Song of the Dark Wood by Sheila Masterson

This early review copy was provided to me by Sheila Masterson through Behind The Pages. This in no way impacts the rating of the book. All of my reviews contain my honest opinions.

Title: Song of the Dark Wood

Author: Sheila Masterson

Release Date: September 20, 2024

Publisher: Independently Published

Genre: Romantasy

Source: digital, Behind the Pages PA

TW: misogyny, sexism, graphic sexual content, child death, sexual assault, violence, gaslighting

Synopsis

For centuries, the people of remote Ballybrine have kept the peace with their gods by sacrificing a Red Maiden to ferry souls from the Mother’s realm of the living, through the Dark Wood, to the Wolf’s realm of the dead. Soon it will be Rowan’s turn.

Ripped from her family as a young girl, Rowan Cleary has been forced into a cloistered life learning to please the wolf and wield her spirit-enchanting voice. Though none of the previous maidens have survived their five-year term, Rowan is determined to beat the odds and protect the women who have become family to her.

When a deathly blight breaks out in the Dark Wood, and the acting maiden is murdered, Rowan vows to strike a new bargain with the god of death to ensure her survival. The Wolf has always been someone to fear—even more so now that the townspeople blame him for the blight—but he’s far from the vengeful death god she expects.

To unravel the mystery, Rowan must seduce the Wolf. Soon, the attraction between them grows into a relentless magical force, threatening to shatter the delicate balance between realms and unleash a darkness eager to swallow their world.

Thoughts

I just finished reading "Song of the Dark Wood" and I'm absolutely blown away! This book is a stunning blend of some of my favorite fairy tales - it's like Beauty and the Beast, Hades and Persephone, and Little Red Riding Hood all rolled into one captivating story.

The main character, Rowan, really resonated with me. She's such a beautifully complex character — a fierce woman trapped in a society where men are rapidly gaining control. I found myself rooting for her throughout the entire book.

What really struck me was the powerful social commentary on women's bodily autonomy. It added such a profound layer to the story, elevating it far beyond just another spicy romantasy. This is a tale of a woman's anger and her fight against the rising tide of men trying to control young women's lives.

If you're looking for a book that combines enchanting romance with thought-provoking themes, I can't recommend "Song of the Dark Wood" enough. It's definitely more than just a steamy read — it's a story that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.