First line: Two nights before she was sent to the Wolf, Red wore a dress the color of blood.

Summary: The Second Daughter of the kingdom of Valleyda is destined for the Wolf. It has been a century since a sacrifice has been made but now it is Red’s destiny to enter the Wilderwood. She has known her whole life what would happen on her twentieth birthday but nothing prepared her for what happened once she entered the forest.

Her sister, Neve, is determined to find her sister and rescue her from the Wilderwood and the Wolf. She befriends a priestess who says she knows a way to make it happen. Will they be able to save Red from the dark woods?

My Thoughts: I was really excited about this book. I remember hearing about it months ago and thinking it was the perfect book for me. I really enjoyed the first few chapters and thought that I would love the rest of the book. But as the story progressed I became bored with the whole plot line and the characters. And then I saw it was going to be a series which made me less invested in reading it. The one thing I really liked about Uprooted, which this was compared to, is the fact that it is a stand-alone novel.

FYI: First in a new series. Debut novel.

For the Wolf is the story of Red, the second daughter of royalty and the chosen "sacrifice" to the woods and the Wolf near her home. The woods have demanded a second daughter sacrifice for hundreds of years in order to keep the monsters locked up and the country safe. This mix of Little Red Riding Hood and Beauty and the Beast is a page turning story that I kept thinking I would put down, but never found myself able to leave this world. I needed to know more about Red and the Wolf. I had to know what happens next and how Red and the Wolf worked for the Wilderwood. This fantasy/fairy tale is one that I binged and then immediately texted all of my friends to make sure they pick it up, too.

I enjoyed this book quite a bit! I jumped at the chance to read this book since it sounded like something that I would like. As soon as I started reading, I was hooked and looked forward to picking up the book every chance I could. I found the story to be unique and interesting while the characters were very likable. I had a great time reading this story.

I will say that I went into this book expecting a Little Red Riding Hood retelling but I found this story to be closer to Beauty and the Beast, or maybe a combination of both. Red has always known that she is to be a sacrifice to the Wolf since she is the Second Daughter while her sister, Neve, is destined to inherit the throne. Those close to Red encourage her to run but she decides to go into the Wilderwood as expected of her. The Wolf is not what she expected him to be and she finds that she has a lot to learn.

I really liked Red. She has lived knowing that her life is to be cut short when she is given to the Wolf. When she reaches the Wolf, she is somewhat lost and isn’t quite sure what her role there is. Eammon, the Wolf, was anything but fierce. He has been thrown into his role just as Red has. He works hard to keep the woods safe and to keep Red safe. I thought that they made a great pair. I also really liked seeing how things were going in the city with Neve. Everything came together to a rather exciting finale.

I would recommend this book to others. I really enjoyed the story and found the world-building to be very well done. I cannot wait to read the next book in this exciting series!

I received a digital review copy of this book from Orbit Books via NetGalley.

I was super jazzed for this book, preordered it and everything, and then I finished it last night and just feel very meh about it. It was okay? It felt clunky, the world building didn't make a _ton_ of sense and I really didn't like that I wasn't sure how time worked in this world. How long was Red in the Wilderwood for? It felt like maybe a week but perhaps it was longer? The relationships might make more sense if it was longer because I did not understand anyone's motivations basically the entire book.
I'd maybe read the sequel but I'd check it out from the library rather than purchase my own copy.

Thanks to Netgalley and Orbit for sending me an ARC in exchange for my my honest feedback!

OK wow. I will admit this was a very confusing story at first. The lore and world building was sort of all over the place till about 30% in but then it picked up and everything started clearing up and boy was it entertaining! The story is a little red riding hood retelling and it's amazing to say the least. I love Red and im so excited to see where the story goes! My only real complaint was getting a fade-to-black after all that angst and build up but ill get over it lol

5/5 stars from me!

Loved the dark, magical forest setting. I was drawn in pretty quickly and of course the hope of romance helped. Good gothic, fantasy vibes in this book.

Considering whether to read this book or not? Don't worry, I am here to answer all your burning questions.

• Is this YA or adult? Deeply not sure, I would call it New Adult probably even though I hate that category.

• Were the "Uprooted" vibes absolutely off the charts? They sure were.

• Is this the best red riding hood retelling I've read all year? Yep, which is weird because I've actually read more than one of them.

• Did I enjoy reading this? Yes.

• How is the romance? It is about the same level of explicit as "Uprooted". It is more all-encompassing to the plot, though, which is my main complaint about the book.

