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We reserve the right to remove books that do not meet our DEI guidelines, do not meet eligibility criteria, and/or are self-nominated by their creator.

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https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58719159-a-girl-s-guide-to-love-magic?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=lGO50DpIO2&rank=1

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What do you do when your aunt gets possessed by a voodoo spirit, not only on your birthday but also right before a huge carnival where she's supposed to interview one of your favourite artists? You enlist your friends to help of course.

This was a light, fun read. The humour present was expected since Simone Beaks All the Rules was hilarious, and I'm happy to report A Girl's Guide to Love & Magic is just as funny.

I only wish it was a bit longer, since the resolutions felt too easy, but it's okay....more

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What do you do when your aunt gets possessed by a voodoo spirit, not only on your birthday but also right before a huge carnival where she's supposed to interview one of your favourite artists? You enlist your friends to help of course. This was a light, fun read.

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https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58939928-bone-weaver?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=wsed7LzrXN&rank=1 (Author's book last year was a Finalist.)

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A haunting fantasy following Toma, adopted daughter of the benevolent undead, making her way across a civil war-torn continent to save he...

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https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55512738-belladonna

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Nenia ✨ I yeet my books back and forth ✨ Campbell

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Belladonna book. Read 1,377 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. New York Times bestselling author Adalyn Grace brings to life a highl...

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https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57314572-the-drowned-woods

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Illumicrate July 2022

This was a wonderful surprise.

I recently gifted myself FairyLoot and Illumicrate subscriptions. This came in last month's box.

(Everyone should gift themselves things. It's quite lovely.)

Mer is a water diviner, the last of her kind. The others were murdered.

Human magic seems to be rare in this world. Set in Wales, Mer was given to the prince to help him poison enemies' wells. As she was young when she went into his service, she didn't fully grasp what she was going.

Since...more

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Illumicrate July 2022 This was a wonderful surprise. I recently gifted myself FairyLoot and Illumicrate subscriptions. This came in last month's box. (Everyone should gift themselves things. It's quite lovely.) Mer is a water diviner, the last of her kind. The others were murdered. Human magic seems to be rare in this world.

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https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53457102-the-dragon-s-promise?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=gF31etWKce&rank=1

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one of my anticipated reads this year turned out to be a little bit disappointing, sorry, considering of how much i loved Six Crimson Cranes.

also the title and the cover don't fit to the whole plot because (slight spoiler) Seryu only appeared for like one-third of the book and then he just left Shiori alone in the mainland?! and after that there are some new characters introduced and new conflicts as well. everything was written in a hurry like... you know... so the writing and the plot became s...more

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luce (currently recovering from a hiatus)

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The Dragon's Promise (Six Crimson Cranes, #2)

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one of my anticipated reads this year turned out to be a little bit disappointing, sorry, considering of how much i loved Six Crimson Cranes. also the title and the cover don't fit to the whole plot because (slight spoiler) Seryu only appeared for like one-third of the book and then he just left Shiori alone in the mainland?!

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Other Ever Afters: New Queer Fairy Tales

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Other Ever Afters: New Queer Fairy Tales

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https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59776461-other-ever-afters?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=PZbFRANaxi&rank=1

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"Stonewall Honor-winning author Melanie Gillman's OTHER EVER AFTERS, asking what if the monsters, mermaids, and witchy old women in fairy tales all found the happily ever afters they deserve?, to Gina Gagliano at Random House Graphic, for publication in fall 2022, by Jen Linnan at Linnan Literary Management (world)." - lgbtq reads...more

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"Stonewall Honor-winning author Melanie Gillman's OTHER EVER AFTERS, asking what if the monsters, mermaids, and witchy old women in fairy tales all found the happily ever afters they deserve?, to Gina Gagliano at Random House Graphic, for publication in fall 2022, by Jen Linnan at Linnan Literary Management (world)."

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https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58733682-twin-crowns?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=AEO2ZHe31U&rank=1

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I rarely read YA Fantasy these days but sometimes I just crave for a simple Fantasy story with not so complicated magic system and worldbuilding and characterization and easy to read story and this book delivered me exactly those 😄😁

We got 2 POVs here from the twin sisters: Rose and Wren. Seperated since birth and grow in very different place.. Rose at the palace and raised to be a queen, Wren in the ocean shore with the witches raise to take revenge and take her right birth to be a queen to repl...more

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I rarely read YA Fantasy these days but sometimes I just crave for a simple Fantasy story with not so complicated magic system and worldbuilding and characterization and easy to read story and this book delivered me exactly those 😄😁 We got 2 POVs here from the twin sisters: Rose and Wren.

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https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48506393-a-venom-dark-and-sweet?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=nriVf4LcXD&rank=1

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A tidy conclusion to the Book of Tea duology. The stakes weren't as high in this gripping conclusion. This was a perfect book for what it is: an amazing fantasy world, for a YA audience, and good writing. The world-building in this series is phenomenal and I would be a huge oversight to not mention the deep cultural and historical influence Judy I Lin injected into her work. We need more of this in all commercial genres and for all audiences. ...more

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A Venom Dark and Sweet (The Book of Tea, #2)

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A tidy conclusion to the Book of Tea duology. The stakes weren't as high in this gripping conclusion. This was a perfect book for what it is: an amazing fantasy world, for a YA audience, and good writing.

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https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55923578-violet-made-of-thorns?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=OehJFdl7vl&rank=1

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Source of book: NetGalley (thank you)
Relevant disclaimers: None
Please note: This review may not be reproduced or quoted, in whole or in part, without explicit consent from the author.

Oh fuck me with a rusty teaspoon, this is ANOTHER terrifyingly dark, morally ambiguous faery-tale first part of a series YA thingy. Except it's brilliant, so I don't care.

(Seriously, though, my reading resolution for 2022is going to be: do more research and don't embark on unfinished series).

Anyway, Violet Made of T...more

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Nenia ✨ I yeet my books back and forth ✨ Campbell

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Violet Made of Thorns (Violet Made of Thorns, #1)

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Source of book: NetGalley (thank you)Relevant disclaimers: NonePlease note: This review may not be reproduced or quoted, in whole or in part, without explicit consent from the author. Oh fuck me with a rusty teaspoon, this is ANOTHER terrifyingly dark, morally ambiguous faery-tale first part of a series YA thingy.

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https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59147735-the-song-that-moves-the-sun?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=zZNsJnn5UQ&rank=1

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hi friends. just popping in to edit my "review" with the content warning and then ne'er return to this page, since it's fundamentally for readers and not me, the author:

Content warning: Readers should be advised that this novel deals heavily with anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses. It also makes reference to suicide, disordered eating, and infertility, and contains content that may be triggering to readers with emetophobia. For fuller details, see www.annabrightbooks.com/novels.

love...more

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hi friends. just popping in to edit my "review" with the content warning and then ne'er return to this page, since it's fundamentally for readers and not me, the author: Content warning: Readers should be advised that this novel deals heavily with anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses.

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https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59028558-rise-of-the-vicious-princess?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=RlPhE1oZ4a&rank=1

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Rise of the Vicious Princess (Rise of the Vicious Princess, #1)

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Rise of the Vicious Princess book. Read 109 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. The first in a YA political fantasy duology about a f...

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https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60099660-if-you-could-see-the-sun?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=X0tCP5riCv&rank=1 Another October book!

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Nenia ✨ I yeet my books back and forth ✨ Campbell

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If You Could See the Sun book. Read 236 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. Alice Sun has always felt invisible at her elite Beijing ...

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https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58020044-princess-of-souls?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=xbfODv7XPP&rank=1 Don't overlook October books!

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Kristi Housman Confessions of a YA Reader

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Princess of Souls book. Read 120 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. From the author of To Kill a Kingdom comes Princess of Souls, a ...

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https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59029564-the-sea-knows-my-name?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=JjW9hfDnH9&rank=1

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have you ever had a book be so rich and make you feel so full that there's no room left for your words? you lose all of your vocabulary and are left with images, feelings, and you're own personal experiences that the book touched.

that's this book for me.

i read the sea knows my name over a month ago and still can't get it out of my head. its a fantasy story about pirates, and it's also an exploration of female strength and power and how those dynamics should affect relationships. it's haunting an...more

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have you ever had a book be so rich and make you feel so full that there's no room left for your words? you lose all of your vocabulary and are left with images, feelings, and you're own personal experiences that the book touched. that's this book for me.

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https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58523152-burn-down-rise-up?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=QxhJYsmpnD&rank=1

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As more teens disappear from the Bronx, sixteen-year-old Raquel tries not to let it get to her. But when the most recent disappearance hits close to home (the cousin of her friend Charlize), she starts to wonder what is really going on. Things get even worse when a mysterious illness befalls her mom, putting her in the hospital in a contained ward. Raquel and Charlize work together to find out what's going on and soon discover that everything may be linked to a horrifying urban legend called the ...more

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Jesse Ruth (The best boyfriends are book boyfriends)

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As more teens disappear from the Bronx, sixteen-year-old Raquel tries not to let it get to her. But when the most recent disappearance hits close to home (the cousin of her friend Charlize), she starts to wonder what is really going on.

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https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58854953-bravely?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=RHFa2WgNu7&rank=7

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"Some storms make a lot of noise but move no rooftops."

"Does the prince play?" asked the lute player.
"Hamish is a wee beast with all stringed things," Fergus said. "Pity those wolves didn't have strings."
Immediately, the woman passed the lute to Hamish. He didn't move his arms in time to take it, so she simply plopped it down in his lap. "I'll trade you a tune for your dish of pears."
Hamish sat there, a frozen little creature with big eyes. Pinned to the bench by fear and by the lute.
How badly Merida wanted him to be able to play fearlessly for this group. Not for their benefit, but for his. How was it that his sense of fun had been replaced by a sense of fear? She whispered to him, "You could play 'Crosses and Squares.'"
Still he was frozen.
Maldouen said, "Don't you think you owe Ol' Flower a tune for saving your life?"
Maldouen was being playful, but he had, without realizing, hit upon the only way Hamish perform: obligation. Hamish let fear rule him, but not at the expense of other people.
Hamish whispered, "All right," and then added, to the dog, "Ma'am," which made the entire table laugh uproariously.
Hamish began to play.
The villagers began to clap in time with him. Hamish played faster. They clapped faster. Hamish played little riffs and twirls, and the villagers got up and danced along with the well-known tune. With the lute in his hand and the tune ringing out strongly, it was almost possible to believe Hamish wasn't afraid, but Merida knew better. This was how it always went. When Hamish played for other people, he always looked like a different person. Straighter, surer. More like Hubert or Harris. This was part of a good show, after all, and he felt obligated to give Ol' Flower a good show."

More quotes...

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"Some storms make a lot of noise but move no rooftops." "Does the prince play?" asked the lute player."Hamish is a wee beast with all stringed things," Fergus said. "Pity those wolves didn't have strings."Immediately, the woman passed the lute to Hamish.

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https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55878999-the-sunbearer-trials?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=cn9AmvmYpp&rank=1

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The Sunbearer Trials (The Sunbearer Duology, #1)

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Welcome to The Sunbearer Trials, where teen semidioses compete in a series of challenges with the highest of stakes, in this electric ...

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https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58484048-the-loophole?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=zkMNAmAhii&rank=1

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The Loophole book. Read 97 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. Your wish is granted! This YA debut is equal parts broken-hearted love...

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https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58467213-survive-the-dome?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=3Qdq5as9iJ&rank=1

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Read 151 reviews from the world’s largest community for readers. Jamal Lawson just wanted to be a part of something. As an aspiring journalist, he packs up…

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In the kingdom of Aell, magic exists and is easily accessible, however, there are strict laws surrounding the use of magic when it comes to music. This leaves music as the last untouched art.

In fact, the rules are so strict surrounding music that only five individuals are given the roles of Musik; someone who is allowed to compose their own songs and perform them throughout the land.

Each of the five Musiks is paired with a particular instrument. It's all quite regimented, but regardless, the Mus...more

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In the kingdom of Aell, magic exists and is easily accessible, however, there are strict laws surrounding the use of magic when it comes to music. This leaves music as the last untouched art.

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https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43603842-the-queen-will-betray-you?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=afxWKONjCi&rank=1

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Okay, this was such an improvement on the first book. (Which I still enjoyed, just didn't stand out, really.) Still had some problems with this - mainly dialogue related - but it was definitely a solid read with several surprising turns and an epilogue that makes me eager to read the next book.

