This book was coded for my soul. It's atmospheric and filled with beautiful writing and moody untamed settings and best of all, characters that burrow into your heart. It definitely leans towards being more character based than plot but that is just fine with me bc I love that especially when it's done so perfectly like Allison Saft manages to do here. The romance in this book unfolds so organically and beautifully and is developed alongside each individual character's personal growth. Everything in this book felt earned nothing felt rushed, I really loved the natural progression and pace of the story. The are so many wonderful supporting subplots going on such as generational trauma, religious bias, social inequality, financial oppression and just outright racism and prejudice. I thought all were handled expertly. Overall, though, both Wes and Margaret just stole my heart. I want nothing but good things for them because they both deserve the world and I love them with my entire heart! AND ALSO, THERE IS A DOG!!!! 😍 (automatic additional star) 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. 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.

Trouble, no!” Desperation roughens her voice, enough to break the spell on him. He rounds on her, ears flying and clearly bewildered. Wes and Margaret’s unfolding romance is subtle and satisfying, and Saft’s prose is vivid and dryly humorous. Fans of Leigh Bardugo’s original Shadow & Bone trilogy will likely enjoy this honest, evocative romance.” — Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books Like this she looks like more wolf than girl- like some magic far wilder than alchemy runs through her." I adore atmospheric novels, and this world was built in such beautiful detail that it was easy for me to escape into it from the first chapter. The town, the house, and the woods are dark, eerie, and feel isolated. Because of that, I think this book is perfect for quiet autumn days. Or, if you’re like me, it’ll transport you during any season. Even though the plot is present and exciting enough, this novel is more character-driven; I savoured its slower and steadier pace.Book Genre: Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Fiction, High Fantasy, Historical, Magic, Magical Realism, Romance, Young Adult, Young Adult Fantasy

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.

It’s also important to note that another major theme of the book is prejudice and xenophobia, towards Maggie and Wes for their beliefs and birthplace. Both characters feel shunned by the townsfolk, with slurs and physical violence used against them. While I can’t speak for any accuracy, it does read that Margaret is a Jewish-coded character and Wes being Irish Catholic-coded. 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. I realise that this book might not be perfect, or a 5-star read for everyone, but I also think this book deserves so much love. This story gave me more than I was expecting or even knew I needed at the time of reading. It’s wholesome, clever, and beautifully written. I will read everything Allison Saft writes. Over time, Wes and Maggie became more drawn to each another and I loved seeing their relationship develop. From Maggie helping Wes to read, to him teasing her about the smutty books she reads, their friendship blossomed into the sweetest slow burn romance, and it felt perfect to me. Also bonus points for the “he falls first and is infatuated” trope too! I won’t explain the plot here because you can read the blurb or choose to go in blind like I did, but I will focus on the characters and the romance in this review.