utterly ruined for YA-adjacent fantasy by authors like tamsyn muir, seth dickinson, katherine addison, all of whom revel in creating incredibly complex worlds to serve as backdrops for their stories; in comparison almost none of this book's universe is shown to the reader except for the bigotry that thrives within it on a social level, all of which is tied inextricably to the real-world historical context that it originates from and makes very little sense without it unless you assume that this fictional world has more or less the same history as ours. and who wants that in fantasy unless it's, idk, satire? a deliberate pastiche/subversion? played straight & with zero nuance it's both flimsy and uninteresting - if i wanted to read about anti-catholic prejudice which quite frankly i never will then i wouldn't be turning to YA fantasy for veiled depthless allusions to it??
- ok this one is slightly more of a me problem vis-a-vis the expectations i had going in but i definitely thought the actual hunt would be more of a focus and as it is it's literally just the last 5% of the book. everything else is setup, angst, and the development of the romance between margaret and wes, which is fine if that's what you're here for but i was here for high octane murder-tournament fun and i did! not! get! it!
- speaking of which, the romance: guh. extremely milquetoast hetero teens can be fine as long as both of them are likeable but imo wes did NOT have the range to pull off the whole lovable charismatic rogue thing. he mostly read to me as immature and self-centred, which ties in with the politics thing too - as i mentioned up above wes' main motivation is to become a politician because his family are poor irish (banvish) catholic (sumic) immigrants escaping, of all things, famine, and he wants to ~change the system from within~ but personally even if i considered that to be a decent solution to systemic problems (it isn't) i would still find it very hard to interpret his longing for political power as a true desire to help enact some form of communal good, largely because he does Fucking Nothing to help anyone else over the entire course of the novel if it doesn't also serve his own interests in some way!!! scream @ how you're supposed to root for his Noble Lofty Goals while he's actively leaving his sisters to work exhausting menial jobs in order to take care of their mother & the household (the gender divide here too.......... man!) - also how he tells margaret that it isn't her job to babysit him and clean up after him/cook for him every night and it's like, okay but do you take it upon yourself to help with any of those things??? no??????? fuck off then!!!!!!!!! good grief WES! ugh!!!
- i also think i might've enjoyed margaret/wes slightly more if the gender dynamic had been reversed to have her as the charming reckless irish rake (stereotype much) and him the restrained & exasperated manager of his absent mother's household. i understand the impulse to have your female characters be the mature & competent ones but i am exceedingly bored of having girls be the Straight Man to a boy's carefree antics; it only serves to make her boring & prudish and him less endearing for his seeming failure to understand the weight of adult responsibilities. plus like Let Women Have Fun 2k22
- the writing is mostly fine with some moments of near-loveliness but also a regrettable number of sentences like 'the next two days pass like honey drizzled from the tip of a spoon.' questionable!
- not to be a giant weenie but i actually found the plot conceit kind of tasteless. the sheer entitlement of killing an ageless mythical creature, quite literally the last of its kind, and using the power derived from it for your own ends? To Help You In Your Goal To Become A Politician (i'm sorry i literally can't get over this)? it's addressed very very mildly in the narrative mostly in the form of examining the meaning of the hala to the different religious groups but i think there needed to be a little more grappling with the implications of it, a little less 'well this is a means to an end so whatever i guess.' or just have them be unrepentant bastards about it! as is it really hit my personal pet peeve of having characters do cunty things while insisting on framing them as Intrinsically Morally Good heroes - this is pussy behaviour, to me !