This one was even more politic focused than book one so if that's not your thing, this may not be for you but I enjoyed this aspect immensely! It was intriguing to see the possible war and desires for the...more

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The Queen Will Betray You (Kingdoms of Sand and Sky, #2)

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Okay, this was such an improvement on the first book. (Which I still enjoyed, just didn't stand out, really.) Still had some problems with this - mainly dialogue related - but it was definitely a solid read with several surprising turns and an epilogue that makes me eager to read the next book.

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https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59947670-rust-in-the-root

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Rust in the Root book. Read 50 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. The author of the visionary New York Times bestseller Dread Nation...

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https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55823409-the-lost-dreamer?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=6hFlKsVoDF&rank=1

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Wow look at me writing the FIRST ACTUAL REVIEW FOR THIS BOOK. You're welcome. 😎

This book slaps. 11/10. I am absolutely going to have to reread it because it was so good that I read it too fast.

First off, The Setting: Ancient Mesoamerica? In a totally unique and incredible culture, with rich history, prophecies, and an incredible magic system? Yes please!! The vivid imagery of the Dreams was stunning and I've never read anything quite like it before. I'm picky about both worldbuilding and writin...more

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Wow look at me writing the FIRST ACTUAL REVIEW FOR THIS BOOK. You're welcome. 😎 This book slaps. 11/10. I am absolutely going to have to reread it because it was so good that I read it too fast. First off, The Setting: Ancient Mesoamerica?

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by Emily J. Taylor
9780593404515

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For fans of Caraval and The Night Circus, this decadent and darkly enchanting YA fantasy, set against the backdrop of a Belle Époque-inspired hotel, follows seventeen-year-old Jani as she uncovers the deeply disturbing secrets of the legendary Hotel Magnifique.
All her life, Jani has dreamed of Elsewhere. Just barely scraping by with her job at a tannery, she’s resigned to a dreary life in the port town of Durc, caring for her younger sister Zosa. That is, until the Hotel Magnifique comes to town.

The hotel is legendary not only for its whimsical enchantments, but also for its ability to travel—appearing in a different destination every morning. While Jani and Zosa can’t afford the exorbitant costs of a guest’s stay, they can interview to join the staff, and are soon whisked away on the greatest adventure of their lives. But once inside, Jani quickly discovers their contracts are unbreakable and that beneath the marvelous glamour, the hotel is hiding dangerous secrets.

With the vexingly handsome doorman Bel as her only ally, Jani embarks on a mission to unravel the mystery of the magic at the heart of the hotel and free Zosa—and the other staff—from the cruelty of the ruthless maître d’hôtel. To succeed, she’ll have to risk everything she loves, but failure would mean a fate far worse than never returning home.

About the author

Emily was born and raised in California and has since refused to stay put. She's lived in four states and two continents, all of which have conveniently given her an endless amount of story fodder. She currently works as a creative director in Minneapolis, where she spends the long winters dreaming up glittering worlds to spin into dark tales.
Follow Emily on Instagram @emilycanwrite
https://www.instagram.com/emilycanwrite/

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For fans of Caraval and The Night Circus, this decadent and darkly enchanting YA fantasy, set against the backdrop of a Belle Époque-insp...

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by Daniel José Older
9781368070829

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,

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·  499 ratings  ·  173 reviews

Start your review of Ballad & Dagger (Outlaw Saints, #1)

Do you remember San Madrigal?
Oh, that beautiful island swallowed by the sea . . . the Atlantis of the Caribbean! The irresistible music of the kameros electrified the tropical evenings. The Grand Fetes swirled with color and joyful chaos: dancing, singing, and drumming; gifts and prayers for the spirits. Platters overflowed with luscious seafood.

Nowhere else in the world had that particularly wonderful mix of humanity—the three “founding” groups of Sefaradim, Santeros, and pirates, and also In
Do you remember San Madrigal?
Oh, that beautiful island swallowed by the sea . . . the Atlantis of the Caribbean! The irresistible music of the kameros electrified the tropical evenings. The Grand Fetes swirled with color and joyful chaos: dancing, singing, and drumming; gifts and prayers for the spirits. Platters overflowed with luscious seafood.

Nowhere else in the world had that particularly wonderful mix of humanity—the three “founding” groups of Sefaradim, Santeros, and pirates, and also Indigenous peoples, dispossessed European Jews, and freed West Africans. San Madrigal was a haven from persecution, slavery, and colonial rule. It wasn’t perfect, no, but it was fiercely, proudly independent. A tiny jewel of a country!

And then, fifteen years ago, it disappeared beneath the waves, leaving behind only the diaspora community of Little Madrigal in Brooklyn, New York. I still ache with sorrow when I think about such a loss to the world.

Wait, you say.

You check a map. You Google “San Madrigal.”

Uh, Rick? San Madrigal isn’t real. It never existed.

Balderdash! I say. (Because I am the kind of person who says “Balderdash.”)

Just because a place is fictional doesn’t mean it isn’t real. San Madrigal is a real as Wakanda or the Shire or Earthsea. Once you read Ballad & Dagger, you will see what I mean. Only the best authors can make me feel nostalgic for a place that never existed but needs to exist, and Daniel José Older is one of the best.

In Ballad & Dagger he gives us not only amazing characters, not only a compelling story, not only beautiful prose, humor, and heart—all of which come standard with every Older novel. He also gives us an entire culture—the heritage of a lost island we didn’t know we needed until it had sunk beneath the sea. That, my friends, is powerful writing.

Like all San Madrigaleros, our hero Mateo Matisse is many things. He’s a musician, a healer, a young man in search of his place in the world. He’s also going to be your new best friend as he guides you through the wonderful world of Little Madrigal: a community infused with magic, where spirits live side by side with the living, and where the fractious, pirate-inspired democracy of San Madrigal fights to maintain its culture without its island.

But what if San Madrigal could be raised again? What kind of magic would that require? What kind of sacrifices? These are the questions Matteo Matisse will have to wrestle with in Ballad & Dagger, and he’s going to need his healing skills, because the fight for the soul of San Madrigal is going to open up some very old wounds.

For many years, I have aspired to work with Daniel José Older. I have read all his books. I have been in awe of his breathtaking range. I have longed to find the largest soapbox available, stand upon it, and shout into my megaphone: HEY, EVERYBODY, YOU NEED TO READ THIS GUY!

I am delighted that I finally get to do this. And while any Daniel José Older novel is worth shouting about, Ballad & Dagger is something truly special. The first Rick Riordan Presents novel geared toward young adults, it is also, in my opinion, the most daring, ambitious, and memorable story Older has written yet, and that is saying a lot.

If any magic can raise San Madrigal from the sea again, it is the book you now hold in your hands. Just be warned: once you’ve explored the lost island, you may never want to leave!
...more

Jan 31, 2022 Steven rated it really liked it

Thanks to Netgalley and Disney Publishing for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, I gave this book 3.5 stars, rounded up. The first half was... a slog. It was slow and political and not much happened. It picked up after that, and I'm really glad that I finished it. The last 30% or so was fantastic - things finally picked up, more powers were used, stuff happened!

I loved the lore of San Madrigal, and I loved the spirits. I wish we'd been able to see more
Thanks to Netgalley and Disney Publishing for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, I gave this book 3.5 stars, rounded up. The first half was... a slog. It was slow and political and not much happened. It picked up after that, and I'm really glad that I finished it. The last 30% or so was fantastic - things finally picked up, more powers were used, stuff happened!

I loved the lore of San Madrigal, and I loved the spirits. I wish we'd been able to see more use of the powers and a bit more action in the first half to make it interesting. It was a lot more political than I expected for a YA book.

I loved the POC representation and the cultural aspects of the book.

Will I pick up the sequel? Probably. The end of this one was good enough to warrant that.

Recommended for fans of mythology and Rick Riordan books with patience for slow beginnings.
...more

Another wonderful OwlCrate Exclusive edition! It has beautiful cover art. Ballad & Dagger is the first in an urban fantasy series by a bestselling author, and in many ways, it's a timely treasure. In keeping up with current events and global issues, the book can be taken as not just fiction, but also as a parable about diaspora, meaning, culture and corruption from the voices of those who often aren't heard. It's an unconventional, to say the least, in its approach to a broad genre in fiction. U Another wonderful OwlCrate Exclusive edition! It has beautiful cover art. Ballad & Dagger is the first in an urban fantasy series by a bestselling author, and in many ways, it's a timely treasure. In keeping up with current events and global issues, the book can be taken as not just fiction, but also as a parable about diaspora, meaning, culture and corruption from the voices of those who often aren't heard. It's an unconventional, to say the least, in its approach to a broad genre in fiction. Urban fantasy is a perfect fiction genre for our current western world in the sense that it can expertly capture a state of affairs and, if done correctly, share them without being too on-the-nose.
I have to agree though with other reviewers here - Ballad & Dagger is painfully heavy-handed, political and preachy to the point where the first half of the book just feels like reading an arts student's creative writing prose. The book is clearly trying to comment on trends in very recent history that have already died down in sociopolitical interest, and it hinders the story, unfortunately. Stronger subtlety and a focus on the broader issues: xenophobia, the environment - could have saved this book from being a relic of the COVID age. Instead, it feels like something that our children will find in the back of our closets one day, along with those boot cut jeans that don't fit anymore and the laptop that died with Windows 7 software still on it, and they'll roll their eyes or wonder what the story is trying to reference.

There's a place for political commentary in genre fiction. Subtlety, care and speculative reason are the elements that weave it seamlessly and timelessly in versus just dumping it there as a way to catch attention. Look at, for example, the movie Spirited Away. Instead of limiting itself to a commentary on 1980s consumer culture in Japan, it broadened itself out with timeless themes about greed, environmental pollution, exploitation and loneliness. These themes still apply strongly today, setting the movie free from the bindings of its origin era. There's a lot that can be learned from Studio Ghibli's movies and how they incorporate political themes. With the exception of intended period pieces, they understand the balance that is required in fiction to keep the story relevant for future audiences. Ballad & Dagger is a decent book, but also a trapped book.
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May 01, 2022 Ms. Woc Reader rated it really liked it

This was my first Daniel Jose Older book and there was a lot of world building despite the very real world setting. The island of San Madrigal dissappeared below the ocean waves 15 years ago and most of the survivors and their descendants live in a small neighborhood in Brooklyn.
The pacing in the first half was a little bit slow for me but there was something about Mateo and his community that kept me reading. This is a definitely conversation starter for diasporan Caribbean children. Many peop
This was my first Daniel Jose Older book and there was a lot of world building despite the very real world setting. The island of San Madrigal dissappeared below the ocean waves 15 years ago and most of the survivors and their descendants live in a small neighborhood in Brooklyn.
The pacing in the first half was a little bit slow for me but there was something about Mateo and his community that kept me reading. This is a definitely conversation starter for diasporan Caribbean children. Many people don't necessarily want to reflect on the after effects of colonialism and colorism especially with so many island nations pushing this idea of "We're all XYZ nation" while ignoring that the darkest in society still stays at the bottom years after slavery ended. The island of San Madrigal boasts about having never been conquered however it's racial dynamics closely resemble it's Caribbean cousin's that were.

Mateo lives with his Tia Lucia and his ghost tia Miriam while his parents travel the world. I liked how close he was to his tia and the depiction of a non traditional family.

Mateo has this healing magic and his love of music was uniquely tied into that. The story also blends different religions with Sephardim and Santeria equally being observed in their community.And then pirates have their own way of life.

I liked that Mateo was awkward and unsure. So often we read these stories where people discover they have great power and they talk about being unsure but we don't really see and feel it. Mateo finds out he has these powers and he freaks out! He's also experiencing his first big crush on Chela who also has powers she doesn't know how to control. They were so cute together!

While it was a little slow for me in some parts and the world could get confusing at time I did enjoy it.

3.5
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I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ballad & Dagger was completely magical. Way more than I expected it would be. Then again, I don't think Rick Riordan has ever given me a bad book. Hopefully, Daniel keeps doing the same! So, yes, I was very excited to jump into this one and practically screamed all kinds of joy when I saw that I was accepted to do so. It just unfortunately took me forever to finally find the time to read this.

