Genre: YA Fantasy
Release Date: December 6th, 2022
Pages: 384
Publisher: Inkyard Press
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Synopsis:
The island of Endla is host to the last remaining wandering forest, and surrounded by a deadly poisonous lake that protects it from outsiders. All other wandering forests have been destroyed by mankind.
Leelo has grown up here on the island of Endla. As she is taking her rightful place within the community, she begins to question the way of things.
Her brother is set to be exiled if he does not show signs of having enchantment powers before his next birthday.
The people of Endla have enchanting voices that they use for many purposes, some harmless and others deadly. The outsiders fear them, for their songs can lure men to their deaths.
Jaren, his three sisters and their father, are new to the small town by the lake, where everyone knows everyone, so unlike the bustling metropolis they came from.
While adjusting to their new life, Jaren sets off wandering through the forest and gets lost, where he is forced to flee from a vicious wolf. His only refuge is a boat on the mysterious lake he’s heard so many stories about.
Thinking that he’ll be temporarily safe on the lake and then return, the boat begins to sink and he is now in mortal peril, for he knows that the lake will dissolve him instantly.
Leelo sees the young outsider, Jaren, close to death on a boat in the lake. Instead of killing him like she is trained to do, she decides to betray the rules of her people by helping him, stowing him in the woods until she can find a way to get him back across to his home, regardless of the consequences to herself.
But their relationship grows into an unlikely fondness. And Leelo begins to wonder if all outsiders may not be as dangerous as she has been led to believe.
Now she is questioning her people, their rules, and everything she’s ever been raised to believe.
Review:
This is such an alluring story world full of forest magic. The society resembles a cult-like structure, fearing anyone who is different. You can feel the darkness looming at the edges.
This story has some contemporary vibes to it, but with a sinister atmosphere, where love blooms against all odds. And the romance in this story is so precious and swoon-worthy.
I’m in love with their love and was rooting for Leelo and Jaren the entire way. Their relationship is tender and caring and will be everyone’s new favorite book couple.
There are so many relatable themes in this story as we follow Leelo’s coming-of-age struggles:
- Making your own way and forging your own path in life
- Thinking outside the norm and discovering your own beliefs
- Accepting others for who they are
- Striving to do what is right regardless of external circumstances
The dialogue is heartfelt and quotable, with a visceral perspective into the emotions and motivations of the characters.
The ending is super fulfilling. Not one of those that just ends at the completion of the climax, but it actually continues with the characters adjusting, showing us how the events of the story affected them and their lives afterwards.
This feel-good story, endearing characters, creepy setting, and tumultuous sequence of events is sure to enthrall readers.
Disclaimers:
Huge thank you to *** and *** for gifting me an early copy of this amazing story! I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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