I absolutely love the world the author created here in Deep Is the Fen. This book is full of magic, mystery, and mythology and it is truly amazing. I’ve never read about toad-based magic before and it was super intriguing. I’ve never read a fantasy quite like this one, especially for young adults. Highly recommend.

Thank you to the publisher sending me a copy to review.

Three childhood friends whose lives are turned upside down when one of them joins a dark magical cult and the secrets between them all begin to fracture their relationships. Merry loves her life in her idyllic town of Candlecott. She's happy to be with her two best friends, Sol and Teddy, but there's only one thing she doesn't enjoy about her town... the Toadmen- a secret society that is strictly men only and specializes in using illegal dark magic. Merry's world is turned upside down when Teddy, her friend and the boy she's in love with, joins the Toadmen and is determined to be part of their society. She's willing to do anything to get him out, even if it means working with her academic archnemesis, Caraway Boswell, a handsome ice-cold snob who suddenly has asked her to help him. Merry wants to rescue Teddy before it's too late, yet the more she learns about the secret society the larger the danger to her becomes. It also doesn't help that she's beginning to fall for Caraway and that despite all the lies he keeps telling, she can't help but feel a connection to him. Everything she thought she knew about Caraway is wrong but when his truth finally comes out, can she still love him... and will she choose between Teddy, the boy she loves who left her and Caraway, the boy she hated who has protected her and drawn her in. The Toadmen want magic... and Merry's secret gift of being able to see witch magic means she's their new target in their dark ceremony... can she rescue those she loves before it's too late or will she end up as the next sacrifice? This was definitely a young adult fantasy and I felt that Merry read as if she were 16 years old. she's young and naive, headstrong, and she cares about things strongly. I did enjoy Caraway as a character and liked the twists and turns to his story. The lore of the Toadmen and the magic system in this world was definitely a unique one and I felt that fans of nature/fairytale-esque cult stories would enjoy this book.

*Thanks Netgalley and Random House Children's | Delacorte Press for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

One friend in a threesome friend group decides to join a cult of toadmen. Another friend decides this is outrageous and pursues them to the bowels of hell to talk them out of it. Meanwhile friend three wants everyone to chill.

It started out solidly. I was gripped almost from the first chapter. I thoroughly enjoyed the idea of a secret brotherhood called the Toadmen who was very vague and part creepy/part weird. The YA tone made for a bunch of angsty friendlationship drama.

About 40-50% in, however things started to tank and unravel. All the interested started fading. All the solid storytelling began to unravel.

The world building was a bit to vague for me because I couldn't tell if I was in medieval or present time. Simultaneously there is a legitimate black smithy while also cars, phones and denim. No big

Then content was incredibly inappropriate for the target audience with debauched body horror and sexual content.

Overall I was underwhelmed and disappointed.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a complimentary digital copy of the ARC.

This book was such a pleasant surprise! I didn't really know what to expect going in (I thought it was a YA horror, which it is not, though it does have some horror elements), but Deep Is the Fen turned out to be one of my favorite reads of the year so far. It reads like a modern-day fairy tale, and while dark, it also has a lot of wonderful, humorous banter and a heartwarming friendship story. The pacing and world building are both excellent, and overall it just felt so well executed.

There are a lot of elements I loved about this book, but the thing I loved most was the main character Merry. She's flawed, headstrong, wrong about so many things, and goes at all her problems with a hammer, which ends up causing her more issues, and she's also completely lovable and realistic. She's a pretty perfect YA protagonist.

This was my first book by the author but I would definitely read more!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc! Opinions are my own.

Deep is the Fen is my first Lili Wilkinson book, but it certainly won't be my last. I went into Deep is the Fen somewhat blind--I knew there were secret societies, a romance, and a fight for magic--but was so pleasantly surprised by how everything unfolded. Wilkinson's writing is deliciously atmospheric and haunting, making me never want to leave the world she crafted. I adored her blend of modern tech with ancient magic, and I love the nods to Welsh/English legends scattered throughout (I see you, Jenny Greenteeth!).

