4.25⭐️

This was an excellent debut novel! This was pitched to me as a “cottage core romantasy” and it did not disappoint! The vibes were cozy while also containing a high stakes plot that kept me turning the pages.

I thought the pacing was a little slow at first but the story really starts to pick up around the 40% mark. The author does a great job worldbuilding and the story was very easy to understand. The descriptions were detailed and had me immersed in the story from the very beginning.

My only complaint would be the romance that didn’t feel entirely fleshed out. The attraction was there but I really didn’t get a full grasp on their relationship(s) (YES PLURAL!) because of the relationship development. I needed more details behind the other characters to really feel connected to them.

The story is told in 3rd POV from Lore’s perspective. It might’ve been beneficial to have the story told through the lens of a couple other characters so I could understand them better.

Overall, this was a really strong debut and I can’t wait to read the next book! (Especially because of that cliffhanger). I imagine we will see this one featured in special edition book boxes next year and it’ll become quite popular on social media. Don’t miss out on this one!

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Voyager, and the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Lore has always felt the call of the forest beyond her town. It’s been three years since her first and only attempt to escape Duskmere, a town of humans trapped in the middle of fae lands. One day while working at the apothecary, she catches the eye of a fae lord. When he sends a sentry demanding that the owner of the shop leave with them, Lore lies to save her aunt. Now she is being sent to his manor catalog the enchanted library that no fae can enter. Lore has finally left Duskmere, and she has a chance to be more than she ever imagined, but danger and deception lurk around every corner, will Lore have the courage and wit to save her town and herself?

I really enjoyed this story. I love Lore. I love how practical and real she feels. I really enjoyed seeing her grow throughout the book. I really love the world. I think the magic system feels very original. This was such a refreshing take on a human being thrust into the world of fae. I definitely plan on reading the next book, because that cliffhanger is crazy!

I only have two real complaints about the book.
1. I was struggling to place what this was trying to be. I felt for most of the story it read very YA. I think it fit the category, especially the faster pacing and time jumping. However, this is a sex scene in this book, which did not feel like it belonged with the tone of the rest of this book.

2. I really wanted this to be longer. I feel like so much was glossed over for the sake of keeping the story going, but I honestly feel like this would have thrived as two books instead of one. It felt like so much was happening in the last third of the book, and I really wanted to slow down to see the characters develop more. I think some emotional beats didn’t hit as hard because we just didn’t have the pages to really develop. I wanted more of Lore in the library, more of Lore learning about the book and the magic, and Lore *SPOILER* rescuing Grey was too fast and easy. I feel like that should have been drawn out, and honestly that could have been the climax to book one. Everything after that I wanted to take place over an entire book. I just wanted more of everything.

Overall, this is fantastic. I cannot wait to read more from this author. I definitely will buy a copy when it is published.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

This book was not what I expected. I’m glad I had the opportunity to read it.


This is a mesmerizing introduction to the world of Romantasy blends a magical library, two attractive Fae beings, and a human who unites them all. The library possesses a deadly curse, while a Fae lord seeks entrance. Meanwhile, a brave young woman is willing to risk everything for a taste of power. In a realm governed by merciless Fae, the village of twenty-one-year-old Lore Alemeyu is confined within a forest prison. Escaping the village is futile; her scars bear witness to her previous failed attempts. However, when her village is threatened, Lore strikes a desperate bargain with a Fae lord. She agrees to depart from her home in order to carefully categorize and arrange an ancient library, untouched for a millennium. Although no Fae may enter the library, there is a small possibility that a human could break through the cursed doors. She convinces the Fae lord that she is willing to risk her life in exchange for riches, but secretly she desires the one thing the Fae most covet: magic of her own.
As Lore navigates through this perilous journey, the engrossing chemistry between her and the Fae becomes impossible to resist. Yet, not only is her life at stake, but also her heart, which she struggles to entrust to these unreliable creatures.