Honestly, I'm mad at myself fo
I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ballad & Dagger was completely magical. Way more than I expected it would be. Then again, I don't think Rick Riordan has ever given me a bad book. Hopefully, Daniel keeps doing the same! So, yes, I was very excited to jump into this one and practically screamed all kinds of joy when I saw that I was accepted to do so. It just unfortunately took me forever to finally find the time to read this.

Honestly, I'm mad at myself for waiting so long. I absolutely fell in love with everything within this. Whether it was the vibes of New York City calling my name, a magical missing island that I secretly hope I can walk into, the culture, monsters, or even the magic itself. Seriously, so much was going on that it's kind of hard to pick one thing that I really enjoyed. The entire book was enjoyable, and I can't wait for the sequel to come out.

No, really, I need the next book like right now. I already think it will be a great addition to this series and can't wait for what else Mateo needs to face. Do I think he needs to be thrown into another dark mystery? No, but I will wish for it anyways. I just need a great adventure and it just seems like Mateo will walk into one no matter what.

In the end, I will patiently wait for 2023 to come so that I can get my hands on the next book within this series. I'm so happy that I got the chance to jump into this wonderful book and can't wait for everyone else to read it. Hopefully they enjoy the overall journey as much as I did. Maybe even more.
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Apr 27, 2022 Ember rated it really liked it

This novel wowed me with the amount of gorgeous language and imagery seeping out of every page. From the history and culture of San Madrigal to our protagonist Mateo's deep love for music, each moment of characterization and development of Mateo's life and history are written extensively and beautifully.
Mateo's relationship with his family - specifically Tia Lucia - and his friends were a treat. Tams and Maza were fun side characters that added a bit of depth and comic relief while also serving
This novel wowed me with the amount of gorgeous language and imagery seeping out of every page. From the history and culture of San Madrigal to our protagonist Mateo's deep love for music, each moment of characterization and development of Mateo's life and history are written extensively and beautifully.
Mateo's relationship with his family - specifically Tia Lucia - and his friends were a treat. Tams and Maza were fun side characters that added a bit of depth and comic relief while also serving as their own interesting side story. Juggling various adult characters was a bit tedious at times but it became clearer who was on whose side as the story progressed.

Being a lifelong music nerd, the way Mateo connects to his piano playing was a stunning inclusion to this book. Reading the way his power translates itself in his brain through different types of music from his cultural background was phenomenal.

My qualms lie in the rushed romance aspect of the book and Chela's overall lack of development. While she shares the cover with Mateo and hold equal plot importance, I feel that she as a person remains incredibly understated to the reader, and we don't know much about her aside from her connection to Mateo and how her actions influenced the plot. She felt like less of her own character and more like a means to an end, which disappointed me.

I wasn't expecting this book to tackle themes of diaspora, colonialism, and colorism as deeply as it did, and I was pleasantly surprised at how nothing was held back. The dark and cruel histories of how many of our present-day cultures came to be is the backbone of this book's plot and I was astounded at how it merged so well with the fantastical elements.

Ballad and Dagger was a fantastic and far worthwhile read, and I'll be eagerly anticipating the sequel, although I feel that this book can also easily stand alone.
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Con una cosa el mundo empieza,
Con una casa se acaba.
With one thing the world begins;
With one thing the world ends.

Ballad&Dagger is the first novel of Outlow Saints duology and the author seems to have planned everything long before the it was published. The book opens with Jack Riordan’s introduction, which is a huge thing for a contemporary fantasy novel and it got my hopes really up and wild. The story combines different cultures, folktales, legends and mesh them into a one hell of a fantasy f
Con una cosa el mundo empieza,
Con una casa se acaba.
With one thing the world begins;
With one thing the world ends.

Ballad&Dagger is the first novel of Outlow Saints duology and the author seems to have planned everything long before the it was published. The book opens with Jack Riordan’s introduction, which is a huge thing for a contemporary fantasy novel and it got my hopes really up and wild. The story combines different cultures, folktales, legends and mesh them into a one hell of a fantasy fiction filled with monstrous action. I loved the amiable characters, story development, whip-smart conversations and Spanish language meshed into dialogs. The minority cultures like Ladino and Sefaradis intermingle with the brand new San Madrigalenos and enrich the whole book with ethnic vibes.
San Madrigal is the Atlantis of this story, a sunken island whose inhabitants now reside in Brooklyn as a diaspora trying to hold onto their cultural heritage. Galerano society is a very spiritual community with their own gods, myths and ghosts waiting to spring into life. As our protagonist Mateo Matisse discovers the secrets of their past and the special powers bestowed upon him, he and his friends embark on an adventure of a lifetime, raising the home island from where it is lost. I really enjoyed this aesthetically designed fantasy universe, enchanting made-up culture and mythical story. I will definitely read the sequel.
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The Rick Riordan series goes YA with this deliciously wonderful fantasy set on an island I wish existed, right off Brooklyn. The book gets off to a slow start, as Older builds both an intricate and fascinating world (Santeria, Jewish myths, pirates!) and develops the characters through Mateo, a shy music nerd who is used to nobody noticing him. he likes it that way.
We meet a richly diverse set of characters both young and old as danger threatens the balance of the island, which has been sunk and
The Rick Riordan series goes YA with this deliciously wonderful fantasy set on an island I wish existed, right off Brooklyn. The book gets off to a slow start, as Older builds both an intricate and fascinating world (Santeria, Jewish myths, pirates!) and develops the characters through Mateo, a shy music nerd who is used to nobody noticing him. he likes it that way.
We meet a richly diverse set of characters both young and old as danger threatens the balance of the island, which has been sunk and needs raising . . .

Okay, I just deleted five paragraphs of basically spoilers as I attempted to untangle the complexities of plot and character. I think it's far more fun for the reader to learn San Madrigal's history and rhythms as the pages turn.

Things I appreciated? the gradual rise in stakes and tension to a truly stunning climax. Also, I loved, loved, loved the way Mateo was written, seeing the world in musical terms. I also loved how the Spanglish infusing the narrative adds its own rhythms to the language.

I look forward to more in Older's series, as well as more YA entries in the RR wider series. It's off to a terrific start.

Copy provided by NetGalley
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Daniel José Older’s worldbuilding in Ballad and Dagger is phenomenal. The way the he fleshed out the intricacies of the history, culture, and politics of Little Madrigal and San Madrigal was just exceptionally done. I loved how this book dealt with lies and legacy and history, and everything that means to the present day.
However, the first half of the book failed to keep my interest; I found it quite slow and hard to get through. The middle picked up a bit, and the end kept me spellbound, but if
Daniel José Older’s worldbuilding in Ballad and Dagger is phenomenal. The way the he fleshed out the intricacies of the history, culture, and politics of Little Madrigal and San Madrigal was just exceptionally done. I loved how this book dealt with lies and legacy and history, and everything that means to the present day.
However, the first half of the book failed to keep my interest; I found it quite slow and hard to get through. The middle picked up a bit, and the end kept me spellbound, but if I wasn’t planning on reviewing the novel, I likely would have put it down before reaching the middle.

3.5 stars

I received an Advance Readers Copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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A YA fantasy with a Cuban MC. Everything I needed in my childhood!

3.5 stars
"What if the dream is what's killing you?"
"If you take poison for long enough, it'll safe your life."

I had mixed feelings with this one. We had a pretty weak start where pretty much nothing happened and we had a lot of info dumping and politics for the first 2/3rds of the book but the last 1/3rd and the ending itself were really strong. I just wish the whole book was like that. I think my biggest problem with this was the writing. At times it could be really beautiful and poetic, and t
3.5 stars
"What if the dream is what's killing you?"
"If you take poison for long enough, it'll safe your life."

I had mixed feelings with this one. We had a pretty weak start where pretty much nothing happened and we had a lot of info dumping and politics for the first 2/3rds of the book but the last 1/3rd and the ending itself were really strong. I just wish the whole book was like that. I think my biggest problem with this was the writing. At times it could be really beautiful and poetic, and then at other times it was really cheesy and cringy. And yes, I understand that the writing is supposed to reflect the thoughts and feelings of our 16 year old narrator, buuuut it was just a lot and I didn't really like it. I felt like Ballad and Dagger reminded me a lot of In the Heights and the main character, Mateo, reminded me of an older Miguel from Coco.

"Listen to the world. To your own heart. Your spirit. Your song."

I loved all the characters and the whole magic system and world was really cool. I enjoyed the idea of all the different spirits and ancestors and the ending really blew my mind. I really hope we get to see more of the magic and the other saints in the second book and that those ideas really get expanded upon.

"We laugh because it's all we know how to do, and because somehow that's the only response that makes sense in such a mad world."

Despite the fact that I didn't love this, I will definitely be reading the sequel because at this point I am invested and want to see what happens.
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This was so good! Four out of five stars! RTC soon!(:

*An ARC was provided by NetGalley and Rick Riordan Presents in exchange for an honest review*
Have you ever heard the story of the missing island San Madrigal?

No? Well, then. Do I have the book for you.

In a corner of New York City called Little Madrigal, the orphaned people of this island live and struggle to keep their island's culture alive. Insert magic, monsters, reincarnated saints, and some good old fashioned hijinks, and you've got an idea of what Ballad and Dagger is all about.

With all th
*An ARC was provided by NetGalley and Rick Riordan Presents in exchange for an honest review*
Have you ever heard the story of the missing island San Madrigal?

No? Well, then. Do I have the book for you.

In a corner of New York City called Little Madrigal, the orphaned people of this island live and struggle to keep their island's culture alive. Insert magic, monsters, reincarnated saints, and some good old fashioned hijinks, and you've got an idea of what Ballad and Dagger is all about.

With all the tropes and magic we love from Rick Riordan Presents (but make it YA), and a whimsical writing style all its own, Ballad and Dagger is the perfect fantasy novel to disappear into for a afternoon. You'll come out of it with the taste of adobo and magic on your tongue, I promise.

pre-read review

YA (with Cuban rep) published by Uncle Rick.

I didn’t know how badly I needed this until I saw it
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RRP HAS GONE YA, I REPEAT RRP HAS GONE YA !1!
screw my wedding and the birth of my first child, this is the happiest day of my life.

omg-omg-omg! This is what it's all about! This is why I read fiction! Ballad & Dagger was more than just a wild ride -- I mean, yes, it was a wild ride -- an exciting adventure, pure adventurous excitement -- but it was much, much more... A coming of age story with a budding romance; a complex, creative, new mythology; a mysterious, suspenseful plot, complete with backstory and mystical revelations; a colorful, diverse, an interesting supporting cast of characters; music, rhythm, clever dialogue omg-omg-omg! This is what it's all about! This is why I read fiction! Ballad & Dagger was more than just a wild ride -- I mean, yes, it was a wild ride -- an exciting adventure, pure adventurous excitement -- but it was much, much more... A coming of age story with a budding romance; a complex, creative, new mythology; a mysterious, suspenseful plot, complete with backstory and mystical revelations; a colorful, diverse, an interesting supporting cast of characters; music, rhythm, clever dialogue... the whole package.
I could have done without the teaser at the end -- If you thought for one minute, Daniel, that I would need a teaser to entice me to read the sequel, you were deadly wrong. I'm going to read the sequel the second I can get my grubby little hands on it. I want it! I need it! How far along are you, Daniel? You'd better get to it. Tick tick... :)

So, if you haven't figured it out yet, I loved Ballad & Dagger! It was refreshingly original, fun, exciting, and captivating from beginning to end!

I received a copy of this book from Disney Publishing Worldwide in exchange for an honest review.
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RTC for blog.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my earc.

3.5 stars.
After witnessing the murder of a member of his favourite band by his classmate Chela, a shocked Matteo is doubly shocked to discover he has the ability to heal people. Matteo has never been particularly interested in the religious and magical side of his San Madrigal culture, refusing to hear what his Tia or his best friend Tams have been telling him for years about their own interests and beliefs.
Once Matteo’s eyes are opened, he becomes aware of two camps of beliefs amongst the forme
3.5 stars.
After witnessing the murder of a member of his favourite band by his classmate Chela, a shocked Matteo is doubly shocked to discover he has the ability to heal people. Matteo has never been particularly interested in the religious and magical side of his San Madrigal culture, refusing to hear what his Tia or his best friend Tams have been telling him for years about their own interests and beliefs.
Once Matteo’s eyes are opened, he becomes aware of two camps of beliefs amongst the former San Madrigal pirates/Brooklynites regarding the fate of their many years-submerged island: some want to leave it where it is, and others want to raise it up out of the ocean, where it’s been since a terrible storm and flood years earlier.