The pacing is perfect, and I especially adored how Merry's first love interest is not the one she ends up with (no spoilers, but I love how Wilkinson does this). I love that friendship is just as important as romance here, and I love, love, love Caraway. He's the perfect romantic lead, and the romance between him and Merry unfolds beautifully, intertwining with the mystery of the Toadmen and the urgency of the plot in a way I found deeply satisfying. Speaking of deeply satisfying -- that third act is one of the best that I've read in a very long time. While there are a lot of plot threads here, Wilkinson balances every single one of them masterfully, creating a standalone that is both fully realized AND ripe for a sequel (seriously, where is my Teddy and Sol book?). My only regret is that I had to turn the last page, and couldn't stay in Candlecott forever.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Delacorte Press, and Lili Wilkinson for gifting me this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I had enjoyed the A Hunger of Thorns novel and thought this book was a great followup to that book. It had that fantasy elements that I was hoping for and thought it was beautifully done. I loved the cover and thought it was beautifully done. Lili Wilkinson always writes a great story and used the sinister society perfectly. I was invested in the enemies to lovers romance and was hooked with their romance.

Thank you to Random House Children's, Delacorte Press for an eARC of Deep is the Fen! I loved A Hunger of Thorns so it makes sense that I would love Deep is the Fen too! Toadmen, Witches, Corrupt Government and Big Corporations, with a dash of rivals to lovers romance. The author brilliantly wove this fantastical fairy tale into a fast paced novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat thrilled to find out what happens next. The MFC really grows throughout the book and the process of being blinded by what she's been taught her whole life and finding the truth feels really realistic. But, also, I am going to need to count how many times the word "toad" was said in the book (LOL). Overall this was a really fun book and I'm looking forward to what Lili Wilkinson writes next!

I read the first chapter but could not get into the story. The language threw me off and I had a difficult time understanding what the characters were talking about. Thank you for giving me the chance to read this. I might pick it up again in the future.

I wasn't aware this was the second book in a series when I went into it, so I hope that I didn't miss out on a whole chunk of this world... this book was such a treat!

This felt like intense thriller mixed with cozy fantasy and I am here for the combo. We get a creepy secret society, the Toadmen, which-lets face it-wasn't that big of a secret, really... and Merry who will do anything in her power to get one of her best friends (and her one unrequited love) Teddy to stop from joining. Meanwhile, a rival of hers, Caraway approaches her for help.

Thinking this is a two birds, one stone sort of situation, Merry teams up with Caraway in order to help him, but also to help Teddy. The one hitch... she is learning that behind Caraway's cold as ice glamour he never removes, he is very different from who she always thought he was. As she gets closer to him, she learns more and more about the goings on of the Toadmen, putting herself in very real danger. It seems as though Caraway is hiding some of his own secrets and Merry has a hard time coming to terms with the truth.

This book was just all vibes! I loved it. From the moment Caraway comes on the scene I was here for the rivals to something more feel that I got. And, it only got better. The Toadmen are seriously bizarre, as a whole idea. It is the typical secret society ideology... Climbing through the ranks of success on the backs of others, but with these really great magical elements that make them even scarier.

This book has it all, though. There is a thrilling plot, a dark magical haze, some romance, and dangerous people looking to hold dominion over Merry when she gets too close to the truth. I highly recommend this book and definitely want to go back and read the first book in the series.

“Deep is the Fen,” by Lili Wilkinson

This was such a good book and incredibly unique. The FMC was so infuriating, immature, arrogant, and rude but it clearly shows how she grew throughout the book. The imagery was also unique with the “toadmen” and the swamp scenes and smells throughout which was gross and interesting at the same time. The magic system was different because it works through metal cords inside a person that could be torn away from the user. The ending was really good and also sad but completely worth it. 4 out of 5 stars.

-Toadmen
-Magic
-Corrupt Government
-Secret Society
-Enemies To Lovers

Thank you for the ARC!

fun and lively fantasy! thanks so much for the arc. the romance was so realistic :D and i loved how the antagonists worked.

Lili Wilkinson has once again demonstrated her storytelling prowess in "Deep Is the Fen." The narrative seamlessly weaves darkness, humor, and warmth into a compelling tale that refuses to let readers go. The book's protagonist, Merry, is a brilliantly flawed and relatable teenager, making mistakes and creating chaos that propels the story forward in catastrophic yet captivating ways. Wilkinson's signature YA approach shines through, creating a narrative that resonates with teenage authenticity rather than pandering to an adult audience.