The CHARACTERIZATION is something I adore and I could go on and on about the EVOLUTION OF THE CHARACTERS. Lore, a fantastic FMC, is young but doesn't display excessive naivety or immaturity. However, she isn't distrustful or cruel in any way. Her personal growth throughout the story is significant and it's delightful to accompany her through her journey. Her interactions with the other characters flow naturally and, if I may say so myself, seem genuine. The incorporation of attraction, love, and passion into the narrative is remarkably well-executed. Each member of this closely-knit group, who are somewhat like a chosen family, possesses a vibrant description and a lively personality. It's particularly pleasing to see LGBTQ+ representation included, even if it may not be explicitly depicted in the text. Hopefully, we'll delve into some romantic pairings in the sequel!

Rating: ★★★★.5

"Lore of the Wilds" invites readers to embark on a mesmerizing journey through a realm where the untamed forces of nature intertwine with magic, giving birth to a world rich in mystery and wonder. This fantasy novel, crafted by Analeigh Sbrana, captivates the imagination with its lush prose and intricate storytelling, drawing readers into a realm where the Lore of the Wilds comes alive.

The narrative unfolds in a land teeming with mythical creatures, ancient spirits, and enchanted landscapes, all of which are masterfully woven together by the author's vivid and evocative descriptions. From the towering trees that whisper secrets to the celestial beings that govern the night sky, every element in this fantastical realm feels alive and imbued with a sense of ancient magic.


"My favorite stories are the ones I can escape into. The ones I can leave behind this bleak existence and be somebody else, even if its just for a little while. Someone braver than me. Someone with the power to change their circumstances."


The protagonist serves as a compelling guide through this mystical world, her journey becoming a metaphorical exploration of self-discovery and resilience. The character development is skillfully executed, with protagonist evolving from a curious wanderer to a formidable force entwined with the very essence of the Lore of the Wilds.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its intricate world-building. The author has crafted a universe that feels both expansive and cohesive, with each new revelation adding depth to the lore. Whether it's the history of the mythical beings that roam the forests or the origin of the magical artifacts that dot the landscape, every detail is meticulously thought out and seamlessly integrated into the narrative.

The plot, while not entirely groundbreaking, is elevated by the rich tapestry of the setting and the depth of the characters. The pacing is well-balanced, allowing for moments of quiet reflection and intense action. The novel also explores themes of harmony with nature, the consequences of unchecked power, and the interconnectedness of all living things.


"Thank you. Both of you. Come back, okay? Don't leave me here forever."
"Never."
Asher leaned in, pressing the lightest of kisses to her lips.


While the prose is generally engaging, there are moments where the descriptive passages might border on excessive, slowing the pace of the story. However, for readers who appreciate lush and immersive storytelling, this might be more of a feature than a flaw.

In conclusion, "Lore of the Wilds" is a commendable addition to the fantasy genre, offering readers a chance to lose themselves in a world where the Lore of the Wilds reigns supreme. With its enchanting prose, well-developed characters, and captivating world-building, Analeigh Sbrana has crafted a tale that will leave fantasy enthusiasts yearning for more adventures in the mystical realms of the Wilds.


Thank you to Netgalley, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Analeigh Sbrana for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Overall, Lore of the Wilds is really promising and I really liked it. I loved the dark cottagecore vibes and the enchanted library and all the different places we got to see. My only problem with this book was pacing. I feel like the story moved very quickly at times and we didn't get to stay in any plot line for long. Due to the pacing issues, I feel like there weren't enough character interactions for the story to have its full emotional impact. I think Lore of the Wilds would have really benefited from a longer book as it would allowed the story to take the breaths it desperately needed to. It almost feels like the book covered too much in a short amount of pages. I will say that I didn't see the cliffhanger coming so I'm very excited to pick up the second book.

Where do I start? This is great fantasy book. The characters are phenomenally written. Lore is compassionate and brave. She cares so much for those in her poverty stricken town. She doesn't hesitate to strike a bargain with the fae lord when given the opportunity to save those she holds dear, despite the obvious danger. When she discovers she is the only one who can enter the enchanted library, she begins searching for power of her own. As the story builds, she finds her attraction to her two unlikely companions growing. The world building and story telling is beautiful. The story is compelling. I am so grateful to have been able to read this story.

Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review!