- i found this novel's politics to be supreeeemely unconvincing. this is a fairly common thing especially in YA and double especially in contemporary YA given its tendency to skew more often than not towards easy-to-absorb didacticism, which is... one of the reasons i don't read much YA (the other & biggest reason being that i am one million years old). even still - a novel's politics being a little insipid isn't always a dealbreaker for me, it's often easy enough to disregard as a relatively minor irritant if the plot itself is compelling, but the main problem here is that this book tries very hard to be About prejudice more than it's really About anything else, and it beats you over the head with it from the start without ever actually managing to say anything of substance. this basically tanked the whole book for me not just because of the constant mealy-mouthed liberal sentiment being expressed (WES' ULTIMATE HOW TO SAVE THE WORLD AMBITION: BECOME A POLITICIAN!) but also because it dragged down the worldbuilding SO much - the religious/cultural groups in this are transposed extremely transparently from the real world (sumic = catholic, katharist = protestant, yu'adir = jewish, banvish = irish) and it makes the entire setting feel inauthentic, superficial, and poorly conceived. i've been utterly ruined for YA-adjacent fantasy by authors like tamsyn muir, seth dickinson, katherine addison, all of whom revel in creating incredibly complex worlds to serve as backdrops for their stories; in comparison almost none of this book's universe is shown to the reader except for the bigotry that thrives within it on a social level, all of which is tied inextricably to the real-world historical context that it originates from and makes very little sense without it unless you assume that this fictional world has more or less the same history as ours. and who wants that in fantasy unless it's, idk, satire? a deliberate pastiche/subversion? played straight & with zero nuance it's both flimsy and uninteresting - if i wanted to read about anti-catholic prejudice which quite frankly i never will then i wouldn't be turning to YA fantasy for veiled depthless allusions to it??
- ok this one is slightly more of a me problem vis-a-vis the expectations i had going in but i definitely thought the actual hunt would be more of a focus and as it is it's literally just the last 5% of the book. everything else is setup, angst, and the development of the romance between margaret and wes, which is fine if that's what you're here for but i was here for high octane murder-tournament fun and i did! not! get! it!
- speaking of which, the romance: guh. extremely milquetoast hetero teens can be fine as long as both of them are likeable but imo wes did NOT have the range to pull off the whole lovable charismatic rogue thing. he mostly read to me as immature and self-centred, which ties in with the politics thing too - as i mentioned up above wes' main motivation is to become a politician because his family are poor irish (banvish) catholic (sumic) immigrants escaping, of all things, famine, and he wants to ~change the system from within~ but personally even if i considered that to be a decent solution to systemic problems (it isn't) i would still find it very hard to interpret his longing for political power as a true desire to help enact some form of communal good, largely because he does Fucking Nothing to help anyone else over the entire course of the novel if it doesn't also serve his own interests in some way!!! scream @ how you're supposed to root for his Noble Lofty Goals while he's actively leaving his sisters to work exhausting menial jobs in order to take care of their mother & the household (the gender divide here too.......... man!) - also how he tells margaret that it isn't her job to babysit him and clean up after him/cook for him every night and it's like, okay but do you take it upon yourself to help with any of those things??? no??????? fuck off then!!!!!!!!! good grief WES! ugh!!!
- i also think i might've enjoyed margaret/wes slightly more if the gender dynamic had been reversed to have her as the charming reckless irish rake (stereotype much) and him the restrained & exasperated manager of his absent mother's household. i understand the impulse to have your female characters be the mature & competent ones but i am exceedingly bored of having girls be the Straight Man to a boy's carefree antics; it only serves to make her boring & prudish and him less endearing for his seeming failure to understand the weight of adult responsibilities. plus like Let Women Have Fun 2k22
- the writing is mostly fine with some moments of near-loveliness but also a regrettable number of sentences like 'the next two days pass like honey drizzled from the tip of a spoon.' questionable!
- not to be a giant weenie but i actually found the plot conceit kind of tasteless. the sheer entitlement of killing an ageless mythical creature, quite literally the last of its kind, and using the power derived from it for your own ends? To Help You In Your Goal To Become A Politician (i'm sorry i literally can't get over this)? it's addressed very very mildly in the narrative mostly in the form of examining the meaning of the hala to the different religious groups but i think there needed to be a little more grappling with the implications of it, a little less 'well this is a means to an end so whatever i guess.' or just have them be unrepentant bastards about it! as is it really hit my personal pet peeve of having characters do cunty things while insisting on framing them as Intrinsically Morally Good heroes - this is pussy behaviour, to me !
dnf-lost-interest
March 19, 2022DNF. I'm so sad, as I loved the author's debut novel, Down Comes the Night, but I just cannot connect with the characters, the setting, or the writing in this one. If you enjoy historical fantasy with a slow burning plot, give this one a try for yourself.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy.