Daniel Jose Older is hands down one of my favourite authors--he writes a book, I read it. I love his many different worlds, and have particularly loved his fantasies set in New York City, where Older's characters are put into difficult situations dealing with heritage, race, history, familial expectations, and magic.

In this new series, he creates a world in which the (made up) island of San Madrigal disappeared under the ocean, and the former pirates and their families inhabiting the island decamped to New York City. Now, years later, there's a movement within these immigrant and displaced people to raise their home out of the water. Matteo and Chela are thrown right into the middle of this community-wide discussion, because of their magical abilities. There are lots of questions raised by characters about the costs of the raising, many of which require using terrible powers, sacrifices, and violence. There are also lies exposed, and discoveries about the real history of the pirates with the wider world.

This book is fun. Matteo and Chela are interesting, though Chela's character needed more fleshing out as I didn't always understand her motivations or actions. I loved watching Matteo's journey through the book, as he confronts his own biases and those within his community. He's a bit awkward and goofy, and I loved how music was so woven into the way he used his new power. I also really liked how Matteo struggles to integrate his magical self with his existing perception of himself, much as Chela also has to, all while the two also have to deal with their attraction for each other.

The story is rich in detail and colour, and my only problem with this book is that I need to wait for a year for the next book.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Disney Publishing Worldwide and Rick Riordan Presents for this ARC in exchange for my review.
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May 11, 2022 Eileen rated it really liked it

4 solid stars
I believe this is the first YA novel in the Riordan Presents imprint, and it's definitely young adult, partly because there is a lot more violence than the middle books I've read in the same group, but also because the reading level is higher. The book actually has a slow start and it takes a little bit of persistence to keep going. However, despite the slow start, the writing was really lyrical and included a fair bit of Spanish, whose meaning was usually translated, or you could f
4 solid stars
I believe this is the first YA novel in the Riordan Presents imprint, and it's definitely young adult, partly because there is a lot more violence than the middle books I've read in the same group, but also because the reading level is higher. The book actually has a slow start and it takes a little bit of persistence to keep going. However, despite the slow start, the writing was really lyrical and included a fair bit of Spanish, whose meaning was usually translated, or you could figure it out from context. But it was the music that really grabbed hold of me. I listened to this book while reading along and the narrator was perfect. As he described the musical passages, I could feel the rhythms and almost hear the sounds he was describing. The story really opened up for me in the second half as the action built up and Mateo ran from one thing to another trying to figure out who he could trust (the answer--no one!). Those who prefer action books may need to push themselves through the first half, but I found the first half to be very important because it's where the author told us all about the beautiful island in the Caribbean that was swallowed up by the sea. I absolutely loved the idea of this island as a safe haven for Sefaradim, Santeros, Pirates, Indigenous people, dispossessed European Jews, and freed West African slaves. The mixture of religion, culture, and mythology from all these sources was very well thought out and it makes me want to keep on reading further in the series. Perhaps this mythology was completely made up, but if so, the author did a fantastic job creating something that seemed so realistic and possible. I really want to walk through Brooklyn and visit the neighborhood of San Madrigal! I mentioned the music earlier and Mateo is a healer, but he is a prodigy musician first and the way the author incorporated the music into his character as well as into this story was genius.

I am definitely looking forward to future books in this series.

I received an advance review copy from NetGalley for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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All 16-year-old Mateo Matisse wants is to be able to make his music, be heard and not seen, and maybe someday play backup for his musical idol, Gerval. But events in his Brooklyn neighborhood of Little Madrigal don’t make that dream easy. Little Madrigal houses most of the people remaining from the free Caribbean island nation of San Madrigal after it sank into the sea fifteen years ago. Those citizens — pirates, Santeros, and Sefaradim — rule their own little corner of the world, celebrate thei All 16-year-old Mateo Matisse wants is to be able to make his music, be heard and not seen, and maybe someday play backup for his musical idol, Gerval. But events in his Brooklyn neighborhood of Little Madrigal don’t make that dream easy. Little Madrigal houses most of the people remaining from the free Caribbean island nation of San Madrigal after it sank into the sea fifteen years ago. Those citizens — pirates, Santeros, and Sefaradim — rule their own little corner of the world, celebrate their traditions, and squabble over politics.
For years, Mateo has been like a tourist in his own community, traveling with his doctor parents and only occasionally touching in with Little Madrigal. But after living for a stretch with his aunt Lucia in Brooklyn, he finds he’s more fundamentally connected to Little Madrigal than he expected — and so is his crush, Chela Hidalgo, the rabbi’s daughter. During a celebration, Mateo learns that he is an initiated child of the god Galanika, destined to channel the spirit’s healing power. Moreover, along with the initiates of the other two island spirits, he’s supposed to help bring back the lost island.

Mateo resists the role that’s been thrust upon him. But unexpected violence and political infighting drag him into the fray. Working together with Chela and his best friend Tams, Mateo uncovers San Madrigal’s buried history, in the process changing his views about their community and his own place in it.

In Ballad and Dagger, Older explores themes of diaspora and colonialism, while still keeping things grounded in a teen reality of evolving identities, crushes, and insecurities. This is world-building at its best, making for a fun, myth-based urban fantasy with a kick. Can’t wait for the sequel!
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Feb 09, 2022 Rae Krosky rated it really liked it

Mateo Matisse just wanted to play his music for the world. Then, he is told that he is Galanika, the healer god. And that the other two gods were also "reincarnated" into two others in the community, that he must find in order to bring back their island home of San Madrigal, which sunk beneath the waves 15 years ago, forcing the hidden community to be relocated to Brooklyn. He is told to trust no one, although it seems that everyone shares the same goal, returning home. However, Mateo witnesses Mateo Matisse just wanted to play his music for the world. Then, he is told that he is Galanika, the healer god. And that the other two gods were also "reincarnated" into two others in the community, that he must find in order to bring back their island home of San Madrigal, which sunk beneath the waves 15 years ago, forcing the hidden community to be relocated to Brooklyn. He is told to trust no one, although it seems that everyone shares the same goal, returning home. However, Mateo witnesses a murder and monsters begin to threaten the community. Infighting breaks out and Mateo has to stop a great evil from surfacing and destroying the world. All in a good days work, right?
Some absolutely stunning world building and a fascinating mixture of mythology, history, and fiction. However, I felt that this book suffered a lot from telling, but not showing. Instead of showing us the culture generated from the mixing of Santero, pirate, and Sephardim the author just stated it. The storyline started out very slow and only sped up right at the end, which isn't necessarily bad, just not by favorite. And, I must bring up Farts the dog, who I felt was a bit of a Chekhov's Gun. How to you introduce a farting chihuahua and not have it play any role in the story? A bit odd.
He developed the best friend character well, but she only showed up when it was convenient for the storyline and it felt that she mainly existed to help push Mateo in the right direction. However, this didn't make her falling for twins any less amusing or her personality any less fun. Though, it did seem like the author was putting the twins on opposite sides of the conflict, but he didn't quite see that storyline all the way through. Maybe it will appear in the sequel.
If you do not understand Spanish, the book loses a lot of additional meaning and depth, but is still entirely understandable. All in all, it was an incredible story, filled with diverse characters, romantic subplots, and a fascinating discussion of the long history of colonization and exploitation in the Caribbean.
Thank you to Netgalley for this title in exchange for an honest review. ...more

Rick Riordan Imprint’s first YA series—includes poc rep and a fun story...very exciting!!

I can honestly say I've never read a book quite like this one. It merges cultures and traditions and myth resulting in something entirely new. But I shouldn't start there.
This story begins with a legend. An island, San Madrigal, sank into the sea and those inhabitants that survived the sinking had to flee and resettle on the mainland. In Brooklyn, New York. But the island was special, secret. It had been home to pirates, Sephardic Jews, and Santeros, a place to escape persecution and come togeth
I can honestly say I've never read a book quite like this one. It merges cultures and traditions and myth resulting in something entirely new. But I shouldn't start there.
This story begins with a legend. An island, San Madrigal, sank into the sea and those inhabitants that survived the sinking had to flee and resettle on the mainland. In Brooklyn, New York. But the island was special, secret. It had been home to pirates, Sephardic Jews, and Santeros, a place to escape persecution and come together as a very diverse people. And the community of Little Madrigal longs to return to their ancestral home, making them turn to an ancient prophecy.

Sixteen-year-old Mateo just wants to play his music and be noticed by Gerval, the local rock star. But almost overnight he witnesses a murder, sees a shimmering being, experiences an awakening of tremendous powers, gets pulled into a political struggle, and is tasked with unearthing an ancient mystery. And the action doesn't stop. Poor boy never asked for any of this, and I feel for him when he just wants to ignore it all and play the piano. Occasionally, he does still get to.

I loved seeing so much diversity in the story. Many of the characters fluctuated between speaking Spanish and English, often multiple times in the same sentence. Others practiced Sephardic traditions. Those of pirate descent were still pirates, though in a slightly more modern sense (they did a little more than bury gold). Many of the inhabitants believed in spirits of their ancestors and at several points in the story, we get to see the ghosts talking to them as well. And despite the diversity, the goal of the community had always been to work together. And Mateo learns the value of unity in the midst of all the secrets and lies.

Another part of the story that fascinated me was how politicized everything was. Everything had spin. Everyone was trying to win others over to their side. Everyone was leaving out part of the story. In particular, they wanted to raise an island, but there was little mention of what the cost would be. Teenagers today face the same challenges. Not raising an island, of course, but finding the truth in the midst of the spin and determining with whom their allegiance lies.

It was a strange and wonderful and fast paced adventure. I'm looking forward to seeing where the story goes from here.
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Ballad & Dagger is a novel with a lot of interesting topics that I wish I could read more about in scientific papers.
It's heavy with lore and history, which I really like, but unfortunately, the pace does not match the ambition here, and I found myself completely uninterested in our main character's fate. There is not a single layer of tension in the plot, everything just happens so fast and easily that the MC himself wonders how he can go on with his life despite his fate. As a musician, I wis
Ballad & Dagger is a novel with a lot of interesting topics that I wish I could read more about in scientific papers.
It's heavy with lore and history, which I really like, but unfortunately, the pace does not match the ambition here, and I found myself completely uninterested in our main character's fate. There is not a single layer of tension in the plot, everything just happens so fast and easily that the MC himself wonders how he can go on with his life despite his fate. As a musician, I wished music would be used better, but if there is plenty (too much) of it at the beginning, it literally just disappears from the novel toward the end. The writing was okay, but felt a little bit too much or not enough, rather disproportionate, throughout the novel. The attempts at humor often fail, and the attempts at dramatic scenes as well. In between, there aren't many lines left for making up for the big flaws, which is disappointing given that the characters could have been very interesting, either the MC, the antagonist, the BFF, or the love interest, they all seem to have great personalities. We're given hints at their stories but nothing is ever explicit which renders them very flat in the end. In addition, the book also falls into the cliché of romance and if the story between the MC and his love interest did not repeal, I just couldn't find myself interested in them enough to care - and to be honest, that's how I felt about the whole book.

Good point for having a solid lore/background history of the people and their origins, and the impact of diaspora on communities.
...more

“We stand side by side, arm in arm, broken and confused and wary but very much alive, and ready, ever ready, for all that lies ahead.”
Mateo’s whole life is music. He lives with his aunts (one more ghostly than the other) in a small community in Brooklyn where their displaced island nation settled 15 years prior. However, Mateo’s life becomes so much more when an ancient evil emerges in his community and powers he never knew he had come to light.

As the first YA title for the Rick Riordan Presents
“We stand side by side, arm in arm, broken and confused and wary but very much alive, and ready, ever ready, for all that lies ahead.”
Mateo’s whole life is music. He lives with his aunts (one more ghostly than the other) in a small community in Brooklyn where their displaced island nation settled 15 years prior. However, Mateo’s life becomes so much more when an ancient evil emerges in his community and powers he never knew he had come to light.

As the first YA title for the Rick Riordan Presents imprint, I had high expectations for Ballad & Dagger. It completely exceeded those. The characters all started at pretty low places and were able to come into their own, both together and apart. The battle scenes were written so vividly and made you feel like you were really there, watching it all play out. I also thought the author did an absolutely beautiful job intertwining so many cultures and communities.