I had a really fun time with this story! Despite the plot meandering at times, I appreciated the time skips so we were not fed boring filler...however at the same time I think some of the bigger details of the world could have been developed a little more. Are there parts of the plot I am a little unsure about? Yes. Would I consider them a plot hole? Not necessarily, I feel like certain aspects will be more developed or explained in the next installment. (Like the whole Asher thing near the end...no spoilers but I have *questions*) The author had to set the stage. I feel like this book's goal was for you to become attached to Lore and the other characters so that you follow them through!

Lore and all the cozy "life" moments throughout the story are really what sold this for me. I am usually a higher fantasy gal and so I was hoping for more at times but the intimate aspects of this story kept me engaged despite me not having a lot of background information.

I will definitely be adding this book to my shelves and continuing on with the story! It was an entertaining debut!

A diverse fae romantasy novel with a deadly library, two handsome fae and a powerful woman?!
This sounds amazing.

The narrative centers around Lore, a resident of a village ensnared within an enchanted forest, facing a looming threat. To safeguard her home, she strikes a deal with the fae lord to catalogue his mysterious library. As the plot unfolds, we are taken on a journey to discover the reasons behind this arrangement, all while being treated to a angsty romance between Lore and the two fae leads.

The worldbuilding and magic system was so easy to follow. It was easy for me to easily picture the locations and setting during each chapter. This novel falls into the category that can be either a hit or miss depending on the reader's preferences or mood at the time of picking it up. However, for me, it served as the perfect escape, offering a straightforward and simple read. The pacing is well-balanced, and the narrative is straightforward.

It has all the popular tropes such as enemies to lovers, hidden powers, a classic love triangle, a magical quest, and a dash of spice.
Overall fun read. Will be sticking around for book 2.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this free ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I loved this book so much .We follow a human girl named Lore, whose community is seen as outcast to that of the fae . Lore and her community barely have the means to survive everyday but yet they love one another and do the best they can . One day Lore is taken to the fae kingdom and told she must work/ organize their library , which no fae can enter due to a magic spell keeping out the fae. Upon working in this library Lore learnswhat is in this library but also she finds so much strength within herself that she never knew she had . The most important thing to Lore is helping her community/family to survive and get away from under the thumb of the evil fae kingdom. The cliff hanger let me in aww. I can’t wait to see how Lore is able to save herself and her friends. Magical library, evil fae, and a strong female main character that will leave you wanting to jump in and fight .

I was given an ARC from Avon, Harper Voyager, and Netgalley in exchange for a review.

Who is going to love this: ACOTAR fans who are tired of whitewashing in fantasy. People who want a good angsty romance and are ready to have your heart ripped out and dangled in front of you by the end of this book.

The writing in Lore of the Wilds is so easy to fall into—every location I could see, smell, and most importantly, taste. There is a love of food in this book, I know this is also a romance fantasy, but I need to talk about how good the description of food is! The author has taken a lot of time and care to conjure up these images and I sat cozy under a blanket during the first half of the book.

As for the romance. I want to tell you some major spoilers, but I'm not going to. I'm going to be good and tell you to get the book to read it. Do look below to see if any of my downsides might get to you. I didn't find anything horrible and will continue to read this series as it comes out.

Now, for the problems I saw. For one warning the book is a slow burn, but I'm fine with that. I think if it hadn't been slow burn some things at the end of the book would have felt horrible. The main thing that got me annoyed with Lore is how she comes into possession of her powers. She steals a book from her boss's library. It's his family's book, and I couldn't fully empathize with her in doing that. If it had been clear that books don't connect to people except for their true owners, maybe I would have been less frustrated with her. I also felt like the middle of the book dragged, Lore has a clear goal to get back to her people but she keeps getting sidetracked and I kept thinking the story needed her to stay away so the plot could happen. I was right, but I felt like it could have been done in a less obvious way. But that's just my opinion! I do also want to warn there is mentions of SA though it's heavily brushed over and more would be a consequence of a story beat.

As I said before, I really enjoyed this book. I'll be buying it once it comes out!

I really wanted to like this book and I did for the most part but it was just average, it didn’t blow me away and I was a bit disappointed from all the reviews I read beforehand. The beginning of the book reeled me in but the middle and end of the book were just straight up boring and slow. There were some redeeming moments like the huge plot twist at the end but a lot of this book felt like filler that didn’t need to be there. I found myself skipping/skimming parts and still felt like I understood almost all of the book.