March 19, 2022
Let’s just say reading this on the bus wasn’t the greatest idea because 1) I was freaking out because Wes + Maggie <3 2) there were tears in my eyes and 3) I needed to catch another bus right when I reached a little cliffhanger so I was STRESSED.
r a t i n g - o v e r v i e w :
characters: 5/5
writing: 5/5
vibes: 5/5
plot: 4/5
enjoyment: 5/5
OVERALL: 5/5
representation: Jewish and dyslexic main characters, gay and sapphic side characters.
trigger/content warnings: animal death and injury, antisemitism, nationalism and xenophobia, PTSD, neglect and emotional abuse by a parent, mentions of parental death, mentions of death of a child, graphic descriptions of blood and wounds.
I don’t know whether Allison Saft is an angel or the devil herself, but what I do know is that she’s, without a doubt, one of my favourite storytellers. Whether we’re talking about the characters she crafts that steal my heart or her words that literally make me drown in the atmosphere she created, or perhaps about everything she hides between the lines; I adore it.
A Far Wilder Magic completely lived up to my expectations, which says… quite a lot, given it was one of my most anticipated releases of 2022 and I, well, cried when I got the arc.
Wes and Maggie’s story is one that is definitely heavily focused on romance, but for me, above all, it’s a story of these two characters and the internal conflict they have to work through. Their emotional journey and growth is the heart of this book and though it’s definitely character-driven, too, it’s undeniably emotionally driven as well.
As for the external plot… I’ll warn you that not much really happens. It will definitely be something some readers will have a problem with, but for others (me included) it will be greatly appreciated since this makes the focus on the internal plot (aka the emotional journey) more powerful.
Here I am, once again wanting to analyze this entire story because there’s so much to it, but I want to let you discover it yourself. All I’ll say is that it’s incredibly strong.
What I also really loved about A Far Wilder Magic is the themes it explores. It talks about religion which was really interesting, but it also deals with parental neglect and emotional abuse in a way I haven’t really seen in fantasy before. Maggie’s journey is one of learning to see your worth and who you are beyond your pain. It was written with so much care and definitely made me tear up because it hit.
Plus, though Wes definitely helps Maggie in her journey, her struggles weren’t romanticized at all. It wasn’t like he came into her life and everything was okay, but she really had to learn. She had to learn how to accept love after what she’d been through, and especially learn that she deserved it.
I definitely saw my own insecurities in her and I’m sure more people will find hope in her journey, as I did.
Now, enough of my whole psychological stuff, let’s talk about who Maggie and Wes are beyond their pain! Just thinking of them makes me emotional because I—I adore them. Allison Saft has crafted very realistically flawed yet lovable characters. Wes is such a caring himbo and (definitely) the sunshine to Maggie’s grump.
As I said, this book focuses heavily on romance and I’m RUINED. Their love for each other is so big and I was just full-on crying on the bus (well, for multiple reasons BUT OKAY). It just made me feel so much and… I can’t believe Allison Saft invented romance, y’all.
Allison Saft’s sophomore novel is one with so much love and hope in it. I adored everything from the themes it explores, to the characters and their beautiful romance, to, of course, the amazing writing and atmosphere! It’s a book I can see myself returning to for comfort since I already read it twice before its release (and I wanna read it a third time…).
I fell deeply in love and cried a lot of tears on the bus, but it was all worth it. A Far Wilder Magic is not to be missed and I will already be looking forward to Allison Saft’s next masterpiece.
b o o k - o v e r v i e w :
One-sentence pitch: When Wes goes to Welty Manor in hopes of getting an apprenticeship so he can become an alchemist, he finds nothing but a girl his age named Margaret who takes care of the house on her own, waiting for her mother to return home, and before they know, Wes and Maggie have no one to depend on except for each other in a magical hunt.