I took a little bit longer than normal to really get into this book, but I think that was a me problem. Either way, it kept me reading and I’m so glad I didn’t give up on it. I can’t wait to see where Chela and Mateo’s journey goes next!!

CW: death, death of parent, murder, violence, blood, colonization, panic attacks/disorders, racism, vomit
...more

This is a story about two teens who discover their powers and each other. Filled with music and magic set in an urban fantasy, this story revolves around a political battle within a diaspora community. The story has mystery, romance, magic, and heart. It follows Mateo Matisse a high school junior and a piano prodigy who just wants to get the attention of a music legend. On the night of the Grand Fete, a party that celebrates the blended culture of pirates,Cuban Santeros, and Sephardic Jews his l This is a story about two teens who discover their powers and each other. Filled with music and magic set in an urban fantasy, this story revolves around a political battle within a diaspora community. The story has mystery, romance, magic, and heart. It follows Mateo Matisse a high school junior and a piano prodigy who just wants to get the attention of a music legend. On the night of the Grand Fete, a party that celebrates the blended culture of pirates,Cuban Santeros, and Sephardic Jews his life is turned upside down when he witnesses the murder of someone he knows. He soon discovers that he is Galanika, the healer god and that two other gods were also “reinacrnated” into two other people in his community that he must find in order to bring back their island home of San Madrigal. The story started off slow for me and political.. and not much happens until the last 30% of the book which picks up but it just wasn’t for me sadly. Definitely give it a go though it’s got a lot of fun magic and history and culture in it!
*Thanks Netgalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide, Rick Riordan Presents for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*
...more

A fine balance between magical realism and urban fantasy, Ballad and Dagger is ideal for readers looking for diverse representation, and colorful, immersive world building. The narration was lyrical and conversational, and it often felt like the main character was talking directly to me.
While the book reels you into the story, making you feel part of the community, I think this was more plot driven than character driven. The setting and the story overshadowed the characters a little . But when t
A fine balance between magical realism and urban fantasy, Ballad and Dagger is ideal for readers looking for diverse representation, and colorful, immersive world building. The narration was lyrical and conversational, and it often felt like the main character was talking directly to me.
While the book reels you into the story, making you feel part of the community, I think this was more plot driven than character driven. The setting and the story overshadowed the characters a little . But when the world building and premise is as fantastical and enchanting as it is in this read, it’s still chef’s kiss. The way it’s written, you’ll feel like you’re not just reading but you’re part of the actual adventure too.

I look forward to seeing where the next book leads.

Thank you NetGalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide who provided a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and ideas expressed are my own
...more

This book was filled with so much adventure. I loved learning about the different cultures of San Madrigal in this high intense YA fantasy! I thought the characters were so unique and exciting to get to know. I enjoyed the friendships and family ties throughout the story.
The writing was well done. You can really tell it was written by a well seasoned author and it made the story that much more immersive. I definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a fast-paced highly intense ride that blends
This book was filled with so much adventure. I loved learning about the different cultures of San Madrigal in this high intense YA fantasy! I thought the characters were so unique and exciting to get to know. I enjoyed the friendships and family ties throughout the story.
The writing was well done. You can really tell it was written by a well seasoned author and it made the story that much more immersive. I definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a fast-paced highly intense ride that blends culture, mythology, and music together beautifully. I can’t wait for book two and definitely plan to pick up more of Daniel’s books to enjoy!

https://thecleverreader.wordpress.com...
...more

May 01, 2022 Antoinette rated it really liked it

An amazing coming-of-age fantasy with music and spirits! Mateo's love of music and how it was interwoven into his new powers came across beautifully. I enjoyed the friendship he shared with Tams and the love he shared with his Tia Lucia. Chela and her blades quickly became my favorite character. The history, culture, and lies surrounding the sunken island of San Madrigal and its diaspora were intriguing aspects that kept me guessing.
Thanks, NetGalley, Rick Riordan Presents, and Disney-Hyperion! An amazing coming-of-age fantasy with music and spirits! Mateo's love of music and how it was interwoven into his new powers came across beautifully. I enjoyed the friendship he shared with Tams and the love he shared with his Tia Lucia. Chela and her blades quickly became my favorite character. The history, culture, and lies surrounding the sunken island of San Madrigal and its diaspora were intriguing aspects that kept me guessing.
Thanks, NetGalley, Rick Riordan Presents, and Disney-Hyperion! ...more

Fair warning: I desperately need to reread this book to make sense of it. Mateo was born after the Fall but like all of his fellow islanders grew up mourning the loss of San Madrigal, their magically sunken island. The islanders are a complex mixture of Sefaradim, Santeros and Pirates. They carve out an area of Brooklyn that is theirs alone. Mateo is a musician to his core. English and feelings are not his thing at all. This is a duology with the second and final part out next spring. Chela is s Fair warning: I desperately need to reread this book to make sense of it. Mateo was born after the Fall but like all of his fellow islanders grew up mourning the loss of San Madrigal, their magically sunken island. The islanders are a complex mixture of Sefaradim, Santeros and Pirates. They carve out an area of Brooklyn that is theirs alone. Mateo is a musician to his core. English and feelings are not his thing at all. This is a duology with the second and final part out next spring. Chela is someone he loves from afar but it seems she is much more as well, as Mateo finds out. Some of this is poetic and lyrical. Other parts are stumbling and almost annoying. This review might get entirely rewritten after rereading. ...more

Jun 29, 2022 Kasey Dennehy rated it really liked it

When I first found out this was gonna be the book for one of my owlcrates, I thought it sounded interesting, but I also thought I would just find it to be good but not great, know what I mean? Turns out I was completely wrong! I throughly enjoyed this book!! It was such great writing and the story was so unique and fun. It took me a bit to get into it but I'm so glad I read this. I cannot wait for book two! When I first found out this was gonna be the book for one of my owlcrates, I thought it sounded interesting, but I also thought I would just find it to be good but not great, know what I mean? Turns out I was completely wrong! I throughly enjoyed this book!! It was such great writing and the story was so unique and fun. It took me a bit to get into it but I'm so glad I read this. I cannot wait for book two! ...more

Daniel José Older is the New York Times bestselling author of the Young Adult series the Shadowshaper Cypher (Scholastic), the Bone Street Rumba urban fantasy series (Penguin), and the upcoming Middle Grade sci-fi adventure Flood City (Scholastic). He won the International Latino Book Award and has been nominated for the Kirkus Prize, the Mythopoeic Award, the Locus Award, the Andre Norton Award, Daniel José Older is the New York Times bestselling author of the Young Adult series the Shadowshaper Cypher (Scholastic), the Bone Street Rumba urban fantasy series (Penguin), and the upcoming Middle Grade sci-fi adventure Flood City (Scholastic). He won the International Latino Book Award and has been nominated for the Kirkus Prize, the Mythopoeic Award, the Locus Award, the Andre Norton Award, and yes, the World Fantasy Award. Shadowshaper was named one of Esquire’s 80 Books Every Person Should Read. You can find his thoughts on writing, read dispatches from his decade-long career as an NYC paramedic and hear his music at http://danieljoseolder.net/, on youtube and @djolder on twitter. ...more

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This was super fun, and I loved the messages that the book is sending about friendship, what it means to be a girl, and kicking monster butt. This was perfect for fans of the author's other book Undead Girl Gang, or of Babysitter's Coven and Buffy the Vampire Slayer (especially if you loved the Scoobies). I was not expecting the ending at all, but I think it was perfect. Do not listen to whoever is shelving this as a graphic novel, it...more

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Two teen vigilantes set off on an action-packed investigation to expose corruption and deliver justice in Valiant Ladies, Melissa Grey's YA historical fiction novel inspired by real seventeenth century Latinx teenagers known as the Valiant Ladies of Potosí.
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Melissa Grey penned her first short story at the age of twelve and hasn't stopped writing since. As an undergrad at Yale, she learned how ride a horse and shoot a bow and arrow at the same time. She also has a Masters in Art History but that's a much less useful skill.
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This is a religious cult who thinks that in order to save the world, a six-winged clawed beast called Seraph will be unleashed and raise havoc upon the world.

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Basically they mean genocide.

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Ariadna not the pet, but theres like fox hunting so other animals die like foxes, horses

Ellie J. Yu'adir is Judaism, Sumic is Catholicism, and Katharism is Protestantism.
I think the different groups & their interactions are inspired by the early-1…more
Yu'adir is Judaism, Sumic is Catholicism, and Katharism is Protestantism.
I think the different groups & their interactions are inspired by the early-1900s US (particularly New England) history since the immigration quotas and issues with the Irish and Jews were really in full swing at the time, along with Protestant-Catholic conflicts.(less)

Community Reviews

·  3,764 ratings  ·  1,272 reviews

Start your review of A Far Wilder Magic

this was the young roy and riza fanfic of my dreams, i LOVED it ♥️

Jan 14, 2022 Robin rated it it was amazing

↠ 5 stars
In an isolated manor on the edge of town, sharpshooter Margaret Welty lives alone and yearns for the day her mother will return. When she spots the legendary Hala in the woods one evening, she knows that the annual Halfmoon Hunt is about to commence. Last in a line of mythical beings, whosoever kills the Hala will unlock its power, giving way to riches and knowledge unimaginable. Despite the fact that her mother is long gone, winning the hunt may be exactly what Margaret needs to bring
↠ 5 stars
In an isolated manor on the edge of town, sharpshooter Margaret Welty lives alone and yearns for the day her mother will return. When she spots the legendary Hala in the woods one evening, she knows that the annual Halfmoon Hunt is about to commence. Last in a line of mythical beings, whosoever kills the Hala will unlock its power, giving way to riches and knowledge unimaginable. Despite the fact that her mother is long gone, winning the hunt may be exactly what Margaret needs to bring her home. The only problem: she appears to be short a partner and only teams of two can register. What she needs is an alchemist. Her wish is granted when Weston Winters appears on her doorstep, requesting an apprenticeship with her absent mother. Although they appear an unlikely pairing and he came there for different reasons, Wes is the answer Margaret has been looking for. As the hunt looms closer, the walls begin to close in, and catching the Hala may not be a matter of their intellectual prowess, but their own survival.

A Far Wilder Magic is a heart-pounding and visceral exploration of belonging and loneliness, amidst a search for the answers inside one’s heart. Following the hit that was Saft’s debut novel Down Comes The Night, I had no doubt in my mind that her sophomore novel would deliver just as much tenderness and longing as before. Full of words that drown you in their depths and an evocative fantasy atmosphere, Allison Saft has ruined me for life. This book has it all: a mysterious manor on the edge of town, conversations in a moonlit wood, and a hunt for an ancient being of great power. Few books have I ever read that felt so comforting and familiar all at once without reading very far in, as this one did. Saft’s capacity for storytelling is truly unlike anything I have ever known, seemingly effortless, yet intimate and magical at its heart. She crafts scenes that peer deep into the soul, teeming with all the yearning required to leave me an emotional wreck. The elusive Halfmoon Hunt anchored in the story suspends like a thread above the heads of the characters for a majority of the novel creating a relationship-driven internal journey, unlike anything that I was expecting. As the plot unveils, the most heartwarming romance between Margaret and Wes is brought into focus. Both outsiders in their own way, the two become closer as the hunt goes on and they are called to lean on one another more than they ever expected. The individual struggles were incredibly poignant, with Wes wanting to live and not just exist, and Margaret trying to escape the loneliness and entrapment of her family’s past. The added slow burn between them was simply exquisite and their all-encompassing love threatened to ruin me completely. Full of alchemy, myth, desperation, and sheer romance Allison Saft has created an uplifting novel that remakes the soul. Cemented in belonging, love, and the creation of a life you never thought possible.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review

Trigger Warnings: blood, gore, emotional abuse, neglect, antisemitism, xenophobia, nationalism, animal death and injury, ableism, parental death (mentioned), PTSD
...more

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 Jew
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
...more

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 Wickdo
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.
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**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
**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 to sign up. 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, with two young people living and working together under the same roof, sparks begin 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!!

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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 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
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 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
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DNF @ p.53

I always feel like such a shit when I get an ARC of a book and don't like it. Especially if it's a hard copy. I know a lot of money goes into producing those copies and dispersing them, so I really try to only ask for books I think I'm going to like. And I totally thought I was going to like this. That cover! That premise! No, don't take me on a coffee date, I want to hunt mythical monsters through a moonlit wood. That was my f

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DNF @ p.53

I always feel like such a shit when I get an ARC of a book and don't like it. Especially if it's a hard copy. I know a lot of money goes into producing those copies and dispersing them, so I really try to only ask for books I think I'm going to like. And I totally thought I was going to like this. That cover! That premise! No, don't take me on a coffee date, I want to hunt mythical monsters through a moonlit wood. That was my first impression and I totally stand by it.