I trust your mind is at rest and my work here is done.

In all seriousness, I did enjoy this book. I would give it a 3.5 if I could. The main issues I have are twofold.

As I said, the romance. If Red had spent more time on magic and the Wilderwood's sickness rather than falling in love, things might not have come to such dire straits at the end.

On a semi-related note, I was a little disappointed in Red and her sister's relationship. There is SO much weight placed on their bond at the beginning, and then throughout the middle and end of the book it just feels like the Wolf matters so much more to Red than her sister.

I know it's the first in a series and so not everything has been resolved here, but I can't help but contrast Red's commitment to Neve unfavorably with Agnieszka's to Kasia. I wish there had been more there between them, but the book had limited room and most of it was filled up with Red and the Wolf.

4.5 Stars

The first daughter is for the Throne.
The second daughter is for the Wolf.

Redarys "Red" Valedren was born as a sacrifice for the wolf of the Wilderwood. As the second daughter to the queen of Valleyda, the day is fast approaching when Red will take her place among the dark forest which holds so many terrible secrets...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For the Wolf was an epic and sweeping, fantasy romance about a young woman who is about to face the destiny she never wanted, yet is inexplicably drawn to. Red has spent her whole life being raised as a sacrifice for the people of Valleyda, but when the time comes for Red to meet the wolf... she finds out that she has been fearing the wrong thing all along...

This story was a brilliantly written, heart pounding tale of a woman who is fighting against her destiny. Red refuses to share the fate of so many second daughters before her who were lost to the Wilderwood, and the wolf who controls it. But when Red arrives in the mysterious forest she finds not a wolf, but a man.

I was absolutely addicted to this fascinating story. With it's ensnaring plot and fantastically rich writing, it was an impossible book to put down. Red was a character who has faced her entire life with the knowledge that she will someday serve as only a sacrifice, while her sister is destined to be queen. And while Red has come to accept her fate, the people who love her refuse to lose her to the wolf. 

From a twisted and menacing forest, to a hidden corruption, and the monsters who have threatened centuries of Valleydan people, when it comes to the truth of the Wilderwood... it may be too late to save... anyone.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.

2.5/5 Stars

I'm a huge fan of any type of fairy tale retellings, in particular Beauty and the Beast. So I for sure thought I would love this book. However, I thought it was just okay. It wasn't bad, but I didn't connect with the characters at all. The characters were flat and didn't really grow or stick out much to me.

The book says it's for fans of The Bear and the Nightingale and Uprooted. I enjoy both of those books, however, in my opinion this book was not similar (at least writing style wise) to either of those. I just felt like everything was moving too fast and the explanations weren't very great for some fo the things in the world.

This book isn't very memorable, so I don't see myself wanting to continue the series. There are plenty of other fairy tale retelling books that are better than this, but if your like me and feel like you've read them all, I'd say give this one a go!

One sentence opinion: While this book may not be very memorable, I did enjoy the plot and mystery behind the wolf and the Wildwood and would recommend it for those that enjoy fairy tale retellings.

I was given a NetGalley eARC courtesy of the publisher and author in exchange for my honest review.

4.5/5 Stars

The moment I saw the cover, I knew that I had to read this!

I was immediately drawn into the world and I thought that the plot was really engaging. The real highlight for me though, was the writing style. The descriptions were vivid and the prose was rich.

I never got into the romance, but the rest of the book was so good that I can easily look past that.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book and would recommend it!

Thank you to Orbit Books and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book had me hooked from the very first page and I couldn't stop reading it! I loved following Red through her time in the Wilderwood, and I definitely can't wait to see how this duology ends.

I was interested in For the Wolf because I like stories that take place in a forest setting. I had also never read a Little Red Riding Hood retelling, so I was interested in that. This book has an audience that I think will eat this book up.

This takes place in a world where the old Gods who used to rule are a trapped in the Winterwood. The second noble daughters must always be sacrificed to the wolf of the woods in hopes that the woods will release the Gods. This follows Red, who is a second daughter. Is the wolf really a monster? What happens when Red is sacrificed?

My first issue with this book is that it reads very young adult. This is supposed to be an adult novel. I also think the story was a little too drawn out. I didn't really understand the magic system. I didn't really get a good connection to the characters.

However, the writing was still good. The story certainly has potential. The premise reminds me of ACOTAR. If you like that, you may enjoy this one. Overall, I gave this 3 stars.

