Challenge Corner discussion

From the No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of House of Roots and Ruin, comes an irresistible blend of dark fairytale and romantic fantasy set in the beautiful but brutal Canadian wilderness.

Like everyone else in the settlement of Mistaken, Greer Mackenzie is trapped. Founded by an ambitious Scottish lumber merchant, the tiny town on the edge of the American continent is blessed with rich natural resources that have made its people prosperous—but at a cost. The same woods that have lined the townsfolks’ pockets harbor dangerous beasts: wolves, bears, and the Bright-Eyeds—monsters beyond description who have rained utter destruction down on nearby settlements. But Mistaken’s founders made a deal with the mysterious Benevolence: the Warding Stones that surround the town will keep the Bright-Eyeds out—and the town’s citizens in. Anyone who spends a night within Mistaken’s borders belongs to it forever.

Greer, a mapmaker and eccentric dreamer, has always ached to explore the world outside, even though she knows she and her longtime love, Ellis Beaufort, will never see it. Until, on the day she and Ellis are meant to finally begin their lives together, Greer watches in horror as her beloved disappears beyond the Warding Stones, pursued by a monstrous creature. Swiftly realizing that the stories she was raised on might be more myth than fact, Greer figures out a way to escape Mistaken for the very first time. Determined to rescue Ellis, she begins a trek through the cold and pitiless wilderness. But Greer is being hunted, not only by the ruthless Bright-Eyeds but by the secret truths behind Mistaken’s founding, as well as her own origins.

Playfully drawing from Scottish folklore, Erin A. Craig’s adult debut is both a deeply atmospheric and profoundly romantic exploration of freedom versus security: a stunning celebration of one woman’s relentless bravery on a quest to reclaim her lost love—and claim her own future.

I'm heading camping this weekend and don't plan to bring this one so I plan to start this one as soon as I get back!

I hope you had a great camping trip!!!

tentatively rescheduled to 10/8 but I'll keep checking back!

oh, that sounds good to me too!

Trisha wrote: "tentatively rescheduled to 10/8 but I'll keep checking back!"

I can still do the 8th if you can!

yes!! I'm planning on then!

Trisha wrote: "yes!! I'm planning on then!"

Do you think we should reset the link for this one? Maybe we should read it in November -- hahahhaaa -- I'm sort of feeling it's not Horror enough for my October. But I do have the audio, so could start any time you want!

I have a book club that chose it for next week - so I plan to read it next week - I need to be done before Thursday night.

Does next week work?

I've started this one and plan to get farther today! It's so good so far!

7 chapters

(view spoiler)[
huh, this is interesting about the stones. are they mad at her friend? or changing the rules? and why do they want her? will they cheat to get her?

and what are they?

I'm surprised her dad is so adamant that she go with that other guy - he seems obviously cruel. I know his own angry history but couldn't he see which one was gentle with his daughter?
I mean the town is small and there are only so many choices. it's a choice for life - wouldn't he rather her be happy? (hide spoiler)]

Through Part 1 / 19 chapters

(view spoiler)[
OMG - what is this town doing? giving away a girl each hunt season? why not the MEN - who they have too many of?! unbelievable!

and why did this thing whisper to her? the things it sent, it seems like it was a vampire type creature - right? is she going to find him instead of Ellis out here?

so glad Louise helped her! I found it SHOCKING they held the hunt and then tried to wed so soon after they were attacked by creatures! like, what? no one even gets a down day? (hide spoiler)]

28 chapters

(view spoiler)[ omg that was so dangerous!! I can't believe she tried to cross that river

and what is stalking her and what is talking to her? They seem like 2 different creatures - but one seems ready to toy and hurt her
and the other - Noah Finn - is trying to protect her

but I can't really tell if Noah Finn is our Benevolent - or if he is actually a good guy and the benevolent aren't as nice as we thought. . .but it's so hard to tell

we really have few answers
(hide spoiler)]

and done

(view spoiler)[
wow, okay, so the author's note does say that they are a form of vampires and that feels right.

in the end, I liked this one. I did find the dad's confession monologue a little silly - I can't imagine he'd go back for her or tell her all his secrets. but I was super okay with his ending.

I was also glad that Greer didn't give in to Finn - even though that would have been easy. I feel like she could have led this gross group and possibly saved one or two, but not the group Elowen had created! OMG.

but that last one flying - was that Elowen? Or Finn? (hide spoiler)]