Sadly, this book didn't really do it for me. The writing is clear and very pretty but the characters just felt really bland. Especially Wes. I didn't really get what his deal was. It felt like the author was trying to make him seem quirky but he just kind of seemed like a dick. The author does something I personally really don't like, where she writes what is basically historical fantasy but changes all the names around. So the "Irish" become the Banvish (with signs that say "Banvish need not apply" on New York-- I mean, "New Albion"-- shops), and Katharists (Catholics?) with fancy churches who seem to hate the Celtic-inspired religions. These stand-ins feel like a short-cut for world-building but taken out of context from their real-world counterparts, they don't really have the same significance. So I wish authors would either set a book in our world and make it actual historical fantasy or bite the world-building bullet and go the extra mile in crafting their own settings. The "wild hunt" angle which hooked me in also didn't feature in the 50+ pages I read. It was more of a Victorian-esque steampunk setting, and if I had known that, I probably wouldn't have requested a copy of this, either, because I'm not really a fan of steampunk.

I think if you like authors like Maggie Stiefvater and Emily Duncan, you'll enjoy this book. I don't particularly care for either of them, unfortunately. I know some people really like their characters and writing style but I don't. For teens who really vibe with steampunk and like those deliberately "quirky" characters that seem to be vogue among the YA set these days, you'll probably love this. I wish I had too, but I just found myself setting this book down every time I picked it up and eventually I just gave up. Thanks so much to my friend Heather for reading this with me (sorry I bailed!).

Thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review!

1.5 to 2 stars
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Feb 24, 2022 Jasmine rated it really liked it

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 p
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
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Jul 10, 2021 alaska rated it it was amazing

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, n

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 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.
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Mar 16, 2022 Chelsea Humphrey marked it as dnf-lost-interest

DNF. 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.
DNF. 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.
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Jul 28, 2021 charlotte, rated it it was amazing

On my blog.
Rep: Jewish-coded mc, dyslexic mc, gay side character, sapphic side characters

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 Wi
On my blog.
Rep: Jewish-coded mc, dyslexic mc, gay side character, sapphic side characters

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.
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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.

DNF 10%
insta love + Not Like Other Girls = i'm out of here
DNF 10%
insta love + Not Like Other Girls = i'm out of here
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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!
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!
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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
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/
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this was such a fun fantasy read, with it’s slowburn, grumpyxsunshine, trauma exploration and Jewish-inspired elements! The writing was so beautiful and this book was a bit long for me but I enjoyed it overall.
Final rtc.

Aug 17, 2021 cossette rated it it was amazing

reread: 12/19/21
—
allison saft has done it again oh my gosh rtc (closer to pub date!)

Run, don't walk, to purchase this one today! *all the heart eyes*

The more dangerous the monster, the more glorious the hero who slays it.

Where do I even begin this review? I literally, from the moment I started, fell in love. There are just some books, ya know, that feel right when you start them, like they were made for you at this exact moment in your life-
this is one of them. And from that final page, all I’ve thought about-day and night-is getting to this review. So many though Run, don't walk, to purchase this one today! *all the heart eyes*

The more dangerous the monster, the more glorious the hero who slays it.

Where do I even begin this review? I literally, from the moment I started, fell in love. There are just some books, ya know, that feel right when you start them, like they were made for you at this exact moment in your life-
this is one of them. And from that final page, all I’ve thought about-day and night-is getting to this review. So many thoughts. So many emotions. So much gratitude. I request arcs, sure, but when I sent out my request with this one, my heart went with it.

“Besides, dreams don’t always have to be practical. That’s why they’re dreams. And now ours live and die together.”
“Together.” It’s such a foreign concept.
He grins at her. “It’s you and me against the world, Margaret.”

It began with the cover-that beautiful, unique cover-I saw it and just had to know more. Upon further inspection, I just knew it was a book I was going to devour, to love, to cherish-it did not, at any juncture, disappoint. My heart leapt into my throat the minute I saw it in my inbox and I plotted for days to make time for it. I’m a simple girl-give me a steady, slow-build fantasy with a slow-burn romance…I’m sold.

She pauses, drawing in a shaky breath when her throat begins to burn. She will not cry—not in front of him. “I’m asking you again, Mr. Winters. I won’t ask again after this. Please stay. There’s no one else I can ask.”
“God,” he says softly. “Please don’t look at me like that.”

I don’t ask for much, so when a book delivers just that-my simple tastes-it better be well-written and deliver in spades. Don’t worry, it did its job splendidly. And here I am, days after finishing and DYING to write this review, and I am, of course, sick [again] and not saying things how I had planned on saying them due to my foggy mind-I apologize to this beautiful, amazing, mesmerizing book,
because it deserves so much better, but I also cannot wait another moment to spill my fresh thoughts onto the page, so bear with me.

The day he met her, streaked in dirt and despising him, he never imagined she could do this to him. How could Margaret ever think he’d lose himself to alchemy when he has already hopelessly lost himself to her?

Maggie and Wes were two characters that made my heart soar simply because they were written into existence. The flip and play on grumpy/sunshine (can I call Wes sunshine? I don’t know. And can I call Maggie Grumpy? No…she’s just steadfast, serious, and unsure, but...) where the female wasn’t bubbles and sunshine was refreshing.

Girls like her don’t get to dream. Girls like her get to survive. Most days, that’s enough. Today, she doesn’t think it is.

And I really enjoyed Wes being the goofy, playing-at-being-light-hearted while undoubtedly tortured underneath hero.

Misfortune has hardened them both. It’s roughened her, but it’s polished him to a sheen. If he lets the world believe he is all surface, then there is nothing to expose. Beneath her implacable stare, however, he is utterly naked.

It was nice to see that, while he put up a good front, he had inner demons, too. Wes felt he couldn’t show them, so it made his character far more complex than what the heroine could see.

He’s survived this long by letting everyone believe he’s selfish and shallow. It’s better that way. No one knows how to hurt you if you always play the fool. No one can truly be disappointed in you if they don’t expect any better.

The depth of these two characters pulled at my heartstrings so brutally, sneaking slowly into my bloodstream and pumping into my heart resolutely and without invitation. They were embedded in my DNA far before I even realized it, and that is truly the sum of my favorite kinds of stories. The stories where nothing big is happening at all, just small moments building up into a storm of wants, needs, and desires, of heart and soul being woven into every page, fracturing your heart in tiny fissures until you are a part of the book as much as it is a part of you. You live and die as these characters breathe and fight and mourn for one another-you are them and they are you, and there is nothing you can do about it but hope it doesn’t end in heartbreak. Dramatic, yes, but no less true.

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 as wild as an open flame. It’s a slice of buttered bread at a dinner table. It’s a grudge born of worry. It’s broken skin pulled over swelling knuckles.
It’s not enough anymore to do this for Evelyn. Maybe it’s for Wes, too.

I can’t even begin to explain how hard it is for me to connect to a book-truly connect-to the point of not caring what happens so much as the ride is worth the while. Does that make sense? Maybe not every moment plays out as you’d hope (though, I could argue that almost everything I could possibly wish for comes to fruition), but every moment stays with you, builds up to something, makes you feel. At a certain point I realized I didn’t even know what the hunt was, just that I was ecstatic it was there and we were living in it.

As she watches him walk away, the answering squeeze of her heart is as distressing as it is painfully familiar. 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?

I think that is partially what scares me about my precious book-that maybe others, like me, won’t understand that this isn’t a days long hunt (where did I even get this from? I was straight up imagining a Hunger Games situation??) even though, honestly, I should have known better. Most of this book is literally a crescendo of happenings leading up to the hunt-the hunt does not last long, and I only say this in forewarning for those who might not know and might expect more. If you want MORE hunt, LESS build-up/preparing/small town hatred and bias, this simply is not for you. Me? I’d say my rating is fairly on the nose, but my heart is not so obvious.

If she must be seen tonight, she will be incandescent.

I like both scenarios, if it’s not clear in literally every other fantasy review known to man I’ve written or in the earlier part of this review-I both LOVE books where we have more buildup, characterization, less action based but a wonderful payoff of heart and depth in the end, and books that are more about getting deeper into the grit of the moment that the book was aptly named for. I like both. But there is, now that I am a more seasoned reader and more self aware as to what works for me, a common key that makes or breaks a story for me: character depth and character interactions.

As hours became days became weeks, she realized that if her mind could protect her from remembering Evelyn’s failed experiment, it could protect her from this pain, too. She could learn how to make the sting of abandonment fade into numbness. She could learn to detach until it felt like she wasn’t real at all.

That’s right-you can have the most romantic and perilous beast of a book
but it doesn’t mean squat to me if you haven’t built up a relationship between our main characters or fleshed out their thoughts, desires, and inner selves thus making them into actual relatable people. I may be picky…but I think anyone who doesn’t value character development can’t possibly have lasting love for a book or series. If your love for the main characters fizzles out, what do you even remember about said book or series? How can any tension or high action moments make your heart palpitate to the point you can't breathe if characters' actions and justifications weren't built on what all you knew the characters struggled through and grew from to get to that point? Just my opinion, though. There is no lack for character love here, at least on my part.

Today, one of them could die. There’s nothing for them to tell each other that they don’t already know. He sees it in her eyes. He’s tasted it on her lips. She writes it on his skin every time she touches him. But in all his mother’s legends, there is binding power in words, and Wes doesn’t want to die without his soul entwined with hers.

And, to really-truly-end it with a final thought, this novel also heavily touches base on religion as a means for being outcasts of society. While I may not have wholly grasped every concept, I loved the way the author made me connect to the characters because they were outsiders. That may be the loosest way we were meant to connect, but I fell hard for our two outcasts, their struggles, the way they felt a kinship to one another and never judged the other for who they were or where they came from. Cast aside and bullied, this made for some very amazing scenes that became favorite moments.

This is nothing more than they’ve already exchanged. A sacrifice for a sacrifice, a dream for a dream. Their bargain is its own kind of alchemy.

I still feel so honored to have received this novel early from the publisher and count my blessings that one of my most anticipated releases became a quick instant favorite. I don’t know that this will be for everyone, my closest friends included, but it was for me, and that’s really all that matters. The depth, the pusle-pounding, the slow-burn of so many things (romance notwithstanding), and the creepy vibes the hala emitted…I’d say this book ticked all my favorite boxes. I hope that so many more people agree with me, because I can’t wait to gush about it over and over as people around me discover this wonderful gift of a book.

I've recently decided to start a friend scale for my closest friends (WHOSE READING PREFERENCES I KNOW INSIDE AND OUT) on if they'd enjoy it since they almost always ask if I think they'd like a book. It's really just for fun because, honestly, I hook them with sending quotes and fangirling with my favorite passages and that's generally how they decide, but either way, here it is.

FRIEND SCALE:
Arielle- You might find a lot of enjoyment, but I didn't envision you reading it at any point
Jen- No
Cassie- Not likely
Anna- Yes! I really do think you will enjoy it! You'll have your qualms, but, well. Oh well.

For more of my reviews, please visit:

****

Slow-burning, torturous, intoxicating-I am irrevocably in love with this book.

I couldn’t be more obsessed if I tried. Any book that I read through a migraine (from literally beginning to end) and have to read late at night with my eyes barely open and I STILL love and cherish it-there’s something to be said about that. I don’t think it’ll be for everyone, but it was perfect for me. I am so grateful to the publisher for this arc and I cannot wait to read it again.

RTC SOON
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Aug 01, 2021 Sylvie rated it liked it

3 out of 5 stars.
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 inde
3 out of 5 stars.
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.
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Rating: ⭐⭐ ½
Genre: Fantasy + Young Adult
In the Wickdon town, the Halfmoon Hunt is organized to hunt the legendary Hala, a sacred creature that once killed will grant the killer invaluable knowledge. Margaret Welty is the daughter of a very well-known alchemist. Her mother went for a mission but did not return for months. Margaret feels like an outcast in her society due to her religious beliefs. One day, a guy called Weston Winters shows up asking for Margert’s mother. Wes wants to become an alc
Rating: ⭐⭐ ½
Genre: Fantasy + Young Adult
In the Wickdon town, the Halfmoon Hunt is organized to hunt the legendary Hala, a sacred creature that once killed will grant the killer invaluable knowledge. Margaret Welty is the daughter of a very well-known alchemist. Her mother went for a mission but did not return for months. Margaret feels like an outcast in her society due to her religious beliefs. One day, a guy called Weston Winters shows up asking for Margert’s mother. Wes wants to become an alchemist and upon reaching Welty’s Manor, Margaret tells him that her mother is not around. She makes a deal with him. She asks him to join the hunt competition with her and if they win he can take the full prize.