Hello, meet my new favorite fantasy. I seriously adored FOR THE WOLF. I don’t think I’ve had this many feels since TWILIGHT *please note this book is nothing like Twilight, I’m just saying I had all of the feels like I was 14 reading Twilight for the first time so just take that for what you will*
Hannah Whitten is a BRILLIANT writer, the concept of this book was so unique, there was magic, love, sisterhood, all of the things. I’m content. Of course, I want more, I know more is to come and I’m so excited for more! But after finishing this, I feel absolutely happy and my heart is full and that’s all I have to say on the matter. Such an epic story!

For the Wolf is a beautiful new story mashup of Beauty and the Beast and Red Riding Hood. Expect the unexpected in this story though. I love the story arc of 2 sisters. One for the wolf and one for the throne. The author does a great job of keeping pace through out the story. The Wilderwood is a terrifying place and the author describes it in perfect detail. One thing I would change is more backstory on the Kings. I still don't know much about them. It would help fuel my understanding of the fight against them and the Plague. I really can't wait for book two.

For The Wolf by Hannah Whitten has a cover that is like catnip to me. Looking at that cover of the red contrasted with the green and white of the Wilderwood and aesthetically, I am sold. Then we have the tagline about two sisters, one is for the throne and one is for the wolf. SIGN ME UP. So, suffice to say, I was so over the moon excited going into this book. Apparently, I may have psyched myself up a little too much. Maybe my expectations were just a little too high.

Valleydan is a kingdom set on the edge of the Wilderwood, an enchanted wood that stands sentinel against the shadowland. The ruling family of Valleydan has the expectation that when there are two daughters in the family the eldest will sit on the throne. The second daughter is intended to be sacrificed to the Wolf in the Wilderwood. There is hope that if the sacrifice is good enough that the five lost kings of legend will return -- they are gods to the people. Red is the Second Daughter and as For The Wolf  opens, she is preparing to go to the Wilderwood. Her sister Neve is not handling this well, however, Red is resigned to her fate.

Imagine Red's surprise when the Wolf isn't exactly how she thought. Rather, he is a man named Eammon who has the power of the Wilderwood flowing through his veins. Red does not immediately die as expected. As it turns out she has some of the power of the Wilderwood as well. And so, we learn all about the Wilderwood and Eammon's purpose as well as a few secondary characters in the Wilderwood. On the outside, Neve is overcome with grief for Red and not making some smart decisions which will have a big impact to come.

Straight up, this book was kind of a drag for me to read. The pacing of For The Wolf is extremely slow. It feels like nothing happens for 50 pages and then finally a piece of action. However, the action only lasts for like a few pages then it is back to Red's thoughts and obsessing about Eammon. I genuinely was so bored. Still, the book is quite atmospheric and you do get a strong sense of the Wilderwood. I just didn't think that was enough for me to really love this book. Maybe if I had read it when I had undivided attention, I might have enjoyed it more. Overall though, this book did not really keep my attention. I do think I'll check out For The Throne, but via the library so I do not feel an obligation.

3 of 5 stars
https://lynns-books.com/2021/06/21/for-the-wolf-wilderwood-1-by-hannah-f-whitten/
My Five Word TL:DR Review : I wanted to love this

Okay, I think I will start my review of For the Wolf by saying I think a case of overhype and misdirection led me to expect something different from this one. Basically, I’m a sucker for fairytale retellings and can’t resist picking them up always with that sweet expectation of finding something whimsical and yet deliciously dark, twisted and different. To be fair to For the Wolf I literally led myself down the garden path a little with this one. I read the description and put two and two together, basically reaching the conclusion that a story with a character called Red and a dangerous wolf in a forest equated to a Red Riding Hood retelling. That’s my own fault at the end of the day. In fact the blurb mentions that fans of Uprooted will like this one and I think that particular comparison is much more apt.

As it is, this felt much more like a Beauty and the Beast style story – which isn’t a problem because that just so happens to be my favourite fairytale – but, I think a combination of a rather busy style background in terms of the folklore elements coupled with a style of magic that felt a little strange left me unable to fully enjoy this one.

Redarys, or Red, is the second Princess and therefore fated from birth to be sacrificed to the Wolf in the Forest. Centuries ago a deal was struck whereby dark magic was banished and kept at bay by the Wilderwood and its sentinels. Unfortunately the Five King’s were also banished due to an unexpected twist. Over the years it seems that the story and the bargain struck have evolved into something different. It was believed that the second daughter born to the royal family would be given in sacrifice to the Wolf in the Woods, this sacrifice being linked to the release of the Kings (or Gods as they seem to have become known over the course of time). However, having been sent into the wood, Red discovers that there is to be no sacrifice and the wolf is in fact a man who is single handedly struggling to keep the darkness at bay.