Definitely read it if: you are a sucker for grumpy x sunshine relationships, you like fantasy books that heavily focus on romance, you love atmospheric fantasy, you’re interested in reading about themes like parental neglect, self-isolation, and religion in fantasy.
Maybe skip it if: you tend to like (external) plot-driven books more, you don’t like flowery writing.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review! This did not affect my opinions in any way.
All quotes are from an advance copy and may differ in the final publication.
r a t i n g - o v e r v i e w :
characters: 5/5
writing: 5/5
vibes: 5/5
plot: 4/5
enjoyment: 5/5
OVERALL: 5/5
representation: Jewish and dyslexic main characters, gay and sapphic side characters.
trigger/content warnings: animal death and injury, antisemitism, nationalism and xenophobia, PTSD, neglect and emotional abuse by a parent, mentions of parental death, mentions of death of a child, graphic descriptions of blood and wounds.
I don’t know whether Allison Saft is an angel or the devil herself, but what I do know is that she’s, without a doubt, one of my favourite storytellers. Whether we’re talking about the characters she crafts that steal my heart or her words that literally make me drown in the atmosphere she created, or perhaps about everything she hides between the lines; I adore it.
A Far Wilder Magic completely lived up to my expectations, which says… quite a lot, given it was one of my most anticipated releases of 2022 and I, well, cried when I got the arc.
Wes and Maggie’s story is one that is definitely heavily focused on romance, but for me, above all, it’s a story of these two characters and the internal conflict they have to work through. Their emotional journey and growth is the heart of this book and though it’s definitely character-driven, too, it’s undeniably emotionally driven as well.
As for the external plot… I’ll warn you that not much really happens. It will definitely be something some readers will have a problem with, but for others (me included) it will be greatly appreciated since this makes the focus on the internal plot (aka the emotional journey) more powerful.
Here I am, once again wanting to analyze this entire story because there’s so much to it, but I want to let you discover it yourself. All I’ll say is that it’s incredibly strong.
"What is there for her, beyond the looming wall of her mother's return. Who is she without the ache of her absence and the fear of losing her again?"
What I also really loved about A Far Wilder Magic is the themes it explores. It talks about religion which was really interesting, but it also deals with parental neglect and emotional abuse in a way I haven’t really seen in fantasy before. Maggie’s journey is one of learning to see your worth and who you are beyond your pain. It was written with so much care and definitely made me tear up because it hit.
Plus, though Wes definitely helps Maggie in her journey, her struggles weren’t romanticized at all. It wasn’t like he came into her life and everything was okay, but she really had to learn. She had to learn how to accept love after what she’d been through, and especially learn that she deserved it.
I definitely saw my own insecurities in her and I’m sure more people will find hope in her journey, as I did.
Now, enough of my whole psychological stuff, let’s talk about who Maggie and Wes are beyond their pain! Just thinking of them makes me emotional because I—I adore them. Allison Saft has crafted very realistically flawed yet lovable characters. Wes is such a caring himbo and (definitely) the sunshine to Maggie’s grump.
As I said, this book focuses heavily on romance and I’m RUINED. Their love for each other is so big and I was just full-on crying on the bus (well, for multiple reasons BUT OKAY). It just made me feel so much and… I can’t believe Allison Saft invented romance, y’all.
"All her life, love has been a scarce and precious resource, something earned or denied, something she starved for every day. But with Wes, love is different. It is reckless and inexhaustible. It is freely given. It simply is."
Allison Saft’s sophomore novel is one with so much love and hope in it. I adored everything from the themes it explores, to the characters and their beautiful romance, to, of course, the amazing writing and atmosphere! It’s a book I can see myself returning to for comfort since I already read it twice before its release (and I wanna read it a third time…).