There was a sense that there was almost too much going on. It may have just been me and this book just wasn’t my vibe. 100% a unique plot and a ton of potential, I am intrigued about the second book, hopefully it’s a bit more spicy!

Thank you netgalley and the author for this ARC

5 ⭐️

What did I just read and how do I make it my entire personality?

THE PLOT
Lore is a human imprisoned in a land called Duskmere, where all human are kept away from the fae civilization. After a natural disaster, Lore is summed by the high fae to work in their library, which holds hidden magic that Lore is tasked to find, as no fae can enter the library, in exchange for the rebuilding of her town. Once Lore finds a magical book that she has harnessed its powers and learned that her town is in fact in worse shape then when she left, she is determined to learn and master her newfound magic in hopes of saving the people she loves....at a cost.

MY THOUGHTS
It is safe to say that this has the most in depth magic system and world building I have yet to read in a fantasy book. At the beginning, I'll be honest I was very confused. The book kinda just throws you into the deep end without really knowing much. However, if you stick through it (about 15% of the way through) it gets SO GOOD. I had the most magical time of my life reading this book. The world building was INSANE!! I could actually picture myself in this world as if I'm Lore. Absolutely incredible. I could not put this book down for the life of me. I'm still in utter awe.

The side characters in this book have my entire heart. Isla and Finn? I'd marry them both. Speaking of characters...Lore's character development? Unreal. It was so amazing to read her powerless and how later on she uses her powers to save those she loves just made my heart so warm. She must be protected at all costs. Now let's talk about Asher...I dont want to spoil anything but before the plot twist, he would be my new book boyfriend. He was so baby I loved him so much.

SPEAKING OF PLOT TWISTS...WHAT DID I JUST READ??? Miss Sbrana how can you play my heart like that? 🥹 I was not expending that ending in a million years and I was ON THE DAMN FLOOR. yall need to read this like right now. Definitely one of my favorite fantasy books of the year. my heart is in pieces because of this book. This was an ARC and it doesn't release for a while but when the second book in this series becomes available, I am running so fast to NetGalley.

Thank you to Netgalley, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Analeigh Sbrana for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review. 🩷

Stunning debut. I loved the unique cottage core world that Sbrana has built. I loved the characters. Lore is such a great FMC! She is strong and smart and it was so fun to watch her grow through her adventures. I have a feeling this first book is really just setting up everything to come in the following books. There is plenty of action and adventure but still so many questions to unravel in the next books.

Tropes:
⚔️Enemies to Lovers
💞Love Triangle
🧙‍♀️Hidden Powers
🗺️Magical Quest

Spice:
🌶️🌶️

What an incredible debut by Analeigh Sbrana! The magic that she weaves through these pages was incredible and the storytelling keeps the reader both interested and anxious for what might happen…spoiler: you will NOT see the plot twist coming! This book follows the hero’s journey of Lore, a human who grew up in a world surrounded by magic just out of reach and the terrifying fae who surround her. I loved getting to be enveloped her journey into the new (to her) fae lands/world as she figures out who can she trust or not trust as she strives to save her kind. The world building by Analeigh Sbrana is so well thought out and sets the reader up to be excited about the next book in the series. If you loved ACOTAR or Fourth Wing or you were a fan of Harry Potter, get ready for your next favorite series. Absolutely 5/5 recommend reading.

Romantasy story with humans stuck in a fae world. Loved the Black representation in this story- all of the Main characters are Black, and it's not made out to be a big thing- it's just the way it is in this world.

The pacing of the story was well done, and the twist at the end was excellent. This story does feature a love triangle, which isn't my favorite, but it was done in a way that made sense and that I enjoyed.

This first installment felt more YA, but it definitely could easily slide more into the New Adult category with the next book!

Absolutely 5 stars for this debut fantasy romance book! The perfect combination of cozy fantasy and romantasy that we all needed. And it’s spicy!!

I absolutely adore Analeigh’s lyrical writing, it was so easy to be swept into her world and be right there with Lore. I could picture everything so effortlessly. I was so addicted to the story in this must read page turner!

