The Wolf and the Woodsman by Ava Reid

Title: The Wolf and the Woodsman

Author: Ava Reid

Narrator: Saskia Maarleveld

Release Date: June 8, 2021

Publisher: Del Rey

Genre: Historical, Fantasy, Romance

Source: audio, Hoopla

TW: violence, gore, religious bigotry, antisemitism, animal death, death of parent, war, moderate graphic content, child abuse

Synopsis

In her forest-veiled pagan village, Évike is the only woman without power, making her an outcast clearly abandoned by the gods. The villagers blame her corrupted bloodline—her father was a Yehuli man, one of the much-loathed servants of the fanatical king. When soldiers arrive from the Holy Order of Woodsmen to claim a pagan girl for the king’s blood sacrifice, Évike is betrayed by her fellow villagers and surrendered.

But when monsters attack the Woodsmen and their captive en route, slaughtering everyone but Évike and the cold, one-eyed captain, they have no choice but to rely on each other. Except he’s no ordinary Woodsman—he’s the disgraced prince, Gáspár Bárány, whose father needs pagan magic to consolidate his power. Gáspár fears that his cruelly zealous brother plans to seize the throne and instigate a violent reign that would damn the pagans and the Yehuli alike. As the son of a reviled foreign queen, Gáspár understands what it’s like to be an outcast, and he and Évike make a tenuous pact to stop his brother.

As their mission takes them from the bitter northern tundra to the smog-choked capital, their mutual loathing slowly turns to affection, bound by a shared history of alienation and oppression. However, trust can easily turn to betrayal, and as Évike reconnects with her estranged father and discovers her own hidden magic, she and Gáspár need to decide whose side they’re on, and what they’re willing to give up for a nation that never cared for them at all.

Thoughts

As I opened "The Wolf and the Woodsman," I was instantly drawn into its pages. From the very beginning, I found myself completely immersed in a world brimming with ancient magic and simmering with religious and cultural tensions. Ava Reid's writing style captivated me; her prose is truly exquisite. I was particularly enchanted by her lyrical descriptions of nature, which I felt beautifully complemented the slow-burn romance that unfolded throughout the story.

The characters in this novel felt incredibly real to me. Each one had a unique story that pulled me in, making me invest in their journeys. While the romance wasn't at the forefront, I appreciated how it added depth to the overall narrative. I especially connected with the protagonist's complexity – her motivations and emotions rang true throughout, allowing me to form a strong bond with her character as I followed her journey.

Reid's storytelling ability created an experience that stayed with me long after I finished the last page. The way she seamlessly wove together elements of fantasy, history, and human emotion left me in awe of her skill as an author. I can confidently say that I wholeheartedly recommend this novel to other fantasy lovers who are looking for a unique and engrossing tale. It's a book that I know will stay with me for a long time to come.

I listened to the audiobook version, and I must say, the narrator, Saskia Maarleveld, did an incredible job bringing the characters to life. Évike's desperation to belong and be loved was so palpable in Maarleveld's voice that it moved me deeply. Gaspar's conflicted devotion was heartbreaking to hear. Maarleveld is truly a talented narrator who brought this story to blazing life in my ears and my imagination.