I fell deeply in love and cried a lot of tears on the bus, but it was all worth it. A Far Wilder Magic is not to be missed and I will already be looking forward to Allison Saft’s next masterpiece.
b o o k - o v e r v i e w :
One-sentence pitch: When Wes goes to Welty Manor in hopes of getting an apprenticeship so he can become an alchemist, he finds nothing but a girl his age named Margaret who takes care of the house on her own, waiting for her mother to return home, and before they know, Wes and Maggie have no one to depend on except for each other in a magical hunt.
Definitely read it if: you are a sucker for grumpy x sunshine relationships, you like fantasy books that heavily focus on romance, you love atmospheric fantasy, you’re interested in reading about themes like parental neglect, self-isolation, and religion in fantasy.
Maybe skip it if: you tend to like (external) plot-driven books more, you don’t like flowery writing.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review! This did not affect my opinions in any way.
All quotes are from an advance copy and may differ in the final publication.
dnf
January 29, 2023DNF 10%
insta love (of the: they pretend they don't like each other variety) + Not Like Other Girls = i'm out of here
insta love (of the: they pretend they don't like each other variety) + Not Like Other Girls = i'm out of here
November 20, 2025
On my blog.
CWs: antisemitism, animal injury, animal death, gore, parental neglect, panic attacks
Galley provided by publisher
A Far Wilder Magic is a must-read for fantasy romance fans, a book that utterly consumes you, that you finish reading and find it’s thrown you straight into a reading slump. On some level, I’ve been thinking about this book for every minute of every day since I read it.
The story follows Wes Winters and Maggie Welty, two outsiders and polar opposites, who team up, each for their own reason, to capture a mythic creature and achieve what they most want. And, of course, they end up falling in love along the way.
I loved Down Comes the Night when I read it and, like a fool, thought that that couldn’t be topped. And then Allison Saft goes and proves me wrong. I’m not sure I can find the words to explain just how much I adored this book. From the writing to the world to the characters in it, I loved every aspect so much. Every time I’ve attempted to review this book, all I’ve ended up with is some kind of nonsensical babbling about how much I love it. I can’t guarantee that this review won’t just go the same way.
Let me start at what first struck me about the book, and that’s Maggie and Wes. Two POV characters who I loved from the first instant I met them? Thank you very much! Give me a relationship between characters who are complete opposites but who, somewhat begrudgingly at first, find comfort in one another and I will simply burst into tears. This is perhaps partly the reason I can’t review this book very well. I just start crying whenever I think about Maggie and Wes.
The worldbuilding and writing tie together for me. The writing is gorgeous and evokes the world so well, you feel like you could be right there with Maggie and Wes. I mean, I knew this would be the case from Down Comes the Night, but do you ever read a book where you know something’s gonna be how it is, and still find yourself in complete awe of the writer’s craft? That’s how I felt reading A Far Wilder Magic.
In all, I would rank this book as perhaps one of the best I’ve read this year and, if not that, then definitely one of my absolute favourites. This is a book I would say you really really don’t want to miss out on in 2022.
CWs: antisemitism, animal injury, animal death, gore, parental neglect, panic attacks
Galley provided by publisher
A Far Wilder Magic is a must-read for fantasy romance fans, a book that utterly consumes you, that you finish reading and find it’s thrown you straight into a reading slump. On some level, I’ve been thinking about this book for every minute of every day since I read it.
The story follows Wes Winters and Maggie Welty, two outsiders and polar opposites, who team up, each for their own reason, to capture a mythic creature and achieve what they most want. And, of course, they end up falling in love along the way.
I loved Down Comes the Night when I read it and, like a fool, thought that that couldn’t be topped. And then Allison Saft goes and proves me wrong. I’m not sure I can find the words to explain just how much I adored this book. From the writing to the world to the characters in it, I loved every aspect so much. Every time I’ve attempted to review this book, all I’ve ended up with is some kind of nonsensical babbling about how much I love it. I can’t guarantee that this review won’t just go the same way.
Let me start at what first struck me about the book, and that’s Maggie and Wes. Two POV characters who I loved from the first instant I met them? Thank you very much! Give me a relationship between characters who are complete opposites but who, somewhat begrudgingly at first, find comfort in one another and I will simply burst into tears. This is perhaps partly the reason I can’t review this book very well. I just start crying whenever I think about Maggie and Wes.