I can’t wait for others to read this book so we can all talk about the ending!! I am so blown away by this debut novel and can’t wait for Lore 2. The on page representation of anxiety was so relatable and accurately depicted. Plus the diversity among all the different characters was wonderful. I’m going to miss Lore, Finn, and Asher until the next book!!

Lore of the Wilds is a fantasy romance with a bit of adventure mixed in. Our Protagonist is a young woman named Lore, whose village is a prison surround by faeries who really, really hate humans, and leaving it is a death sentence. A chance encounter with faerie nobles leads Our Protagonist to getting a job she cannot refuse: organizing a library that's cursed so no member of the kingdom can enter.

This leads to an adventure that might be a game changer for Lore's isolated village.

I have mixed feelings about this book. It is first, very well written, and I really liked Lore. The plot arcs tend to fit into the usual romance tropes, but manage to do this in ways that are non-standard and interesting. For instance, the romantic set up seems to be "choose between two possible suitors," with a couple tablespoons of "and these two potential suitors hate each other and are rivals." This is not quite the case. There also is some good neurodivergence representation, though very brief. The ending has one heck of a final reveal and a very, very steep cliffhanger.

On the other hand, except for a handful of exceptions, I kind of want to set many of the antagonists on fire. The book goes a little dark, and Lore has seen and experienced terrible things because her people are trapped in a tiny village surrounded by people who want to kill them and are looking for an excuse. The combination of light romance and dark setting was a little jarring, though I think romance fans would like it a great deal.

This review is based on a galley copy received from NetGalley.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This was a good story full of adventure. romance. and action. I just loved the dynamics of the characters and it was a fun time overall. I would recommend it for the fall season and to get out of a reading slump.

"Lore of the Wilds" by Analeigh Sbrana is a captivating Romantasy novel that combines elements of romance and fantasy in a spellbinding tale. The story is set in a land ruled by ruthless Fae, where a young woman named Lore Alemeyu is living in a village imprisoned within a forest. Lore knows that trying to escape the village is futile, given her past failures and the dangerous nature of the Fae.

However, when her village faces a grave threat, Lore makes a desperate deal with a Fae lord. She agrees to leave her home and enter an enchanted library, which has been untouched for a thousand years. The catch is that no Fae can enter the library, but there's a slim chance a human like Lore could break the curse and access its knowledge.

Lore convinces the Fae lord that she's seeking wealth, but her true goal is to obtain the one thing the Fae desire the most: magic of her own. As Lore explores the perilous world outside, she must rely on two very different and alluring Fae males to survive. Amid this dangerous journey, an undeniable chemistry ignites, making Lore's situation even more complicated.

The book weaves a tale of magic, romance, and treacherous adventures, with characters who are both alluring and mysterious. It's a story of courage, trust, and the complexities of love in a world where nothing is as it seems.

If you're a fan of romantic fantasy with elements of the Fae and enchanting libraries, "Lore of the Wilds" promises an enthralling reading experience.

4.5 stars, 8.00 on CAWPILE

Thank you to Ana, HarperCollins, and Netgalley for this free e-arc in exchange for an honest review!

Okay I need to preface this by saying that Ana is a dear friend of mine, so of course I wanted to read her debut! Cottage core vibes, hot fae, an enchanted library, and a magical grimoire?

Yes please.

I love this setting. I loved each part of the world that Ana brought us too. If anything, I wish we had more time in each place, ESPECIALLY the library. That library is so cozy and magical, I could have used 100 more pages of it. It was beautiful.

I love Lore's inner voice. At times she seemed a bit younger than she was, but over all she was a human girl thrust into an impossible situation and grew strong, and a bit reckless, in dealing with everything going on around her. The way she found magic was MUAH chefs kiss.

I am obsessed with Asher and I wish we got more time getting to know him as well as Isla and Finn. I can see myself really getting into these characters as we get to know them further in book 2.

I DID NOT SEE THAT TWIST COMING. It gave me goosebumps.

My only issue with the book was some of the pacing. We seemed to burn through a lot of time passage in montage mode and I really would have loved to have seen more of that time passage actually written out because Ana does such a great job crafting some magical scenes.

Overall, a great debut! I can't wait for everyone to read it.
4.5 stars