This was a well written book full of great world building and solid characters. Unfortunately the plot didn't grab me as much as I wanted it to.

i think saft did such an amazing job with the character dynamics here and building up that romance. the way the story developed was amazing, and the ending, it was pretty wholesome.

For the most part I really loved this book. I love the MC, Margaret, and really connected to her because I feel like I tend to stick to myself and what I know. Wes was wonderful at counterbalancing her and pushing her to try and be someone apart from her mother's daughter. Their romance was heart breaking at times when they would close off how they felt about each other but once they knew what was inevitable, it got a lot steamier than I thought. I thought that I was reading an adult novel that Margaret would have read, so it kind of took away from their innocent love of each other that they were building for me. I think for those that would love to hear about that kind of romance, it is really well written.
Overall, I would recommend this book, but just be prepared for more adult descriptions of their love than you would find in a typical YA.

*I own a physical copy*

In 2019 my health started going down hill and I didn't take into consideration what that would mean for my book reviewing. Sadly, I've been trying to play catch up for years and it's been affecting my ability to keep up with present day tasks. So I greatly apologize for this but I am going to clear out all these older review books and focus on present day. I will come back and update this review if I end up reading the book, which is very possible as a lot of these books are still ones I would like to read, I just don't think the pressure looming over me is helpful. Thank you for giving me a chance to early read these books and I am so sorry I wasn't able to provide what was needed.

I am completely captivated by this book. Saft has a talent for crafting rich, romantic fantasy worlds, and this story is no different. The main characters are both complex and endearing, their love story truly delightful, unfolding in a way that feels both genuine and rewarding. I genuinely can't wait to read what Saft writes next after this!

The story follows Margaret and Wes on a hunt for a mythical creature in a world filled with magic and alchemy. Saft's writing is atmospheric, and the slow-burn romance between the characters is well done.

That said, the pacing felt slow at times, and the plot didn't have as much action as I was hoping for, especially given the stakes of the hunt. It’s more character-driven, which will appeal to fans of that style, but if you're looking for fast-paced fantasy, this might not be for you.

This is a delightful romantic fantasy, but it does have some drawbacks, particularly in its worldbuilding, which can be both insufficient and confusing at times. Additionally, the book ends on a troubling happy-for-now note, leaving many conflicts unresolved and questions lingering. Despite these issues, I genuinely enjoyed reading it.

For me, the plot felt almost secondary because I was completely captivated by Wes and Margaret. They each navigate a world filled with prejudice, discovering their identities and aspirations while also dealing with the challenges of adolescence. Their connection grows in unexpected ways, providing them both with comfort and companionship during their struggles.

While the fantasy elements may not be very strong, the tender romance that develops between the two characters is truly beautiful. I'm particularly impressed by how the author crafted Wes and Margaret, giving them significant depth and complexity.

When two lonely people team up to reach what seems to be an unattainable goal, they discover that together they can accomplish anything.

An excellent novel from an excellent author. Saft builds her worlds carefully, but what really shines here is the characters— Maggie & Wes are the perfect leads for this magical little book.

This books is beautiful and I don’t know why I didn’t jump to read this book sooner. The writing, the characters, the worldbuilding - it was all gorgeously done. I was hooked from the start, immediately falling in love with our two main characters and their story. Alison Saft is official my newest auto-buy author!

I received an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A Far Wilder Magic by Allison Saft follows Margaret Welty, a strong willed and independent sharpshooter, and Weston Winters, a desperate but determined alchemist. The two soon accept that whether they like it or not they need each other. As a team, they enter the Halfmoon Hunt, a hunt for the magical hala/fox.

I enjoyed seeing the dynamic between Margaret and Weston. They play really well off one another and both push each other where they needed to be. I feel for Margaret in the situation she gets into with her mom. Weston’s family was the perfect juxtaposition for this. It made me happy that they found each other and could provide that balance. For both characters, the themes of family, finding your place, knowing your worth, and loneliness hit pretty hard.

This book honestly took me so long to read and I have no idea why. Saft is an excellent storyteller. The writing was beautifully crafted. The two main characters worked really well together. There is just something that did not totally keep my attention with this book. It is possible that I was just not anticipating or in the mood for a slow burn type of story. The writing felt peaceful, but the story itself at times was more boring for me.

However, I would still highly recommend checking A Far Wilder Magic out if you like young adult fantasy. The writing and themes alone are worth the shot!