The relationships in the story, both romantic and platonic, are masterfully handled, allowing readers to invest deeply in the characters' journeys. Wilkinson's willingness to explore the darker aspects of the narrative adds depth to the story, making it a standout in the teen market. The horror elements are suitably disgusting, and the consequences are delivered with unflinching precision, adding to the book's overall impact. Returning to the world of "Hunger of Thorns" proves to be a delightful continuation, addressing central questions and expanding the narrative scope.

In "Deep Is the Fen," Lili Wilkinson crafts a fresh, confident, and surprising tale that showcases her mastery of the craft. The book's dark and immersive atmosphere, combined with its unique magical elements, promises an unforgettable reading experience. Wilkinson's ability to blend horror, whimsy, and authenticity makes this fantasy a standout addition to the genre.

This modern fairy tale with Toadmen, witches, and an enemies-to-lovers trope is a fast-paced delight. The characters are well-developed, facing wild problems with relationships that feel authentic. Merry's evolving feelings towards Caraway add a layer of complexity, and her adaptability in challenging situations adds depth to her character. The book's pacing and character dynamics contribute to an engaging and enjoyable reading experience.

"Deep Is the Fen" resonates with the energy of "The Raven Boys" while infusing its own brand of spooky magical adventure with a touch of whimsy. The family of friends in the story, coupled with the captivating plot and unique magical elements, creates a compelling narrative. Merry's character stands out as an excellent protagonist, and her dynamic with Caraway adds a delightful enemies-to-lovers trope. The prose is beautiful, the plot is unpredictable, and the magic feels both unique and believable.

Lili Wilkinson's "Deep Is the Fen" surpasses expectations, delivering a fantasy masterpiece that rivals her previous work. Impeccable world-building, an enthralling mystery, and a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance contribute to this addictive read. The protagonist, Merry, leads readers on a dangerous adventure to save her friend from a magic cult disguised as a secret society. The involvement of her academic rival, Caraway, adds complexity to the plot and sets the stage for a captivating narrative. "Deep Is the Fen" is a fantasy masterpiece that captivates from beginning to end.

A heartfelt thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children's/ Delacorte Press for sharing this amazing book's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest feedback.

I had the privilege of receiving a digital ARC from NetGalley for this amazing book!
I LOVED this book. It gave me all the Raven Boys vibes, with the absolute spookiest magical adventure energy, but with a drop more whimsy. I love the family of friends in this book, and I absolutely love Caraway. Merry is awesome. I have nothing but good things to say here--the prose is beautiful, the plot kept me guessing, and the magic felt unique but believable, with a fairy-tale strength. I'll definitely be checking out Wilkinson's other books after reading this.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s for this DRC.
A modern fairy tale with Toadmen (secret society just for guys), witches (oppressed, of course) and an enemies to lovers trope. I chose to read it because of the title and just now realized there is a toad skeleton on the cover. Love the cover. Love the book. Fast paced with great characters, wild problems, and relationships that always felt real. I liked that Merry’s feelings for Caraway were more I just don’t like you than mortal enemy. I loved that when she realized things she could adapt and only sometimes ran off half-cocked. She was a fantastic hero and I hope to see more of her.
#DeepIstheFen #NetGalley

A great sequel! This was dramatic, spooky, and ticked all of the those good fantasy boxes YA readers want.

First of all, this cover is gorgeous and I can’t wait to have the physical copy in my library. But the story was just as good. Despite the thrilling story line, there was a coziness to this book that made it so easy to curl up and read it for consecutive hours. I really adored the characters and cared about their journey through the book. I would recommend this to anyone. Even non-fantasy readers. I think the language, world building, and plot would be very accessible to those wanting to try out fantasy.

Lili Wilkinson has done it again. “Deep Is the Fen” is every bit as good as “A Hunger of Thorns” — and also somehow even better. Impeccable world-building, an enthralling mystery and a slow-burn enemies to lovers romance all make up this addictive read.

In it, protagonist Merry sets off on a dangerous adventure to stop one of her dearest friends from joining a magic cult masquerading as a secret social society. It’s one that her academic rival Caraway is involved in, but that he doesn’t seem to be a fan of—which only gets more complicated when the two come together to save Teddy from a similar fate.

I devoured “Deep Is the Fen” as if I hadn’t read anything else in ages. It is a fantasy masterpiece.

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

This was such an amazing read! I flew through this book in one afternoon because I could not stop! The characters were so unique and gripping that I really adored them. The author did a great job with keeping the plot moving and avoiding any stale moments. I will be recommending this book to everyone I know!