The worldbuilding and writing tie together for me. The writing is gorgeous and evokes the world so well, you feel like you could be right there with Maggie and Wes. I mean, I knew this would be the case from Down Comes the Night, but do you ever read a book where you know something’s gonna be how it is, and still find yourself in complete awe of the writer’s craft? That’s how I felt reading A Far Wilder Magic.
In all, I would rank this book as perhaps one of the best I’ve read this year and, if not that, then definitely one of my absolute favourites. This is a book I would say you really really don’t want to miss out on in 2022.
December 27, 2023
DNF @ 55%
September 14, 2021
My official blurb: "Tender, intimate, and atmospheric, A Far Wilder Magic is unlike anything on the YA shelf. With devastatingly gorgeous prose, intricate worldbuilding, and an utterly original plot, Saft weaves a love story that will tear you apart and then stitch you whole again."
With this book, Allison has created two of my favorite characters of all time: Margaret, a survivor who shuns the outside world for its cruelty, and Wes, a dreamer who would do anything for the world to love him. As with all Allison Saft books, AFWM is a book about the healing power of love--but it is also an exploration of nationalism, of the American dream, and who history allows to play the hero.
ALSO: Wes is my perfect son. He can come over for playdates but he is my child. Okay? Okay. I will not allow any Wes slander in my presence.
ALSO ALSO: In case you needed any more reasons to read this beautiful book, there is a DOG!!! His name is Trouble and he is the sweetest boy (and do not fear, he lives!)
With this book, Allison has created two of my favorite characters of all time: Margaret, a survivor who shuns the outside world for its cruelty, and Wes, a dreamer who would do anything for the world to love him. As with all Allison Saft books, AFWM is a book about the healing power of love--but it is also an exploration of nationalism, of the American dream, and who history allows to play the hero.
ALSO: Wes is my perfect son. He can come over for playdates but he is my child. Okay? Okay. I will not allow any Wes slander in my presence.
ALSO ALSO: In case you needed any more reasons to read this beautiful book, there is a DOG!!! His name is Trouble and he is the sweetest boy (and do not fear, he lives!)
September 11, 2023
“sunlight” by hozier is wes and margaret’s song
January 27, 2024
3.5 stars
i enjoyed this a lot more than i anticipated but still didn’t hit for me fully, this was fun though.
i enjoyed this a lot more than i anticipated but still didn’t hit for me fully, this was fun though.
February 15, 2023
What a cute lil magical story! This was a pretty character driven romance, with a solid magic system backing it up. The hunt did end up taking a small portion of the novel, which I think made the pacing feel a little off as it was very built up. But if you like grumpy/ray of sunshine tropes (which apparently I do), definitely give this one a try!
Click here for the full review on my blog!
*ARC received in exchange for honest review
Click here for the full review on my blog!
*ARC received in exchange for honest review
Want to read
January 10, 2022Hello! We are just about two months out from publication, and I am SO excited to share this book with you. I wrote A Far Wilder Magic for those whose dreams feel impossible and for those who feel dreaming is impossible. Writing this book felt like letting light into a room that had been locked for a long time. It’s about the sharp edges of ambition and the search for belonging and love. If you need it, I hope you find comfort in its pages.
I don’t engage with reviews on Goodreads, so I’m here only to share a quick update and the content warnings! If you have any questions, you can submit a question on my profile or reach out on Twitter, Instagram, or my website's contact form.
I’m currently running a preorder campaign running for the book, which is open to international readers! If you submit a proof of purchase of a library request, I will send you some art. I’m also offering signed and personalized copies through my local independent bookstore, Kepler’s Books and Magazines. You can find more details here.
If you like the quiet, yearning whimsy Scorpio Races and the torturous slow-burn between two deeply oblivious and deeply in-denial people, this one’s for you. I hope you fall in love with Margaret and Wes as deeply as I have. Thank you so much for reading!