Thank you to the publisher, Wednesday Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

A FAR WILDER MAGIC is a deliciously atmospheric and magical novel, with a mythical hunt and grumpy romance included. I reveled in the beautiful prose, unique characters and how they come together, and a plot worthy of seeing on screen. I can't wait to read more from Saft, and I hope to reread soon! Thank you for the ARC!

Allison Saft never disappoints. This cover is so beautiful and the book inside is even more so. The setting was so stunningly gothic and the premise blew me away from the first page and the characters carried me through to the last.

I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy this. I don't read a lot of romance and I wanted to give this book a fair shake. Thankfully, I found myself enjoying the characters and their relationship. It was sweet and I think the fantasy helped me enjoy the story even more. It was surprisingly fun.

Allison Saft gets better and better with each novel! Down Comes the Night was a 3 star for me., this one is a 4 star, and A Fragile Enchantment is 5 stars! I like how Allison walks a delicate balance between giving us a fantastic romantic tale, while not shying away from important subjects such as colonialism, racism, appropriation, etc. She is one of the best YA authors in the field right now, because she does more than just entertain, she also makes you think and be in the shoes of those who are being treated wrongly just for who they are, who their parents were, or which religion they hail from. She is now an auto buy author for me for sure.

I really enjoyed this book. I liked the magical and scientific mixture and the concept of the hunt. I loved Weston’s family so much. Great supporting characters in this one!

I forgot to leave a review for this, but I really enjoyed it! It's been out for ages, so I won't say much more than I need to for my star rating. <3

This story is an interesting narrative that weaves alchemy, myth, and an exploration of loneliness. The book introduces us to Margaret Welty, a sharpshooter living in isolation, who longs for her mother's return and stumbles upon the legendary Hala, signaling the start of the Halfmoon Hunt—a contest promising unimaginable riches and knowledge to the victor. The arrival of Weston Winters, seeking an apprenticeship with Margaret's absent mother, offers her the partnership she needs to partake in the hunt. Despite the unlikely pairing, their combined efforts in facing the hunt encapsulate a journey of survival, intellectual prowess, and the unfolding of a deeply moving romance.

Saft's storytelling shines through her fantasy atmosphere and tender character development. The romance between Margaret and Wes, two outsiders drawn together by circumstance, evolves beautifully, marked by a slow burn that captures the essence of their individual struggles—Wes's desire to truly live and Margaret's fight against the loneliness of her family's legacy.

However, the book is not without its flaws. The setting suffers from a lack of clarity, with anachronisms and inconsistencies that might distract readers sensitive to continuity (like me). The narrative struggles to establish a coherent sense of time and place, blending modern elements with those suggestive of the late 1880s to early 1900s, yet also incorporating anachronisms from the late 20th century.

Nonetheless, for readers willing to overlook these continuity issues, "A Far Wilder Magic" offers a rich tapestry of magic, alchemy, and emotion. Saft's ability to craft scenes filled with depth and longing, alongside a thrilling and heartwarming romance, makes this novel a captivating read. It's a story full of desperation, romance, and the quest for a sense of belonging that remakes the soul, proving once again Saft's unique talent for storytelling that is both intimate and magical.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

Such a lovely, romantic YA fantasy! All the elements you love and crave in a romantasy but so soft and sweet in this YA.

Summary:
When Margaret Welty spots the legendary hala, the last living mythical creature, she knows the Halfmoon Hunt will soon follow. Whoever is able to kill the hala will earn fame and riches, and unlock an ancient magical secret. While Margaret is the best sharpshooter in town, only teams of two can register, and she needs an alchemist.

Weston Winters isn’t an alchemist—yet. He's been fired from every apprenticeship he's landed, and his last chance hinges on Master Welty taking him in. But when Wes arrives at Welty Manor, he finds only Margaret. She begrudgingly allows him to stay, but on one condition: he must join the hunt with her.

Although they make an unlikely team, they soon find themselves drawn to each other. As the hunt looms closer and tensions rise, Margaret and Wes uncover dark magic that could be the key to winning the hunt—if they survive that long.

In A Far Wilder Magic, Allison Saft has written an achingly tender love story set against a deadly hunt in an atmospheric, rich fantasy world that will sweep you away.

I loved this cover and I heard excellent things about this, but I think this author’s writing just doesn’t work for me or my tastes, which is so unfortunate because so many good premises!