On a positive note I thought it got off to a really good start. It fairly soon establishes the main characters and their respective roles and also sets up for a story with two sisters who seem devoted to each other. I thought the introduction of Red into the Wilderwood and the chase through the trees before she reached the Tower was also really well done. Also, to be honest, although there was a good deal of creating situations that would lead to sexual tension between Red and Eamonn (the wolf – or warden as it happens) I did quite enjoy the romance aspects to the story. I wouldn’t call it unique and it definitely wasn’t unexpected but still I liked the feelings that built between the two characters and the eventual relationship that ensued. I have no guilt whatsoever in that respect. I came expecting some romance and Whitten delivered.

I think the main issue I experienced with For the Wolf was a sense of puzzlement. I wasn’t sure why there was a plot to release the five kings – and this does take up a good portion of the story involving a religious cult and a scheming priestess. The motivations were very thin on the ground. The world here seemed to have survived perfectly well since the kings disappeared so what was the purpose of wanting them back? This part of the story felt very under explored and it just left me feeling as though I’d missed something. The Priestess herself, she lacked any sort of substance that would lend credulity as to why anyone would follow her. And, the magic used here seemed mainly to revolve around cutting and bleeding onto things which I can’t deny was not an aspect of the story that I enjoyed. I also would mention that at almost 450 pages this did feel a little bloated in parts.

Criticisms aside, I think For the Wolf will definitely find it’s audience. On this occasion I don’t think that will be me and I don’t expect to pick up further instalments in the series although it might be the case that more information about the Kings and the magic is forthcoming as the story progresses. I admit I’m not the target audience for this one and although I did enjoy the brooding romance the retelling or fairy tale elements didn’t really work their magic for me on this occasion.

I would like to thank the publishers for providing a copy for review, through Netgalley. The above is my own opinion.

I could not get into this story. I made it about 100 pages in and could go no further. That being said the concept is great and retellings are still good. I may have not liked it but hope others do

I received a digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for a review.

4.5 stars. The only reason it’s not a 5 star is that there was some vagueness when it came to the magic but I believe that was intentional to set up the second book. It was really good. Dark fairytale vibes. Very atmospheric in a spooky sense. Lush and sinister. A forest that wants to eat you. I enjoyed this book a lot and now have to wait a year for the second book.

This is a masterful debut brimming with magic, mayhem, murder, and mystery. I inhaled it in one setting,

4.5/5 stars

Thank you to Orbit Books and NetGalley for an eARC in change for an honest review!

I've seen some mediocre reviews for For the Wolf and I just don't get it! It was original, entertaining, and the writing was beautiful. What more could you ask for?

For the most part, I enjoyed the characters. My only complaint is that, while Red was a strong character at the beginning and end, she seemed a little weak for a while in the middle. Eammon had to do everything for her while she kept saying that he needed her. Speaking of Eammon, I loved him! In the beginning, it seemed like he was going to be just another Tall, Dark, and Brooding™ character. Thankfully that was only for the very beginning and as the book went on the reader could tell that he's just a sweetheart.

While I liked Fife and Lyra, I still don't get why they were there. They were really just buffer characters to give Eammon and Red some space to get away from each other. I would love to see more development for those two in the next book!

I absolutely adored the elements of family in this story. We don't get nearly enough of that in YA fantasy, so it was refreshing to see it play out. I loved seeing Neve go to the dark side, so to say, with the intention of saving her sister. I can't wait to see more of Red and Neve together in the second book! They both had their own things going on in For the Wolf, so I'd like to see their paths cross more in For the Throne.

The setting was perfectly mysterious and borderline creepy to match the tone of the story. The writing perfectly portrayed the Wilderwood, a place of both beauty and terror. The worldbuilding inside the forest was unique and intriguing and captured my interest right away.

This may be a Red Riding Hood retelling first and foremost, but it also had elements of other well-known stories in it. It had some items and themes from Beauty and the Beast and one important thing from Snow White. I loved seeing all those elements of different fairytales come together to make something new!

All in all, this was a fantastic book. I know that it wasn't for some people but it was perfect for me! Orbit Books has yet to publish a story that I haven't liked, so this is yet another win for them.