First, let me say that this story has a great concept and a very beautiful cover. These two factors encouraged me to request the ARC from NetGalley. The book has a very good start. The setup of the story, the girl living alone, the guy and how he tries to help his family after the death of his father., and the presence of a dog called Trouble. All that sounded good. However, despite the good start it soon becomes a slog. The story just becomes stagnant and hardly moves forward until 91% in the book in which the hunt starts, and by then you are just too bored to care anymore. For a 400 pages book, this is not OK.

At first, I thought this would be like a medieval fantasy story, but no it turned out to be more like an urban fantasy (That cover does not suit urban fantasy at all). There are cars, phones, movies, etc. All this took me by surprise and killed off the scenes I was building in my mind when I was reading the story in the beginning. The religions felt more like real-life religions with their names changed. The world-building was definitely lacking. The synopsis says that it is an artfully layered world but that was not the case for me. The chemistry between the main characters was all right, nothing special to rave about. I feel this story had the potential but to me, it didn’t deliver what I was expecting from it.

Many thanks to the publisher St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with an advance reader copy of this book.
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May 13, 2021 Kaya rated it it was amazing

A Far Wilder Magic is a story that is unique and wholly magical. On that note, Allison Saft’s brilliant character work and atmospheric prose reminds me of all the best parts of The Raven Cycle series by Maggie Steifvater. Both authors create complex characters and develop them in the most beautiful, brilliant ways. Also, this cover is absolutely jaw-dropping.
Margaret (or Maggie) Welty is a practical, clever, and all-around incredible girl. She would do anything to earn her mother’s love, and so
A Far Wilder Magic is a story that is unique and wholly magical. On that note, Allison Saft’s brilliant character work and atmospheric prose reminds me of all the best parts of The Raven Cycle series by Maggie Steifvater. Both authors create complex characters and develop them in the most beautiful, brilliant ways. Also, this cover is absolutely jaw-dropping.
Margaret (or Maggie) Welty is a practical, clever, and all-around incredible girl. She would do anything to earn her mother’s love, and so when she first meets Weston, she hates him. I loved getting to see her slowly become vulnerable, and begin to heal from the emotional abuse wrought upon her by her mother. Also, can we just appreciate that Maggie is a great shot with a gun? AND SHE HAS AN ADORABLE DOG NAMED TROUBLE. AND A HORSE NAMED SHIMMER. I want to be friends with her so badly.

Weston Winters has his sights set on becoming a great alchemist and changing the world…once he doesn’t fail out of an apprenticeship. He’s the only boy in a chaotic family of girls, and he’s effortlessly charming. His sunshiney contrast to Maggie’s grumpiness was everything to me. Gosh, I love him.

Okay, but can we talk about the setting for a moment? The majority of this story takes place in a 1920s sort of time period, complete with a seaside village and lush forest. When the whole “magical foxhunt” thing starts, you’re already deeply entrenched in the atmosphere of this book. And oh my gosh! If Down Comes The Night feels like winter, A Far Wilder Magic somehow manages to capture the very soul of autumn. This world is so rich and real in my mind. How are writers so talented someone please explain.

“The water is rough tonight, frothing itself into a mist so thick she can scarcely see the moon beyond a veil of silver.”

and now: the best part.

The romance is so slowburn and beautiful and perfect. In a world tinged by magic, Weston and Maggie’s connection feels so intricately human. So infinitely real. The amount of pining, longing, and sheer want is so entrancing. But you also know to let their relationship run its course because as wonderful as the love story is, the character development that comes of it is chef’s kiss. As far as the plot goes, there’s very little action and high-stakes excitement. Where the real heart of the story lies is in the characters and their relationships. And that’s why I say it reminds me of The Raven Cycle.

“All her life, love had 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.”

And oh, it isn’t just the romantic relationships! I love the Winters family and their loving chaos. There are so many well-developed characters in this book SEND HELP. I can’t just keep screaming about the same stuff this entire review but Allison Saft does character so well! I also loved how Weston was dyslexic, and how there was a running theme of religion and how people harbor such prejudice over those who are different. I appreciated how you can take the basic theme of the atrocities of nationalism and warped biases, and apply it to Jews and African-Americans and countless other minority groups who have suffered because of how much irrational hate some people have. In fact, Margaret specifically is Jewish, and she faces so much prejudice. I’m not Jewish myself but I’ve heard from other reviewers who are that the representation is fantastic!

To be perfectly honest, this book did everything right. The writing, the characters, the romance…I loved every wondrous second of it. Obviously, this is 5/5 stars for me. Thank you so much Wednesday for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

pre-read: y'all, wednesday books was kind enough to send me an ARC I'm screaminggg. hoping this book is as good as DCTN!

alchemy!
a sweet love story!
a seaside village!
a gorgeous cover!

someone save me and my bank account.
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Jan 10, 2022 Allison Saft marked it as to-read  ·  (Review from the author)

Hello! 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 on
Hello! 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.
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Sep 14, 2021 Ava Reid rated it it was amazing

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
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!)
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Aug 07, 2021 A Book Shrew rated it it was amazing

You may now refer to me only as an Allison Saft simp.
Full review at A Book Shrew

The Halfmoon hunt occurs once a year throughout the region, and the proceedings begin whenever the legendary hala is spotted. A vicious and magical beast, it is the very last of its kind. Sharpshooter Margaret Welty is the first to see it, and she enters the hunt with Weston Winters, the boy who showed up at her doorstep hoping to apprentice with her alchemist mother. Both have their own reasons for entering, but as
You may now refer to me only as an Allison Saft simp.
Full review at A Book Shrew

The Halfmoon hunt occurs once a year throughout the region, and the proceedings begin whenever the legendary hala is spotted. A vicious and magical beast, it is the very last of its kind. Sharpshooter Margaret Welty is the first to see it, and she enters the hunt with Weston Winters, the boy who showed up at her doorstep hoping to apprentice with her alchemist mother. Both have their own reasons for entering, but as they get to know each other and the world teams up against them, their priorities begin to shift.

After falling head over heels in love with Down Comes the Night, I truly didn't think it possible for Allison to top it. What a fool I was to doubt her. A Far Wilder Magic is a stunning story from start to finish. It is downright magical, romantic, evocative and oh so compelling. I found it next to impossible to put down. Her writing is such a joy to read. To me, it feels like coming home. Warm and familiar, but then she throws out an effortless line of imagery that just takes your breath away. The family dynamics in this are incredible and so realistic, with a big, loving family falling on hard times and a family of two that can't figure out how to love in a healthy way. But where the true magic lies for this book is in its main characters.

Margaret is a bit of a recluse and very much a serious individual. Her mother is one of the greatest alchemists alive, but she leaves Margaret alone in a rickety old house for months on end in her quest to create the philosopher's stone, which she intends to use to resurrect Margaret's long dead brother. Lots to unpack there. All Margaret has for company is a hound named Trouble. I love girls like this. The ones who feel like they have no one to care about but in turn care so deeply for the people they do have in their lives. She is desperate to kill the Hala because to give the magical beast to her mother will be all thats needed to create the stone and she can love Margaret again. Her character development was phenomenal, and watching how she shifted in her relationship with Wes was exactly as tender as the synopsis promises. She is jewish-coded, and how she chooses to navigate the bigotry levelled at her is so heartbreaking.

Wes is a witty charmer and an incorrigible flirt, but it's all a front to hide what he really feels. After losing his dad a few years ago, his large family needs him to support them, but he has to leave in order to help the way he wants. If he can become an alchemist, he can go to the fancy schools, get into politics, and make true change for his family and people like them. Like Margaret, he is part of an ostracized community and deserves none of the hate he gets. He is such an endearing character, who feels so much yet can't quite seem to say it when it counts. He is dyslexic, which causes him problems with reading and absorbing the information he needs to succeed in at least one apprenticeship. His determination is so admirable, and I couldn't be happier with how he and Margaret were able to help each other out.

Alchemy and religion play very interesting roles in this story. While the core of the story is built around Margaret, Wes, and the lead-up to the Halfmoon Hunt, there are a lot of influences on the periphery that develop their characters. The hunts for these magical beasts is a heritage the people of New Albion lay claim to, and as Yu'adir and Sumic respectively, Margaret and Wes threaten the pure sanctity of the event. It feels very white conservatives getting up in arms about Black people entering "their" spaces. Utterly ridiculous but a true threat to the safety of those deemed as "other."

The hunt itself doesn't take place until the last 10%, but there's a lot of preparation alchemy-wise that occurs beforehand. Alchemically-enhanced items are the only way the hala will be killed, and it's so cool how alchemy is applied to everyday things. Ways to make bullets incendiary, threads in saddle blankets to make the weight of a person more bearable on a horse, and so on. The hala itself is actually quite terrifying and something of a conundrum. A monstrous, all-white fox, it is the last of its kind and a horribly vicious thing. Once spotted, its powers grow over the next month. It destroys entire crops and livestock herd before eventually turning on humans. On the one hand, you want it to be left alone, but also it really needs to be stopped. I never knew how this was going to go but I will admit that I am satisfied.

It goes without saying that I will read anything Allison writes. Anything. I can't believe I got to read this as early as I did but that's okay, because by the time it releases I will be itching to reread it.
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I absolutely loved A Far Wilder Magic! Saft has created a suspenseful, original, and compelling story that captivated me from the first page. If I’m being honest, as soon as I saw the cover and the author, I knew I wanted to read A Far Wilder Magic. The cover is gorgeous, and I loved Saft’s debut novel Down Comes the Night. After this read, Saft is most definitely an auto-buy author for me. It is contemporary Gothic literature at its finest!
Much of the story revolves around a hunt that Margaret
I absolutely loved A Far Wilder Magic! Saft has created a suspenseful, original, and compelling story that captivated me from the first page. If I’m being honest, as soon as I saw the cover and the author, I knew I wanted to read A Far Wilder Magic. The cover is gorgeous, and I loved Saft’s debut novel Down Comes the Night. After this read, Saft is most definitely an auto-buy author for me. It is contemporary Gothic literature at its finest!
Much of the story revolves around a hunt that Margaret Welty, a skilled archer, wants to participate in. When Margaret sees one of the last mystical creatures in the world, she knows that it will be hunted in the Half Moon Hunt. Determined to enter the competition, she tries to convince Weston Winters, a young man who has come to receive alchemy training from Margaret’s absent mother, to enter the hunt with her. Both enter for different reasons, and both are determined to win, no matter what their religion and personal beliefs are. The pair grows closer, and as they prepare for the hunt, they realize that dark magic might help them succeed. However, they have to survive the dangerous hunt first.

Saft’s use of imagery, symbols, and personification are exceptional, and I love the rich, atmospheric, and Gothic feel of the story. When I think of Gothic literature, I think of haunted settings that are dark, ominous, and often relate to the mood of the story, supernatural or paranormal elements, heightened emotions, a touch of romance, an anti-hero, and a damsel in distress who is emotionally or physically trapped. A Far Wilder Magic has all of this and more.

Rife with romance, suspense, myth, and magic, the setting has a bleak greyness that instills a feeling of mystery and foreboding. Margaret’s house, which is desolate and almost a character in itself, has a haunted, abandoned feel to it. Filled with the memories of Margaret’s past, it is a shell of a home, and Margaret’s emotional ties to it trap her there. Margaret’s flashbacks and nostalgia for better times also add to the eeriness and Gothic feel, as do the supernatural elements, mythical creatures, alchemy, family secrets, intense encounters with antagonistic peers, religious prejudices, and more.

The point of view switches between Wes and Margaret throughout the story, which I like. Margaret and Wes are both compelling characters, as different as they are alike. They share similar feelings of loneliness, entrapment, and ostracization, even though their circumstances are quite different. The dual perspectives throughout the story highlight these similarities and differences and create wonderfully rich and well-developed protagonists.