Content warnings: animal death and injury (the dog lives!); antisemitism; nationalism and xenophobia; ableism; PTSD; neglect and emotional abuse by a parent; mentions of parental death; and graphic descriptions of blood and wounds.
I don’t engage with reviews on Goodreads, so I’m here only to share a quick update and the content warnings! If you have any questions, you can submit a question on my profile or reach out on Twitter, Instagram, or my website's contact form.
I’m currently running a preorder campaign running for the book, which is open to international readers! If you submit a proof of purchase of a library request, I will send you some art. I’m also offering signed and personalized copies through my local independent bookstore, Kepler’s Books and Magazines. You can find more details here.
If you like the quiet, yearning whimsy Scorpio Races and the torturous slow-burn between two deeply oblivious and deeply in-denial people, this one’s for you. I hope you fall in love with Margaret and Wes as deeply as I have. Thank you so much for reading!
Content warnings: animal death and injury (the dog lives!); antisemitism; nationalism and xenophobia; ableism; PTSD; neglect and emotional abuse by a parent; mentions of parental death; and graphic descriptions of blood and wounds.
September 2, 2023
RTC!
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All of Deems raving on this had brought me here! So excited about it!
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All of Deems raving on this had brought me here! So excited about it!
April 14, 2022
A Far Wilder Magic by Allison Saft is a standalone young adult fantasy novel with a lot of romance in the story. The story in A Far Wilder Magic is told by changing the point of view between the characters to show all sides.
Margaret Welty has been living alone waiting for her alchemist mother to return from her latest adventure when spots the legendary hala. Margaret knows that seeing this creature means the Halfmoon Hunt will be beginning soon and the winner will be blessed with fame and riches.
Weston Winters wants nothing more than to become an alchemist but his chances of realizing his dream are dwindling. Weston figures his last shot is Master Welty taking him on as an apprentice but when he arrives at her home there is only her surly daughter. Margaret agrees to let Weston stay and wait if he would only join the hunt with her with both looking to please her mother.
A Far Wilder Magic is the second book written by Allison Saft and the second book of hers that I’ve read. I really enjoyed her debut novel so I was expecting to find myself really engaged and enjoying this one too but that didn’t happen as much this time. The story in here had so much more potential in my eyes than what I found as it really became one that crawled along at such a slow pace until the very end. This wasn’t a bad story but when finished the pacing and the feeling of just wanting more that I found for me had this one turning into a just so-so read.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Margaret Welty has been living alone waiting for her alchemist mother to return from her latest adventure when spots the legendary hala. Margaret knows that seeing this creature means the Halfmoon Hunt will be beginning soon and the winner will be blessed with fame and riches.
Weston Winters wants nothing more than to become an alchemist but his chances of realizing his dream are dwindling. Weston figures his last shot is Master Welty taking him on as an apprentice but when he arrives at her home there is only her surly daughter. Margaret agrees to let Weston stay and wait if he would only join the hunt with her with both looking to please her mother.
A Far Wilder Magic is the second book written by Allison Saft and the second book of hers that I’ve read. I really enjoyed her debut novel so I was expecting to find myself really engaged and enjoying this one too but that didn’t happen as much this time. The story in here had so much more potential in my eyes than what I found as it really became one that crawled along at such a slow pace until the very end. This wasn’t a bad story but when finished the pacing and the feeling of just wanting more that I found for me had this one turning into a just so-so read.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
August 5, 2024
i liked this so much more than i thought i would! but i shouldn’t be surprised. i love cozy fantasies and allison saft’s writing style & it turned out to be a perfect combination. this is my second book of hers and definitely won’t be my last! wes and margaret are so precious, i adore them. their romance was perfectly paced and so tender it melted my heart. slow burns are always gonna be my favorite and the yearning and tension was magnificent. i’m glad i took my time reading this so i could really soak it all in. i have so many thoughts but sometimes it feels too difficult to form words to describe books i really loved. margaret and wes are just so lovable and i’ll probably always think of them
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