The love story between Margaret and Wes is slow-building and wonderful. There are some incredibly swoon-worthy moments in the story, and I love how their relationship slowly builds over time. I love relationships that start begrudgingly and gradually build into something more. The relationship between Margaret and Wes is layered and strong, and the myriad of feelings that each goes through while their relationship evolves is so well done.

The is a fantastic novel that I would recommend to readers who like intriguing YA fantasy with exceptional writing, dynamic characters, strong Gothic elements, and a slow-building romance. The story also has memorable and relatable themes, including duty versus desire, religious persecution and prejudice, making a difference, knowing one’s worth, and more. Saft’s writing immerses the reader into vivid and captivating worlds that I love to get lost in and introduces characters that I love to root for. Thanks so much to NetGalley, Wednesday Books, and Allison Saft for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. I can’t wait to read more by this brilliant author!
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4.5⭐️
Allison Saft’s sophomore novel did not disappoint! I really enjoyed her first book, Down Comes the Night, and its atmospheric and captivating qualities. A Far Wilder Magic followed in the same vein, being equally atmospheric and gripping with its small-town coastal setting and rich fantastical elements.
This book follows Margaret and Wes, an unlikely pair who have to team up in a hunt for a magical fox. The Halfmoon Hunt requires an alchemist and a sharpshooter to work together to find the 4.5⭐️
Allison Saft’s sophomore novel did not disappoint! I really enjoyed her first book, Down Comes the Night, and its atmospheric and captivating qualities. A Far Wilder Magic followed in the same vein, being equally atmospheric and gripping with its small-town coastal setting and rich fantastical elements.
This book follows Margaret and Wes, an unlikely pair who have to team up in a hunt for a magical fox. The Halfmoon Hunt requires an alchemist and a sharpshooter to work together to find the mystical creature and claim the prize for killing it. Margaret hopes that winning the hunt will bring her mom home to her, while Wes hopes it will win him a new teacher to become an official alchemist. As they dig deeper into the mystery of this fox, they uncover a dark magic that may put everything and everyone they love at risk.
The immersive writing places the reader directly into the atmospheric setting. The whole story was told through really detailed descriptions that created fantastic world-building with intricate layers to the society. There was a lot of important commentary about immigration and religion as Margaret and Wes were both forced to overcome prejudices based on where they were from and what they believed in.
The slow burn romance was absolute perfection. It was grumpy meets sunshine with so much tension, longing and angst. I loved Margaret and Wes together, their relationship throughout the book was never simple but they always felt so right for each other. Margaret’s independence and strength and Wes’ charisma and determination made for a great balance between the two in this character-driven story.
With an adventurous yet cozy feel, this book was a great pick up for the winter months. ...more

Aug 27, 2021 Elle marked it as to-read

Ava Reid has promised that this book contains
1. Science-based magic system
2. Himbo love interest
3. A dog

So yes, I will need to read this immediately.
Ava Reid has promised that this book contains
1. Science-based magic system
2. Himbo love interest
3. A dog

So yes, I will need to read this immediately.
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Jan 11, 2022 Lucy rated it liked it

Margaret Welty in her isolated house and nearby woods spots the legendary Hala, and knows that the famous halfmoon hunt will soon follow. Anyone who is able to kill the creatures are to be given fame and riches, she also sees it as an opportunity for her mother to be happy and be a family. To enter the hunt, however, she needs an alchemist.
Wes is an aspiring alchemist- it just doesn’t helped that he’s been fired from every apprenticeship he’s ever had. He arrives quite suddenly and unexpectedly
Margaret Welty in her isolated house and nearby woods spots the legendary Hala, and knows that the famous halfmoon hunt will soon follow. Anyone who is able to kill the creatures are to be given fame and riches, she also sees it as an opportunity for her mother to be happy and be a family. To enter the hunt, however, she needs an alchemist.
Wes is an aspiring alchemist- it just doesn’t helped that he’s been fired from every apprenticeship he’s ever had. He arrives quite suddenly and unexpectedly on Margaret’s doorstep wanting to apprentice with her famous alchemist mother. Margaret allows him to stay… providing he enter the hunt with her.

At first they make an unlikely team and seem to disgust and annoy each other. However, overtime their quirks and personalities become endearing. Theu find themselves drawn to each other. Both are outsiders seeking different things: him to be able to change the world and afford a nicer place for his close knit family; her wanting to win a mothers love despite being constantly left alone in the isolating manor in a town that doesn’t want her.

This had some really fascinating magic in terms of alchemy. It also had some interesting differences in religious ideas (cross cultural) and immigration which took root from our own world.
This was also different to most fantasy books I have read with its focus on a deadly hunt and alchemy (most seem to involve some form of fantasy royals or empires recently) which was really refreshing to read.
The romance in this also wasn’t too heavy, it was tender and had a nice progression.

The issues I had included: that I thought the ideas of the Hala and different gods could be expanded on. I still could not 100% say for certain why the Hala had to be killed and I would’ve loved more knowledge on these different fantasy religions. It also wasn’t explained as to why the Hala just starts wrecking/killing things and I wanted more on this mythical beast.

While the plot is about a hunt - the actual hunt doesn’t actually take place until the last 10% and is over quite quickly.
As the plot mentioned the hunt I was expecting this to have much more action than it did have.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this E-Arc.
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Apr 23, 2022 Saima rated it it was amazing

4.7/5 stars.
buddy read with maddie 💛

I really enjoyed this one so much. I was immediately taken with Maggie and Wes, and both their plights and motivation throughout the novel. I'm such a fan of the grumpy/sunshine trope, and it was so interesting to see the trope turned on its head as it's usually the female character who is the sunshine one etc.

Maggie and Wes both have their different motivations on why they want to take part in the Hunt. They are both family-oriented people who so badly want t
4.7/5 stars.
buddy read with maddie 💛

I really enjoyed this one so much. I was immediately taken with Maggie and Wes, and both their plights and motivation throughout the novel. I'm such a fan of the grumpy/sunshine trope, and it was so interesting to see the trope turned on its head as it's usually the female character who is the sunshine one etc.

Maggie and Wes both have their different motivations on why they want to take part in the Hunt. They are both family-oriented people who so badly want to please their family and essentially help others. Wes wants to not only help his family with the financial gain from the Hunt, but also rise in his ranks to politics to help others who have been discriminated against like him. Maggie wants to get the hala, the thing that is being hunted, to give to her mother so that she will finally stay to be a family. I felt for both of them so much, and they were both empathetic characters easy to root for.

I'm so appreciative of how this novel delved into elements of discrimination, especially in a fantasy novel. Both Maggie and Wes are victims of segregation, and it hurt so much seeing them discriminated against, and I related to both of them so much on wanting to put my head down but also prove myself.

The romance was exceptionally cute, and I liked seeing them go from bickering to finally getting along and seeing eye to eye. I think my only qualm is that the pacing was quite slow at the beginning, but it did pick up its' pace halfway in.

Overall, I really loved this novel, and Saft continues to impress me.
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This is a book you have to be in the mood for.
Rating: ✨✨✨ 3.4

Perhaps life sucks at the moment, maybe exams are piling up and the possibility of having a heart attack is really apparent. And to clear your mind, you do what? Talk to someone, pfft. NOPE. Read a book.

Not that that is the healthiest way of coping with messes in real situations, but I've never willingly done anything considered healthy, so why start with stressful factors?

And you see... you choose this book. Thinking it'll be a thril
This is a book you have to be in the mood for.
Rating: ✨✨✨ 3.4

Perhaps life sucks at the moment, maybe exams are piling up and the possibility of having a heart attack is really apparent. And to clear your mind, you do what? Talk to someone, pfft. NOPE. Read a book.

Not that that is the healthiest way of coping with messes in real situations, but I've never willingly done anything considered healthy, so why start with stressful factors?

And you see... you choose this book. Thinking it'll be a thriller, quick, Hunger Games- esque, death everywhere- you know, the usual thing you would hide from the FBI. Sometimes this book worked for me, cogs turning in sync, movement erratic and deliciously rapid, however then the car would give up halfway. LEAVING YOU HOMELESS AND IN AGONY.
How did cogs turn to failing car and then to homelessness, I don't know. I never claimed my brain functioned properly🙂
(why is that face so passive aggressive and accepted as an emoji, but when I do it, I get the cops called on me. I was holding a knife, but helloooo discrimination, the knife was color neutral)
Anyhow, I wasn't into this book as much as I needed--nay--WAS DYING to be. The literal chemistry moments failed to entertain me, something that normally would have me staring in awe but this time, I was just not feeling it.

The romance, for instance, was sad. And pitiful. And I want it a hug with warm cocoa, because it needed a break. The break was indeed taken, for half of the book. Now, can you explain to me how the dude was a total brat and still ended up with the girl? The girl whose heart was made of stone, who yearned for something other than rude hateful glances and vitriol. THE GIRL WHO WAS SMART. Fell for this guy? Pffft.
Oh, I'm sorry, I thought it was a joke.
YOU ARE A NICE HUMAN BOOKSY, ACT LIKE IT-
And okay, there were moments where it was alright? The glances, those two seconds they made eye contact 300 pages into the book. *sigh* That one was felt and appreciated. But in all sincerity, not all the romance was dead. It was just in a very long, very precise, very messy coma. On a good note, there was a kiss that I liked, one where I was holding my breath in anticipation AND KABAM LABAM, interrupted.
I. will. murder. that. person.

And yes, I'm all for slow burn romance, it's torture, but the kind we like- yet there wasn't the palpable tension between the characters that you would think would be present in this book.

Yes, I did throw tantrums.
Yes, my eyes were burning.
Also yes, I swooned when the Blob (as I've dubbed the main guy) said some nice things. *mumbling* I can see planned ish when I see it, but it was sweet. Heheh

And you know what? I think I didn't like the romance that much because of the double POV. In this case, I didn't want to know what was going through Blob's head. With Dual POVS it's sort of like a 'Will this suck-', scenario that my mind automatically goes down in and that's totally on me. So I go into it hoping against fate that neither of the characters are whiny, playas in Spanish.

But the Blob?????? I had wishes for him. He was an alchemist for goodness’s sake, one that was supposed to be familiar with chemistry reactions and yada yada, not one that I wanted to hit because he made so. so. so. many bad decisions.
Not even good bad decisions.
But like, get drink from stranger- almost destroy your entire work because of it- decision.

Also, on top of that, he had A LOT OF CHAPTERS LIKE YOO.

However, I'll give him some slack because his family was awesome.
That was kind of hypocritical, anyways-

WAIT A SECOND THOUGH- don't think I didn't see the gender roles twist, where the guy in this book was more soft handed and caring, the girl was rough and critical of everyone. That's a bonus star from me!

And you know what I liked? How the MC was portrayed. Yes, she was strong and fearless and this force of nature, but she also was broken and yearning for human love. They both were, and for that reason, I cannot give this book less than 3 stars. Her issues were so valid and real, so much so that I found myself empathizing with her pain. Even when I hadn't felt anything close to what she was experiencing, before.

The Blob wasn't all bad either (ignore the ranting up above, Booksy was not coherent enough so she's trying to fix it), he had these uh- the thingy- *snaps fingers*- these moments when he didn't tempt me to drown him. Si, those.

After taking a few steps back (more like a few weeks) after reading, I can tell that this book was one I could've loved if I had been in the right space of mind. The plot was interesting enough, though I still believe the ending came out of NOWHERE. Like I was in the middle and then the end was all 'Hellooooo *giggle gigle* I'M HERE WITCHES-' and it was over. I wasn't given the proper opportunity to get used to the world and magic systems.

On a closing note, I did rant a lot, but it's not because the book was bad per se, it was just because the book wasn't for me. I crave fast passionate paragraphs, flirty glances, tension galore, agony moments whereas this book was distance love, slow-fast-slow-end type of pace and the odd sprinkle of family drama that we so amazingly enjoy.

(this was a mess-)
(like me-)
(OooOO, we match😏)

~👑Special thanks to Netgalley and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!👑~

----------------------

I don't know if it was me or the book, but this killed years off of my life.

Thank you NETGALLEY for the opportunity to read this!

RTC, my dears. When I sacrifice someone to give me back the years.
...more

Allison Saft is the author of eerie and critically acclaimed romantic fantasies, Down Comes the Night and A Far Wilder Magic. 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 hiking the redwoods and practicing aerial silks.

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